Actor: Thank you.

Why are you still busy?

Shortly after Zhang Yuan hung up the phone, the door opened, and Qianqian, her cheeks still flushed from the alcohol, came out rubbing her eyes and yawning while covering her mouth.

"As a young person, you're almost keeping the same schedule as an old person," Zhang Yuan joked.

"It's not that I go to bed late, it's that you go to bed early."

"Don't be stubborn and think you have a high alcohol tolerance; it's actually just average."

She narrowed her eyes and made a dissatisfied expression: "I'm happy."

I'm happy to be back at work.

What's even better is that the person she wanted was the one who helped her get back to work.

"I vaguely heard you making a phone call just now."

"Yes." Zhang Yuan initially wanted to gloss over it, but then thought that since the other party had asked, he should just be upfront.

After all, there was nothing shameful about what they were talking about.

"Fan Bingbing called me. We are collaborators, or partners."

"Huh?" Sisi didn't expect him to so openly give a woman's name.

However, the advantage is that, precisely because he does not contend, no one in the world can contend with him.

Xiaolongnu's advantage is that she doesn't treat others as enemies, so she doesn't have any "sworn enemies".

People like Fan Bingbing wouldn't actively cause her trouble, so there's no direct conflict of interest.

Moreover, by speaking openly and frankly, one is less likely to be suspected.

“Zhang Ziyi has run into some trouble; she suspects I did it,” Zhang Yuan recounted the contents of their previous conversation.

"This shows that you don't have a very good image in other people's eyes." After hearing this, Sisi smiled and tilted her head to look at him.

"So do you think I did it?"

"Hard to say."

Zhang Yuan: …

Too lazy to argue with her any longer, I pushed her to rest.

After lying in bed, Zhang Yuan couldn't fall asleep for a while.

When something is on your mind, you start thinking about it.

"You're not asleep either?" She turned to look at the person next to her, blinking her glasses as she looked at the ceiling.

“Since you’re not asleep, how about…” Zhang Yuan reached out his hand.

"Wait a minute." She raised her hand to stop her.

Did you not put your slippers away properly?

"What?"

Sisi got up, stepped over him to the other side of the bed, stretched out her body, and reached out to straighten the hotel slippers he had casually taken off before getting into bed.

Bring them together, align them, and keep them at a 90-degree right angle to the bed.

Then he turned over and lay down, a satisfied smile on his face, and fell asleep in no time.

Zhang Yuan: …

I hadn't realized it before, but it's a bit of an obsessive-compulsive disorder.

He probably kept quiet about it most of the time, only fixing his own shoes.

I drank too much today and my true nature was revealed.

It seems that my understanding of her is not as comprehensive as I thought.

Zhang Yuan affectionately tidied her long hair, then drifted off to sleep and lay down...

The next day, noon.

Zhang Yuan and his two partners from Wild Grass Company arranged to have dinner at a Southeast Asian restaurant in London.

He deliberately avoided Western food to show that he wouldn't let the other person have their way.

Mick, the white guy, is a typical middle-aged elite.

Deep-set eyes, thin lips, and a hooked nose.

Raising an eyebrow creates forehead wrinkles that could trap a fly.

A typical image of an "old gentleman" with English accent.

“I heard from Yang that you want to cooperate with us.” The old white man skillfully used chopsticks to eat Singapore fried rice.

“Yes, cooperation.” Zhang Yuan then used a Western-style knife to cut the roasted pork chop.

He also glanced at Yang Yuancao.

This person clearly had more... something like "confidence" today than yesterday.

Ha, you need foreigners to give you your confidence? Looks like you're not so great after all.

Zhang Yuan did not expose the other party.

"However, I've also heard that your methods of cooperation are somewhat aggressive and not very civilized," the tall, thin, white man said casually.

It's not just complaining; it's also a form of strategic maneuvering.

"We Britons have always believed that cooperation is based on mutual trust."

"Instead of threatening with violence."

Zhang Yuan: ? ? ?
What exactly was the Opium War?

Zhang Yuan didn't know where to begin complaining, "You're putting on this civilized act for me."

He paused for a moment, then spoke to Ms. Yang in Chinese.

“The Records of the Grand Historian, in the section on the Chu family among the thirty hereditary houses.”

"In the thirty-fifth year, Chu attacked Sui."

Sui said: I am innocent.

The Chu state said, "We are barbarians."

"Ms. Yang, could you translate the general meaning to your partner?" Zhang Yuan asked casually.

Yang Yuancao is going crazy.

How am I supposed to translate this?

Translate for me what "barbarians" means.

You fucking bastard, give me a fucking translation, what the fuck do you mean by barbarians!

The real barbarian is this white man sitting next to you.

It is the country we live in.

It is neither me nor my country.

What, you can't stand it when I treat you the way you white people treat the whole world?

Ms. Yang had no choice but to relay the information.

"Mr. Zhang means that in China, only people like him and his methods can get things done."

Zhang Yuan almost wanted to applaud this guy.

You're really good at translating!

Damn, she speaks very nicely.

Hearing her translation, Zhang Yuan felt more at ease.

Judging from his words and actions, it's clear that this person is interested in cooperation.

Then remix.

Then what do I have to be afraid of?

Zhang Yuan switched back to English and spoke directly to the white man.

“There is a tribal legend among the Native Americans.”

An old man told a child, "There are two wolves in everyone's heart."

This is also the origin of the werewolf concept in Twilight.

"A horse represents excellent qualities such as kindness, honesty, and integrity."

"The other horse represents vile qualities such as hypocrisy, cunning, and evil."

The child asked: Which horse is stronger?

The old man replied: "The one you're feeding."

In fact, many nations that white people consider backward, corrupt, and that must be transformed and conquered are far more "advanced" in spirit than they are.

True wisdom transcends time and race.

After hearing this, the white gentleman put down his chopsticks.

"So, which wolf is the most powerful in your heart?"

Zhang Yuan waved his hand and gave an unexpected answer.

"I don't agree with this story."

"In my heart, there is only one wolf."

"She is usually kind, upright, and optimistic."

"Only on the night of the full moon will he reveal his cruel, cunning, and evil side."

"Human nature cannot be rid of its animalistic side."

"And human nature should not be controlled by animalistic instincts."

As Liu Cixin said: If you lose your humanity, you lose a lot; if you lose your animality, you lose everything.

If you don't acknowledge my humanity, then I'll unleash my animalistic side.

"I am sincere about the cooperation outcome that Ms. Yang mentioned."

"I am also being sincere about the consequences of non-cooperation."

“It’s the same wolf talking to you.” Zhang Yuan stared intently into the white man’s eyes.

The other person's breathing tightened considerably.

It felt as if I was facing a real wolf.

Furthermore, wolves eat meat.

"Your attitude makes me very uncomfortable." The white gentleman put down his chopsticks completely.

"But when we share the profits together, your discomfort will disappear."

I'm not going to play attitude games with you.

You're not a pretty girl, why would I flatter you?

Britain is already in decline; this show is only somewhat interesting now, otherwise I wouldn't bother chatting with you guys.

“I think Mr. Zhang is expressing his efficient approach to things,” Ms. Yang said, acting as translator once again.

"Okay, I'll believe what you say for now." Seeing that he was at a disadvantage in terms of momentum, the foreigner started to talk about practical matters.

"But if we want to bring Britain's Got Talent to China, we will face many problems."

"Choosing partners." "Finding advertising sponsorships."

"Also, how should we divide the profits and work?"

“I will contact the partners,” Zhang Yuan replied without hesitation.

“I’ll find advertising sponsorship.”

"You are responsible for communication with ITV, as well as contractual and legal matters."

"I'll handle the relevant domestic matters."

"As for the profits, we'll split them 37/40."

"I'm 7, you're 3."

"Don't worry yet."

He anticipated the other party's dissatisfaction with the distribution of benefits and demanded more money, raising his hand as soon as possible.

"I will be responsible for paying the copyright fees in advance, and I will bear the financial burden if the project fails."

It's not enough to just be assertive; you also need to offer strong leverage.

After he said that, the two of them fell silent.

Whoever pays the money gets to decide.

The saying "whoever has money is the boss" applies to everyone.

After a moment of silence, the white gentleman spoke again.

"I'd like to ask where you plan to find sponsors."

Zhang Yuan replied confidently.

"Please allow me to introduce my other identity."

"Besides the actors and investors."

"I am also a shareholder of the British Brown GPF1 team."

"Now, I'm heading to Abu Dhabi for the final race of the year."

"If you two are interested, you can go together."

……

Shortly afterward, the flight took off from London and flew directly to Abu Dhabi.

Taking advantage of his last chance, Zhang Yuan used his private jet to make another big splash.

No matter how assertive he had been before, after seeing the private jet, the two men, one in white and one in yellow, believed him a little more.

The world remains the same, both domestically and internationally; people only recognize clothes, not people.

What matters is not whether you are rich or capable, but whether others perceive you as rich and capable.

They were picked up directly from the parking lot and taken to the rest area by the team's staff.

Zhang Yuan asked his bodyguard to take care of Qianqian and also told the team staff to take her to watch the race.

He then led his two partners to visit the team's senior management to prove his identity.

“Mr. Richard, we meet again.” Zhang Yuan found Richard Branson, the owner of Virgin Group.

The golden retriever greeted him rudely when it saw him.

The plane belongs to him.

Today is the final match, and as a so-called sponsor, he'll definitely come to celebrate and show off.

In fact, the team had already secured both the driver's and team championships one race earlier thanks to their points advantage, so the last race was just a formality.

The blond guy feels uncomfortable whenever he sees someone who has won a bet against him.

"Mr. Richard, thank you for the excellent air travel experience I had."

This guy was even more upset; you brat, you dared to show off in front of me...

"However, you will be able to fly back on your own plane tomorrow."

Zhang Yuan made a special trip, one of his purposes being to return the plane to the other party.

After completing his trip to Africa, all his plans for use will be fulfilled.

It can't be used anymore. In just over six months, he has already spent nearly ten million on various fuel costs, downtime fees, and wear and tear!

Pretending to be rich is effective, but it comes at a price.

Upon hearing that he wanted to pay back the money early, Richard Branson's expression immediately changed, and he started chatting with him, putting his arm around his shoulder.

Still pretending.

"Actually, you don't need to return it to me in advance. I don't need one or two more."

"We are friends."

"Then I'll use it for another six months?"

Richard Branson: ...

After being silenced by Zhang Yuan's words, the older brother touched his nose and changed the subject.

They started talking about what they had said when they last met.

This person "lost" the plane in a bet.

Of course you can default on your debt.

It's a tradition for white people to default on their debts.

But why didn't he renege on his promise?
Because there is a need for oneself.

It's the same old story: he wants to buy Zhang Yuan's shares in the racing team.

They offered a high price of £2500 million.

In less than a year, it more than doubled in value. Theoretically speaking, this deal is very worthwhile.

Although Brawn GP is already a championship team, it is a miracle in the history of the sport.

However, its value growth is not significant.

The valuation of a racing team is basically the total amount of fixed assets such as the team's factory and negative assets such as bank loans.

It's just over 100 million pounds.

Zhang Yuan holds 15%, which is theoretically worth about £2000 million, but the other party has already paid a premium.

But he made it clear that he wouldn't sell!
I'm not a fool.

Why did the team call him over?

Why Richard Branson paid a premium for his shares.

Because Mercedes-Benz has decided to acquire the team!
Furthermore, although secrecy is strictly enforced.

However, as a long-time partner, Brawn Racing team manager Ross Brawn had already made an agreement with racing legend Michael Schumacher.

The other driver will return next season and become a full-time driver for the Mercedes team.

Once this news breaks, it won't just cause the team's valuation to skyrocket.

The stock of Daimler Group, the company behind Mercedes-Benz, hit its daily limit.

Mercedes-Benz made back the money it spent on the fleet in the stock market in no time, and became several times richer.

It was also because of the addition of the racing legend that the Mercedes team immediately became one of the top teams in the racing world.

Second only to the Ferrari team.

Should I sell it now?

I'm stupid!
Mercedes-Benz immediately tripled or quadrupled its value upon acquisition, far exceeding your meager premium.

Besides, I still have a use for these shares!

I joked around with the golden retriever and then made an excuse to slip away.

Talk to Brown.

The other party mentioned something he already knew: the Mercedes acquisition agreement.

The other party will buy 60% of the 85% of his shares.

Brown himself will retain 25% and will participate in team operations, continuing as manager.

Mercedes-Benz intends to buy Zhang Yuan's shares, offering a price similar to that offered by Richard Branson.

"Not for sale," Zhang Yuan replied in return.

"I want to be involved in this sport long-term."

"Because the returns are quite substantial."

“But Mercedes might not be willing.” Brown spread his hands.

He didn't tell Zhang Yuan about Schumacher's impending joining, clearly indicating his support for Mercedes.

But Zhang Yuan would immediately make him stand on his side.

"As long as you agree."

"As you know, I don't have much time to be involved in team management."

"Whether the team is called Brawn GP or Mercedes."

"Therefore, someone needs to help me exercise my right to speak and at the same time protect my interests."

“I think,” Zhang Yuan put his hand on the other person’s shoulder, “you are the most suitable candidate.”

He plans to hand over his voting rights and other shareholder rights to the other party on a one-year contract.

As long as you give me a share of the profits, I'll be a hands-off boss.

This would demonstrate that he had no intention of participating in the team's decision-making, putting Mercedes at ease.

This would also allow Brown to help him gain some benefits.

The tall, fat man, Brown, thought for a moment.

With her remaining 25 and his 15, she would have 40% of the voting rights.

This will greatly enhance his influence in the new team.

This deal is a sure thing!

Everyone has to think about themselves; a new emperor brings a new court.

Even if a manager doesn't have shares and a say, he's nothing more than a puppet of the board of directors.

But Brown, a veteran who has been in the game for many years, is not one to be trifled with.

He immediately asked the most important question.

"Then, Zhang."

"Tell me, what do you want?"

Seeing that the conversation had reached this point, Zhang Yuan smiled and spoke up.

“My previous rights with the Brawn team will be inherited.”

"Especially the use of vehicle body advertising space."

“Again.” Zhang Yuan glanced at the British duo who were actually socializing outside the window.

"I'll be hosting a program in China soon, and I need some sponsors!" (End of Chapter)