Chapter 1857 - 685: Two Women, One Drama!

Chapter 1857: Chapter 685: Two Women, One Drama!

After Zhang Jingdong finished chatting with He Jieyu, Sophia came over after making a call in less than a minute.

"Got in touch with two estates, but it’ll be tomorrow before we can go over."

Zhang Jingdong casually asked, "Which countries are they from?"

Sophia blinked her adorable eyes, "Rare to have a knowledge point you don’t know, the Eight Great Vineyards are actually all in France."

"Hmm?" Zhang Jingdong chuckled self-deprecatingly, "Really? Why?"

"Because these Eight Great Vineyards were selected by their own country."

Sophia saw that Zhang Jingdong really didn’t know, so she continued, "Actually, here’s the deal: in 1851, the United Kingdom held the first World’s Fair. At the time, the UK was the world’s top industrial power, and this fair showcased their national industrial products splendidly."

"Then France couldn’t sit still, given they had fought with the UK for hundreds of years; so, in 1855, they held a World’s Fair as well."

"But France wasn’t a match for the UK in the industrial field, so they showcased their national treasure-level agricultural product — wine."

"To elevate their wine, they classified the vineyards into five levels, with four estates in the highest level, later adding four more, which became the Eight Great Vineyards."

Suddenly enlightened, Zhang Jingdong said, "So that’s it, these Eight Great Vineyards are basically France’s wine marketing gimmick."

Sophia pursed her lips, "Mainly because French wine is truly unparalleled in Europe. Though there is a marketing aspect, they are considered justified to a large extent."

Zhang Jingdong nodded thoughtfully, "Did you ask your dad to help with the valuation while you were calling?"

Sophia paused for a moment, then replied, "He did. He estimated the Haut-Brion Vineyard at 900 million US dollars and the Margaux Wine Estate at 1 billion."

"Alright, I see... Looks like acquiring one of the Eight Great Vineyards might really be possible."

Sophia then said, "If you genuinely don’t care about the price, there is indeed a possibility."

"What do you mean? Did your dad tell you other news?"

Sophia nodded, "...Though my dad only heard about it and it’s not fully confirmed yet, it might take a day or two."

Zhang Jingdong felt a stir in his heart, "What exactly is the news?"

"The heir to the Margaux Wine Estate got into big trouble in the Beautiful Country and needs a lot of money, so they might sell the vineyard."

"They are currently looking for buyers in France, but the French know the inside story and are taking the opportunity to haggle, so if you bid high enough, they might choose to sell to you."

Zhang Jingdong quickly thought it over, then said, "That’s really good news! If I manage to acquire this vineyard, I will definitely reward you generously!"

Sophia smiled sweetly, "That’s what you said, huh."

"Absolutely!"

At this moment, Zhang Jingdong glanced at a black Mercedes not far away: "Alright, let’s go."

"Where are we going now?"

Zhang Jingdong feigned nonchalance, "First, we need to pick someone up."

"Pick someone up? Who?"

"My assistant. Considering how big this project is, many details and procedures will definitely require professional help."

Sophia didn’t doubt it and agreed, "Indeed."

They went closer and got into the car.

Zhang Jingdong operated skillfully, and the car quickly disappeared down the country road.

After more than half an hour, they arrived at the Milan Railway Station.

After getting out of the car, they waited at the station entrance for about ten minutes, when Zhang Jingdong saw He Jieyu’s graceful figure from afar.

She was wearing a blue checkered shirt and black dress pants, relaxed yet businesslike.

She dressed like this deliberately because she was playing Zhang Jingdong’s assistant in front of Sophia.

She even intentionally did her makeup more maturely this morning for this reason.

Zhang Jingdong noticed this and waved at her with a smile.

He Jieyu saw Zhang Jingdong and instantly looked delighted but quickly changed to a smiling and respectful demeanor as she walked over.

"Boss!"

Initially, Sophia found it hard to believe seeing He Jieyu approaching, as she was too young and beautiful to be the "professional personnel" Zhang Jingdong mentioned.

But upon hearing this address, Sophia had no choice but to temporarily believe it.

Zhang Jingdong feigned composure and introduced Sophia, "He Jieyu, my temporary secretary in Europe."

"Jieyu, this is Sophia, the daughter of the Lante Vineyard master in Italy."

He Jieyu then slightly bowed to Sophia, "Hello... If I guess correctly, aren’t you also our boss lady?"

Sophia clearly didn’t expect He Jieyu to say this suddenly, and her face flushed instantly.

But because of this remark, much of her hostility towards He Jieyu disappeared instantly.

Zhang Jingdong seized the opportunity, "You really have a sharp eye. From now on, address her as the boss lady."

Sophia, though secretly delighted, said, "Don’t listen to your boss’s nonsense, just call me Sophia."

He Jieyu laughed playfully, "How about this? Since we aren’t at the company now, I’ll call you Sister Sophia?"

Then, Zhang Jingdong added, "Besides being my secretary, she is also the niece of a client, and since I’m not much older than her, she calls me brother, so calling you sister makes sense."

Sophia suddenly realized, and gladly nodded, "Alright."