I am a literary giant in Europe

Chapter 798 Katherine Tusca
Liu Jin stared intently at old Marco, a half-smile playing on his lips.

His smile looked a little eerie.

Old Marco felt a chill run down his spine.

"Okay, I admit I'm very interested in this local TV network."

However, Your Excellency Marco, we've known each other for so long, almost a year now.

So I won't waste any more words. Why? Lord Marco, why are you helping me? I want to know the reason.

As Liu Jin spoke, he lit a cigarette.

When it comes to cigars, those who truly love them are the ones who really like them.

Liu Jin also likes it, but most of the time, it's just for showing off.

Now, he no longer needs such external things to enhance his prestige; just sitting in front of Marco is already quite pretentious.

Old Marco smiled.

"Doctor, do you know the origin of the word 'Maffei'?"

Liu Jin shook his head and said, "I'm really not too sure about that."

"The original meaning of Mafia is 'Morto Alla Francia, Italia Anela', and Mafia is just an abbreviation of this slogan."

On Valentine's Day, March 30, 1282, a young woman named Sofia from Palermo was raped by a Frenchman on her wedding day, enraging the Italians and sparking the Sicilian Revolt. "We retaliated, attacking every Frenchman we saw." This is the origin of the famous slogan, though gradually, "mafia" became synonymous with the Mafia.

"so……"

"Therefore, the mafia was originally formed to oppose tyranny."

But now, whom are we opposing? What began as a secret society has evolved into a criminal organization struggling for survival… I don't object to calling the Mafia a criminal gang, but believe me, most Mafia members are simply in it for the money.”

"what do you mean……"

"If there's an opportunity, I mean, if there's another chance like last year, I hope you, Doctor, can take us along. Hehe, I know this is presumptuous, but who would choose to commit a crime when they can make money honestly?"

"But would the Italian government agree to combining so many local television stations into one network?"

"Their consent isn't needed. This is merely a matter between the three major regions of southern Italy and has nothing to do with the Italian government. If you're interested, believe me, the Marco family of Salerno, the Karamo family of Naples, and the Cassio family of Sicily would all be more than willing to contribute their efforts to you..."

Whether he was a member of the Mafia or not, Liu Jin didn't really care.

Whether they're FD (firearms trafficking) or smuggling weapons, as long as they're not in China, Liu Jin doesn't care.

He didn't even care that they called Italy the "sick man of Southern Europe."

Liu Jin needs some allies to establish himself in Europe.

The Mafia is great!
These people are no good.

Being unable to make a name for themselves means they can't cause any real trouble.

"I won't be taking any action in the short term."

But if a good opportunity arises, I can give you some shares.

Moreover, some investments are long-term investments, and the benefits will not be seen in the short term, so you need to have enough patience.

Do you have patience?

"If it's an investment, we certainly have plenty of patience."

"That's good. When I'm ready to take action, I'll inform you of the specific amount in advance, and someone will contact you then."

"Thank you very much, Doctor."

"I need to think about the TV network."

After all, this could involve a large investment and requires a professional team to handle it. I need to conduct an evaluation with my team.

"Of course, any investment requires careful evaluation."

……

To be honest, it's almost 2010.

The influence of television will gradually decline, while the influence of the internet will continue to grow.

For Liu Jin, there wasn't much profit to be made from setting up two television networks in France and Italy.

But it is very important to China.

It's practically impossible to obtain the national television network.

But local television networks...

Liu Jin was very tempted.

He originally planned to fly directly from Italy to China.

However, after this voyage, he changed his mind and returned to France from Italy.

He met Alexandre Magnon in Toulouse, and then sailed the Hugo out of Lions Bay and into the waters of the Balearic Islands.

This area is now Spanish waters.

Mela and the others rode jet skis or swam.

Meanwhile, Liu Jin and Secretary General Manion sat on the top deck of the yacht, basking in the sun and enjoying the sea breeze.

Liu Jin told Magnon about old Marco's suggestion.

After a long silence, the Secretary-General suddenly asked, "Amos, tell me honestly, do you have any connections with the Chinese government?"

Liu Jin handed Manion a Cohiba spear cigar that had been maintained for fifteen years.

"Whether I have any connection with the Chinese government or not, I believe that the intelligence agencies of various European countries are well aware of this."

"Running a television network is not easy."

To put it bluntly, it's a thankless task. The profit isn't even comparable to the royalties you'd earn from writing a book.

I really don't understand why you did this.

"I just feel that the Western world doesn't understand China at all."

It's almost 2010, yet many Europeans still believe that Chinese people wear long gowns and have pigtails... Even Western media consciously promote this view. They say that China is ignorant, uneducated, and barbaric, without history or civilization... I'm not afraid to admit it, but in fact, a thousand years ago, the Western world was viewed the same way by the Chinese.

With the development of technology, the future world will become a global village.

I just don't want future Chinese people to be misunderstood and discriminated against when they go abroad. There is no conflict between Eastern and Western cultures; it's only because of a lack of communication and proper guidance that various conflicts arise.

Are you right?

If it were anyone else, Liu Jin would never have been so open and honest.

However, he and Alexander had known each other for four or five years and had collaborated on some projects, so they knew each other very well.

That's why he dared to be so blunt.

Essentially, Alexander was a follower of Gaullism.

On the surface, he is right-wing, but he is not extreme, and he is not in the same camp as extreme right-wingers like Le Pen.

But France is also a country where the left wing is prevalent.

Magnon opposed America, but the whole of France was close to her.

This forced Manion to be very careful.

Manion said, "Actually, when you acquired La Cing last year, I guessed what you were thinking."

To put it simply, it's a good thing that Clay and the others helped you create an identity while keeping you out of the limelight...

The same is true in Italy.

I know you have some connections in Italy, but those connections will provide you with a certain level of support before you step into the limelight. However, once you do, those connections will become a noose around your neck.

"I know!"

"So, you want to acquire a local TV network? No problem, but you need to find a suitable spokesperson."

"A spokesperson like Mela?"

Liu Jin looked at Mela, who was swimming in the sea like a mermaid.

“No, in Italy, Mela isn’t at that level… You need a more representative spokesperson…”

"for example?"

“Monica Bellucci, Marco Müller.”

Liu Jin was silent!
After a moment, he said, "I will discuss this with Monica and Mark Müller."

"Furthermore, since you are planning to integrate a television network in Italy, you could also try to integrate a television network in France."

"May I?"

Manion smiled.

He thought for a moment and said, "Actually, there are also many small local television stations in France that are facing the same difficulties."

Local governments, however, are unwilling to provide subsidies and even hope to shed those burdens. I'll provide you with a list later, mainly focused on the southern French region. You can then integrate these television stations using Andorra's satellite signal. However, you'll need a capable team, Mela…”

Manion hesitated for a moment and said, "Mera's ability is not a problem, but her qualifications and age are not enough to handle this matter."

You need a spokesperson who can communicate with COFRAC and has strong connections within the French government.

Who do you think would be more suitable?

After a moment's thought, Manion said, "Catherine Tuscalo."

"Who?"

"Catherine Tascal was the French Minister of Culture from 2000 to 2002."

She was the one who spearheaded the Sino-French Year of Exchange. It was only after she was impeached that Jean-Jacques Ahicgon benefited from the situation.

Overall, Catherine is a left-wing representative who supports cultural diversity and has a favorable view of China.

She held differing views from her predecessor, Katherine Troutman. While Troutman insisted on cultural exceptions, Tuska agreed with President Chirac that "to address cultural globalization, we must promote cultural diversity. This diversity is based on the belief that every nation can have its own unique voice in the world, and that every nation can enrich humankind with its own beauty and truth." She further advocated for exchange and communication, which was a major reason for her impeachment.

However, despite being impeached and forced to step down, she remained a staunch supporter of President Chirac's views.

She also understands the operational procedures of various French departments and has a large following and supporters within the COFRAC organization.

Former French Minister of Culture?
Liu Jin smacked his lips and couldn't help but laugh.

Do you think I can invite her?

"Two years ago, you wouldn't have been qualified. But now..."

Now, are you qualified?

"Moreover, she is your senior, also a graduate of Toulouse II University, and has a very close relationship with Professor Michel."

"Ask Professor Michelle for help?"

“You can have Professor Michelle talk to her first.”

Wait until after the New Year to formally extend the invitation. If she agrees to meet you, then there's room for discussion. If she doesn't meet you…

"I understand. Then I'll look for someone else."

"Ok!"

Manion nodded and continued, "Also, you can try to get some information from Lagardère."

Mr. Lagardère and she have a good relationship... By the way, is your new book being published by Hachette?

"Yes!"

"Trust me, Lagardère will be more than willing to help you persuade her."

The new book that Manion mentioned is "Great Prospects," written by Liu Jin this year.

This book will be published and distributed by Orion Publishing, a subsidiary of the Hachette Publishing Group.

The reason it's named after Orion is because the publishing house is located in Great Britain, which is also where Great Expectations was first published.

Furthermore, Liu Jin signed a contract with Hachette Publishing Group for four books.

Besides Great Expectations, there are also David Copperfield, A Tale of Two Cities, and Oliver Twist.

Hachette paid £80 in signing fees for this.

……

(End of this chapter)