Cell phone

"Of course, they would prefer franchising with KFC."

There's no question about it.

The KFC brand is a powerhouse.

Even though there are many shops offering fried chicken wings similar to KFC, their businesses don't do well.

Why don't they do well?

Is it because their taste isn't as good as KFC's?

Not really.

In fact, many people don't consider KFC's taste to be exceptionally good or delicious.

But regardless of whether you find it tasty or not, KFC has a massive customer base.

If we were to delve into the reasons, it all boils down to the power of branding.

"But, Xiaoyu, how can we ever compare to KFC? KFC is a huge brand known not just nationally, but globally. Snail Beauty is only known in Xinfeng and a few places in Ganzhou. Our recognition is limited, and many people still haven't heard of us."

"So, it's because our brand isn't strong enough."

"Xiaoyu, are you suggesting we advertise?"

"Yes."

Chen Yu nodded. "Advertising is a must."

Even the best brands need advertising; otherwise, they won't reach far.

Unless they have a monopoly.

In this world, not only lesser-known brands need advertising, but even well-known brands need to advertise.

China Mobile is a household name in China, but its advertising efforts grow stronger every year.

"Xiaoyu, didn't you mention online advertising?"

Chen Simian remembered the online advertising Chen Yu had done before.

"Online advertising has its limitations."

Chen Yu shook his head. "Nowadays, many people don't actually spend much time online. Internet users are mostly young people. You see, people of your generation, like you Dad, don't use the internet much."

"That's true."

"But it's precisely people of your generation, who have the idea to open small eateries."

That's the key point.

That's also why, despite all the advertising Chen Yu had done, they had only managed to attract one franchisee.

Although continuing to advertise had some effect, it was quite mediocre.

Moreover, this type of advertising wasn't free; continually relying on Wang Pangzi's workshop for help came at a cost.

"So, Dad, I think we can try a different approach to advertising."

"What kind of approach?"

"Let me put it this way, Dad, where is advertising most eye-catching and has the widest reach?"

"On television."

As soon as he said that, Chen Simian hesitated. "Xiaoyu, you're not suggesting I approach a television station for advertising, are you?"

"Uh..."

Chen Yu felt a bit awkward. "Well, this is necessary. If we had the money, advertising on TV would be the best option. But, Dad, TV advertising is very expensive, and we don't have that much money."

"So, where should we advertise?"

"In newspapers."

Chen Yu stated it plainly.

"Newspapers?"

"Yes, newspapers."

As he spoke, Chen Yu continued to explain. "Dad, besides television, newspapers have the most significant impact. People of your generation generally read newspapers. Even if some people don't, there are still many newspaper readers. Moreover, those who read newspapers usually have some assets, which is favorable for them to open shops."

"Furthermore, newspaper advertisements aren't expensive. We don't need to choose a provincial newspaper; we can opt for a city newspaper. Ganzhou Daily is a good choice, with a large circulation, and it can influence the entire Ganzhou and its eighteen counties. If we place our advertisement in Ganzhou Daily, it will undoubtedly increase our visibility within the city. Once our name becomes known, even if others open snail shops in the future, they won't be able to affect our business. In fact, if someone wants to open a snail shop in the future, the first thing they'll think of is joining our 'Snail Beauty'."

Chen Yu's idea left Chen Simian quite excited, but he didn't make a decision right away. He said, "Let me discuss this with your mother later."

"Sure, we should discuss it. It's such an important matter; your mom will definitely have the final say."

"You brat, do I have no say in this?"

"Hahaha, Dad, I'm off to school."

With a laugh, Chen Yu jogged his way to school.

...

"Lu Xue, are you free tomorrow?"

"Why?"

"I noticed that a new snail shop opened near Guoguang Supermarket, and the snails are quite good. I'd like to treat you to some snails."

"Oh?"

Li Wenjie had a Nokia phone hanging from his waist. He touched it with his hand and then extended an invitation to Lu Xue with a gentlemanly demeanor. Lu Xue glanced at Chen Yu beside her and felt a bit awkward. She shook her head and said, "I'm sorry, I have plans tomorrow."

"That's a shame then."

Li Wenjie sighed with regret and then looked at Chen Yu. "Chen Yu, how about going to the internet cafe together during the weekend? Let me tell you, there's a popular game called 'The Legend of Mir 2' that's really hot right now."

"You play Legend too?"

"Of course! I even got Zhang Qiang and Huang Liang to join in. Are you playing it as well?"

"Well, I leveled up a mage character a few days ago."

"What level are you?"

"Well... I think it's around level 40."

Recently, Chen Yu hadn't been playing The Legend of Mir 2 much; he had handed the Wizard character over to Zhang Jianming. It had already reached level 40, but he wasn't sure what level it was at now.

"Level 40?"

"Yes."

"Come on, you must be exaggerating."

Li Wenjie chuckled. "You know how difficult it is to level up in Legend, right? To reach level 40, you'd have to play non-stop for at least a month, 24 hours a day."

"Well, if you don't believe me, there's nothing I can do."

Chen Yu shrugged helplessly.

"Haha... you can brag all you want."

Seeing Chen Yu's thick-skinned response, Li Wenjie left with a snort. However, as he departed, he subconsciously touched the mobile phone on his waist.

"Hey, Wenjie, what's on your waist?"

"Don't recognize it?"

"You guys, what's with your eyes? It's a mobile phone."

Li Wenjie had just shown it off to Lu Xue and Chen Yu earlier, but they hadn't reacted at all, which left him a bit frustrated.

Thankfully, there was finally someone who recognized it.

"Wow, a mobile phone!"

In 2001, mobile phones weren't particularly rare, but for students, they were still valuable possessions. Unless a student came from a very well-off family, having a mobile phone was out of the question.

Surprisingly, Li Wenjie had a mobile phone.

"Wenjie, show us your phone."

"Wow, it's even a color screen."

"Li Wenjie, how much did this phone cost?"

Their classmates nearby were envious and curious.

"It's not bad, not expensive at all, just a few thousand yuan."

Li Wenjie felt a bit proud and glanced at Chen Yu on the side.

However, Chen Yu and Lu Xue still showed no reaction, which irritated him.

Fortunately, their other classmates nearby were more appreciative, and they showered Li Wenjie with praise.

"Hey, Li Wenjie has a phone. Why aren't you reacting?"

"I said, Lululu, why should I react? You didn't react either."

"I don't need a phone, so there's no reason for me to react."

"Same here."

Chen Yu nodded. "Besides, do you really think a poor kid like me, who washes snails every day, can afford a phone?"

Before Chen Yu could finish speaking, there was a sudden sound of knocking from his pants pocket.