hollywood billionaire

Chapter 271 A life never imagined
"'Throughout history, the first thing we see has always been the stars shining in the night sky.'"

"'Philosophers, scientists, artists, writers, warriors, emperors, priests, and even politicians in the House of Representatives, people always talk about their outstanding characters and great achievements, write books and biographies about them, and explain them at length. They have made tremendous contributions to promoting the development of human civilization...'"

"'Isn't this what it should be?' I vaguely knew what kind of argument Barnier wanted to draw, which made me quite puzzled, and even deeply disturbing. I told him: 'Heroic narrative is the ideal of any social ideal. The prerequisite for continued progress. Only by worshiping heroes and encouraging ordinary people to become heroes can a country and a civilization maintain its vitality. What's wrong with this?'"

"'The heroic narrative is certainly true, madam. But who can put a limit on the scope of heroism? I can say with utmost confidence that behind all great characters and adventures, there is money, and there is a person who controls money. people who are supporting them. Without such a behind-the-scenes supporter, no noble cause will be successful.'"

"His theory did not convince me or reassure me. On the contrary, it made me more hesitant and panicked. Because, since I was born, I have been immersed in the education system and value system for decades. Money and wealth have no place. They are the two elements that will always appear as negative images... I know what you are thinking, dear, 'Isn't your father the richest capitalist in the country'? I admit that, But even my father did not place wealth in such a lofty position. As you know, he was a staunch fascist. In his concept, totalitarianism, militarism, and opposition to opposition Forced repression, naturally occurring social hierarchies, subordination of individual interests to those of the state or race, and strict social and economic regulation are the attributes of a perfect society.”

"What is wealth? What are the rich? In a perfect fascist society, they are evil, intolerable, and harmful to human civilization. Look at how Germany treated the symbol of wealth at that time Jews, you know. Although I have never communicated this issue with me, I know that my father has lived with a sense of shame all his life. He felt that he was just a profit-seeking businessman and had not served the ideal country in his heart. What contribution did he make? That’s why he founded Lacagoule and why he opened the doors of the L’Oréal Group for those Nazis to take refuge.”

“I despise most of my father’s ideas, but he and I have the same understanding of the attributes of wealth—maybe the starting point is different, but the final conclusion is the same. Because, no matter which school of thought or which All doctrines are opposed to unbridled wealth harvesting and capital expansion. Even capitalism... No matter how pure a conservative you are, you will not refute the almost universally accepted views that 'money corrupts people' and 'money is the root of all evil'. A view shared by all mankind.”

"Because...money does corrupt, doesn't it? People can commit the most appalling crimes against each other for a pittance of wealth."

"As one of the few richest people in this country, and even this continent, for 1987 years until 62, like my father, I also have a deep-seated sense of guilt. I even feel that my guilt The feeling should be much stronger than my father's - after all, his wealth comes from hard work, while my wealth comes from inheritance."

"I have never heard anyone say that wealth is the top priority in the heroic narrative of human society."

"Shouldn't wealth be the biggest villain in the story?"

"The suite at the Ritz Hotel that day was a very safe and comfortable environment for me. Everyone was drunk, singing loudly and partying all night long. This conversation between me and Barnier will not be recorded in writing. , even if it spread, it would not be accepted due to lack of evidence. So, I poured all my doubts into Barnier."

"'The reason people demonize wealth is precisely because it is the most powerful force since the birth of civilization, and nothing else can match it.'" Barnier answered my question, "Mansa -Musa, without his huge wealth, Timbuktu, located on the edge of the Sahara Desert, would never have become the cultural center of Islam. The Medici family, without these art-loving Florentine bankers, Michelangelo would have Where to create their works? In the wilderness? Without these generous wealthy people, the Renaissance would never have happened...yes, ever. Even if the Medici didn't do it, someone else would have to Holding gold coins in hand, we open up a world where artists can express their creativity freely'."

"'I admit that what you are saying makes sense. Charity sponsors can help make our world a better place.' I shook my head and countered his point. 'But that doesn't make them the most important in history. That small group of people, let alone the origin of history. You can cite Florence or Venice as examples. Perhaps in these places, there is a situation where commercial aristocrats rule the country, but this is by no means a widespread phenomenon around the world. Many The culture hates business and businessmen. They have almost no political power, let alone property, and they cannot even control their life and death."

"'That's because those who suppress them have even more amazing wealth,' Barnier argued almost without thinking. 'Business does not represent wealth, and businessmen do not represent wealth. Business transactions are just one of the ways people obtain wealth. It's just a way, war, politics, plunder, theft, in a broad sense, these are the ways that humans accumulate wealth or lose wealth. I know the cultures you are talking about, and of course I also understand that in most of the history of the world, In most regions and most of the time, businessmen are not the most influential force. But have you ever thought about this question... In the history of the world, in most regions and most of the time, businessmen have not been able to control society. vast majority of wealth?'"

"I was stunned because I haven't considered the problem from this perspective - wealth is wealth, businessmen are businessmen, and the two are not symbiotic. Emperors, generals, warlords, and all kinds of rulers can control difficult things. They are usually the people with measured wealth."

"'Julius Caesar presided over a huge republic whose economic output amounted to 25-30% of the world's total output at that time. But did he only have the title of lifelong consul? No, madam, he had the entire Almost one-fifth of the country's wealth, calculated according to today's currency value, is at least four trillion francs... Upper and Lower Egypt are his personal property, and this is the confidence he has to control half of the world."

"'Was it not his First Germanic Legion, and other soldiers loyal to him?'"

"'What do you feed them with? Like your employees all over the world, will they remain loyal for decades without money in return? Like I said, war, politics, plunder, Theft...in politics, of course, taxation is also included. These are just means for human beings to seize wealth, not the purpose. What is the killing and conquest of the army in the final analysis for, can you tell me?'.

"'Madam, I am not a knowledgeable wise man, but I am a survivor who tries his best. I do not have a life span of 3000 years, but I can see the beginning of civilization. In the material world, human survival depends on resources. Settlement will be formed because it is the most efficient way to obtain resources. A group of people can hunt more animals than one person, and they can also exchange what each other needs. This is the bud of human civilization.'"

"'But the biggest problem with bartering is that people can't always find two goods of the same value to exchange. Three pieces of coarse cloth can only be exchanged for one sheep - yes, you can also use one A piece of coarse cloth is exchanged for the sheepskin peeled off the sheep killed by the neighbor... But no matter what, in every barter transaction, one commodity will be worth more than the other. These surpluses are left behind after the transaction. becomes worthless.'"

"'The invention of currency was to solve this problem. It can promote the exchange of one form of social power with other forms, allow valueless surplus to gain value, and make society more complex and integrated. It is also more diverse. You should understand by now that the wealth I am talking about is not dollars, francs, or pounds. It is value, freedom, power, a necessity for us to pursue a better life, and the cornerstone of human society. And money—precious metals are also considered money here—is a universal way of calculating wealth. So, money is nothing, but it is the standard by which everything is measured.'"

"'All activities in human society, whether communication or conflict, revolve around the concept of wealth, which is composed of natural resources, human resources, and all other forms of resources. Once you understand this, you can understand why I say, people like you who can control most of the wealth in society are the root of all civilization and history, because history starts from wealth and is written by wealth. A person can be an emperor and a rich man at the same time, but wealth will always be This is a crucial point. Even if someone is very special, has no desire for resources at all, has no original impulse to accumulate wealth, and his life goal is so holy that there is no trace of worldliness, he must still provide wealth to those in need around him. , can he gain the support of the team and the help of the group, and can he continue to effectively promote his cause. This is true even if the status is as high as the Pope, isn't it? The Papal State, which controls the entire central Italy, has a different influence than the current Vatican. That's why.'"

"'So the entire human civilization is based on wealth. In other words, as long as the concept of society exists, those who can control and mobilize the majority of wealth will be the absolute protagonists of this drama...' I murmured, summarizing Barnier's tirade."

"'It's not the protagonist, it's the director... No, it's not even the director, it should be said to be the producer. Even the director has to listen to you.'"

"'I know it's good for me, but it doesn't sound like a world that most people would be happy with,'" I said over the wine, expressing an idea I'd never expressed to anyone before. A country, a system, and an idea can make most people the master... no, the producer, right? Human beings are so smart, I believe we can always find a way... This is the only way for us to progress, let Wealth will remain in the hands of a few of us old guys. If we rely on our wishes, likes and dislikes to promote social development, there will be big problems.'"

"'There is a country that can do what you're talking about.' Barnier nodded and said, 'A country that we have yet to see.'"

"I was taken aback and asked him: Mr. Barnier, what do you mean..."

"He didn't let me say that word. After all, given my identity, it should be the most taboo word for me. He looked at me and smiled: Madam, I have repeatedly emphasized that I know that I am a small and ordinary person. , but my 60s was also spent in Paris by actively participating in PSA activities. After saying this sentence, I knew what he wanted to express."

"'That is the only feasible way, but it is not a task that we can complete in a short time." Barnier sighed, and the tone was so heavy that my heart sank, "I want everyone to become The masters of their own lives must give everyone everything they need and want. I have no doubt that this will be achieved at some point in the future. After all, you see, 40 years ago we needed It takes the efforts of all mankind to create a small fire, but now, I alone can light it for you.'"

"He took out a lighter from his pocket, stuffed a cigarette into my mouth, and continued: I have untarnished and glorious confidence in us humans. As a species, we can always see that One day is coming. But as individuals, you, me, and the future generations who can remember us, unfortunately, we will not be able to see it with our own eyes."

"We still live in this reality. There are still only a few people who can become the makers of history. There are still only a few people who have the ability to change everything."

……

"Wow."

After listening quietly to Barbara's words, Han Yi finally sighed.His impression of Barnier also changed a lot.

He did not expect that this cynic who had spent his whole life chasing fame and fortune would firmly adhere to the most romantic doctrine in human history.

No, maybe he may not necessarily adhere to it firmly. After all, in his subsequent life, he rarely showed similar brilliance. But through this conversation, Han Yi knew that he at least had a strong balance in his heart.

He never expected that this "activist" who had been in social circles since he was 16 years old and had no higher education at all would have such unique and profound insights into the nature of human society.

But perhaps this is François-Marie Barnier's advantage when it comes to thinking deeply.

The less you pretend to be a so-called orthodox theory in your mind, the easier it will be to simplify the complex and get to the point.

"Yeah."

Barbara put her index finger on her temple and smiled.

"I have had a lot of stereotypes about... the upper class since I was a child. You know, basically most kids my age who grew up in the pop culture of the 2000s have similar views on the world."

"Good and bad, justice and evil, have long had their own fixed roles. Therefore, when Madam told me about this conversation between her and Barnier, I was deeply touched... Even after all these years, I still The key reason why I can clearly remember this conversation that has nothing to do with me... I will pull it out from time to time and savor it."

"It can be said that my wife not only played an irreplaceable role in promoting my career. On the spiritual level, she also taught me a very valuable lesson at the age of 17."

"career."

"I think even if I didn't say it, you would have guessed the ending of the story... We are almost at the end of the story..."

……

"'This thing you keep mentioning, the producer role... Mr. Barnier, in your mind, how does someone like me get to be a producer?'"

"'Through redistribution.'"

"'You mean, donate?'"

"'No, no, no, ma'am, people usually ask the rich to pay more taxes or donate more to shoulder more social obligations. It seems that if you don't pay taxes or donate, you won't do anything to the society. It seems like I am making a contribution to this society. I am not a radical, madam. My liberal tendencies are based on a deep understanding of the rules of how this world works... Your redistribution of wealth is actually happening all the time. You buy Every car, every yacht, every private jet, every butler you hire, every dinner you want... Simply put, every time you spend, every time you take out of your pocket The act of giving money is redistributing wealth.'"

"'You give others the opportunity to have more wealth, thereby giving them more social power and a greater ability to change history.'"

"'I didn't know the duck confit I swallowed could have such a big impact.' I joked."

"'That's because you don't pay attention to the world around you. Imagine that tonight we had dinner at Jamin's restaurant, and the waiter serving us was named Victor. What if Victor... was a wannabe An opera singer who became famous in Paris, but his life is poor, he has to work in a restaurant to make a living. The 10% service charge on the bill can help him stay in Paris for one more week, maybe this week, Victoria Quedeau will be able to get a contract as a resident performer and become the next rising star in the French opera world.'"

"'Think about it again, isn't it even more true for the promise you just made to Mr. Saint Laurent? With just one sentence, his brand can travel across the ocean and be placed in tens of thousands of department stores in the form of perfumes and cosmetics. on the company’s shelves.'"

"'Each of us is writing our own history in this way, and at the same time changing the history of others. It's just that ordinary people have less wealth and less social power they can control. The history they write is rarely reviewed, and the history they write is rarely reviewed. It is extremely difficult to influence the historical trajectory of others. And you, the owner of a 400 billion fashion empire, even a casual compliment, or even a look that only lasts a few seconds, can influence whether you know it or not. circumstances that permanently change a person's destiny.'"

"'This is what I call a producer, madam. No matter how powerful the producer in Hollywood is, he is not even one millionth as good as you.'" "'This is your wealth, the most powerful thing it brings you. ability.'"

"'Play God and redefine God.'"

Sitting on the blood-red sofa in the lobby on the fourth floor of Negresco, Mrs. Bettencourt finished her story calmly and gracefully.

"Dear Barbara, what do you think of what Barnier said?"

"What he said was too bold. Playing God." How could 17-year-old Barbara have any unforgettable experience and understanding of wealth?She thought hard and came up with this answer, "I think...he probably wants to use this method to trick you into...taking on the role of this so-called producer, sponsoring him, and making him comfortable with food and clothing."

"He sounds like a liar, doesn't he?"

"My personal opinion."

"Then do you think it's possible for a liar... to tell the truth?"

"If this is beneficial to their scam." Barbara thought for a moment and said, "If they can benefit from it, even if they are telling the truth, it doesn't matter. What liars want most is not to deceive others, but to deceive others. Something you can get later. So if telling the truth will achieve your goal, the liar will become honest."

"You are indeed a smart girl. I like you so much." Mrs. Betancourt laughed while stroking her hands. "I know that Barnier is a glib little clever guy. He is different from you. If you are a... A straightforward and cute puppy, then he is just a wild fox who intentionally hurts himself to pretend to be pitiful in front of me.”

"I have lived for more than 60 years, and what kind of character have I never seen? In fact, Mr. Barnier is not smart at all... He is just smart, not smart. He thinks he can really deceive people like Dali, Noaille or me, and yet... Hence the smugness and smugness.”

"What's the truth?" Barbara asked impatiently.

"The truth is that I..." Alan, whose throat was about to smoke when translating, stopped hesitantly again. Under the Madam's cold and coercive gaze, he swallowed a mouthful of saliva and continued to convey her meaning, "I give I gave him money, and gave him a lot of money. But it was not a reward, nor an investment, nor a gift... It was just me, lending him a shell, to do something I have always wanted to do, and to enjoy it. After he inspired me, I realized it was just happiness that I could enjoy.”

"Borrow his...shell?"

"There are some things that are not convenient for me to come forward on my own, and certainly not convenient for me to tell you."

At this point, Mrs. Bettencourt winked at Barbara rather childishly.

"I understand, ma'am." Barbara half understood, but her nodding movements were extremely serious.

"Do you really understand?"

"I..." Barbara hesitated. After a few seconds, she touched the back of her head and laughed sheepishly, "Maybe I need to study for a while."

"Want to study?" Mrs. Bettencourt put her hands on her neck and untied the orange scarf that had been bulging on top of her coat in a few clicks.

"I want to." Barbara didn't know what the other party wanted to provide her, but she knew very well that this was an invitation she never wanted to miss.

"Then let's learn in practice." Mrs. Bettencourt refused Alan's support, stood up on her own, walked tremblingly to Barbara across the tea table, leaned down and wrapped her in a scarf .

"I know you're still upset about this terrible holiday, but don't take it too seriously, dear Barbara..."

"Your vacation has just begun."

……

“So, next, you become the global spokesperson for L’Oréal.”

"Becoming a global spokesperson was in 2012, two years... no, a year and a half later." Barbara shook her head and smiled, "At first, it was Kiehl's, Shu Uemura and Maybelline, and then Giorgio Armani Beauty makeup, Ralph Lauren perfume, Valentino Beauty and Yves Saint Laurent Beauty. Since the first half of 2011, I have accepted advertising for almost all brands under the L'Oreal Group, and they are all the kind of... global brands. Advertisements for large-scale distribution. You can see my face everywhere in flagship stores, billboards, and airports.”

"Even IMG's agent was speculating whether I was attracted by one of the two heirs of the Meyers family, but this speculation quickly disappeared. Because in the first half of 2012, I Became the global spokesperson for L’Oréal.”

"L'Oréal is usually very picky about the selection of their 'dream team of endorsers', with very few models and basically all are artists, actors and female social activists, such as Eva Longoria, Aishwarya Rai, Helen Mirren, these female pioneers who have achieved fame in their respective fields."

"I am the only active model who can become a global spokesperson for L'Oréal without any other halo."

"And I was... not even 19 years old at that time."

"No heir could help me get this endorsement contract in 2012."

"Since then, my career has been... smooth sailing. It doesn't matter if I don't go to fashion week for two or three years. The covers of fashion magazines and advertising endorsements from other brands will just keep coming like pieces of paper. "

"Did you see Mrs. Bettencourt again later?"

"We have never seen each other again. However, we have exchanged a few letters, sent two or three emails, and even made a phone call. But the phone call is too difficult for us. There must be someone in the middle to translate, or text. It’s simpler.”

"Why do you think she would help someone like this... someone she has only met once?"

"What's your answer?" Barbara threw the question back.

"I think she's using you as a shell, too."

"Use me as a shell...for what?"

"Experience... another kind of life." Han Yi rubbed his chin, "She wasted 62 years, and her youth will not be reversed in the next time, so she used her wealth and followed Barnier's theory. Rewrote your life story, and as a producer, experience this colorful, multi-layered sense of satisfaction. Am I right?"

"I don't know if you are right, because Madam has never told me the reason for doing this." Barbara curled up, hugged her knees with her left hand, and still held the phone tightly with her other hand, staring at Looking at the screen, he puffed up his cheeks.

"What's your guess?"

"Same as your idea. She is the producer of life, other people's lives. Producer, director, actor, trinity, her wealth has become meaningful and has life. She can use her wealth to Everywhere she could see it, in every person...it took root, multiplied, and was reborn."

"She integrated me... into her universe. And I happily accepted her invitation with great gratitude."

"Integrated into...her universe."

Han Yi narrowed his eyes slightly and chewed on Barbara's words.

Not long after, he smiled brightly at the Hungarian girl on the screen again.

"Thank you, Barbara."

"Thank me this time... for what reason?" Barbara wrinkled her nose and spoke in a lively voice.

"Help me figure out whether to buy this yacht or not."

"Oh, yeah, what's your decision?"

"I'd buy it."

Han Yi spoke firmly.

"And some...something else."

"I will use them as keys to unlock so many... lives I never imagined."

(End of this chapter)