The Versatile Master Artist

It’s unbelievable that such a significant change in equity ownership occurred without me receiving any prior news.

But judging from Ole’s smug facial expression,

she doesn’t think he’s lying.

Serious art certainly doesn’t attract as much attention as popular fashion; 170 million euros for thirty percent of a magazine’s shares is already tantamount to an astronomical figure.

No wonder the Austrian National Publishing Group is willing to make a move...

No,

”Money shouldn’t be the reason, at least not the only reason,” Anna thought to herself.

This private magazine’s share sale has more to do with future development strategy.

More than a century of development,

the ”Oil Painting” magazine has merged several similar magazines, yet Anna remains the largest private shareholder, though her share has been diluted to about 15.97%.

Besides the major shareholders of the Austrian National Publishing Group, European Art Association, and the Elena family,

some important members and directors of the association also hold scattered shares of ”Oil Painting” magazine.

This time, Krug Bank behaved like a big fish swallowing a small fish, purchasing tens of millions of euros worth of shares from these directors, definitely not a small move.

Yet, Anna, the largest private major shareholder, didn’t catch even a hint of this beforehand.

This is even more unsettling for Miss Ilina than the fact that Krug Brothers Bank is making major share acquisitions.

It’s like...

it seems everyone is conspiring behind her back, plotting something in secret.

”Why didn’t I receive notice from the board?”

Anna turned her head to inquire of her butler.

”Oh, I can answer that question for you, because so far it’s just an acquisition intention; the actual legal procedures will take several weeks to complete.”

Ole waved his hand indifferently, adopting a victorious demeanor as if everything has been settled.

”I don’t mind sharing some insider information with Cousin.”

”The Austrian Government’s financial regulatory department has approved the National Publishing Group’s sale of its shares, and Sir Brown, as the representative of the European Art Association, will hold a board meeting in mid-month.”

He snapped his fingers.

”Of course, Cousin Anna, as the largest private shareholder, you can choose to vote against it. Unfortunately, according to the European Union Competition Merger Law, unless you can convince over half the shareholders to oppose, you don’t have the right to terminate this transaction.”

Ole smiled with ill intent.

”Friendly advice, I don’t suggest you do that. The Ilyena family might be proficient in art, but financial acquisitions are our old business. If during the board meeting you find all other shareholders have abandoned you, leaving you the only one stubbornly saying NO, it would certainly be a disgraceful and embarrassing situation for someone with your pride. I think perhaps you’d better abstain from attending altogether.”

”An art foundation hype? In the name of ’Oil Painting’ magazine? Mr. Krueger must have used this idea to convince other shareholders and the National Publishing House.”

Anna quickly surmised the event’s origin.

Where Ole couldn’t see, she clenched the armrest of her wheelchair tightly.

Anna had to try very hard to keep her voice steady, preventing others from detecting the fear in her heart.

”Smart! Truly worthy of being my idol since childhood, Cousin.”

Ole snapped his fingers.

”Of course, we would prefer to establish this foundation in the name of Elena; if you’re not willing, then the name ’Oil Painting’ magazine also sounds impressive.

As the most credible art evaluation institution in the past hundred years. This golden title is akin to academia’s ’SCIENCE’ or ’NATURE.’ I’m surprised that you’ve never considered developing its financial value for so many years. It’s like raising a hen that lays golden eggs but only wanting it to sing.”

”Sigh, it’s such a waste,” he feigned a sigh.

”Ole, I feel sad for you and your father’s shallowness. Have you ever considered that ’Oil Painting’ magazine possesses such strong credibility precisely because, from the moment it was founded, it has been a pure and impartial art evaluation magazine?”

Anna raised her head to stare into Ole’s eyes: ”In the art market, you can choose to be a judge, or you can choose to be a player. But you can’t be a judge and a player at the same time. Just as ’Oil Painting’ magazine cannot simultaneously profit from art speculations and hypocritically pose as an objective, fair judge, arrogantly assessing every artist’s skill.”

”Each golden egg laid is stained with my ancestors’ tears.” Anna enunciated clearly: ”This is the end of exploitation.”

”The end of exploitation? I would rather call it the gateway to a new era. Beside you, Cousin, all other shareholders probably think the same. Sometimes your thought concept is as old-fashioned as living centuries ago. Look around, now it’s the new era; maybe it’s you, cousin, who needs to shift your thinking.”

”Never think of getting me to agree to this—”

”Then don’t agree, Cousin, you’re important in our plan, but the name Elena isn’t indispensable. Since you’re not interested in my proposal, you might be interested in knowing what’s next, as you only care about art!”

Ole smiled.

”Next April’s Europe International Art Conference will be held locally at the Glitz City Art Gallery, are you interested in giving a joint speech with Sir Brown as a guest speaker?”