Volume 1 Early Ming Chapter 51 Shanghai Beach (4)
Volume 1, Chapter 51: Shanghai Beach (4)
Citibank, Fisher was sitting on the sofa in the living room with an expressionless face. Across from him, Ali Miller kept looking at his watch. Mr. Douglas, the general manager in China, was on his way over. In 1902, Citibank passed bribery
When Li Hongzhang entered China, Shanghai undoubtedly became his first choice.
Due to the strength of the British, Citibank's business in Shanghai is very average. Especially the personal traveler's check business launched, the development prospects in the Chinese market are not as good as expected.
Five minutes ago, the American citizen named Fisher walked into the bank and claimed to see the general manager, Mr. Douglas. Miller said that he could serve him, but Mr. Fisher took out a wire transfer
After being singled out, Miller immediately realized that his position was too low.
The tall and muscular Mr. Douglass finally arrived. When he entered the office door, he first apologized: "Hello, I'm sorry, I was delayed by something." In fact, he rushed over after receiving the news and didn't delay at all.
"Hello, as an American citizen, I prefer to trust American banks. Although time is tight, I am still willing to wait. Okay, let's get started. This is a wire transfer order. I need to open two accounts.
This is the name and the amount transferred respectively. I hope the bank will keep it absolutely confidential, because the Chinese aristocrat who entrusted me with the agency business does not like the exposure of wealth. If the information leaks, I will terminate all cooperation with your bank." Fisher.
Fisher took out the wire transfer form and a piece of paper, handed it to Douglas, then reached out to a subordinate next to him, opened a cigar box, and took out a cigar. Fisher smiled at Douglas and said, "Would you like one? Authentic Havana
cigar."
"Thank you. I think I should ask someone to handle the business for you first! Please believe that the reputation of Citibank is definitely worthy of your trust." Douglas was very polite and very excited. He deposited three hundred dollars into the bank in one go this year.
I dare not say that there are no clients of more than 10,000, but they are the only ones in Shanghai so far. The key is that Douglas keenly caught a sentence just now, one of Fisher's clients is a Chinese nobleman. And Fisher is an American citizen. This
It's a very strange phenomenon.
"Miller, follow Mr. Fisher's instructions." Passing the wire transfer order to his subordinate, Douglas greeted with a smile: "Dear Mr. Fisher, I am shocked that you can have an aristocratic customer in China. In fact,
We have been working very hard to attract depositors from the Chinese, but the vast majority of Chinese people trust their banks more."
"Haha, in fact, I have only been in Shanghai for a few days, and I have been in Europe before. I met this client in Europe. He was studying in Europe at that time. This man not only has noble qualities, but also has amazing wealth. I can get to know him.
, it can be said that it changed the trajectory of my life." Fisher said seriously, it can be said that it was not watered down at all.
Douglas' understanding is that because the Chinese client's business was too big, Fisher gave up his career in the United States and came to China for development.
"It's a pity that such a gentleman lacks understanding of the United States. Therefore, he is more willing to believe in German products. Before this, I tried hard to recommend American products to him, but unfortunately he was not very interested. He just entrusted me to handle some securities on his behalf.
Business." Fisher continued to speak with a look of regret, as if he were a citizen who loves the United States.
"Oh, do I know what he needs? You know, banks and merchants always have business dealings of one kind or another." Douglas cautiously tried, and Fisher didn't seem to care about trade and shook his head.
He smiled and said, "It's okay to tell you this. Founder is building an industrial zone in Wuhu, and it's just in the initial stage. Even so, he has purchased industrial equipment worth one million oceans from Germany. But the American businessman went directly to find it
He can't. There is a person in charge of his industrial zone named Gu Heng. I heard that he is about to conduct a large-scale recruitment event in Shanghai. He needs skilled technical industry, technicians, etc. I also heard from Fang that if this recruitment
Success, the next step is to expand the industrial park. Unfortunately, my business is mainly in financial securities, and he does not think I can help him in these aspects." He shrugged and said helplessly: "A very
A stubborn young man, he possesses all the virtues of a traditional oriental man. At the same time, he received higher education in Europe and holds a positive attitude toward Western civilization."
"So, can I get to know this Chinese guy?" Douglass was ecstatic in his heart. It seemed that Fisher was not very resistant to his contact with this party. Sure enough, Fisher shrugged and said, "Why not? I finally persuaded Fang to agree to Citigroup."
Bank is his first choice, and I firmly believe that as long as he is willing to cooperate, more Chinese people will save their money in Citibank."
Less than half an hour later, Miller came back and all the formalities had been completed. Douglas personally sent the carriage to the carriage and rubbed his hands excitedly after watching the carriage disappear.
"Miller, we must find out the origin of Mr. Fisher as soon as possible. If possible, seek support from the U.S. headquarters."
Miller smiled and said: "Five minutes ago, I got certain news that Mr. Fisher bought a garden house on Gongguan Road for three times the price."
Douglas shook his head decisively and said: "No, this is impossible. Mr. Fisher is an outstanding businessman and a Jew. He will not suffer such a loss. Wait, I understand, it must be that one
China. Oh my god, Miller, go and prepare a gift right away. I have made an appointment with Mr. Fisher to be a guest at his house at six o'clock in the afternoon."
In two days, there were not many changes inside the western-style building. The original furniture was basically retained, and some positional adjustments were made. A piano was added to the living room, and the style and color of the curtains were replaced with elegant white floral styles.
.The original dining table in the dining room was too small, so it was replaced with a larger one, covered with a light white tablecloth with blue patterns. The hostess's mood can be seen everywhere in these arrangements.
Douglas arrived at Fisher's house five minutes early. Standing in the yard, he could hear the sound of the piano coming from the house. Fisher and his wife were on the steps, and there was still sound of piano in the house. Douglas responded to this
There is no displeasure.
After some polite greetings, Douglas entered the living room and naturally saw a Chinese man sitting side by side in front of the piano with a little girl, playing a piece of music together. This piece of music was euphemistic and elegant yet fresh and beautiful, but Douglas had never heard it before.
Yes. You know, when Douglas was young, he initially studied music in college.
Douglas was a little fascinated when he listened to it. This song seemed to be about a scene where two beloved lovers had to break up. They ate and danced together, and when the song ended, they still looked at each other reluctantly.
.
Of course, from a professional point of view, this Chinese piano player still has some technical deficiencies and seems a bit jerky. But this is not important. This piece of music alone is enough to make people respect him.
"Pa pa pa pa!" Everyone clapped unconsciously. This song is so beautiful.
"Fang, did you make this piece?" Douglas was a little familiar with it, but Fang didn't seem to be unhappy about this rudeness. He kept smiling and said, "I heard this by chance when I was traveling in Europe.
A piece of music, I don’t know who composed it.”
After speaking, Fang Jianxiong winked at Alice beside him. The little loli was filled with joy, and the two shared a secret. Just now, Fang said that this was an advance gift for Alice's fourteenth birthday, and Fang specially dedicated a song to her.
He. He also taught her personally.
Douglas secretly wondered, how could someone who could compose such a beautiful piece of music not be famous? Most likely, the Chinese didn't want people to know about it. Orientals are so reserved and don't like to act in a high-profile manner.
Fisher came forward to make a formal introduction, and Fang Jianxiong shook hands politely. After they sat down, they chatted for a while. Douglas tried to bring the topic to the industrial zone in Wuhu several times, but Fang Jianxiong seemed reluctant to talk about this topic, so he cleverly introduced it.
It's open.
Douglas observed carefully and found that Fang said he was a soldier, which could indeed be seen from his sitting posture. As an official of the Qing government, Fang was very different from ordinary officials.
Although Fang was very polite on the surface, he was actually very afraid that the foreigners would cause trouble. But this Fang did not feel his fear of the foreigners at all, and always showed an attitude of equality and friendliness, which made Delas come to a conclusion in his mind,
This young man may be the spokesperson that the United States needs. It is necessary to inform the Ambassador of this discovery as soon as possible. The U.S. industry is so powerful that it ranks first in the world, but the market is far from insufficient. The Chinese market has always been what the United States values. The problem is
The British occupied the richest Yangtze River Basin and severely excluded capital from other countries from entering.
The U.S. government has been making unremitting efforts to fully open the Chinese market.
"Fang, I wonder if Citibank can do something for your industrial plan?" Douglas decided to be more direct. Any customer who deposits two million yuan into the bank at one time must be given enough attention. This is the prerequisite.
Secondly, Fisher's words still played a big role.
"Mr. Douglas, thank you for your concern. I will take the initiative to contact you when needed." Fang Jianxiong said very politely, but how could Douglas not hear such an obvious refusal.
"Fang, please forgive me, but your industrial zone plan seems to be very rudimentary now. The United States is the most industrial and powerful country in the world today. Although my expertise lies in the securities market, I still want to express my personal opinion.
From your point of view, you need the help of American capital to realize your industrial plan." Fisher spoke promptly, and Douglas was secretly grateful. As an American citizen, Fisher was loyal.
"Okay, Fisher, Mr. Douglas, I can tell you frankly. It's not that I reject the United States, otherwise I wouldn't hire Mr. Fisher as my securities investment agent. You also know that I studied in Germany.
And I have established good relationships with some German companies in Germany. At present, my largest source of income is also the pharmaceutical factory that cooperates with Germany. So, please understand my difficulties. In terms of trading partners, I must give priority to German companies." Fang Jianxiong
He seemed to have difficulty saying these words, which shocked Douglas, because these words can be regarded as Fang's top business secrets. At the same time, it can be seen that Fisher has a huge influence on Fang. Otherwise, Fang's funds can completely
Deposit into a German bank or a British bank.
This discovery gave Douglas a glimmer of hope.
Chapter completed!