Chapter 11
The Final
During the closing process of Petit Card, I obtained business information about 158 Plaza through Les Cafestaigiers because I work for them part-time. Oliva refused because he is busy with family and his first sushi shop. He also asked me to take over the Le Petit Card team if possible. He is also tired that I didn’t encourage and support him enough, which is my fault.
On the other hand, he continues to provide BackOffice service for Les Cafestaigiers rich French kids and their investment Pain Cu with XL as I mentioned before. He is wondering why his tax planning didn’t get paid well from those guys and comes to me for advice. I have no idea what happens between their negotiations after Oliva kicks me out.
Oliva maybe uses my gossip to gain the trust of the old GM of les cafestaigiers, who then pressures me to answer if I paid for help with my relationship during our first business lunch. This old GM is another French gentleman who is divorced with two kids. I will have more details of his story later. He assists Oliva in selling the second sushi U shop lease to a cheese shop.
I am happy for Oliva, even though I am still shocked when he approaches my other French partner to replace me for consulting business. After I push him to answer why he trys to steal my client. He apologizes when questioned over the phone, and although I am okay with this behavior, it brings me peace knowing that Oliva uses my gossip to benefit himself. I’m useful to him in that way.Ironic.
When we are in the process of canceling the sushi U 2 license, Oliva is in a rush because he needs to sell the lease to a new cheese shop. Meanwhile, I had a small success with a UK gentleman who is another special legend for me. I turned to Oliva and said that I have done my duty as a local partner, and if you are a strong operating partner, then we will already have success like this UK concept. This upset him again and now I have one more enemy instead.
Oliva is a gentleman without any racist logic. He is right that if he runs the first sushi shop well, then he will only need a partner to share the risk and local duties for other shops. He did all the jobs for operating by himself. He is correct in thinking that if he runs the first sushi shop well, then he will only need a partner to share the risk and local duties for other shops.
Oliva has created many opportunities in China. This is my first lesson in international investment. I didn’t provide enough support, except for addressing local issues. It would be better to ask Oliva for more responsibilities after I finish my duties as a local partner. With chef Eddie, we were able to make it happen in a short period of time and maintain the success longer.
Good lessons:
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Success has no universal standard.
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Avoid using the term “success” with your ex-partner in a way that may cause them shame during conversation, as outlined in point No. 1.
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While Western countries may have lots of freedom in discussing sexual education, it becomes problematic when individuals use it as a weapon to pass moral judgment on others without acknowledging their own questionable behavior, such as stealing from roommates or engaging in paid relationships.
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There are no absolute and unchanging moral rules; it’s more about people`s self calculating on their benefits. instead of pointing fingers, focus on self-improvement.
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Do not combine concepts with different shareholder structures unless you conduct an internal cost report yourself.
