Merchants, from ancient times to the present, have rarely been associated with the word “hero”.
Once, Bill Gates dominated the list of the world’s richest for years, pouring vast sums of money into various ventures. In his earlier years, he crafted an image of a tech visionary changing the world, yet he couldn’t prevent his reputation from crumbling in later years.
In truth, there is no wealth that appears out of thin air. Every super-wealthy individual is like the queen ant in an ant colony, behind whose massive form lies countless worker ants supplying her with sustenance.
In other words, any entity of extraordinary scale must draw energy from countless entities of ordinary scale.
Take a top-tier celebrity like Tawana, why can she earn billions annually? Because she is supported by tens of millions of fans, who dig into their own pockets to back her, enabling her to amass such wealth.
Why was Bill Gates able to remain the world’s richest for years? Because Microsoft’s Windows, Office, and various popular software sold hundreds of millions of copies worldwide. Every computer user globally, through various channels, fuelled the growth of Bill Gates’ bank account.
A tycoon sustained by billions of people is already fortunate not to be despised by them. To expect billions to respect them, or even regard them as a hero, is essentially a pipe dream.
Today, however, Bernard Arnault is undoubtedly a hero of France.
Indeed, a national hero!
De Gaulle Airport is now a scene of resounding gongs, firecrackers, and throngs of people.
Countless media outlets and platforms are broadcasting the airport’s events live. When Bernard Arnault’s private plane appeared in the sky above the runway, the French people erupted in excitement.
The plane descended slowly, touching down steadily on the runway. A yellow guide vehicle, flashing bright lights, led the plane to its pre-arranged parking spot.
Looking out at the spectacular scene, Bernard Arnault felt elation tinged with nerves, even pondering whether he should step out with his left foot or right when the cabin door opened.
As the plane came to a stop, airport staff rolled out a red carpet beneath it. Once the private jet’s door opened and the steps unfolded, Bernard Arnault, supported by his wife, appeared at the entrance, barely containing his excitement. The waiting crowd below burst into cheers, camera shutters clicking faster than machine guns.
Under the gaze of thousands, Bernard Arnault limped down the steps, a faint trace of blood visible at his injured knee, deliberately left by the medical team to highlight his heroic aura.
This idea was inspired by a recent image of the American presidential candidate, who, after being shot in the ear, spoke with a bandaged ear.
There’s an old Chinese saying: the crying child gets the milk. When injured, one must always think to display the wound to the public, as this is the best way to garner their support.
At that moment, the French Prime Minister approached with a smile, extending his hand for a firm handshake, saying, “Mr Arnault, you are the pride of France, the pride of the French people. On behalf of the French government and people, I thank you for everything you did on White Horse Island!”
