Chapter 147 Self-PUA: You're really ruthless.
I have no objection to heading east.
He was overjoyed when his boss gave him good sales figures.
As for developing these two businesses, it is not difficult.
Like those in the CIS countries and Eastern Europe, artists in China are also having a tough time right now.
Film studios, in particular, used to rely on government funding to make a living. They didn't face market competition and only needed to focus on producing films.
But when the wave of market reforms came, everyone had to find their own way to make a living.
The same goes for photographers.
If we gather them together and take professional photos of the models, they'll definitely look like movie posters.
Ivanov enthusiastically recommended: "Moscow also has many excellent photographers, really, their photos are great."
Russia is currently experiencing a severe imbalance between mental and physical labor demands, with artists facing particularly difficult times. They desperately need more job opportunities.
He enthusiastically emphasized, "They have a clearer understanding of how to take great photos of models."
He turned to Wang Xiao for support, “Wang, right? Look at the photos they took.”
Wang Xiao nodded in agreement.
Different ethnic groups have different aesthetics. Even when East Asian celebrities with stunning looks wear Western makeup, few can adapt to it, let alone their photo styles.
The idea that everyone should be able to showcase their unique characteristics is actually a lie.
More than 90 percent of makeup artists and photographers have their own style and routines, and models have to conform to their routines.
If it's compatible, that's the icing on the cake.
When they're not a good match, it's simply indescribable.
So let's all stop making things difficult for each other and just stay in our comfort zones; that way, we'll have a higher chance of getting great photos.
Ivanov suggested several photographers who had previously collaborated with the Huaxia Commercial Street in Moscow, with good results; some of the posters were simply stunning.
He said that the photographer, Xiang Dong, didn't leave a deep impression.
But the mention of posters immediately stirred his memory bank.
Oh, that one, he still remembers it. It was indeed exceptionally beautiful and stunning; once seen, it's unforgettable.
Even a big-time reseller, after buying all the goods and packing them up for the plane, couldn't resist running back, panting, and asking to buy three hundred posters.
He intended to give it as a gift to his wholesalers.
Goodness gracious, both bosses were astonished.
He gave away 300 tickets at once, so he must have quite a few distributors under him.
Xiang Dong suddenly had an idea: "Why don't we just make posters and sell them too?"
Currently, the commercial city sells wallpaper, but does not yet wholesale posters.
But in reality, Huaxia is also selling posters nowadays.
Any fashionable person who doesn't have a poster on their wall is completely out of touch with the times.
Wang Xiao didn't care. Xiang Dong could make his own decision about such a small matter. Whether they made a profit or a loss, it was just normal business for the company.
The boss and supervisor started discussing again which photographer was the most suitable.
Separated by a wall and a door, the models in the private room pressed themselves against the wall, listening to what the people outside were saying.
Oh no, the boss mentioned art, a ballet troupe, and even a film studio.
There are so many handsome boys and beautiful girls there, it's like a multitude of fish crossing a river; you could easily find them all.
As for whether she's willing to come to China as a model? What a joke! Even the famous legendary dance master, the Soviet ballet queen, Ulanova, is currently so strapped for cash that she had to sell her Ford car to make ends meet.
If you could earn one or two thousand US dollars a month, how tempting that would be for an ordinary person!
The newcomers would be overjoyed to be able to replace them.
If the models haven't yet received this enormous fortune, then missing the opportunity will at most cause them to sigh with regret and silently lament for a while before letting it go.
But now, it's a case of gaining and then losing.
Everyone panicked and started looking at each other in a state of confusion, desperately trying to find someone to take charge.
However, just because they are all good-looking does not mean that they are all brilliant.
The models' eyes darted between each other for a long time before one of them finally couldn't take it anymore and gritted her teeth to suggest, "Let's buy the goods ourselves and sell them at home."
They are incredibly good at making money in business.
It's said that those who do well earn not just a couple thousand US dollars a month, but ten to twenty thousand.
Every single one of the middlemen and speculators they encounter in their daily lives makes a fortune.
Maybe after working for a year, they'll be able to buy an imported car.
Unfortunately, before the group of young men and women could fully get into the swing of things, one of their companions poured cold water on their enthusiasm: "How do you know that you can definitely sell the goods you buy? What if you lose money because you can't sell them?"
She wasn't exaggerating; her friend had suffered such a misfortune.
At that time, silk pajamas were in high demand in the market. When her friend went to China with the art troupe to perform, she borrowed all the money she could.
As it turns out, she had excellent judgment.
That large bag of silk pajamas returned to Ekaterina City, its value nearly tripling.
Having made a fortune, the friend immediately borrowed money everywhere, even taking out high-interest loans from the Mafia, and excitedly went to China again to buy goods.
This time, the supply of goods is also perfect. The clothing styles are novel, the colors are bright, and the quality is excellent. It looks like you can make money.
Then the market changed unpredictably, and she kept switching back and forth for half a month, by which time the situation had changed drastically.
In Ekaterina, a large number of silk pajamas were imported directly from Chinese manufacturers, arriving in containers. This instantly saturated the market, leaving no opportunity for new goods to enter.
This is terrible. The silk pajamas that were supposed to make a lot of money have become unsaleable and can't be sold at all.
The creditors, without any regard for the facts, came knocking on the door demanding repayment.
Her friend had no choice but to work at a nightclub.
Once you're in a nightclub, you can't expect to make money just by standing there doing nothing.
Working as a hostess or performing striptease on stage are common occurrences.
The models fell silent.
When normal people can earn a decent living, who would be so foolish as to resort to striptease? It's not like they were born despicable.
Someone, unable to bear it any longer, glared angrily at Sofia: "It's all your fault! We were doing a good job, and you had to cause trouble!"
A large group of people echoed this sentiment, saying, "That's right, there's nothing inherently wrong in the world; it's just that mediocre people create their own troubles."
If Sofia hadn't stepped in and offended the boss, they would still be happy working people today.
Sofia has a delicate and elegant face, but a fiery temper. She retorted sharply, "Why didn't any of you object when I was fighting for your rights?"
The person who confronted her wasn't ashamed at all: "Didn't you say that your relationship with her was unusual?"
That's right.
Everyone nodded in agreement.
It's because she's close to the boss that everyone feels that joining her in a rebellion will be successful.
And the result? A resounding "Pah!"
Their boss, Ivanov, didn't even glance at her, focusing solely on peeling oranges for her.
He clearly sided with the female boss and completely ignored Sofia.
Touched on her sore spot, Sophia was heartbroken. Her eyes immediately turned red, and she emphasized pitifully, "He said it. He said I am the moon, the star, and the sun, filling his life with light. He said that if he lost me, his life would be filled with regrets that could never be made up for."
Oh my god.
Ivanov's cheesy talk is really something.
But Sofia's companions didn't get goosebumps; they just rolled their eyes at the sky.
Good heavens, what kind of idiot is this?
Isn't this just the kind of rhetoric a boss uses to trick people into working for him and risking their lives?
To put it even more cheesyly, the boss had said those things to them when he was acting as a talent scout and recruiting them to film movies.
Oh, what's this called again?
The translator watched the Chinese TV series "The Outsider" with them; it was just an emotional investment made by the Hong Kong boss in the mainland female migrant worker.
Capitalists are all the same; they expect a return on every investment, even if it's just a few sweet words.
While venting can be satisfying, it doesn't solve any problems.
They are now facing a life-or-death situation.
If I lose this job and have to go back home and live on bread, salt, and potatoes, it would be worse than death.
But what are they going to do? President Xiang is clearly very angry and has already made up his mind to use new people.
What competitive advantages do they have compared to newcomers?
Extensive filming experience? Ha! That actually means their faces have aged and lack freshness.
These models specialize in print photography and don't need to walk the runway. Any of them can be trained and brought over for photoshoots anytime.
The group looked at each other, and finally someone mustered the courage to suggest, "How about we take a pay cut ourselves?"
Fearing a scolding, he quickly emphasized, "Anyway, our main income comes from gifts from the manufacturers. By voluntarily reducing our wages, we are expressing our attitude to the company. This way, the bosses are happy, and we ourselves don't actually suffer much loss."
Such a traitor, if he lived during the revolutionary war era, should absolutely have been dragged out and shot a hundred times over.
Unfortunately, the collapse of the Soviet Union was very quiet, let alone something as minor as this.
Surprisingly, no one stood up to object to the traitor's proposal.
Because no one can bear the consequences of everyone's collective downfall if they oppose him/her, and instead turn to accusations, complaints, and hatred.
Since that was the case, even though everyone wasn't entirely willing, they still went along with the crowd and agreed to the plan.
Although there is no idiom in Russian for "strike while the iron is hot," the same meaning is understood by everyone.
One should strike while the iron is hot, for there's no time like the present. Let's make sure we tell the boss our stance today.
Wang Xiao and Ivanov were discussing the details of the song request program with Xiang Dong, such as how to shoot the blessing video and at what time of the song it should be inserted.
With a "thump," the door to the private room opened.
The three turned their heads and saw a tall male model who looked six or seven parts like Hollywood legend James Dean, suddenly appearing in front of them as if he had been pushed out of the house.
This is not the boss deliberately trying to discredit the models' image.
Because they all saw that there was more than one pair of hands that hurriedly withdrew into the doorway.
In that instant, Wang Xiao thought of a famous dish: monkey brains.
It is said that every time the chef goes to the cage to select a monkey for the dinner table, as soon as he chooses one, the other monkeys will desperately push it up.
In this way, they can gain a brief period of peace.
The handsome male model now seems to be just like this poor monkey.
He had the face of James Dean, but he couldn't act as recklessly as the legendary actor. Instead, he could only stammer and carefully express his intentions.
They are willing to take a pay cut of 500 yuan, 500 yuan a month is enough.
Wang Xiao raised an eyebrow: "Whom do you represent? Yourself?"
The male model, who was not yet twenty years old, blushed so hard he felt like he was going to explode.
He was pushed forward not because he had a silver tongue or boundless courage, but because his colleagues believed that no woman could resist James Dean's face.
That's right, their main target is Miss Wang.
It is obvious that, whether out of affection or other factors, Ivanov was following in Miss Wang's footsteps.
The male model's tongue was tied in knots, and his stuttering became even more severe, almost trembling: "I...we, all of us."
He mustered his courage again and fought for himself, saying, "Of course, I personally hope even more strongly that my salary will be reduced."
Wang Xiao couldn't help but feel sorry for him when she saw him on the verge of tears.
With those red, battered eyes, she would be even more alluring in bed.
If he had truly become her subordinate, then she couldn't very well try to seduce him into bed.
After all, a boss can only seize one of the two: emotional value or money.
She gave a half-smile: "Really? Didn't you want a raise?"
No, no!
The door to the private room opened again, and this time even more models poured out.
Everyone rushed to express their loyalty to the company and the boss, saying, "Our salaries are too high, we don't need that much money. Half is enough, really."
As they talked, they all started to believe what they were saying.
That's right, that's right. Workers in China don't even earn 500 yuan a month, and many don't even earn half that.
Oh dear, isn't their asking price still too high? They should have bargained it down to 100 yuan to better express their attitude.
Fortunately, before everyone could continue to grit their teeth and pledge their loyalty, the boss astutely understood their meaning and nodded, saying, "I understand what you mean."
The models looked on expectantly, but no, boss, we don't understand what you mean.
Can you give us a definite answer and tell us whether we will be able to get jobs in the future?
However, the working class can never keep up with the capitalists' patience. Soon, a model couldn't hold back any longer and risked asking, "Boss, we want to take on some work."
But the boss didn't react. He just looked the person who spoke up up and down before finally saying, "Want to take a job?"
Yes, yes, yes.
Everyone nodded like chickens pecking at rice, and their eyes gleamed with longing.
"Alright then." Xiang Dong nodded reluctantly after seeing that things had been stretched out enough. "The boss put in a good word for you and even found you some work. So hurry up and eat, and get ready to start recording."
The young people in their early twenties instantly beamed with joy, cheered collectively, and some even shouted "Long live the boss!"
The people in the next private room couldn't help but stick their heads out to look.
Wang Xiao made a downward pressing gesture and smiled warmly at them: "Alright, everyone, let's eat quickly."
It wasn't until they walked back into the hall that Ivanov couldn't help but complain, "Honestly, none of them have any backbone at all."
Before the company had even taken any action, the models were already kneeling down faster than the last.
Voluntarily taking a 50% pay cut? Haha, why don't they just work with pay instead?
As a fellow countryman, Ivanov felt deeply ashamed and couldn't help but complain: "No wonder the Soviet Union died so quickly! The young people have all collapsed, what future and hope is there?"
The bodyguards all kept their eyes down and their minds at ease.
Haha, humans are indeed masters of double standards, especially bosses.
Judging from what he said, someone who didn't know better might think that he had pointed a gun at the enemy in order to defend the Soviet Union.
In fact, everyone was the same; they didn't do anything.
Upon hearing the word "Soviet Union," Wang Xiao was speechless and bewildered.
How come everything Ivanov talks about is somehow connected to the collapse of the Soviet Union? It has become a deep-seated worry for him.
“It would be the same if it were a Chinese person.” Wang Xiao wasn’t going to try to glorify his compatriots.
A monthly income of one or two thousand US dollars, according to the current market price, is equivalent to ten thousand Chinese yuan per month.
Please note that this is the money you receive directly; there are no further deductions for social insurance and housing fund contributions.
Let alone now, even thirty years from now, before Wang Xiao transmigrated into the book, the number of people in the whole country who could reach this level would probably be less than 10%.
Besides, it's 1993 right now.
If it were possible to become a millionaire in just one month, the whole nation would fight for it.
It's just bowing to the company, it's no big deal.
Those who accomplish great things do not concern themselves with trivial matters; the key lies in being flexible and adaptable.
Ivanov grumbled and awkwardly followed the others back to the dining table.
Everyone had almost finished eating, and no one picked up their chopsticks. They were all listening intently as Ovechkin chatted with others.
"60% annual interest is nothing, it's too little. You can exchange your money for rubles, and I'll help you invest it. I can give you 100% annual interest."
The seat where Ivanov had been sitting at the table was now occupied by an older woman, a steelworker, whose eyes sparkled: "It really can double?"
Ovechkin nodded seriously: "Of course. If you gave me 10,000 rubles last year, I'll give you 20,000 rubles right now."
The aunt exclaimed "Oh dear!" and was very tempted.
Is there really such a good thing in the world?
She urged the translator, "Hey, tell him I'll bet, I'll bet five thousand yuan."
Chen Yanqiu was originally just watching the excitement, but she was also annoyed by the employees' constant solicitation of funds.
At this point, she had to remind them, "Don't be silly. Now, one hundred million dollars is worth five hundred rubles. This time last year, it was just over one hundred. If it really doubles, you'll have nowhere to cry."
It's no wonder this aunt was ignorant; she had never been to Moscow, but had gone to Budapest instead, and had little concept of the ruble's dramatic devaluation.
Hearing Chen Yanqiu's words, she was startled: "Wow, that's amazing! How could that be?"
Wang Tiejun spoke up for his wife: "That's exactly right. The money isn't worth that much; the increase is just a number."
He then adopted a leader's demeanor and earnestly advised, "Stop making trouble. The People's Bank of China has already spoken; Great Wall Company is just messing around. What's the difference between this emerging company and Great Wall? In the end, you'll only lose your own capital."
Auntie was unwilling to give up: "That's not the same thing. Great Wall Company is a makeshift operation. Xinxing is legitimate. The mayor of Wuxi and central government leaders are both from Xinxing Company. Really, if you don't make this money, you'll never have another chance to make such a fortune."
Chen Yanqiu wanted to roll her eyes: "We're not giving you any money, you can go make your own fortune."
Ivanov was smug. He whispered to Wang Xiao, "See? We don't do this kind of nonsense. Nobody in Russia believes in this stuff."
After the meal, the models who came out of the private room passed by Wang Xiao and his group.
The handsome men and beautiful women perked up as they heard the translator's words.
Good heavens, 60% interest!
The Chinese Yuan is not like the ruble; it's very valuable. Moreover, the prices of many things are the same this year as last year, so there's no need to worry about the money becoming worthless.
Immediately, people excitedly stepped forward, wanting to ask more questions, such as how to invest money.
Auntie was feeling resentful after being given the cold shoulder by Deputy Factory Director Wang and his wife, along with their guests.
Now that people are actively seeking her out, she immediately starts promoting her products with great enthusiasm.
"This is incredibly lucrative. It distributes interest every two months. When I invested, they paid me the interest on the spot."
She was afraid of being envied, so she didn't finish her sentence. She received a monthly interest of 10%.
Her uncle's family is even more impressive; they've already made over a million from this.
These days, how many factories can earn millions a year?
Her uncle said that if he could develop the business in the large factory, he could also earn millions.
"The company owner is an advanced worker and a nationally recognized outstanding entrepreneur. He's not a fraudster. If it weren't for expanding production and making more profits, we wouldn't have had such a good opportunity."
Seeing his compatriots' faces flushed with excitement, Ivanov wished he could dig a hole and bury them inside.
To save them from making a fool of themselves.
He emphasized with a stern face, "A great opportunity to make money? A business that's guaranteed to make a profit? There aren't even enough for everyone inside, how could it possibly be your turn?"
In Russia, selling oil, natural gas, and precious metals is a lucrative business; how could it possibly have anything to do with ordinary people?
Even if he buys an oil and gas field with Wang Xiao, it is still undeveloped and requires a large investment to develop, and there is also a huge risk of losing the money.
He really doesn't understand these idiots.
They're clearly designed to be exploited, yet they don't protect themselves. They're all craning their necks, acting like they're afraid someone won't take advantage of them.
Sometimes he even felt that they deserved to be deceived.
For example, do these models in front of us exchange their good looks for intelligence?
They know nothing, yet they dare to invest real money recklessly.
Ivanov pointed at Wang Xiao and said, "If I need to expand my business, I will definitely ask Miss Wang for investment, or at the very least, he will be the one to invest."
As he spoke, he twirled Ovechkin's finger.
The latter was probably a victim of psychological manipulation (PUA).
Upon hearing these words, Ovechkin was not only not angry, but was even moved to tears.
Look, he's finally been accepted as one of Ivanov's own.
He was even willing to share investments with me, a resource more valuable than his girlfriend.
Luckily, Ivanov was unaware of his twisted thoughts, otherwise he would have definitely been thrown out.
Ivanov smiled dismissively: "Anyway, I'm not going to just pull people in from the outside. Those who are truly capable wouldn't bother with such paltry sums."
Wang Xiao nodded, only stating his attitude: "Anyway, I won't invest."
Alas, the stock market crash of 1992 must have dealt a severe blow to everyone.
This has directly led to a situation where people have spare money but don't know where to spend it.
Don't worry about this problem.
She definitely has a way of getting everyone to spend all their money.
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James Dean was a Hollywood icon in the 1950s and remains a cultural icon to this day.
In addition, there was a lot of fundraising in the 1990s, not only domestically but also internationally.
Chinese New Year is so tiring, even more tiring than going to work. Thank you to all the little angels who voted for me or watered my plants between 2024-02-12 07:24:22 and 2024-02-13 07:55:31!
Thank you to the little angels who watered the nutrient solution: dmx 60 bottles; Mu Huo Tong Ming 10 bottles; Xiao Mei 5 bottles; Xing Fu Yong Yuan, Yu Mi Fen Xing, Pang Pang Xiong, Chang Qi Wu Zuo, and Xiao P 1 bottle each;
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