When I proposed to rename the bar as "The Fifth Season", everyone seemed to be puzzled. Finally, CC asked me, "Zhao Yang, what's the special meaning behind 'The Fifth Season'?"

 

"Traditional bars are usually characterized by excitement and intensity to attract consumers. Of course, people go to bars for these very reasons, which are the main factors stimulating consumer spending… However, we can't ignore the fact that a very small portion of people seek a quiet, natural bar environment, like the customers we have today."

 

Robben and CC both nodded in agreement, while Mi Cai just calmly looked at me, apparently everything I was saying was within her expectations.

 

I continued, "This small portion of consumer demand is the driving force for our bar's transformation. For example, let's assume that there are a hundred thousand consumers in Suzhou who would go to bars. Even if we divide them at a ratio of 100 to 1, there would still be a thousand people who would prefer a more artistic bar. If we cater to this group's consumption needs, even if it's only a thousand people, it would be enough to sustain a bar. Of course, in reality, the ratio wouldn't be 100 to 1, and there would be more than a thousand consumers with artistic consumption needs. So, after we precisely position the characteristics of our bar, we can largely ignore the harsh market environment of the entire commercial street. Because once we establish a good reputation, consumers with strong consumption needs will actively seek us out."

 

CC and Robben both wore thoughtful expressions. This time, it was Robben who asked me, "You mentioned this kind of artistic bar, there's one in Suzhou, but it's not doing very well!"

 

I nodded and said, "I know that bar. Although it's an artistic bar, it doesn't have a clear theme, and the overall consumption environment of the bar is not up to industry standards, which can reduce consumers' desire to spend. Our bar, on the other hand, has a slightly superior consumption environment, which lays a good foundation for marketing."

 

"I agree with that, but how do you plan to position the theme of our bar?"

 

I thought for a moment and said, "Spring symbolizes vitality, summer represents passion and energy, autumn signifies the happiness of late life and the joy of harvest, winter has the romance of snow and the purity of ice… So, is there a fifth season that encompasses vitality, passion, happiness, harvest, romance, and purity? If there is, it would be the most beautiful season in life. If not, we can yearn for it, fantasize about it… And our 'The Fifth Season' themed bar is born out of such yearning and fantasy… ultimately satisfying the consumption needs of some artistic consumers."

 

After I finished speaking, CC and Robben both nodded in agreement, even Mi Cai seemed to be deep in thought.

 

I continued, "I plan to divide the bar into four areas representing spring, summer, autumn, and winter, and decorate each area to match the most beautiful characteristics of each season. For example, the area representing autumn would have mature fruit trees and fallen leaves, the area representing winter would be covered in snow and ice… Consumers can freely choose their favorite area to consume."

 

"What about the fifth season you mentioned?" CC asked again, looking puzzled.

 

Mi Cai, who had been silent all along, finally spoke up for me, "The entire bar is the fifth season, because it already includes the most beautiful scenery of spring, summer, autumn, and winter."

 

After Mi Cai's explanation, CC's face lit up with understanding. After a long while, she sighed, "Zhao Yang, you really are creative. At least this is a business theme that moves me, I really like it."

 

I smiled and said, "You are a typical representative of artistic consumers… But the real challenge in marketing lies in the dissemination of information about the bar. Although we know there are many artistic consumers, they are scattered everywhere. Our limited funds can't cover all the advertising, and word-of-mouth among consumers is too slow. By the time they spread the word, our bar might have already gone bankrupt due to lack of funds!"

 

After I finished speaking, Mi Cai nodded and said, "You're right in your analysis. The difficulty in marketing lies here. If this bar were located on a well-established bar street where the target users are relatively concentrated, word-of-mouth would spread quickly. But on a new commercial street without a consumption atmosphere, relying on word-of-mouth is not practical!"

 

CC said worriedly, "Just when I saw a glimmer of hope, you two ruthlessly extinguished it… So what should we do?"

 

I lit a cigarette, took a deep breath and finally said, "We have no choice but to go all out. We really don't have much time left. Let's start the renovation of the bar first. As for the dissemination of information about the bar, we'll think about it while renovating."

 

Mi Cai smiled at my statement and said, "Business operation requires a lot of courage. When there's no other way, going all out is the only choice we have. I believe that since you could come up with 'The Fifth Season' as a business theme, you will definitely find a way to solve the problem of disseminating information about the bar during the renovation process… Keep going, Zhao Yang!"

 

Looking at Mi Cai's trusting expression, I felt a strange thrill in my heart, but also a sense of satisfaction as a man. This satisfaction gave me more confidence. At this moment, I believed that I could overcome all difficulties and revive this bar with my own abilities.

 

At this point, Mi Cai unexpectedly took out a checkbook from her handbag, quickly filled out a check for 200,000 yuan and handed it to me, saying, "Use this money for the renovation of the bar."I didn't reach out to take it. Even though I'm currently strapped for cash, the 150,000 yuan that Le Yao left me is still barely enough to get by.

 

Mi Cai placed the check in front of me and said, "With the funds you currently have, you won't be able to achieve much in terms of decoration. So, take this… Also, I want to clarify, this 200,000 yuan is not to repay your favor. It's because the theme of 'The Fifth Season' moved me. Consider this 200,000 yuan as my investment, is that okay?"

 

Before I could respond, CC took Mi Cai's check and said to me joyfully, "Zhao Yang, are you silly?… If Mi is willing to invest, it not only solves the financial problem but also means she has a responsibility towards this bar. She'll definitely come to our bar to sing in the future. It's a blessing for us and the customers. This is a win-win situation!"

 

Robben, who always acted cool in front of women, also dropped his cool demeanor and said with the same joyful tone, "I agree with Mi Cai's investment. The bar might really be saved!"

 

After everyone expressed their opinions, Mi Cai looked at me with a serious expression and asked, "Is it okay, Zhao Yang?"

 

I didn't respond immediately but looked at Mi Cai, wondering: Was she really moved by the theme of "The Fifth Season"? And would the future profits of the bar attract her, the general manager of a super shopping center?

 

If not, what was her real motive?

 

Or perhaps I was overthinking. Maybe she just saw this investment as a spice in her mundane life, without any complex motives.

 

Finally, I nodded at Mi Cai and said, "Welcome to 'The Fifth Season', a themed music bar."

 

Mi Cai gave a slight smile, and unusually, she reached out her hand to me and said, "Pleasure doing business."

 

I was stunned for a moment before shaking her hand, saying, "Pleasure doing business!"