The Rich Second-Generation Villain With No Morals

Chapter 112

The first-ever China Lobster Food Festival was still in full swing. However, Qi Lin, Qi Feng, and Fang Yuanyuan had already moved from the stage to the backstage area. The three of them were sitting at a small round table, enjoying the lobsters.

Before Qi Lin could even move, Fang Yuanyuan peeled a lobster tail and fed it directly into his mouth. Her face was full of affection as she smiled and said, "Lin'er, you've worked really hard today. This just proves that the saying 'wealth doesn't last three generations' is nonsense. With a son as capable as mine, our family’s fortune could last for eighteen generations without a problem!"

Qi Feng shook his head helplessly. "Don't get ahead of yourself. This is just the beginning. The cost of the lobsters we gave away for free, the advertisements in newspapers and on TV, and hiring a media company for planning have already cost us tens of millions. We don’t even know when we’ll break even."

What Qi Feng said was the truth. The lobsters had gained popularity, but this was still the investment phase. Many promising businesses had collapsed because they couldn’t survive this stage. Before they could see the light of success, their financial chain had already snapped, and they fell at the last hurdle.

"Who says we haven’t made money? Look over there at the drink stand."

"I did some calculations. At the peak of the event, there were at least 50,000 people in the square, with a total flow of more than 100,000 people."

"This morning, I had 300,000 bottles of beer and soft drinks delivered, and they sold out within two hours. After that, we restocked with at least another 300,000 bottles."

"I worked directly with the manufacturers, and our profit margin is over 40%. Just from selling drinks, we've already made a profit of more than ten million."

Qi Lin grinned as he spoke.Free things are the most expensive.

That was a lesson he had learned from the game developers of later generations.

The lobsters were free, but they were made extra spicy. Most people couldn’t handle eating them without drinking something. Besides, beer and lobsters were a perfect match. With so many men at the event, how could they not grab a few beers?

Even though the cost of the lobsters exceeded ten million, the profit from the drinks alone had already covered the cost—and brought in an extra profit of over ten million.

"What? That drink stand was your idea?"

Qi Feng was completely shocked.

He had assumed it was some outsider taking advantage of the Lobster Festival to do business.

Qi Feng had a generous heart. Even when he noticed it earlier, he didn’t bother to collect a commission. After all, their own Lobster Festival was free—how could they charge someone else for selling drinks?

But it turned out the drink stand belonged to his own son, and it was raking in money.

Fang Yuanyuan was overjoyed. She hugged her son tightly and kissed him on the cheek before rolling her eyes at Qi Feng. "You always underestimate our Lin'er. He’s much smarter than you, his father."

Qi Feng smiled wryly. "Yes, yes, yes. Your son is the smartest. He must take after you. Happy now?"

As he spoke, an idea flashed in his mind.

His son always seemed to have everything planned out. Why not push him a little and see what his next step was for making money?

"Xiao Lin, even if we’ve made money from the drinks, we’ve only recovered ten million of our costs. There’s still a gap of tens of millions. How are we going to cover that? And what about future profits?"

Qi Feng deliberately spoke in a doubtful tone, as if to say, "You're still not quite there yet."

Qi Lin chuckled as he looked at his father. "Dad, don’t try to use reverse psychology on me. That’s too basic for me."

Qi Feng’s face turned red after being exposed. "Watch your mouth, kid."

Qi Lin laughed. "Tomorrow is Sunday. We can run the Lobster Festival for one more day. News reports have a lasting effect, and there are definitely still many people who haven’t had the chance to come."

"On top of that, today’s visitors will spread the word, which will attract even more people tomorrow."

"And for those from other provinces, we need to give them time to travel here, don’t we?"

"So with that in mind, won’t we be making another big profit tomorrow?"

"Of course, that’s just a small part of the plan. Our real long-term income will come from lobster farming and franchise fees."

Qi Feng understood the lobster farming part, but he was confused about the franchise aspect.

"Xiao Lin, what do you mean by franchise? How will that make us money?"

After all, Qi Feng was an expert in aquaculture, but he wasn’t familiar with the food and beverage industry.

Besides, at this time, foreign franchise models hadn’t yet entered China, so most people had no idea how to profit from them.

"Dad, our lobsters are so delicious. There are so many smart people in the world. Don’t you think some of them will recognize the business potential and want to learn our recipe to add lobsters to their restaurant menus or late-night food stalls?"

Qi Lin smiled.

"Of course!"

Qi Feng answered without hesitation.

Qi Lin continued, "Exactly. If they want to learn how to make our lobsters, they have to pay a training fee. Charging them 5,000 yuan each isn’t unreasonable, right?"

"And anyone who wants to sell our signature three lobster dishes has to use the 'Jianghan Lobster' brand name. Since we’re the founders, we register the trademark and establish an association."

"If they want to use the 'Jianghan Lobster' brand, they must join the Jianghan Lobster Association and pay an annual licensing fee of 5,000 yuan. This will be legally protected. Anyone who tries to use our brand without permission or refuses to pay the fee can be sued."

"Think about it. If 400 shops sign up, that’s two million in training fees. If 10,000 shops join, that’s 50 million."

"And we haven’t even factored in the licensing fees. Once we have a big enough franchise base, we can make tens of millions—or even hundreds of millions—every year without lifting a finger. Do you still think our initial investment of tens of millions is a problem?"

As he spoke, Qi Lin watched his parents' reactions with amusement.

"Hiss!"

"Hiss!"

Just as he expected, his parents exchanged glances, their eyes filled with disbelief.

Of course!

Why hadn’t they thought of this?

Relying solely on selling lobsters would take time and required the market to mature.

Instead of waiting, why not open up the franchise model and actively expand their market while making money from other businesses?

"Son, how did your brain get so sharp? If I had known you were this smart, I wouldn’t have bothered managing the company. I should have just handed it over to you."

Qi Feng looked at his son with admiration. He was completely convinced now.

The younger generation was truly surpassing the older one.

Fang Yuanyuan giggled as she wrapped her arms around Qi Lin’s neck. "I used to be so frugal, saving money instead of buying handbags and dresses because I wanted to save it all for your future wedding. But now, I don’t have to! My son is so capable. Why should I keep saving? I should just enjoy life and let my son spoil me."

Qi Lin sighed helplessly. "Fine, fine. As long as we have money, do whatever you want. Who am I to argue? You’re my mom, after all."

He thought back to his past life. In her final moments of despair, his mother had given him all her valuable jewelry before ending her own life.

Now that he had a second chance, how could he not cherish her?

"Hey, what are you doing? This is a restricted backstage area. If you want to eat lobsters, go to the front. You can’t just walk in here."

"We’re not here for the lobsters. We want to discuss a business collaboration with Mr. Qi."

"Yes, we want to learn how to prepare lobsters and help promote the Jianghan Lobster brand."

Hearing the commotion at the entrance, Qi Lin smiled knowingly. He already knew what was happening.

"Let them in," he said.

At his command, the staff at the door stepped aside, allowing the visitors to enter.

Sitting inside, they had no idea how many people had gathered outside.

As soon as the door opened, dozens of people poured into the already small backstage area.

"Mr. Qi, I'm here to learn how to cook crayfish."

"Mr. Qi, is it true that you're the only one in the entire Chu Province farming crayfish?"

"Mr. Qi, I want to open a restaurant specializing in crayfish. I hope to get your authorization."

Hearing these words, Qi Feng and Fang Yuanyuan exchanged glances.

Speak of the devil.

Qi Lin had just mentioned that the next step to making a profit was franchising, and now these people had come knocking on their door—just as he had predicted.

Even though Qi Lin was only eighteen, both Qi Feng and Fang Yuanyuan focused entirely on him, waiting for his decision.

Unknowingly, after proving his abilities time and time again, they had already started treating him as the backbone of the family.

"Dad, you’ll handle the crayfish farming and logistics," Qi Lin said with a smile. "Mom, you’ll be responsible for merchant partnerships, brand registration, and setting up the association."

Neither of them had any objections to their son's decisions.

Qi Feng stepped outside to make some calls, arranging for the second day of the Lobster Food Festival.

Fang Yuanyuan, meanwhile, collected business cards from those interested and told them to visit the Tianlin Group’s general manager’s office the next day for further discussions.

By six in the evening, as the sky darkened, the crowd gradually dispersed, bringing the festival to a perfect conclusion.

Qi Lin made his way to the drink stand to find its "little boss," Wang Siling.

Upon arrival, he was met with an amusing sight.

Chen Shimeng and his group of over ten brothers had spent the entire day moving drinks. Now that the festival had ended, they were sprawled out on the ground, completely exhausted, not wanting to move an inch.

Nearly twenty thousand cases of drinks—moving them, unpacking them, and handing them out to customers—was no easy task.

"I saw how hard you guys worked today," Qi Lin said with a smile, taking out a stack of cash. "Chen Shimeng, you get 5,000 yuan. Everyone else gets 2,000 each. Take your money and go have some fun."

"But remember, tomorrow morning at the same time, be here at the square. We have another day of the Lobster Food Festival to run."

Hearing that they were getting paid, and handsomely at that, the previously exhausted gang members immediately sprang to their feet, grinning from ear to ear.

For the same kind of work, others would pay them at most 200 to 300 yuan.

Qi Lin, however, was paying them thousands each.

Now this was what being a rich young master was all about.

"Thank you, Young Master Lin!"

"Haha! Young Master Lin is the best!"

"Don't worry, Young Master Lin! We'll be here first thing in the morning!"

After expressing their gratitude, the group left happily.

"Brother Qi Lin, today's total revenue is 2,748,623.50 yuan."

"It's all here."

While Chen Shimeng and his group were collapsing from exhaustion, Wang Siling had been diligently calculating the day's earnings.

Of course, she hadn’t counted the money by hand. Instead, she had tallied it based on the number of drinks sold, which should be quite accurate.

Over 2.7 million yuan in revenue.

After deducting the costs paid to the manufacturers, the net profit was around 1.2 million—almost exactly as Qi Lin had estimated.

Wang Siling's delicate face was slightly flushed, her beautiful eyes showing traces of fatigue.

She had spent the entire afternoon keeping track of sales, all by herself. How could she not be tired?

But this little girl had worked tirelessly without a single complaint.

"Does a well-behaved girl like her really belong with that idiot Yu Chen?"

Qi Lin's dark eyes flashed with amusement as he reached out to ruffle Wang Siling’s soft hair.

"Got it. My little Siling worked hard today," he said with a pampering tone.

Then he took out another stack of cash—about ten thousand yuan.

"This is your salary for today. But you can only spend it on yourself. You’re not allowed to give it to your family, or to anyone else."

Qi Lin spoiled Wang Siling because she was now his personal plaything.

But that didn’t mean he had any intention of supporting her useless family.

Hearing Qi Lin call her "little Siling," a blush and a hint of sweetness flashed across her beautiful eyes.

However, seeing the large sum of money suddenly placed in front of her, she was startled.

"Brother Qi Lin, you don’t have to give me so much money. I helped willingly. Keeping track of sales was really simple—anyone could have done it. It wasn't hard at all."

"And… didn't you forget? I still owe you fifteen thousand yuan…"

She bit her lip, lowering her head as she spoke.

"Just take it and stop arguing," Qi Lin said impatiently.

"You're my little wife now. Your past debts are all wiped clean. From now on, whenever you work for me, you’ll get paid. Plus, you’ll get a monthly allowance. This is what you deserve, understand?"

Winning a woman's heart wasn’t the endgame.

You had to care for them, just like tending to a flower—watering it regularly so it blossomed even more beautifully and loved you even more.

Sure enough, Wang Siling was deeply moved by his words.

She had spent the past two days worrying, afraid that Qi Lin was just toying with her and would discard her once he got bored.

But now, seeing how much he cared for her, all her doubts disappeared.

"Brother Qi Lin… I want you to kiss me."

She stood up and wrapped her arms around his neck, her eyes full of devotion.

With such an adorable high school girl making such a request, how could Qi Lin refuse?

"Mm…"

Wang Siling’s face was completely flushed, full of happiness.

Not far away, Qi Feng and Fang Yuanyuan watched the scene in shock.

"That girl looks really young. Isn't this brat going a little too far?" Qi Feng said with a wry smile.

Fang Yuanyuan, however, smirked. "Isn't this perfect? The younger, the purer. Those loose women aren't worthy of my son."

Qi Feng was speechless.

After messing around with Wang Siling for a while, Qi Lin didn’t feel at ease letting her go home alone, so he had Fang Yuanyuan drive her back.

In the car, Wang Siling sat stiffly, her little face flushed as she nervously fidgeted with her fingers.

She already knew—this was Brother Qi Lin’s mother.

So… this was her future mother-in-law?

Seeing how nervous she was, Fang Yuanyuan, who was just as mischievous as her son, decided to tease her a little.

"Your name is Siling, right? Why haven’t you greeted me yet?"

"A-Auntie, hello!" Wang Siling quickly responded.

Fang Yuanyuan deliberately put on a stern face. "Wrong. You’re in high school, aren't you? Shouldn't you have some basic manners?"

Wang Siling looked confused. "If not 'Auntie,' then what should I call you?"

Fang Yuanyuan smirked. "I already know about you and Lin'er. From now on, you’re part of our Qi family. You should call me 'Mom.'"

"Ah!"

Wang Siling, already shy by nature, nearly buried her face in her stuffed bear.

"Are you going to say it or not? My son always listens to me. If you don’t call me Mom, I might just tell him to stop seeing you."

Fang Yuanyuan playfully threatened her.

"No!"

Wang Siling was so startled that her eyes teared up. She looked at Fang Yuanyuan with a pitiful expression and whispered, "Mom…"

"Ah, that’s better!"

Fang Yuanyuan laughed happily and pinched Wang Siling’s blushing cheek.

No wonder her son liked this girl so much—she really was adorable.