Chapter 1592
Recruiting People
Although the fifteenth day of the first lunar month has passed, the New Year is still approaching before the end of the first lunar month.
At the large courtyard house, preparations for the company's annual meeting began two days in advance.
He calls it the New Year's Party.
We won't dwell on the past, we'll only look to the future.
The main issue was the pre-Chinese New Year gathering, where everyone harbored a lot of resentment.
Everyone wants to go home early or do gigs to make money; being forced to sit for hours is very uncomfortable.
"Dandan, are the red envelopes ready?"
"Yes, I've prepared 1000." The assistant's fingers were red from stuffing money into them.
"I don't need that much, but it'll be fine."
"The prizes are all ready: cell phones, tablets, Mercedes-Benz cars..."
"Everything's ready, don't worry." The assistant placed a box of the new Apple products on the table.
Then they asked again.
"Do you want to buy instant noodles?"
"What do you need instant noodles for?" Zhang Yuan asked, puzzled.
"Didn't you say a few days ago that you were going to Siam to get the white elephant?" the assistant said earnestly.
Zhang Yuan: ...
"That's the Order of the White Elephant!"
"Do you think this is Baixiang instant noodles?"
"How about I get you a case of Master Kong instant noodles?"
He kicked her, giving her time to dodge.
The huge success of "Lost in Thailand," coupled with his previous short travel videos about Siam, has led to a surge in demand for travel to Siam among Chinese tourists.
Cultural works can serve this purpose.
Many people who heard the song "I want to take you to romantic Türkiye..." actually went to Türkiye for a trip.
If F1 weren't held in Monaco, how many ordinary people would know about this tax haven the size of a fingernail?
Clearly, "Lost in Thailand" succeeded.
Siam didn't even need to wait for the next fiscal year's tourism revenue report; they could see the clues directly from flight bookings.
Flights from all over China to Siam are already sold out for May Day, Mid-Autumn Festival, National Day, Christmas, and even the Spring Festival and Valentine's Day next year!
The hotel's holiday rooms were sold out well in advance, and major travel agencies had a lot of business to attend to.
Compared to 2012, this represents a staggering 50% increase!
The Siamese side attributed all the credit to Zhang Yuan, since his company was the one that produced the film.
The Siamese people think it's totally worth it!
As mentioned before, Siam is a country where tourism accounts for nearly 25% of GDP, making tourism a pillar of the economy!
Chinese tourists are known for their extremely high per capita spending, ranking among the top, if not the highest, then second only to a few developed countries.
This is something that most countries in the world know, but a few small Asian countries, led by island nations, South Korea, and Singapore, are taking advantage of Chinese tourists while simultaneously undermining them.
They throw all sorts of dirty water at Chinese tourists, but fawn over white gentlemen.
This is a classic case of wanting to be a prostitute while also trying to maintain a virtuous image.
Siam is slightly better off than these countries, but it also has other problems.
For example, taking kidney slices without anesthesia, a honey trap, or pulling out the tubes from a scuba diver without paying extra...
But its advantage lies in its large quantity, generous portions, and low price, making it cheaper than places like Japan.
The Siam Tourism Board took a look and saw that it had increased so much compared to last year!
Last year was particularly bad.
At the beginning of the year, a bus accident involving Chinese tourists occurred, which somehow caused a huge uproar on the Chinese internet, making tourists afraid to come.
I still don't understand why such a small thing turned into such a big deal.
Zhang Yuan: Yes, why is that?
Anyway, the Siamese side thought it was a great deal; sponsoring a movie wouldn't cost much, and they could also get free advertising.
However, it has significantly boosted the growth of pillar industries.
This is a political achievement!
The Prime Minister was not involved when the sponsorship was announced earlier.
Then the Prime Minister stepped in.
It's all thanks to me!
The leader always shows up at crucial moments, making his presence felt.
The current Prime Minister of Siam is Yingluck Shinawatra, a Siamese of Chinese descent whose ancestral home is Meizhou, Guangdong Province.
Her brother, Thaksin, is the former Prime Minister of Siam.
Her niece, Petuntan, will also be a prime minister in the future.
It's true that a general's son is a general, and a peasant's son is a peasant.
He was later impeached, went into exile, and fled all the way to Serbia.
Fortunately, during her tenure, she supported the One China principle and maintained a firm stance on the Taiwan issue.
Her later persecution was also subtly related to this attitude.
She was impeached because of the rice purchase scheme. Her older sister passed a law that allowed her to buy rice from farmers at 50% above market price to replenish stocks and provide subsidies to farmers to encourage cultivation.
However, just as the rice was harvested, international grain prices suddenly plummeted, and no one bought the rice sold by the Siamese government, resulting in huge losses.
Why did international grain prices suddenly plummet? Why are they refusing to buy rice from Siam?
You'd have to ask a white person, a North American.
Of course, my older sister also made a lot of money herself.
Anyway, since he wasn't dismissed because of a violent crime scandal, it's not a big problem.
The news came from Siam that the Prime Minister would personally award him the Order of the White Elephant at the Prime Minister's Office.
This medal is an honor specifically awarded to foreigners.
There are eight levels in total, from Special to Grade 7.
He was awarded the White Elephant Member Badge, fifth class.
Ambassadors to Siam who have made bilateral contributions usually only receive a third-class medal, so he's doing quite well.
The awarding of the medal was clearly not just to thank him for the film and his personal contributions, but also a political show to express the friendship between the two countries.
Regardless of the purpose, Zhang Yuan felt that he had benefited from the country's policies.
Not only did the Siamese embassy call him, but the staff of the Honglu Temple whom he had previously contacted also called him.
"It's you again..." The old man from the Court of State Ceremonial was puzzled.
You seem to be quite popular with foreign leaders.
The call was mainly to inform him of the key points of his mission.
Although it's still not a formal diplomatic occasion, you can't go to an award ceremony with leeks stuck to your teeth and wearing just a vest and shorts.
“I know, you all trained me, and I haven’t forgotten.”
"Be sure to respect local traditions, especially religious traditions."
"But we can't let our country down either."
The other party meant that there is a custom in Siam that even the prime minister has to kneel down and speak while lying down when meeting members of the royal family.
We, as a great nation, are magnanimous; we should respect, but not obey.
You can't go there and kowtow to someone.
"The lead actors from the production team will also be coming for training."
"We will be responsible for communicating with the other embassy and handling the clothing customization issue."
"Um... excuse me for interrupting," he said.
Regarding clothing.
"What are you trying to do?" the other person suddenly became alert.
"Don't be nervous, I always follow the rules."
"Hard to say."
Zhang Yuan: ...
"I am a person who understands the big picture, is righteous, has noble character, and is healthy and handsome."
"Wherever a person goes, a memorial archway for chastity follows."
"We don't care about your private life," the other party replied seriously.
He remained silent for a long time.
"I'm just describing it, using an analogy."
"I will absolutely not let you down."
"But can I bring my own clothes?"
"Don't worry, it will be formal attire. I won't wear anything inappropriate. You can check it out."
I can't just go there naked, even though Yingluck is known as a beautiful prime minister.
The other party reluctantly agreed, but agreed to review the documents according to his requirements.
"You still don't trust me?" Zhang Yuan angrily threw down his phone.
Then he laughed again.
The movie "Lost in Thailand" brought him far more than just financial gains!
Of course, there was also a lot of money involved.
Ctrip even called him, wanting him to be their spokesperson.
In addition to Ctrip's own endorsement, this year they also began to expand into the car rental industry, acquiring a large number of shares in eHi Car Rental, the second largest car rental company in China, hoping that Ctrip would also endorse the company.
Zhang Yuan accepted the endorsement deal with Ctrip, but after discussing it with them, he decided to give the car rental endorsement to Xu Zheng, Huang Bo, and Bao Qiang.
The three heroes also deserve some benefits, so I'll just consider it a bonus for them.
In addition, Meituan also completed another round of financing with Alibaba at this time. Although the shares it had previously invested in were diluted to a small extent, Meituan had already shown its advantage in the group-buying war.
They also hired him as their spokesperson.
"I want to order ten with Master Ye!"
"For group-buying food, use Meituan Group Buying." Open Bilibili, and you'll see an advertisement he filmed for Meituan.
It was a replica of a scene from "Ip Man 1".
Every time he saw it, he felt a little... ashamed.
I got goosebumps all over my body, and I don't know why.
But the thought of how much Meituan would be worth after its IPO gave him even more goosebumps!
Shame, that's what I want!
I'll do whatever's embarrassing, as long as it's easy to remember, I'm going all out.
"Brother Zhang Yuan, the auntie over there in the courtyard said that a Miss Tang is looking for you," the assistant ran over to deliver the message.
"Miss Tang... Tang Yixin."
"I understand." He glanced at his watch, deciding to go see the other person while he still had time.
He wondered if this girl wanted to see him because she needed something.
Are you ambitious in your career and want to advance?
He strolled over to the courtyard and saw a figure with his back to him in the living room as he entered. He then spoke.
"Yixin, Happy New Year."
Hello.
But the reply he received was from someone with a Shanghai accent.
It is Miss Tang, but not that Miss Tang.
Why are you here?
"You don't welcome me?" Tang Yan crossed her arms and glanced at him sideways.
"Not at all, it's been a long time, Happy New Year." He stepped forward and shook hands with the other person.
Only then did this person smile and gently touch his hand.
"It's been a long time since I've seen you; it's been several years."
"You're really popular lately, but you haven't even bothered to look after your old friend."
"Now that you're here, I have to take care of you." Zhang Yuan asked the aunt to bring him a better cup of tea. "Sit down and let's talk."
"A red envelope." He took it from his assistant and handed it to him.
"Not even children have them?"
"Regardless of age, let's share in the joy."
"Mr. Zhang is so generous." Miss Tang happily put the red envelope into her Chanel handbag.
"Say whatever you want. What brings you here today?" Zhang Yuanzai took a closer look and noticed that this man's celebrity aura was even stronger than before.
Whether someone is popular or not, their current state of mind is different.
"Then I'll tell you," Miss Tang said with a smile, resting her chin on her hand.
Are you still hiring?
"What do you mean?" Zhang Yuan glanced at her expression and then at her attire.
Little red dress, black leather boots.
He even came to my door in person to ask if I was taking people in.
What?
Trying to test my weaknesses?
Which cadre can't withstand this test!
"We don't have much time today, so shall we hurry up?"
Zhang Yuan grabbed her arm and started to walk towards the backyard.
It wouldn't be right for me to refuse since they've offered it to me so readily.
What are you going to do?
"Let's do it," Zhang Yuan replied decisively.
Tang Yan: ...
"I'm telling you, behave yourself, or I'll yell!"
The more you shout, the more excited I get... Zhang Yuan was in a great mood because of the huge success of "Lost in Thailand" and the associated benefits, and he really wanted to say that.
But seeing this person's attitude, he changed his mind.
"What do you mean?"
"I'm here to see you on important business. Don't you own a company?"
Do you need any artists?
"Oh..." Zhang Yuan looked at it again.
"Sure, you're very famous, of course I welcome you."
Miss Tang can be considered a popular young actress, and she is one of the actresses born in 85.
If we can sign them, the profits will be substantial.
“It wasn’t me.” Miss Tang suddenly raised her chin: “I have many suitors, okay?”
Upon hearing this, Zhang Yuan wondered if the other person meant the company or men when they said "many people want"?
He always felt that Tang Yan was disrespectful and arrogant in front of him.
It seems to be proving something?
Moreover, this feeling of energy is very familiar, as if I've encountered it before.
He couldn't remember; in fact, Huang Shengyi had the same reaction when he saw him back then.
He didn't take it seriously, played for a bit, and then ran away.
The girl was very unhappy!
The unpleasant thing isn't that he played me, but that he ran away after he was done with me.
What she wants is for you to comfort her, even if it's just to trick her into going back to sleep.
You turned and left, which made her very disappointed.
These two are both from Shanghai, unlike Gao Yuanyuan, who is from Beijing.
She doesn't necessarily need you, she's just upset and feels her charm has been diminished.
The premise is that Zhang Yuan himself meets, or even exceeds, her requirements for a partner.
If it were an ordinary, unremarkable man, she wouldn't have had such thoughts.
She came today not for herself, but for her boyfriend.
"Qiu Ze?" Zhang Yuan asked.
"Don't mention that name to me!" Miss Tang said angrily.
The two met while filming "Summer's Desire". Tang Yan liked him and even went to Taiwan to live with him.
As a result, Roy Chiu has consistently denied it.
Even after the complete breakup, the other party never publicly acknowledged it.
Zhang Yuan cursed inwardly, "Scumbag!"
What kind of class is she, sleeping with the same kind of woman as me!
Tang Yan was very sad about this because she was very proactive.
So they don't allow it to be mentioned.
Her own contract is now with Orange Sky.
But she didn't come for herself today.
It was for Luo Jin.
When Tang Yan was heartbroken, she got back together with Luo Jin, who she filmed "Gone with the Wind".
This woman is involved in every film she makes, it's quite a lively situation.
"Why don't you just let Luo Jin come and talk to me himself?"
“I remember giving him my contact information years ago,” Zhang Yuan recalled.
I met him the year Sisi graduated.
"Hey, do you agree or not?" Miss Tang asked casually.
"First of all, I don't call you 'Hey'."
"Secondly, is this how you beg for help?"
No sooner had he finished speaking than the other person put his hands on his hips.
"Hmph, if you don't agree, then I'll tell you about what happened back in 'Chinese Paladin 3'."
Even though this girl has had several new boyfriends, she still holds a grudge.
"What is it?" Zhang Yuan asked, his eyes clear and bright.
"Oh, so it's about that night you forced yourself on me?"
Tang Yan: ...
"A single meeting of golden wind and jade dew surpasses countless encounters in the mortal world."
“You haven’t contacted me since that incident.”
"I have always been unwilling to recall or mention it."
"You gave me a dreamlike night, and then cruelly left."
Overwhelmed with emotion, Zhang Yuan even managed to squeeze out a few tears, proving his status as a Hundred Flowers Award-winning actor.
Tang Yan held her tongue for a long time but couldn't say anything.
He was using all my words!
Seeing that the other person's face turned red and he was about to leave with his bag, he quickly stopped him.
"Okay, I was just kidding."
What he said just now was actually meant to let the other party know that you can't blackmail me.
I also understand that the other person is a little uncomfortable seeing me, and is just making trouble for no reason.
It's normal for a young lady from Shanghai to have a temper.
"What's past is past, let's not dwell on it."
"As for Luo Jin... where is he now?"
“My home in the Fourth Ring Road,” Ms. Tang replied, arms crossed.
"Have him come here now so we can talk in person."
He understood that this was yet another indication of the company's recent significant improvement in reputation.
Previously, he had to find people himself; now, people come to him. (End of Chapter)