Chapter 168: 167, Las Vegas Banquet, Business Tactics From The Future: User Acquisition
Joni Dane stood up, took the magnifying glass from the office desk drawer, and examined it carefully.
He became more and more surprised as he looked.
“From the shape, it looks a bit like a Mayan pyramid in South America, but it’s different.” He looked eagerly at Mr. Fang. “Where was this found?”
“Missouri.” Mr. Fang replied, but didn’t specify the exact location.
Joni Dane didn’t mind, stood up and took information from the bookshelf, and began studying it.
After a while, he said: “The ancient Native Americans in the Missouri region belong to the Algonquian language family. Although they all used the same language, they were not one tribe. The possible involved groups are: the ancestors of the Tamaroa, Cahokia, and Moingwena tribes.”
（Once Missouri Native American tribal distribution map）
Mr. Fang nodded; understanding these was enough. After the Las Vegas matter was over, he would find a way to go there and explore.
After all, nowadays, Americans have no interest in Native American culture at all. He could even go over and buy that mountain, and dig slowly.
But Mr. Fang underestimated Joni Dane, this Native American expert’s interest in Strange Mountain.
Joni Dane said sincerely: “Can you tell me the exact location? I want to ask for leave from school and go directly to see it.”
“You want to go now?” Mr. Fang shook his head in surprise: “Not yet. In one or two months, I will go there. Then you can take my airplane and go together.”
Although Joni Dane really wanted to go now, there was no way since the other party wouldn’t tell him the exact location, so he agreed to Mr. Fang’s request.
Having one more scholar who understands Native American history might be helpful for the future Strange Mountain trip.
Mr. Fang ended this visit and said goodbye to leave.
On the road, Boss Zhao, who had been silent, spoke up: “Mr. Fang, you’ve taken a fancy to the treasures inside that big tomb, right?”
“You also think it’s a tomb?” Mr. Fang said in surprise.
“Not a tomb, but used for sacrifices. Anyway, there should be good stuff inside.” Boss Zhao analyzed.
As expected from someone who deals in antiques; Mr. Fang understood.
Joni Dane seemed to want the honor of discovering this ancient Native American relic.
Boss Zhao was interested in the things inside.
But Joni Dane could help with his actions; what about Boss Zhao?
He asked obliquely: “Boss Zhao, what did you do before?”
Boss Zhao pretended to sigh: “I’m ashamed; before, I was in the tomb raiding business, offended enemies, and came across the ocean to the United States to hide. It’s been twenty years in a blink.”
Mr. Fang was noncommittal: “I’d like to hear the details.”
Boss Zhao hesitated, but thinking he could join Mr. Fang’s treasure hunting action, he still told his past.
“Twenty years ago, I was thriving in Beiping. At that time, I no longer did tomb raiding; I set up a stall in Panjiayuan to sell goods. That year, President Cao drove President Li out of Beiping, and the last Qing emperor was still in the Imperial City. The eunuchs in the palace were worried that the emperor might not be able to stay one day, all thinking of ways to smuggle good things out of the palace to sell. I connected with one of the eunuchs. But that guy was very cunning; he actually emptied the Jianfu Palace, and set a fire to burn everything, covering the evidence.”
Mr. Fang listened to the Imperial City old case from 20 years ago and couldn’t help asking: “The stuff didn’t reach your hands?”
“Yes. These scoundrels actually used me as a cover. After the incident, they traced it to me. Everyone said I sold the things from the Imperial City. But heaven knows, I didn’t touch a single piece. I had to flee China and make a living here.”
Boss Zhao vented the grievance in his heart; that secret case had long been buried in history.
Mr. Fang commented: “Those people probably planned it long ago; you were just taking the blame. If they really investigated, it’s impossible not to find anything. In this matter, you and that last emperor suffered big losses; everyone else made money.”
Boss Zhao nodded: “These years, living incognito, making a living by selling some fake goods to foreigners. But I haven’t forgotten my skills. Mr. Fang, pull me into the group; I guarantee I can help you find the treasures.”
“How to help?” Mr. Fang asked.
“I can find you a group of tomb raiders from here in the United States.”
Mr. Fang looked at Boss Zhao in surprise: “Are there tomb raiders here in the United States?”
Boss Zhao replied enthusiastically: “Yes, Mexicans; they do anything as long as you pay. I have the skills; recruit a group of Mexicans and train them for two months, and they can work.”
He did need people who could do technical work.
The two looked at each other and smiled, high-fived as allies. Mr. Fang said: “Then you go prepare; when the time comes, I’ll call you to set off together.”
The Strange Mountain treasure hunting matter came to a segment.
It was Las Vegas’s turn.
Mr. Fang’s group of four drove a car from Los Angeles, bumpy all the way to Las Vegas.
This journey made Mr. Fang understand the ordeal of eating the cake ahead of time.
Before Las Vegas prospered, the transportation conditions here were extremely poor.
The road conditions were bad, and the dusty environment along the way was harsh.
The future highway from Los Angeles to Las Vegas had not yet started construction.
After finally spending 6 hours to arrive in Las Vegas, seeing the city still under construction, Zhao Jiu was a bit discouraged.
“General Manager, let’s not waste time here. In this environment, except for those dam workers brought by special vehicles, no one else would be willing to come.”
Not only him thought so.
Lin Shuiwang had the same thought.
Indiana had reminded him even earlier.
Facing the incomprehension of the three, Mr. Fang had his own ideas.
This place was destined to prosper in the future; the current difficulties were just the fog before success.
Precisely based on this, Mr. Fang temporarily changed his mind but still wanted to continue in Las Vegas.
He nodded and replied: “Yes. The transportation conditions here are too poor. If we build a casino company first, it’s not suitable. But we can help Las Vegas change this situation. Isn’t the transportation condition very poor? I can invest in building an airport, specifically to shuttle customers for various casino companies.”
Mr. Fang’s words jumped out of the dilemma, refreshing, and it was what he was best at.
Lin Shuiwang blurted out: “Yes, the transportation conditions here are so poor; building an airport is definitely the best solution.”
Zhao Jiu also nodded: “With roads, there are people; those casinos will definitely be willing.”
Indiana didn’t oppose this time: “This idea is good. The Las Vegas local government will definitely agree, and Nevada side won’t stop it. It’s just that the investment is a bit large.”
“Large investment, large returns. Let’s go to City Hall.”
Mr. Fang started the car and drove into the city.
Las Vegas in 1933 was still under construction.
The operating casinos were all low buildings; more high-rises were at most a few stories high.
People with the same vision as Mr. Fang were not absent, but they were very cautious.
Mainly worried about transportation and the current situation.
Until July 8, an Easterner drove into the city.
He brought 3 subordinates to the Las Vegas City Hall.
There, a City Hall staff member politely asked: “What do you have to do at City Hall?”
Indiana said: “We want to see the mayor to discuss some investment matters.”
The Las Vegas municipal work mainly involved discussing investments with businessmen from all over the country, so the staff took the four to the mayor’s office.
There, Mr. Fang introduced himself.
“Hello, I’m Fang Wen from China, owning an airline company. This time, I want to invest in Las Vegas’s airport.”
“You want to invest in building an airport?” The mayor said in surprise: “That will cost a lot of money. And establish flight paths, equip many airplanes.”
“It’s different. I want to provide casino shuttle planes in Las Vegas, where each casino buys airplane tickets to attract customers, and our company handles the transport.”
The mayor was as if hearing a fairy tale, incredulous: “You say each casino pays for the tickets? How is that possible?”
“Why not? I want to invite the mayor to tonight’s banquet to explain to them. If successful, your Las Vegas will have an airport with lots of airplanes taking off every day. What you need to do is attend tonight’s banquet and invite each casino on behalf of the city government, so I don’t waste time on that.” Mr. Fang tempted.
The mayor thought, that’s true; he just needs to send people to notify all parties, and the banquet doesn’t cost the city government money anyway. Let’s see how the other party does it.
He agreed immediately.
“Okay.”
Mr. Fang smiled: “Mayor, where is the largest restaurant in the city?”
After leaving City Hall, Mr. Fang’s group drove to the currently largest restaurant in Las Vegas.
It was large, but not luxurious.
Usually prepared for construction workers to eat.
But it was also the only place that could host a large number of people at the same time.
To make the banquet decent, the necessary expenses were certain.
The dishes made by this restaurant’s chef were hard to swallow and couldn’t be used.
For this, all the banquet food was ordered from other restaurants in Las Vegas city.
The waiters from those restaurants delivering food were also temporarily hired as banquet service staff.
Also, all the tablecloths in the restaurant were replaced with new ones; those stained with oil were all thrown into the trash.
Even the tableware was borrowed from various restaurants.
This operation made the restaurant brand new.
A bit more money was spent, but it met Mr. Fang’s requirements.
In the evening, a group from City Hall arrived first, led by the mayor.
Then the managers from each casino.
For the mayor’s face, basically all came.
The mayor stood up and tapped the wine cup.
In the echo of the wine cup, everyone’s conversation stopped.
The mayor said: “Tonight’s banquet is hosted by a guest from out of town. He has an important matter to discuss with everyone.”
After speaking, he turned to look at Mr. Fang sitting beside him.
Under the gazes, Mr. Fang stood up and said: “Tonight’s banquet has only one purpose: I want to build an airport in Las Vegas.”
Immediately, the whole audience was in an uproar; everyone was worrying about transportation. If there was an airport, it would be much easier.
The mayor raised his hand to stop the noise: “Please discuss later; this gentleman’s words are not finished.”
After quieting down, Mr. Fang continued: “My airport will be equipped with casino shuttle planes, transporting guests from all over the country to Las Vegas, thus solving the customer source problem. But this special aviation flight requires everyone’s cooperation: you buy the tickets, letting customers ride the airplanes for free.”
Immediately, the whole audience exploded.
“Impossible, this is a scam.”
“I also think it’s a scam. We buy the tickets, and if guests come but don’t gamble, wouldn’t we lose?”
“He just wants to make our money, but unfortunately we’ve seen through it.”
Amidst the massive doubts, Mr. Fang remained calm.
Why scam the casinos’ money; Mr. Fang didn’t care for that little money.
What he wanted to do was something already proven feasible in the future.
In the future, those riding free buses and airplanes to Las Vegas included a small portion who wouldn’t gamble, but more would participate thinking of giving it a try and perhaps winning some.
Not just Las Vegas; other places were the same.
This was called acquiring new users.
The same user acquisition methods included free food in casinos.
Not just casinos; in the future network society, paid user acquisition was also very common.
This model was based on judgment of human greed and demand; the larger the data scope, the higher the success rate.
He explained calmly:
“The paid ticket behavior is only for first-time Las Vegas customers; next time, they pay themselves. Have you thought that this behavior creates demand? What you pay is just the round-trip ticket money. This one-time payment might create a long-term customer.”
Some people could understand a bit of this business thinking; some still couldn’t.
They thought: I pay money, and if I can’t retain the guest, it’s a loss.
Therefore, the effect was not as good as Mr. Fang expected.
While letting Indiana and others negotiate with interested people,
he put forward another supplementary suggestion.
“If you’re worried about investment failure, you can sell the casino to me. I’m willing to bear these expenses myself.”
The scene immediately started discussing again.
Las Vegas in 1933 faced a major choice.
This city was built with President Hoover’s support.
At the same time, Hoover Dam workers were the current main customer source.
But this year, Roosevelt took office, with policies completely different from Hoover’s.
If one day Roosevelt suddenly ordered to stop Hoover Dam construction, or restrict people from other states coming to Las Vegas, everyone’s expectations would turn into bubbles.
And at this time, an Eastern businessman actually wanted to take over.
Some people became interested.
They thought: anyway, we’ve made some money; if we sell the casino and make more, exiting this business isn’t bad.
Mr. Fang’s idea of purchasing casinos was long-standing.
At that time, he thought of letting Zhao Jiu acquire casinos to obtain licenses and Las Vegas land.
Now, he had an even better way: once the airport was built, through free user acquisition, the casino company could gain more customer sources in a short time.
But he didn’t expect so many casinos willing to sell their assets.
Many; even if the asking price was only raised by 20-30% in a reasonable range, Mr. Fang couldn’t swallow them all.
This was a major challenge for Mr. Fang.
He needed a lot of money, allies, and support from the American airline industry.
