67: Warlords

Top floor of Cloud Pavilion Culture Group, CEO's office.

Outside the massive floor-to-ceiling windows was the city skyline; inside was a low-key, luxurious Oriental charm.

Xia Yunting sat behind a large red sandalwood desk, reviewing documents.

In his early sixties, having been engaged in cultural endeavors for many years, his elegant temperament revealed the sharpness gained from the ups and downs of the business world.

The assistant announced softly, "CEO Xia, President Lu of Fanchen Trading has arrived."

Hearing this, Xia Yunting immediately put down the documents in his hand, walked quickly to the door, and welcomed Lu Fan's arrival with a sincere smile.

"President Lu, please come in!" Xia Yunting said enthusiastically.

Upon seeing Xia Yunting, Lu Fan said sincerely, "CEO Xia, I can't thank you enough for your great kindness!"

Xia Yunting smiled and waved his hand, signaling Lu Fan not to be so formal.

"These are two paintings by Zhang Daqian and an album by Huang Binhong. Elder Xia, please take a look."

After entering, Lu Fan handed the scrolls and the album to Xia Yunting. The other party was generous, but he couldn't be inconsiderate himself.

A flicker of surprise flashed in Xia Yunting's eyes. Taking the scrolls and the album, he said with a smile, "Then I won't be polite; I'll take a look right away."

Seeing this, the assistant quickly stepped forward, took the scrolls, and carefully unfolded them on the workbench.

As the scrolls unfurled, even the well-traveled Xia Yunting was completely transfixed by Zhang Daqian's "Roar, China 2#."

Although he had already learned the details of the paintings and prepared himself mentally...

When facing them directly, he was still undeniably shocked by the works, his eyes filled with awe and excitement.

His hands, clad in white gloves, trembled slightly as he gently stroked every inch of the paper.

He carefully examined every brushstroke and every touch of color, for fear of missing any detail.

After a long time, he slowly raised his head, eyes glistening with tears, and said with a slightly choked voice, "It is truly a divine work!

This is a portrayal of the unyielding spirit of the Chinese nation. To be able to see it in this lifetime is truly my, Xia Yunting's, good fortune."

Compared to Xia Yunting's intense emotions, Lu Fan, who didn't understand painting, felt nothing at all.

Out of respect for the master's work, and even more to ensure that the paintings with high artistic value could be sold for a good price...

He still waited silently by the side with considerable humility and patience.

After a long while, Xia Yunting reluctantly stood up and took a deep breath to calm his excited spirit.

"President Lu, since these lost works have reappeared in the world, our company will conduct public promotion and exhibitions for them.

The specific timeframe is about half a year, and they will eventually be auctioned at the Huaxia Art Auction Conference at the end of the year."

Xia Yunting said this, but his gaze kept lingering on the paintings intentionally or unintentionally, his expression tinged with a bit of regret.

While he couldn't appreciate the art, observing people was an essential skill for a businessman.

Lu Fan quickly followed the lead and picked up the conversation, "Elder Xia! If you have any better suggestions, please feel free to say them!"

"As for the art auction, I personally have no objection."

Xia Yunting gave an approving look, then changed the subject, "Paintings with such a distinct spirit of the War of Resistance...

I personally feel it's a bit of a pity for them to fall into private hands. They should be known by more people."

At first listen, this sounded exactly like Liu Half-Fat's tactics, with a strong sense of a PUA prelude.

Just as Lu Fan was thinking about how to tactfully decline, a system prompt sounded in his mind.

[Side Quest: Shanghai's Cultural Shortcoming.

Assist Xia Yunting in improving the cultural attributes of Shanghai. Time limit: Half a year.]

The sudden side quest caught Lu Fan off guard.

He could only follow the conversation and asked thoughtfully, "Then how do you think these paintings should be handled?"

Seeing that the other party was picking up what he was putting down, Xia Yunting gestured, "Come, come, let's sit down and talk slowly."

After they sat down, Xia Yunting personally brewed some tea.

"I want these items to be the treasures of the Magic City Culture Museum, which is still in preparation.

However, due to initial funding issues, we'll use the old method: a lease-based approach.

With those five hundred million as a security deposit, do you think that's acceptable?"

Lu Fan frowned slightly upon hearing this. Although it wasn't a free ride, he preferred clear accounts even between close associates.

But on second thought, for the sake of completing the mission, he still agreed, "You have the final say~~"

Xia Yunting, realizing he was being a bit unfair, quickly compensated, "Don't worry, President Lu, this is just a temporary measure before the project is finalized.

Once the project is finalized, I will coordinate with you for the purchase, and the price will definitely be according to market value.

At the very least, they'll go to the year-end auction. How does that sound?"

Lu Fan couldn't help but feel puzzled. "What? Does Shanghai not even have a decent culture museum?"

Xia Yunting let out a cold sigh, lit a cigarette, and said helplessly, "Shanghai's economic development is unparalleled in China.

But compared to that, its shortcomings in culture are quite obvious.

The reason is that the battle in the Shanghai area buried the cultural lineage of Shanghai.

I'm not afraid of you laughing, but in such a large Shanghai today, there isn't even a decent culture museum.

So, we want to contribute our humble efforts to Shanghai's cultural cause in our lifetime."

Lu Fan couldn't fail to understand the meaning. The other party wanted to build a museum, which played right into his hands.

I'm definitely taking this side quest.

He then offered a sincere smile: "Elder Xia, then what do you think I can do?"

Xia Yunting served the tea and continued the topic: "President Lu, these paintings of yours flowed back through Huifeng.

I assume you have quite extensive connections abroad?"

Lu Fan was just worrying about how to bring it up, and this was like a pillow being handed to someone who was sleepy.

He simply admitted it openly: "That's right, I do have channels."

Then he also changed the subject: "But these things are strictly inspected. Not to mention the various reports required, bringing them back is also a hassle.

If nothing else, my finance department almost quit after I brought these back this time."

"That is indeed the case. After all, this isn't your main business."

Xia Yunting nodded in understanding and, after a moment's thought, gave a suggestion: "How about this...

Go and register two cultural companies, one domestic and one abroad.

As for the specific business, you can have the person in charge coordinate with me when the time comes."

Xia Yunting took over the business entirely.

After speaking, he didn't forget to remind: "Remember, as long as it's a Chinese cultural relic, you can go ahead and handle it freely.

Your task is to do everything possible to acquire the items; I will handle everything else."

Having said this, he had secured the most critical link without any effort.

What more could be said?

Just do it!

Lu Fan patted his chest and promised: "With your words, just watch me!"

After speaking, he took out a blue velvet cloth bag from his carry-on bag.

Since the other party was being polite, he couldn't be stingy either. This item would serve perfectly as a letter of allegiance.

"Elder Xia, I got lucky this time and happened to come across a batch of things. Help me appraise them and see if it's worth taking them."