Chapter 1588
There's always a place for me to stay.
"I'll smash it!"
"Smashed!"
"And you even said that girls should remember your good points."
"Pooh!"
In front of the hotel vanity mirror, Zhang Yuan was conducting self-criticism.
After eating something to clear his head, he figured out what had happened.
This girl, through her own actions, went from fishing to being caught by me.
They've almost turned into mandarin fish.
Intelligence also declined sharply.
Girls in their teens and twenties are easy to seduce. Even if they are highly intelligent, their hormones are still there, and impulses and instincts can affect their IQ.
Women become more difficult around their 30s when their hormone levels drop.
Why the sudden change of attitude? Is intelligence now taking precedence?
After much thought, Zhang Yuan realized there was only one possibility.
This girl used an "external brain".
I asked her where she was, and she said she was home.
I'm home...
Her mother lives at home.
To rise from a nurse to gain the trust of the first wife and then climb the social ladder to become the third wife—what a remarkable class leap!
Can an ordinary person jump directly from novice to master?
When it comes to judging people, especially men, and understanding their hearts, this man is a master in every way.
This girl must be feeling down at home, or her mother found out she went out to find a rich man and asked her about it.
The accounts were reconciled before and after.
“I knew about Wu Ke-qun, but I didn’t say it out loud at the beginning. Instead, I chose to reveal it to her after she was caught in an emotional turmoil.”
"Based on this, I can infer my attitude." Zhang Yuan reviewed the situation and realized he had underestimated his opponent.
"In that case, will I still be able to maintain a proper relationship with their family?"
He patted the back of his head in slight annoyance.
Why is everything suddenly going so badly?
Dior couldn't be won over, and neither can the girl.
"Maybe when I return to China, I should go to Macau and talk to them, at least apologize," Zhang Yuan thought to himself.
"Ok?"
Then he realized something was wrong.
"Wait a minute, how did it become that I want to take the initiative to apologize?"
"This has turned into them baiting us again!"
He stroked his chin, his eyes darting around.
A person came to mind.
When I visited Mr. Jin Yong years ago, I met Mrs. Lin Leyi, who was Mr. Jin's wife.
She met Jin Yong when she was a waitress. Later, when Mr. Jin was hospitalized, her older sister took care of him throughout the process.
After recovering from his illness, he turned around and left without saying a word.
When Mr. Jin went to see her in person, she refused him several times. Finally, he managed to win her over after she repeatedly begged him, scratching her head and pleading with him.
If someone like Lao Jin can be tricked, then gold diggers are really something else.
"Oh..." Zhang Yuan realized what he meant.
"Playing hard to get?"
He laughed.
"I don't believe that since they've set their sights on my assets and people, they'll turn against me over something so trivial."
"So when this girl called, she questioned me so resolutely and rudely threw her phone down."
"The emotions seemed very convincing, and it even made me feel guilty."
"Anyone else would have fallen for it."
"If I really go to apologize," Zhang Yuan leaned against the headboard to rest, adjusting his position to find the most comfortable spot.
"Not only will we lose the initiative, but we will also be led by the other party."
"This completely confirms that I was just teasing this girl before."
"In this way, not only is the mistake of the other party seducing me while she had a boyfriend erased, but she also becomes the victim."
"I've become the one who bullies others."
"Hmph... He really is a master." Zhang Yuan snapped his fingers.
The younger generation isn't good enough; the older generation still needs to be capable.
Compared to her mother, Miss He is three or four floors below her in terms of social standing.
"So, the game has now entered the second phase."
"In other words, during the stalemate phase, whoever speaks first loses."
Zhang Yuanxin thought to himself, "I'm already busy, I don't have time to deal with you."
Let's just wait and see who gives up first.
"Brother Zhang Yuan, I'm back." At this moment, the assistant pushed open the door and entered, followed by a white man wearing glasses.
He regretted leaving his suit jacket at the old man's house again. What was I trying to prove?
I can't just walk down the street in a shirt.
Even if you have an overcoat, according to Western dress etiquette, you still need to wear a suit underneath. If you're really particular, you'll also need a waistcoat, tie, and cufflinks.
If you add a cane and a top hat, it would be absolutely authentic.
He prefers casual attire; nothing too complicated.
The white man came up to him and put down his suitcase.
This man was a tailor, working for Briony.
This brand originated in Rome and was the world's first clothing brand to hold a menswear fashion show.
They started by doing only custom-made clothing, but later they also started making ready-to-wear clothes, leather shoes, and perfumes.
Nicknamed the "Rolls-Royce of menswear," this brand is frequented by celebrities such as Daniel Craig, Brad Pitt, and Tom Cruise.
Along with Zegna and Brunello Cuccinelli, he is considered one of the three giants of old-money style.
Naturally, they have stores in downtown Paris and offer in-home measurement services.
What is a luxury suit?
The shop is in Paris, the tailor is in Paris, but after taking your measurements, the clothes have to be made in Rome and then delivered to your door.
It must be custom-made for you by an old Italian craftsman, and it must be hand-sewn by you in that small workshop in Pennet, the birthplace of the craft with decades of history.
Just like how Rolls-Royce's waistline must be painted in the old factory, by a master craftsman.
Zhang Yuan was too lazy to choose, so he just asked the other party to recommend the most popular style.
The only requirement is...
"Could you make the inner pockets of this suit jacket bigger?"
"I want the kind of sewing method where you can put things inside but not see them from the outside."
We still need to fill it with sunflower seeds.
After taking measurements, they provided a domestic address and ordered five suits and accessories.
I've fallen out with Dior, so I definitely can't wear his clothes anymore, or I'll be begging for food.
I also bought two more sets of ready-made clothes, which I need to use on the spot.
After changing his clothes and getting used to his surroundings, he went out again.
Arrive at 40 Severn Street.
This is the headquarters of the French Kering Group.
It is the largest luxury goods group in France besides LVMH.
It owns a host of major brands, including Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, Boucheron, and more.
At that time, Puma was also a business owned by Kering Holdings.
As they say, if this place doesn't want me, there are plenty of other places that will.
If the Arnaud family ignores me, I'll go find the Pinault family!
At this time, Kering was led by Henry, the second-generation head of the Pinault family.
Kering Group is also a major shareholder of Christie's auction house.
It was their family that bought the two animal heads and provided a lot of help for Chenlong's filming of "Chinese Zodiac".
So he got in touch with the other party's higher-ups through Uncle Long.
However, even with someone acting as a go-between, he was still unable to meet the head of the family, Henry, directly.
They're busy.
A department manager was assigned to receive them.
This is much more personal than contacting Kering Group's headquarters in Shanghai.
"I know you are very famous in China. I have seen the movies you have made."
"Fight alongside Chenlong atop the Eiffel Tower."
As he spoke, the manager, named Pierre, made a very stereotypical kung fu move.
"Indeed, that was an unforgettable experience for me."
"Therefore I really like France, I really like Paris."
“This is my second hometown,” Zhang Yuan said, mimicking Uncle Long’s way of speaking.
He always claims it's his second hometown, trying to get on people's good side.
According to calculations, Chenlong claims to have bloodlines and kinship ties in at least 50 regions, making Earth a veritable global village to him.
That's how the old-school江湖人 (jianghu people) navigate the world; everywhere is their hometown.
I sat down in the office; the view was quite nice, with a French street scene visible through the window.
“I heard that you came here for cooperation.”
"Our company also happens to have the intention to enter the Chinese market."
"That's quite a coincidence," Zhang Yuan said with a friendly smile.
Of course he knew the other party wanted to enter the Chinese market! Otherwise, why would they sponsor "The Twelve Zodiacs"?
The matter of returning the bronze animal heads has been discussed and agreed upon by Kaiyun and the Ministry of Rites of China, but the appointed time has not yet arrived.
We'll have to wait until after the New Year to choose an auspicious day before officially announcing the return of the animal heads.
There must be a ceremony and preparation.
Kering, on the other hand, will receive a "green channel" for investment in China, and will then vigorously expand its investments in jewelry, shopping malls, and other businesses in China.
Printemps in China is also a Kering business.
This significantly enhanced Christie's position in China, and it also partnered with Alibaba to develop luxury e-commerce.
Kering was one of the few luxury goods groups that were later able to participate in the China International Import Expo.
Later, whenever the head of the family, Henry, went to China, he was personally received by officials of the rank of Minister of the Six Ministries, showing him the highest level of prestige.
Therefore, Zhang Yuan felt that the Pinault family had a longer-term vision than the Arnaud family.
The Arnaud family's good point is that the old man Bernard is very capable, but its bad point is that he is old and doesn't die, so he becomes a thief.
Zhang Yuan had his eye on the timing of the other party's major foray into the Chinese market.
This helps me with what I want to do.
“Mr. Pierre, actually I am not here today as a Chinese artist.”
"Instead, he is a shareholder of the Mercedes-Benz F1 team, the general manager of Huaxia Liang'an Film Industry, a shareholder of Fanmei Cosmetics Company, and a shareholder of Youku Internet Company..."
The Frenchman almost stood up, feeling that his office couldn't accommodate so many people.
"I am here in these capacities to seek a higher level of cooperation with Kering Group."
"Instead of just celebrity endorsements."
I want to rob the imperial palace, and I want to patronize the empress.
If you're going to do something, do something big.
Since Kering wants to enter the Chinese market, it needs partners.
They will definitely have collaborators, but not necessarily in the entertainment industry.
My advantage is that I can react faster than others, and I can also come in person as the boss.
We need to get this done before the bronze animal heads are officially returned and before Kering expands its operations across the country.
"Hmm." The man nodded, remained silent for a moment, and then glanced at his attire.
What are you wearing?
“Braoni.” Zhang Yuan smiled confidently. “I really like this brand of clothing; I’m a loyal customer.”
Actually, this is the first time I've bought this today.
“That’s quite a coincidence. Our company just acquired Briony a few months ago.”
Nonsense, if you don't acquire it, I won't buy it either!
He bought this brand of clothes to show off his relationship with the locals when he visited their territory.
"I think this outfit suits you very well; you're very handsome."
"Thank you. It seems I have a strong connection with Kering Group."
"This is a good start for any potential cooperation we may achieve."
"By the way, what kind of cooperation are you talking about?"
"I hope to achieve a comprehensive strategic partnership between Cross-Strait Film Industry Co., Ltd. and Kering Group!"
"Including publicity, celebrity endorsements, product placement in film and television advertisements, and other aspects."
Zhang Yuan interlaced his fingers.
"In this way, the two companies can complement each other."
"We will pave the way for Kering Group's brands in the Chinese market."
"At the same time, we can also promote cooperation with Kering Group on multiple levels, such as the fleet of cars in which I have a stake, cosmetics companies, and fashion shopping websites."
"I believe I can bring mutually satisfactory results to Kering in China, and not only in the Chinese market."
"Especially in terms of film and television works, the Chinese film and television market has seen an extremely rapid growth in recent years."
"And the film industries on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are among the best."
"If you want Chinese consumers to fully understand all the brands under Kering, I think I can definitely help."
Fashion resources are often an important indicator of a celebrity's status.
If you have a top-tier luxury brand endorsement, or even a global one, then you're guaranteed to be a top-tier brand.
Without access to top luxury brands, you can't even get a brand ambassadorship, so you're in danger of not even making it into the second tier.
The ability to provide fashion resources also influences an artist's choice of management company.
These resources also affect exposure; several factors are intertwined.
What I want is not an endorsement, but a collaboration.
Comprehensive brand collaboration!
All the rest of you film and television companies should go build buildings and create film and television cities.
I don't do that kind of thing!
I will leverage my strengths to expand my influence.
Movies and TV series are like a pancake; if you put sesame seeds on it, it's a flatbread; if you put sausage and cheese on it, it's a pizza.
The other party did not express any opinion after listening, only saying that they would report the information to Mr. Henry.
Zhang Yuan didn't mention that he had been to Arnault's place, nor did he say that he had broken up with him.
I'm the boss now, and I'm also responsible for China Film Group's two capital cities and thirteen provinces. I can't just think about getting endorsements for myself.
Besides, what's the use of me getting a top luxury item?
I don't lack that little bit of money, I just have a good reputation.
Strategic cooperation is different.
His current goal is to do everything possible to increase the company's valuation so as to maximize profits.
I've done everything I was supposed to say and do; all that's left is to wait.
He wasn't betting on Kaiyun's affection for him, but rather on the latter's desire and ambition for the Chinese market.
Jun'er's investment company is called Shunwei Capital, which means "to go with the flow".
Zhang Yuan strongly agrees with this point.
In fact, Shunwei later invested in many jewelry companies together with Kering.
After China's intervention during the 08 financial crisis, the Pinault family recognized the global trends.
The next "empire on which the sun never sets" will be China, which will be able to sell its products all over the world.
On any land where the sun rises, people are using products made in China.
This is the brand new "Sun Never Sets".
So they decided to go with the flow.
I decided to go along with their lead.
He was a little worried; this kind of waiting was the hardest to endure.
White people are inefficient; they only get three days off a week, and then spend the other two and a half days slacking off.
He was in a dilemma, unsure whether to stay in Paris or leave.
However, just when they were in a dilemma, a phone call came in.
It was his own "legendary female investigator," Yang Tianbao, calling.
"Hey, hello."
Do you have any free time lately?
"Brother Xiaoming is looking for me?" That was Zhang Yuan's first thought.
Because Huang Xiaoming is a very kind person, although he treated me to dim sum last time, he thought French food was too expensive and said he would treat me again.
I made him too scared to act, and he should thank me for it.
"No, I need to talk to you about something."
"It's not really me contacting you, it's just that I'm having a birthday party soon."
I'd like to invite you to come.
"I'm busy," Zhang Yuan said decisively.
I don't have that kind of free time.
Besides, if you throw a party, there will definitely be a bunch of Huayi people there. Am I going to go looking for trouble?
"No, you have to come."
"It's not my actual birthday, so it's a pre-birthday celebration," the girl quickly explained.
"Oh ho, you're planning to hold several more events to rake in money?"
The girl explained to him that her birthday was February 28th, and she was celebrating it with her friends from mainland China.
My lunar birthday is February 14th, and I'll be celebrating it with Xiaoming.
I'll have several parties before my lunar birthday, with other friends.
After listening, Zhang Yuan thought to himself that this woman was just a little toy to him, but she was already famous and had many friends.
“It doesn’t matter to me if you come six months in advance, I don’t have time.” He still refused.
What kind of class do you belong to? Why are you asking me to come over?
"You have to come."
"What do you mean?" His tone became much more serious.
"No, no, I'm not forcing you."
"Someone asked me to bring you here." Big Baby smacked her lips a few times.
"Hey, do you know the Ho family in Macau?"
Zhang Yuan: ...
What are they going to do to me?
Didn't we just have a falling out? Why are you sending someone to look for me again?
What is this operation?
I don't understand.
Not playing by the rules?
Just as he was wondering, the other person helped him resolve his confusion.
“Miss Ho, Ho Chiu-ying, asked me to say she wants to see you.”
Hey.
Zhang Yuan scratched his head.
Not the same one? (End of Chapter)