Chapter 411: A Promotional Conference
Translator: Lan Editor: Efydatia
"That is the symbol of a top model. By then, you will be the top male model in China. Maybe you could become one of the top 100 men in the fashion world. You will have a place among beauties from all over the world."
She was really ambitious. Qin Guan had better watch out.
...
As she looked forward to the future, Sister Xue still didn't forget her aim. There were two months left before the Oscars, but the promotional conferences of the films were being held one by one since January in Los Angeles.
There were also many different previews, negotiation banquets and press conferences among film companies and stars.
Qin Guan liked the weather in LA. It was winter, yet it was still warm in the city. Even the social tension caused by Iraq had been eased. People could feel a spring breeze coming.
Director Zhang Yimou had invested a lot in that conference. Right after New Year's, he and Zhang Weining went to Hollywood.
As the Holy Land of the film industry, Hollywood, with its history of only tens of years, was a picturesque town.
Next to the small town were large film and TV studios, where many film production companies were gathered. They composed the big Hollywood family and contributed to the success of Los Angeles, the second largest city in the US.
The award ceremony would be held at the Kodak Theater (which had been renamed Hollywood & Highland). It would continue to be the site of the award ceremony in the future. Previously, the ceremony had been held at the TCL Chinese Theater and the Dolby Theater.
There were still several days left before the selection of the films. Qin Guan was not late to the event, but the promotional staff had already finished many exhibitions and exclusive preview meetings.
Qin Guan met Director Zhang and Producer Zhang instead of idling around Hollywood like a tourist.
Film promotion in 2003 actually meant explaining the concept of the film repeatedly to everyone involved. In fact, movie critics and LA-based distributing companies knew nothing about Chinese films.
What had attracted their attention was the famous Kung Fu Star, Li Lianjie, as well as the box office success of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon".
Qin Guan's first task was to attend the last promotional meeting before the award ceremony, with the intention to find a powerful distributing company for the film. Otherwise, their investment would be in vain.
Qin Guan was wearing his customized Armani suit. The cunning, considerate brand had prepared in advance three ordinary formal suits to serve as standbys for the different banquets he would be attending in Hollywood.
Qin Guan followed Director Zhang. The middle-aged man was a Chinese guy who looked unexpectedly handsome in his western style suit.
It was a small-scale promoting conference, so only some distributing companies with purchasing intention had been invited. They would be negotiating about the final price that day.
"Qin Guan, this is Sam, the distributing director of Miramax. Sam, this is Qin Guan, an actor in 'Heroes'. He is a student at Columbia..."
Zhang Weining and Sam seemed to be familiar with each other.
Qin Guan smiled at Sam, "Hello, I'm Qin Guan. I am honored to be acting in a film of your company. Thank you for the opportunity..."
The old man was a typical cunning guy working in the American film industry. He shook Qin Guan's hand gently.
"Which film?"
Miramax had invested in plenty of films, including some with limited budget. It was a good method to attract an audience.
"Confessions of a Dangerous Mind."
"Wow! Well done, young man! An indie film!"
Although all companies were commercialized, they actually felt a deep respect for directors and actors devoting themselves to indie films.
Director Zhang was surprised. What? Qin Guan, a supporting actor in domestic commercial films, has become an indie film hero in the US in barely half a year? The world is changing really fast!
He scanned Qin Guan from head to toe. He seems elegant and graceful. Could he act in an indie film though?
He had forgotten about the concept of aestheticism in foreign indie films. Qin Guan, Sam and Zhang had a harmonious conversation. After the conference, they exchanged contact information through their lawyers.
The publishing rights in North America belonged to Miramax. The 25-million-dollar price made it the top Chinese film.
During the following negotiations, Sam even made a joke. "Shall we change the name to 'Zhang Yimou: Heroes'?"
They all looked into the further promotion of the film. The next day, Qin Guan returned to New York, while his babysitter left for Los Angeles, the supreme headquarters of the film circle.
She worked in Hollywood like a duck in the water. Thanks to Zhang, she got all kinds of invitations to different banquets.
Warm Southern California was far away. Qin Guan began to take exams as soon as he returned to New York.
It was worse to take the exams in New York, because of the high prices of the US. Considering this was the location of Wall Street, the competition was especially fierce there.
The application fee in the state of New York was 220 dollars, while in western parts of the country it was only 25 dollars. The exams also cost 650 dollars. Along with the fee for educational background certificates, Qin Guan spent 1,000 dollars in total.
That was pure discrimination. There were also poor people living in New York. Qin Guan could afford the cost, but he didn't have much free time to study for the exams.
The CPA certificates were of high value, but time was just as valuable.
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Chapter 412: The CPA Exams
Translator: Lan Editor: Efydatia
In another state or town, there might have been fewer candidates, but Qin Guan was sitting in a crowded classroom. That was the power of New York as a financial center.
As the only Asian examinee in the room, Qin Guan made a bad impression on the American elites wearing formal clothes and leather shoes.
Asians were good with numbers. That was known all over the world. Besides, they were attentive and had a big advantage when applying for a job at a giant accounting firm.
He must be a strong opponent.
The seats were fixed to 60, but would be rearranged during the next session. The atmosphere was quite serious.
Qin Guan didn't say anything. He just found his seat by looking at his number and waited silently for the long battle to begin.
The bell rang and the papers were distributed. All the candidates began to answer the questions.
The atmosphere was getting weird. The sound of swift writing was the only thing heard in the quiet room.
Gradually, the eyes of all the elites turned to the Asian boy, who was working hard on his exam paper.
Under the cover of his perfect looks, Qin Guan had bared his teeth like a demon. He was ticking multiple choice answers at a high speed. The paper seemed as simple as picking cabbages at the market for him.
At first, people thought he was just doodling on his paper distractedly, but soon they realized he was answering the practical questions.
He was like a general on the battlefield, the papers and pens at his command.
Everyone else was questioning their lives and abilities. Am I mediocre? How come he is so good at things I find difficult? A girl wearing glasses had been in PWC for two years as an assistant accountant. This was the first time she was doubting herself.
How can an employee of a giant accounting firm be inferior to a student?
It was easy to tell that Qin Guan was a student. He was the only one wearing jeans in the room.
Even the invigilators were stupefied. Are there any "1+2=3" questions on the paper?
Two hours later, the Asian boy stopped writing. He let out a long breath and looked around at the surprised people staring at him. He grinned happily, baring his white teeth.
The invigilator suppressed the impulse to warn him.
Qin Guan started knocking on his desk out of boredom. If looks could kill, he would have died already. When the invigilator cast a warning glance at him, Qin Guan found another method to kill his time.
In the next two hours, everyone got exhausted. One hour seemed like a day for them. When the bell rang, everyone let out a breath of relief.
Qin Guan went out with his books, smiling to himself. He intended to weed out as many opponents as possible.
"Hey, wait a minute, sir..."
The girl sitting next to him was talking to him. She must have suffered a lot because of him. What's the matter? Wanna quarrel with me?
"Excuse me, sir, but… Are you applying to the four giant accounting firms?"
Qin Guan blinked. He saw a small steel plate on her chest, with the logo PWC [1] on it.
"Don't worry, I'm not applying there."
Qin Guan left without looking back. Better not trouble her.
The girl flushed and let out a breath of relief, patting herself on the chest.
Thank god he is not interested in my firm. A guy with such a high IQ and a bad temper can cause earth-shaking changes in a firm. He is so handsome though...
After his exam, Sister Xue returned from Los Angeles in a happy mood.
Director Zhang's group had flown back to China. Zhang Weiping would be dealing with their affairs with the American companies. Sister Xue had come to say goodbye to Qin Guan. She would be coming back again in March, when the Oscar award ceremony would be held.
"Your achievements in Los Angeles?" Qin Guan asked, reading through a thick pile of paperwork.
Sister Xue showed off proudly. "I spent three days visiting any film companies and agents that would have me. I left your resume everywhere. I also asked Miramax to help you register in the Screen Actors Guild. You have to cooperate with them. Asian stars are rare in the US. I'm looking into your further development. You have to be strict with script selection. They will be monitoring the scripts closely. You cannot act first and report afterwards."
Qin Guan saw Ancestor Xue off like a good boy. He didn't know that his popularity in China was increasing at a surprising speed.
In fact, ever since he had left, he had been away from the mainstream Chinese media. Naturally, people couldn't find news about him easily. At the end of the year though, he was popular again, which made the Taiwanese grind their teeth.
The reason was simple, yet funny.
Thanks to "Meteor Garden", a popular idol drama from the mainland, handsome men were trending again in Asia.
Thanks to its combination of campus life, powerful bosses, Cinderella stories, romance and love triangles, the campus idol drama was becoming popular among students. The four main heroes, known as F4, had attracted the attention of Chinese girls.
Male stars in China were retreating before them. Besides, fans were always fickle with their affection. The four boys could be seen everywhere, including on TV series, magazines, entertainment programs and CDs. In the girls' dreams, they were four charming princes.
[1] PricewaterhouseCoopers, one of the top for accounting firms in the world.
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Chapter 413: The Real Prince
Translator: Lan Editor: Efydatia
Where there was oppression, there was resistance. There were still many calm, good girls around.
On the day when all the popular forums were flooded by posts about the F4, a resistance team was formed.
"Handsome men need comparison. Who's the No.1 male actor in our minds?"
"Comment on ways to identify a prince."
"Comparison is necessary."
Fans of Cong Nianwei and Qin Guan sent war signals.
Some people climbed over the wall and stole Qin Guan's original NYLON pictures, as well as the latest posters of the Armani perfume. They didn't take them for free. They left 0.5 yuan and a message that stated, "Chinese people have visited this place."
The ones who made the posts didn't badmouth F4. They simply put pictures of the five boys next to each other.
One of them was wearing a formal suit and a clean white shirt. His wide forehead was shining in the sunshine under his short hair. He looked like a fine, graceful nobleman of ancient times. His warm smile made him look like a handsome childe.
The girls sitting before their computers couldn't help but cover their faces.
Handsome men really needed comparison. The four boys seemed unkempt with their thick bangs and long sideburns. With careful observation, one could tell that their brand outfits were fake. Their thick waists and short legs were also unbearable.
I have bad taste...
As a result, the situation changed completely. Fans were crazy, but they were not blind.
"Wow! Qin Guan is the real deal."
"It's been a long time since I saw him in a magazine. I nearly forgot about him. Thanks for the poster!"
"Ha ha, I'm his loyal fan. Welcome to the club. We have branches all over Asia."
The posts were spreading on the network like rolling snowballs.
Director Zhang Jizhong's assistant was really happy. The episode of Xuzhu would be airing again the following evening.
After a busy day, housewives liked to watch TV and chat with their spouses. They were tired of idol dramas and thought that "Demi-Gods and Demi-Demons" was a good quality show.
"Dear, you talk about F4 all the time. In my opinion, they pale in comparison to this boy."
"Mom, your taste is awful..." Her daughter glanced at the screen impatiently.
"Make some room for me."
The monk on the screen was making something with the girl in the dark icehouse. There was no sense of immorality, only pure beautiful feelings.
Crack, crack. The whole family was obsessed. Only the sound of them chewing popcorn could be heard.
Xuzhu's beauty and suppressed sensual passion shocked the audience. He was way better than tough Xiao Feng and slender Lin Zhiying.
F4? They are nothing. They may wear royal gowns, but they are no princes.
Sister Xue went back to her office, only to find the three phones jammed with messages. People sent all kinds of proposals to her.
She hung up another call with a forced smile. I just hope he will do as well in the US as in China.
When he returned to China, Zhang Weiping was also shocked. In several weeks, the supporting actor had become very popular.
Okay, let's work on "Heroes".
"Qin Guan has a short, but splendid part on 'Heroes'."
"'Heroes' goes to Hollywood. The actors on the red carpet have been decided."
"Qin Guan's successful journey in the US."
Only when the news were released did ordinary people find out that a Chinese person had squeezed into the American fashion circle with his own effort.
He had become Armani's local representative for a valued product. Could F4 have done that?
While fans in other Asian countries were crying and asking F4 to marry them, the fans on the mainland calmed down first.
Their idol was talented both at acting and studying, which was a positive message for young girls.
Qin Guan, you are my prince charming!
"Achoo!"
Qin Guan sneezed on the other side of the ocean. Who is cursing me? [1] He was reading a letter sent by AICPA.
It was strange for a modern society to keep sending mail the old-fashioned way to show its professionalism and history.
Shaking his head, Qin Guan pulled the letter out of the envelope. Generally, speaking, American people would take exams one by one, not all together in the same period, to avoid wasting money and time.
[1] In China, sneezing means that someone is cursing you.
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Chapter 414: The First Client
Translator: Lan Editor: Efydatia
Of course, that was for common people. Qin Guan took all his exams in four consecutive days.
His score attracted attention from the AICPA, as the success rate had dropped from 48% to 38%. The directors tried to find excuses for the elites, but it was in vain.
The Chinese student had gotten a mark of 396, thus breaking the American national record. Actually, the full mark was 400. That picky marker had looked for a bone in an egg to avoid giving Qin Guan a full mark.
If they knew what had happened in the examination room, the directors would have gone crazy.
Qin Guan and Cong Nianwei glanced at his final mark and lost any interest to read on. They would just wait for the certificate that would authorize Qin Guan to open his own business.
Qin Guan was one of the 10,000 members registered at AICPA. He could register his firm, find a location for it and start accepting clients.
He Ming was pretty straightforward. When he heard the good news, he gave Qin Guan countless financial sheets and suspended his contract with his previous accounting firm without hesitation.
I've wanted to fire you for a long time. You proud Americans take advantage of our unfamiliarity with the market and charge us 120% higher! I won't be bullied again in the future!
Business was business after all.
"The total assets of your company are about 30 million. According to industrial standards, I have to charge you at least 2,000 dollars a month. It's a reasonable price. There will also be extra charges for big changes, including tax avoidance, financing, regrouping and so on. I'll be checking your accounting department once a month."
He Ming nodded again and again. I'm relying on you. I have no idea what you are talking about.
When he hung up the phone, Qin Guan lifted Cong Nianwei over his head romantically.
"I'm making money, Weizi! I'm making money!"
He was finally happy after going through long hardships. Qin Guan felt like he had slaughetered a giant dragon by himself.
He turned around in the hall, holding Cong Nianwei.
"Ah! Careful!"
"Ah!"
The girl landed on the couch, falling on her back, her legs pointing up to the sky. The boy was lying on the floor, twisting and rolling around.
Qin Guan climbed to his feet dizzily. "How are you, Weizi? Are you all right? My bad..."
One would have thought that the girl was dying.
Qin Guan moved the cushions away to reveal Cong Nianwei's body. He moved a stinky frog away from her face and saw her staring at him angrily. He hastened to help her up.
After a few minutes, Cong Nianwei came back to her senses and saw his silly smiling face before her.
"Are you crazy? You have made so much money! Those brand representative contracts earn you one million a year! Why are you so happy about 2,000 dollars? You have only one client. Even a pipe fitter is richer than you!"
Qin Guan shook his head repeatedly. "No! Just think about it. I have only one person working in the firm. I don't need any others. Plus, I got my first client before I even opened for business. Do you know what this means? Acceptance!"
"This is an auspicious beginning for a new enterprise. It's an achievement a professional accountant works many years to accomplish, yet I, a green hand in the profession, have already reached that level!"
Before Cong Nianwei could laugh at his arrogance, Qin Guan's phone rang.
"Qin Guan! You accepted He Ming's case, but forgot about me!"
Lan Jin sounded very upset. He was holding the phone with a trembling hand as tears threatened to spill from his eyes.
"What? Forgot about what?"
"I sent you all my paperwork and financial sheets via email. Why didn't you make me an offer? You are looking down on me! My company is too small for you!"
"Which email did you send it to?"
"XXXX@XXXX.."
"You missed a letter..."
"Okay, wait a moment. I'll send it again."
Qin Guan hung up and turned on his computer, looking at Cong Nianwei smugly.
I told you so. My good luck keeps coming. "Qin Guan?"
"Yes?"
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Chapter 415: The Old Accounting Firm
Translator: Lan Editor: Efydatia
"How much did you charge your second client?"
"500 dollars a month..."
"Wow! So, you can earn 2,500 dollars only from your firm! That will be 30,000 a year. Congratulations!"
Qin Guan turned around to look at her smiling face. Her sneer made him calm down. He gently picked up her hand. "I want to hold your hand and grow old with you. It's my honor to be with a calm woman like you. Lan Jin's company is small right now, but considering how smart he is, it will grow 10 times larger in five years. My fees are reasonable. He will be happy about his total assets at the end of the year."
"Both my firm and our future will be good. Wait for me. In two years, we will get married."
Cong Nianwei flushed at his words. "Who… Who will get married?"
"It all depends on me! I'm the powerful demon here!"
The moon peeping outside the window pulled some soft clouds over to cover her eyes. Snowflakes were falling on the earth.
"It's snowing..."
"Hush… Don't speak..."
It was late at night. Goodnight, everyone.
Qin Guan found the aim of his life in his small firm. He was busy and secretive in his actions, except when it came to his classes and part-time jobs.
An Asian boy was haunting the business streets of Manhattan and the accounting firms of New York. He was always wearing meticulous Armani clothes and carrying a black briefcase.
He was planning on visiting some big accounting firms to see the operational patterns of other firms. He was a real spy.
Before he could choose his first target, his phone rang. "Hello, is this Mr. Qin Guan?"
"Yes, it is."
"This is PWC. We saw the latest list of the AICPA and wonder if Mr Qin Guan would be interested in our firm. Do you have time for a meeting?"
This was a common way companies used to recruit talented people. They would ask headhunters to find people according to the latest list.
Qin Guan was happy about the phone call. It had come just in time. "Okay. I'm on Broadway. Okay..."
Qin Guan hung up and headed straight to PWC.
Wall Street was located at the southern part of Manhattan. Despite its beautiful surroundings, it was governed by the cruel laws of the financial jungle. It was the cradle of all kinds of financial firms, as well as the money center of the US.
PWC's branch in New York was also its headquarters in the US. It was located in a tall building on Wall Street. Getting out of the crowded elevator, Qin Guan arrived at the HR department along with other quiet office workers.
There were dozens of folded chairs in the big hall. The assistants were distributing blank forms to the applicants. Qin Guan saw lines of formal dresses, leather shoes, and suits. The ladies had pulled their hair into tight, strict buns. Black and grey were the most popular colors in the room. Everyone there looked steady and serious.
Qin Guan chose a seat in the back and filled the forms out carefully. They focused on educational background, certificates and work experience. The forms differed according to the department.
There were not that many positions for people with a CPA, let alone for general accountants. Two different interviewing rooms had been prepared for people with different certificates.
Qin Guan was the third candidate to be called. Led by a soft-waisted girl, he entered the interviewing room. It was a clean meeting room without any decorations. Six interviewers were sitting behind a long desk. There was a single desk for the recorder. Everyone in the room fixed their eyes on him.
The recorder coughed. Qin Guan glanced at her.
Wow! An acquaintance. It was the girl who had been sitting next to him in the examination room. She was working for PWC, but she was a CPA green hand.
Marsha gritted her teeth. She had failed one of the exams by only one point.
She tentatively asked Qin Guan about his career plans. He said that he would be starting his own business. Yet he was still there, in the interview room.
He must have gotten the certificate. Otherwise, he wouldn't be looking so proud. My mum is right. She says all handsome men are liars.
Qin Guan and the interviewers had no idea what she was thinking about. They were just asking and answering questions according to the standard procedure.
"You majored in Accounting in China. Now you are studying Finance at Columbia. It took you only half a year to get your CPA. You must have a good academic foundation."
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Chapter 416: Latent Rules
Translator: Lan Editor: Efydatia
"I know that every country has CPA exams. Why didn't you take the exams in China?"
"The evaluation differs. You were wise enough to choose the best one."
Like all people on Wall Street, the men and women around him were particularly proud.
Qin Guan felt offended. He decided not to be polite with those guys, but he still replied with a smile, "I chose AICPA because it is quite an easy certificate. Actually, I spent less than a month on my preparation. I know all the gentlemen and ladies present are considered talented in the financial circle. You must know Prof. Martin, my tutor. Before the exam, he told me that I could only apply for this certificate, but my low IQ wouldn't allow me to pass. He said that all I could do was play with an abacus. I had to take all kinds of exams, such as actuary exams, auditor exams, etc..."
Qin Guan changed the meaning of Prof. Martin's words on purpose.
Silence prevailed in the room. Marsha was wondering if she should record his words or not.
Qin Guan moved to a more comfortable position, brushing lightly at the non-existent dust on his pants. "I think his comments made sense. In China, without any working experience, I wouldn't even have been able to enter the examination room. I love the US. I love freedom, democracy and equality. I passed the exams easily. I actually got the best score in the country!"
"I was relieved when I got the notice. Thank god my classmates from China are not here, or the best ones would be coming after me. That would have been annoying."
One could be austere if they had no selfish desires. Qin Guan was not there for the interview. He just wanted to sneer at them.
Those talented people were born with a deep-rooted discrimination for people of other races. If the applicant had been American, they would never have asked such a question.
Since I'm here though, we can have a good talk with each other.
The interviewers had never seen such an applicant before. Most accountants were strict and serious. It's said that Chinese people are really modest. Is that a joke?
Qin Guan had the right to express his opinion though. Who could say that his answer was wrong? It was just an annoying answer to hear.
"A good accountant should be both professional and proficient. Our firm is developing thanks to the constant training our staff goes through."
"For us, that mark is not the only criteria by which we evaluate an accountant. For example, an independent accountant should be good at negotiating when dealing with a client."
"Our middle-level directors have fixed resources. If it's possible, we would like you to be our partner. We would like to hear your self-evaluation now, Mr. Qin Guan."
Marsha was also curious about his answer. Yes, you are a straight-A student, but what we need is someone with a comprehensive ability.
They smiled. Qin Guan smiled back at them.
As far as he knew, a partner was the highest level a CPA could reach besides being a founding partner. There was no Chinese partner in the top four firms in the US. The highest position a Chinese man could reach was only senior executive. There had to be some kind of secret behind this.
He looked at them calmly and gave them a smile. "Your line of business can be divided into six categories. According to different experience, accountants accept different clients. Your clients rely on advertisements and connections. Most of them come from mutual recommendations."
The people across from him nodded unconsciously. The young man was right. He has a general idea of the basic frame and operational patterns of an accounting firm.
Marsha was shocked. The student had no working experience in the US, yet he seemed to be familiar with the industry.
Qin Guan continued, speaking neither too fast nor too slow. "So, now I'll come to my biggest advantage."
"Look at this face, please." Qin Guan turned his face in half a circle slowly. "I think everyone must have a clear idea of my professional proficiency."
Everyone felt dizzy. Wow! They nodded softly together.
Marsha nearly threw her laptop down. What idea? Can't you make it more clear? It seems like I am the person with the lowest IQ in the room.
"I like the young man. Our major client department is short on such talent. Vivian and Jennifer are still hesitant about their choice."
"Our external business department also needs an ambassador. We could make an advertisement for him..."
"In fact, he would do well in our PR department. He would be welcomed at business parties."
They planned on competing over the boy, but Qin Guan's next words stupefied them.
"Actually, I came to the interview with the aim of learning different operational concepts from you. As one of the four top accounting firms, PWC must have its advantages."
"I have already learned a lot from you. Thanks a lot. You told me about the current situation for Chinese accountants, as well as the reason there is no Chinese partner in the US. Thanks again for all your patient answers."
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Chapter 417: Qu Xuemei Is Coming
Translator: Lan Editor: Efydatia
The interviewers either didn't understand, or they did, but they were not clear on what he was talking about.
This was a patent rule in the circle. A Chinese accountant on Wall Street could only depend on himself.
An old man with a poker face waved his hand around leisurely. "It's better for you to know the current situation. You must know the high standards we set for our staff. If you spend 10 years here, I can promise you a senior management position."
10 years to get to senior management. That's all you can offer me. Thanks a lot.
"Wait to hear from us again..."
They had a discussion and told Qin Guan he could leave.
Qin Guan stood up and bowed before them gently. Then he turned around and grinned at Marsha in secret. He left the room without looking back.
The door was closed. They were still discussing Qin Guan's performance. Marsha was not as optimistic as they were though. That Asian boy doesn't see their firm as his final destination.
Marsha knew that Qin Guan would never work at PWC. He had already shared his goal, which was to start his own firm.
The sky above Wall Street was even darker than in other places, because the tall buildings and mansions there were very close to each other. Dream-pursuers could be seen everywhere, their hope evident in their busy steps.
So many people became legends there, while so many others left empty-handed. Standing among the buildings, Qin Guan looked back at the street of the most flourishing economy in the US.
A twisted vine was growing from the dirt by the roadside. It should have been climbing up the wall, but instead it was growing tenaciously on the ground.
Qin Guan let out a long breath to drive away all the negative feelings caused by the interview. If a plant can fight against its surroundings, I can surely find my own way.
Ambition always came from a tough situation. Qin Guan left Wall Street without hesitation and headed to his happy nest with his briefcase.
Let's return to the VOGUE headquarters now, where Richard and his arch enemy, Qu Xuemei, were staring at each other. She had resigned from her position as chief editor of VOGUE Asia and flown back to New York to apply for the same position as Richard.
What the hell is this Chinese woman thinking about? During the general policy meeting that day, they nearly fought over the model selection.
Of course Qin Guan has the potential to become popular, but VOGUE has already promoted Chad. We should take advantage of him to get more profit out of him.
Why do you keep talking about sustainability, feasibility and development? Why do you insist on promoting Qin Guan and downplaying Chad? Are you kidding?
Finally, Richard mustered all his courage and tried to oppose the terrible woman. "In my opinion..."
"Shut up!"
"Okay, okay..."
His revolution was suppressed immediately. Then Qu made a horrific suggestion to their boss.
"According to my reliable source, Qin Guan has agreed to three covers and four inner pages with NYLON. That's an exclusive contract! The magazine started its business on cosmetics, but its sales volume is rising all over the country. Although it's nothing compared to us, in New York NYLON is already at second place. It has even surpassed W!"
"If we don't make a countermove at once, in two months we'll have lost our throne in New York."
Qu looked fiercely at Richard, the conservative chief editor. In her opinion, he was capable enough to defend their territory but not to explore a new domain.
"I know that we should consider our policy carefully. When a model is bringing money though, it's better to choose a conservative plan."
"There are many top brands in the world. Someone better than Chad is sure to appear someday. What will we do then?"
Before Richard could speak again, the woman made another suggestion he hadn't expected.
"Since we can't convince each other, let's make this a contest. We could organize a secret judge show for Qin Guan and Chad. We could invite W, Cosmopolitan, Harper's Bazaar and NYLON. We'll say that we want to express our appreciation for the kindness of these top brands."
"Raynana, who works for NYLON, has a hanging garden at the top of her building. There is a greenhouse with a one-way window there. The people inside cannot look outside, while the outsiders can see inside clearly."
"It's the perfect place for a show. The people we will invite will be able to appreciate the grace of the two models."
"Besides, those two will appreciate our effort. No matter who wins, they will get a good chance to make profit and become famous. As for VOGUE, this is good promotion. I think the other bosses will also be interested in the plan."
The boss pondered it. It seems like a good idea.
Richard was shocked by Qu's openness. Instead of abusing her power, she had chosen to fight fair. I hear that there is a mysterious insect poison in China. She must be eating it...
Qu was satisfied. This plan had many upsides and not a single downside for Qin Guan. He was a nobody in the fashion circle after all. If he took advantage of this chance, he could appear before the top brands in the US. He would be a winner, even if he lost the contest.
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hapter 418: Enough Profit
Translator: Lan Editor: Efydatia
Actually, she wanted to use that chance to promote Qin Guan. She did not care about the result.
"Okay, it sounds doable. It's been a long time since all the bosses met. You and Richard can take care of the details. First, make a schedule with the two boys."
Their biggest issue had been settled by Qu in a dramatic way. She had promoted her model skilfully. Whatever the result, she would be the final winner.
Richard couldn't express his feelings. He was itching to say something. That clever, mighty woman seems so charming right now! Surely, this doesn't mean I've fallen in love with her?
He shivered at the thought. Forget it.
After the one-month winter vacation, schools opened again. Qin Guan was active at the beginning of the semester, but he did not join any new societies or do any voluntary work on campus.
During their last meeting at Columbia, he had met many Chinese juniors and seniors majoring in Accounting. They were all going to interviews and getting internships by then, so they had mastered the basic level of knowledge.
Qin Guan was seeking part-time staff for large-scale statistics. He needed final results to carry out his analysing work.
His firm had hired some part-time accountants for basic data calculation. This actually saved him on rent.
Qin Guan was too busy with work. As soon as he left the PWC building, he called Xu Xiaoxiao excitedly.
Xu liked Qin Guan's ambition like a cat liked fish. He asked Qin Guan to come over.
Qin Guan arrived at Xu's restaurant and found many people waiting for him there, including the young married woman who owned the general store next door, the Chinese supermarket owner across the street, and the massage parlor owner around the block... All of them were Chinese. Their eyes were glinting. Xu must have told them something before Qin Guan arrived.
"Hey, pretty boy! Are you good at accounting and reasonable tax avoidance? Have a look at my accounts. I have to submit a lot of forms to the government every month."
"American officials are so shrewd, young man. They charge my massage parlor so much at random..."
As they all complained loudly, Qin Guan looked at his potential clients speechlessly. Are you kidding, Xu Xiaoxiao? These people are not rich enough to hire an accountant!
When he learned about their assets, income and property though, he realized he had underestimated them.
What did Chinese people like to do after residing in a place for a long time? Purchase a house!
Chinese people didn't understand the American concept of renting a shop. In Manhattan, where an inch of land was worth an ounce of gold, those store owners actually owned their own stores. They were great and powerful.
After an initial evaluation, they all reached the lowest standard of a CPA, which was over one million.
Each of them could only spend 6,000 dollars on basic CPA work, including dutiable goods declaration and annual verification. They could get at least 50% tax reduction though, so it was worthwhile.
After experiencing what it was like to have a professional CPA, they wanted to sign a contract with Qin Guan's firm.
Xu also hired Qin Guan for his restaurant, which would bring him a lot more profit. It was so generous of him!
Qin Guan's firm had actually reached the professional standards of a single firm, which was 100,000 dollars a year.
From that day on, Qin Guan's QC accounting firm was officially open.
...
A small grey sparrow flew down to the ground from a withered weed. It was getting higher and higher due to its ambition. There was still a chilling wind and the sneer of the bald eagles, but those things couldn't delay it from getting to its destination.
In one day, it would transform though flourishing Chinese magic and reveal its real nature. It would become a splendid phoenix.
Qin Guan was working hard towards his goal. The Chinese students also appreciated the chance he had given them through their part-time jobs.
The greatest obstacle for an accountant was inexperience. Experience was precious when seeking a job or applying for an internship. Although they weren't making much money and the job required lots of patience, they enjoyed it like malt sugar.
Before, they had only known about American company functions in theory. It was Qin Guan who had given them the chance to put their knowledge into practice.
Many foreign students had been attracted by his reputation, in hopes of getting an internship. Nobody cared about the low payment.
As a result, Qin Guan had gathered many Chinese students, who were following his lead naturally.
Qin Guan's influence among the Chinese students made Zhang Dekai nervous. He paid no attention to Qin Guan's status in the fashion circle or his popularity at Columbia, but he attached great importance to his influence among Chinese students.
This was because all clubs and societies would be having elections at the beginning of the semester, because the seniors had graduated at the end of the previous semester.
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Chapter 419: Election
Translator: Lan Editor: Efydatia
There were so many promotional activities, lobbying and speeches on campus, that it seemed like they were electing a state governor, senator, or even the president.
Ivy League universities were a natural cradle for politicians. Columbia was the Alma Mater of two American presidents, so it was a real breeding place for political talent.
The Chinese Student Union of Columbia also faced the same dilemma. Their last chairman had gotten an offer from CBS TV and taken advantage of it.
One could imagine the value of the position, as well as the advantages Zhang would gain if he succeeded.
Qin Guan worked daily, while Zhang was nervously trying his best.
Taking advantage of his position, he drove out the car of the union and got the sackbut and microphone ready. He had also printed posters and leaflets about himself, with the title "Cherish Constant, Steady Development".
Standing on the busiest path of the campus, Zhang shouted at the students through his loudspeaker. Posters had also been pasted on all corridors in the buildings. On them, Zhang was smiling warmly at everyone in his school uniform, holding his books in his hands.
His assistants would hand out a leaflet to every student with an Asian face. Qin Guan and Cong Nianwei were idling around on campus, when they saw the scene. Zhang, who disliked Qin Guan, shouted at him through the microphone.
"Give me your vote, handsome boy! As a member of the union, I'll do my best to help everyone. You must agree with my opinion and support our work."
"I know you seldom participate in after-class campus activities, but I would like to hear your ideas."
Are you kidding? You run for chairman and let me mind my own business. We live in different worlds.
Qin Guan and Cong Nianwei took a leaflet and left, feeling both confused and gloomy. Xu Xiaoxiao, who had also witnessed the whole thing, got angry.
Are you challenging Qin Guan? I know he has no interest in the election because of his tight schedule, but I'll help him! I don't want to see your disgusting face again.
As Xu was thinking of a plan, Rongzhi got scared by the loudspeaker. His miniature flying robot nearly fell down on his head.
Your provocations are tasteless. You nearly destroyed my treasure! I'll get back at you!
He almost vented his anger on Zhang.
Both Rongzhi and Xu were making plans against Zhang Dekai.
As an older student at Columbia, Xu was familiar with the routine of the elections. In 10 minutes, he had already made arrangements through his phone.
When he returned to the classroom, he stretched a hand out to Qin Guan. "Lend me some money."
Qin Guan was confused. He was working on his homework.
"How much do you want?" He searched in his pocket.
"One thousand dollars for a start..."
What? I thought you were asking for change to buy a cup of tea.
"I put your name down for the chairman election. Give me some money for the campaign. I'll be your sponsor. I'll give you the money back tomorrow."
"Don't forget, I am your benefactor. You don't need to thank me."
Thank you for what? Did you even ask my opinion?
Qin Guan stared at him. "I have no time for this. It's too much trouble."
"I'll do all the work for you. You just need to show up on election day. If you don't accept such favourable terms, I… I will cry myself to death right here in front of you!"
"What a miserable life!" Xu cried out.
Qin Guan covered his face. "Okay, okay. Just inform me in advance!"
He handed Xu his credit card. The matter had been settled.
...
The next day, the campus was livelier than ever. There were two Chinese girls in cheongsams standing on the road with colorful ribbons, showing their support for Qin Guan. They were distributing leaflets to the passersby.
On both sides of Zhang Dekai's campaign car were two small campaign cars with posters of Qin Guan. He was smiling happily at the crowd.
His image was also on colorful balloons. The photos were clear enough for anyone to count his eyelashes.
The posters were of the same composition as Zhang's, except for the fact that they were a little bigger. Compared to a professional model, Zhang looked ugly.
In half a day, all the Chinese students at Columbia had heard about the legendary candidate. His story could be turned into a novel.
"I know him a little. I saw his TV show in China before I came to the US."
"Yes. He is also a student at Columbia. People in China said that he was a straight-A student. It's true!"
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Chapter 420: Batter on the Trigger
Translator: Lan Editor: Efydatia
Two girls with straight black hair were happily discussing the influential figure on the shady path of the Columbia campus.
"People say that he is the top student of the Finance Department. I heard that he's on a full scholarship..."
"He is handsome, hard-working and capable at making money. He gave part-time jobs to plenty of seniors..."
The loudspeakers beside Zhang were broadcasting Qin Guan's achievements. Suddenly, Zhang shouted at his assistant, who was carrying a pile of posters and leaflets.
"What are you doing here? Be smart! Be positive! Distribute the material!"
The girl, who was wearing black-framed glasses, got scared. She pursed her lips, as if she was about to cry.
"Okay, okay. Stop! Go to the meeting room and check our budget. I have to invest more!"
"But we do not have much money left..." she said hesitantly.
"Shut up, Liu Tianxia! Do something about the budget! You are in the Accounting Department, aren't you? You have an auditing certificate, right? I need an extra 500 dollars for my campaign! Go!"
Liu ran to the meeting room with tears in her eyes. She was afraid that she might start crying in public. A small robot disappeared in the thickets silently.
Inexplicably, Qin Guan found himself the focus of the whole campus. Everyone he passed by greeted him.
"Hey, miracle boy! I support you!"
"I'll vote for you, Qin Guan!"
"Looking forward to your election speech!"
Qin Guan felt like a monkey in the zoo, surrounded by onlookers. It was stranger than in China.
He saw people playing a soccer game on the field between the two libraries. The cheerleaders were waving boards with the phrase "Qin Guan will win".
Would the tradition of the cheering team ever change? Those people would cheer for anyone who paid them.
Hovering above the campus was a sea of balloons. Occasionally, a poor balloon would break away from its owner and drift in the air before it exploded.
Qin Guan saw his face get smashed. That hurt! Dear Xu, how much have you prepared for my campaign? It looks like a wedding ceremony!
Qin Guan saw Xu standing by the cars. The two of them fought playfully. Meanwhile, Zhang's car remained silent.
In the meeting room, Zhang's face was as dark as the burned bottom of a pan. As he looked at Liu, he tried his best to suppress his rage.
"For the last time, Tianxia, help me! You are good at accounting. I only need a little help. The election is in two days. We are working hard for a better future, aren't we?"
"I know what you are thinking about. You think that without a bright future I will turn you away. I swear that if I am elected chairman, I will reciprocate your true feelings. Help me, Tianxia!"
The girl was not stupid. She knew that the man was lying. If he really liked her, he would have confessed his feelings earlier. They had known each other for a long time after all.
"I want to think it over..." She lowered her head, her face hidden behind her long hair. Zhang was hell-bent on winning...
Outside the window, a flying object that resembled a UFO was on its way home.
The day of the election came fast. The auditorium was crowded. It was an unprecedentedly gigantic election. During the previous elections, only a few internal members had voted for the chairman. Attracted by Zhang Dekai and Qin Guan's candidacies, most Chinese students had shown interest in the activity.
Zhang was excited about the big occasion. The more people voted, the more significant the role of the chairman would be for the University of Columbia, as well as many major companies.
The hostess was a new member of the union. She was a pretty girl in a cute white dress. She stared at Zhang with blinking eyes and smiled at him from time to time.
Liu Tianxia watched them with a poker face. She left without a word.
"Okay, I know. Don't push me. It's only a speech. Why do I have to dress like this?"
Qin Guan was looking down at his formal outfit. He looked as if he was attending a grand banquet.
Xu smoothed out the wrinkles on his suit. He patted Qin Guan on the shoulder and shouted, "Come on, my friend! I'll always be by your side!"
The hostess invited the first candidate to deliver his speech. Qin Guan mounted the stage leisurely.
He knocked on the microphone gently and stood straight, smiling at the audience.
He was like a wintersweet with red petals and yellow pistils bursting into bloom on its skinny branches. He was like an orchid with a nice smell amid ancient ruins. He was like a lonely bamboo tree on a remote mountain or withered golden asters in a forbidden city.
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