Bernard Arnault has long been acquainted with the President.
After all, even if Arnault is no longer the world’s richest man, he remains the wealthiest in all of France and Europe, so his influence in this corner of the world is second to none.
In the past, a summons from the President might not have piqued Bernard Arnault’s interest, but today is a grand occasion of honour and pride, so he is quite excited. Clasping the President’s hands, he humbly says, “Your Excellency is too kind, I only did what I ought to do.”
The President shakes his head, saying with deep emotion, “Today, all French people are proud of you, and later, on behalf of France, I will present you with the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour.”
The Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour is France’s highest award, typically given in peacetime only to those who have brought supreme honour to the nation, such as world champions in major sporting events.
For a businessman like Bernard Arnault, receiving such a high honour is exceedingly rare, even he has not received it in all his years.
In truth, for the French government, a medal costs little, but they strictly limit their number to maintain their prestige. If they were awarded too freely, their value would diminish greatly, as would their allure to those who have not yet received one.
Bernard Arnault is delighted. Upon his return, he is greeted by the Prime Minister at the airport, received by the President, and now set to be awarded the highest honour, the ceremony at its grandest.
After exchanging pleasantries before the media’s cameras, the two proceed to the formal award ceremony.
The ceremony follows a fixed protocol, witnessed by many French officials and guards, with media reporters broadcasting live.
With his silver hair, Bernard Arnault receives the exquisite Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour under the gaze of all France and half the world.
As the President pins the medal to his chest, the Élysée Palace erupts in thunderous applause.
This elderly man, who considers himself a shrewd businessman unmoved by vain fame, realises today that it is not that he disdains fame and fortune, but that he had never reached such heights before.
His eyes well up slightly, a surge of patriotic fervour stirring in his chest.
Watching the live broadcast, Ye Chen sees Bernard Arnault’s excitement and the French people’s admiration in the flood of comments.
Suddenly inspired, he thinks, why not go further and give him more to savour?
He takes out his phone and sends a WeChat message to Tawanna, who is also on the island.
Minutes later.
Having just received the President’s medal, Bernard Arnault is standing upright, posing for the media alongside the President, when a staff member approaches the President, whispering excitedly in his ear.
The President’s eyes light up, and he asks in a hushed tone, “Is the news confirmed?!”
“Confirmed!” the other replies. “I’ve verified with Tawanna Sweet’s company, it is indeed Miss Sweet’s decision. If we have no objections, Miss Sweet can announce it on her personal social media platform at any time!”
“Excellent! Truly excellent!” The President, thrilled, addresses the media, “Ladies and gentlemen, we have just received news that the renowned singer Tawanna Sweet, in gratitude to Mr. Bernard Arnault, has decided to hold five solo concerts in France after her holiday, with all proceeds donated to French charities!”
The reporters gasp in amazement.
Tawanna Sweet’s concerts are a golden key to boosting local tourism economies. Wherever she chooses to perform, the local tourism industry sees a significant surge.
The money is not even the main point; the global spotlight on the nation and city brings a long-tail effect of even greater benefits.
Moreover, this time, Tawanna is not coming for a commercial performance but for a charitable one, with all proceeds going to French charities. The ticket sales from five concerts will amount to at least 100 million euros!
Beyond the financial benefits, France’s prestige will receive a tremendous boost, as a star of Tawanna Sweet’s stature volunteering for a charitable performance is something even America has not seen.
The shocked reporters turn their lenses on the elderly Bernard Arnault, knowing that Tawanna’s decision to hold five charity concerts must be in gratitude for his life-saving actions.
