Bernard Arnault was overjoyed. He knew his French compatriots well: earning their money was fine, but earning their respect was near impossible.
Having faced years of criticism for price hikes and forced bundling policies, he had now transformed into a national hero, a remarkable twist of fate, nothing short of perfect.
With great humility, Bernard Arnault replied, “Prime Minister, you flatter me. This is simply what I ought to do.”
The Prime Minister smiled, “The President is waiting to meet you at the Élysée Palace. Later, we’ll take photos together in front of the press. After that, the journalists may have a brief interview with you. If you’re interested, you can take a few questions from key media outlets. If not, no matter, you can wait until after meeting the President at the Élysée Palace for an interview.”
Bernard Arnault’s eyes darted about, and he quietly asked, “Prime Minister, are American media like the Associated Press, United Press, and CNN here?”
“They’re here, they’re here,” the Prime Minister nodded, smiling, “With their nose for news, how could they not be?”
“Excellent, excellent,” Bernard Arnault nodded with a smile, “In that case, I’ll take their interviews first.”
“Very well!”
After a warm handshake in front of the media, the Prime Minister and Bernard Arnault approached the reporters. The Prime Minister smiled and said, “Mr Bernard Arnault will soon head to the Élysée Palace to meet the President, but after confirming with him, we can give the media here 10 minutes for a brief interview. If you have questions for Mr Arnault, please raise your hands.”
All the journalists raised their hands eagerly, keen not to miss such an opportunity.
A reporter from Agence France-Presse looked at Bernard Arnault with confidence.
She assumed that, as France’s new national hero, Bernard Arnault would naturally choose to be interviewed first by his country’s media. As France’s largest and most historic outlet, Agence France-Presse expected to take the lead.
To her surprise, Bernard Arnault had no intention of giving her the chance, instead directing his gaze straight at the CNN reporter.
Pointing at the CNN journalist, he said, “Let the CNN reporter ask first.”
The French reporter was left frustrated and confused, unaware that Bernard Arnault was already preparing to position himself as an anti-American fighter, ready to take on that role from this moment.
The CNN reporter, thrilled to be called on first, said, “Dear Mr Bernard Arnault, do you think this attack might have been orchestrated by someone with ulterior motives?”
“Orchestrated?” Bernard Arnault asked, puzzled, “What do you mean by orchestrated?”
The CNN reporter quickly clarified, “As far as I know, the terrorists who attacked White Horse Island claimed to be mercenaries from Blackwater. But I believe Blackwater is a legitimate mercenary company, unlikely to be involved in terrorist attacks. So, I think this could be a setup to sow discord between the US and France. What’s your view?”
Bernard Arnault gave a cold laugh and retorted, “Where were you when it happened?”
The reporter explained, “I’m CNN’s Paris correspondent, I was in Paris at the time.”
Bernard Arnault said scornfully, “You were in Paris when it happened, but I was on White Horse Island, facing the guns of those Blackwater terrorists. And now you’re telling me you think it might be a setup? What makes you so clever? Are you Sherlock Holmes?”
