Chapter 961
God Through the Eyes of a Homeless Man
Just as Bernard Arnault was feeling uneasy, Lin Haoran spoke up again.
“However,” Lin Haoran said unhurriedly, “while I am not very interested in your family’s real estate projects, I am somewhat interested in you personally, Mr. Arnault.”
Bernard Arnault was somewhat bewildered upon hearing this.
Are you interested in me?
He even considered a very outrageous possibility: could the other person be gay?
Thinking of this, he suddenly tensed up and subconsciously leaned back, his expression becoming subtle.
He wasn't discriminating against anything; gay people are a very common group in Europe and America, especially in industries like art, fashion, and luxury goods, where openly gay people are everywhere.
But Bernard Arnault is straight, married with children, and has no interest in men, even if one of them is one of his idols.
If Lin Haoran really has that kind of thought, how can he refuse without offending him?
When Lin Haoran saw the change in Bernard Arnault's expression and the goosebumps clearly visible on the other man's arm, he was first slightly taken aback, then he understood and couldn't help but burst into laughter.
"Mr. Arnault, you're not getting the wrong idea, are you?" Lin Haoran laughed heartily, picked up his teacup, took a sip, and barely managed to stop laughing. "What I mean is, I'm very interested in your business acumen and business sense!"
To be honest, I'm looking for a partner, preferably French, with connections and a good reputation in France. And since you happen to be a partner of Citibank, I had them arrange this meeting with you. I want to discuss business cooperation, nothing more!
Lin Haoran had considered starting his own business, but he knew that those luxury brands were the pride of France, and how could they allow a foreigner to acquire them?
Even if he offered a higher price and the luxury goods company owner agreed, the French government would not approve it.
But if the French themselves were to acquire it, that would be a different story.
Moreover, this person not only needs to be French, but also needs to have a keen talent for the luxury goods industry and be able to lead the group to grow and expand. Such a person is very hard to find.
But Lin Haoran, as someone who traveled from the future, knew very well that Bernard Arnault was the person he was looking for!
Bernard Arnault's face flushed instantly, from his neck all the way to his ears.
He wished he could disappear into a crack in the ground; that thought he had just had was utterly absurd.
He quickly picked up his coffee cup and took a big gulp, trying to hide his embarrassment.
“Mr. Lin, I’m sorry, I… I was overthinking it,” Bernard Arnault stammered, his voice filled with shame.
Lin Haoran waved his hand and laughed, "It's alright, it's alright. I didn't explain clearly, Mr. Arnault. Let's get back to the main topic."
He put down his teacup, looked at the other person, and said seriously, "Mr. Arnault, do you want to become a legendary figure in the business world? Do you want to become a world-renowned business tycoon?"
Bernard Arnault was startled upon hearing this.
To become a business legend?
To become a world-renowned business tycoon?
This was, of course, what he had always dreamed of.
Bernard Arnault has never been unambitious; after all, being able to take over the management of the family business at such a young age fills him with boundless imagination for the future.
The reason he persuaded his father to bring the family to the United States was precisely to prove himself on a bigger stage.
In this world, there are far too many people who become big shots at a young age, such as Lin Haoran, a Hong Kong tycoon, and Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple Inc., who became world-renowned business stars in their twenties.
Bernard Arnault, like Lin Haoran, comes from a merchant family and also took charge of the family business at a young age. Why can't he become like that?
Unfortunately, reality dealt him a harsh blow. His real estate projects in the United States now appear to be complete failures, falling far short of legendary status and failing to even reach the level he achieved in France.
In France, he at least did quite well.
But in America, he felt like he was nothing.
This change in his situation filled him with frustration and resentment.
He desperately needed an opportunity to prove himself, and Lin Haoran's words gave him a glimmer of hope.
“Mr. Lin, of course I want to.” Bernard Arnault took a deep breath and looked directly at Lin Haoran. “But as you can see, I can’t even establish myself in the real estate industry I’m familiar with in the United States. How can I talk about becoming a legend?”
Also, you said you wanted to find a French partner? What does that mean? Are you perhaps thinking of entering the French real estate market? But given the current political climate in France, entering the French real estate market at this time is not a wise choice.
He shook his head, his tone tinged with doubt, and continued, "After the Mitterrand government came to power, France underwent large-scale nationalization. Banks and industrial groups were nationalized, taxes on the wealthy were frighteningly high, the business environment deteriorated, and local businessmen fled abroad one after another. Entering the French real estate market at this time would be tantamount to walking into a trap."
Bernard Arnault had a deep understanding of Lin Haoran, knowing that the first industry Lin entered in Hong Kong was real estate, and that he was the largest real estate developer in Hong Kong.
Therefore, they are considered to be in the same industry, only their scales are vastly different.
Lin Haoran has long since broken through the limitations of the real estate industry and extended his reach to multiple fields such as finance, fast-moving consumer goods, hotels, trade, and technology, while Bernard Arnault is still stuck in the real estate circle and is doing worse and worse.
Thinking of this, Bernard Arnault couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness.
Lin Haoran picked up his teacup, took a slow sip, then put it down. Looking at Bernard Arnault, he said slowly, "Mr. Arnault, you're right. Entering the French real estate market at this time is indeed not a wise choice. But I never said I wanted to enter the French real estate industry. I was talking about the luxury goods industry!"
Bernard Arnault was stunned.
Luxury goods industry?
He certainly knew that France was a major player in the luxury goods industry, and could even be said to be far ahead of the rest of the world.
In the luxury goods sector, including fashion, leather goods, perfumes, and jewelry, we have created top global luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, Paris Fashion, Cartier, Boucheron, Van Cleef & Arpels, Mylelio, Givenchy, and Hermès.
These brands enjoy a global reputation and are a symbol and pride of French culture.
But he never thought about entering this industry.
His family has always been in the real estate and construction business and knows nothing about luxury goods.
Moreover, given the current harsh business environment in France, can the luxury goods industry remain unaffected?
"Mr. Lin, the luxury goods industry is also struggling right now. The policies of the new French president are also impacting the luxury goods industry. Although those brands are famous, many are poorly managed, and some are even on the verge of bankruptcy."
"Entering the luxury goods industry at this time is too risky, and I am completely unfamiliar with this industry. Why did you come to me?" Bernard Arnault said directly.
Lin Haoran smiled, stood up from his chair, and said, "Mr. Arnault, please come with me."
Although Bernard Arnault didn't understand what Lin Haoran's voice was, he didn't voice his doubts. Instead, he stood up and followed Lin Haoran out of the conference room.
The two entered the elevator one after the other, and Li Weidong and Li Weiguo followed them in. The group took the elevator directly down to the lobby on the first floor.
The lobby was bustling with people, including many of Citibank's junior employees.
These employees all recognized Lin Haoran and greeted him warmly.
Good morning, Mr. Lin.
Good morning, Chairman Lin.
……
Bernard Arnault watched this scene with envy.
This is Citibank, one of the world's top three multinational banks, and Lin Haoran's status here is practically that of a king. Everyone treats him with utmost respect. This isn't because he's rich, but because he wields real power within Citibank. He's an executive director, a shareholder, and even has the future leader as his ally.
They're both young people, and the other person is even a few years younger than him, yet their statuses are worlds apart. It would be a lie to say he's not envious.
At this moment, he recalled the question Lin Haoran had just asked him: "Do you want to become a legendary figure in the business world? Do you want to become a world-renowned business tycoon?"
Do you want to? Of course he does, and he really wants to!
But he knew even better that legends aren't created by thinking about them, but by taking each step one at a time.
Lin Haoran has no idea how much effort and dedication he has put in to get to where he is today, but he knows that he can't even get over this hurdle right now, so how can he talk about being a legend?
Lin Haoran, unaware of what Bernard Arnault was thinking, randomly stopped an ordinary female employee and, under Bernard Arnault's gaze, said to her, "Beautiful lady, may I ask you a question?"
The female employee was slightly taken aback upon hearing this, then nodded, flattered, a blush spreading across her face.
She had been with Citibank for over two years, and this was the first time she had the opportunity to speak with someone like Lin Haoran, a true core executive of the company.
At this moment, she even thought that Lin Haoran was interested in her. If that were the case, wouldn't her life be completely changed?
Her heart was pounding and her palms were sweating.
"Mr. Lin, may I ask you something?" The female employee's voice trembled slightly, but she tried her best to maintain a professional smile.
Lin Haoran had no idea what the female employee was thinking. He smiled and asked, "Do you know the French president?"
Upon hearing this, the female employee paused for a moment, then shook her head and said, "I'm sorry, Mr. Lin, I don't know the name of the French president."
Lin Haoran then asked, "Do you know Chanel?"
The female employee's eyes immediately lit up, and she blurted out, "Of course I know! Not just Chanel, I also know Louis Vuitton, Dior, Hermès, Cartier... there are so many, I spend most of my monthly salary on these."
Lin Haoran smiled, thanked her, and the female employee left with a blush on her face, reluctant to part.
She walked several steps before she came to her senses, slapping her forehead in frustration. Why hadn't she given Mr. Lin her phone number? If Mr. Lin had taken a liking to her, her life would have been set for life.
Unfortunately, you only get one chance; once it's gone, it's gone forever.
Lin Haoran turned around and looked at Bernard Arnault, a hint of amusement in his eyes: "Mr. Arnault, what did you discover from the conversation just now?"
Bernard Arnault paused for a moment, carefully recalling the conversation, and then said, "That lady didn't know who the French president was, but she knew Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Dior. This shows that the brand recognition of luxury goods is higher than that of politicians!"
Lin Haoran nodded. As expected of the future godfather of luxury goods, he understood immediately.
However, Bernard Arnault continued, "Mr. Lin, we can certainly understand it that way from what you just said, but you just asked a loyal consumer of luxury goods, so her answer was naturally biased."
If you ask a man, or perhaps a woman who has no interest in luxury goods, the answer might be completely different.
"Oh? Is that so? Then come with me." Lin Haoran smiled slightly and walked directly out of the Citibank headquarters building.
Outside, people come and go. This is the intersection of Lexington Avenue and 53rd Street, one of the world's top financial and business districts, full of bankers and landmarks. And this Citibank building with its 45-degree sloping roof is now one of the symbols of power and wealth on Wall Street!
However, even though the streets are full of elites, there are always a small number of people who stand out, such as homeless people!
Lin Haoran's gaze fell on a homeless man huddled against a wall on the street corner. The man was dressed in rags, his hair was disheveled, and he was shivering in the cold wind.
At this moment, the homeless man is holding up a piece of cardboard he found, on which is written in marker: Homeless, anything helps.
It means you're homeless, please help!
In front of him was a paper cup with a few coins scattered inside.
He was about fifty years old, his face weathered and his eyes cloudy, a stark contrast to the well-dressed financial elites around him.
This phenomenon is widespread in the United States. Even in Manhattan's most bustling financial district, homeless people are everywhere. They are like the shadow of the city, forming a stark contrast with the gleaming skyscrapers.
This reminded Lin Haoran of a term: the "kill line"!
He had seen this term online in his previous life; it was used to describe the cold, hard class divide in American society, where once you fall below the line, you can never climb back up.
The homeless man in front of you might just be someone who has been "killed" by society!
Bernard Arnault followed Lin Haoran's gaze, somewhat puzzled as to why Lin Haoran was looking at a homeless man.
Lin Haoran strode over, and Bernard Arnault quickly followed. Li Weidong and Li Weiguo exchanged a glance and also followed, standing discreetly on either side of Lin Haoran, vigilantly observing their surroundings.
When the homeless man saw someone approaching, he quickly raised his paper cup and shook it, saying indistinctly, "Sir, please have some change, God bless you."
Lin Haoran squatted down, took out a $100 bill from his pocket, put it in the paper cup, and then asked with a smile, "Sir, may I ask you a few questions?"
The homeless man froze when he saw the hundred-dollar bill.
He rubbed his eyes, thinking he was seeing things, then rubbed them again to confirm that it was a genuine hundred-yuan bill, and tears welled up in his cloudy eyes.
One hundred dollars is like a windfall for a homeless person; it's definitely a lifesaver!
In this day and age, it's considered good if a homeless person can beg for $1 to $5 a day. They often go a whole day without a hot meal, sleep on the streets, in the subway, or in stairwells, and are frequently chased away by the police.
For someone who has been homeless for a long time, suddenly receiving one hundred dollars could be a springboard to escape hell, because one hundred dollars can buy him a clean set of clothes, a few full meals, give him the strength to find a job, and may even allow him to stand up again.
The homeless man's hands were trembling as he carefully stuffed the banknotes into the innermost pocket of his underwear, pressing it down repeatedly to make sure it wouldn't fall out.
Then he looked up, his cloudy eyes filled with gratitude.
At this moment, Lin Haoran was like a god in his eyes, giving him hope to live.
His lips trembled, and his voice was so choked that he could barely speak: "What...what do you want to ask? Ask away, I'll tell you whatever I know. You're a good person, God will bless you, He will!"
Lin Haoran smiled and asked, "My question is simple: do you know who the current president of France is?"
The homeless man paused for a moment, scratched his head, thought for a long time, and then looked blank: "The French president? Never heard of him. I only know that the US president is Reagan. The French president... I don't know. I don't have the time or the inclination to pay attention to these things. If you ask me who Napoleon is, I can answer that."
Lin Haoran then asked, "Do you know Chanel?"
The homeless man's eyes lit up, and he nodded quickly: "I know, I know! Chanel, that's perfume, very expensive, even Marilyn Monroe used it! I used to buy a bottle for my wife, it cost me a month's salary, she loved it and never wanted to use it."
As he said this, his eyes dimmed and his voice became low, "It's a pity that she's gone. Cancer, incurable, all the money was spent, and she's gone too. When she passed away, she hadn't finished that bottle of perfume."
Lin Haoran was silent for a moment, then asked, "Do you know Louis Vuitton? Dior? Hermès?"
The homeless man nodded, then shook his head: "I've heard of Louis Vuitton, I think it's for bags, the really expensive kind. I've also heard of Dior, I think it's for perfumes and lipsticks?"
Hermès, I think, is also a brand of bags. I can't afford any of those, but I know they're high-end items for wealthy people. When my wife was alive, she always said that when we had money, we would definitely buy her an LV bag. Sadly, we won't live to see that day.
Lin Haoran stood up and turned to look at Bernard Arnault. (End of Chapter)