丝绸之路 (Silk Road)

Last evening I went in a Chinese store where I usually buy most of my DIY tools and was stunned to come across the Chiara Ferragni brand display! Ms. Ferragni is currently involved in a scandal over a case of alleged unfair and misleading commercial practices, which was raised by government loyalists in an orchestrated campaign against her on the grounds of her progressive ideas and the allegation that her charity partnerships hid lucrative fees and honorariums. Her story resembles that of one of the most venerated Chinese actress, 范冰冰 (Fàn Bīngbīng), who, in 2018, was found guilty of tax evasion due to “阴阳合同 (yīn-yáng contract)” practices, and one cannot but wish Chiara the same happy success. Keeping in mind that it took five years for 范冰冰 (Fàn Bīngbīng) to take the centre stage again — at the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival “Berlinale”. On that occasion, when asked about her via crucis, 范冰冰 (Fàn Bīngbīng) wisely replied that also such an experience can serve as a school for learning a lot about the world and people.