Meeting Bernard Arnault’s enthusiasm, Ye Chen said to him with a satisfied expression, “You need to keep stirring trouble for Blackwater. Since the French president wants to meet you, it must be big news in Europe. During the meeting, make sure to mention Blackwater repeatedly. Ideally, get the French president to protest to the American government, demanding a thorough investigation into Blackwater.”
Bernard Arnault replied decisively, “Rest assured, Mr. Ye, I’ll do everything to keep the White Horse Island incident in the spotlight. In a while, I plan to visit the U.S. to put more pressure on Blackwater.”
Ye Chen asked, “What’s your plan to pressure them in the U.S.?”
With an eager smile, Bernard Arnault said, “Mr. Ye, I’m thinking of visiting the UN headquarters in the U.S. and donating ten or twenty million dollars to the UN Counter-Terrorism Office. The funds would boost their anti-terrorism campaigns and implementation, just to slap Blackwater in the face.”
Ye Chen nodded approvingly, “That’s a great idea. Going to Blackwater’s home turf to humiliate them, I like that approach.”
Pleased with Ye Chen’s approval, Bernard Arnault smiled, “I’m deeply honoured by your recognition, Mr. Ye!”
Ye Chen shifted tone, “But if you’re going to the UN, donating just ten or twenty million dollars is too modest. It won’t make waves. Donate more to draw bigger attention.”
Bernard Arnault felt a pang of reluctance but gritted his teeth, “Fine! Since you say so, Mr. Ye, I’ll donate a hundred million!”
Ye Chen smiled and nodded, “I may not match your business acumen, but I believe in thinking big and being generous. Sometimes, obsessing over small gains and losses isn’t wise.”
Bernard Arnault, though reluctantly, agreed, “You’re right, Mr. Ye!”
Ye Chen smiled, “Don’t worry, I won’t let you lose out. Do you remember how much you spent on the Rejuvenation Pill last time?”
Uncertain why Ye Chen asked, Bernard Arnault replied, “About a hundred billion dollars, I think. You had me stock up quite a bit…”
Ye Chen nodded, “I never let my friends lose out. You’re my friend now, so here’s my promise: once you’ve spent five hundred billion dollars with me, you won’t need to bid at auctions. I’ll give you a Rejuvenation Pill directly.”
“Five hundred billion dollars for a Rejuvenation Pill?!”
Bernard Arnault’s eyes nearly popped out in shock.
Five hundred billion dollars sounded astronomical, but compared to the life extension a Rejuvenation Pill offered, it was a steal for him.
His conglomerate, even in an economic downturn, had made twenty billion euros in profit last year.
That’s roughly twenty-three billion dollars.
Though not the sole owner, over half of it went into his pocket. After tax evasion tactics, he pocketed at least ten billion dollars annually.
A Rejuvenation Pill could grant him twenty more years of life, potentially earning over two hundred billion dollars more.
In comparison, five hundred billion was nothing.
Overjoyed, he grabbed Ye Chen’s hand, eyes red, “Mr. Ye, you’re not joking, are you?”
Ye Chen said calmly, “Of course not. As we Chinese say, a gentleman’s word is as binding as a team of four horses.”
“Fantastic, fantastic!” Bernard Arnault spun in circles excitedly, blurting, “Mr. Ye, is there anything else I can spend on? If not, I’ll scrape together five hundred billion dollars for you in a week!”
Ye Chen waved him off, “Buying it outright would cost at least a trillion dollars.”
Confused, Bernard Arnault asked, “Then… what’s the five hundred billion for?”
Ye Chen grinned, “In the future, I might need your help with many things. Each time you spend on my requests, track the amount. That’s what counts. Without my approval, your voluntary spending doesn’t count.”
Pausing, he noted Bernard Arnault’s eager expression and continued, “You luxury brand folks love points and membership tiers, right? Different tiers get different services, discounts, and exclusive products, some even redeemable with points. Think of it like this: every dollar you spend with me earns a point. Reach five hundred billion points, and you can redeem a Rejuvenation Pill.”
