Financial freedom starts with smiling at life

Whose Maybach?

"A purebred Maybach, that's so rare! Is it a 57 or a 62?"

"It seems to be 57!"

"57 is pretty impressive, it was worth five or six million back then."

"He's probably a very important person."

"Holy crap, it's Old Fan!"

"Which Mr. Fan?"

"Fan Zeng, who else could it be? He's the highest-paid calligrapher and painter today, no, he also has a very high status in the industry."

"Jiangnan Academy of Fine Arts truly lives up to its reputation as one of the four major art academies; they even invited Mr. Fan to their anniversary art exhibition."

...A large group of students gathered at the entrance of the exhibition hall, initially surprised by the purebred Maybach 57.

57 means the car body is 5.7 meters long.

The 62 also has a body length of 6.2 meters.

The most famous 62 is the Maybach 62s from back then, which cost over a thousand yuan when it was new. Jack Ma was one of the owners.

More than a decade ago, luxury executive cars costing tens of millions of yuan were mostly bought by wealthy entrepreneurs.

Although the 57 is a bit less prestigious, it is still a purebred Maybach before Mercedes-Benz acquired it. It costs several million yuan and is equally rare. The owner was also a very wealthy and tasteful person.

Just as I finished marveling at the car, the president of the Academy of Fine Arts, President Pang, came up to greet me with the school's senior leaders.

Dean Pang opened the door himself.

The person who came down was Fan Zeng, who was over ninety years old, and the scene instantly erupted in cheers.

Although Fan Zeng is getting old, he pays great attention to his personal image.

Dressed in an old-money style, wearing a scarf, and leaning on a cane, he smiled and waved to art students and visitors at the art exhibition.

"I heard that Old Master Fan was swindled out of two or three billion by his mistress?"

"We shouldn't spread rumors online that haven't been confirmed. He's over ninety years old and he still came to the school anniversary celebration in person. That's giving him a lot of face."

"That's right. If we don't cause trouble for the teachers and leaders, Mr. Fan is probably the most distinguished guest at today's art exhibition..."

Before the words were even finished, the voice had already faded.

The exclamations of amazement rose and fell, and the noise resumed.

"Holy crap, it's a Maybach again!"

"Although it's not a purebred, it's still an S680 Pullman."

Do you know how valuable the name Pullman is?

"I think there's only one Pullman S680 in Jiangnan City, right? I heard it belongs to Jiangbei City's richest man, Jiangbei."

"No way, Jiang Beicheng came to the school for an event today too?"

"He is truly a living legend in the hearts of us young people."

"With an executive sedan costing nearly 20 million yuan, I feel that apart from Jiangbei City, no one in Jiangnan City has the prestige to match Pullman. Even high-ranking foreign leaders travel in Pullman when visiting China."

Amidst the murmurs of the crowd, Fan Zeng's gaze followed the approaching Pullman S680.

His eyes are as bright as a torch.

I guessed that a very important person had arrived.

However, arriving at this time seems to have stolen his thunder.

"Mr. Fan, let me go greet him," Principal Pang said respectfully.

He also didn't expect that Jiang Beicheng and Fan Zeng would arrive one after the other.

We definitely have to go and greet them.

In all circles and social strata of Jiangnan City, everyone respects this richest man.

Principal Pang, with a smile on his face, went up and opened the car door for Jiang Beicheng.

"President Jiang, welcome, welcome! Your presence makes this art exhibition even more special," Principal Pang said warmly.

"Holy crap, this really is Jiangbei City."

"Mom, our school is in attendance! They invited the richest man in Jiangnan City!"

"Principal Pang is awesome."

"Mr. Jiang!"

...As Jiangbei City appeared, cheers erupted one after another.

Jiang Beicheng greeted the students and tourists at the scene with a smile.

Then I followed Dean Pang into the exhibition hall.

Jiang Beicheng noticed Fan Zeng's complicated expression and joked, "Dean Pang should take better care of the old artist."

Young people like me don't care that much about saving face, but older artists are more sensitive.

"Hahaha, it's not that bad, President Jiang, Old Fan isn't that petty."

Principal Pang stopped and, smiling, introduced Jiangbei City to Fan Zeng.

Fan Zeng smiled and nodded: "I'm sorry, young friend Jiang, I rarely pay attention to business news these days, so I didn't go over to greet you just now. That was impolite of me."

Jiang Beicheng laughed and said, "Old Fan, you flatter me. My little bit of fame is nothing to brag about."

Compared to a master of calligraphy and painting like yourself, you deserve even more respect.

This is pure flattery intended to kill.

Fan Zeng's early works are still worth collecting, but the market value of his later works is entirely supported by his status and fame.

It has "form" but lacks "meaning".

His peers and collectors now call him a "wholesaler".

Painting and calligraphy are both mass-produced.

Sometimes it's not even his own work; he just takes it, writes a few words, and puts it up for auction.

It implies that he is not worthy of his position.

Among the most valuable calligraphers and painters today, Jiang Beicheng particularly admires Leng Jun and Chen Danqing.

Leng Jun's idea of ​​realism is brilliant.

Chen Danqing's personal charm attracted Jiangbei City.

Live life with clarity and understanding.

I like his famous quote, "The point of living is to show off."

Jiang Beicheng has collected both of their works, including Leng Jun's "Mona Lisa: A Smile" which is close to a small goal.

This painting is simply the pinnacle of realism.

It's clearer than a photograph; even magnified 25 times, you can't see any flaws.

This painting now hangs in the music room of a private estate in Jiangbei City.

Chen Danqing's painting "The Shepherd" also hangs in Jiangbei City's study.

This painting was auctioned for 1.6 million yuan back then, but Jiang Beicheng privately bought it from the original buyer for 2.3 million yuan.

Of course, the most eye-catching painting in the manor is Zhang Daqian's imitation of "A Panorama of Rivers and Mountains" in the living room, which is worth several hundred million.

When ordinary people visit a manor, they marvel at its grandeur and the luxurious and tasteful decor. But if a wealthy man like Wang Jianlin, who loves collecting calligraphy and paintings, were to visit a manor, he would definitely feel that the paintings are more valuable than the manor itself.

It's no exaggeration to say that these three paintings alone could create another private estate.

Calligraphy works by Fan Zeng are usually hung in the tea room or coffee shop.

A price of 20 yuan per square foot is very expensive in the eyes of ordinary people.

In Jiangbei City's eyes...

Hmm~, it would be nice to have it as a decorative piece in the break room.

Although it was mass-produced, the shape is still there, and it's suitable for that kind of environment.

Fan Zeng wouldn't stand on ceremony with a young man like Jiang Beicheng; he took Jiang Beicheng's words as a sign of respect for him and for art.

“It’s fate that we met, Mr. Jiang. I’ll give you a piece of calligraphy later,” Fan Zeng said generously.

At over ninety years old, for you, General Jiang, to still be able to pick up a pen and write is a great honor for you.

Jiang Beicheng smiled and nodded: "Thank you in advance, Elder Fan. Elder Fan, please be careful."

Together with Haitangxi, they helped Fan Zeng.

Upon entering the exhibition hall, Dean Pang led Jiang Beicheng and the others to view the art exhibition.

This section introduces the scale of the art exhibition celebrating the school's anniversary, as well as the famous paintings by renowned artists featured on display.

"Liu Xiaodong's paintings are most unique in their perspective. Viewed from a third-person point of view, you can feel the warmth in the paintings. I especially like his painting 'Construction Site'..."

"Zeng Fanzhi has been in the limelight these past two years; the market value of his works has skyrocketed..."

"President Jiang not only pays close attention to our calligraphy and painting circles, but also has a high level of expertise in appreciating art." Dean Pang accompanied Jiang Beicheng to view the exhibition, introducing the exhibits and exchanging ideas with him.

They were surrounded by media cameras. Inviting these social elites from Jiangbei City was specifically for promoting the Jiangnan City school anniversary celebration.

The Jiangnan City Academy of Fine Arts has a great reputation, but its prestige is slightly lower than that of the four major art academies.

The presence of social elites like Jiang Beicheng and industry giants like Fan Zeng at the school's anniversary art exhibition undoubtedly elevates the art academy's status and reputation within the industry.

After browsing around, Haitangxi bought several of the exhibited works.

A few million.

Postmodern art as presented by young painters.

Having lived in the United States for so many years, this kind of postmodern art suits her aesthetic.

After browsing the art exhibition, we moved to the lobby, where the school had already prepared the Four Treasures of the Study (writing brush, ink stick, inkstone, and paper).

Old Fan is about to show off.

He handed his cane to his assistant and picked up a pen to write a congratulatory message for the Jiangnan Academy of Fine Arts to celebrate the school's anniversary.

At this age, the hand is still steady, which shows a truly profound skill level.

After writing the congratulatory message, Fan Zeng smiled and said to Jiang Beicheng, "President Jiang, let me write you another piece of calligraphy."

Jiang Beicheng quickly advised, "Old Fan, don't tire yourself out."

I'm really afraid he'll hurt his back, and then I'll become the public enemy of the calligraphy and painting circle.

"President Jiang, at my age, I have neither the time nor the energy to make new friends. I would be content if I could have the chance to see my old friends before I pass away."

It's fate that we met today, our new friend; let's make a special connection.

The voice trailed off.

With a flourish of his brush, he wrote four large characters: "A Legend of Our Time".

Jiang Beicheng was stunned after reading it.

While Mr. Fan's calligraphy may not be of high collectible value, the phrase "a legend of our time" carries a different flavor.

Business leaders and tycoons have great respect for artists, especially contemporary "great scholars" like Fan Zeng.

His calligraphy does not represent the value of calligraphy itself, but rather the affirmation of a "great Confucian scholar".

The influence of Confucianism in China is self-evident.

Fan Daru presented Jiang Beicheng with a painting titled "A Legend of Our Time," which shocked Jiang Beicheng.

"Mr. Fan, I don't deserve that title," Jiang Beicheng said modestly.

Fan Zeng put down his pen, took the cane, and said with a smile, "Just now, when President Jiang was appreciating the painting with Dean Pang, I heard your legendary story from your assistant."

These words are more than enough to describe you.

"Mr. Fan, I appreciate your kindness."

Jiangbei City accepted this calligraphy.

I'll have to hang this in my own office.

"Haha, young friend Jiang, come to Beijing often for a get-together." Fan Zeng smiled and shook hands with Jiang Beicheng.

"I will definitely make time to visit you and let me think about how to reciprocate."

"President Jiang, you're too kind."

"Reciprocity is the essence of human relationships."

"Haha, I like what President Jiang said."

"President Jiang, the leaders from the municipal government are here. Please excuse me," Principal Pang said.

Jiang Beicheng nodded: "Principal Pang, please go ahead with your work. I'll take a little more time to look around and then I'll leave. We can keep in touch by phone if anything comes up."

Jiang Beicheng led Haitangxi to the tea room and had tea with Fan Zeng for a while.

Fan Zeng bid farewell and left.

As he gets older, his personal nutritionist has strict standards for his daily activity level.

When I came out of Jiangbei City, I ran into the executive deputy district head.

"Mr. Jiang."

He took the initiative to come over and greet Jiang Beicheng.

"President Jiang, we have already implemented the arrangements made by the dockside chamber of commerce last time. Under the premise of ensuring that social order and the city's appearance are not affected, we will carry out the business operations of street vendors in an orderly manner in different time periods to preserve the lively atmosphere of the city."

***** has mentioned to me several times that he hopes to visit and offer condolences to these individual business owners together with you.

The establishment of the dockside chamber of commerce not only integrated individual merchants into the allocation of market resources.

It also gave those small vendors a place to settle down and make a living.

Jiang Beicheng did want to take some time to visit these working-class people, but following the procedures set by the district committee and government was not what he preferred.

Unless it's a cadre like Secretary Gao.

Both of them were able to integrate into the lower strata of society.

In addition, my work schedule has been too full lately.

Jiang Beicheng replied, "I called Chairman Miao and asked her to cooperate with the work of your district committee and government."

I might not be able to get away right now.

"***** I still hope..."

Jiang Beicheng: "Lei Jun and his team are coming to visit after the auto show in Chengdu, so I have to host them."

In addition, the Thai princess will be visiting China and will be staying in Jiangnan City. I will also be accompanying the city leaders to receive her…”

A few casual words silenced the executive deputy district head.

The Party Secretary was the leader in his eyes, but not the "leader" in Jiangbei City's heart.

Jiangbei City either hosts entrepreneurs like Lei Jun or foreign guests like the Thai princess.

In comparison, the officials at the department level in their district seem to be a little lacking.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Jiang, I didn't know you were so busy with official duties..."

Jiang Beicheng got into the car and waved goodbye: "From now on, coordinate these matters with my secretary in advance."

This is considered giving face to the district officials.

This gives the executive deputy district head a way to save face.

"What Beibei is most afraid of right now is these local government officials, isn't it?" Haitangxi said with a smile.

After replying to Lei Jun and the others, Jiang Beicheng smiled and nodded, replying, "You're being too enthusiastic."

Refusing is not good, and not refusing is not good either.

"I'll pass it on to Secretary Shen and let her handle it."

"What you see as trouble is something many people yearn for but cannot obtain." Haitangxi's eyes were filled with respect and admiration.

The statement about the first wife is actually rather one-sided.

People strive for upward mobility.

He too has things he desires but cannot obtain, which others also see as sources of trouble.

It's just that the level is too high; even those like Haitangxi, who are considered "sea turtles" (returned overseas students), don't dare to even think about it.

However, Jiang Beichen never belittled his woman. He picked up on her words and joked, "So, in your heart, I'm also a nuisance?"

Haitangxi's face instantly lit up with a smile, and she leaned against Jiang Beicheng's chest.

This man is indeed the one countless women have longed for but could not have.

"I've always enjoyed trouble since I was a child."

"How come I didn't know you gave me this nickname when I was little?"

"Hahaha~" Haitangxi laughed from ear to ear.

A great man only needs a little humor to make a woman swoon, thinking he is the most interesting person in the world and the one who can provide her with the most emotional value.

"After we went back and had dinner, shall we continue tonight?" Haitangxi suggested.

It would be good to build a man-made city like Jiangbei.

"I'm in a good state, I can do it anytime."

“If we weren’t on the inner ring expressway right now, I think you would definitely do something bad in the car.”

"You reminded me."

"..."

The two chatted shamelessly about their "great undertaking of procreation".

……

The second day of the Chengdu Auto Show saw the highest foot traffic, with the heads of several car companies going to promote their brands.

After finishing their work in the afternoon, Lei Jun, Lao Wei, Li Shufu... and their group arranged to visit Jiangnan City. Jiangbei City had already arranged drinks and refreshments for them at the manor. (End of Chapter)