"The luncheon is ready, let's dine together."

As the saying goes, a smiling face is never beaten.

No matter how great the conflict, one must maintain appearances. This is a business rule and understanding. Bernard, being in charge of East Sea Disney for so long, wasn't interacting with people from Shen Zhou for the first time, and he believed it would be the same this time, having full control.

After all, East Sea Disney is a golden goose, an endlessly churning Treasure Basin.

Who would object to money?

Everyone comfortably makes money, what's wrong with that? How could harmony be disrupted for the sake of minor grievances?

Discrimination exists, but so what?

Those who suffer discrimination are just commoners.

This logic poses no issue in the business field, but this time he faced someone who didn't adhere to business rules, or rather, didn't follow traditional business rules.

"Is your company interested in buying back shares of East Sea Disney?"

Without any prelude or embellishment, Jiang Chen's straightforward remark shocked everyone present.

Such audacity.

Bernard involuntarily squinted his eyes.

"Mr. Jiang, are you sure you want to sell the shares?"

The so-called "joint operation" was certainly not Disney Group's willful choice, but a necessary one.

Just like in other regions, to establish a Disneyland locally, one must cooperate with local enterprises. To put it bluntly, it's about sharing the profits, otherwise, the project can't proceed.

The same goes for other Disneylands.

Disneyland's popularity is well-known, and it's a sure bet with no loss. Holding shares, even without management rights, guarantees continuous dividends. Giving that up is like handing over a money-printing machine?

"If your company is willing, we can negotiate."

Jiang Chen nodded, not appearing to be joking.

Bernard was tempted but still unbelieving; who would be this foolish?

"Are you sure you've thought this through, Mr. Jiang?"

Suddenly.

Li Shuru felt someone gently tug on her arm and turned to see Martial Saint.

"What are they saying? Can you help translate?"

Because Jiang Chen and Bernard were conversing in English, this boy couldn't understand.

Li Shuru acted as a simultaneous interpreter, helping not just Martial Saint, but also so that Tanki Liuli, who also didn't understand the language, wouldn't feel clueless.

"Mr. Bernard can consult Disney Group."

"There's no need for consultation."

Seeing that the opposite side seemed genuinely inclined, Bernard instantly replied decisively, even with a hint of urgency, "As long as Mr. Jiang wishes to sell, I will offer a price that satisfies you."

Young man.

Still easily impulsive.

To the point of doing such a foolish act out of a moment of pique.

Retrieving the shares had always been their dream.

Bernard now couldn't wait to sign the contract, fearing that Jiang Chen might change his mind, but looking at his calm and indifferent face, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss.

Young as he is.

But having taken over the park's shares, would he really be so short-sighted?

"May I ask why Mr. Jiang wants to sell the shares?"

"Because the park's dividend period is nearing its end."

Bernard was stunned, then frowned, "What do you mean?"

"Just as water can carry a boat, it can also overturn it. I wonder if Mr. Bernard has ever heard this saying after being in Shen Zhou for so long. A company that does not respect its customers cannot expect a promising future."

Jiang Chen's tone was quite objective and calm, as if standing from the perspective of a pure investor.

Bernard smiled.

As expected.

It was all because of that trivial matter that happened in the morning.

How could Bernard not realize that Jiang Chen was implicitly criticizing him, yet Bernard chose not to explain, instead responding just as calmly, "To gain respect, first, one must respect oneself. Don't you think I'm right, Mr. Jiang?"

Not only Jiang Chen, but even Martial Saint, listening intently to Li Shuru's interpretation, grasped the foreigner's meaning.

This was sarcasm, a provocation!

He couldn't help but grit his teeth tighter, feeling an urge to act, but unlike at the entrance, where the gatekeepers displayed blatant discrimination, this foreigner's words, although infuriating, were technically correct!

If one doesn't respect oneself, how can one expect respect from others?

Earlier at the entrance, he had overheard, this bag-searching violation of human rights wasn't the first time they've done it, yet some people, despite encountering it previously, still came back.

This... it's laughable!

In the face of Bernard's questioning, Jiang Chen stayed silent, having nothing to say.

The stark reality left him unable to refute.

Sometimes, in cases of discrimination, blame cannot be placed wholly on one side.

If you don't care about your dignity, why should others respect you?

Having left Jiang Chen speechless, Bernard felt a sense of achievement, casually stating, "Mr. Jiang, you should consider it carefully before making a decision. Whatever you do, the overwhelming popularity of our amusement park won't change."

This might be considered a well-intentioned reminder.

However.

It also felt humiliating.

Martial Saint's teeth itched from frustration but had no avenue for release. He's brash, but not unreasonable.

This foreigner was so arrogant, thanks to the support from those discriminated local tourists, how could he possibly stand up for them?

"Mr. Bernard, the current success of Disney isn't due to excellence, but due to the lack of better alternatives. If a better park emerges, what do you think the visitors will choose?"

"There will never be a better park than Disney."

Bernard replied without hesitation.

"Perhaps not now, but I'm considering building one."

The office suddenly fell into silence.

All eyes were on the young man from The East.

"Hehe, Mr. Jiang, are you sure? I remember another entrepreneur saying something similar, but the result..."

Bernard laughed and shrugged, humor tinged with disdain.

Jiang Chen remained unfazed, "With premium non-queue VIPs, prohibiting outside food, and selling water for dozens per bottle, if a fairytale world can be built with money, it's not an impossible task."

Bernard's expression subtly changed.

Jiang Chen looked at him, "In this matter, Mr. Bernard has experience. Is a trillion enough? Two trillion?"

The ever-smiling Bernard CEO no longer found it amusing.

His expression turned somber, not questioning the other's capability, "Who would engage in a losing business venture?"

Jiang Chen gave a slight smile, simply responding, "I can afford to lose this much."

Not to mention others, Martial Saint was thoroughly shaken, his view on this fellow completely changed.

Damn.

What boldness, it makes one's blood boil!

Thinking of his so-called bravado in the village and at school, it was child's play!

It was Bernard's turn to be speechless, and after a long silence, he finally said, "Disney is the number one amusement park in the world and has been for so many years. It's no easy feat to overcome."

"I never intended to outdo anyone. At the very least, by then your company should know how to respect visitors."

Spending such an amount just to help those who don't care about their own dignity to gain respect?

Profit-driven westerners like Bernard couldn't fathom it and never will.

"Moreover, Disney's success relies on the cooperation of Shen Zhou Market. Previous partners would help your side maintain the fairytale aura, but a fairytale is just a fairytale. If the media extensively exposes the reality behind it, the bubble shatters."

Jiang Chen unhurriedly added, "Mr. Bernard, since you're a journalism major, you should be very aware of the power of public opinion, right? Visitors may queue here due to a herding effect for unfair treatment, but they may also start respecting themselves for the same reason."

Bernard's face involuntarily twitched slightly, plunging into silence.

"Once your company decides on a price, please contact me."

With that, Jiang Chen turned around.

Li Shuru grabbed his hand.

Tanki Liuli quietly followed.

Martial Saint lingered at the back, looking at the absent-minded Disney executives, spitting disdainfully.

"Bah!"

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