Free Web NovelChapter 36: The First Brick Of An Empire
Internet cafés were still profitable in many parts of the city, and plenty of owners were making respectable money.
Tyler’s business, however, was a different story. Its remote location drove away potential customers, while the outdated computers made it impossible to compete with newer cafés.
Although the entire business including more than a hundred computers was priced at just $200,000, anyone familiar with the industry would think twice before buying it. On paper, it looked like a bargain. In reality, it was a money pit waiting to happen.
Victoria couldn’t hide the worry growing in her heart.
Liam had repeatedly proven himself to be intelligent, capable, and hardworking, but running a business required an entirely different set of skills.
She couldn’t understand why he would even consider buying such a struggling café.
Does he really know what he’s getting himself into? Even so, one thought kept lingering in the back of her mind.
Lately, their paths seemed to cross wherever she went.it almost felt like fate.
"That’s right. I’ve been thinking about buying an internet café for a while now," Liam said casually as they walked.
In reality, Liam’s mind was focused on only one thing the twenty-centimeter reward. a reward that extraordinary was far too valuable to ignore. For his future with mature women, that kind of upgrade would be game-changing.
Ethan stared at Liam in disbelief.
"Dude... you’re unbelievable. You’re only eighteen, and you’re already buying your own business?"
A wide grin spread across his face.So does that mean unlimited free gaming from now on? Liam only smiled.
A few minutes later, they arrived at the internet café.
Tyler and Victoria were already waiting outside.Liam paused for a moment before looking at Victoria.
"What are you doing here?" She blinked in surprise.I was about to ask you the same thing.
Tyler turned toward Victoria, "Cousin.. Do u know him?" Victoria nodded.
"Of course. He’s the young man who called about buying the café."
He gave Liam another careful look The kid looked fresh out of high school. Can someone that young really afford a $200,000 business?
"I’ll grab everyone something cold to drink," Tyler said before heading inside.
As soon as he disappeared through the door, Victoria turned back to Liam. Concern was written all over her face.
"Liam, I have to be honest with you. This café is in terrible shape. The location is bad, the computers are outdated, and there are barely any customers left."
She hesitated before continuing.If you buy this place, you’ll almost certainly lose money."
Liam met her worried gaze and smiled calmly.I know you’re looking out for me, Victoria.But trust me.
"I didn’t make this decision on impulse. I’ve thought it through, and I’m confident I can turn this place around."
Victoria searched his eyes, hoping to find even a hint of hesitation.There was none.
His confidence was steady, almost unshakable.
Victoria blinked, caught off guard by his unwavering confidence.
"But this place costs two hundred thousand dollars. Do you really have that kind of money?" Liam nodded.
"I do. I recently helped Rachel’s company resolve a major system issue, and I also took on some French translation work. Between the two, I earned enough to cover it."
Victoria stared at him in stunned silence.
He had graduated barely a month ago, yet he’d already earned two hundred thousand dollars and somehow become fluent enough in French to work as a translator.
Just how many surprises was this young man hiding? Come on in, Tyler called as he returned with a tray of cold drinks. Let’s sit down and talk business.
The moment Liam stepped inside, he understood why the café was on the verge of closing.
The computers were hopelessly outdated, most of the headsets only worked on one side, and many of the chairs were worn to the point of falling apart.
It was no surprise customers had stopped coming.Without the system’s promised upgrades, he wouldn’t have even considered buying the place.
Ethan looked around and shook his head.These computers are ancient. Games must take forever to load.
Tyler let out a bitter laugh.Exactly. That’s why I’m only asking two hundred thousand. If you’re serious, we can sign everything today. Otherwise...
He glanced around the nearly empty café.I’ll have no choice but to shut the place down."Liam didn’t need another second to think. I’ll take it.
His voice was calm and decisive.Let’s get the paperwork ready."
Victoria grew more anxious as the afternoon wore on and the paperwork slowly came together.
When it was finally time to make the payment, Liam realized he was still ten thousand dollars short.
After making a quick excuse, he hurried home, gathered the remainder from his personal savings, and borrowed the rest from the emergency cash his mother kept tucked away.
By the time he returned, everything was ready. Once the contracts were signed and the payment cleared, Brothers Internet Café officially became Liam’s first major business venture.
Tyler let out a long breath, looking as though a mountain had been lifted off his shoulders."Congratulations. You’re the owner now."He handed Liam a business card.
"If any inspectors stop by or you run into paperwork you don’t understand, give me a call. Running a small business comes with its fair share of headaches."
Meanwhile, Ethan had already made himself comfortable behind the front counter.His eyes lit up as he looked around the café.
"A manager’s salary is three thousand dollars a month?"He flashed Liam a hopeful grin.
"I’d make a pretty great manager, don’t you think?" Liam laughed.
"Done.""Starting this month, you’re the manager."Ethan froze for a second before pumping a fist into the air."Seriously?"
I won’t let you down! The two of them chatted as though the decision had been made long ago.
A moment later, Ethan remembered something.Oh, right. Did you hear?
"Our class monitor’s father was arrested yesterday on corruption charges. They even seized his car. The whole family is having a rough time."Liam paused.
He remembered the incident from his previous life.For a brief moment, he felt a trace of sympathy.
But only for a moment.Everyone had to face the consequences of their own choices, and he had more important things to focus on.
After Ethan wandered off to inspect the computers, Victoria took the seat across from Liam.A worried expression still lingered on her face.
"I still think you acted too quickly." She glanced around the nearly empty café.
"The rent is due soon, and this place isn’t making enough money to cover its expenses."
"I’m worried you’ll end up losing everything."Liam met her gaze with quiet confidence.I understand why you’re worried.
But trust me.I wouldn’t have bought this place if I wasn’t confident I could turn it around.
His calm certainty left Victoria at a loss for words.After a long pause, she finally sighed.
Alright.If you’ve already made up your mind, then I’ll help however I can.I’ll reach out to a few people I know and see if anyone has ideas for improving the business.
As they continued talking, Victoria suddenly noticed something unusual about Liam’s posture. Her eyes widened. Is that... real? She quickly looked away, her mind racing with shock and disbelief.
The sheer size pressing against his pants was impossible to ignore. Heat rose to her cheeks as she tried to focus on anything else, but the image stayed burned in her mind.
Liam noticed her reaction but said nothing.
A grateful smile crossed Liam’s face. Thanks, Victoria.He looked around the aging internet café, his eyes sweeping over the outdated computers, worn furniture, and faded walls.
To everyone else, it was a failing business.To him...It was the foundation of everything he planned to build.
With the café finally under his control, the next phase of his plans could officially begin.
