Chapter 623: Value of Utilization (Supplementary Update)

Because those three women were watching so closely, and the Foreign Capital Association was pressing so hard that there was truly no other way, how else could the relevant departments have agreed to let Lin Sicheng take such items out for mortgage financing?

Never mind the Rhino Horn Cup; even the Xu Weili Documents would have been impossible.

Although the higher-level departments have now agreed, they fear someone might use underhanded tactics, such as quietly moving them out of the country, so Lin Sicheng has set a series of restrictive clauses for these two items.

The Xu Weili Documents are a bit better; although they are designated for research by the Palace Museum, they can at least accept funds from overseas or private institutions, such as the Yongyuan Auction House. But the Rhino Horn Cup does not accept any overseas funds, nor does it accept financing from private institutions, and individuals are even more out of the question.

Except for exhibitions at museums of a certain level that possess the relevant qualifications, no form of research or other use is accepted.

As for soaking it in medicinal wine to drink, what are you thinking?

You can only soak a limited number of cups a year; any more than that and it's no different from ordinary yellow wine. So far, Lin Sicheng has only soaked three cups: two were given to Wang Qi Zhi, one was sent to Beijing, and one was sent to Guangzhou.

The remaining one was given to his grandfather to drink; not even Lin Sicheng himself, his parents, or Wang Qi Zhi and Ji Wangshu got a turn to drink it.

Compared to that, what Lin Sicheng fears most is someone smashing this thing to use as medicine.

If Lin Sicheng were seventy or eighty years old and unable to walk well, but suddenly obtained such an item, he would definitely hesitate for a moment: whether to keep it for himself, no matter the cost, no matter the method—

Greed is a bottomless pit; never test human nature.

Therefore, as for the so-called museums with the relevant qualifications, there isn't a single one in the world that qualifies.

To put it bluntly, Lin Sicheng bringing this item out is just going through the motions:

First, to let those three women, and the Foreign Capital Association behind them, understand: in the future, don't try to find reasons or excuses to create difficulties for me regarding funding; if I want to, I can get as much money as I need.

Second, to let them know how precious these items he is mortgaging are, and how compliant this financing act is.

Third, it is also to build momentum for the three centers about to open: if even a national-level treasure like the Chixia Cup can be retrieved by picking up a bargain, what is there that Lin Sicheng cannot research or identify?

Zhang Zongxian smiled: "I understand!"

But the others did not understand, their eyes glowing: such an item can actually be bought with money?

Although it is said to be a mortgage, once the item is in my hands, only I have the final say.

Even if it is lost or broken afterward, it is nothing more than paying money.

Come, General Manager Lin, name your price—

Secretly excited, Zheng Shanghui stood up directly: "General Manager Lin, the relevant qualifications you just mentioned, what exactly do they refer to?"

Lin Sicheng replied without hesitation: "First, possessing National Level One museum qualifications, as well as qualifications for archaeological excavation team leadership and Level One Cultural Relic protection projects. And possessing channels for the regular accession of archaeological artifacts—"

"Second, undertaking national cultural relic protection technology demonstrations and talent training. The museum's artifact archives must reach the highest national standards, with a complete artifact provenance system—"

"Third, possessing the qualifications for a National Level museum co-built by the central and local governments, and possessing the legal public service qualifications for social cultural relic appraisal."

Zheng Shanghui was stunned for a moment: "General Manager Lin, just these three points?"

"Yes, the requirements for the mortgaging institution are just these three. In addition, there are restrictions on financing channels: no overseas funds accepted, no private enterprise or private individual funds accepted—"

Haha, doesn't this mean there are no requirements?

Although Taikang is a private enterprise, it has state-owned capital shares, so it cannot be associated with private enterprises.

Finding a museum with the relevant qualifications to cooperate would settle it; it's nothing more than three billion.

Subconsciously, Zheng Shanghui grinned. He could already imagine how happy the leaders would be after he brought this Chixia Cup back.

The leaders that his leaders need to curry favor with would be even happier—

There was more than one person thinking like him, including Sun Yan and Jiang Cheng, as well as those guests whose strength was not as formidable and who couldn't come up with three billion on the spot.

But they could find people to cooperate with, and even if they couldn't find a suitable partner, they could still act as intermediaries.

As long as the matter was accomplished, they would definitely earn a massive favor.

Most people were dreaming beautiful dreams, while calculating what connections to find and which museums to cooperate with. Only a few, however, stared at Lin Sicheng and gave a bitter smile.

These were still people like Zhang Zongxian, Sheng Guoan, and Tian Rulong.

There are many museums with National Level One museum qualifications; there are over three hundred in the country.

There are also many museums with archaeological excavation team leadership qualifications and channels for the regular accession of archaeological artifacts; the Provincial Museum of every province has these two qualifications.

But there are only ten museums that can undertake national cultural relic protection technology demonstrations and talent training, have artifact archives that reach the highest national standards, and have a complete artifact provenance system:

The Forbidden City, the National Museum of China, plus the eight provincial museums mentioned in the third point that possess the qualifications for a National Level museum co-built by the central and local governments.

At first glance, aren't there still ten left?

However, Lin Sicheng added two more points among them: museums with archaeological excavation team leadership qualifications and channels for the regular accession of archaeological artifacts. Only eight have these two qualifications, but that does not include the Forbidden City or the National Museum of China.

These two do not have archaeological qualifications, let alone channels for regular archaeological artifact accession. Their collections rely on donations for one, and "borrowing" for the other.

This means this point kicks the Forbidden City and the National Museum of China out first.

Then there is another point: possessing the legal public service qualifications for social cultural relic appraisal.

To translate: a member of the list of cultural relic appraisal and evaluation institutions designated by the National Cultural Heritage Administration, which provides free appraisal consultations to the public and can issue legally binding cultural relic appraisal documents to the outside world.

Come, ask, which museum dares to provide mandatory appraisals to the public and dares to issue legally binding appraisal documents?

Never mind National Level One museums, even county-level museums wouldn't dare, because this is fucking illegal.

This means Lin Sicheng directly welded an iron gate shut—

Some were happy, some were worried.

The persons in charge of several funds were calculating how to report to their superiors and how much authority they should apply for.

At the same time, they were thinking: if the two peers beside them tried to interfere, how to kick them out of the game.

Those who understood Lin Sicheng's true intention were sighing: a priceless treasure that could save lives is right before their eyes, yet it is visible but unattainable?

Only Wang Qi Zhi and Zhao Xiuneng had worried faces, full of complaints.

Lin Sicheng, oh Lin Sicheng, are you not going to live your life anymore for those nineteen pieces of junk technology?

This is billions, not the few million you donated last year. You could even have just donated it directly, and at least you would have heard a sound.

Count on your fingers and see how many billionaires in the country can come up with billions at once?

The two were even thinking: it would be fine if they could research something, but if nothing is researched, what if the higher-ups go back on their word?

They wouldn't even have to play dirty; they could just find an excuse and drag you until you're crippled.

The more they thought about it, the more hesitant they became, and both men frowned tightly.

Just as he was feeling frustrated that things weren't going as planned, his phone gave a "buzz," and Wang Qi Zhi took it out to glance at it.

It was a landline number; just by looking at the first few digits, Wang Qi Zhi knew it was a call from the Cultural Relics Bureau.

Did his father-in-law call?

Suspicious for a moment, he answered it, but the voice that came through was that of a stranger: "Hello, Professor Wang, my surname is Zhu, and I work at the Department of Museums and Social Cultural Relics of the National Cultural Heritage Administration."

"We just received a tip that Teacher Lin is currently putting up several restricted Cultural Relics for financing. We called Teacher Lin's phone but he didn't answer, so we had no choice but to call you—"

Wang Qi Zhi paused: Department of Museums and Social Cultural Relics, surname Zhu?

The full name is the Department of Museums and Social Cultural Relics, which oversees the nation's museums, movable Cultural Relics, and scattered Cultural Relics. The four items Lin Sicheng brought for financing could all be considered scattered Cultural Relics.

The key point was that the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Museums and Social Cultural Relics was indeed surnamed Zhu.

Wang Qi Zhi's heart skipped a beat: with such a high-ranking leader calling personally to inquire, could it be that someone had reported them?

But that shouldn't be: before planning the financing, Lin Sicheng had specifically reported it to the Shaanxi Province and Beijing Cultural Relics Bureaus. He had even specially requested Director-General Wu Hui to consult with the national competent authorities.

At the same time, Wang Qi Zhi had also told his father-in-law; including his father-in-law, the leaders of the Cultural Relics Bureau all knew what the money raised from this auction and the mortgage of these four Cultural Relics by Lin Sicheng was for.

If they didn't approve, Lin Sicheng couldn't have put on such a grand display—

While pondering, Wang Qi Zhi stood up and walked outside the venue: "Hello, Director-General Zhu, do you have any instructions?"

"I wouldn't dare call them instructions, I just wanted to communicate with Teacher Lin: the Department of Museums and Social Cultural Relics is preparing to activate the national special fund for the collection of Cultural Relics to purchase several items, including the Xu Weili Documents!"

Wang Qi Zhi paused and walked back: so it wasn't to call a halt?

That made things easier—

Wang Qi Zhi was calm and composed: "Director-General Zhu, according to the plan, these antiques are only being used for financing; Lin Sicheng has no intention of selling them!"

"Professor Wang, we are aware of that, we just wanted to seek Teacher Lin's opinion: if he doesn't intend to sell and is only looking for financing, he can also apply to the Cultural Relics competent department.

Although we don't have that much money, we can apply to the Ministry of Finance, which has a national special fund for the collection of key precious Cultural Relics. The process is very simple and the disbursement is fast, definitely more convenient than a bank loan—"

"Secondly, and most importantly: by mortgaging them to us, we can at least ensure that the precious Cultural Relics will not be lost overseas."

Regarding this point, Lin Sicheng had thought of it long ago: the Chixia Cup would not be mortgaged, it was only brought out to make a show. Even if the remaining three were mortgaged, they would only be mortgaged to state-owned units with the relevant qualifications.

What Wang Qi Zhi found strange was: since when did the disbursement of special funds from a Ministry dare to be described with words like "simple" and "convenient"?

Could it be that his father-in-law had put in a word?

Impossible: if relevant departments had put in a word for his father-in-law, they would certainly have notified Lin Sicheng, and Lin Sicheng would certainly have told him.

Since even Lin Sicheng didn't know, it meant that this Director-General Zhu was acting on a whim.

Wang Qi Zhi thought for a moment, neither agreeing nor refusing: "Director-General Zhu, how about this: after the auction is over, I will have Lin Sicheng call you back personally?"

"Good, thank you, Professor Wang—"

With a "beep," the call ended. Zhao Xiuneng leaned over: "Who was it, the Department Head?"

"It was Deputy Director-General Zhu from the Department of Museums and Social Cultural Relics of the Cultural Relics Bureau, saying he wanted me to ask Lin Sicheng if he would be willing to mortgage those few Cultural Relics to the Cultural Relics Bureau."

"That's billions, where would the Cultural Relics Bureau get the money?"

"The Cultural Relics Bureau doesn't have it, but the Ministry of Finance has a special fund!"

"Oh—" Zhao Xiuneng nodded, then suddenly paused, "Which one did you say, the Ministry of Finance?"

"That's right, the Ministry of Finance—"

Before he finished speaking, Wang Qi Zhi was suddenly stunned and realized: the money Director-General Zhu mentioned would come from the Ministry of Finance?

That was one hundred percent impossible; wouldn't this be handing a handle to the Foreign Investment Association?

The financial regulations in the restrictive clauses were not for show; every cent involved in the nineteen technical research projects had to have its source and destination clearly accounted for.

As long as it touched upon a "government agency" in the slightest, it would be considered a breach of contract.

Wang Qi Zhi's mind had been so full of whether Lin Sicheng would lose everything down to his underwear that he hadn't thought of it for a moment.

But the relevant departments couldn't have failed to think of it.

From this perspective, was Director-General Zhu really just having a flash of inspiration, acting on a whim?

Zhao Xiuneng lowered his voice: "It could also be a case of playing hard to get, or trying to cover up something!"

Wang Qi Zhi understood instantly: since these were precious Cultural Relics with extremely high historical and academic value and restricted circulation, the relevant departments certainly had the right to inquire.

Especially the Xu Weili Documents and the Chixia Cup, which were definitely national treasure-level Cultural Relics.

And among these guests at the venue, these collectors, who didn't know a few leaders in the Cultural Relics departments?

Whether out of concern that national treasures might be lost, or perhaps out of jealousy, it wouldn't be strange for someone to make a report call.

And as the competent department, upon receiving a report, shouldn't they inquire about it?

Wang Qi Zhi finally understood: this Director-General Zhu was likely here to patch things up.

He cupped his chin: "The Xu Weili Documents were mortgaged to the Forbidden City, the Chixia Cup won't be mortgaged, so who does Lin Sicheng plan to mortgage the remaining two to?"

Zhao Xiuneng shook his head, because Lin Sicheng hadn't said.

But he knew: these two could definitely be mortgaged out.

In a flash of thought, there were a few more buzzing sounds, and Wang Qi Zhi took a look: another landline number?

This one was a bit unfamiliar, but he still answered it: "Hello!"

"Hello, Professor Wang, my surname is Xu, and I'm from the Song and Dance Troupe. Director-General Xiao told us that Teacher Lin has a copy of the "Jinghong Dance" created by Li Longji and its engraved score to mortgage for financing, so I specifically came to inquire."

At first, Wang Qi Zhi was puzzled: what was the Song and Dance Troupe joining in the fun for?

But then, hearing "Director-General Xiao," he realized: this Song and Dance Troupe referred to the Oriental Song and Dance Troupe.

The full name is: a central enterprise directly under the Ministry of Culture, the China Oriental Performing Arts Group. The person calling must be a leader of the group; otherwise, they wouldn't have said "Director-General Xiao told us," but rather "Director-General Xiao notified us."

Wang Qi Zhi perked up immediately: "General Manager Xu, please go ahead!"

"It's like this, Professor Wang, as you know, we had some misunderstandings with Teacher Lin before, so it's not easy to contact him rashly. We can only ask Professor Wang to convey this to Teacher Lin on our behalf:

Could we set a time for us to meet with Teacher Lin in person to discuss the mortgage of the "Jinghong Dance." Please rest assured, Professor Wang and Teacher Lin, we definitely have the strength—"

Wang Qi Zhi certainly believes it: the Oriental Group is, after all, a central state-owned enterprise; even if it is a cultural enterprise, a rotting ship still has three pounds of nails.

The key is that the Oriental Group is a public institution and can avoid the restrictive clauses of the United Association.

Unlike the Cultural Relics Bureau, which is not only a government agency but also possesses certain law enforcement attributes—

Wang Qi Zhi hurriedly agreed: "Very well, General Manager Xu, I will certainly convey this!"

After he hung up the phone, Zhao Xiuneng looked suspicious: "The Oriental Group, when did they ever have a misunderstanding with Lin Sicheng?"

Wang Qi Zhi smiled slightly: "Do you remember last autumn, when Lin Sicheng choreographed a dance for the song and dance troupe?"

Zhao Xiuneng was suddenly stunned: That "Six Yao" dance?

He did not know what specifically happened, only that during those few days, Wang Qi Zhi's phone was nearly blown up by leaders from the Ministry:

The Art Department of the Ministry of Culture, the Social Culture Department, the Art Education Department of the Ministry of Education, the Art Education Committee, the China Art Center, as well as the Department of Science and Education and the Cultural Heritage Department of the Cultural Relics Bureau, and the Publicity Department of the Radio and Television Bureau—

These leaders had only one goal: could they borrow Lin Sicheng to help them restore the complete Six Yao Score.

But Lin Sicheng turned off his phone and deliberately hid from them, so they could only find Wang Qi Zhi.

Zhao Xiuneng did not understand: "Does this count as a misunderstanding?"

"How could it not?" Wang Qi Zhi glared: "If the song and dance troupe could have made a fortune in silence instead of shouting it to the whole world, who would have known that it was the Six Yao Score that had been lost for a thousand years?"

Although, strictly speaking, even if some results were researched, it would only be icing on the cake for Lin Sicheng. But having this flower is still better than not having it, right?

Zhao Xiuneng realized belatedly: "You mean, the score was stolen by someone?"

"Lin Sicheng hadn't even restored a tenth of it, what would he have stolen?" Wang Qi Zhi sneered, "Is the great music of the Tang Dynasty that has been lost for a thousand years so easy to restore?"

There were quite a few who wanted to intercept it, but it has been more than half a year, and not even a splash has been made.

Zhao Xiuneng pointed to the stage: "Then what about this?"

Wang Qi Zhi nodded: "This one can indeed be copied directly, but even if one wants to copy it, don't they have to get their hands on it first?"

Zhao Xiuneng suddenly realized: So as soon as they heard the news, they chased over without stopping.

Thinking deeper: The Jinghong Dance is recorded in the ancient score of the Japanese court music collection Yuedian Music; thus, the role of this music book is not just as simple as restoring a lost dance score, but also involves cultural exchange between China and Japan.

One hundred percent, the relevant departments and bureaus had already received the news and specifically instructed the Oriental Group to call today. So, just like the previous phone call: it is not a coincidence, but an arrangement made long ago—

"Thinking about it this way, were those four jars also booked long ago?"

Wang Qi Zhi nodded solemnly: "It's highly likely!"

These items are all national treasures in the true sense of the word; don't think that mortgaging a few billion seems like a lot. As long as they can be taken abroad, the unit of these billions can be directly converted into US dollars or Euros.

Therefore, whether it is the relevant departments or Lin Sicheng, they are all guarding against some bastards taking advantage of loopholes.

But since money must be raised, it can only be arranged in advance.

While he was secretly pondering, the phone rang again, and Wang Qi Zhi answered it smoothly.

As soon as the other party introduced themselves, Wang Qi Zhi was stunned: the caller was Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

They requested to mortgage the four Xinglin Glaze jars and required Lin Sicheng's authorization to conduct systematic Artifact Research on the medicine jars.

Mortgaging is of course no problem, but research is impossible. This is not the Xu Weili Documents, where one can just look at the content recorded inside. So-called systematic research would inevitably require taking the medicine jars apart, or even grinding them into powder to test the medicinal ingredients within.

No matter how Lin Sicheng arranges things, he could not possibly arrange it like that, so Wang Qi Zhi refused directly.

But just after hanging up the phone, the phone rang again.

Looking at the number, Wang Qi Zhi hurriedly answered, and just after shouting "Principal," he was stunned:

Xida and the Provincial Museum joined forces to propose a mortgage on the four Xinglin Glaze ceramic jars. They would not do any research, only a Cultural Relics exhibition—

But where would the Provincial Museum and the school get several hundred million?

Immediately, Wang Qi Zhi knew: Deputy Director Fan of the Chemical Engineering College at Xida had made a move. She guaranteed the school and took out an interest-free loan of one billion, specifically to mortgage these four jars.

Don't find it strange; this person is not only a Deputy Director of Xida, but also the richest person in Xijing—

Wang Qi Zhi agreed readily.

After hanging up the phone, Wang Qi Zhi sighed wistfully: Five hundred million dollars in Startup Capital, has Lin Sicheng actually almost finished gathering it?

The auction brought in two hundred and fifty million, the Yuedian Music was mortgaged to the Oriental Group, which can finance five hundred million. The Xinglin Glaze was mortgaged to the school and the Provincial Museum, which can bring in one billion, plus the one point five billion mortgaged to Zhang Zongxian for the Xu Weili Documents to be studied by the Forbidden City.

Three point two five billion?

It is still a little short, but the missing one hundred and eighty million can basically be ignored.

At this point, Lin Sicheng has essentially emptied out his family fortune.

A true case of burning the bridges and fighting a desperate battle—

Sighing, Wang Qi Zhi walked onto the stage and told Lin Sicheng this news.

Even though he had expected it, and even contacted the school himself, Lin Sicheng still could not stop the corners of his mouth from curling up.

Everything is ready, all that is missing is the east wind.

Since it is good news, it must be shared—

Lin Sicheng picked up the microphone and announced it on the spot.

The crowd below was stunned: It has only been a few minutes?

This is three billion—

Since when did art mortgage financing become so easy and so relaxed?

A little further back, three women looked at each other.

The entry requirements and Startup Capital were solved so easily by Lin Sicheng?

Liang Shiya felt like she was dreaming: Lin Sicheng, in just less than a month, had raised five hundred and thirty million US dollars, totaling three point six billion RMB.

This is three point six billion, not thirty-six yuan.

The key is that these three point six billion are equivalent to all being his own capital; even though most of it is borrowed, he borrowed it by taking sufficient collateral.

Even the most valuable item, he hasn't even had time to mortgage yet—

While she was stunned, Guo Yongxin lowered her voice: "Diwen, that one billion for the Xinglin Glaze might not be compliant."

Liang Shiya was stunned for a moment: "Where is it non-compliant?"

"Why do the school and the Museum need this thing, just for an exhibition?" Guo Yongxin looked certain, "This is clearly a related entity funneling funds to Lin Sicheng!"

Liang Shiya shook her head: "Mary, the Deputy Director Fan that President Lin mentioned at the end, the one who guaranteed for Xida and provided the one billion in interest-free loans, her full name is Fan Baodi!"

Fan Baodi, why does this name sound so familiar?

While she was suspicious, Chen Jiashan was stunned: "General Manager Fan of Juliang Biology?"

Liang Shiya nodded.

Guo Yongxin was even more suspicious: "Is this person very famous?"

"She's alright. The reason I remember her is because General Manager Fan and Juliang Biology once had a lawsuit with us—"

Had a lawsuit with Saishi?

Guo Yongxin was suddenly stunned: "In 2006, that time we paid 1.5 million in damages?"

Chen Jiashan nodded: "Yes, it is this person."

Guo Yongxin finally remembered: This Juliang Biology is the largest biological gene and pharmaceutical company in the Northwest region. The instruments they use are all ordered from Saishi Technology.

In 2006, due to a delay in Saishi's after-sales service, a batch of Juliang's instruments malfunctioned and were subsequently scrapped. Because of this, both sides went to court.

In the end, both sides settled out of court, and Saishi paid 1.5 million—

Guo Yongxin looked surprised: "How did the General Manager of Juliang Biology become a university Deputy Director?"

Liang Shiya explained: "Juliang Biology and Xida have a school-enterprise cooperation relationship. General Manager Fan is not only the General Manager of Juliang, but also the Chief Researcher—"

Guo Yongxin was speechless: Since it is a biological gene and pharmaceutical company, what else is there to say?

She looked helpless: Since even this is compliant, where else could they pick a flaw?

While hesitating, Liang Shiya sighed: "Report normally. Once the financing funds are in place, let Lin Sicheng submit the supplementary documents and procedures—"

Guo Yongxin was startled: "Diwen, are we really giving up?"

Liang Shiya paused: It is not giving up, but rather that it is impossible to stop him, unless one picks bones out of an egg.

The problem is, can you pick them out?

Looking at Lin Sicheng on the stage, Liang Shiya shook her head.

She didn't speak, but Guo Yongxin and Chen Jiashan both understood Liang Shiya's meaning: Do not make an issue out of the source of the funds anymore.

Even if the three billion mortgaged earlier didn't count, Lin Sicheng could still mortgage the remaining Chixia Cup.

Just look at those people from the fund company, see how excited they are, and you will know how sought-after this thing is.

This cup is already worth far more than three billion; what excuse could they find then to say he is non-compliant?

However, this is over three billion, and it is all coming out of Lin Sicheng's own pocket.

They could fully foresee that in the very end, Lin Sicheng would only end up with a bamboo basket to draw water—all in vain, and would not be able to research anything.

"So, what is he after?"

Chen Jiashan muttered almost to herself, and the other two remained silent.

After a long while, Liang Shiya said half-jokingly: "Perhaps it is because of sentiment; at the very least, President Lin is still very patriotic."

Is it just because of patriotism?

Maybe a little.

But they always felt that Lin Sicheng was not doing it entirely for this. It is very likely that it only accounts for a very small part.

As for what the rest is, heaven knows—

In a flash of thought, Liang Shiya exhaled again: "Don't be discouraged, our contest with President Lin has only just begun!"

Guo Yongxin and Chen Jiashan looked at each other.

If following the complete project schedule, fund preparation was merely the start, and it was the easiest, lowest-difficulty hurdle.

In the entire project, research accounts for over ninety percent. If calculating the difficulty coefficient: it accounts for ninety-nine percent.

It had indeed just begun, but the problem was, what did the two of them know about research, what did they know about technology?

By that time, how much utility value would they still have?

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