Chapter 113 Don’t Care What Others Think
Although Xiao Peng is sometimes sharp-tongued, he is not a low-EQ monster - at least not to his friends.
He first let Pascal take a shower and then had him eat and drink to help him relax. Then he let him talk about what was wrong. This was much more effective than just asking questions directly.
Pascal looked at Xiao Peng and smiled faintly: "Xiao, I'm fine. I was just a little upset just now."
Xiao Peng shrugged and said, "I've never worried about you. Suicide is something that only poor people do. I don't think a rich man like you would commit suicide."
Pascal gave Xiao Peng a middle finger and said, "You bastard! After you sell this batch of jewelry, you'll be richer than me!"
Xiao Peng said seriously, "I'm not kidding, Xiao Pa. I'm telling you the truth. I admire you very much, even respect you! You've carved out a niche for yourself in the antique collecting world at such a young age. Not everyone can do that. Antique collecting relies on both knowledge and discernment. The former is easy; just study hard. The latter, however, can't be acquired simply by studying. It requires experience and practice, and you lack the experience of those veteran collectors. Yet, you've made it this far, Xiao Pa. You're a true genius."
Pascal's face showed a hint of confidence after hearing Xiao Peng's words: "Do you really think so?"
Xiao Peng nodded. This was not just flattery.
While the key to long-term friendships is tolerance of each other's shortcomings, it's also crucial to appreciate each other's strengths. Xiao Peng constantly felt inadequate when interacting with Pascal. Many things can't be learned simply by reading books. For example, Xiao Peng himself felt like an idiot when it came to corporate tax avoidance and the ins and outs of antique sales.
"Xiao Pa, last time you asked me if I regretted giving you the shares." Xiao Peng said seriously, "I'm giving you my honest answer now. I have never regretted it. In fact, I'm glad to have found such a good partner like you."
He picked up his beer and clinked glasses with Pascal: "Cheers to my best partner!"
The two of them took a big gulp. Pascal put down his beer and took a bite of the spicy hot pot. His face turned red. He didn't know if it was the spiciness or what, but his eyes turned red and he said, "But now your partner has brought a lot of trouble to our company."
"Tell me about it." Xiao Peng thought that this matter should be related to Pascal's father.
Sure enough, Pascal said, "Marseille has no secrets. Hey, in fact, all of France has no secrets. The man I should call father came to me and wanted me to give the credit for discovering these jewels to the Cousteau family. He wanted to reap the benefits. He said that after all, I am a Cousteau family member, and there are all kinds of moral blackmail anyway. You know how that feels."
After hearing this, Xiao Peng looked at Pascal: "So what do you think?"
Pascal said angrily, "I'd rather be called Pig, Donkey, or Turtle than Cousteau! He never fulfilled his responsibilities as a father! Today, I sat on the deck and recalled everything he did to make me happy, but there wasn't a single thing! Not a single thing! I'm usually quiet and look like I've let it all go, but Xiao, to be honest, when I think of my childhood, all I feel is hatred! Can you understand this feeling?"
The more Pascal spoke, the more excited he became. He took a sip of beer and choked himself, starting coughing violently.
Xiao Peng shrugged and said, "In that case, what do you care about? Why not just push him? Isn't this a simple matter? I'm the major shareholder, okay? Put the problem directly on me! Although I'm very dissatisfied with Fabian's recent behavior, there is one thing he is better than you!"
"What? Which point?" Pascal was a little unconvinced after hearing what Xiao Peng said.
Xiao Peng said, "Fabian must have known about this earlier than you, because he's closer to the Cousteau family! Didn't you say he was still pursuing the Cousteau Diving Association? But he never mentioned it at all! This means he rejected it a long time ago! The Cousteau family couldn't find a breakthrough with him, so they asked your father to come to you! Do you think my analysis is correct?"
Pascal blinked after hearing this. Xiao Peng continued, "He's been in charge of publicity for this matter. He's not like you, who's far away from the family. There's no reason for the Cousteau family to come to you first instead of him."
Pascal nodded after hearing this: "You are right."
Xiao Peng shrugged and said, "They hit a snag with Fabian, so they found a sentimental fool as a breakthrough point. Who do you think this sentimental fool is?"
Pascal smiled bitterly and pointed at his nose and said, "That's me. Am I stupid?"
Xiao Peng shrugged and said, "Stupid? 'A man of temperament' is a better description of you. Don't worry about this matter. Fame is really useless to me. It's not as practical as a little money. This matter is entirely up to you. If you want to bring the Cousteau family in, then do it. If you don't want to bring them in, then forget it. Everything is up to you!"
After hearing this, Pascal said directly: "Xiao, things are not as simple as you think. This matter is not easy to refuse."
"Why?" Xiao Peng was stunned after hearing this.
Pascal said, "There's a shortage of everything in this world, but there's always someone with pink eye. If we reject him, I can imagine what the media and netizens will say about it."
"Don't try to persuade others to be kind without first having experienced their suffering. Why do you care what nonsense they say?" Xiao Peng said angrily, "Don't ever take those internet trolls and internet saints seriously. They're just a bunch of jokes! If they can do it, then let them do it!"
Pascal shook his head and said, "But people say, if I want to buy a refrigerator, do I need to know how to cool it?"
"But they have to buy that refrigerator too!" Xiao Peng shook his head. "Aren't you tired of living? Why do you care about what others think every day?"
Pascal said, "Whether it's deep-sea salvage or antique collecting, a good reputation is essential. If our company is plagued by negative news right from the start, it will be detrimental to its development."
"You're wrong again!" Xiao Peng shook his head. "As long as we can always produce good things, we won't be afraid of any negative news! The key is that we must become strong ourselves! Now I am even more determined to find this batch of rhodium metal!"
Pascal thought for a moment and looked up. "You're right! Go fucking Cousteau! Whoever you want!"
After Xiao Peng and Pascal finished another beer, they asked curiously, "Xiao, how do you manage to be so rational about family matters? I've never heard you mention your family before. Could you tell me about it?"
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