money player

After the borscht was served, Xian Yaowen took a look and found that the soup was orange-red instead of the dark red it should have been. He stirred it with a spoon but did not find the beetroot that should have been there. The soul of borscht is beetroot. Borscht without beetroot is like Yangzhou fried rice without rice.

I dug deeper, but didn't find any brisket or oxtail. I only found pork and what looked like canned beef. I took a spoonful and tasted it. I didn't taste any lemon juice or sour cream. I only tasted ketchup and milk powder mixed with white vinegar.

Well, this is Taipei borscht, which has little to do with authentic borscht.

Analyzing point by point, no one in Taiwan ate beetroot before, so naturally no farmers grew it. Moreover, beetroot is cold-resistant but not heat-resistant, and Taiwan's climate is not suitable for growing it. If you want to grow it, you should choose a high-altitude area like Alishan.

The "Taiwan Province Regulations on the Protection of Farming Cattle" promulgated in 1949 stipulates that healthy buffaloes and cattle shall not be slaughtered unless they are old, disabled or unable to work. Slaughtering must be approved by the township office and veterinary inspection.

Other snack stands can use some tricks to get beef, but celebrity coffee shops are well-known and will be easily ordered if they do so.

The situation with lemons is similar to that with beets.

Taiwan has very few dairy cows and no dairy industry to speak of, so sour cream is impossible.

Among the side dishes, only sour cream is a little complicated, the others are relatively easy. Sour cream requires the introduction of a batch of dairy cows in the name of the American advisory group and the establishment of a dairy farm.

Although Lafayette is positioned as a French restaurant, it would not be out of place if it had an authentic borscht. Lafayette will try its best to satisfy any Western food that diners want. After all, the main purpose of founding Lafayette was not to make money, but to establish connections in Taiwan.

He was thinking about something, but he did not ignore Yang Jingyi. He gave the borscht zero points, but Yang Jingyi put one spoonful after another into her mouth.

"Is it tasty?"

"good to eat."

"Eat slowly, there's still the main course."

Xian Yaowen picked up the wine glass and took a sip of the Cuba Libre he ordered. He immediately smelled a strange smell, which tasted like rice wine, Coca-Cola, and orange juice. Well, it was another Taiwanese modified version, and he was made a fool of himself.

Nothing on the menu of the Star Cafe is cheap. Their meal costs nearly NT$200. Looking at the occupancy rate of nearly 70%, he has expectations for Lafayette's profitability.

His psychological expectations had already reached the bottom. After the main course was served, he was too lazy to complain. He just ate whatever he wanted according to Yang Jingyi's good appetite, looking around with his ears perked up to distinguish the origins of other diners.

You know what, there is quite a bit of Shanghai accent.

Normally, if you would spend a lot of money to eat such a mediocre Russian food at this time, you must have been a frequent customer of Russian restaurants in Shanghai. You have seen the world and know what Russian food is like. You are willing to spend more money to eat inauthentic Russian food, probably because being able to eat such Russian food at the moment has satisfied your psychological expectations.

Taiwan's current situation has prompted diners to lower their psychological expectations, which is good news. When Lafayette restores their original psychological expectations, it can easily beat its competitors.

Spending the same/less money, eating authentic Western food, diners will naturally know how to choose.

When Yang Jingyi finished the main course, Xian Yaowen moved his plate aside, picked up a napkin and wiped his lips, moving slowly so that Yang Jingyi could see clearly and know what she should do.

Sure enough, Yang Jingyi followed suit and also picked up the napkin to wipe her lips.

After ordering some ice cream and watching Yang Jingyi eat it with a spoon, Xian Yaowen said softly, "Is there any problem you can't solve?"

Hearing this, Yang Jingyi's hand stopped in mid-air. After struggling for a while, she lowered her head and said, "My mother works as a servant in someone else's house. She has severe asthma and can flare up at any time. Once she flares up, the owner will dislike her and drive her away. Then my mother and I will have no place to live."

"Are you and your aunt the only ones at home?"

"Ah."

“Are asthma medicines expensive?”

"It's very expensive and we can't afford it. Mom usually only drinks Xiaoqinglong Decoction. She only goes to the clinic to get aminophylline when the condition is serious. We always have to buy on credit. Doctor Li is very nice and will give us credit."

"People with asthma cannot be too tired. I can recommend my aunt to help out at a hotel. She can usually work at the front desk and clean the rooms after guests check out. Just take your time and it won't be too tiring.

Asthma cannot be cured for now, it can only be controlled and treated. I will help my aunt find a good doctor to see her."

Under Yang Jingyi's grateful gaze, Xian Yaowen raised two fingers, "The illness and work have been solved, the only thing left is housing. Auntie can stay in a hotel, but it's not convenient for you. Tomorrow I will have someone look for a house, and if I find a suitable one I will buy it for you and auntie to live in. You don't have to pay rent, and you can stay as long as you want."

Yang Jingyi's lips trembled a few times, and she uttered, "You are so nice."

Xian Yaowen chuckled, "Don't be too happy too soon. Your problem hasn't been solved yet. You should think about how to explain it to your aunt."

Yang Jingyi shook her head. "No need to explain. Mom will be very happy."

Xian Yaowen understood immediately that the poorer the family, the more likely the parents would have a strong utilitarian attitude towards their children, attach great importance to their children's feedback, have little love for their children, and regard having children as a venture capital.

Perhaps Yang Jingyi's mother often whispered in her ear, "Grow up quickly, and marry into a good family when you grow up, so that your mother won't have to work so hard," and so on.

"Okay, you handle this matter yourself. I won't interfere." Xian Yaowen glanced at his watch. "The day after tomorrow is Sunday. Will there be school?"

"Closed."

"Would you like to go on an outing with me?"

"Outing?" Yang Jingyi became interested. "What to do?"

"Enjoy the flowers, the scenery, go fishing, have a picnic, bring a camera to take pictures, go early in the morning, come back in the afternoon, and watch a movie after dinner."

"Can I call my classmates?"

"Of course, but don't order too many, or there won't be enough room in the car."

Yang Jingyi raised her index finger and said, "I only call one."

Xian Yaowen pointed at the ice cream and said, "It's about to melt. Eat while you talk."

"Well, you eat too." Yang Jingyi picked up the spoon and took two bites, then said, "What are you going to do tomorrow?"

"Work, socializing. Can you ride a bicycle?"

"No."

"Do you usually walk to and from school?"

"Yes."

"Would you like to own one?"

"I do, but... you've already given me so much."

"It doesn't matter."

After eating the ice cream, the two walked out of the Star Cafe, got into the car and set off to take Yang Jingyi home.

Yang Jingyi played with Xian Yaowen's hand like a toy for a while, then clasped her index fingers together, leaned her head on his shoulder, and hummed softly, "There in one secret rendezvous, a perfect paradise for two. Where scented flowers cast the spell, we know but only too well that we found a love so pure and true."

"The English version of "Tuberose"?"

"Yes."

"Where did you learn it?"

"Night Jasmine" is very popular in Taiwan, but the version that can be released publicly has the lyrics changed to be positive or politically correct in line with official requirements. Other songs have similar experiences. Debauched music is absolutely prohibited. If Teresa Teng was born in this era, she would never be able to finish writing a letter of repentance.

"The lady who ran the house where my mother worked often played records of this song, and I memorized it after listening to it so many times."

“I haven’t heard the English version before.”

"It seems to have come from Southeast Asia."

"The lyrics are quite good. Yamaguchi Yoshiko should release an English version."

"Who is Yamaguchi Yoshiko?"

"Li Xianglan's real name."

"Do you know Li Xianglan?" Yang Jingyi asked, looking up.

"Very familiar."

"How do you know her?"

“We work together.”

"Working together?"

"Well, she's in my film and television company."

Yang Jingyi stood up and asked, "Are you making a movie?"

Xian Yaowen shook his head, "I just invested money. Making a movie is the job of the director and actors."

“You know a lot of movie stars?”

"I know some."

"That's great." Yang Jingyi said with a longing look on her face: "Can you tell me how movie stars live?"

"You're asking a big question. I'm not following movie stars all the time, so how would I know how they live?" Xian Yaowen chuckled.

"I mean who they really are."

"Everyone's opinion will be different. You shouldn't listen to me, but see with your own eyes."

"I don't have access to movie stars."

"There will be a chance in a few days."

In the YMCA elevator.

"First, bow to the heavens for purity and the earth for holiness. Second, bow to the fragrance and sincerity. Third, bow to the Virgin Mary for her wisdom and wisdom. The world will be peaceful and everything will be accomplished. Mazu Goddess saves all living beings. The Virgin Mary in heaven shows her true spirit. God comes to show mercy to the world, to help people in danger and to restore peace.

Mazu has taken pains to reincarnate as a living being, bringing peace to fishing boats and a peaceful sea, and happiness to every family. Mazu has come down to earth and has been chosen by the gods to incarnate in the human world. If you sincerely worship her, she will bring you light, and all you pray for will come true.

Cen Peipei hummed a song, looked at the elevator door, and waited to reach the fifth floor.

With a ding, the singing stopped abruptly and her face changed from cheerful to solemn.

The gate opened, and Li Mei, who was waiting outside the elevator, stepped forward immediately, "Mrs. Xian, everyone is waiting for you in the conference room."

"Miss Li, I'm sorry to bother you waiting here."

"Of course, Madam Xian, this way please."

Following Li Mei into the office, Cen Peipei looked around curiously.

This was her first time in the Friendship Company's office, and she didn't know anyone except Li Mei.

It was already evening, but there were still quite a few people in the office. Judging from their attire, they didn't look like office workers but more like film and television staff from Friendship Pictures.

"Ms. Li, isn't it a bit crowded to have more than ten companies in one office?"

“Fortunately, Friendship Real Estate and Friendship Property are mainly employed here. Most of Friendship Pictures’ subsidiaries have offices outside, and only the staff of the parent company are here.

Last time I heard Mr. Xian say that in a few months Friendship Real Estate will move to King's Road, Friendship Property will move to Tsim Sha Tsui, and this office will be left for Friendship Pictures to use. "

Cen Peipei nodded and looked at Zimei and others who had just come out of a small office. They were all dressed so seductively, they must be from Friendship Property.

Li Mei happened to notice it and introduced, "The one walking in front is the sales director of Friendship Property, and the ones next to him are sales ladies. I heard that they represented several buildings a few days ago, and they sold out in less than a day. New customers have come to them on their own."

“Sharp.”

Tseng Pei-pei simply praised and did not make any further comments.

She had heard from Xian Yaowen about what was going on with Friendship Properties, and it would be best for her to pretend she knew nothing.

Zimei also saw Cen Peipei. Although they had never met formally, she had seen reports and photos of Cen Peipei in the newspapers in the past few days and recognized her at a glance.

She didn't come up to say hello, but just nodded from a distance.

Cen Peipei nodded in return and then followed her into the meeting room. When the participants saw her, they all stood up.

She nodded to everyone and said, "I'm sorry to have kept you waiting for so long."

Li Mei walked to the main seat and sat down. "Everyone is here, let's start the meeting. Zhang Ailing, pass out the scripts to everyone."

Just a few days ago, Friendship Pictures transferred the personnel relations of the company's screenwriters to the Screenwriters Agency. There is no subordinate relationship between the agency and Friendship Pictures. Xian Yaowen and Michelle each hold 30% of the shares, and the remaining 40% of the shares belong to the Screenwriters Association.

The Writers Association is still an organization in name only and currently has no members. At the end of this year, the agency will assess the screenwriters' annual output. Screenwriters who are rated as outstanding will join the Writers Association and enjoy dividends from the agency.

Simply put, Xian Yaowen is preparing to set industry standards for the Hong Kong screenwriting industry. The Screenwriters Association will stand on the stage to push up the income of screenwriters and become an industry association that seems independent but is pro-friendly to the film industry.

At present, Friendship Pictures is Party A and the Screenwriters Agency is Party B. Party A cannot order Party B to do anything, but can claim compensation from Party B according to the contract.

In other words, Friendship Pictures has gotten rid of the salary and management costs of screenwriters and enjoys better services from screenwriters by spending money on script procurement costs.

From the perspective of socialist economics, the screenwriters of Party B Screenwriters Agency have since been freed from "pseudo-equivalent exchange" and no longer have to endure the false performance-based salary system of "more work, more pay". The actual surplus value they create is no longer exploited by capitalists, but is injected into the Screenwriters Association, and the ownership of screenwriters in Hong Kong is implemented.

In theory, any Hong Kong person who claims to be a screenwriter will own a certain share in the Screenwriters Association.

Of course, this is only in theory. In reality, only the screenwriters who are included in the list can enjoy dividends. The surplus value created by the screenwriters is allocated by the screenwriter representatives elected by screenwriters from all over Hong Kong by region, and the chairman of the Writers Association, Sin Yiu-man, and the vice chairman, Michel, who have 100% voting support.

In this way, after the Screenwriters Agency received the script writing fees and box office dividends paid by Friendship Pictures, Xian Yaowen and Michelle first took the dividends according to their share of shares, and then the screenwriters who were enrolled in the program received dividends. The remaining part, 80%, was invested in project expenses for the benefit of screenwriters across Hong Kong, and 20% was used to pay the salaries of screenwriters who were not enrolled in the agency.

Translated into human language, it means that Xian Yaowen intends to use "other people's money" to set industry standards for Hong Kong screenwriters, and "other people's money" does not require "other people" to take money out of their own pockets. The source of the money comes from the box office profit-sharing system he formulated, which takes money from the audience's pockets and redistributes it to "others."

In the short term, screenwriters will only feel that their income is increasing, and Xian Yaowen will become a hero in the eyes of screenwriters. As for the long term, who cares? He should have left and left the trouble to those who come after him.

If the later generations can do well, it is because Xian Yaowen started well. If the later generations can't do well, the screenwriters will start to complain after drinking, thinking back to the era of Chairman Xian...

There is no need to say much about the importance of the script to a film. Raising the income and status of screenwriters can have a positive impact on the overall film and television environment in Hong Kong. Only when the overall environment is good can the takeoverr of Friendship Pictures dare to have the highest expectations for the future of Friendship Pictures. Only in this way can Friendship Pictures be sold at the highest price.

The introverted side of Zhang Ailing's personality is very obvious. She hates hypocrisy in social situations. She hates to attend such project discussions, but she also has a pragmatic pursuit of money. She has never suffered from the lack of money, and does not know the disadvantages of money. She only knows the advantages of money. Her lifestyle needs money to support it.

Even though she hated it, she still came because she knew that "Lin Mo" was a very rare project. The producer was Li Mei, the lead actress was the boss's wife, and the other personnel would be the best people in the company who would become the screenwriters of this project. She would gain both fame and fortune.

Although she felt a little awkward, after three nights of fun, the man disappeared, but his women would often appear in her sight. Her self-esteem did not allow her to compromise in a broken relationship, but the man did not let her compromise. He understood human nature too well, was frank, and did not pretend, and he did the best job of pretending.

While distributing scripts, her eyes repeatedly swept across Cen Peipei's face. It was really strange. This woman was like the female version of that man, more sharp. But it also showed that this woman was not sophisticated enough and had not reached the man's state of returning to nature.

Among the skills that Cen Peipei learned from Xian Yaowen, keeping an eye on all directions is the one she mastered best. American metropolises have a complex racial structure, but in the counties, cities and towns below, the racial structure is often very homogeneous. There are too many towns and cities that clearly do not like blacks, let alone yellow people.

While working at Winlovet, she traveled between towns in the north and south, passing through too many places that did not welcome her. If she had not had a pair of bright eyes, she might have been dumped in some unknown woods.

The reason why she was chosen by Sears was not unrelated to her skin color. An outsider of yellow race was able to achieve impressive results in developing markets in towns, which shows how capable she was.

She was keenly aware of Zhang Ailing's glances at her, but she pretended not to know and did not show any abnormality. She just opened the script and read it carefully.

She is very busy and doesn't have much time to film, but she is the soul of the whole show. Her performance will directly affect the progress of the project. The faster she gets into the state, the faster she can get out of it.

After spending some time reading the script, she found that Lin Mo's role should not be difficult to act. The mortal stage was not long, and the main part was the story after he became a fairy. As a fairy, she just needed to act with dignity, and the expressions did not need to be too rich. In this way, she did not need to spend too much time learning acting.

"Zhang Ailing, please explain to everyone your creative ideas."

Zhang Ailing took a cigarette from the Craven A cigarette box on the table, lit it, and took a slow puff. "My idea is this..."

Hong Kong Island.

Cheryl is still working overtime because of the penicillin swap.

The replaced penicillin has been tested on mice, dogs and cows, and without exception, all of them died within a short period of time.

An extraordinary shareholders' meeting was held in the afternoon, and Cheryl informed the shareholders of the matter. The shareholders were indignant that someone was trying to cut off their financial resources, and they unanimously decided to severely punish the traitor and retaliate against the culprit.

What Xian Yaowen said about "rather kill by mistake" was for outsiders. For his own people, even if there was no ironclad evidence, there must at least be certain evidence to support the suspicion. Basically, everyone on the ship that was swapped was a suspect, except for the person who knew the secret code.

The case is still under investigation and no specific suspect has been identified yet.

Cheryl was holding the information of the relevant personnel in her hand, and was struggling with whether to take a shortcut to speed up the investigation, that is, to screen out several people who were relatively suspicious and perform a large-scale memory recovery technique.

This improves efficiency, but the disadvantages are also obvious. In order to maintain the reputation of the business and stabilize people's hearts, the entire ship's crew must be abandoned, which is a bit costly.

After struggling for a long time, she decided to take it slow. After all, internal stability is far more important than revenge on the enemy.

Paris.

Sun Shucheng met the chef in his own cafe. He was not a famous chef in France, but a disciple who was learning from a famous chef and had not yet set up his own business.

For example, Paul Bocuse, a disciple of Fernand Pouin, has mastered the cooking skills, but has not yet proven himself, so no restaurant dares to hire him as executive chef.

This is not a problem for Lafayette. Paris is far away from Taipei. When you are away from home, you give yourself an identity. As long as your skills are good enough, you can make up your background information and honors.

new York.

After finishing his morning exercise, Quan Xu was sitting on the sofa, eating breakfast and watching TV. Occasionally he would glance at the watch on the coffee table. In the morning he had an appointment with a restaurant manager to discuss recruiting people to Taipei. The place was a bit far away, so he had to control the time of leaving.

French chefs and American managers are the management team of Lafayette. In addition, two or three American waiters will be hired, and these tasks will be handled by Sun Shucheng and Quan Xu.

As for Xian Yaowen, after eating the ice cream, he sent Yang Jingyi back to her residence. Nothing ambiguous happened on the way. The two of them were still holding hands, and it was Yang Jingyi who took the initiative.

To put it bluntly, Xian Yaowen wanted to make up for the loss before they had sex with Yang Jingyi. He was not in a hurry for the relationship to progress rapidly, and he didn't even care if there was no story afterwards.

When I got home, Fei Baoshu was not there. It was still early and I couldn't even finish four rounds, let alone the more likely eight rounds.

He went into the study to read, continuing to understand Taiwan's landscape from the lines. Two hours passed unknowingly, and Fei Baoshu stood beside the desk holding a bowl of soup.

"What soup? Are you trying to trick me with leftovers again?"

"Lily, lotus seeds and snow pear soup." Fei Baoshu put the soup bowl on the desk. "There are no snow pears in Taipei, so we used Hengshan pears."

"Are Yokoyama pears ripe this month?"

"It's from last year, and I've used some traditional methods to preserve it until now." Fei Baoshu sat on Xian Yaowen's lap and said, "Master, what are you looking at?" (End of this chapter)