National Tide 1980.

What if I refuse?

After a long silence, Yao Peifang suddenly blurted out this sentence.

To be honest, this was not the answer Ning Weimin wanted to hear.

He really couldn't understand why Yao Peifang would refuse such a good offer. He was quite taken aback, and even felt a bit helpless and confused.

However, with his experience and ability to read people, it was not difficult for him to see the inner turmoil in Yao Peifang's heart.

In other words, judging from her rhetorical question, she didn't make a definitive statement.

This matter was by no means unattractive to Yao Peifang.

From the perspective of a working person, perhaps she still has some concerns, or rather, she is testing the waters and weighing the pros and cons.

Therefore, in Ning Weimin's view, Yao Peifang's concerns were nothing more than two things.

First, is this job a good opportunity to utilize my strengths and a good fit for the role?

Second, is there sufficient potential for future development, and will the candidate receive fair treatment?
There is nothing else.

Instead, a smile appeared at the corner of his eye, his gaze filled with a gentle light, and he looked at Yao Peifang with the same expression he would give a young flower seedling waiting to be watered under the warm sun.

On the other hand, Yao Peifang was laughed at for no apparent reason.

However, she was intelligent enough. She bit her lip, thought about it seriously, and then asked a question as if she had seen through Ning Weimin's thoughts.

"What's wrong? Did I sound stupid? That I shouldn't have refused such a good offer?"

"No, no, that's not what I meant. Of course you have the right to refuse. I don't think I have any right to force you to choose to work for me. But I am indeed very sincere about this. You're so eager to refuse, without even hearing me discuss the conditions I'm offering you. Isn't that a bit..."

Faced with Ning Weimin's loving gaze, Yao Peifang blushed instantly.

Indeed, she was completely absorbed in her own emotions just now, focusing solely on her personal feelings for Ning Weimin, and worried that she might lose control because of playing with fire.

Looking back now, it certainly seems naive.

Not only was it impolite, but it was also unprofessional, and it might make Ning Weimin feel disrespected and slighted.

She shouldn't have done that; luckily, Ning Weimin didn't hold it against her.

In a moment of embarrassment, she could only make excuses and try to exonerate herself.

"Well, I think we're friends now, right? I'm actually being very sincere because I don't want to work anymore. I think it's good for me to develop my own career after returning to China. That's why I said that. I'm just speaking from your perspective and don't want to waste your precious time, so I'm being so frank. Please don't misunderstand."

"Oh, I see. I understand now."

Ning Weimin didn't let Yao Peifang continue to embarrass herself, and tolerantly accepted her explanation.

However, what he said next was still beyond what Yao Peifang could easily handle.

"You're right, starting your own business is a great idea, especially now that the domestic environment encourages individuals to go into business. There are nine out of ten billion people in China who are business people, so I really agree with your idea. The environment of reform and opening up is good, and anyone who isn't content with mediocrity will have this aspiration. However, there's one issue I'd like to discuss with you: no matter what you do or what industry you're in, the best way to succeed is to leverage existing resources. You wouldn't disagree with that, would you?"

"Using others' strength?" Yao Peifang was a little confused. She understood the general principles and the literal meaning, but the true meaning was still somewhat unclear.

"Yes, what I mean is that we have to rely on other people's strength and hitch a ride. Haven't you ever thought of that?"

"Ah, I...I didn't."

Yao Peifang never expected to hear such pathetic words from Ning Weimin.

However, Ning Weimin not only showed no shame, but also used himself as a real example.

"Oh dear, then I'll have to teach you a lesson. There are plenty of people in this society who use others' connections to their advantage, and I'm one of them. Otherwise, I wouldn't be where I am today."

"you……"

"What's so strange about that? You should know that besides working for Pierre Cardin, I also have quite a few businesses of my own, both in Japan and domestically. But have you ever wondered why I have so much wealth and such a large business scale at such a young age? I can tell you, the answer is actually very simple: it's good to have a big tree to lean on. Because behind me is Pierre Cardin. I am a vine twining around a big tree, growing strong by relying on the tree's nutrients, which naturally makes it easier and less strenuous to succeed than to go it alone."

These words were even more blatant, sounding not only shameless but also completely inconsistent with Ning Weimin's usual inspirational persona.

So much so that Yao Peifang was startled and speechless, not knowing what to say.

"You don't need to make such a fuss. It's a fact, and everyone knows it. I have nothing to be ashamed of. If I hadn't worked at Pierre Cardin, I wouldn't know what the clothing industry is like, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to get leftover clothing stock, and of course, I wouldn't have my own clothing company or made my first fortune. Without Pierre Cardin's support, I wouldn't have been able to start the Tan Palace Restaurant, and I wouldn't have been able to come to Japan to make a fortune through stock speculation and selling houses, let alone meet my current wife. I wouldn't even have been able to secure overseas patents for Easy-Lapti ties and rolling suitcases. What good is talent alone? Similarly, if it weren't for Maxim's Restaurant and Menem, I wouldn't have opened 'Gingerbread Man.' I wouldn't have been able to release albums for Cui Jian, Zhang Qiang, and Fei Xiang, and I certainly wouldn't have gotten involved in the film and television industry."

"Look at how much profit Pierre Cardin has brought me. Isn't it astonishing? Let me be blunt: without Pierre Cardin, I wouldn't have my business. Everything I have now comes from Pierre Cardin. Many people think that being their own boss is better than working for someone else, and that starting their own business is a great achievement. Some people are even unwilling to partner with others, wanting only to create their own enterprises or companies, believing that's true freedom. In reality, these are the ones who only care about appearances and are utterly foolish. If given a choice, who wouldn't want to rely on their local resources? Who would want to bear all the risks themselves? That's the path forced upon those without resources or other options. It looks appealing, but it's not actually beneficial; it's often unbearable and extremely dangerous. One wrong move could lead to utter ruin." "Of course, you might find what I'm saying awkward, thinking I'm a parasite who profits at the expense of the company. Perhaps you think I don't see the meaning of personal struggle and only want to take shortcuts and reap without sowing. If that's the case, I have to defend myself a bit. First, you need to understand that my relationship with Pierre Cardin is mutually beneficial. I have never done anything to profit at the expense of the company. My small business was just something I did incidentally while planning for the company; it was a side benefit. After all, any large company needs service providers, affiliated companies, and nepotism. Sometimes, it can even help control quality and solve problems. I think there's nothing wrong with that."

"Secondly, I must state two facts that may sound harsh. First, life is fleeting; how many good times does one have in a lifetime? If you don't find shortcuts and rely solely on your own efforts, climbing step by step, even with great talent, you can't achieve much. Second, everyone's abilities are actually quite similar. Many people's success is simply due to their environment and background. A successful person's greatest advantage lies in their platform and resources; what determines a person's fate is often their birth and family. The art of being born is the greatest lesson, often determining success or failure from the start. Very few can succeed through hard work alone."

"People like me are rare exceptions. My parents passed away early, and my family offered no support. I only have a junior high school education; I'm just a typical ordinary person from the bottom of society. By conventional standards, my greatest achievement would be being a small business owner of a tobacco and liquor store or a clothing store, or perhaps a manager of an international hotel. But I was fortunate enough to meet Mr. Pierre Cardin and Sister Song, who were willing to give me opportunities, and I seized those opportunities. As the saying goes, the higher you stand, the farther you can see. It was they who allowed me to see a higher view, and it was the support of the Pierre Cardin company platform that gave me vision, experience, connections, and resources, enabling me to achieve career success that most people cannot. This is the greatest luck and opportunity of my life."

"So I'm telling you this sincerely, I'm truly thinking of you and genuinely hope you can help me. If you're willing, you'll not only see a higher view, but my resources will also become a platform to support you. Even if you don't want to help me anymore after a few years, and you leave to start your own company, you will absolutely not regret your choice today. Because at that time, your starting point for starting a business will be higher than others, and a few years of hard work will bring you more advantages and greater freedom. Therefore, please seriously consider whether the opportunity I'm offering you is what you need. I'm not afraid you'll take offense; some of what I said might have been harsh, but you're a smart person, and I hope you cherish this opportunity..."

Yao Peifang remained silent, only listening to Ning Weimin speak. At first, she even seemed somewhat resentful and wanted to give him the runaround.

But gradually, things changed.

Ning Weimin's self-disclosure of his shortcomings fully demonstrates his sincerity; no one would casually say something like that to someone.

Besides, what he said did make sense.

Yes, Yao Peifang certainly knows what society is like; she just hadn't thought about it so deeply in the past.

In particular, agreeing to this matter would be entirely beneficial to her, just as Ning Weimin said, it was like opening a door to a higher realm for her.

These words, like a miraculous potion, slowly melted Yao Peifang's heart.

"I...I understand, thank you for your advice. However, I need a little more time to think about it."

"Of course, after all, this is a very important matter, and you should think it over carefully."

Seeing that Ning Weimin wasn't in a hurry for a result, Yao Peifang breathed a sigh of relief. After a moment of contemplation, she finally asked the question Ning Weimin most wanted to hear.

"If... I mean if I agree, then will I need to stay in Hainan to work, or stay in Beijing? Where have you and Professor Chen decided to set up the film company?"

Since such a specific question has been asked, it undoubtedly indicates that there is an emotional inclination.

When it comes to the issue of compensation, it's a topic that Ning Weimin is most confident about.

"Beijing is, after all, the cultural center of the country, and almost all the arts and culture resources are located here. Therefore, the actual office location of the film and television company should be in Beijing, while Hainan is just the registration location. So there will be office space in both places, but the Hainan company will be smaller, while the one in Beijing will be larger."

“I understand. That means the Beijing branch is nominally the head office, but it’s actually the headquarters, and Hainan is just an office. I’ll need to spend most of my time in Beijing to assist Professor Chen.”

"You understand well. However, it might be like this initially. You can spend two or three months getting familiar with the work, but it won't be like this in the long run. I still hope you take some time to find a suitable person to take over the work of the film and television company. After all, film and television production is just one category of the performing arts industry, and the person in charge is Pei Si. You just need to find a way to ensure the company's operation and finances are normal. I invited you here to take charge and undertake more important work. In the future, you will at least be flying between Beijing, Shanghai, and Hainan. You won't always be separated from your family."

"More important work?"

"Yes, you forgot what I just told you. I have plans to get involved in film, music, variety shows, animation, publishing, and artist training. So I will also register a large-scale comprehensive performing arts and entertainment company in Hainan with 30 million RMB. Let's call it Big Ship Entertainment for now. Once the business starts, there will be several subsidiaries. Your real position will be the general manager of Big Ship Entertainment."

"Thirty million?" Yao Peifang was moved upon hearing such an exaggerated number.

Moreover, she knew the specific investment figures for the film and television company. Seeing that Ning Weimin had tripled his investment in the company, it was clear that Ning Weimin valued the company's prospects.

But that wasn't all; what happened next, involving her own interests, was something Yao Peifang never expected.

"Also, our Mr. Chen is rather stingy. Don't have high expectations for the salary at the film company; I estimate you'll get a few hundred yuan at most. However, after the registration of Da Chuan Entertainment, I can give you a monthly after-tax salary of 500,000 yen, plus a house, a car, and reimbursement for all travel expenses and daily living costs. To be honest, I'm prepared to lose money for three years, and I will continue to invest, at least 100 million yen. If Da Chuan Entertainment turns a profit after three years, and you're still willing to stay, your salary will not only be 1 million yen, but I'll also give you an extra 5% annual dividend. What do you think of this offer?"

After these words were spoken, Yao Peifang's emotional control completely failed.

It's worth noting that although Yao Peifang currently earns about one million yen per month in Japan and her company provides her with accommodation, her daily expenses are still quite high.

Cosmetics, clothes, and commuting expenses are especially expensive, and they're also subject to taxes.

After all these deductions, she won't be able to save much.

Ning Weimin's current condition is that he covers all her daily expenses and gives her a net income of 500,000 yen per month.

This is equivalent to tens of thousands of RMB, which is absolutely top-notch in China. It might even be comparable to Ning Weimin's salary at Pierre Cardin.

The key is the dividends three years later.

Yao Peifang knew Ning Weimin's abilities; he never lost money on deals he favored, especially Matsumoto's financial statements, which Yao Peifang was also familiar with.

In her mind, this 5% bonus was actually more worth looking forward to than her salary.

So now Yao Peifang is truly smitten, and whether things will go wrong in the relationship is no longer a concern for her.

All she knew was that if she missed this opportunity, she might never have another one in her life. (End of Chapter)