Not only did he donate two billion US dollars to the Wanlong Palace, but he also spent over a hundred million to buy the 99-year usage rights of an island from Sri Lanka and transferred it to the Wanlong Palace.
This island was conveniently located near the international shipping route in the Indian Ocean. From East Asia to the Middle East, Europe, and Africa, Sri Lanka was a necessary passage. The Wanlong Palace now had half of its revenue from ocean escorting. They already had an island in the Maldives; if this Sri Lankan island was added, the escort work would be more time-saving and efficient.
Bernard Arnault specially called Ye Chen about the island matter and added: “I am sorry, Mr. Ye. I acted first and reported later without consulting you in advance, so I must apologise to you…”
Although this island was only worth two or three hundred million US dollars, from this matter, Ye Chen saw Bernard Arnault’s attitude.
In fact, he had long seen through Bernard Arnault. Although this old fellow was very rich, deep down he was also very stingy. For an item priced at 199, it was 199; because he was rich, if he gave 200, he would not accept not getting that one dollar back. This would make him uncomfortable for a long time; it was absolutely unacceptable.
This kind of old noble like Grandet usually would not be willing to pay even one extra penny beyond the agreed price. But this time, he actually took the initiative to give an extra island on top of the agreement. This showed that the old fellow had made some progress, more or less.
Using a Chinese saying, this was like the iron tree blooming.
Therefore, Ye Chen affirmed his actions and smiled: “Mr. Arnault, you are thoughtful. On behalf of the Wanlong Palace, I thank you.”
Bernard Arnault hurriedly said: “Mr. Ye, you do not need to be polite. This is just a small token of my appreciation.”
With that, he quickly said to Ye Chen: “By the way, Mr. Ye, that Mr. Hamid who was almost assassinated should have a good relationship with you, right?”
Ye Chen smiled: “Hamid and I have a pretty good relationship. What is the matter?”
Bernard Arnault immediately said: “Mr. Ye, I personally feel that Mr. Hamid’s situation in Syria should be quite dangerous. Since he is your friend, I want to take out two hundred million US dollars as a small token, hoping you can pass it to him to help him strengthen his foundation in Syria.”
Ye Chen said in surprise: “Mr. Arnault, why do you suddenly want to sponsor Hamid?”
Bernard Arnault said with a chuckle: “Oh, Mr. Ye, to be honest, this is just a small token of my appreciation. I hope Mr. Hamid can further improve his own strength and try not to make you worry, Mr. Ye.”
“Very good.” Ye Chen praised: “I did not expect you to have this thought. Hamid now wants to engage in vertical and horizontal alliances in Syria, which inevitably requires spending money to win over some warlords. This money can just help him. On his behalf, I thank you.”
Bernard Arnault said excitedly: “Mr. Ye, you are too polite. Being able to help you within my capabilities already makes me very satisfied! After all, you have helped me too much!”
Ye Chen smiled: “No need for polite words. I will greet Hamid later and tell him this news.”
“Okay, Mr. Ye!” Bernard Arnault hurriedly added: “If two hundred million US dollars is not enough, you can speak anytime. I can add more!”
Ye Chen teased him: “Mr. Arnault, I must remind you that Syria is hard to become a market for luxury consumption. Investing so much in Hamid may not give you a chance to earn it back.”
Bernard Arnault hurriedly said: “Mr. Ye, you misunderstand me. I am not doing it to make money; I just purely want to share a little burden for you…”
