Chapter 625 - For the Calligraphy

Translator: Thyaeria

Sitting in the office, Su Tao received a call from Xia Yu before he looked at Qin Meimei with a complicated gaze and a faint smile on his lips.

Qin Meimei knew that Su Tao had something to tell her, so she took the initiative and asked, “What’s wrong? Is there anything you’d like to say?”

“Just a while ago, Li Yede was taken away by the Provincial Inspection Bureau.” Su Tao observed Qin Meimei’s expression as he revealed, and just as he had guessed, there was a trace of abnormality in her expression.

Flicking off the tears from the corner of her eyes, Qin Meimei said, trying to brainwash herself in her own lies, “How satisfying!”

Shaking his head, Su Tao replied, “It might be satisfying to many people, but it’s definitely not the case for you.”

“Why must you be such a jerk to rub salt into my wound?” Qin Meimei snapped.

“You will only sober up if it’s painful enough.” Su Tao explained.

Sitting on the couch, Qin Meimei dazed off for a long time before she sighed, “Don’t worry about it, I’m not that weak. It’s only a matter of time before Li Yede would be punished by the law. He was blinded by money. Despite the enormous wealth he possessed, he’s still so greedy.”

“When a person learns about greed, it won’t be easy for them to get rid of it.” Su Tao said with a grave countenance and continued, “The moment Li Yede is arrested, the assets and corporation under his name will definitely go into chaos. If it goes according to my expectations, they will be taken over by his wife, Ai Hui. You can consider making use of this opportunity and take back what belongs to you.”

As Qin Meimei’s emotions calmed down, she sourly asked upon listening to Su Tao’s instigation, “Didn’t you look down on me for wanting to seize them?”

“Time changes!” Su Tao smiled as he further explained, “There are at least tens of thousands of people working for Li Yede. With Ai Hui’s ability, how can she possibly control the bigger picture? The moment the corporation goes bankrupt, the great empire will collapse. If that happens, many people will lose their jobs. If you interfere now, you might be able to reduce the range of influence and bring stability to those people.”

Sourly looking at Su Tao, Qin Meimei bitterly smiled. “What a hypocrite to find a dignified reason. But even without your reminder, I would also fight for it. Ai Hui is a woman who knows how to spend money, but she’s not capable of handling such an enormous business empire.”

“You have my support!” Su Tao encouraged as he nodded.

Qin Meimei smiled. “Why don’t I give it all to you after I snatch it over?”

Su Tao knew that Qin Meimei was joking around and shrugged, “Don’t give it to me. Put it under the Qihuang Charity Funds so that it can be used to help more people.”

Listening to his words, Qin Meimei deeply looked at Su Tao. This man truly had no greed for worldly objects, and for such a person to be involved in charity was the blessing of many.

A white Volkswagen CC drove around the Qiongjin City before turning to the Yangtze River 5th Bridge that linked to Hanzhou City; this was a newly constructed bridge. A few years ago, Hanzhou City started a satellite project to link with Qiongjin City. As a prominent satellite city of Qiongjin City, Hanzhou City would be seamlessly connected in the next few years. With that, people would be able to travel between both cities every day for work.

This was also the reason why real estate was rising in Hanzhou City. The salaries paid in the city weren’t high, but the cost of a residence was starting to approach a sky-high range.

Sitting in the front passenger seat, Ni Jingqiu wore a white shirt paired with white tight-fitted trousers. She looked energetic and graceful with her beige crystal-embedded sandals. Her style was simple yet fashionable.

She had short hair along with bangs and her fringe made her look a little sexy, paired with her oval face and her somewhat skinny yet voluptuous figure.

Su Tao’s gaze would occasionally drift in her direction while wondering to himself how she managed to change so greatly in such a short time.

Ni Jingqiu previously told him that she would be making a trip to Qiongjin City for a meeting, to which Su Tao drove to pick her up upon her arrival.

“I never expected you to drive pretty well!” Ni Jingqiu praised since the car wasn’t shaky despite driving at a high speed.

“A reliable person like me is good at everything!” Su Tao smiled as he boasted.

“It has been some time since we met, and you seem to have become more shameless.” Ni Jingqiu rolled her eyes.

“Yeah, I’m that confident in myself. If a man isn’t confident, how can they be the messiah?” Su Tao laughed.

Ni Jingqiu rolled her eyes at Su Tao. This fellow was still as shameless as before. As the vehicle drove on the bridge at high speed, Ni Jingqiu cleared her throat and asked, “Can I ask you something? You have to be truthful with me!”

“Sure, go ahead. We’ve already played truth or dare, so why would I keep anything from you?” Su Tao sourly replied.

“Is the Qihuang Charity Funds really going to auction the calligraphy work by the founding leader?” Ni Jingqiu suppressed her voice.

“Yeah!” Su Tao replied before he curiously asked, “What’s wrong? You’re interested in it as well?”

Inwardly letting out a sigh, Ni Jingqiu wore a wry smile. “That calligraphy work can be treated as an inheritance treasure to be passed down from generation to generation. It’s a priceless object, but you’re willing to auction it?”

“Firstly, I’m not the one who donated the calligraphy. I was simply entrusted by someone to auction it. Secondly, even if it’s mine, I would also be willing to take it out for auction. It might be a priceless treasure, but to me, it’s pale compared to using it to help more people.” Su Tao patiently explained.

“It looks like the rumors of it coming from Sire Shui is true!” Ni Jingqiu sighed.

Nodding his head, Su Tao exclaimed in admiration, “Even I never expected that Sire Shui would be willing to take it out as well.”

“Did you know that the collector’s world is going insane now? Everyone is dying to get it. That calligraphy was done by the great figure in the latter part of his life, and in terms of political or artistic significance, it’s highly collectible.” Ni Jingqiu said.

“You’re tempted by it as well?” Su Tao smiled with his eyes narrowed.

“My dad is the one tempted to get it!” Ni Jingqiu blushed and asked, “He wanted me to ask you if he could take the back door. If you’re willing to sell it to him privately, you can pick any treasure you want from my family.”

Shaking his head, Su Tao earnestly replied, “We might have a good relationship, but I can’t do anything that goes against my principles. I’ve just said that I was entrusted to auction it. Furthermore, the news is already released, and many people have swarmed over because of it. Wouldn’t I be placed in an awkward position if I remove it? I will definitely be cursed to death!”

“I know that you’re in a difficult position...” Ni Jingqiu sighed.

In his heart, this piece would be publicly auctioned for everyone to bid as long as they can offer a high price for it. Everyone was selfish, and due to his relationship with Ni Jingqiu, he naturally hoped that she could obtain it.

After a brief pondering, Su Tao replied, “Participate in the auction and prepare enough money to bid for it.”

Su Tao was as stubborn as she had expected, in which Ni Jingjiu helplessly smiled. She no longer talked about it and started chatting with Su Tao about China's Divine Physician project. She had already found several reliable writers, and they’re prepared to begin distribution through online novel platforms before branching into comics and dramas. The main topic would revolve around Su Tao’s life experience, so she wanted him to provide some materials for the story.

Upon hearing her intention to package and promote him, Su Tao instantly became an introvert. As a person who has a phobia of cameras, Su Tao became unusually quiet.

After arriving at the hotel, Ni Jingqiu carried her luggage along since she did not bring much with her. She first did her check-in at the front reception. After they entered the hotel room, she smiled. “I’ll reallocate tomorrow after I’m done with the meeting. As for you, you’re responsible for planning my itinerary in Hanzhou City.”

Seated on the couch, Su Tao looked at Ni Jingqiu unpacking her luggage and smiled. “You’re in Qihuang Charity Funds’ invitation list. Why don’t we provide for you based on the standards we have for the auction?”

Glancing at Su Tao, Ni Jingqiu shrugged, “Alright, I’m a casual person anyways.

“Oh, right. Asaka Ochi is also in Hanzhou City?” Ni Jingqiu suddenly recalled it and looked at Su Tao.

“Yeah, she’s here to invite me to Japan. It just so happens that I intend to establish a TCM medicine factory, so I will be making a trip over for study materials.” Su Tao did not hide it from Ni Jingqiu since he knew that she must have been observing Kohei Koizumi, and this was also the reason why she knew that Asaka Ochi was here.

“What does she want you to go to Japan for?” For some reason, Ni Jingqiu felt something peculiar about this matter. If it wasn’t for someone important, was there a need for Asaka Ochi to put in such great effort?

“Maybe it’s because of Kohei Koizumi’s condition?” Su Tao did not want to overthink about this matter. After all, he had already given his promise to Asaka Ochi. If he thought too deep into this matter, he would sink into his imaginary world.

After a brief pondering, he added, “Kohei Koizumi and his wife are pretty good, and I don’t think that they have anything against me.”

Asaka Ochi’s excuse was that she’s worried that Kohei Koizumi’s condition might become unstable due to the ongoing conflicts in his family. But for some reason, even Su Tao felt that this reason was a little too implausible.

Nodding her head, Ni Jingqiu asked, “Why don’t I go together with you?”

“Why would you go together with me? As my bodyguard?” Su Tao couldn’t help laughing.

Since Ni Jingqiu also felt that she had taken a little too far, she blushed and mumbled, “I have something to do as well! I can just push forth my trip.”

Su Tao did not say anything and sighed. He was a little touched in his heart that Ni Jingqiu was willing to change her plan and trip to go to Japan together with him. He couldn’t refuse her goodwill since it would make him seem too cold-hearted.