I am a literary giant in Europe

Chapter 817 La Cinq Television Network

The guest list for the second season was actually very difficult to compile.

After all, the guests need to be of high caliber!
This era is dominated by English songs. Even in France, which has always prided itself on French, English songs have taken over the majority of the music.

Alizée is considered one of the most outstanding female singers in France over the past decade.

And the French singers of the early days...

The guest for the seventh episode of "Music by the Fireplace: France" is Charles Aznavour.

She is known as the last superstar in the chanson sky.

He is 86 years old this year.

He has long since retired from the music scene and is now deeply involved in the theoretical research of French music and the promotion of Armenian culture.

The reason we were able to invite him here is because Xia Er is a loyal reader of Liu Jin.

In particular, Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre Dame are his favorites.

So much so that during his stand-up comedy segment, he recited long passages from these two books, which moved Liu Jin deeply.

……

Following Shire, the guest for the eighth episode was Elena Holly.

He's an old friend of Liu Jin!

In the ninth episode, Liu Jin invited Franoise Hardy, a female singer who is considered a national treasure in the French music scene.

This is also a rather legendary singer.

At the age of eighteen, she rose to fame in the music scene with her original song "All the Boys and Girls" (Tous les garons et les filles). This was her first album, which sold over 200 million copies, a rare feat at the time, and she became a shining star of the Yé-yé era.

In 2006, she was awarded the Grande médaille de la chanson franaise by the French Academy in recognition of her contributions to the field of music.

For Chinese fans, anyone who likes French songs has probably heard her rendition of "How to Say Goodbye" (Comment te dire adieu).

She is a singer-songwriter and a unique representative of the French music scene: in Rolling Stone magazine's 2023 list of the "200 Greatest Singers of All Time," she ranked 162nd, the only French female singer on the list. American singers such as Mick Jagger, Bob Dylan, and David Bowie greatly admire and love her.

However, starting in 2004, she faded out of the music scene due to being troubled by lymphoma.

Liu Jin was able to invite her this time mainly because he had promised to help Adi's eldest son, Thomas Dutronc, find opportunities in Hollywood. Thomas is an actor, but not very famous.

After all, it's incredibly difficult for French actors to find opportunities in Hollywood.

Sophie Marceau and Emmanuelle Béart also went through many hardships before meeting Liu Jin.

That's an actor who has won numerous awards, yet even in Hollywood, he can only play supporting roles.

It's even harder for male actors.

It seems that apart from a handful of people like Jean Reno, no one has been able to succeed.

Adidas was naturally grateful for this.

The guest in the tenth episode is Noir Desir, a rock band formed in the 1980s but which recently disbanded 10 years ago.

This is a very distinctive French band.

Hailing from Bordeaux, this rock band primarily features garage rock and grunge, incorporating elements of punk and blues. They are one of the most influential rock bands in the history of French pop music.

However, Liu Jin's impression of the band was rather lukewarm.

Especially their grunge music, which wasn't his type.

But there's nothing we can do; the allure of darkness is so strong in France.

The guest for the eleventh episode is a female singer who is about the same age as Alizée and debuted around the same time.

Zaz (real name Isabelle Geffroy).

In the original timeline, Alizée, obsessed with romance, got married and had children at the peak of her career, while Zaz continued to dedicate herself to the music industry.

She is a singer in the 'Jazz Manouche' style.

In the process of learning French, you will often come into contact with this word, which translates to "Gantz man".

It might be a little hard to understand, but if we put it another way, it might be simpler: 'Gypsy Jazz'.

Unlike Alizee in the original timeline, who had a smooth journey from debut to her peak, Alizee's life was unparalleled.

Zaz earned his reputation through hard-fought battles and gradual accumulation of experience.

From jazz band singers to variety show competitions.

In 2007, Zaz saw a notice posted online. It was from Kerredine Soltani, who was looking for a singer with a unique smoky voice.

Kerredine Soltani is a self-taught prodigy who, as a former project manager and music producer at the Ministry of Culture, never took a single professional vocal lesson.

But in that same year, he composed the song "Je veux," which became a hit everywhere.

Zaz stood out from more than 300 singers and became famous overnight with this song.

By 2010, which is this year,
Zaz's debut album achieved double platinum certification and she successfully launched a world tour, making her the only young French female singer who can rival Alizée. Within the French-speaking world, her fanbase is no smaller than Alizée's.

Zaz was invited on Alizee's recommendation.

She felt that they shouldn't just invite older generation singers, but also introduce some younger generation singers.

Liu Jin felt that this made sense!
The singer in the final episode of "The Night by the Fireplace" was Celine Dion.

Jean-Jacques Goldman.

Goldman was born in 1951 in Paris.

He is a singer-songwriter who held the champion's title for 11 consecutive years.

Lin Zhixuan's cover of "Let's Break Up" is an adaptation of his song "Comme Toi".

"Just like you, just like you, just like you"
Her name is Sarah, and she is not yet eight years old.

Her life was like a sweet dream and pure white clouds.
But others determined her different fate.

She has eyes as bright as yours.
"And about your age..."

His works are mostly like this; they lack the strained vocals of British and American rock, but instead move listeners with charming, understated narratives.

Anyway, Liu Jin quite liked his work.

Furthermore, in Goldman's episode, the two got very drunk and sang and wrote several completed or unfinished songs together.

It's what most people think of as 'getting drunk and acting crazy'.

After waking up, Liu Jin strongly requested that the recording be re-enacted.

But Tim strongly opposed it.

Goldman, on the other hand, seemed indifferent, appearing nonchalant.

……

After recording all twelve episodes, it was already mid-November.

Mera brought good news: the acquisition of 27 local television stations was finally completed.

The total cost was 3.9 million euros.

After completing the acquisition, Tasca immediately submitted the application to the COFRAC organization.

"Catherine has already made an agreement with Pierre, the chairman of COFRAC, that approval will be given no later than the beginning of next month."

This time, it was all thanks to Catherine who stepped in. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't even know what avenues to use to persuade them.

"Isn't that great? Has the scope of operation for taking photos been changed?"

"It's all been revised, and the newly formed La Cinq will officially become a comprehensive television network channel."

Furthermore, I had Verena remotely monitor the satellite signal tower system in Andorra.

She said that satellite signal coverage in the fourth region of southern France can be guaranteed. Signal testing is currently underway and will be completed soon.

If all goes well, I will hold a press conference on the 22nd to officially announce the launch of the La Cinq television network.

She hesitated for a moment, then said softly, "Are you sure you don't want to change your name? Still La Cinq?"

Liu Jin thought for a moment and replied, "I won't change it, let's leave it as it is."

Although La Cinq was poorly managed during Berlusconi's era, it still maintained a certain level of influence in France...

Liu Jin felt that changing his name was pointless.

Moreover, changing one's name would seem very ostentatious.

Let's just continue operating under the La Cinq shell; it might avoid a lot of unnecessary trouble.

Those in the industry know that the Singer family acquired La Cinq.

But outsiders may not know this, and may even still believe that the television station is still being run by Berlusconi.

That's the Italian Prime Minister!
Let him handle it from the outside; the target will be much smaller that way.

"By the way, I recently received advertising cooperation intentions from several Chinese companies, and the prices are not low."

"Huh? What kind of companies are they?"

"Two mobile phone ads, one motorcycle ad... Besides these three, there are several other companies. The total advertising cost is about ten million euros. Most of them are from China, which I'm worried will be too conspicuous."

"You and Catherine decide. The initial advertising costs are not important; what's important is that we can operate smoothly."

"okay I know!"

Mela hung up the phone.

Liu Jin boarded the yacht and headed towards Sardinia.

Jerome piloted the yacht, while Liu Jin reclined on a chair, basking in the Mediterranean sun.

At the beach club, the assistant, Margot, Germa, Leah, and Jerome's wife Elsa were playing around.

Leslie walked over carrying two bottles of beer.

"The show is finished recording, what are your plans for the future?"

Liu Jin opened his eyes and took a bottle of beer.

"I need to rest, I need to relax... I've been busy for two months, and I'm a little tired."

"Going back to China?"

"Yes, I'll go back in a while, but I need to be back before Christmas."

It's almost the end of the year, and there are many things to take care of. I estimate I'll be spending the Spring Festival here this year.

He sat up and clinked bottles with Leslie.

"What about you?"

“I think I will go back to China. Maggie is going to Guangxi Province next month to participate in a charity event, and I plan to go and visit her.”

"That's fine too..."

As Liu Jin spoke, he seemed to suddenly remember something, "By the way, I've written a few songs recently, are you interested?"

"Let me take a look."

"Okay, I'll give it to you when I get back."

As Liu Jin spoke, he downed his beer in one gulp, then lay back down on the recliner and closed his eyes.

The songs he recently wrote are all from Liam.

Among them, "As You Were", "Why Me Why Not", "C'mon You Know" and "Just Another Rainbow" are the four most important songs Liam has released since going solo.

It can be said that these four songs laid the foundation for Liam's future achievements.

Without these four songs, Liam is just a singer.

With these four songs, Liam can be called a superstar.

Singers and superstars are not the same.

Similarly, Manchester City's pop star fans and Manchester City's superstar fans are two different concepts.

Liu Jin was curious to know whether Manchester City would still support Liam if he made any anti-China remarks in the future.
If not, it means that this is an extremely hypocritical and power-hungry club.

Recording for two consecutive months was indeed very tiring.

Adding to the intense writing of the three novels, "Halo 3/4/5," totaling 700,000 words, Liu Jin felt completely drained.

After spending three days at sea, we returned to the villa and rested for another four days.

A week passed quietly like that.

Monica Bellucci brought Diva to Salerno and talked with Liu Jin about the Molise regional television network.

In the Molise region, nine local television stations have been acquired.

Next year, Marco Müller and Monica will focus all their efforts on acquiring television stations in Sicily.

There are a total of six television stations, all controlled by the local Mafia family.

Acquiring it through normal channels is actually not easy.

Fortunately, old Marco said he would communicate with the other party through the Mafia Committee, and the Vito family in Sicily would also provide assistance, so there shouldn't be any major problems.

Although there are only six companies, they cover the entire island of Sicily.

After the acquisition of the Sicilian television network is completed, Mara will assist him in secretly reorganizing the television network in Sardinia.

Around the middle to late part of next year, after the acquisition of the television networks in the four major regions of southern Italy is completed, a restructuring application will be submitted to the BABT organization in one go.

Mara has convinced Meloni that they will also join as shareholders of the television network.

After all, if they want to develop their political careers in the future, they will need to establish their own media channels.

Currently, they can utilize Berlusconi's media outlets, but in the future... who can guarantee that Berlusconi will continue to support them?

Therefore, this is called being prepared for a rainy day.

There is a risk of someone usurping another's place here.

When Italians are shameless, there's this damned Gold Standard.

Meloni is currently on Liu Jin's side, but as for the future...

Even though she still stands by his side, Liu Jin has to be wary of the far-right forces behind her.

Therefore, the equity structure of the Southern Italy Region 4 television network was carefully designed from the very beginning.

If we only look at the shares, it has nothing to do with Liu Jin.

However, a closer analysis reveals that 80% of the shares are held by GST Investment Fund through cross-shareholdings with more than a dozen smaller funds. Liu Jin effectively owns 55% of the shares, but his presence is difficult for outsiders to detect.

Mark Müller holds an 8% stake.

Monica Bellucci has seven percent.

Mara Carra controls 12 percent, and Meloni controls 6 percent.

The remaining shares were held by old Marco and the Vito family of Sicily.

In Italy, Mafia is an unavoidable presence... This group might not be able to help you succeed, but they can easily sabotage you. Therefore, necessary cooperation is unavoidable.

Fortunately, both old Marco and the Vito family of Sicily were relatively law-abiding.

If Liu Jin were to cooperate with the Camorra family of Naples, he would never agree, even if it meant his death.

That was a truly wicked family.

"Amos, when will you finish that book you told me about two years ago, 'Peaky Blinders'?"

Old Marco called to inquire.

Liu Jin then remembered that he and old Marco had a book collaboration.

"Next year, I'll write it next year."

"I'm really looking forward to it."

These old madmen have no respect for themselves at all.

A bunch of old scoundrels, yet they always pretend to be gentlemen, spouting profound and unfathomable words. But upon closer inspection, it's all just pretentious posturing.

When did this trend begin?
Hmm, it should be after "The Godfather".

Marlon Brando's pretentious way of speaking in the film actually influenced the entire Mafia community to some extent.

However, Liu Jin got used to it!
……

The end of "Music by the Fireplace" also signifies the end of Liu Jin's life in Salerno this year.

After cleaning the villa, I contacted Louisa to help with the daily housekeeping and cleaning services...

Liu Jin, along with his assistant, Leah, and Germa, headed directly to Paris. Tim took the footage back for editing, while Jerome, Margot, and Elsa sailed to the Château de Grüssant.

Before leaving, Liu Jin had the 599GTO and 250GTO from the garage airlifted to Paris.

After all, his apartment garage on President Wilson Avenue only had a Mercedes-Benz Brabus S800 and a G700, which was rather underwhelming.

After all, his garage has five parking spaces.

Leonardo DiCaprio is coming to visit him for Christmas, and they might even go racing together.

The Ferrari 250 GTO was a surprise Liu Jin had prepared for Leonardo DiCaprio...

Come to think of it, he seemed to have promised Leonardo DiCaprio that he would help him write a novel for Oscar consideration.

The Revenant?

It is possible to take it out.

But given Leonardo DiCaprio's current state, it's not certain that it will work out.

It would be better to...

Liu Jin already had a story in his heart.

I thought things would be easier, but it turns out I still seem to be in a lot of debt.

After arriving in Paris, Liu Jin planned to return to China as originally intended.

But when he arrived in Paris, Catherine and Méla kept him there to discuss the future operation of La Cinq.

I had no choice but to call home and explain the situation.

This time, Liu Dasheng's attitude was surprisingly good; he said Liu Jin didn't need to rush back and could come back in a while.

Eva and Alizee will bring their children to Paris to meet him.

What about Yara's classes?

"Your mother and I aren't going over there; we'll just stay here and take care of Yara."

Would she agree?

Based on Liu Jin's understanding of Camille, also known as Liu Yalin, Liu Dasheng might not be able to handle that little girl.

"This is none of your concern!"
She'll come over to spend Chinese New Year with you next January when she starts her winter break.

"That's it, okay!"

After thinking about it, Liu Jin felt it was not entirely unacceptable, so he stopped worrying about it.

So he decided to stay in Paris temporarily, discussing the operation of the television station with Catherine and others while opening his documents and starting to write his new book.

"Boss, can't you just relax and take a break?"

The assistant was very distressed.

I thought that coming to Paris would be a great time to have fun.

result……

The boss needs to write, so the assistant naturally can't stay idle either.

The end of the year is almost here...

By the way, Boss has written quite a lot this year, probably close to two million words!

No wonder J.K. Rowling said that Boss was a writing monster.

Despite the complaints, the assistant still diligently assisted Liu Jin with his writing.

The new book is titled "Django Unchained," and the original timeline is a film that Quentin Tarantino will write and direct next year.

Liu Jin felt like he was about to fleece Quentin completely!

But who told this guy to neglect his duties?
He called Quentin, only to find out he was busy preparing for the Inglourious Basterds promotion.

After hanging up the phone, Liu Jin called Lao Jiang and said, "Look at Quentin Tarantino, his movie is about to be released, and you still haven't gotten my script done. Aren't you ashamed?"

"I just finished my work."

"Pah! It's already November, and your 'Let the Bullets Fly' has already finished its run. And you're telling me you just finished something?"
Are you even capable? If not, I'll find someone else.

"Nonsense! Who else could be more suitable for your book than me in the entire country, including Hong Kong and Taiwan?"

"Let me tell you, Sister Renji Xiang has been waiting so long to work with you that she's practically sitting on the ground sucking up dust!"

"It'll be ready soon, it'll be ready soon, we'll definitely start filming early next year."

That's just how Jiang is; if you don't push him and teach him a lesson, he'll drag you down.

"I don't care, if you don't turn on the phone in January, I'll tell Third Brother to replace you!"

Liu Jin hung up the phone in a rage.

Looking back at Quentin, Liu Jin subtly inquired about his future plans and learned that he currently had no plans for "Django Unchained." Next year, the guy will appear in a documentary and then take a two-year break.

Yes, get some rest, get plenty of rest!
Give me enough time to work on Django Unchained.

Liu Jin immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

……

A few days later, Eva and Alizee arrived in Paris aboard the 'Batisian' with their four children.

Accompanying them was a celestial being.

Fortunately, Liu Jin's apartment was large enough to accommodate so many people.

However, Liu Jin looked at Eva and Alizee with utter confusion.

"So, you've been in China all this time?"

"Yes, I miss my child."

"how about you?"

Liu Jin looked at Alizee.

Alizee chuckled and said, "After my concert, I went straight to China..."

Looking at his four children, Liu Jin felt a little heartbroken.

Before, they both revolved around him!

Now look what's happened...

"how about you?"

Liu Jin looked at the celestial being.

Tianxian stuck out her tongue and said, "Luckily I chose 'Contagious Disease,' otherwise I'd probably still be stuck on set right now."

Old Jiang is such an unreliable person, dragging this out until now.

Changchang is about to curse me to death... I ran here for refuge.

Liu Jin couldn't help but feel sad for the actors who were stuck in the film crew.

When are you going back to Toulouse?

"Eva asked."

"I reckon it will be after Christmas. La Cinq is going to hold a press conference on the 22nd, so I need to keep an eye on things here."

“That’s perfect. I’ll take Easton and Nina to stay with my mom for a few days.”

"I'm going back to Ajaccio, my dad misses Cisy and Beck!"

"So, you're going to leave me here all alone?"

"You can go to Eva's house too, it's not that far anyway."

"Um, forget it then. Mr. Green looks like he's going to pull out a gun and shoot me when he sees me. I'm scared!"

Eva, standing to the side, laughed and slapped Liu Jin hard across the face.

And so, the next day, Eva and Alizee took their children and went back to their respective homes.

The fairy didn't leave; she stayed in the apartment and became a reader.

The story of Django Unchained is set in the American South two years before the outbreak of the Civil War. As a slave, Django was subjected to brutal and cruel treatment by his slave owners.

But it was this experience that led him to meet Dr. Kinschulz, a bounty hunter from Germany.

Schultz is hunting down the Brittle brothers, who have committed multiple murders, and only with Django's help can he successfully collect the hefty bounty.

Schultz then promised Django that if he helped him capture the fugitive, he would free Django from slavery and grant him true freedom, no matter what.

After Schultz successfully freed Django, even though the two men had completely different backgrounds, personalities, and habits, Schultz still took Django with him on their journey. Their target this time was a group of heavily wanted criminals.

Although he followed Schultz around, learning capture and tracking techniques, Django never forgot his true purpose: to find and rescue his long-lost wife, Broomhilda.

Although Schultz and Django had different goals, they both focused their search on the same person—Galvin Candy, the owner of "Candy Farm".

It was a notorious plantation where slaves killed one another to satisfy the slave owners' amusement.

During the investigation, the appearance of Schultz and Django inevitably aroused the suspicion of Stephen, Candy's most loyal slave, who secretly monitored their every move.

Even more terrifying is that a highly dangerous organization is silently surrounding them. If Schultz and Django want to escape with Broomhilda, they will have to face a difficult choice: either survive or sacrifice their dignity...

Yes, that's the story.

To be honest, Liu Jin didn't particularly like it.

However, this kind of subject matter was very popular during the Black Lives Matter movement.

Because it's correct!

The celestial being didn't particularly like this story either.

"I prefer your previous book, 'The Legend of 1900'."

"Hey, that book hasn't been published yet, it won't be released until next June... Where did you read it?"

"Hehe, Mia sent it to me."

Liu Jin immediately turned his head and looked at his assistant.

The assistant lowered her head guiltily, pretending to be working and not having heard.

"Don't blame Mia, I was bored on set and chatting with her, and we talked about your book..."

Amos, this is really well written!

Liu Jin rolled his eyes. "Call me Uncle!"

"Pooh!"

The fairy spat viciously and ignored Liu Jin.

On the 22nd, La Cinq TV station officially changed its name to La Cinq TV network.

Catherine Tascal, former French Minister of Culture, spoke at a press conference.

However, the press conference was not entirely harmonious.

An AFP reporter challenged Catherine: "As far as I know, La Cinq television network has very strong Chinese financial backing, is that true?"

Mela retorted, "If you consider the Singer family to be Chinese capital, then so be it."

"But……"

Before the other man could finish speaking, Chloe said sternly, "Mr. Lucas, I must remind you that what you are saying now, and the speculations you are making, are all slander and fabrication against La Cinq television network. As everyone knows, the Cinq family is an ancient family with a history of over four hundred years in France, and its honor is inviolable."

If you believe La Cinq has Chinese capital backing, please provide evidence.

Don't use vague terms like "it is said" or "rumors"... If you can't provide evidence, Magnon's lawyers will file a lawsuit against you, and AFP, the agency behind you, on behalf of La Cinq television network.

If it were just Chloe, this journalist named Lucas wouldn't care.

However, Chloe brought up the name of the Manion law firm.

Lucas knew even better that behind the Magnon law firm was Alexandre Magnon, the Secretary General of the National Assembly.

One Manion is already difficult to deal with.

If the Singer family, with its long history, were added to the mix, Lucas felt that AFP might not be willing to protect him.

So, after a moment's thought, he fell silent!

Catherine Tasca said: "La Cinq TV was a commercial television station that was once owned by Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi."

In accordance with the principle of cultural exception, we hereby officially announce that La Cinq Television has returned to the French fold. Furthermore, with the strong financial backing of the Cinque family, we have integrated the local television resources of four regions in southern France, and will build a comprehensive television network centered on cultural dissemination and exchange, with La Cinq Television at its core.

The network will cover four major regions in southern France…

Liu Jin did not attend the press conference because he was worried about this situation.

Fortunately, La Cinq's shareholding structure is more complex and sophisticated than that of Southern Italy Television Network.

Similarly, through GST Investment Company, nearly twenty investment funds were registered in the Cayman Islands, with cross-shareholdings for controlling stakes.

Liu Jin owns 67 percent of the shares.

In addition to Catherine, Méla, Chloé, and Ottilie, the board members also include celebrities from the French film and television industry such as Isabelle Adjani, Sophie Marceau, François Ozon, and Oliveira, ensuring its public image.

Want to find Liu Jin?

It's definitely not an easy task...

Watching Chloe angrily confront the AFP reporter, Liu Jin couldn't help but burst into laughter.

"Amos, it's my dad on the phone."

Just as Liu Jin was watching TV, Tianxian walked over with a dark expression and her phone in hand.

"Your dad?"

Liu Jin was stunned.

In 08, Tianxian strongly supported Liu Jin, and was reprimanded by Mr. An.

Liu Jin called and gave Mr. An a piece of his mind.

After that, he and Mr. An had almost no further contact.

Mr. An believes that Liu's actions are too radical.

Liu Jin, however, believed that he was a bit weak...

We're not on the same wavelength, so there's not much to talk about.

The conflict of ideas is irreversible.

Since they are not on the same page, there is no need to force a conversation; it would be uncomfortable for both him and Mr. An.

But now, why are they suddenly calling?

Liu Jin took the phone and said in a deep voice, "This is Amos."

"Amos, it's me, Old An... Are you free tonight? Let's have dinner together, and I can introduce you to a friend!"

"Friend? Who is it?"

"Well, it's not convenient to talk about it over the phone. Shall we meet and discuss it?"

"Okay, what time, and where?"

"Do you remember that Vietnamese restaurant? The one Lao Lu took you to, and then you recommended it to me?"

"Ha, of course I remember."

Their boiled beef is incredibly tender.

However, it's been a long time since I've been there... Now that I think about it, I actually miss it a little.

"Then, eight o'clock tonight!"

How about Moutai?

"Ha, I'm fine with anything!"

Liu Jin hung up the phone and returned it to Tianxian.

He turned his head and looked at Mela on the TV screen, who was talking eloquently. A knowing smile appeared on his lips.

Wow, that was a really quick reaction!

……

(End of this chapter)