I am a literary giant in Europe

Chapter 808 I'm Not Clean Anymore o(╥﹏╥)o
The conversation with Zhou Shouzi lasted for two hours.

Two hours later, Chloe appeared at Rohmer's restaurant and handed a contract to Zhou Shouzi.

He signed his name without hesitation, signifying that GST had a new operator after Joann's retirement.

The two smiled and clasped hands tightly.

……

Zhou Shouzi's studies are not yet complete; he will need to continue his studies at Harvard for another three months before he can obtain his master's degree.

However, Liu Jin didn't care about that.

He contacted Joan P. and then arranged for Zhou Shouzi and his wife to travel to London to meet with Joan P.

Joan P. will give him some pre-prepared materials, and then let Zhou Shouzi familiarize himself with GST's operations over the next three months. Three months later, Zhou Shouzi will travel from America to London to officially take over GST.

Over the next six months, Joann will gradually guide him to become familiar with GST's business.

At the end of 2011, GST will be completely handed over to Zhou Shouzi, and he will become a shareholder. From then on, he and his girlfriend, who is 24 years younger than him, will live a happy retirement life.

"I want to write, to write a novel that is more popular than Amos's works."

Liu Jin simply smiled at this.

After signing the contract with Zhou Shouzi, Liu Jin felt relieved.

Next, he will focus all his efforts on integrating the two local television networks in France and Italy.

Ratings are important!

Because La cinq's business focus was limited to the education sector by COFRAC from the beginning, many projects could not be carried out.

In other words, La Cinq was destined to dance in shackles from the very beginning.

This is by no means good news for most television station operators.

Berlusconi's collaboration with Robert Elsan back then was definitely a losing proposition.

You could even say he was tricked by Robert.

In order to expand his influence, he invested in this television station and provided the Elsang family with many favorable conditions. Indeed, the Elsang newspaper group performed very well in Italy during those years.

But Berlusconi did not achieve his goal.

Italy and France share the same origin.

However, there are also huge differences and grudges between them.

How could France allow Berlusconi to take advantage of them?

After Robert's death, Elsan was sanctioned by antitrust laws and began to scale back.

Starting in 96, the investment decreased.

After 2000, there was almost no further investment.

It can be said that from 00 to 08, it was entirely Berlusconi who carried the team.

Before 08, he spent money like water and naturally wouldn't care about the small amount he invested in La Cinq.

But starting in 07, his assets began to shrink, and even after he became Prime Minister of Italy again, he could not change the fact that his wealth had shrunk.

This is also why he approached Liu Jin in the first place, eager to get rid of La Cinq.

Therefore, when Liu Jin was running La Cinq, he could only focus on the word "education".

Whether it's music, animation, or variety shows, they all need to be linked to the word 'education,' which is a real headache.

La Cing's current programming will be cut by more than half.

At the beginning of the year, Mela reached a cooperation agreement with CCTV and purchased the copyright of "Zheng He's Voyages to the West".

From the French perspective, this is a historical animated film used to popularize history; it is not divorced from 'education'.

However, it won't be available until the second half of the year.

Because it involves translation and voice-over work, La Cinq's workload is considerable.

At the same time, although Ambrosio had officially joined the television station, she did not immediately appear on screen as an anchor.

You want her to be the host of that show?
Based on La Cinq's previous shows, none of them were suitable for Ambrosio.

Liu Jin has to design a new program for Ambrosio, which also revolves around the word 'education', and that's really annoying.

Fortunately, Liu Jin already had a plan in mind.

He plans to compile a list of world-renowned authors.

Then, interviews were conducted according to the names on the list, starting with their hometowns, their upbringing, their creative work, and the stories they wrote... Each writer was then paired with a scholar to provide commentary...

Ambrosio will act as the host, connecting the entire program.

Liu Jin wants to mold Ambrosio into an intellectual news anchor.

In Europe and America, people don't really like celebrity variety shows like Running Man.

They like talk shows and talk programs...

Of course, this presents a huge challenge for the host.

You must have strong adaptability, a wealth of knowledge, and know what topics the audience likes.

You can't say that this kind of program has no educational value.

As for the name of the program, Liu Jin hasn't decided yet. He's in Paris this time to discuss it with everyone and finalize the name.

In addition to this program, Liu Jin also plans to invite Bear Grylls and Ed Stafford to make a documentary about wilderness survival.

It teaches people how to survive in difficult situations.

By 10, Bear Grylls had already gained global fame.

He debuted on the Discovery Channel in 06 with "Man vs. Wild".

only……

"After completing the 'Man vs. Wild China Special' last year, he said he wanted to take a two-year break."

I'm not sure if he'll accept our invitation.

In the conference room at La Cinq, Lala raised a question.

"Also, who is Master De?"

Ed Stafford, an outstanding wilderness survival expert.

His situation is quite different from Bear Grylls'; they represent two different survival modes, which I believe can complement each other.

Let Bear Grylls do one season first, then use his influence to promote Ed, so we can have two survival shows. As for Bear Grylls needing a break… how much was he paid before? I can double that and get him back.

Taking a break is just an excuse.

The main problem is not enough money! If he had enough money, he wouldn't need to rest anymore!

Liu Jin did not think it would be too difficult.

The people in the conference room also realized what was happening at that moment.

Their boss is no longer the stingy Italian he used to be, but a multi-billionaire whom the French consider one of their own. What kind of show he wants to make, and how much he'll invest? Perhaps that's not so important.

"So what kind of show should we have Bell do?"

AA is now also a TV station employee, so she raised the question.

"Still wilderness survival?"

"Survival in the wild started in 06, and it has been four years now."

Not to mention that since 2007, Channel 4 has produced eight series of "Born to Survive," a type of program that viewers are already tired of. I don't think continuing to do wilderness survival shows will be effective.

"Mera, what do you think?"

"Lala is right. If we adopt the wilderness survival model, it must be innovative, otherwise it will be difficult to generate an effect."

What is Melissa doing right now?

Liu Jin suddenly spoke.

AA's gaze towards him immediately changed.

She knew perfectly well that Melissa was one of Liu Jin's rumored girlfriends.

Mentioning Melissa in this setting...

Chloe noticed the change in AA's expression and couldn't help but laugh.

However, she still decided to help Liu Jin out of the predicament.

"Her current situation isn't too good... The Forbidden Zone has started to decline, mainly because America bought the copyright to the Forbidden Zone and made it more sophisticated and exciting. She's currently a news anchor for TF1, but I heard that she's interested in developing her career online... It's most likely because of your 'Music by the Fireplace' show, which made her realize that online variety shows also have great potential. But I'm not entirely sure what specific projects she'll be working on."

"Is it possible to get her to come?"

Chloe looked at Mela.

Mela laughed and said, "She is now a member of TF1's staff."

But I can talk to Sean about it; he should approve it.

Here is a note: Mela and Chloe's brother is named Sean.

However, one of them is the former police chief of Toulouse, who is now preparing to run for a seat as a member of parliament in the Haut-Garonne department of the Southern France-Pyrénées region in 12.

He is Chloe's brother!

The other Sean is Mela's brother.

The former president of M6 television station, now the current president of TF1.

In the original timeline, with the decline of the French version of the taboo genre, Melissa switched to YouTube. After countless failed attempts, she finally gained fame for skirting the line, even causing a scandal. This led to a continued decline in her influence in France.

In this timeline, because of Liu Jin, Melissa has always been Sean's confidante.

The penalty area also emerged out of nowhere, and because it adopted some features of the America version of the penalty area, it became popular for six years.

Ultimately, however, it was replaced by America's version of "Forbidden Zone" due to insufficient production funds.

But Melissa did not immediately switch to YouTube.

Instead, she followed Sean to TF1, replacing Xia Shaer and becoming TF1's top anchor.

At the same time, he also made a considerable profit from transferring the copyright of "Forbidden Zone".

In 06, Liu Jin established the GST Investment Fund, and Melissa invested two million euros.

Now, she is a wealthy woman with assets of over 100 million yuan, so she is not in a hurry to open up new avenues.

"New ideas will definitely need to be added."

I have an idea: what do you think about adding celebrities to survival shows?
Find some resilient and famous celebrities, with Bear Grylls as the main character and Melissa as the supporting character, to conduct survival training around the world... By the way, don't use any scripts, make it real, make those celebrities cry their eyes out, and show their most authentic side.

How about calling it "Bell's Survival Classroom"?

AA was overjoyed!

Melissa suffers, then I have no objection.

The others also showed expressions of excitement.

"Also, I bought the Discovery Channel's 'Man vs. Wild China Special' to generate buzz."

"No problem. I heard that their special episode didn't get high ratings, so I guess the price will be very cheap."

Since taking over La Cinq last year, Mela has shifted her focus to the operation of the television station.

They have a very good understanding of all aspects.

“Let’s do it this way then. Look, we now have two major sustainable filming projects.”

Liu Jin couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

"Bear's Survival Classroom" is a program that Bear Grylls and the Discovery Channel filmed in late 11, featuring two British stars.

There was also a special episode about his trip to China, which featured Yao Ming and other Chinese celebrities.

However, those celebrities...

To be honest, it's not that Liu Jin looks down on Chinese celebrities.

These celebrities have been spoiled by capital; they're all incredibly pampered.

Moreover, she will become increasingly spoiled in the future.

Four words: effeminate!

In Europe and America, professional ethics are indeed better.

They pay well and are very hardworking... There's absolutely no chance of them crying and acting like they're going to die just because they cut their finger.

"Mera, contact Little Days Animation Company and inquire about an anime called 'Cooking Master Boy'. Try to buy out the European broadcasting rights."

"Xiao Rizi's works?"

"what happened?"

"I remember you and Xiao Rizi didn't seem to get along very well."

"Business is business, and personal grudges are personal grudges!"

Do you think I want to buy Japanese animation?
It's all because CEIBS is too bad!
I want to help, but I can't find any good projects.

Look at what kind of junk you've made!
Braided dramas, nothing but braided dramas...

Of course, there are good works, such as "Soldiers Sortie" and "My Regiment"...

But even if we buy this, there's nowhere to broadcast it!
No, it's "Those Years, Those Rabbits, Those Things"... but it seems like it hasn't been produced yet.

The production company, Xiamen Yixiazhifeng Animation Technology Co., Ltd., was only established in 14, so they couldn't find anyone to produce it.

unless……

"Mera, does La Cinq have the capability to produce animation?" "La Cinq established an animation production department in 92, but... it was never truly established."

They did recruit some people, but they were all family members of COFRAC staff—the kind who just take the money and do nothing.

"I know!"

Europe, too, has its share of social niceties and interpersonal relationships.

Mela said, "In 03, the Elsang family stopped investing, and the animation production department ceased operations, with the original staff also being laid off. However, the department has continued, albeit as an empty shell, but all the production permits have been retained."

"Consider whether we can get this department running again."

"As long as there is a project, we can recruit people at any time."

"Well, I'll consider it."

"By the way, don't leave these next couple of days, stay in Paris a little longer."

My dad said that Ms. Taska might reply to us soon.

"It's been so long, and you're only getting a reply now? What's going on?"

As an employee of the television station, AA was naturally aware of Liu Jin's idea of ​​establishing a local television network in southern France.

She also heard that Liu Jin was contacting former Minister of Culture Catherine Taska to take on the role of manager.

It's been three months, and there hasn't been a single reply?

That's too much of a fuss!

Chloe smiled wryly, "This can't be entirely blamed on Catherine. My father said that since last year, she's been embroiled in the Charles Packard case. Even if she wanted to agree, she wouldn't have dared to respond casually under those circumstances."

"Charles Packard? Who? What case?"

Liu Jin spoke up: "Is it that case about embezzling public funds?"

"Ok!"

Chloe nodded.

“My mother is the defense lawyer in this case.”

Liu Jin explained to AA: "Charles Pakka is the former French Minister of the Interior and Minister of Territorial Administration."

He served twice as Minister of the Interior, starting in 1986, and has been embroiled in a case involving the embezzlement of public funds since last year.

Mela said, "Minister Tasca used to be Minister Paka's assistant."

Her appointment as Minister of Culture in 00 was also due to Minister Paka's nomination and recommendation, which is why she was also implicated in this case.

"Then now..."

"Minister Tusca has been confirmed to be unrelated to the case."

After all, she didn't know Paka back in 86... and Paka has pleaded guilty, so there will likely be a result in the next two months.

"What's the result?"

Liu Jin was very curious.

"My mom said there's a high chance he'll get a year in prison, suspended."

"130 million francs, and a one-year sentence? And with probation?"

"There aren't that many. The total is less than 100,000 francs."

Liu Jin looked at Chloe.

Chloe blinked and gave a sincere look.

That's true, before Liu Jin's rebirth in 2024, that guy was still a damn French senator!
What a just law...

Thinking of this, Liu Jin couldn't help but sneer inwardly.

……

Sofia and Sheridan have arrived!
Sofia and Sheridan have left again.

With a flick of his sleeve, he took away a complete outline of the story of "Contagion".

Liu Jin also met Sheridan in person.

Yes, a very proper American, with the typical appearance of a southern rancher.

He looks a bit like Selena's husband, Mark... It seems like people from their area are all cut from the same cloth.

He had a square face, thick eyebrows, and large eyes; he was very upright.

Anyway, it's much more upright than Quentin Tarantino's...

Sheridan understood Liu Jin's creative process and was also very interested in the story.

Compared to the original film, this story spans a much wider area, covering three continents: Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

The countries involved include India, China, France, Italy, and the United States, and the production cost is very high, estimated at around $5000 million.

Soderbergh's "Contagion" featured American superstars like Matt Damon and Marion Cotillard, as well as an Oscar-winning actress... In addition, it also invited Jude Law and other stars, so you can imagine how much the production cost was.

Liu Jin's version, however, is not as star-studded.

Jiang Wen, Tian Xian, Isabelle Huppert...

The highest-paid actress is probably Isabelle Huppert, whose film salary is estimated to be around two million.

Compared to Matt Damon's $20 million salary plus a cut, it's nothing to worry about.

It's even much lower than Marion Cotillard's five million dollar salary.

This is also why Soderbergh's "Contagion" cost 6000 million to produce.

Liu Jin's version, on the other hand, has more abundant funding... After her experience with "Night at the Museum," Sophia is well-equipped to manage this project.

At the same time, Sofia stated that she would invite her father Coppola, Lucas, and Spielberg to serve as executive producers to ensure the project's success.

Liu Jin couldn't help but curse in his heart: Terrible second-generation film stars.

The saying goes that one's birth is more important than their efforts.

No matter how awesome or hardworking you are, you can't compare to the privileged background of a second-generation movie star.

Fortunately, Sofia is indeed capable...

Of the 50 million investment, Liu Jin requested a 20 million share.

The Metropolitan took five million shares, and Amblin took five million.

Sofia said she would give the remaining 20 million to Universal Pictures... In the original timeline, infectious diseases were a Warner Bros. project.

But Liu Jin felt that his collaboration with Warner Bros. was too extensive and too close.

Although Columbia Pictures had previously acquired the adaptation rights to District 9, strengthening their partnership.

He still felt it wasn't enough!
After all, Universal Pictures, the perennial runner-up in Hollywood, needs to further strengthen its ties.

Universal's influence in Hollywood is no less than that of Warner Bros. and Disney.

Sophia also expressed her agreement with Liu Jin's idea...

……

After seeing Sofia and Sheridan off, there was still no news from Tusca.

Liu Jin was getting a little impatient!
But he also knew that he couldn't afford to be impatient.

This also made him realize his biggest problem: he had plenty of wealth and fame, but he still lacked connections and inner strength.

The problem is, he is Chinese.

How could these foreign devils possibly allow a Chinese person to possess cultural heritage?
You can get away with being involved in organized crime, but you'll always be at the bottom.

But you want to get to the upper levels?

I don't think about it!

The future Minister of Transport of America, Ms. Zhao, was very capable, but what was the result?

Her father's business was seized, and she married a Republican; she was basically just a puppet standing in the spotlight.

In the West, a simple life can have depth; Indians can have depth; but Chinese people cannot!

This is also the main reason why we rarely see Chinese families in Europe and America that can maintain an orderly lineage.

Europeans and Americans can set up family trust funds, but for Chinese people... having a fund is useless. First, you have to pay 45% estate tax, not a penny less; then you have to go through several lawsuits, and 20% of the estate will disappear.

If you manage to get 40% of the assets, you're lucky.

If the first generation is like this, and the second generation is like this, how many more will there be in the third generation?

Therefore, in the West, there are basically no Chinese families that have been around for a hundred years, let alone families like the Morgans or Rockefellers.

With each harvest, the chives were thoroughly and comfortably cut.

In ten years, a pretext of 'national security' could bankrupt you.

This is why Liu Jin, despite having billions in wealth, remains cautious and apprehensive.

The extremely wealthy overseas flaunt their wealth like children carrying gold... It's not Europeans and Americans who can remain unmoved.

investment?

Invest your mother's money. The so-called spirit of contract means that if I want to abide by it, it is the spirit of contract; if I don't want to abide by it, it is national security.

Liu Jincai wouldn't believe these foreigners!
There was no news from Taska, so Liu Jin could only wait patiently.

However, instead of receiving a reply from Taska, a familiar phone number arrived.

"Emmanuel?"

Liu Jin was a little surprised to receive a call from Brother Ma.

"Why did you suddenly decide to call me?"

"Yes, I'm in Paris... How did you know?"

"Haha, you heard what Bella said... Yes, I'm not leaving for now, there are still some things waiting to be taken care of."

"No problem, tonight then?"

"Okay, I'll wait for your call."

After hanging up the phone, Liu Jin frowned slightly.

Starting in 08, Ma Yun left politics for business and joined Rothschild Bank.

Overall, his career is progressing reasonably well.

Earlier this year, during a phone call with Liu Jin, he mentioned that he was involved in the capital restructuring of Le Monde and the acquisition of Siemens' IT division by the French company Atos. If all went well, he could earn a reward of one million euros.

But you could tell he wasn't happy.

During the phone call, Ma mentioned that he missed his time working at the Ministry of Finance.

"Can you go back?"

"It's a bit difficult right now."

Little Ma said, "However, my teacher introduced me to Hollande, Mr. François Hollande."

I benefited greatly!

Chow Yun-fat's teacher was Jacques Attali.

When Liu Jin first met Little Ma in 06, he wasn't very familiar with Attali.

However, with the establishment of the Attali Committee, Ma, who was then an inspector of the Ministry of Finance, had frequent contact with the Attali Committee. Somehow, he caught the eye of Jacques Attali and secretly helped him thereafter.

It was the Attali Committee that enabled Mark Gorbachev to join Rothschild Bank.

As for what he said about his wife?

Liu Jin felt this was a bit of nonsense!

The biggest support behind Mark Gor wasn't the chocolate merchant's daughter, but the Attali Committee...

François Hollande?
A left-wing politician who is adept at swinging between left and right.

The French president after Sarkozy!

Liu Jin didn't believe that Hollande would value a young man in his thirties with no wealth, fame, or background for no reason. If he valued Ma Ying-jeou, there could only be one reason: the Attali Committee.

It seems that when Ma Ying-jeou later came to power, he was not much different from Hollande, also wavering between the two sides.

And it's even worse than Hollande's approach—the left brain attacking the right brain...

Hehehe!
In his previous life, Liu Jin didn't quite understand these things.

But in this life, once he had amassed enough wealth and reached a height he had never attained before, he began to vaguely sense who was controlling Little Ma behind the scenes. It certainly couldn't be that Brigitte, who was twenty-four years his senior… He was also a puppet, trying to break free, yet unable to.

If you think about it this way, his inexplicable behavior in the future seems to have an explanation.

Jacques Attali, a Frenchman of Jewish Algerian descent!

The background of the Atali Committee is thus revealed.

Liu Jin lit a cigarette and stood on the terrace of his apartment on President Wilson Avenue, gazing at the Eiffel Tower. In his mind, he was calculating how to gain more benefits and advantages from Ma Ying-jeou's return to politics.

A fragrant breeze wafted from behind.

The warm, soft flesh pressed against his back.

"Amos, what are you thinking about? You've been spacing out."

Liu Jin exhaled a puff of smoke, which swirled around him.

“AA, I feel like I’ve changed. I’ve become less pure, less clean!”

……

(End of this chapter)