"This is the Blohm+Voss showroom."
Glancing at her watch, Irene Lauder led Duke into the modest-sized showroom and said as they walked, "Have you decided what kind of yacht you want to order?"
"Of course, a big yacht."
Duke looked around the showroom. There were many scaled-down models of yachts here. There weren't many visitors—the kind of yacht exhibition like this wasn't the same as those held at harbors. This was a professional custom exhibition targeted specifically at the ultra-wealthy by the world's top shipyards.
On vacation, Duke had come to New York and spent some time with his mother. Coincidentally, he came across this exhibition and arranged to visit it with the well-connected Irene Lauder. If he found something he liked, he could even place an order.
That small yacht parked at Malibu Beach could no longer meet his needs for going out to sea.
A staff member approached, but Duke waved him off, indicating he didn't need a guide for now. He and Irene Lauder started looking at the dozen or so model yachts displayed in the showroom.
At the same time, Irene Lauder quietly introduced the company to Duke, though he had already done some research before coming.
This German company, Blohm+Voss, specializes in building giant yachts over 260 feet in length. It was founded in 1872 and has over 140 years of history. Since its establishment, Blohm+Voss has delivered nearly a thousand vessels, including military ships and superyachts. One of its most famous builds is the German battleship Bismarck.
"Because of its exceptional quality, rich experience, and perfect after-sales service, Blohm+Voss has always enjoyed an excellent international reputation."
A middle-aged man suddenly walked over and spoke in a very refined manner. "Each yacht has unique elements and symbolic significance. Every yacht showcases the owner's noble status. Each yacht is a one-of-a-kind piece of art."
After speaking, he extended his hand to Duke. "Hello, Director Rosenberg. I'm Thomas von Grozmann, the person in charge of this showroom."
"Hello." Duke shook his hand lightly.
Grozmann then turned to the lady beside him. "Hello, Miss Lauder."
This person didn't look like a German—more like a Brit.
"Director Rosenberg, have you found a yacht you like?"
Standing slightly behind Duke, Grozmann said slowly, "All our yachts are custom-built. Each one is unique."
Every top yacht manufacturer keeps a list of potential clients, and Duke, who had appeared on Forbes' billionaire list in recent years, was undoubtedly on that list.
After making a circuit of the showroom, Duke stopped at a spot slightly to the left. There stood a model approximately twenty feet long, with a somewhat futuristic, sci-fi-inspired design. Just from appearance alone, Duke found it appealing.
He was never into antiques or retro styles—modern, advanced things were more his taste.
Noticing Duke had stopped, Thomas von Grozmann took a half step forward and appropriately began his introduction. "This is our latest design for this year."
"Tell me more about it," Duke said.
Without referring to any materials, Thomas von Grozmann skillfully explained, "According to our design, the finished yacht will be 548 feet long, with a maximum beam of 72 feet. Its gross tonnage will be 13,000 GT, and maximum power output 20,000 horsepower. It can reach a top speed of 28 knots."
At this point, he walked over to the model and, using its various components, continued his introduction. "The yacht is equipped with two helicopter pads and two hangars; at the stern is a floating dock to accommodate supply vessels and other small boats; beneath the yacht is a submarine capable of diving to 160 feet to evade attacks."
"Those are all standard features on yachts like this," Irene Lauder said, seemingly knowledgeable. Standing beside Duke, she asked, "Is there anything else?"
"The yacht is outfitted with the most advanced radar system. The bridge and the master suite are surrounded by armored plating and bulletproof glass."
Thomas von Grozmann pointed to an inconspicuous spot on the top deck of the model and said, "We've specially designed a laser protection system for the yacht. When it detects the presence of CCD image sensors, it immediately emits a strong light beam aimed at the camera lens to disable its recording capability—maximizing onboard privacy."
Hearing about this function, Duke nodded slightly. For him, this feature was essential.
Seeing Duke's interest, Thomas von Grozmann went into further detail. Duke also gained a deeper understanding of the yacht he was visually drawn to.
The yacht was equipped with a stage, showroom, three restaurants, two kitchens, an aquarium, a disco, bathhouse, a gym with sauna, steam room, 50 guest rooms, two swimming pools, and a cinema. It required 50 staff members to operate fully.
Of course, a yacht of this size came at a steep price 350 million euros, with just the deposit alone requiring 80 million euros.
"Give me a detailed brochure on it."
Though he was tempted, Duke didn't make a decision right away. He took a comprehensive brochure on the yacht and walked out of the showroom with Irene Lauder.
Before coming here, Duke had already looked at products from other companies. This one from Germany's Blohm+Voss satisfied him the most. However, the yacht's length and cost were both factors he had to consider.
And then there was the construction time. According to Thomas von Grozmann, even at the fastest speed, this yacht would take two years to deliver.
After leaving the Blohm+Voss showroom, Duke and Irene Lauder didn't go anywhere else. They walked to a nearby rest area, sat together, and started discussing the product they had just seen.
"Have you made up your mind?" Irene Lauder returned with two cups of coffee, handed one to Duke, and sat across from him. "I think it's pretty good."
"Isn't it a bit too long?"
The length of over five hundred feet still made Duke a little hesitant. "Docking it would be quite a hassle."
"Draft is under twenty feet," Irene Lauder opened the brochure and looked at it as she spoke. "The deep-water docks at Malibu and Santa Monica can both handle it."
She suddenly laughed and jokingly said, "Are you having funding issues? If your cash flow isn't enough, I can lend you some temporarily, just charge bank interest."
"If I need it, I won't hesitate to ask," Duke took the brochure back from Irene and flipped through it. "I can handle this much expense."
Although he had poured a large sum into Time Warner's financing and equity expansion, Duke's cash flow was still quite sufficient. It wouldn't be long before the box office and merchandise revenue from Iron Man would start coming in, so putting down a deposit for a yacht was still quite manageable.
Not just a yacht—Duke was also considering upgrading to a new aircraft model.
"Isn't this Duke Rosenberg?"
Suddenly, a loud and arrogant voice came from behind, "Didn't expect to run into you here."
The voice's owner strode over and, without asking Duke or Irene Lauder's permission, plopped himself down at their table in an overbearing manner.
Looking at the face full of fat, Duke frowned slightly. No matter what, he just couldn't bring himself to like Donald Trump.
"Duke, long time no see," Donald Trump said with great energy.
Duke smiled faintly, still his usual demeanor. "Yes, it's been a while."
"When did you get to New York?" Donald Trump's eyes stayed fixed on Duke. "Why didn't you let me know? I could have hosted you."
"We're not that close, are we?" Duke said in a rather polite tone that wasn't all that polite, "I have family and friends in New York why would I need a stranger to host me?"
Donald Trump's jowls twitched slightly, then he said, "You thinking of buying a yacht too?"
"Considering it," Duke said unhurriedly.
"Hopefully not one of those little things under fifty feet again?"
Recalling Duke's previous unimpressive small yacht, Donald Trump felt a bit better. "They don't sell that kind of toy here."
Duke simply smiled and said nothing.
There was no need to engage in verbal one-upmanship with someone like Donald Trump.
But Donald Trump didn't want to leave just yet and continued, "You know, Duke? I just commissioned a 300-foot beast!"
He suddenly raised his voice for emphasis, "In the end, it's all about size when it comes to being a man."
That last line, Donald Trump said especially loud, as if afraid no one around had noticed them.
Ever since adulthood, Duke had seen many elite figures in society no matter how despicable they were behind the scenes, they all cared a great deal about their public image. Someone like Donald Trump, so brazenly arrogant and fond of big talk in public, was a first.
Even the Silicon Valley madman Larry Ellison, whom Duke had met before, paled in comparison to Donald Trump.
Calling Donald Trump's words and actions uncultured would almost be praising him.
"Three hundred feet?" Duke gave a faint smile, tossed the brochure he had been holding onto the table in front of Donald Trump, and said, "This is the yacht I'm planning to order. If you're interested, you can study it."
When he saw the number representing the yacht's length on the brochure, Donald Trump's eyebrows twitched noticeably.
Duke stood up, took Irene Lauder's arm, and prepared to leave. As he passed Donald Trump, he said, "As long as I'm around, the Trump Organization's money will never enter Instant Share!"
"You—" Donald Trump jumped to his feet.
"Goodbye, Donald." Duke left him with one last line, "Wish your real estate business greater and greater success."
.....
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