Chapter 66 (1/2)

Translator: Lonelytree  Editor: Millman97

“How can I help?” the man inquired in a soft-spoken tone, surprisingly unbusinesslike.

“Director Luo, this is the brave Xiao Chen who helped the police capture the fugitive.” Uncle Xu pulled Chen Ge to his side. “He’s here to get an update about the thing I reported to you earlier. He wishes to rent the unused underground parking lot.”

“I understand. Leave us be, you can go busy yourself with your work.” Director Luo signaled for Uncle Xu to leave.

Director Luo had Chen Ge sit on the sofa while he poured two cups of tea. “I’ve been informed you wish to rent the underground parking lot. Do you mind telling me why you plan to do that?”

“I wish to expand the Haunted House. I want to build an underground maze inside the parking lot.”

“An underground maze. That’s not a bad idea, but do you have the budget and ability to handle something of that scale? The rental for the space will be small in comparison to the finances you need to set up the place.” Director Luo leaned against the couch, his eyes colored with lethargy and tiredness. “I am not against your idea, and I can rent you the place, but before that, I need to ask you a few questions.”

Even though he had gotten a verbal agreement from Director Luo, the man had not yet mentioned the rental amount, so Chen Ge was still nervous. “Ask away.”

“You’re the owner of a Haunted House, so you know better than I do how high the early investment in a Haunted House is. Also, different from hotels or motels, where you can still sell or reuse the tables, chairs, and utensils, if your Haunted House fails, what are you going to do with the spooky props and items?”

Director Luo did raise a valid concern, something that Chen Ge had not even considered before.

“Even if you manage to do a good job reviving the Haunted House, how are you going to solve the issue of returning customers? A Haunted House is a one-time exhaustion product. There might be some initial hype, but it’ll eventually run out because the number of your potential customers is only so big. You’re going to invest greatly into this, are you confident you’ll even earn back your capital?

“One final question, by building your Haunted House underground, how are you going to promote it? Your customer’s number is highly dependent on the park’s visitor number. How is your Haunted House going to survive when the day comes for the park to close?”

Chen Ge knew that Director Luo was stopping him out of kindness. In fact, he knew that those who advised him against investing in the Haunted House were only looking out for him. They had his best interests at heart.

Director Luo’s three questions revolved around Chen Ge’s mind. The first two questions were easily solved with the presence of the black phone, so Chen Ge’s real conundrum was the last question. If New Century Park closed, naturally, his Haunted House would close, too.

Moving to another place would be difficult, just the number of documents would cause Chen Ge enormous headaches. Furthermore, his budget was limited; to find another location to fit the black phone’s scenarios would be impossible.

“Have you seriously considered these three questions?” Director Luo seemed to anticipate Chen Ge’s answer. “Why don’t you go back for now? We mustn’t jump into important decision without detailed research and thorough contemplation.”