1994: I Became a Literary Master in America

Chapter 63 Internet Cafe

Internet cafe?

Woodward, Zhang Ping'an, and the others looked at each other in bewilderment.

This was the first time they had ever heard of this thing.

They do know about computers and such.

However, that thing was too far removed from their reach; a machine cost $1998, which they could afford, but it seemed unnecessary.

They're not white-collar workers in Midtown or Wall Street, so there seems to be no need for them to specifically find out.

But Xu Shengjie says this thing is the future trend?

"Jeffrey, sir, we don't quite understand."

"Don't you read newspapers?"

"Look, the playboy, the attic, and..."

Justin, shut up.

Woodward shouted, and Zhang Ping'an immediately shut his mouth.

"In fact, as early as last year, after Don Gojong took office, he proposed the concept of the global information superhighway."

Last December, Gore (Vice President) drafted a preliminary framework for the information superhighway and submitted it to Congress for approval.

At the beginning of the year, Dungo increased the budget for science and technology research and development to $2000 billion.

Over the next decade, I predict that the computer and internet market will continue to develop and mature. Twenty years from now, with further development of the internet, computers and mobile phones may become deeply integrated into people's lives and indispensable items.

Internet cafes are a way to get people familiar with the internet and computers a step ahead.

While most people are aware of the existence of computers and the internet, frankly, they don't understand them. Even those who do understand may not have the ability to access these devices. Personally, I think that once this thing is launched, it will be enthusiastically received by white-collar workers and people in the cultural sphere.

Look, when we go to a coffee shop to relax, it takes eight to ten minutes to make a cup of coffee.

Then, for leisure and relaxation, it seems that only things like reading newspapers are available. We opened an internet cafe to provide an alternative form of entertainment. If white-collar workers can spend two dollars on a cup of coffee, they won't hesitate to spend an extra dollar for another way to relax.

Song Dechang owns a bar, so he was the first to react.

"Then tell me, how do I open it?"

"Go to places like East Village and Greenwich Village."

First, there is a large flow of people; second, most of them are white-collar workers and artists.

Order a cup of coffee, sit in front of the computer for an hour, and connect and communicate with people all over the world through the computer.

They wouldn't mind paying a dollar an hour for internet access.

Most importantly, even if these people are broke, they'll be happy to do anything that allows them to show off for just one dollar.

After Xu Shengjie finished speaking, he pointed at Zhang Ping'an and the others and said, "Most importantly, it doesn't require too much cost."

Renting a shop in the East Village to open a coffee shop wouldn't cost much, maybe an extra $20,000 to $30,000 for network equipment and computers... Besides, I doubt anyone would dare cause trouble there if Justin and his group opened a shop.

For some, it also provides a sense of security.

In the original timeline, the world's first internet cafe was founded in September 1994, located on Whitfield Street in West London, Great Britain. A group of entrepreneurs named the internet cafe Cyberia and began its continuous expansion.

Paris, New York, Tokyo, even Moscow...

Cyberia used to have stores there.

However, after the turn of the millennium, with the increasing popularity of computers and the internet, Cyberia slowly faded from the scene.

However, from 94 to 10, Cyberia was once the world's number one internet cafe.

It is also the only internet cafe that has reached a significant scale.

Xu Shengjie certainly wouldn't advocate for this internet cafe to continue operating.

But he hopes that the first internet cafe in the United States will appear in Chinatown.

Then gradually expand out of Chinatown, aiming to achieve a certain scale in New York... Once you've developed a dozen or so chain stores, big investors will naturally take notice. Then you can sell them all at once, and your fellow apprentices and Zhang Ping'an will earn a decent living.

Could it be that Zhang Ping'an and his group have been hanging around on the streets all this time?

"I think it's a good idea!"

Zhang Ping'an was tempted.

"Count me in then."

"Count me in, but I only have ten thousand dollars."

Woodward and his companions exchanged silent glances.

After a moment, Song Dechang said, "How about this, I'll contact Xiao Shi. She's doing quite well in Seattle, and it seems she's also in the computer industry. Let's talk to her about this idea and ask her to help us make a plan?"

The "Little Ten" that Song Dechang mentioned was Master Wu's only female disciple.

She now works in Redmond, Washington. Her real name is Tong Zhen, also known as Jenna. She has a good relationship with her fellow students.

"I think it's worth a try. If it succeeds, it will be a way out."

Putting everything else aside, the petty bourgeoisie in the East Village area are as numerous as hairs on a cow, and they're all quite wealthy; who knows, it might actually work out."

As Woodward spoke, he looked at Xu Shengjie.

"And you?"

"I'll bet 100,000 to cheer on the brothers."

Woodward paused, and the look in his eyes as he looked at Xu Shengjie suddenly changed.

"Ah Jie, tell me honestly, how much did you actually make this time?"

"Hehe, not much, not much!"

Xu Shengjie didn't say anything, but Wu Dehua wasn't angry.

He suddenly put his arm around Xu Shengjie's neck and laughed, "Our little junior brother has finally grown up. Let's do as you say."

Everyone knew that Xu Shengjie had probably made a fortune this time!

But everyone just admired it and didn't have any other thoughts.

My junior brother doesn't belong to any gangs, he can write books, and he can make money. He's constantly improving, and everyone is overjoyed.

As for how much he earned?

Nobody cares!

Whether he earns a lot or a little depends on his luck and his ability.

Gui Bo's side is also keeping quiet and hasn't publicized Xu Shengjie's feat of defeating five opponents in a row.

For today's game, Xu Shengjie's assets have skyrocketed to three million US dollars. However, such high odds are unlikely to be available again in the future, but the large initial investment also means that Xu Shengjie's earnings from the next two games will be equally substantial.

……

That night, Xu Shengjie slept at the martial arts school.

When he woke up the next day, he heard a rumor.

A Chinese student studying abroad went bankrupt last night due to gambling on soccer, and reportedly also owes a high-interest loan to a finance company.

"That bitch is in for a world of trouble now."

It seems that Hua Qing is behind the finance company he borrowed money from.

I've heard that Huaqing's people are already looking for him... If he can't repay the money quickly, I reckon he'll be unable to leave the United States.

Roger was somewhat gloating.

That day, Wang Dajun called the police at the Liwan Bar. Although Xu Shengjie did not pursue the matter further, Luo Jie was not satisfied.

Even though that guy was forced to drink so much that he vomited and had diarrhea that day.

"Alright, we're all compatriots."

"We can't be of much help, so why kick someone when they're down?"

Roger stared wide-eyed at Xu Shengjie.

After a long pause, he cursed, "Jeff, you're shameless."

Wasn't this all orchestrated by you behind the scenes? How come you're suddenly turning on us and pretending to be a good guy?

Xu Shengjie took a sip of the white porridge that Roger had brought.

"How can you say that to me? Just tell me, what the hell does this have to do with me?"

Hmph, none of your business!

If you hadn't had Zihua Yang coax him, he probably wouldn't be in such a miserable state.

"By the way, where is he hiding now?"

"I'm not quite sure, but it seems to mean living with friends."

He's already graduated, so he definitely can't go back to school; he probably wouldn't dare go to Flushing either, so he's most likely in Brooklyn or Chinatown.

"That's not right!"

Xu Shengjie suddenly looked up at Roger and asked, "Why is Huaqing's finance company in Flushing?"

Roger said, "Business is business, you go wherever there's business."

There are more and more Chinese people in Flushing now, and the young Chinese immigrants definitely won't let that opportunity pass them by. Besides, Flushing isn't just full of Chinese people from mainland China; there are also many Chinese people from the Bay Area... Anyway, the relationships there are quite complicated."

Xu Shengjie nodded, then shook her head.

"Who cares? It's none of our business, we don't need to worry about it."

It's okay?

Roger couldn't help but laugh.

But then I thought about it again, and it seems like it really doesn't matter.

They only let Zi Huayang coax him; they didn't force him. Going to borrow money from loan sharks was Wang Dajun's own choice.

Yes, they are indeed unrelated!

After finishing his congee, Xu Shengjie said goodbye to Wu Dehua and rode his bike home.

The house is still the same as always, cold and deserted.

I didn't realize it when Julie was here.

With Julie away these past two days, Xu Shengjie has felt quite lonely.

It wasn't like this before Julie came... Could it be that once you've seen the ocean, you can't be satisfied with a river? So touching!

He took a shower, changed his clothes, and then sat down at his worktable.

After writing the script for a while, he picked up his notebook, looked at the outline of The Matrix, and felt a little itchy to write.

Or, how about running two instances?

He thought about it and felt it was a good option.

However, before writing The Matrix, Xu Shengjie decided to finish writing the novel Phone Booth.

With copyright in hand, I own the world!

So he put down the notebook filled with the outline of The Matrix and picked up another notebook.

It contains the story outline of "Telephone Booth", detailed chapter outlines, and some script designs made in advance for film and television adaptation.

Then he turned on the electric typewriter and word processor.

……