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Chapter 147 Bernard Arnault
Chapter 147 Bernard Arnault
The next day, it was already bright daylight in Paris.
Jiang Yu's biological clock woke him up precisely on time.
Beside her, Liu Yifei was still fast asleep, her breathing light and even, a strand of black hair playfully clinging to her fair cheek.
She returned from her Seine River cruise late last night, and clearly slept very well.
Jiang Yu didn't get up immediately, but instead turned to the side and quietly watched her for a while.
The morning light filtered through the gaps in the curtains, casting soft shadows on her face, making her long eyelashes resemble two small fans.
He couldn't help but gently brush aside that strand of hair, his fingertips lingering on her delicate skin, his heart filled with a peaceful contentment.
Seemingly sensing the touch, Liu Yifei unconsciously snuggled closer to him, mumbled something incoherent in her sleep, and then fell into a deep sleep again.
Jiang Yu smiled silently, placed a light kiss on her forehead, and then carefully got up, trying not to make a sound.
After washing up, he changed into a simple black T-shirt and gray sweatpants, ready to go downstairs to the hotel gym for a workout.
As soon as I opened the door, I saw Wen Muye waiting at the end of the corridor, holding a computer and a laptop, looking energetic and ready to start working at any time.
"Good morning, boss!" Wen Muye walked over quickly, lowering his voice, "Did I disturb your rest?"
"No, I just got up too." Jiang Yu closed the door behind him. "Why are you up so early?"
"I'm used to it. Working with director Luc Besson means you have to get up early. He's on set at seven o'clock every day without fail," Wen Muye said. "This morning there's a group scene that's quite complicated to coordinate, so I wanted to get there early to check out the set setup and camera positions."
Jiang Yu nodded approvingly: "Let's go, let's go together. I'll go take a look too."
"Boss, you're going too? Now?" Wen Muye was a little surprised. "This morning is mainly for lighting and positioning. The official filming might not start until after nine o'clock."
"Perfect, I can see how the production crew operates on a daily basis," Jiang Yu said with a smile. "And I can also keep an eye on things and see if the money I invested has been wasted."
Wen Muye knew he was joking and laughed: "Of course not. Director Lu Ke is very good at budget control, and our production team is extremely professional."
The two went downstairs and had a simple breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
At 7:00 a.m. sharp, the crew's shuttle bus arrived on time.
There were already quite a few staff members in the car. They were all a little surprised to see Jiang Yu and Wen Muye get on, and then they all greeted them.
Good morning, Mr. Jiang!
Good morning, Director Wen!
Jiang Yu smiled and responded, then he and Wen Muye found a seat in the back, and the car drove towards the photography studio located in the suburbs of Paris.
The roads in the Paris suburbs were clear in the morning, and it took less than half an hour to get there.
The studio area is very large; Lucy rented one of the largest studios and one medium-sized studio.
At this time, the medium-sized shed was already brightly lit and bustling with people.
As Jiang Yu followed Wen Muye inside, he immediately felt the busy yet orderly atmosphere unique to film sets.
In front of a giant green screen, the art team is building a futuristic subway station scene, while workers are busy installing the metal frame.
Laying tracks and hanging various illuminated signs.
The lighting crew is measuring the light, the cameraman and assistants are adjusting the massive camera, and the track cart is already in place.
The assistant director, holding a walkie-talkie, directed the extras' movements during rehearsals.
Luc Besson had indeed arrived.
He was standing next to the monitor, having a heated discussion with the director of photography, gesturing with his hands, his brows sometimes furrowing and sometimes relaxing.
"Boss, see? The director's already in battle mode," Wen Muye whispered to Jiang Yu. "At this time every day, he's the general on set."
Lu Ke looked up and saw Jiang Yu, somewhat surprised. He then waved and said, "Jiang! Why are you here so early? Experiencing life here?"
"Let's see how General Lu Ke commands thousands of troops," Jiang Yu said as he walked over.
"Then you've come to the right place. Today's subway chase scene is quite challenging to coordinate."
Without any hesitation, Luc pulled him in front of the monitor and pointed to the storyboard, explaining, "Look, here Lucy is trying out her new ability for the first time, escaping her pursuers in a crowded subway. We need fast editing, shaky handheld shots, and interspersed subjective perspectives; that kind of extrasensory perspective that can see every detail and predict every move. Liu's performance is very important; she needs to portray that process of going from panic to gradually taking control."
Looking at the complex storyboard, Jiang Yu could imagine the challenges of filming: "There are so many extras, and the action design is so complicated, it's not easy."
"So we need to prepare in advance and rehearse repeatedly." Lu Ke glanced at his watch. "Liu should be arriving soon; she needs to work out the moves with the martial arts instructor first. Jiang, why don't you just sit here and watch? Or have Wen show you around?"
"I'll stay here and won't bother you." Jiang Yu found a folding chair that wouldn't get in the way and sat down. Wen Muye handed him a bottle of water, then moved a chair over and sat down next to him, starting to take notes.
Soon, Liu Yifei arrived as well.
She was wearing comfortable sportswear, had short hair, no makeup, and looked to be in good spirits.
Seeing Jiang Yu sitting behind the monitor, she paused for a moment, then broke into a bright smile and waved to him from afar.
Jiang Yu smiled and nodded at her.
Liu Yifei was quickly pulled away by the martial arts instructor to warm up and practice her moves.
In this scene, she has several quick dodges, runs, and uses of the environment to hinder the pursuers. Although they are not very difficult, they are required to be smooth and natural.
Jiang Yu sat there, watching quietly.
He watched as Liu Yifei listened attentively to the martial arts instructor's explanation, repeatedly practicing the move of turning and tripping the "pursuer" dummy—once, twice, three times—
Until the movements are fluid and the expressions are on point.
Watching her, slightly sweaty from practicing, yet with focused eyes and not a single complaint.
This focus and dedication gives her a different kind of charm when she's working.
At 8:30, the extras arrived one after another and began rehearsing their movements.
The assistant director, holding a megaphone, directed dozens of people to "perform" their daily commute in a simulated subway car and platform.
Luke stared at the monitor, constantly adjusting the camera's position and trajectory.
"Okay, keep it up! Lucy enters from here, pursuers A and B flank from both sides—crowds, pay attention, you're in the background, be natural, those looking at their phones, look at your phones, those chatting, don't look at the camera!" The assistant director's voice echoed in the studio.
Looking at this massive and meticulously coordinated scene, Jiang Yu was filled with emotion.
Behind every film lies the hard work of countless people.
It was almost 10 o'clock when filming officially started.
As the script supervisor clapped the clapperboard, the entire set instantly fell into an eerie silence and focused concentration.
"Lucy, Scene 82, Scene 1, Begin!"
The noise of the subway station (later sound effects) seemed to rise up instantly.
Liu Yifei, who plays Lucy, squeezes into the "carriage" with a slightly flustered expression, her eyes scanning her surroundings warily.
Two actors playing pursuers approached her from different directions.
On the monitor, the camera followed Liu Yifei closely.
Her performance was nuanced and layered: the initial tension, the assessment as the light swept across the surrounding crowd, the momentary tension when she noticed the pursuers closing in, and then, her eyes narrowed as if she had made a decision.
She began to take action.
Instead of panicking and fleeing, they skillfully maneuvered by utilizing the flow of the crowd and the structure of the carriages.
One person dodged the outstretched hand to the side, used their backpack to block another person, and without stopping, quickly squeezed towards the connecting area between the carriages.
"Cut!" Luc shouted. "Good! Crystal! Lucy should be calmer now. She's starting to take control of her abilities, not passively dodging, but actively using her environment. Crystal, let's try again, be more decisive, and sharper in our eyes!"
"Okay, director!" Liu Yifei replied, taking a deep breath to compose herself.
They kept doing it again and again, adjusting the details.
Jiang Yu noticed that Lü Ke had extremely strict requirements for the performance. The direction of a glance, the rhythm of a turn, or even the weight of breathing could become a reason to call "cut".
Liu Yifei maintained a high level of focus and patience throughout, striving to meet the director's requirements with each adjustment.
During the break, Liu Yifei jogged over, her forehead covered in fine sweat.
Jiang Yu handed over water and a towel.
"Are you tired?" he asked.
"It was alright, quite enjoyable." Liu Yifei took a big gulp of water, her eyes sparkling. "It's only exciting to film these kinds of challenging scenes. It's just that the director's requirements were too high; I almost forgot how to walk." She stuck out her tongue and made a face.
"I think you acted very well," Jiang Yu said sincerely. "Especially the shift from passive to active, it's becoming more and more obvious."
"Really?" Liu Yifei was delighted. "You noticed? I was also trying to get a feel for it myself. Lucy is like a child who has just learned to use a new toy; she's a little clumsy, but she's already starting to enjoy it."
As the two were talking, Luke called out again.
Liu Yifei quickly handed the water back to Jiang Yu, wiped her sweat, and ran back to continue filming.
Jiang Yu smiled as he watched her energetic back, and continued to be his "special audience".
The morning's filming continued until almost 1 p.m.
The subway scene was filmed more than twenty times before Luc finally yelled "Cut!" A soft cheer and applause rang out on set; it was an acknowledgment of everyone's hard work.
Lunch was a simple boxed meal for the crew, which everyone ate sitting or standing on set.
Jiang Yu also received a portion and ate at a small table with Liu Yifei, Wen Muye, Liang Jiahui, and others.
While shoveling pasta into his mouth, Tony Leung said to Jiang Yu, "Mr. Jiang, see this? That's how filming is. We spend half a day working on just one shot. Don't you investors think we're inefficient and wasting money?"
"Quite the opposite," Jiang Yu shook his head. "What I see is a commitment to quality. A single shot might be revised twenty times, and only a few dozen seconds might make it into the final cut. It's the quality of those few dozen seconds that determines whether a film is a masterpiece or a mass-produced product. That money was well spent."
"Listen to that!" Tony Leung said to those around him, "That's what a savvy boss looks like! Next time I run into those investors who criticize us for being slow at filming, I'll just throw Jiang Sheng's words in their faces!"
Everyone laughed.
Lu Ke also came over with his tray and sat down, saying to Jiang Yu, "Jiang, how were you feeling this morning? Was it more tiring than when you were holding the board meeting?"
"It's a different kind of exhaustion," Jiang Yu laughed. "Board meetings are mentally exhausting, full of scheming and backstabbing. This is the exhaustion of creation."
"Well said!" Luke patted him on the shoulder. "You don't have any scenes this afternoon, Liu?"
"Yes, this afternoon we'll mainly be filming the dialogue scenes between Professor Morgan and Professor Liang in their lab," Liu Yifei nodded.
"Alright, you can have the afternoon off and spend time with your boyfriend," Lu Ke said generously. "It's rare for Jiang to come all this way, don't let him always be stuck on set watching us old guys."
Liu Yifei blushed and looked at Jiang Yu. Jiang Yu smiled and nodded, "Then thank you, Director."
In the afternoon, Jiang Yu originally planned to accompany Liu Yifei to stroll around Paris or go back to the hotel to rest.
An unexpected phone call disrupted this leisurely afternoon.
The call was from Chen Jingming in Beijing, his tone a mixture of excitement and seriousness.
"Boss, there's something important. Mr. Bernard Arnault, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the LVMH Group, has extended a formal invitation through official channels, hoping to have lunch with you in Paris tomorrow."
Jiang Yu raised an eyebrow and walked to the window of the room: "Arno? Why would he suddenly invite me?"
Although Jiang Yu's private offshore fund quietly acquired approximately 4.8% of LVHM's shares nearing the disclosure threshold through complex financial operations at the beginning of the year, this is not particularly rare in the capital market, and their operation was very discreet, theoretically it should not have attracted special attention from a bigwig like Arnault.
"Our acquired stakes, along with some leverage and derivatives positions, likely have a greater actual impact than the surface figures suggest. Moreover, there seem to be some recent internal discussions within the group regarding the Asia strategy, and our shareholdings may have come under scrutiny."
Chen Jingming analyzed, "Mr. Arnault is known for his sharp eye and keen sense of smell. He may have seen not only our shareholding, but also our background; especially your influence in China Entertainment and your recent cooperation with Disney."
Jiang Yu pondered for a moment.
Bernard Arnault, the godfather of luxury goods and the creator of the LVMH empire, is a true business legend.
His invitation was far more than just a simple meal.
"What did the invitation say?" Jiang Yu asked.
"The wording was very formal and polite, expressing Mr. Arnault's deep admiration for you, a young Chinese entrepreneur who has achieved remarkable success in Hollywood, and his hope to have the opportunity to exchange views on global business trends, especially in the cultural and consumer sectors. The location is a private restaurant within the LVMH Group headquarters."
Chen Jingming paused for a moment, then said, "Boss, I think this is an opportunity. LVMH's dominance in the global fashion and luxury goods industry is undeniable, and their Asian strategy, especially their China strategy, is accelerating. We might be able to find a point of entry for cooperation."
Jiang Yu's mind raced.
Fashion and entertainment have never been separate.
Top luxury brands need celebrities and film and television works to maintain their aura and narrative, while film and television entertainment also need the resources of fashion brands to enhance the production quality and commercial value.
Establishing connections at the LVHM level could be a huge boost to Light Chaser Animation's future project operations and even derivative product development.
"I replied that I accepted the invitation. I will be there on time tomorrow at noon."
Jiang Yu made a decision: "Jingming, compile a brief report on LVMH Group's financial reports for the past three years, its main brand portfolio, and its Asian market strategy analysis, especially the section on the Chinese market, and send it to me as soon as possible. Also, compile a summary of Arnault's personal business style and recent public statements."
"Understood! I'll process it right away and send it to you within two hours!" Chen Jingming said with great enthusiasm.
After hanging up the phone, Jiang Yu found that Liu Yifei had changed into her outdoor clothes and was sitting on the edge of the bed, resting her chin on her hand and looking at him with a mixture of curiosity and understanding in her eyes.
"Do you have a job?" she asked.
"Yes, there's an important business lunch tomorrow at noon." Jiang Yu walked over, sat down next to her, and briefly explained the invitation from LVMH and Arnault.
Upon hearing this, Liu Yifei's eyes widened slightly: "Bernard Arnault? The king of luxury goods? He wants to see you?"
As a peripheral figure in the fashion industry, she knew all too well what the name Arnault meant in the fashion world.
"Looks like the old fox found out about our secret stock purchases," Jiang Yu chuckled, his tone relaxed. "But it's alright, we'll have to make contact sooner or later. If we can get in touch, it'll be good for the future."
Although Liu Yifei didn't understand complex capital operations, she knew it must be a very important matter.
She took Jiang Yu's hand: "Then you should prepare well. We won't go out this afternoon. You do your work, and I'll look at the script in my room or go see Wang Wei."
He pulled her into his arms and kissed the top of her head: "I'm sorry, I promised to stay with you."
"It's okay, work is important." Liu Yifei looked up at him with a sweet smile. "Besides, I'm so proud to see my boyfriend invited by the 'King of Luxury Goods'! But—"
She winked mischievously: "While we're eating, could you keep an eye out for when LV will release its new bag collection for the next season?"
Are there any particularly good ones?
Jiang Yu chuckled and pinched her nose: "Okay, I promise to complete the mission. Not only should you keep an eye out, but if things go well, I might be able to pull some strings and get the limited edition ahead of time."
"Wow! Doesn't that mean I'm the first person in all of China to get it?" Liu Yifei exclaimed dramatically, cupping her face in her hands. "The pressure is immense!"
After the two joked around for a while, Jiang Yu turned on his computer and began to study the information sent by Chen Jingming.
Liu Yifei sat quietly to the side, holding the script of "Lucy", occasionally marking with a pen or softly reciting lines. They did not disturb each other, yet their relationship was warm and affectionate.
At noon on June 4th, the sky over Paris was a clear blue and the sun was shining brightly.
Accompanied by Wang Wei, Jiang Yu arrived at LVMH, located at the intersection of Avenue Montaigne and Champs-Élysées in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, by private car.
Group headquarters.
The building is not particularly tall, but its design is modern and elegant, with the group's logo discreetly displayed at the entrance, exuding a sense of understated luxury.
A male assistant in a well-tailored dark gray suit was already waiting at the door. Seeing Jiang Yu get out of the car, he immediately stepped forward and greeted him in fluent English: "Mr. Jiang Yu, welcome. Mr. Arnault is waiting for you. Please follow me."
Led by their assistants, they walked through the spacious and bright lobby, which displayed classic products from the group's various brands, and took a private elevator directly to the top floor.
The elevator doors open to reveal a rooftop garden terrace with stunning views, lush with greenery and adorned with flowers, offering vistas of the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées.
Bernard Arnault stood on the edge of the terrace, his back to them, seemingly admiring the view.
He turned around when he heard footsteps.
This French business tycoon, who is over sixty years old, is in excellent shape. He is wearing a seemingly simple but high-quality dark blue custom-made suit, and his white shirt is unbuttoned with the top button undone, making him look casual and confident.
His hair was neatly combed, his face was lean, his eyes were sharp as an eagle, and there was an inscrutable smile on his lips.
"Mr. Jiang, welcome to LVHM." Arnault extended his hand, his English with an elegant French accent, and he spoke slowly.
"Mr. Arnaud, it's an honor to receive your invitation." Jiang Yu shook hands with him, his attitude neither humble nor arrogant, his smile appropriate.
Their hands clasped briefly before parting, their eyes already making initial contact and assessment.
Arnault was sizing up the young Chinese man who had recently been making frequent appearances in financial and entertainment news, while Jiang Yu was also observing this legendary "wolf-like" entrepreneur.
"This is my assistant, Ms. Wang Wei," Jiang Yu introduced.
Arnaud nodded slightly to Wang Wei, then gestured for her to continue: "Lunch is ready. Let's eat and chat. The view here is quite nice; I hope you like it."
Lunch was arranged in a glass sunroom on one side of the terrace, with exquisite silver cutlery and crystal glasses set on a long table. The dishes were classic French cuisine, served in small portions.
Only the three of them took their seats, and the waiter quietly withdrew after serving the dishes.
The initial small talk revolved around the weather in Paris, Jiang Yu's impressions of the city, and his recent success in Hollywood.
Arnault had clearly done his homework, possessing a thorough understanding of the details of the Disney collaboration, and even mentioning the projects for Pacific Rim and 2012.
"Mr. Jiang is young and promising. He not only has a unique vision for film content, but also impresses people with his technology investment and capital operation."
Arnaud, cutting the foie gras on his plate, said seemingly casually, "Especially the breakthroughs in digital lighting and real-time rendering and virtual production. I've heard that even Cameron and Marvel have been full of praise for it. This reminds me of Mr. Dior's innovations in fabrics and tailoring in his early years; technology is always the core driving force behind industry change."
"You flatter me," Jiang Yu replied calmly. "True value is created when technology and creativity are combined. Just like LVMH, which perfectly blends traditional craftsmanship with modern design and marketing to build its empire today. We are simply trying to do something similar in a different field."
This analogy brought a hint of appreciation to Arnault's eyes.
He put down his knife and fork, picked up a napkin to wipe his mouth, and his tone became more direct: "So, Mr. Jiang, you and your partners, through some very—ingenious financial instruments, hold a significant percentage of LVMH's shares. Is this due to your optimism about the luxury goods industry, or are there other strategic considerations?"
Now, let's get down to business.
Jiang Yu put down his cutlery, met Arnault's probing gaze, and said frankly, "Both are true. Mr. Arnault, we are optimistic about the long-term growth potential of high-end consumption in the global market, especially in Asia. LVMH, as the absolute leader in the industry, has top-notch brand value, profitability, and growth prospects, making it a high-quality investment target."
He paused, then continued, "As for strategic considerations—yes. Light Chaser Pictures is based in the entertainment industry, and fashion and entertainment are naturally intertwined, from brand communication, celebrity endorsements, film and television product placement to co-branded products. Our investment in LVMH is aimed at exploring potential synergies between the two companies at the business level in the future. This is not just a financial investment."
Arnaud leaned back slightly, his fingers tapping lightly on the table.
He didn't immediately respond to Jiang Yu's candor, but instead asked, "I've noticed that Light Chaser Pictures has strong production and distribution capabilities in China, and also has signed artists. Your understanding of the Asian market, especially the Chinese market, is certainly deeper than that of us outsiders. In your opinion, how will Chinese consumers' demand for luxury goods evolve in the future?"
This was a big problem, and Jiang Yu was prepared for it.
"I believe it will gradually evolve from purely symbolic and conspicuous consumption to experiential consumption, cultural identity consumption, and personalized consumption."
Jiang Yu explained clearly, "The new generation of Chinese consumers, especially millennials, grew up in an era of China's economic boom and widespread internet access. They are well-informed and have strong opinions. When they buy luxury goods, it's not just for the logo and status, but also for the story behind the brand, the craftsmanship, the design philosophy, and whether the brand can represent their lifestyle and values."
"Therefore, luxury brands in China need to tell deeper, more localized stories that resonate more emotionally. Simply relying on historical heritage and Western aesthetics may not be enough to maintain their appeal in the long run. They need to incorporate more Chinese elements, not just a simple, rigid accumulation, but a deep understanding of culture and creative fusion."
Arnaud listened attentively, nodding occasionally.
Jiang Yu's insights coincided with some of the analyses from his internal think tank, and were even more incisive.
"So, Mr. Jiang, how do you think brands like LV should tell their stories better?" Arnault pressed.
"Film and television entertainment is one of the best vehicles for telling stories." Jiang Yu then offered his thoughts: "A hit movie or TV show, or a deeply memorable character, has a huge impact. Appropriate brand placement or in-depth cooperation with film and television projects can not only enhance brand exposure and reputation, but also bind the brand spirit with a moving story, giving the brand richer emotional and cultural connotations."
He looked at Arnault and said sincerely, "Mr. Arnault, this is the basis for our cooperation that I see. LVMH has an unparalleled brand portfolio and design resources, while Light Chaser Pictures has content production capabilities, insights into the Chinese market, and a gradually established global distribution network."
We could establish a joint venture in China and even Asia, focusing on exploring cross-industry innovation between fashion and film/entertainment. For example, we could develop limited-edition products based on film/television IPs, provide comprehensive fashion styling support for top film projects, and even jointly incubate designer brands focused on Eastern aesthetics.
This proposal clearly struck a nerve with Arnault, who remained silent for a moment, seemingly weighing his options.
The crossover between fashion and film is not new, but to elevate it to the level of corporate strategy and establish a joint venture with a Chinese company is a significant step.
"A very interesting idea, Mr. Jiang," Arnault said slowly. "The group is indeed conducting in-depth research on the next phase of its strategy for the Asian market, especially the Chinese market. Localization, experiential development, and digitalization are key directions. The cross-industry collaboration you mentioned aligns with these directions."
He then changed the subject: "However, joint ventures involve many details, such as brand licensing, profit sharing, and management structure, which require very careful evaluation. Moreover, it will take time to convince those proud designers and old-school managers within the group to accept such a collaboration."
"Of course, I understand that this is a strategic decision that requires careful consideration," Jiang Yu agreed. "We can start with some specific projects to pilot the model, build trust, and validate the approach. For example, Chasing the Light has several key works in 2022, including a fantasy drama with an Eastern aesthetic background. Perhaps we can explore collaborations with LV or Dior in costume design and product placement."
Arnaud nodded; that was more practical.
"Specific project collaborations can be discussed and addressed by the business units below. As for the joint venture concept—" He flashed his signature, slightly mysterious smile, "I need to discuss it in depth with my team. But Mr. Jiang, I sense your vision and sincerity."
The atmosphere became even more harmonious in the latter half of lunch.
They chatted about some lighter topics, and Arnault even asked about Liu Yifei, mentioning that he had been following her performances in "Black Swan" and "Lucy."
Her performance in the film praised her for having a "unique quality that can be appreciated by both East and West."
Jiang Yu's heart skipped a beat, and he continued the conversation, saying, "Indeed, Yi Fei is trying out different types of roles. The fashion industry seems to have always lacked a global spokesperson who can truly represent the diverse aspects of contemporary young Chinese women. Ms. Du Juan's performance was excellent, but the market is always looking for new faces and stories."
Arnaud, being astute as he was, immediately picked up on the underlying meaning. He smiled and said, "Mr. Jiang is very concerned about his girlfriend's career. The group is very careful in choosing spokespeople, taking into account brand image, artist image, market influence, and long-term potential. Ms. Liu is undoubtedly a worthy candidate, especially if 'Black Swan' and 'Lucy' achieve the expected success. Perhaps we can discuss this topic again at the end of the year."
This statement leaves ample room for interpretation while also indicating the attitude: LVHM is observing, and Liu Yifei needs further validation from her work and the market.
At the end of lunch, Arnault personally escorted Jiang Yu to the elevator and had his assistant prepare an exquisite gift: a Louis Vuitton travel suit and a limited-edition brand yearbook.
"I hope we have the opportunity to continue our dialogue, Mr. Jiang." Arnaud shook hands with Jiang Yu again. "This world is changing rapidly, and we need friends with vision."
"I look forward to further collaboration with you and LVHM, Mr. Arnault," Jiang Yu replied with a smile.
The elevator doors closed, separating the figure of that fashionable emperor.
Wang Wei breathed a sigh of relief and whispered, "Boss, Mr. Arnault has such a strong presence. But you handled it exceptionally well!"
Jiang Yu rubbed his temples, his previously highly focused mind relaxing slightly: "An old fox is an old fox after all; every word he said was a test and a calculated move. However, the initial contact has achieved its purpose: it left an impression, baited the way for cooperation, and paved the way for Yi Fei. The rest depends on how things unfold and on luck."
Back in the car, Jiang Yu sent Chen Jingming a short message: "Lunch over. Good contact. Initial agreement on the direction of cooperation. Follow-up to follow up."
He leaned back in the back seat, closing his eyes to rest.
Dealing with an opponent like Arnault, even in a lunch meeting, is by no means easy.
In the evening, when Jiang Yu returned to the hotel, Liu Yifei had just returned from her parents' house, carrying snacks made by Aunt Zhu.
"How was it? How was it?" As soon as she saw Jiang Yu, she couldn't wait to come closer, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Did you meet Mr. Arno in person? Was he as serious as the rumors say? What did you talk about?" She bombarded him with questions.
Jiang Yu was amused by her, took the snack box from her hand, pulled her to sit down on the sofa, and briefly recounted the events of the afternoon's meeting to her, highlighting the parts he could talk about.
When Liu Yifei heard that Jiang Yu not only responded appropriately but also proposed the idea of a joint venture and even subtly tried to secure an endorsement opportunity for her, her mouth slightly agape, her eyes filled with amazement and emotion.
"You—how did you come up with that? A joint venture? My God, that's a huge deal—" she murmured.
"Strategic cooperation always needs a direction."
Jiang Yu put his arm around her. "As for the endorsement, I only mentioned it briefly, just to set the stage. Ultimately, it depends on you, Black Swan."
The performance of *Lucy* is crucial. Arnault said, "We'll see at the end of the year."
Liu Yifei nodded vigorously, her eyes filled with unwavering determination: "I will definitely act well! I can't let your efforts go to waste, and I must prove myself!"
Seeing her determined look, Jiang Yu's heart softened, and he kissed her cheek: "I believe in you. But don't put too much pressure on yourself, just let things take their course."
"Hmm." Liu Yifei leaned on his shoulder, and after a while, asked softly, "So—any news about the LV bag?"
Jiang Yu was taken aback for a moment, then burst into laughter, pinching her cheek: "You! All you think about are bags! Arno gave me a travel set, I doubt there's any new style information. But don't worry, if we really do collaborate in the future, you'll be the first to choose!"
"Hehe, I was just asking." Liu Yifei smiled shyly, but her eyes still shone with anticipation.
That evening, Liu Yifei had to return to the film set to shoot a night scene.
Since Jiang Yu had nothing else to do, he went along with them.
The night scene was filmed on a set built on the streets of Paris. It was a scene where Lucy had a small emotional outburst and controlled herself after gaining her initial abilities. It didn't require many extras, but the lighting and atmosphere were very important.
Jiang Yu remained seated behind the monitor, watching Liu Yifei adjust her state again and again at the director's request.
The film set at night has a different sense of focus than during the day; where the lights are focused, the whole world is there.
During a break in filming, Lu Ke sat down next to Jiang Yu and handed him a cup of hot coffee.
"I heard you went to see Bernard Arnault today?" Luc was very well-informed.
"Director, you know all this?" Jiang Yu was somewhat surprised.
"Paris isn't that big, and the elite circles are even smaller." Luc took a sip of his coffee. "How was it? Dealing with that wolf in a cashmere sweater wasn't easy, was it?"
"He's definitely a formidable figure," Jiang Yu admitted. "However, I did gain something from it."
"He's interested in movies?" Luc raised an eyebrow.
"To be more precise, I'm interested in the brand narrative that movies can bring and the way they communicate with the new generation of consumers," Jiang Yu said. "I mentioned the possibility of cross-industry collaboration between fashion and film to him."
Luc seemed thoughtful: "That's one approach. Good movies can definitely elevate a brand's image. However, the collaboration needs to be subtle, not forced. By the way..."
He suddenly remembered something, "If you can really connect with LVMH, the costumes for the actors in my future movies can be upgraded! That would save a huge amount of money on the clothing budget!"
Jiang Yu was amused by his frankness: "If we really want to collaborate, we'll definitely give priority to Director Lü Ke's projects."
As the two chatted and laughed, Liu Yifei's filming was also nearing its end.
In the last scene, she stood under the simulated neon sign, rain wetting her hair and cheeks. She looked at her hands with a complex expression, as if sensing the power within them that both terrified and fascinated her.
Then, she slowly clenched her fist, raised her head, and looked into the depths of the rainy night, her eyes becoming resolute.
"Cut! Perfect!" Luke was the first to applaud. "Liu, that's it! Call of a day!"
A wave of relaxed cheers erupted from the set. The night shoot ended close to 11 p.m.
Liu Yifei ran over wrapped in a towel, her hair still wet, her face flushed with excitement after completing the challenge.
"Did you pass?" Jiang Yu draped his coat over her shoulders.
"Yes! The director said it's great!" Liu Yifei's eyes shone brightly, as if they held stars.
On the way back, she was so tired that she almost immediately fell asleep on Jiang Yu's shoulder.
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