Qi Tongwei: Sign-in relationship started during student days

Chapter 1000 Tian Fengyi's Persistence

Having "escaped danger," Tian Fengyi quickly changed the subject, saying that he had brought a piece of calligraphy and painting and would like to ask Yu Huabei to appraise it.

Yu Huabei, unsuspecting, asked curiously what kind of calligraphy or painting it was.

People in officialdom, especially high-ranking officials, mostly like calligraphy and painting, and the three giants of the Han River are no exception.

It's just that everyone has different preferences.

Some people buy calligraphy and paintings because their elegant form satisfies their spiritual needs and desire to collect them.

Others value its ability to preserve and increase value, especially as a form of "refined bribery" that is relatively safe and discreet, making it difficult to detect and obtain evidence.

Tian Fengyi once again used the same excuse he used to deal with Madam Yu, saying that it was a genuine work by Zheng Banqiao passed down through his family and that he wanted Yu Huabei to authenticate it.

Yu Huabei immediately became interested and asked Tian Fengyi to take it out for a look.

Tian Fengyi took a painting tube from the corner of the wall, took out the calligraphy and painting, and slowly unfolded it.

As the scroll was unfurled, a corner of Zheng Banqiao's cursive script was revealed.

"Everyone knows that Zheng Banqiao was exceptional in orchids and bamboo, but his skill in cursive script was equally unparalleled."

Yu Huabei examined the calligraphy carefully and nodded slightly. "Hmm, it contains a bold and unrestrained style within its simple and understated nature, much like the calligraphy of Zheng Banqiao."

Yu Huabei asked Tian Fengyi to place the calligraphy and painting on the coffee table, while he went upstairs to get a magnifying glass.

Everyone had almost finished eating, so they put down their bowls and chopsticks and joined in.

"Tongwei, what do you think?" Tian Fengyi raised an eyebrow at Qi Tongwei with a smile.

Qi Tongwei nodded and praised, "Yes, it's a rare gem. The calligraphy is elegant and full of dynamism and emotional tension."

Qi Tongwei has practiced calligraphy for a period of time, and his handwriting is quite good.

However, he did not practice cursive script, but rather "Mao style," which is the style of writing used by that person and is a relatively common form of calligraphy in official circles.

Therefore, his ability to appreciate calligraphy and painting is really average, and he doesn't really have any unique insights into cursive script.

Fortunately, even if I haven't eaten pork, I've seen pigs run, so I can still come up with a couple of formulaic compliments.

Tian Fengyi, unaware that it was just a polite remark, became even more pleased upon hearing this and casually inquired about the opinions of Madam Yu and her daughter.

Mrs. Yu said she didn't understand these things and couldn't comment.

Yu Xiaoxiao glanced at it twice, still with that cold expression, and didn't say anything. She picked up an apple from the coffee table, sat down on the sofa next to her, and started taking small bites, leaving Tian Fengyi feeling awkward.

They had no choice but to discuss it with Qi Tongwei.

Qi Tongwei had no idea and just gave a few perfunctory replies.

A short while later, Yu Huabei came downstairs with a magnifying glass and carefully examined the calligraphy and painting, occasionally touching the characters and feeling the texture of the paper.

Seeing how professional Hua Bei was, the group unconsciously suppressed their breathing, not daring to disturb him.

After a long silence, Yu Huabei straightened up, nodded, and gave his appraisal result: "Not bad, it's an authentic work, a rare genuine piece."

After saying that, he bent down to continue admiring it, and asked Tian Fengyi, "Fengyi, I've known you for so many years, how come I've never heard of your family having such a good thing? Could it be that you bought it from somewhere?"

Yu Huabei emphasized the word "buy".

In 1995, Zheng Banqiao's "Bamboo and Rock" sold for HK$73 at Christie's Hong Kong Island auction.

The price has now soared to at least a million, so this scroll of cursive script is certainly not cheap.

With Tian Fengyi's income, it was absolutely impossible for him to afford a genuine work by Zheng Banqiao; there was no other possibility than bribery.

Tian Fengyi chuckled and said, "Old leader, this was left to me by my father. He kept it from me until he was about to pass away."

Otherwise, I wouldn't have known that there was such a thing in the house.

"Old boss, if you like it, please stay. It's just a small token of my appreciation."

Yu Huabei waved his hand, "No, since this is your family heirloom, then keep it safe and don't be an unfilial son."

"Former leader..."

Tian Fengyi wanted to persuade him further, but Yu Huabei had already lost interest. He threw the magnifying glass aside and waved his hand, telling Tian Fengyi to put it away.

Although he likes calligraphy and paintings, he wouldn't go so far as to collect things indiscriminately.

To rise from the position of secretary of the discipline inspection commission, one's professional ethics are undoubtedly impeccable.

Moreover, Yu Huabei had already realized Tian Fengyi's purpose from the conversation during the meal to this series of actions.

My old secretary is still not satisfied with going to the Writers' Association, and has even started bribing me.

Understanding this caused Yu Huabei's mood to plummet, and he became displeased.

Yu Huabei glanced at his watch. "Feng Yi, it's getting late. Let's call it a day."

He then pointed at the other person and said, "Feng Yi, I'll say it again: as members of the Red Star Party, we must have the necessary Party spirit and principles."

Obeying the organization is a Party member's primary obligation. Take up your post as soon as possible and shine in your new position, understand?

Tian Fengyi seemed not to understand that Yu Huabei was trying to expel people, and continued, "Old leader, you are absolutely right."

Although I've been resting these past few days, I haven't been idle; I've been thinking about how to do my new job well.

I've actually come up with a few preliminary thoughts, and I'd like to share them with you.

Yu Huabei frowned. "You don't need to report to me about the Writers' Association's work, do you? I'm not familiar with the Writers' Association's work, so I can't give you any constructive advice."

If you really want to report this, you can report it to the supervisor in charge.

Tian Fengyi, shameless as ever, persisted, "Old leader, if you're not familiar with it, then I'm even less familiar with it, but I still took office."

I've considered reporting this to my supervisor, but I'm afraid that what I say as an outsider will only make me a laughingstock.

It doesn't matter if people laugh at me, but it would be bad if I embarrassed you and the provincial party committee, and if you and the provincial party committee were to be accused of misjudging people.

Therefore, after much consideration, I have decided to report this to you first and ask for your corrections before reporting to Vice Governor Hu, who is in charge.

"I don't expect to come up with anything groundbreaking, just don't make a big fool of yourself."

Yu Huabei's face grew darker and darker as he listened.

What a cunning Tian Fengyi! He's using veiled insults to criticize others.

Mismanagement?

He now realized that he had been the one who misjudged people before, and that someone like Tian Fengyi should have been exiled long ago.

It seems his old secretary won't give up until he achieves his goal.

Yu Huabei wanted to get angry, but after glancing at his daughter and Qi Tongwei, he ultimately didn't utter a word of abuse.

With a smile still on his face, he said, "Okay, let's talk in my office then. I want to hear your plans."

At this point, everyone could tell that the atmosphere was off.

Yu Huabei went upstairs, and Tian Fengyi quickly followed after packing up his paintings. When they reached the second-floor entrance, Yu Huabei turned around and instructed his wife, "Honey, I'm leaving this place to you. You keep Wei and Xiaoxiao company for a while."

“Alright, you may go.” Madam Yu nodded.

And so, Yu Huabei led Tian Fengyi into the room.

As soon as he entered the room, Yu Huabei's smile vanished. He sat down at the desk and looked at Tian Fengyi with a cold expression.

"What exactly do you want?!"

Tian Fengyi panicked for a moment, but still forced himself to say, "Old leader, I really have something I want to report to you."