Chapter 626: Jealous to the Point of Red-Eyed Envy

Wang Qi Zhi frowned: "Could it be that they are coming for those three pieces of collateral?"

Lin Sicheng was noncommittal: It's not impossible, but the probability is low.

What should have been mortgaged was already mortgaged, and the financing that should have been raised had all arrived; it was effectively a closed case.

If this person wanted to overturn the case, they wouldn't have waited until now. They should have issued an emergency stop the moment Liang Shiya's report was submitted.

Besides, even if he wanted to overturn it, would he be able to?

The truth is the truth; it cannot be adulterated with a single shred of falsehood—

"An upright person doesn't fear a crooked shadow; Teacher, no need to be so nervous—"

Wang Qi Zhi sighed: If we were talking about before, then certainly there would be no need to fear. Because every cent of Lin Sicheng's money was earned uprightly and aboveboard.

But what about after?

This isn't fundraising, where you can get it done as long as you find a way. This is research; if you know it, you know it; if you don't, you don't.

According to Wang Qi Zhi's thinking, at the very least, two academicians would need to be brought in. It might even require moving an entire institute over from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, from professors down to research assistants, completely intact, for it to be possible to pull off.

Now it's even worse: not only did those three women not leave, but someone even more formidable has arrived?

Wang Qi Zhi at least knew this: anyone capable of serving as the head of audit and supervision at a multinational corporation and world giant like Sai Shi would absolutely not be a simple character—

Secretly hesitating, the car drove to the hotel entrance.

The other cars deliberately kept their speed down, while Lin Sicheng's car drove to the very front.

Several people got out of the car first and acted as greeters at the entrance.

Although there weren't many guests, their weight was sufficient: a large group of experts from the Cultural Heritage Research Institute and the Palace Museum came, among them Director Sheng, Dean Fang, and Institute Director Tian.

There were also heads of several foundations, and nearly half of the guests who had attended the auction came as well.

In addition, there were the Archaeology Department, Department of Science and Education, and Department of Museums and Social Cultural Relics of the Cultural Relics Bureau, as well as the Cultural Heritage Department and Education and Science Department of the Ministry of Culture. And the Oriental Art Group, the Song and Dance Troupe, the Public Security Bureau, and even Customs.

Although some units didn't send their top leaders, they were at least at the division level. And as for those with good relationships with Lin Sicheng, they basically all came in person.

For example, those from the Public Security General Brigade: Deputy Brigade Commander Sun Liancheng, Brigade Commander Li Daoheng, and Branch Captains Yu Guang, Han Xin, and Yan Wenjing.

There were also the Oriental Group and the Song and Dance Troupe, Vice President Xu and Lan Laotaitai, the editor-in-chief, the deputy editor-in-chief, and several star performers.

The most conspicuous ones were the leaders: Xiao Heng, Wu Hui, and Sun Jiamu.

It is no exaggeration: the guests' eyeballs were spinning like fireflies in the night, floating here and there, not knowing which one to look at.

The more Sun Yan watched, the more alarmed he became: "Where did this Manager Lin get to know so many leaders?"

"I could know that many too if I were him!" Zheng Shanghui said dismissively, "Look at who that is? The dignified General Manager Huang (Huang Zhi) is actually acting as a greeter?"

"And that teacher of his, you all must have heard of him: a proper Red Third Generation, with deep roots and red blood!"

Sun Yan and Jiang Cheng didn't speak; they just looked at each other and secretly sneered in their hearts.

Jiang Cheng even cursed internally: You idiot, you deserve to be blind.

Can't you see: when these leaders greet them, there are clearly two different attitudes?

If it's with Huang Zhi or Wang Qi Zhi, it's basically formulaic politeness: a greeting, then a handshake.

If you said he was just going through the motions, you wouldn't be wrong.

But when greeting Lin Sicheng, it was not only casual but also filled with closeness.

Especially those three Department Heads and those Public Security leaders; the posture they took, they looked like they wanted to give Lin Sicheng a hug.

Therefore, the fact that these people could come had absolutely nothing to do with Huang Zhi or Wang Qi Zhi.

Just watching quietly, the guests entered the banquet hall in waves.

Some came by bus after visiting the Technology Park, while others were at work or had matters to attend to and didn't go there, driving their own cars directly over.

Gradually, there were more and more guests in the hall, and fewer and fewer cars arriving.

Suddenly, Zheng Shanghui let out an "Eh": "Manager Sun, Manager Jiang, look: does this person look familiar?"

Including Sun Yan and Jiang Cheng, many guests around them turned their heads.

An off-road vehicle stopped at the entrance of the banquet hall, and six or seven people climbed out in a swarm.

There were men and women, old and young.

Lin Sicheng hurried to greet them: "Department Head Tang, Auntie Ji!"

"Xiao Lin, congratulations!" Tang Dingping explained with a smile: "I had already left this morning, but the leaders suddenly notified us of a meeting, and it was delayed until now—"

Tang Nan Yan stood to the side, grumbling: "Dad, if you have a meeting, just have a meeting, why turn off your phone? If you didn't come, it caused us to be unable to come early—"

Before she finished speaking, she was slapped by Ji Yun: "Your Captain is calling you back for a meeting now, do you dare say you won't go?"

"We're attending a banquet today, what meeting is there to have?" Tang Nan Yan pointed into the banquet hall: "Our Captains are all sitting inside!"

"I'm saying if!"

Nonsense, of course she wouldn't dare—

Tang Nan Yan didn't dare to argue anymore, snorted resentfully, and took out two thick Red Envelopes: "Lin Sicheng, wishing you prosperity!"

Just as she handed them over, she pulled her hand back and joked: "Lin Sicheng, why don't you give them to me, I'll keep them for you—"

Before she finished, Ji Yun gave her another slap, hitting her back hard: "What else do you want to manage?"

Tang Nan Yan let out an "Ouch," grimacing in pain.

Lin Sicheng took the opportunity to greet Tang Nanjin and Tang Nanyu: "Brother Jin, Sister-in-law, Brother Yu!"

As he spoke, he even bent down to tease Tang Nanjin's son: "Mu Yao, do you still remember Uncle?"

"I remember, Uncle gave me candy to eat—"

Tang Nanjin picked up his son and handed him to his wife, first taking out three Red Envelopes, then snatching the two from Tang Nan Yan's hand, and handing them all to Lin Sicheng: "Sicheng, my father couldn't get away, and my mother couldn't easily ask for leave, so they let us two brothers come to bring you some good fortune; don't think it's too little!"

How could he think it was too little?

The fact that these families could come was completely outside his plans. Lin Sicheng had originally only invited Tang Nanjin and Tang Nanyu.

He had even specifically instructed that Uncle Tang and Second Uncle Tang were both busy with work, so he should try not to disturb them. Most importantly, he must, must not tell Tang Nan Yan.

The two brothers were very trustworthy; they truly hadn't mentioned it, and they had only prepared for the two of them to come.

But Tang Nan Yan found out from somewhere and gave the two brothers and Lin Sicheng a scolding. Then, just as Lin Sicheng had expected, as soon as Tang Nan Yan knew, Jing Zeyang knew too.

And then, everyone who should and shouldn't have known, knew.

First was Tang Ding'an; this was what Tang Nan Yan said, and she only mentioned this one person.

But Jing Zeyang was a loudmouth: he told Lan Laotaitai, and then the people in the song and dance troupe knew.

Afterwards, Jing Zeyang told Yan Wenjing, and then, the entire Public Security General Brigade knew.

Li Daoheng called personally to have a good discussion with Lin Sicheng.

The key was that Jing Zeyang was blathering nonsense at home. His father worked at the Ministry of Culture and not only knew Lin Sicheng but also knew that Department Head Xiao and Lin Sicheng had a very good relationship. Once when they bumped into each other, he even specifically asked about it.

Then, Lin Sicheng received his third scolding.

Just as Xiao Heng finished scolding him, a call came from Department Head Wu Hui, and Lin Sicheng got scolded again.

And that wasn't the end of it: General Captain Li Daoheng went to the ministry for a meeting, ran into Li Shichen, and asked if he was going to Lin Sicheng's opening.

Li Shichen was completely bewildered; after the meeting, he specifically sought verification from Tang Dingping. Then, Lin Sicheng got scolded yet again—

And everything, absolutely everything, stemmed from Tang Nan Yan.

But it wasn't that Tang Nan Yan had a loose tongue; the one with the loose tongue was Jing Zeyang: he had gotten together with Tang Nan Yan's best friend again.

Just that ex-ex-ex-ex-ex-girlfriend of his.

The reason Tang Nan Yan knew was because of this girlfriend of Jing San'er's, who was probably approaching the triple digits in rank—

The nature of banks is very special; they need to deal with all walks of life.

If it comes to social connections, there is no one whose contacts are more complex than theirs, and no industry that knows more people than they do.

Precisely because they all knew each other, they were shocked: it felt like every department and bureau related to culture had come today, and all those who came were big leaders.

If one had to explain it, Lin Sicheng was, after all, in the cultural relics industry; it was related to culture, and even more so to cultural relics, and he was outstanding enough that it wasn't impossible for leaders to condescend to come and bolster his prestige.

But how to explain these police leaders?

There were two full tables, and that circle of shoulder boards was enough to blind one's eyes. The guests once suspected, did Lin Sicheng poke a hornet's nest of public security?

Just as they were shocked beyond belief, Tang Dingping arrived.

Everyone who knew this person collectively gasped.

They weren't shocked by the rank; two people with ranks half a level higher than his had already come: Xiao Heng and Wu Hui.

They were shocked by Tang Dingping's status: in front of him, whether it was Huang Zhi or Wang Zhizhi, they all had to obediently call him "brother."

What was even more startling was that he actually brought his whole family?

Unless the relationship was close to a certain degree, who would bring family to attend such a banquet? If you don't believe it, look in the hall; how many people brought family members?

Not a single one, including Wang Qi Zhi and Zhao Xiuneng, those two relatives and shareholders.

Now there was one: the Tang Sijiang family—

Oh no, one must also add Director Tang: his eldest son brought his wife, brought his eldest grandson, and brought his younger brother—

Everyone who knew Tang Dingping and knew Tang Ding'an speculated about their relationship with Lin Sicheng. They also watched as Lin Sicheng led them into the hall and arranged a private room.

Knowing Tang Dingping didn't like a fuss, only Li Daoheng and Sun Liancheng went over to greet him.

Just after making arrangements, another car arrived outside; Lin Sicheng glanced at it and hurried out to greet them.

Li Shichen and Chen Feng got out of the car together. Lin Sicheng greeted them while shaking hands: "Bureau Chief Li, Department Head Chen, welcome, welcome—"

Li Shichen stretched out his hand in a fake manner and let out a "heh."

Lin Sicheng had an intuition that something was wrong: if you're going to shake hands, just shake hands, why the cold sneer?

Just as he was suspicious, Li Shichen's hand suddenly swung up, and then with a "thud," he punched Lin Sicheng on the shoulder.

The speed was too fast, and there were too many fake opening moves, catching Lin Sicheng off guard.

But with his physique, this punch from Li Shichen was no different from a flick of a finger.

Then, Li Shichen shook his hand, but still sneered: "Lin Sicheng, do you know why I hit you?"

Lin Sicheng answered honestly: "I know!"

Not to mention anything else, just because of that batch of machines from Saishi, how much benefit did Li Shichen and Chen Feng help Lin Sicheng fish out?

Of course, the help Lin Sicheng gave Li Shichen and Chen Feng was also not small.

But regardless, the three of them could definitely be considered comrades in the same trench; for such a big event as an opening, Li Shichen and Chen Feng were actually the last to know?

"Lin Sicheng, not to mention anything else, that batch of machines in your center was brought back by me and Department Head Chen, right? To keep people from finding faults, how much effort did we spend? As a result, you've already opened, and are even about to eat the banquet, and you didn't even send a greeting?"

The more he thought about it, the angrier he got; Li Shichen gritted his teeth, "Lin Sicheng, do you have no conscience?"

"Bureau Chief Li, Department Head Chen, my fault—my fault—"

Lin Sicheng accompanied him with a smile, "But I swear, I really didn't want to make it this big, and I didn't want to invite so many people—"

Working in this trade, friends in the cultural circle, the collection circle, and the art investment circle definitely had to be invited, otherwise where would the clients come from?

At the same time, experts in the cultural relics field had to be invited even more: for such a large center, if Lin Sicheng relied on himself alone, he would be worked to death and couldn't run it; he had to have peers to help out.

Then, there were some friends of Wang Qi Zhi and Zhao Xiuneng, and those few from the Foreign Investment Association.

Like public security, customs, as well as cultural relics and culture, and these leaders who came today, he hadn't prepared to invite a single one. But who knew that plans couldn't keep up with changes?

Originally five or six tables would have been enough to sit, but now it was heading toward twenty tables—

Li Shichen believed this, because he had asked; even Tang Sijiang only knew about it because his daughter had told him.

Lin Sicheng had saved his daughter's life, but even Tang Sijiang wasn't invited, which showed that Lin Sicheng really hadn't prepared to invite many people.

What Li Shichen was angry about was: as a friend, you can not let me come, but you cannot not let me know.

But instead, he became the last one to know?

"Don't even think about a Red Envelope; after eating this meal today, you treat us to another one, and this matter will be considered over—let's be clear, except for Moutai and Wuliangye, I won't drink anything else—"

How much money are two bottles of liquor?

Lin Sicheng hurriedly nodded: "Yes, yes, yes, no problem!"

With a cold snort through his nose, Li Shichen finally let him off.

Compared to him, Chen Feng's personality was much gentler, and his temper wasn't nearly as volatile.

He smiled and looked inside again: "Old Li and I originally planned to come and scold you, then leave. But seeing so many leaders here, you wouldn't mind adding two more pairs of chopsticks, would you?"

"Department Head Chen, please don't mock me—please, come inside—"

Lin Sicheng led the way inside, asking as he walked: "Department Head Chen, Bureau Chief Li, will you be sitting at the same table as General Team Leader Li and Vice President Sun, or at the table with Department Head Xiao and..."

"... Department Head Wu?"

They dealt with each other often, so the group was already familiar. Furthermore, in the spring, because of that batch of porcelain from Hu Dahai, both sides had engaged in a fierce arm-wrestling match.

In the end, Customs was completely defeated.

Upon hearing he would be at the same table as Wu Hui and Xiao Heng, Li Shichen's spirits lifted: "I see Old Li and the others every day; I'll just go over and say hello. Then we'll go to the table with Department Head Xiao and Department Head Wu—"

"Lin Sicheng, help me get two more bottles of liquor—oh no, just have someone bring over a whole case—"

Lin Sicheng paused for a moment, then nodded happily: "Okay!"

Lin Sicheng didn't know how good Xiao Heng's tolerance for alcohol was. But while surveying the Hejin Kiln site in Shanxi, Lin Sicheng had seen with his own eyes Wu Hui drink Sun Jiamu and Wang Qi Zhi under the table.

It must be said, Wang Qi Zhi's tolerance was not bad, at least a catty and a half—

After leading them into the private room, he asked Zhao Xiuneng to personally accompany them. Later, Wang Qi Zhi would also arrive at this table.

Just after getting them settled and stepping out of the private room, Wang Qi Zhi was standing at the entrance of the lobby, waving at him vigorously.

Knowing another guest had arrived, Lin Sicheng hurried over.

A Corolla was parked at the entrance; this was Ye Anning's car, and she was standing by the car door.

Seeing Lin Sicheng come out of the hotel, the two people in the back seat also got out.

Lin Sicheng was stunned for a moment and hurriedly greeted them: "Uncle, Aunt!"

Ye Xing'an smiled: "I arrived the day before yesterday. I wanted to ask you to come home for a meal, but Anning said you were too busy, so I didn't call."

"I originally intended to come earlier today, but something came up at the last minute, so it dragged on until now—logically, Qi Guang and I should definitely go in and sit for a while, but Qi Zhi said many friends from the ministry have arrived today, so we won't go in; we'll let Anning represent us—"

Halfway through, Ye Xing'an started to laugh: "Otherwise, they wouldn't be able to eat their meal in peace—"

Ye Xing'an worked in the ministry specifically in charge of cadres; although he didn't manage them directly, he was responsible for investigations.

So, it was more than just not being able to eat in peace. As long as he went in, anyone with a rank—whether civil service or public institution—would be one hundred percent terrified and unable to sit still—

Lin Sicheng nodded: "Thank you, Uncle, thank you, Aunt!"

"Why be so formal with family?" Ye Xing'an waved his hand, "Anning has told me about your situation recently, Qi Guang has, Qi Zhi has, and even Big Brother (Ye Xingguo) and Dad (father-in-law) have all mentioned it."

"Especially Grandfather (Wang Qi Zhi's grandfather), he praised you for half the night after he found out, saying your name was well-chosen, and that he hadn't given that calligraphy to the wrong person—because of this, he even broke his rule and drank half a glass of wine—"

"Sicheng, I'm not good at praising people, but I am very happy, happier than your teacher! Your aunt is the same—"

Ye Xing'an paused and looked at Wang Qi Zhi, "Qi Zhi doesn't have much experience and is a bit shallow, don't listen to him—"

"You only need to remember one thing: as long as your aunt and I are here, no one will dare to treat you unfairly—not to mention, there is still Grandfather!"

Wang Qi Zhi twisted his mouth but didn't dare say anything; Lin Sicheng had a strange expression, not knowing what to say.

Lin Sicheng was very smart and certainly understood the logic. Knowing he was introverted and couldn't possibly say anything sentimental in front of so many people, Ye Xing'an didn't say anything more.

"There are still guests inside, so I won't say more. When I come back next time, we'll drink together!"

"Okay, Uncle!"

Ye Xing'an patted Lin Sicheng on the shoulder and sat back in the car.

Wang Qiguang didn't say anything, but she smiled the whole time, watching Lin Sicheng without blinking. The more she looked, the more pleasing he seemed, and the more she felt the girl had good taste.

Not until she was about to get in the car did she wave her hand: "Sicheng, you all go in—oh, right: give my and your uncle's regards to Department Head Tang and Doctor Ji—"

Lin Sicheng replied without hesitation: "Okay, Aunt!"

While speaking, Wang Qiguang also got into the car, and Ye Xing'an started the engine.

Lin Sicheng waved, the car made a U-turn and drove out of the hotel.

Just as he was about to go in, Ye Anning handed him a scroll: "Here!"

Lin Sicheng had seen it earlier but hadn't had the chance to ask: "What is this?"

"Calligraphy. My dad went to request it, then had to find someone to mount it at the last minute, which is why we arrived so late! My mom told me to tell you: don't lock it in a cabinet and hide it away like the one Zuzu (great-grandfather, Wang Qiguang's grandfather) wrote. This one must at least be shown today—"

Wang Qi Zhi became interested and reached out to take it: "Let me see!"

Someone who could make his brother-in-law go and personally request it must certainly not be an ordinary figure.

The key was, the second sister didn't say it to his face but had Ye Anning pass the message?

Thinking about it this way, it was even more extraordinary—

With these thoughts, he untied the red string and gently unfurled it.

The first thing he saw was the signature. Wang Qi Zhi was stunned, rolled the calligraphy back up, and then stared straight at Lin Sicheng.

Only now did he realize: what kind of role did the nineteen technologies Lin Sicheng researched play?

Lin Sicheng had no expression and made no move, looking very calm.

In fact, he was also shocked: because the person who wrote the calligraphy was Ye Xing'an's direct superior.

In two more years, they would become a top leader.

To tell the truth, in both his past and present lives, Lin Sicheng had only ever seen a big shot of this level on television.

Ye Xing'an had actually gone to the trouble of requesting a piece of calligraphy for him?

In an instant, Lin Sicheng reacted.

He finally understood: why Wang Qiguang had specifically instructed him to show this piece of calligraphy?

This was to tell everyone: someone had been watching Lin Sicheng all along.

Lin Sicheng also finally knew: why Department Head Tang was so busy, yet chose to come here instead of attending the meeting at the ministry, even bringing his whole family along?

It was only because Director Tang (Tang Ding'an) truly couldn't spare the time, otherwise he would have come as well.

Including Li Daoheng and Sun Liancheng; not only did they come in person, they brought along more than half of the Branch Captains from the General Team: Criminal Investigation,

Major Crimes, Narcotics Control, Special Duty Team, SWAT Detachment, and Economic Investigation Division—principals and deputies alike, filling up two large tables.

Their purpose was simple: to use their status and authority to deter those with ill intentions—do not reach out recklessly, for if you dare to reach, we will chop it off.

Then there were Li Shichen and Chen Feng; especially Li Shichen, who was usually so steady and calculating, yet today he was so rash—not only did he corner him at the lobby entrance and berate him, but he even punched him in front of so many people?

This punch was merely to convey a message to the outside world: see that? This is my brother—

Likewise, there were Xiao Heng, Wu Hui, and Sun Jiamu—in the eyes of some, the ranks of these individuals were not very high, but there were eight, nine, or ten others of the same rank?

The key was that these people did not come from the same field, nor even the same Ministry, but were spread across culture, Cultural Relics, education, public security, Customs—

As long as one wasn't blind or stupid enough to have shit for brains, they would absolutely stay as far away as possible.

However, if not for today's scene, before long, countless hands would have reached out.

The reason was not complicated: Lin Sicheng had been a bit too high-profile during this period. To be specific: that auction had been a bit too flashy, and those three billion-plus earned a bit too easily.

And besides all this, there was something even more critical: he had a Rhino Horn Cup in his possession.

Put yourself in their shoes: even people with the status of Wang Qi Zhi and Huang Zhi were coveting it uncontrollably. For those with backgrounds similar to theirs, or even higher,

wouldn't their eyes be turning red with jealousy?

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