Volume 1: A sound on Wall Street, Xinxiang City is busy copying books Chapter 57: A Bad Joke
Subtitle of this chapter: Life is precious, but pretense is even more precious.
"Bang!!!"
Even God knew that the real show of this Halloween costume party was finally about to begin, so a waiter accidentally dropped the tray in his hand on the ground.
Of course, the old sheriff who looked like he ran out of a western movie was Louis Baker's grandfather, George Fisher Baker, the current president of the First National Bank of New York and chairman of several companies. At that time, the number of companies he managed was the largest in the United States. It is said that he is still the third richest person in the United States. He, JP Morgan and James Stillman were known as the three giants of the American financial world in the early 20th century. What does this mean?
This means that the Grand Knight of the KKK, the Teutonic Knight, the Crescent Moon Sect leader, the President of Nankai University, the daughter of the former Prime Minister, the Vice Chairman of the NYU Faculty Senate...all these people combined are not as good as a single hair of the old sheriff in front of him!
If I could gain his appreciation, my path to becoming a master would be smooth sailing...
Hey, what's the point of being a master or not? It's useless except for the nice title. If I could become his Chinese agent... well, a comprador, after returning to China, wouldn't I be able to criticize whoever I want, step on whoever I want, and sleep with whoever I want? !
"Grandfather, this is the Neo Yuan I mentioned to you."
The third richest man in the United States today did not lose his manners just because Yuan Yanshu was young and Chinese. He actually stood up, extended his hand and said, "Mr. Yuan, nice to meet you."
Our Master Yuan recalled the look on his leader's face when he met his big boss. He smiled with joy and humility, but not flattering or vulgarity. He hunched his chest and abdomen, trotted a few steps, shook the other's hand and said, "Mr. Baker, I'm glad to meet you, too. It's my honor to meet you."
"Mr. Yuan, please take a seat."
"Thank you." Yuan Yan suddenly sat down with her back straight, put her hands on her knees, and stared at the top of .
Well, although this young Oriental man is dressed a little strangely, he is still very comfortable to look at. He is a gentleman with good manners, good manners and good culture. It's a bit of a pity that he is a Chinese...
But for a big capitalist like Mr. Baker, there is no such taboo in his heart. Only losers are keen on xenophobia.
"How many years has Mr. Yuan been in the United States?"
"Mr. Baker, I have been in New York for three years."
"Oh, I can't tell. Your accent sounds like you were born here."
"Mr. Baker, you are too kind. When I was in China, I received the teachings of enthusiastic and professional American missionaries, so I had the opportunity to come to the fertile land of freedom in America. Speaking of which, I have to thank these devout shepherds."
"So, Mr. Yuan, you are also a Christian?"
Our Master Yuan secretly cried out, "Oh no! I've overacted." So should I become God's Lamb from now on? I have to say that whether it's in the United States in 1920 or in China in 1920, there are really many benefits to believing in foreign religions. For example, it's easier to squeeze into the American upper class, such as the group of high-ranking Chinese church members who hold high positions after returning to China, such as those cute boys in the choir... Bah, bah, bah, I don't like this!
But he thought again, he had worked so hard to travel back to the 1920s and became a Chinese in hell. The only benefit of being a Chinese in those days was that you could legally have a mistress... well, a concubine. If he joined a foreign religion, he would not even be able to enjoy this only benefit. How could he be willing?
Be honest!
"Before the cock crowed, St. Peter failed to recognize Jesus three times." Yuan Yan smiled and said calmly, "In fact, as a Chinese, I am still worried whether the chicken was with peanuts."
The grandfather and grandson were both stunned. After three or four seconds, they finally reacted and laughed out loud almost at the same time. The more they laughed, the happier they became: "Hahaha, chicken with peanuts...very delicious. Hahaha..."
"Haha, Kung Pao Chicken... Mr. Yuan, you are really funny, haha..."
In fact, this is a joke about a famous dish in American Chinese cuisine, spicy diced chicken with peanuts. Of course, Yuan Yanshu is also using this joke to tactfully deny that she is not a Christian.
I have to say that his joke level is very high. He integrated biblical allusions, his own race and Kung Pao Chicken into one sentence, and said it so seriously, like a deadpan comedian. No wonder the two Mr. Bakers were so amused.
Mr. Baker Jr. was a leftist, so he didn't mind that his classmate was not a Christian; and Mr. Baker Sr. was a big capitalist, so he didn't care much either. On the contrary, the third richest man in the United States had a better impression of Master Yuan.
This is because this old fox with white hair on his tail can see the big picture from the small details.
The fact that this Chinese man could use biblical allusions in a hurry and make up a joke to defuse the embarrassment cleverly shows that he is smart, knowledgeable and quick-witted, which is already remarkable. However, for Mr. Baker, the above three points are secondary.
A wealthy man like him naturally knew what flatterers were like. Chinaman was originally an uncivilized race without credit and faith. So it was very likely that the young Chinese lied about being a Christian in order to please him, but he still insisted on his faith.
A big capitalist like Mr. George F. Baker knew the simple truth that an honest heathen could be trusted more than most white Christians.
Thinking of this, the Wall Street legend didn't waste any words. He took out a handkerchief to wipe his eyes and asked directly: "Mr. Yuan... um, can I call you Neo?"
Our Master Yuan naturally knew that this was the result of the improved favorability, so he readily replied: "Of course."
"I heard from Louis that you, Neo, have some unique insights into pensions and social security benefits."
Here it comes, here it comes, it’s finally here!
Yuan Yan, who had been prepared for a long time, took a deep breath without leaving a trace, and his face showed surprise, joy, shyness, humility, excitement... That "hedonistic devil's flying kiss" was really useful. In short, he made an extremely complex and very likable expression.
Master Yuan's expression was so contagious that even old Mr. Baker nodded again in his heart, thinking that this young Chinese was not only smart, but also had the freshness of a fresh man... In short, he was completely different from the Chinese he had met before.
I am looking for a business partner for East Asia who is familiar with the local area and has a pioneering spirit. Although this person is still a little young, if he is really talented, he would be a very suitable candidate.
“Pika Pika…”
"Fuck you! Fuck you! Master Ball, if you have the guts, kill me right here, or else..."
"I'm going to pretend to be this guy next!!!"
