172: Record threshold

Lin Feng’s eyes sparkled with excitement.

This idea had been brewing in his mind for a long time.

Traditional media, while having immense influence, often reported with a subjective bias.

Moreover, they focused more on news value than on the long-term development of the club.

Through his own platform, Lin Feng could completely control the dissemination of information.

He could showcase the best side of the club and also guide public opinion at critical moments.

“What’s the business model for this platform?”

“Primarily subscription-based, supplemented by advertising revenue.”

“We can set up different tiers of membership services.”

“Basic members can watch live matches and highlights.”

“Premium members can watch training videos and player interviews.”

“Top-tier members can participate in online interactive activities and even have a chance to visit the club.”

Richard’s eyes grew brighter and brighter.

As a seasoned businessman, he immediately recognized the immense potential of this project.

“Boss, this idea is too far ahead of its time.”

“If successful, we will completely change the landscape of football media.”

“Not just Hartlepool United, but other clubs will also emulate our model.”

Lin Feng smiled and nodded.

“That’s our goal.”

“Not only to be leaders on the field, but also in our business model.”

“I want to make Hartlepool United the Apple of the football world.”

The two continued to discuss the specific details of the project.

From technical architecture to content planning, from user experience to profit models.

Every aspect required careful design and repeated deliberation.

This was not just a business project, but also an important component of Lin Feng’s football empire.

In the evening, Lin Feng returned to his apartment.

Sophie Green was already waiting for his return in the living room.

Her laptop rested on her lap, the screen displaying the article she was writing.

“You’re back.”

Sophie looked up, an excited expression on her face.

“I just heard the news, you acquired StreamSport?”

Lin Feng sat beside her and put his arm around her shoulder.

“News travels fast.”

“It’s no secret in media circles anymore.”

“Everyone is speculating about your next move.”

“Some say you’re entering the media industry, others say you’re challenging Sky Sports’s monopoly.”

Lin Feng chuckled softly.

“They’re all right, and they’re all wrong.”

“My goals are bigger than they imagine.”

Sophie turned and looked at him seriously.

“Lin, what exactly do you want to do?”

“Sometimes I feel like I can’t see through you at all.”

“Every decision you make is unexpected, but ultimately proves to be correct.”

Lin Feng was silent for a moment, then slowly began to speak.

“Sophie, do you know where the future of football lies?”

“It’s not on the field, but on the screen.”

“More and more fans are watching matches through television and the internet.”

“The traditional media model can no longer meet their needs.”

“They want more content, deeper understanding, and a more personalized experience.”

Sophie nodded thoughtfully.

As a sports journalist, she had a deep understanding of this trend.

“So you’re going to build your own media platform?”

“Not just a media platform, but a whole new football ecosystem.”

“Fans can watch matches, learn about players, and participate in interactions through this platform.”

“Clubs can promote their brands, sell merchandise, and cultivate fans through this platform.”

“Sponsors can precisely target advertisements and get better returns through this platform.”

Lin Feng’s voice grew more passionate.

“I want to make Hartlepool United the center of this ecosystem.”

“While other clubs are still relying on traditional media, we already have our own voice.”

“While other clubs are still haggling over broadcast fees, we already have our own source of income.”

Sophie was deeply shaken by his words.

She had never imagined that football and media could be so closely intertwined.

What surprised her even more was that Lin Feng not only had a clear vision but also the ability and resources to realize it.

“Do you really think this plan can succeed?”

“Sophie, three months ago, did anyone believe Hartlepool United could defeat Everton?”

“Six months ago, did anyone believe we could get Samsung’s sponsorship?”

“A year ago, did anyone believe we could get promoted from League Two?”

Each of Lin Feng’s rhetorical questions left Sophie speechless.

Indeed, every miracle Lin Feng created seemed impossible at the time.

But he always managed to turn the impossible into possible.

“I understand.”

Sophie reopened her laptop.

“I’m going to rewrite my article.”

“This is not just a simple acquisition, but the beginning of a media revolution.”

Lin Feng watched her work with focus, a warmth rising in his heart.

Sophie was not only his girlfriend but also his most important supporter and confidante.

She always keenly grasped the essence of his ideas and conveyed them to more people with her writing.

It was late, and the two nestled on the sofa.

BBC’s “Match of the Day” was playing on TV.

Host Gary Lineker was reviewing last night’s League Cup matches.

When the screen switched to the Hartlepool United versus Everton match, both watched intently.

“This was a match that will go down in history.”

Lineker’s voice came from the TV.

“Hartlepool United, with a perfect performance, proved to the world that the charm of England football is not only found in the Premier League.”

On screen, Vardy’s goal was replayed repeatedly.

From different angles, slow-motion showed every detail.

“But,” Lineker’s tone shifted, “we must also remain rational.”

“One match’s victory doesn’t explain everything.”

“Hartlepool United still needs to prove itself in more matches.”

At this point, the screen switched to the studio.

Alan Hansen sat in the guest chair, a hint of disdain on his face.

“Gary, I must say, last night’s match was indeed exciting.”

“But we cannot overly praise a League One team because of one victory.”

“Hartlepool United’s winning streak is impressive, but records in lower Leagues are meaningless.”

“They haven’t faced a real test yet.”

“Let’s see what happens when they face real pressure.”

Lin Feng’s brow furrowed slightly.

Alan Hansen’s words, though harsh, were not without reason.

Indeed, Hartlepool United still needed to prove itself in more challenges.

And the upcoming match against Crewe was an important test.

Sophie noticed the change in Lin Feng’s expression.

“What are you thinking?”

“Hansen is right, we still need more proof.”

“The next match against Crewe will be a crucial turning point.”

“If we can equal the 13-match winning streak record, then all doubts will disappear.”

“If we fail…”

Lin Feng didn’t finish, but Sophie understood his meaning.

Football was that cruel; one failure could nullify all previous efforts.

“Do you have confidence?”

Lin Feng turned his head, looking at Sophie’s concerned eyes.

“Sophie, believe me.”

“History is not waited for, but created.”

“We will not only equal the record but also create a new one.”

“13 is just the beginning.”

His voice was calm and firm, but Sophie could feel the immense power contained within it.

This was Lin Feng, a man who would never be intimidated by difficulties, always believing he could create miracles.

The TV program continued, but their attention was no longer on it.

They were both thinking about the upcoming challenge, about that sacred number: 13.

For Hartlepool United, this was not just a record, but a ladder to a higher level.

And for Lin Feng, this was another important milestone in the construction of his football empire.

Tomorrow, a new battle would begin.