Chapitre 373: Chapter 373: Dressed in Charity's Cloak
If anyone asked what was the most useless thing for billionaires, the answer could vary, but the most popular one would certainly be a super yacht.
However, this time, the Athena yacht seemed to serve a purpose. To spare guests without private jets from embarrassment, this super yacht was set to handle transportation from Hawaii to Lanai.
Many guests didn't use private jets not because they lacked cash, but rather, their status made it inconvenient. Officials and members of royalty had to be cautious in this regard.
Even in charity auctions, one could only participate as a private individual; after all, this was a matter of principle. If it were merely a commercial auction, it would be highly inappropriate for them to be present.
Some said, "What's the point of a charity auction?"
Well, there's an issue of influence here. If you manage to kick things off successfully, the popularity will follow. If the event doesn't seem prestigious enough, folks might prefer to play in Europe rather than come to a small island.
To put it plainly, regardless of whether it was a private island, it was still American soil, and they wouldn't tolerate any illegal activities. Taxes were strictly enforced with no exceptions.
Thus, the only enticing factor was the caliber of guests attending the auction. The charity auction was merely a warm-up; after it wrapped up, the real commercial auction would commence.
No need to elaborate on the charity auction; it was quite similar to what happened in the U.S. It was all about goodwill. Even the most despised individuals wouldn't overly bid; once the estimated value was reached, the deal would be closed.
One must mention that the auction venue was something else. There were many professional auction houses, but none matched this one in scale and facilities.
...
"Wow, William, those Japanese have real money. The charity auction a couple of days ago didn't reveal it, but now look at them..." Just seeing the Japanese repeatedly lifting their signs made it hard for the young Bush to hold back his comments.
"Come on, you're just filled with envy and jealousy. You talk about old money back home, but here it's just about Japanese. Haha, they're throwing around U.S. dollars; I'm not losing out either. Why care about that?" William White shot back, dismissing Bush Jr.'s complaints.
"Hey, you don't have to get all sarcastic. If you're so unhappy, just marry one of them."
"Please, do you think those escapees from the Mayflower are real aristocrats? They disembarked worse than the Native Americans; they couldn't stand it and ended up handing them a few turkeys."
Bush Jr. fell silent; having seen Dances with Wolves, he knew precisely what William White was referencing. This was indeed an awkward moment for America.
Not wanting to dwell on it, Bush Jr. redirected the conversation since his ancestors weren't exactly innocent either.
"So, what's the deal with your auction house? Is it set up specifically to take advantage of the Japanese?"
"Ha! You see, to make it easier for them, I've even arranged for deliveries. They must be thrilled."
Bush Jr. never doubted this guy's ability to make money. While Europeans and Americans were quietly sneering at the Japanese, this fellow was practically bringing the goods to their doorsteps.
"You might as well organize a Japanese exclusive event."
"Don't worry, don't worry, that can happen. Americans and British are definitely not allowed inside."
Bush Jr. was utterly defeated by this guy's shamelessness. It seemed he was ready to abandon all morals just to make a buck.
When they reached the so-called property office, Bush Jr. was once again taken aback.
"Wow, this is a palace."
"Not quite; it's a villa, still under construction, but livable all the same."
"Alright then, I guess the term lavish has found a new definition."
"Don't you get it? It's about driving domestic demand! If I weren't worried about being criticized, I could replicate one in Malibu Beach."
"I mean, why even bother with that auction house? Why not just hold it here? You hardly use it anyway -- just like your super yacht."
Criticizing his yacht made it hard for him to retort. Honestly, a smaller vessel would suffice; super yachts were just over-the-top.
"This one's good enough, right? Just wait; that German shipyard will definitely rake in some orders."
William White wasn't joking. The Arabian tycoons who attended were clearly interested in his yacht; judging by the nods, they found its 10,000-ton displacement insufficient.
Despite the constant mocking, Bush Jr. didn't mind spending the night there. He really understood why William White kept returning for vacations -- after spending time in such a place, no one wanted to go back to work.
In just a few days, the charity auction on Lanai captured worldwide attention. Super wealthy folks tossing money around was typically met with disdain, but draped in charity, it morphed into an act of social responsibility.
Did no one come out to criticize?
Truth be told, no one did. Those who knew understood, while those who didn't would never be in the know.
It was just like the Emperor's New Clothes; it was all too amusing, as no one was willing to criticize this charity event. And as for the story of the Emperor's New Clothes, if it weren't a fable, the boy telling the truth wouldn't meet a good end.
...
"Nice shot, George! Your game's been up to snuff lately. You might be able to hold your own against me now. What do you say, want to race a fine horse?"
"I'm not into gambling; it's not healthy," Bush Jr. scoffed.
"Can we have a decent chat? Alright, alright, I won't poke at you anymore."
Bush Jr. was at his wit's end; he could barely keep up with William White these days. Years prior, he had been the one to ridicule William's golf game, a popular joke among high society. After just a few years away from the game, Bush Jr.'s skills had obviously taken a dip.
"Damn it, I've decided. I'm gonna set up a golf course back in Texas. What's so impressive about this? Just play a few more times to get the hang of it."
"Good for you! It's not just that simple. How did you and the rest of your buddies mock me back in the day?"
"Ha! It's not just back then, buddy. I recently heard if you don't participate in the celebrity tournaments, that joke isn't going anywhere."
Facing William White's ridicule, Bush Jr. could only smile wryly. Bad news travels far, and that principle was universal.
...
The commercial auctions over these past few days were bustling. With numerous desirable items on offer, a fair share of European collectors showed up. Unfortunately, they struggled to snag any items from the Japanese.
The part that left the Japanese delighted was that this auction featured VIP boxes, allowing them to place bids directly via computer.
This innovation was a godsend for them. Previously, when they threw money around in Europe, they often faced disdain from others.
Now, it was clear: "Not a single item stays behind for you. You're just not in a position to complain; after all, you're in the number one box!"
*****
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État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone