A number of journalists were hidden among the crowd visiting the museum; they weren't genuinely interested in attending, but were only there because they had received explicit orders from above.

In the minds of these reporters, what news could possibly be mined from a mere museum?

Furthermore, the peak tourist season had long passed; even the Palace Museum wasn't generating buzz, let alone a small, private institution.

But no matter how great the world, a leader's authority was greater.

The directive had come down: unless they wished to find themselves out of a job, they had no choice but to show up, however reluctant they were.

It was hardly surprising these journalists were displeased; covering news personally versus being invited to cover it were two entirely different concepts in their line of work.

This distinction was an unwritten rule of the industry, something everyone understood, requiring no further elaboration.

Regardless of their mood, the reporters showed up.

Upon arrival, however, they were surprised to find the place far livelier than expected, and that it housed quite a number of valuable artifacts.

Well, they might not have known how valuable the objects were, but many visitors were genuine connoisseurs, and as these experts debated the merits of the pieces, the reporters listened intently, quickly realizing the items were indeed worth