Chapter 217: Maslow's Theory

"Five hundred million?" Jiang Yanran was skeptical.

In a blind auction like this, every company keeps their bid strictly confidential to prevent leaks.

How could Hua Yunfeng possibly know the highest bid for the platinum princess?

Besides having a mole inside the Qianhe Group, Hua Yunfeng had also secretly reached out to several interested companies in Minnan and Shanghu, asking them to do him a favor.

Apart from those other companies, the only competitor with any real strength left was Asia Shipping.

As for Zheng Qian's Qianhe Group, he didn't even take it seriously.

This price of five hundred million was what the Qianhe Group had bid.

As long as Hua Yunfeng bid more than five hundred million, even by just one yuan, he could easily secure the first cruise ship, the Diamond Princess.

"So, Miss Jiang, I've already shared such explosive news with you. Shouldn't you consider teaming up with our Yuehua Shipping for this project?"

Jiang Yanran quickly did the math in her head.

If a shipping company wants to launch a cruise business, they have to invest a lot of money upfront, and it would likely take two or three years just to break even.

If two companies do it together, the profit share would be even smaller.

The terms Hua Yunfeng offered her were a 50/50 split.

If she joined forces for this project, Asia Shipping would not only have to invest capital but also leverage its own network and connections.

Putting up both money and effort only to receive a meager share of the profits in the end—why would she do that?

Hua Yunfeng must have approached her because he wanted to utilize Asia Shipping's strength.

If he pulled a 'burn the bridge after crossing' or 'pulling the rug out from under' maneuver, she would lose big time.

"I'm sorry, President Hua, but I cannot accept the terms you've offered."

Jiang Yanran said coldly.

"However, you don't need to worry about me stealing this secret. I swear on the reputation of the entire Jiang family that at the blind auction in two days, my bid will not exceed five hundred million."

...

"One appetizer, two filet mignons, two scallops, and a bottle of Romanée-Conti."

After sitting down, Zheng Qian ordered all the most expensive dishes on the menu.

When Zheng Qian saw that this restaurant had Romanée-Conti, his eyes lit up.

200,000!

After the system cashback, that's 2 million!

"I'm sorry, sir, but our Romanée-Conti is only available to VIP customers. I believe this is your first time dining here, isn't it?" After taking down the order in his notebook, the waiter reminded him politely.

?

Only available to VIPs?

Does that mean he can't spend his money even if he wants to?

"How does one become one of your VIP customers?"

There was a hint of disdain in Zheng Qian's condescending gaze.

"You need to pre-deposit at least one hundred thousand."

This was a renowned restaurant in Jiangnan, rumored to be a branch opened by Gordon Ramsay in the country.

The highest historical bill at this restaurant had reached 460,000, so a pre-deposit of 100,000 wasn't really much; just ordering a few dishes would cover it.

The threshold was actually quite low.

But what Zheng Qian found annoying was that the waiter told him he couldn't order it.

"So you're saying that if I don't become a VIP customer, I can't order this bottle of wine?"

"That is correct."

The waiter felt that although Zheng Qian was dressed in designer brands, his aura was lacking compared to those top-tier big shots.

Sitting opposite him was such a beautiful girl; he must have tricked her into coming.

The clothes he was wearing were probably fakes or rented.

Coming here to eat was completely punching above his weight, the type of person who pretends to be wealthy.

"Alright then. Yaxian, bring that suitcase over. It looks heavy for you to carry; might as well spend it here."

Song Yaxian: ???

What's going on?

Confused, Song Yaxian handed over Zheng Qian's suitcase.

Clack.

Zheng Qian opened the black suitcase.

Inside were stacks of hundred-yuan bills, neatly arranged.

Whoosh.

Zheng Qian dumped the money onto the floor quite casually.

This money piled up into a small mountain right at the waiter's feet!

"Is this enough?"

The waiter, who had been arrogant and looked down on Zheng Qian, was stunned speechless by this sight.

This suitcase of cash was at least three million!

"Sir... it's... it's enough."

If three million wasn't enough to become their VIP, then there probably wasn't a customer in the world who could meet their VIP requirements.

The commotion Zheng Qian caused attracted the attention of many nearby customers, who collectively gasped in amazement.

In this digital age, who carries this much cash around?

Even Song Yaxian, sitting opposite, was dumbfounded.

She had thought it contained some valuable items; she never expected it to be filled with money!

No wonder it was so heavy when she carried it downstairs.

Seriously, isn't it just a meal?

Is it really necessary to dump three million in cash just because of a waiter?

Three million—Song Yaxian couldn't save that much in twenty years even if she didn't eat or drink!

Zheng Qian is spending it on a single meal?

You must be joking!

"If it's enough, pick it up and deposit it all into the card. Do you understand?"

Zheng Qian raised an eyebrow. It had been a long time since he encountered a waiter who looked down on people; the last time was at the beginning at Joy City, where a cosmetics counter clerk looked down on him.

Does he really lack the aura of a multi-millionaire?

Zheng Qian's account was currently sitting quietly with nearly one billion. Forget being a multi-millionaire; even tycoons with a net worth over a hundred million would have to call him President Zheng or Brother Qian when they saw him.

What are you acting so arrogant about, a waiter?

What Zheng Qian lacked now wasn't money. According to a philosopher named Maslow, humans have five levels of desires, stacked together like a pyramid.

The bottom layer, the first level, is the most basic physiological needs: food, water, sleep, and sexual relations.

The second level is safety needs: personal safety, security, job security, etc...

The third level is belonging needs: friendship, love...

The fourth level is esteem needs: self-esteem, confidence, achievement, being respected by others, etc.

The fifth level is self-actualization: morality, creativity, self-discipline, problem-solving skills, fairness.

Achieving any one of the things in the fifth level makes one a winner in life, the kind of tycoon figure whom authors in later generations repeatedly write biographies about.

Currently, Zheng Qian is at the fourth level of needs.

Seeing the situation spiraling out of control, the restaurant manager rushed over in a panic.

"I'm sorry, sir. I apologize for the trouble caused to you."

"To compensate you, our VIP, the restaurant is willing to prepare a private supreme room for you. Would you mind moving to the second floor?"

A gentle and refined person dressed in a tuxedo, looking like a manager, walked over and bowed ninety degrees to Zheng Qian, expressing his sincere apologies.

Hmm...

Zheng Qian felt satisfied.

It feels good to be rich!

If it were an ordinary customer, the manager would probably have kicked him and Song Yaxian out directly to maintain the restaurant's dignity.

The only reason he hadn't done so was because of the three million in cash piled up like a small mountain on the floor.

The waiter finally realized that he had spoken wrongly and made a huge mess of things.

It's over, it's over. He didn't know how the restaurant would deal with him now!

"I can't be bothered to move. Just here is fine."

"Can I order that bottle of Romanée-Conti now?"

Zheng Qian's attitude was extremely arrogant; he might as well have put his feet up on the table.

"Yes, yes, yes, you are our VIP. We can even gift it to you! Please don't be angry!"

The manager gave the waiter a hard knock on the forehead.

"What are you still standing there like a fool for? Why don't you hurry up and serve our VIP the wine? You blockhead!"