PS: Second update. No discount for reading on Singles' Day, but the author's writing also has no discount. Asking for monthly votes isn't too much to ask, right? “Old Qian, why am I suddenly being sent to Taiwan?”

At this moment, Wang Guan was somewhat bewildered, then a realization dawned, and he hesitated, “Is it because of Zhu... Didn't you say stirring up trouble unnecessarily is bad?”

“It doesn’t matter.”

At this time, Old Qian, far away in the capital, smiled, his voice steady, “You go openly, and even accept media interviews—make a big splash, be the talk of the town—he naturally won't focus on you.”

“What do you mean?”

Wang Guan blinked, then vaguely understood, “Is it that the Taiwanese side also wants to exhibit the treasures?”

This was not unprecedented; after all, when the Jiaowei Qin first appeared, arrangements had already been made for an exhibition in Taiwan. Word was that the crowds attending were like flowing water, and the positive reception made Director Wang of the Capital Palace Museum beam with joy, unable to close his mouth from smiling.

But then again, it wasn't strange at all that the Taiwanese side would have such an intention. Even though relations between the two sides remained somewhat delicate due to historical reasons, cultural cooperation had a long history.

Communication had slowly begun as early as the Reform and Opening Up period. Then, through the joint efforts of people from all sides, cultural relics from both regions had been exhibited collaboratively many times. The most famous example was the Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains by the late-Ming dynasty master painter Huang Gongwang.

During the late Ming Dynasty, the painting had been burned into one large and one small section, then separately mounted, resulting in the Wuyong Master Scroll and the Remaining Mountain Painting. The former was housed in the Taipei Palace Museum, while the latter was in the Zhejiang Provincial Museum. However, two years ago, the Wuyong Master Scroll and the Remaining Mountain Painting were united for the first time, forming the complete Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains, which was exhibited in Taipei and immediately caused a sensation.

With such a foundation in place, extending an invitation to the Xiyi Museum to exhibit the treasures in Taipei was naturally a matter of course.

From the perspective of cultural exchange, as well as political stature, the Xiyi Museum could not refuse. Moreover, this was the most perfect pretext—a legitimate reason to travel to Taiwan.

“These past few days, you’ve been the one responsible for the touring exhibition matters.”

Old Qian said with a smile, “Now, as the representative figure, going to Taiwan to consult on the exhibition details is only natural; no one will find it strange. As for the current touring exhibition, let Ah De help cover for you temporarily.”

“Understood.” Wang Guan immediately nodded, “Alright, I'll go…”

Of course, this was just an initial intention, and it wasn't possible to leave in a rush immediately. Preparations needed to be made back in the capital first, so after chatting for a few more sentences, the communication ended. The specifics could wait until Wang Guan returned to Beijing.

“Brother Wang, you’re going to Taiwan?”

At this point, Gao Zhuang felt a sense of emerging from darkness into light, a turning point, his face alight with joy.

“That’s right.”

Wang Guan smiled and nodded, then thoughtfully said, “Wait a minute… this matter doesn’t seem as complicated as I imagined… How about this: arrange your current matters, and then come to Taiwan with me…”

As he spoke, Wang Guan looked at Tao Li, hesitated slightly, and then gestured, “If you are free, you can come with us too. Don't worry about anything else; once we arrive, someone should help us go out to sea to search for treasures.”

“Really?” Tao Li was somewhat delighted, though naturally, there was a degree of suspicion.

“No need to doubt it, it's definitely certain.” Meanwhile, Gao Zhuang was extremely pleased, “If Brother Wang dares to say this, he must be fully confident. We’ll just go along and help carry things when the time comes.”

“If things go smoothly, that should be the case…” Wang Guan smiled, telling them to pack their luggage, handle some trivial matters, and then they returned directly to the capital.

Actually, going to Taiwan directly from Fuzhou would have been closer, but there were too many things to prepare, so they had to fly between the two places. Two or three hours later, Wang Guan and the others smoothly arrived at the Capital Airport, then took a car back to the grand residence. Entering the gate, Wang Guan walked familiar steps into the living room, where Old Qian was already seated. After offering his respects, Wang Guan immediately noticed there was another guest in the room.

“Wang Guan, you’re back just in time.”

At that moment, Old Qian smiled and introduced, “Come and meet Director Cui from Taipei.”

“Hello, Director Cui.”

As Wang Guan greeted him, he observed curiously. Director Cui appeared to be around forty, dressed in a traditional Zhongshan suit, his hair meticulously combed, and wearing a pair of rimless glasses; the entire impression exuded an air of scholarly refinement.

“Hello, Mr. Wang as well.”

At the same time, Director Cui responded warmly. He had come well-prepared and naturally understood Wang Guan’s identity: Old Qian’s prized student, the current Vice Curator of the Xiyi Museum, primarily responsible for the touring exhibition matters. It was highly likely that in another ten or twenty years, the position of Curator of the Xiyi Museum would be his.

Having powerful connections certainly made a difference… Director Cui inwardly sighed, though outwardly he displayed a warm, spring-breeze smile, praising Wang Guan as an outstanding talent, young and promising, a model for the youth of the world.

To this, Wang Guan maintained his smile and repeatedly expressed humility. Yet, inwardly, his heart remained unmoved; there was no trace of smugness. After all, he had heard such compliments countless times recently; his ears were almost calloused, and it had become utterly tedious.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Wang Guan introduced Gao Zhuang and Tao Li as his friends. Since they were not involved in the core business, after a casual greeting, everyone sat down again.

At this point, Old Qian cut straight to the chase: “Wang Guan, you must already know Director Cui’s purpose. Since he is here, why don’t you share your thoughts on the specifics?”

“This is a good thing.”

Wang Guan’s single sentence stated his position. After all, this was the grand premise; he couldn't oppose it, so naturally, he offered his full support: “More exchange, more interaction, promoting the fusion of cross-strait culture—this is our honor.”

Director Cui nodded repeatedly, his expression one of deep agreement. In reality, he knew that making this request would certainly not be in vain. While the exhibition itself was a done deal, the key lay in the details of how benefits would be distributed.

After all, the Xiyi Museum operated on a private basis; it wasn't a pushover to be exploited. Director Cui was well aware that there were no free lunches in this world; to gain any advantage, one had to pay a certain price.

“However, the domestic touring exhibition schedule has already been finalized.”

As he spoke, Wang Guan frowned, displaying a troubled look, “It has already been announced; I’m afraid it will be difficult to change.”

“No, no, there’s no need to change it.”

At this moment, Director Cui smiled, “We are also aware of that situation. We aren't asking for it to be arranged immediately, but rather, after the exhibition ends in the mainland cities, the first stop of the overseas tour can be arranged in Taipei. As far as I know, the itinerary for the overseas exhibition hasn't been finalized yet, right?”

“It certainly hasn’t been decided,” Wang Guan nodded slightly, explaining, “Mainly because too many people have sent invitations. Let’s not even mention Hong Kong and Macau; there are also South Korea, Japan, the UK, France, the US…”

After listing them, Wang Guan shook his head and sighed, “When I was in Shanghai and Fuzhou, I attended banquets every day and kept meeting managers from major museums around the world, constantly lobbying me to make the first stop of the overseas tour at their location.”

Director Cui knew Wang Guan wasn't lying. Among those people were supervisors from the Taipei Palace Museum. It was precisely because the competition was so fierce that he decided to bypass Wang Guan and approach Old Qian directly, aiming for a decisive coup.

Given the special relationship across the Strait, and having made some good contacts at the Capital Palace Museum, Director Cui managed, after some twists and turns, to meet Old Qian and persuade him to make a decision.

After hearing Director Cui’s request, Old Qian readily agreed. However, he only agreed that the overseas tour itinerary would definitely include a stop in Taipei. But as to which stop it would be—first, second, or later—his attitude was rather vague.

In terms of closeness of ties, Director Cui certainly didn't place much stock in South Korea, Japan, the UK, or the US, but he was rather concerned about Hong Kong and Macau. Especially Hong Kong, due to the continuous economic downturn and the provocative stirring by certain malicious parties, some unfavorable voices had emerged recently.

It was understandable that the higher-ups wanted to show special consideration to Hong Kong to ease cross-Strait relations. In Director Cui’s view, the biggest competitor was undoubtedly Hong Kong. Although the administrative systems were different, and Director Cui didn't care about political achievements, he cared deeply about performance metrics.

If he could edge out Hong Kong and secure the first stop for the overseas tour of the treasures, it would certainly be a demonstration of his capability to all relevant parties, earning widespread acclaim.

Whether for reputation or profit, Director Cui deployed an off-the-books maneuver, approaching Old Qian directly. After a few days of persistence, Old Qian’s stance seemed to soften, and he immediately summoned Wang Guan back to consult with him.

In fact, upon seeing Wang Guan, Director Cui knew the chances were high that the matter would succeed. Of course, the prerequisite was reaching a contract satisfactory to both sides.

“Mr. Wang, rest assured, we have great sincerity.”

Understanding this point, Director Cui decided not to beat around the bush and stated frankly, “You were exactly right just now. Since it is an exchange, it certainly cannot be one-sided; there must be give and take. Today, if the Xiyi Museum brings treasures to Taipei for exhibition, then tomorrow, Taipei can also bring other items to exhibit at the Xiyi Museum. For example, the Mao Gong Ding, the Shi Pan, the Kuaixue Shiqing Tie…”

With every item Director Cui mentioned, the look of delight in Wang Guan’s eyes deepened. Wang Guan knew that the items Director Cui mentioned were exceptionally rare national treasures, the absolute cornerstones of the Taipei Palace Museum, which were generally never allowed to leave the island for exhibition. He hadn't expected that Director Cui would be so willing to part with them just to facilitate this matter.

But then again, one must give to get. In any endeavor, if one always holds the mindset of seeking only gain, things will inevitably be difficult to bring to a successful conclusion. Only through mutual compromise and concession, leading to a win-win situation, can matters succeed perfectly.

It was the case now: Director Cui showed immense sincerity, leaving Wang Guan and Old Qian no reason to refuse. Although they didn't make an immediate final decision, the smiles playing on their lips already indicated their inclination.

Naturally, out of caution, Old Qian decided to dispatch Wang Guan to Taipei for an inspection tour, to sign the formal contract, and also as a sort of warm-up… (To be continued)