When Charlie stepped back into Tangchen Yipin, he found Jacob in a heated argument with ine.


    As he entered, carrying the cylinder that held Meng Changsheng’s portrait, Jacob’s voice echoed with frustration. “You im you do nothing all day—not even cooking breakfast! If you’re not going to make anything, that’s fine, but why do you order so much food? One portion would suffice! You fill up on your own orders and leave me with nothing! I’m in a rush to get to the association, and I can’t go hungry!”<fn15c4> Fresh chapters posted on find?novel</fn15c4>


    ine shot back confidently, “Did you hear me? Take care of yourself! If you’re so concerned about food, why don’t you get up early and make breakfast for me? Asking me to cook for you is quite the request! And don’t you realize that ordering food costs money? If you were to give me one hundred and eighty thousand in pocket money each month, I’d make sure you had three meals a day!”


    Jacob, visibly irritated, retorted, “You’re really out of touch with reality!”


    With that, he stormed out of the room.<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    As he was leaving the living room, he spotted Charlie entering and quickly asked, “Good son-inw, why are you back so early?”


    Charlie smiled and replied, “I wrapped up the client’s business, so I rushed back.”


    Then, Charlie inquired, “By the way, Dad, how’s the calligraphy and painting exhibition for your Painting and Calligraphy Associationing along?”


    Jacob responded, “It’s still in the nning stages. Our cultural department here in Aurous Hill has been very supportive and helpful. The members of the association have gathered some impressive pieces, and we’ve finalized over 300 exhibits so far.”


    Charlie smiled, “That’s fantastic! But why do you look so down?”


    With a sigh, Jacob confessed, “I’m worried because while everyone else is finding great works, I can’t seem to locate any. They’ve been in this field for a while and have connections. Some collectors can lend their works for the exhibition with a bit of charm. I’mpletely lost and don’t know who to ask! I tried reaching out to Zhang Ermao (Cade), but he’s too focused on his business these days—selling pieces of scrap wood for millions! He’s more obsessed with money than your mother. Besides him, I have no leads…”


    Jacob continued, frustration evident on his face, “The worst part is the other members of the association. Even if I can’t find anything, it’s like they’ve formed a secret pact. Whenever they find a piece, they expect me toment on it. Many of these works are from the Aurous Hill School of Painting from thete Ming and early Qing Dynasties, but this school isn’t well-known, and I can’t even name their prominent figures. I’m just making a fool of myself!”


    At that moment, ine emerged from the restaurant, smirking. “Jacob, you reallyck self-awareness! You know nothing about antique calligraphy and painting, yet you stroll into the Calligraphy and Painting Association like you own the ce. Isn’t that just ridiculous? Back when we used to hang out, you couldn’t hide the fact that you were a novice. Now you’re acting like an expert—it’s no surprise you’re getting exposed!”


    Jacob shot her an annoyed nce and snapped, “ine! I’m having a conversation with my good son-inw. What’s your issue? Are you satisfied?”


    ine shrugged, “Yeah, I’m full. What’s it to you?”


    Jacob waved her off dismissively, “It’s too exhausting to deal with you. I’m done talking.”


    ine scoffed, “You’re justzy! This doesn’t concern me, but your position as the executive vice president may notst long. People are asking for your opinions because they know you’re just a novice, and they want to expose you!”


    Jacob’s expression darkened further as he quickly pulled Charlie aside. “Good son-inw, let’s step outside for a moment!”


    Charlie nodded with a smile and followed Jacob out into the yard.