It's not a problem to that which money is the answer

"Evolution through imitation, what does that mean?"

"Well, you'll understand later."

Currently, QQ wasn't as famous as it would become in the future. Similarly, Tencent hadn't yet formed a massive business empire. There weren't many controversies surrounding Tencent at this point.

However, when it came to calling these actions "controversies", Chen Yu didn't entirely agree. In reality, most internet products involved imitation and competition. Just like instant messaging, you couldn't create an instant messaging service and expect no one else to compete. It wasn't exclusive. The same went for developing games or adding features; others could follow suit.

Though Tencent had produced many products similar to those of other companies, it succeeded because it didn't just imitate; it evolved. In other words, if someone developed an innovative product, Tencent might copy it but also make it better.

This was Tencent's core competitive advantage.

Similarly, this was why Chen Yu didn't initially venture into instant messaging. It wasn't that he didn't want to; it was that with his current capital and capabilities, he might not have been able to outdo QQ. Even with his forward-thinking vision from the future, QQ had already established itself, and Chen Yu couldn't find a significant opportunity yet.

So, instead of rushing in, he decided to bide his time, accumulate capital in other areas, and then make a move when the opportunity was right.

...

"Chen Yu, want to go ice skating?"

"Ice skating?"

"Yeah, there's a new ice skating rink that opened up near Ximen. Since we have some free time lately, I thought we could go have some fun."

"Hehe, not playing games today?"

"We'll still play games, but we can't play games all the time. I think ice skating can be fun too."

"Didn't you say there's nothing more enjoyable in this world than playing games?"

"Did I say that? I don't think I did."

With the workshop now on the right track, Zhang Jianming and Chen Yu didn't have to spend all their time at internet cafes. Zhang Jianming, for some reason, had invited Chen Yu to go ice skating.

Chen Yu felt that attending classes every day had been a bit boring lately, so he agreed.

"Xiao Mei, let me introduce you. This is my buddy, Chen Yu."

"Chen Yu, this is my classmate, Xiao Mei, also known as the 'campus beauty'."

As they arrived at the ice skating rink, Zhang Jianming introduced Chen Yu somewhat awkwardly.

"Wow, Jian Ge, no wonder you asked me to go ice skating today. Impressive!"

Chen Yu gave Zhang Jianming a thumbs-up, full of admiration.

"Hehe, Chen Yu, don't tease me. I do have that intention, but nothing's certain yet."

"No worries, since she agreed to come ice skating with you, it means she's interested. Be clever later, go ice skating first, and then take her shopping. Remember, if it can be solved with money, it's not a problem."

"I'll follow your advice."

They whispered to each other, and Zhang Jianming casually approached the counter to request three pairs of ice skates.

"Chen Yu, can you skate?"

"A little."

"Since you can, I won't teach you. I'll teach Xiao Mei."

"No problem, you two enjoy yourselves."

Chen Yu didn't pay much attention to Zhang Jianming and instead played around on the ice rink for a bit.

"It's not that exciting."

After a while, Chen Yu lost interest. Southern weather was generally hot, and there was rarely any snow, so there weren't many ice rinks around. This "ice skating" was more like roller-skating on a smooth concrete surface.

However, what made it less enjoyable was the poor quality of the ice skates. Even with them on, Chen Yu could still smell an unusual odor.

There wasn't much that could be done about it. Ice skates were relatively expensive, and most people who used them were essentially sharing them. Not to mention the various odors some customers' feet carried, even if there weren't any, with so many people using them, the skates didn't last very long.

In his previous life, Chen Yu had enjoyed roller-skating during high school, but if he had to do it again, he'd find it uninteresting.

Fortunately, Zhang Jianming and Xiao Mei didn't skate for long. They wrapped up their ice skating session in about an hour.

Afterward, during their shopping trip, Chen Yu didn't play the third wheel. However, Zhang Jianming followed Chen Yu's advice and spoiled Xiao Mei with purchases along the way.

Finally, after presenting her with a mobile phone, Xiao Mei became Zhang Jianming's girlfriend.

"Chen Yu, Chen Yu, I have good news to share."

"It's official?"

"How did you know?"

"Who am I? Have any of my methods failed?"

In the evening, Zhang Jianming sent Chen Yu a message on QQ.

"Hehe, Chen Yu, you're simply incredible."

"Incredible at what? Did you score?"

"Score? What does that mean?"

"Come on, you don't know?"

"Oh, I see, I see. But, isn't it a bit too soon?"

"Fast or slow, no hurry. You decide for yourself."

"Alright, I'll think about it."

...

"Lawyer Yang, uh, may I ask if the trademark application from before has been approved?"

"Not so quickly."

"How long will it take?"

"At least half a year."

"Ah, that long?"

After submitting the trademark application last time, Chen Yu paid another visit to the law firm.

"It's already quite fast. In the past, it used to take at least a year."

"Why does it take so long? Isn't it just a matter of registration?"

"It's not that simple. Trademark registration review generally takes about 20 days. After the review, there's a public announcement, and then the trademark certificate needs to be issued. All of this takes time. Getting it in six months is considered good."

"So, if other businesses want to join our snack shop, it will take at least half a year?"

"Chen, do you really expect someone to want to franchise your small eatery so soon?"

"Well, not really."

Chen Yu felt a bit embarrassed. "I was just thinking about getting the trademark registered quickly."

"I see."

Yang Lan nodded. "In theory, if a business wants to franchise your Snail Beauty, they would need to obtain a trademark registration permit. Also, you would need to have at least two or more chain stores. However, if a business is really interested in franchising now, you can start with a cooperation agreement."

"What kind of cooperation?"

"You can sign a contract with them, using either a technology equity investment approach or a technology investment approach where you charge a one-time technology licensing fee and specify the duration. Once you obtain the trademark registration permit, you can proceed according to the franchise contract."

"I didn't know this was an option."

Chen Yu suddenly realized.

Having a lawyer was indeed helpful. Otherwise, he wouldn't have known how long it would take just to get the trademark registered.

No wonder in the future, many large companies had legal teams with hundreds of members. It seemed like, as the scale grew, he should consider establishing a legal team too.

"Lawyer Yang, I'm not very familiar with legal contracts. Could you help me draft one?"

"Of course, we offer contract drafting as one of our law firm's services."

"I understand that. How much would it cost?"

"It depends on the type of contract you need, but typically, 1,000 yuan should cover it."

"No problem."

Chen Yu was willing to pay this amount.

Through online banking, Chen Yu transferred 1,000 yuan to Yang Lan's law firm.