Chapter 1596
Close-Range Ultimate Attack
After his reminder, Su Mang returned the ruby necklace she had received from him many years ago.
Zhang Yuan didn't say he wanted it back; he just said I have good security here and will keep it for you.
Actually, he didn't care that much about the necklace.
What matters is the other person's current attitude.
Back in the day, Chiang Kai-shek lost money in the stock market in Shanghai and was almost attacked by creditors. He sent a visiting card to Huang Jinrong, the "number one gangster" in Shanghai at the time. Huang Jinrong acknowledged that he was his subordinate, and only then did the creditors give him face and stop their attacks.
Later, when the bald man gained power and the Northern Expedition succeeded, Huang Jinrong personally entrusted someone to return this visiting card to Chiang Kai-shek intact.
In contrast, Du Yuesheng held a bunch of IOUs from bigwigs in the Kuomintang.
He only allowed his children to burn the IOUs on his deathbed, because once he died, these IOUs might become his children's death warrant.
Su Mang had to remind herself that she was already being very out of touch with reality.
Despite how authoritative Editor-in-Chief Su appears in front of celebrities, many people don't actually take her seriously.
Because this woman is too snobbish, the kind of person who is excessively snobbish.
Moreover, truly wealthy people look down on her for being unsophisticated.
As long as Zhang Yuan behaves herself and serves as a help to my career during her professional lifespan, that's fine.
Su Mang also cleverly gave a full response.
They quickly adapted to their new relationship dynamic after the reset.
Because the person standing in front of him now is not the popular male celebrity from back then.
He is a winner of the Hundred Flowers Award for Best Actor, the Tokyo International Film Festival Award for Best Actor, and the holder of the Order of the White Elephant of Siam.
More importantly, he is also a partner of Kering Group.
The world's three largest luxury goods groups: LVMH, Kering, and Richemont.
Richemont is the "wrist" empire that owns Van Cleef & Arpels, Vacheron Constantin, Cartier, Panerai, and Jaeger-LeCoultre.
These three companies account for more than half of the advertising revenue of fashion magazines worldwide.
Although Kering is the youngest among them, it is known as a new luxury darling.
But because of its youth, it is flexible and adaptable, and now it has the largest investment in China.
If Bazaar offends Kering, its sponsorship funding will decrease proportionally.
The problem is, offending Kaiyun isn't so bad, offending Zhang Yuan is.
When shooting the magazine cover, this person even personally helped him adjust his clothes.
They even formally invited him to this year's Bazaar Charity Gala.
Zhang Yuan said he was too busy and asked the artist to go and help take care of things.
He really didn't have time; he was going to Siam anyway.
They were saying that the day had arrived.
In a quiet neighborhood in the northwest corner of Bangkok.
In front of a two-story building with a Western style, red roof and yellow walls.
He and Xu Zheng's group of three rode in the car and parked in the courtyard of the Prime Minister's Office.
There was no red carpet, nor any welcoming ceremony.
That's the etiquette reserved for truly important people.
Confucius advocated etiquette, and there were rules about what kind of etiquette and music should be used by what kind of person.
Without rules, there is chaos.
"Brother, you look really handsome in that suit!" Baoqiang grinned, showing off his bright white teeth, and glanced at his suit a few more times.
"They customized this for me." Zhang Yuan specifically requested to ride in a minibus instead of a sedan or SUV.
Because he was standing, he couldn't let his suit trousers wrinkle.
Xu Zheng, Bao Qiang, and Huang Bo don't need to be so particular; it doesn't matter what they wear.
Just a black suit and a black tie.
Zhang Yuan was different; the style of his suit was different from the other three.
Not only was it fitted, but the collar of her top was also wider than theirs.
Although it's a very business-like black and gray, everything from the coat to the shirt to the tie is made of silk.
The shoes were decorated with real gold.
"Don't touch it!" He raised his hand and slapped Baoqiang's hand away.
"It'll get dirty if you touch it."
The brand he was wearing wasn't Briony, which he had ordered himself, but Balenciaga, which Kering had arranged for him.
Its English name is Balenciaga, which is actually the founder's surname.
The name was transliterated as "Parisian Family" and it even pointed out that the brand was established in Paris, making it a very faithful, expressive, and elegant translation of the brand name.
This brand's ready-to-wear is considered mid-range, but not top-tier luxury.
But haute couture suits and evening gowns are at the very top of the luxury category.
Moreover, it is the most avant-garde and trendy brand among the top luxury brands.
Just how trendy is it?
Later, the "snake-skin bag" handbag came out, and that was it.
They also made suits in the same color and fiber material as the snakeskin bag.
Because Kering Group positions itself in the field of environmental protection, it aims to reduce the use of animal products.
Therefore, this brand's ready-to-wear clothing, bags, and some fashion items often feature very unusual tastes.
Many things are both ugly and expensive.
For example, the chunky sneakers that were later everywhere were a retro trend created by Balenciaga.
But the custom series is both stylish and expensive.
When placed next to other haute couture suits, it is clearly much more fashionable and definitely doesn't look like a traditional suit.
Cheap ones cost around 10 yuan, while expensive ones with customization have no upper limit, depending on the materials and workmanship.
His outfit today costs over 150 yuan; he's wearing what looks like an Audi A8.
Three Balenciaga employees were present throughout the process, and any stains or damage were dealt with on the spot.
Kaiyun took this matter very seriously, believing that Zhang Yuan receiving the medal while wearing their brand's custom-made badge would allow him to simultaneously open up the markets in both China and Siam.
But they're pretty stingy. After the medal ceremony, the uniform had to be taken back to headquarters for display, so they had to strip it off.
So I won't let Baoqiang touch it. Your fingers are like carrots; if they snag the silk fabric, it'll be your problem or mine.
"Oh, right." He remembered something.
"I'll let you start your own company, and then I'll give you shares."
Did you do it?
"Brother, why are you making things so complicated?" Baoqiang asked, puzzled. "Why don't you just let me or the company take it?"
"Do as I say, and it will be much easier for me to sell or recycle in the future."
"Remember, this company should use your parents' names, not your own, understand?"
His main goal was to remove these shares from Baoqiang's marital property.
For him, and for myself.
In a few years, you'll understand my good intentions, brother.
"Don't be nervous, just be normal."
"Don't be afraid of saying the wrong thing, anyway, their Chinese isn't very good either."
"Stay calm." He encouraged the three of them while they were preparing in the lounge.
“You don’t seem nervous at all,” the bald man said, looking at him.
"I'm used to it, this one is the worst today."
Xu Zheng: ...
Seeing his speechless expression, Zhang Yuan thought to himself, "Can't I even speak the truth?"
Island nations are better than Siam, right?
Although this blond guy is still a white man now, he'll be a world-class demon king in the future... right?
In Zhang Yuan's eyes, Yingluck was only of average ability.
A short while later, several staff members dressed in traditional Siamese attire opened the doors from both sides, and a group of reporters came in to take photos.
There were also cameras following the whole thing.
The emcee first led Baoqiang and the other two to receive the Premier's thanks and chatted for a while.
Balenciaga staff then used brushes and rollers to help him with the final preparations.
About 15 minutes later, the first three people finished their etiquette, and it was his turn to take the stage.
Xu Zheng and the other two waited on the sidelines, watching as Zhang Yuan walked steadily forward on the red carpet after the music started.
"Hey, it's different, isn't it?"
"Look at the way he walks, so powerful and imposing."
“That’s right.” Bo Ge whispered to Xu Zheng, “Didn’t they say they’re used to meeting important people?”
“My elder brother is a very important person.” Baoqiang concluded.
Xu Zheng and Huang Bo nodded slightly.
At the same time, Zhang Yuan also nodded in greeting to the Prime Minister of Siam.
Then the music changed, becoming a little more solemn, and someone wearing white gloves presented a wooden box.
Upon opening, there was a red silk cloth lining the inside, with a medal bearing a rather intricate pattern and a white elephant engraved in the center.
The medal is also decorated with gold, and its shape is similar to the golden pagoda that is worn on the heads of religious saints during important festivals.
"Thank you for your contributions to cultural exchanges between our two countries."
The Premier personally helped him put on the medal and took a group photo.
They chatted briefly after the ceremony.
"Brother, what did the female prime minister say to you?" Baoqiang asked curiously on the way back, about half an hour later.
"They want me to be the Siam Tourism Ambassador."
"It must be a lot of money, right?" "Definitely a lot," the bald man blurted out.
“It’s quite a lot.” Zhang Yuan nodded; the Siam Tourism Board had already given him a price.
Two years, 800 million yuan, shooting 5 commercials, 4 celebration events, and some public or private events with relatives and sponsors.
This money is easy to earn.
Da Ga, a word that can be used to express something.
"But I refused."
The main reason is that I don't want to get too involved with tourism in Siam anymore, so as to avoid being held accountable for telecom fraud issues in the future and being exposed and criticized by netizens.
I have to consider both the present and the future. I'm not Siamese, so I don't need to be loyal to them.
Moreover, I can leverage the quote and benefits offered by the Thai Ministry of Culture and Tourism, as well as the economic benefits generated by "Lost in Thailand" and my travel videos, to allow Zeng Jia to negotiate with other countries and regions.
Even if you sell yourself, you have to get a good price.
And incidentally, expand our sphere of influence.
"Hey bro, do you want to go meet your second-generation lover in Siam?" Bao Qiang asked cheekily.
"Pah!" Zhang Yuan spat at him: "What mistress?"
"How awful it sounds."
"That's called a friend."
“That’s right, our Boss Zhang has friends all over the world,” Brother Bo added.
The car was filled with a cheerful atmosphere.
At the same time, Henry, the head of the Kering Group, personally came to China.
We arrived at the China National Museum.
The rat and rabbit heads, the two bronze animal heads from the Old Summer Palace, should be returned to China.
The return of national treasures, especially the rat which is the first of the twelve zodiac animals, carries special significance.
In ancient times, this would have been called a friendly nation presenting auspicious omens.
Therefore, many things may seem like just one thing on the surface, but the underlying design is quite complex.
Are these animal heads really that important?
In terms of artistry, materials, and historical significance, it's actually quite average.
But those were lost when the Old Summer Palace was burned down.
That was a landmark event in the humiliating history of modern China!
So things aren't important; what's important is what Chow Yun-fat said in "A Better Tomorrow".
"I've waited three years, just waiting for an opportunity."
"I want to prove myself, not to show how great I am."
"I want to tell people that what I've lost, I will take back with my own hands!"
The Chinese nation is considered one of the most cunning and shrewd in human history, excelling in its ability to bend and stretch.
When Zhong Ge is sick, you bully me, but I won't argue with you.
Now that I've recovered, what should you call me?
The return of the bronze animal heads was widely publicized, with CCTV's evening news program dedicating several minutes to a detailed report.
It's not just for our own people; it's to boost national self-confidence.
It's also for foreigners to see, especially those countries that stole our national treasures and still hold them now.
Most people may not know how shameless the bloody colonizers, led by Britain, were.
They not only feel no shame for their past plunder, but also use these national treasures as leverage.
Knowing that you value these things, I will use destroying and ruining them as a bargaining chip to force you to make concessions on other matters.
It's not mine anyway, so I don't care.
The Pinault family set an example, but many Western families were criticizing them harshly behind their backs.
Regardless of whether they're doing it to gain personal benefits, they're just pretending to be nice people.
A gentleman judges by actions, not intentions; other barbarians don't even bother to pretend.
The officials received them with the same etiquette and standards as those who would welcome a state gift, and even rang out the chime bells.
CCTV Sports even broadcast a Ligue 1 match.
Because Rennes, a Ligue 1 team, is also owned by the Pinault family, and they're currently playing there.
A week later, Kering Group hosted a grand fashion dinner in Beijing.
Strike while the iron is hot and expand the brand's awareness in China.
They brought in a bunch of international supermodels to walk the red carpet.
But this has created a rather awkward situation.
On this day, Zhang Yuan naturally showed up, bringing a bunch of his artists with him.
Yang Mi was also there.
However, Zhang Yuan did not walk down the red carpet with her; he walked with Zhang Ziyi.
Signature, interview, then backstage.
The two supermodels immediately surrounded him.
An old acquaintance, someone I hung out with in Paris once.
He was so enthusiastic when we met him, we took photos with him from both sides.
She was still kissing him on both cheeks.
Zhang Yuan believed that he had now transcended vulgar tastes and no longer liked foreign women.
But after those two big white women came up to him, he realized that he had been indulging in lowbrow pleasures and hadn't left.
"You look like you're having a great time with two women on your left and right, huh?"
I had just finished taking the photos when I heard Yang Mi's sarcastic tone coming from behind me.
"They're all friends."
“Yes, he has friends all over the world.” Brother Bo passed by and chimed in.
Zhang Yuan wanted to chase after her and hit her, but Yang Mi grabbed him.
"You just like meeting people from abroad?" the girl asked, arms crossed.
"I know people in China too."
As he spoke, he raised his arm and waved to a Chinese model with distinctive features.
It's Sister Du Juan; I met her at Wang Xiaofei's wedding before.
He even stopped her from being thrown into the water by those despicable Taiwanese.
So when my older sister saw that he was very polite, she quickly walked over to greet him.
"You really like models, huh?" Yang Mi still had something to say.
"In this situation, you should at least give me some face."
"Xiao Si's here, go and greet her." He quickly waved the girl away.
He then needed to change his clothes and get ready.
Because today he is not only here as a guest, but also as a "model".
Soon after, the light show began, followed by the opening fashion show.
The temporary runway was filled with various fashion figures and wealthy and influential people.
A group of male models in black, white, yellow, and red, dressed in various new fashions, made their first appearance.
Finally, under a spotlight, Zhang Yuan appeared wearing a long pure cashmere trench coat and loose-fitting cropped trousers.
He even borrowed a lot of modeling skills before going on stage, so while his walk wasn't perfect, it was at least quite impressive.
That coat he's wearing costs 18 yuan.
Luxury brands really make a lot of money!
He stood at the end of the runway, and Balenciaga's CEO, Pierre, stepped forward while clapping.
At the same time, a hostess followed with two glasses of champagne.
“I am honored to announce this today,” Pierre said loudly in French.
A translator was presenting the speech simultaneously.
"Mr. Zhang Yuan officially assumes the role of Balenciaga's global brand ambassador starting today."
"We hope to create a fashion future together."
After shaking hands, the two drank the champagne in one gulp.
Meanwhile, in France, Paris, 2 Rue Neuf.
This is in the heart of Paris, where a modern office building with a luxurious retro style is located.
This is the headquarters of the LVMH Group.
Old man Bernard arrived at the office building to work as usual, sitting in a large Rolls-Royce.
After getting out of the car in front of the building, he looked back.
I noticed that the giant billboard on the roof of the building across the street was having its curtain replaced.
A new black and white curtain is slowly rising.
The old man was quite old, but he was still sharp of hearing and sight.
He quickly frowned.
This is a brand new Balenciaga advertisement.
The young Chinese man, wearing a high-end cashmere sweater and smiling, looks vaguely familiar...
Isn't that the one who came to my house last time?
Zhang Yuan's huge endorsement poster was aimed precisely at the floor-to-ceiling glass window of Mr. Bernard's office.
This was the request he made to Kering Group.
That sophisticated and elegant expression seemed to the old Frenchman as if he were speaking.
"I am your father!"
The abbot doesn't hold grudges.
Take revenge as soon as possible. (End of Chapter)