In a private room at the Guangcheng Elite Club, Vice Governor Cao spread out a Qi Baishi painting on a glass table and carefully examined the exquisite depiction of the landscape with a magnifying glass in his right hand.
Qi Baishi's landscape paintings are like poems about heaven and earth, with the spirit of nature and the rhythm of life flowing between his brushstrokes.
His paintings seem to capture the essence of mountains, rivers, and misty fairylands, with each stroke imbued with profound artistic conception and boundless emotion.
The mountains rise and fall, layer upon layer, like a giant dragon coiled between heaven and earth, majestic and awe-inspiring. The clouds and mist swirl among the mountains, as soft as a veil and as ethereal as a dream, making one feel as if they could be there, experiencing the fresh air and the moist mist.
The river meanders, its waters shimmering, like a silver ribbon winding through the mountains, carrying the marks of time and the vitality of life. The sky and mountains are reflected on the water, light and shadow intertwining, creating a natural painting that is breathtakingly beautiful.
Vice Governor Cao praised, "Beautiful, absolutely beautiful! It truly lives up to its reputation as a masterpiece by a renowned artist. Qi Baishi's landscape paintings are treasures of the world and miracles in art history."
"His brushstrokes not only depict the magnificence of mountains and rivers, but also outline the beautiful vision of harmonious coexistence between man and nature. Each painting is a journey for the soul, allowing people to feel the endless beauty and the touch of the heart while appreciating it."
Wan Guangliang stood opposite him with a fawning expression and said, "Boss, I didn't expect you to have such a deep understanding of landscape painting. Why don't you take this painting back and study it slowly?"
Upon hearing this, Vice Governor Cao frowned slightly, put down the magnifying glass in his hand, and questioned, "Wan Guangliang, what do you mean by this? I was merely admiring a famous painting; how could I casually accept such a valuable item?"
Wan Guangliang quickly smiled and said, "Sir, please don't misunderstand. This painting is a hidden gem in my hands. Only someone like you who truly understands painting can appreciate its beauty."
Vice Governor Cao said insincerely, "That's true. It would be a waste to put such a beautiful landscape painting on someone who doesn't understand it. How about this, I'll take it back and study it, and return it to you in a few days."
After saying that, Vice Governor Cao carefully rolled up the painting and put it into the paper tube.
When Wan Guangliang caught a glimpse of the exquisite landscape painting on the leader's desk, he couldn't help but feel a surge of secret delight. After a long period of waiting and observation, he keenly sensed that this was the perfect opportunity.
So, without hesitation, he stepped forward, a broad smile on his face, and asked, "Sir, I've recently heard some news that Party Secretary Zhang will be promoted next year! What are the plans for that vacant position he'll be in?"
Vice Governor Cao slightly raised his head, calmly glanced at Wan Guangliang, and then said indifferently:
"Yes, that's right. Party Secretary Zhang is indeed going to be promoted next year. As for the vacant position, I will naturally discuss it with the other leaders. However, before that, we need to smooth things over with various parties. Of course, you will have to bear the costs incurred."
Wan Guangliang nodded hurriedly in agreement: "Of course, leader. I should pay for these expenses. Besides, I have already prepared them in advance."
"Villa No. 13 in Hailan Country Garden has been fully renovated and is ready to move in with just a bag. Not only that, I also placed ten large cardboard boxes in the room, which are all filled with money for 'greasing palms'."
As he spoke, he took out the villa key from his briefcase and handed it to Vice Governor Cao. “Sir, this key is the one you dropped, right? I found it at the door just now.”
Vice Governor Cao chuckled: "Guangliang, you're very kind. Go back and wait for news. I'll let you know when the time comes."
After Wan Guangliang left, the smile on Vice Governor Cao's face vanished instantly. He looked at the key in his hand and the paper tube containing Qi Baishi's painting, and secretly made plans in his mind.
...
Time flies like an arrow, and in the blink of an eye, it's New Year's Day again, which is also Christmas, a grand holiday for Westerners.
On this day of bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new, filled with joy and peace, Bald Chen Hanting was sitting alone in his spacious and bright office, diligently dealing with a mountain of documents.
However, at that moment, the previously closed office door was suddenly and without warning pushed open with a forceful shove! The loud noise instantly shattered the tranquility of the room.
Chen Hanting's heart tightened, and he couldn't help but frown slightly, his gaze quickly turning towards the doorway.
When he saw who it was, a hint of displeasure appeared on his face, and he asked in a slightly annoyed tone, "What are you doing here?"
It turned out that this uninvited guest was none other than the infamous Xiao Qiang.
Xiao Qiang strode straight into the office, then walked unceremoniously to the desk opposite Bald Chen Hanting, plopped down, crossed his legs, and struck an arrogant pose.
He said loudly, "Last month I charged you two million before allowing you to resume work, and that was out of respect for the Chen Clan Chamber of Commerce. But this month, the situation is different."
"If you want to continue operating smoothly, you'd better hand over five million to me obediently, otherwise... hmph, you probably already know what the consequences will be!"
Faced with Xiao Qiang's blatant threats and extortion, Bald Chen Hanting was furious, but for the time being, he was helpless.
After much deliberation, he finally decided to pick up the phone on the table and dial Chen Ze's number.
In Baldy's mind, Chen Ze is his idol. Whenever he encounters a problem that he cannot solve, Chen Ze is the first person he thinks of.
It seemed that as long as Chen Ze took action, all the troubles could be easily resolved.
The call was successfully connected shortly afterward.
Chen Ze's familiar and powerful voice came clearly from the other end of the receiver: "Bald guy, what do you want?"
Without uttering a single unnecessary word, the bald man recounted in detail all the unreasonable demands that Xiao Qiang had made to him.
A calm yet slightly disdainful voice came from the other end of the phone: "Bald guy, you should try to stall Xiao Qiang and prevent him from making any more moves. He won't be able to cause trouble for much longer!"
"Okay, I know what to do." The bald man replied and hung up the phone.
Then, he turned his head, his gaze falling on Xiao Qiang again. After a moment's thought, he asked slowly:
"Xiao Qiang, our company's major shareholder wants to ask you whether you want cash or a bank transfer?"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Qiang, who was already angry, immediately became furious and shouted loudly:
"Are you all out of your minds? Why are you spouting such useless nonsense! Last time I asked for cash, do I even need to ask again? Of course I want cash this time too!"
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