Chapter Forty: Why Don't You Try?

The principal resorted to this tactic directly, attempting to threaten Yang Xiaofan. He believed that as long as he used this leverage, he could bring Yang Xiaofan to heel and make him paint. With those paintings in hand, he could then curry favor with the distinguished figures who had previously requested art from him. In this way, his own prospects would become even brighter.

However, what he did not expect was that just as he uttered these words, the next moment, the office door was suddenly flung open.

“What a display of authority! Is this how the principal of Northern Jiangsu University behaves? Such a temper, all for a student who hasn’t even committed any serious offense?”

The principal could not help but frown. “Who are you? Who gave you the right to speak here?”

“I am Zhang Shengshui, CEO of Douyin. I heard everything you just said, threatening Master Yang. I never imagined you could be so despicable.”

The principal sneered derisively. “Who do you think you are? Just some guy running a short video platform. What makes you think you have the right to meddle in the affairs of Northern Jiangsu University?”

No sooner had he finished speaking than several more figures entered the room.

“What, so just because we work in short video, we don’t have the right to intervene? You, acting so high and mighty here, bullying others. Are you really trying to enforce a hierarchy?”

Upon seeing the newcomer, Zhang Shengshui immediately smiled in greeting. “I didn’t expect President Yun of Tiger Fang to arrive as well.”

President Yun smiled back. “President Zhang, it seems your speed is still a step ahead of mine.”

Watching the two exchange pleasantries, the principal snorted disdainfully. “What, are you all planning to gang up on me? Let me remind you, this is Northern Jiangsu University, and I make the rules here. Leave at once, or I’ll have security remove you.”

This time, before he could even finish, more people entered from outside.

“Xiao Wang, you’ve gone too far!”

Being addressed in such a manner, the principal’s face instantly darkened. Yet before he could vent his anger, recognizing the newcomer’s face, he was so startled that he scrambled up from his seat.

“Chairman Chen... Chairman Chen, what brings you here?”

Zhang Shengshui looked at the newcomer in confusion, then tugged at President Yun’s sleeve and whispered, “President Yun, who is this...?”

President Yun, suppressing the tumult in his heart, whispered back, “If I’m not mistaken, he’s the president of our Painting Association, a grandmaster of traditional Chinese painting.”

A sharp intake of breath escaped Zhang Shengshui. He hadn’t expected that even such a figure would be drawn to the scene—this was truly astonishing.

Chairman Chen approached Principal Wang, giving a cold snort. “Xiao Wang, after all these years, how have you become so insufferably arrogant? All my teachings to you back then were in vain.”

Principal Wang wiped the sweat from his brow and hurried to beg for forgiveness. “Chairman Chen, I was wrong. I’m sorry, it’s my fault.”

“This is your first offense; I’ll let it go this time. But if I ever hear of you doing something like this again, you might as well go home and take up farming.”

Principal Wang shuddered violently. Though others might not know, he was well aware of the immense resources and connections this elder wielded. The man truly had the power to send him home to grow sweet potatoes.

“Thank you, Chairman Chen. I’ll change my ways from now on.”

Chairman Chen nodded, then approached Yang Xiaofan with a kindly smile. “Young man, I never imagined we’d meet under such circumstances.”

Yang Xiaofan looked puzzled. “Sir, I don’t believe we’ve met before.”

Zhang Shengshui quickly interjected, “Master Yang, this is Chairman Chen, a true master of traditional Chinese painting—the very pinnacle of our field.”

Yang Xiaofan’s eyes flickered with realization, finally grasping the extraordinary stature of the old man before him. No wonder Principal Wang had reacted as though a mouse had seen a cat.

Grateful for the elder’s intervention and mindful of his status, Yang Xiaofan nodded respectfully. “So you are Chairman Chen, my apologies for not recognizing you sooner.”

Chairman Chen laughed warmly. “No need for formalities. These days, there’s no place for old-fashioned etiquette.”

After a pause, he continued, “Yang, after seeing your paintings, I was deeply moved. Your skill in painting is flawless. I’ve come here today on behalf of Chinese painting to invite you to join us as one of our own.”

Upon hearing this, both President Yun and Zhang Shengshui could not suppress a simultaneous gasp.

To be admitted to that esteemed circle, one’s mastery of traditional painting had to be at its absolute peak. The masters there, though few, could command over a million yuan for a single work.

They never imagined Chairman Chen himself would come to personally invite Yang Xiaofan—a truly rare honor. The two men were beside themselves with excitement, for this meant Yang Xiaofan’s value would soar once again. If they could bring him on as an internet celebrity, the benefits would be immeasurable.

Yang Xiaofan, however, hesitated for a moment and asked cautiously, “Chairman Chen, what are the requirements for joining the Chinese Painting Association? Is there anything I must do in return?”

“You need offer nothing but your talent in painting. Your skill already surpasses even mine, so there is no issue whatsoever.”

“In that case, I accept your invitation.”

After all, the man had saved him. Refusing would be unreasonable. Besides, joining such an organization was a matter of great prestige—surely it would be a source of considerable pride.

“Excellent! I’ll arrange the membership procedures for you at once.”

“Thank you very much.”

Seizing the chance, President Yun and Zhang Shengshui hurried forward to introduce themselves.

“What can I do for the two of you?” asked Yang Xiaofan.

They smiled politely. “As you’ve heard, we both work in live streaming and short video. We’d like to sign a contract with you to stream your painting process on our platforms.”

“I see. I’m sorry, but I must decline.”

The two of them were momentarily dumbfounded.

“You’re turning us down? You haven’t even asked what kind of signing fee we’re offering.”

“That’s right. Our compensation is in the hundreds of millions per year. If you sign with us, it’s guaranteed profit.”

“Sorry, but I must refuse again.”

Yang Xiaofan rejected them without hesitation.

“But why?” they cried. After all, this was a signing fee of one hundred million—a privilege even top-tier streamers rarely enjoyed!