CHAPTER 511: CHAPTER 511: TAKING CARE OF THE OLD MAN

"Of course I love it. This is the treasure I’ve dreamed of owning, but unfortunately it’s something I have no fate to possess in this lifetime."

Jiao Jikai sighed, his face full of regret.

Seeing this, Chen Bin smiled and said.

"Since Jiao Tai likes it so much, how about I leave this painting here? You help me take care of it, and you can look at it anytime you want."

"This... wouldn’t be appropriate, would it? Such a precious item, leaving it with me—are you sure?"

Although his words showed hesitation, the depths of Jiao Jikai’s eyes were full of longing.

"It’s no trouble at all. I’m not knowledgeable about paintings. If I keep it at home, it would only gather dust. It’s better for it to stay at your place, so you can admire it fully."

"Well then, if that’s the case, I guess I’ll humbly accept."

Upon hearing these words, Chen Bin nodded slightly, his face showing an expression of wanting to say something but hesitating.

Jiao Jikai immediately asked, "What’s the matter?"

"Jiao Tai, there’s something I’m not sure if I should bring up."

"No problem, go ahead and say it."

"You surely know how valuable the ’Roaring Lion Scroll’ is. If something were to happen to it, I wouldn’t mind much, but it was a gift from a friend, and damaging it would ruin our relationship. How about... you write me a note of safekeeping for it?"

After a brief moment of thought, Jiao Jikai felt that this request made sense.

After all, with such a valuable item as the ’Roaring Lion Scroll,’ if he lent it to someone else, he would also ask for written proof.

"No problem, I’ll write the note right now!"

Right after, Jiao Jikai took out paper and pen and wrote down on the sheet:

"Today, Jiao Jikai takes custody of Mr. Yue Kongliang’s authentic work, the ’Roaring Lion Scroll,’ on behalf of Chen Bin. The custody period is undefined, and Chen Bin can retrieve it anytime."

He signed his name at the bottom along with the current date and even pressed his fingerprint onto it.

Chen Bin took the note, confirmed there were no errors in it, and then nodded approvingly.

"Jiao Tai, your handwriting is truly excellent. It looks as refined as Mr. Yue’s."

"Chen Tai, you exaggerate. How could I compare to Mr. Yue? For now, this painting will stay with me, and you can take it back anytime you like."

After sending Chen Bin off, Jiao Jikai brewed some fine tea. After showering, he even burned a stick of incense.

Entering his study, he began to slowly admire the ’Roaring Lion Scroll.’

The more he looked at it, the deeper his love for it grew, as if his entire being was drawn into the painting.

It was evident that Jiao Jikai truly adored the ’Roaring Lion Scroll’ deeply.

After the National Day holiday, Chen Bin once again gathered the mid-to-upper level executives of the station to discuss the ’Entertainment First’ strategy.

He was well aware that whether or not this initiative would succeed depended entirely on Jiao Jikai and Xiang Chengkang.

The two old timers had already benefited from him, and logically speaking, they shouldn’t oppose him anymore.

Thus, Chen Bin attended the meeting with an air of absolute confidence this time.

After a simple opening address, he turned his gaze to Xiang Chengkang.

The latter understood and was the first to speak.

"Last time I was adamantly against the ’Entertainment First’ strategy. However, after thinking deeply about it, I realize that entertainment-focused programming does have its merits."

Hearing this, Chen Bin secretly nodded to himself.

Clearly, this statement pleased him.

Others, however, were surprised and wondered why Xiang Chengkang had suddenly changed his stance.

Xiang Chengkang continued, "Our station has been news-centric for a long time, but the external debts are ever increasing. I believe reform is necessary—adopting ’Entertainment First’ programming will make things better quickly."

To be fair, words can sound reasonable from anyone if framed correctly.

Slightly nodding, Chen Bin then looked toward Jiao Jikai.

"Jiao Tai, what’s your perspective on the ’Entertainment First’ strategy?"

The latter first glared discontentedly at Xiang Chengkang before slowly responding.

"I believe the foundation of a television station lies in news coverage. ’Entertainment First’ is a side-tracked approach and won’t go far."

Clenching his fists slightly, fury surged in Chen Bin’s heart.

He never expected Jiao Jikai would still oppose him.

Jiao Jikai snorted coldly, his face full of disdain.

Indeed, he liked the ’Roaring Lion Scroll,’ but simply borrowing it for viewing would never make him change his stance because of minor favors.

Taking a deep breath, Chen Bin turned to the others.

"Let everyone share their thoughts. As members of this station, it’s our duty to contribute to the development of the province’s network."

After serious consideration, Fan Sheng spoke again.

"I still uphold my previous view: the foundation is news programming—it must not be changed!"

In the previous meeting, the three deputy directors openly opposed Chen Bin, greatly diminishing his authority as acting director.

Afterward, there had even been petitions circulating, leading many to believe that Chen Bin wouldn’t last long as acting director.

Though Xiang Chengkang had changed his mind this time, for most people, Jiao Jikai was the key figure they followed.

Moreover, Fan Sheng also had a strong reputation as deputy director at the station. Based on a two-versus-one principle, most still opted to stand by Jiao Jikai.

Thus, in subsequent discussions, nearly all present opposed the ’Entertainment First’ strategy.

As the meeting headed toward an uncontrollable outcome, Chen Bin feared that if it continued, the matter of maintaining a ’News-Centric’ approach might be solidified.

He hastily found an excuse to abruptly end the meeting.

Returning to his office, Chen Bin slammed his fist on the desk, his hatred for Jiao Jikai reaching its peak.

He muttered to himself, "That old bastard—asking for trouble! Since that’s the case, don’t blame me for being ruthless!"

Once he finished speaking, he immediately dialed Ma Juan’s phone.

"Honey, could you help me contact an expert in calligraphy and painting? Preferably someone highly authoritative. It’s urgent!"

Chen Bin’s initial plan was simple—since Jiao Jikai liked the ’Roaring Lion Scroll’ so much and believed it was genuine, he could leave it there for the old man’s continued enjoyment.

But now, given Jiao Jikai’s refusal to toe the line, it was clear he needed to teach the man a lesson.

Some people only learn to submit when they’ve been pushed hard enough.

At present, the country’s most authoritative appraisal expert was Qi Bocha, the dean of the National Academy of Painting and Calligraphy.

Not only was his expertise in appraisal unparalleled, his skill in painting and calligraphy was also extraordinary.

One of his finest works had even sold for over ten million at auction, making him the most valuable living artist in the country.

Through Ma Juan’s connections, she managed to reach out to Qi Bocha. Initially, the latter had matters to attend to, but about a week later, he flew into Tianhai.

Chen Bin personally welcomed him and arranged accommodations at a luxury hotel.

During dinner together, he mentioned that he had received a ’Roaring Lion Scroll’ by Mr. Yue Kongliang, as a gift from a friend.

He lamented that, unfortunately, he didn’t understand calligraphy and painting and wanted Qi Bocha to help thoroughly explain its significance.

With a slight frown, the latter was visibly surprised.

In his impression, the ’Roaring Lion Scroll’ had never changed ownership. How could it have ended up with this young man?

However, on second thought, private transactions were not uncommon, so perhaps he simply hadn’t heard about this one.

He nodded slightly and replied with a smile.

"Alright, bring it tomorrow. I’d be delighted to appreciate Mr. Yue’s masterpiece."

Early the next morning, Chen Bin headed straight for Jiao Jikai’s office.

"Jiao Tai, have you ever heard of someone named Qi Bocha?"

Jiao Jikai assumed the other man was here to confront him but was surprised to find it was about calligraphy and painting.

Taking a deep breath, he replied evenly.

"Of course, he’s the dean of the National Academy of Painting and Calligraphy. Why do you ask?"

"Dean Qi has come to Tianhai. I even had dinner with him last night."

"What did you say?!"

His eyes widened in shock, and disbelief filled Jiao Jikai’s face.

Chen Bin quickly added, "The esteemed dean is currently resting at the hotel. I plan to take the ’Roaring Lion Scroll’ to him for evaluation later. Could you bring me to retrieve it after work tonight?"

Standing up immediately, Jiao Jikai offered eagerly.

"How about this? Tonight I’ll arrange a dinner at the hotel where Dean Qi is staying, and I’ll bring the painting along. What do you think?"

Given Qi Bocha’s towering status in the art circle, Jiao Jikai naturally wouldn’t pass up a chance to meet him.

With a faint smirk curling at the corner of his lips, Chen Bin nodded.

"No problem. Let’s go with that plan!"