Chapter 628: A Teapot Made of Tree Bark (Supplementary Update)

The cicadas sing in the fifth month, and the sun is intense in the sixth.

In the newly renovated office, a faint scent of building materials still lingers in the corners. Through the window, the white clouds look as fluffy as cotton, and the trees throughout the city surge in the warm breeze.

Fang Jin holds a Folder and places it in front of Lin Sicheng; it lists his recent business in detail.

There are bank funds, art investment institutions, auction houses, and well-known collectors.

But without exception, these are all personal invitations directed at him. As for antiques that need to be sent to the Artifact Research Center and require machine inspection, there is not a single one.

Flipping further, there are even requests from the Palace Museum Porcelain Research Institute and the Cultural Heritage Research Institute. Likewise, they also request that he perform the appraisals in person rather than using instrument testing.

Lin Sicheng sighs: With so many Experts in the Forbidden City, why would they need to invite him to appraise?

The Cultural Heritage Research Institute is the same: with so many instruments and so many researchers, what kind of Cultural Relics appraisal could they not figure out?

This is clearly an attempt to lure him over to participate in the two projects being researched in cooperation with the Center.

He really should go, but he truly cannot spare the time.

With this thought in mind, Lin Sicheng hands the Folder back: "Give this to Li Zhen, have her draw up a schedule, and then set a

time. Have them send over what they can; for those that truly cannot be sent, I can go in person—"

It is not that Lin Sicheng is putting on airs, but it is too time-consuming: once you go, don't they have to host you? A meal takes at least half a day—

"Also, notify Feng Sanjiang to keep a closer eye on the progress of the Panjiayuan Studio and get it into operation as soon as possible—"

Fang Jin closes the Folder: "Should I notify General Manager Zhao?"

"I will tell him myself!"

"Very well, General Manager Lin!"

Lin Sicheng makes a correction: "Don't call me General Manager, call me Teacher—have Li Zhen notify everyone."

Fang Jin obeys: "Very well, Teacher Lin!"

Calling him Teacher does feel a bit lacking, but he is so used to calling him General Manager that it will be hard to change later.

Lin Sicheng has a very clear understanding of his career planning: academics must certainly take precedence over commerce.

Therefore, he prefers the title "Teacher": to pass on the Dao, impart knowledge, and serve as a model for others.

Of course, it would be even better if he were called "Professor." Unfortunately, given his current academic credentials and seniority, he is still quite a long way off.

Just as he is giving instructions, a knock sounds at the door, and Fang Jin pulls it open.

It is Wang Qi Zhi and Zhao Xiuneng, and Fang Jin hurriedly pours tea.

Having hung out together for so long, they are as familiar as can be, and Wang Qi Zhi pulls the tea tray over to do it himself: "Fang Jin, go do your work!

"

As he speaks, he looks at Lin Sicheng: "Do you want to hire another secretary?"

"We really should!" Lin Sicheng nods, "Let Fang Jin train them!"

"Let Li Zhen train them; hire a woman, someone more meticulous!"

Lin Sicheng is indifferent: men and women are the same, it is all the same work anyway.

Fang Jin finishes pouring the tea and leaves the office.

Wang Qi Zhi checks his watch: "What time is that General Manager He coming?"

"We agreed on nine-thirty!"

"Half an hour left—is this person coming just to appraise antiques?"

"That is what they say!"

Those who come are not kind, and those who are kind do not come; to put it bluntly: this person is here to smash the place, and the so-called appraisal is likely just an appetizer.

To be able to send someone of the same rank as Li Zhenghao shows the determination of the Foreign Capital Association, doesn't it? To be able to find someone like Sun Jingzhou, recognized by the older generation of appraisers as an all-around talent and polymath, shows the intentions of General Manager He, doesn't it?

This is aimed at suppressing Lin Sicheng's rising momentum, or even at digging up his roots. There are follow-up moves, and they are lethal ones.

Wang Qi Zhi thinks for a moment: "Should we invite a few helpers over?"

Lin Sicheng shakes his head: "I will deal with it first; it won't be too late to ask for help if I can't handle it!"

After all, he has just opened for business, and it would not sound very good to ask for outside help on the very first job.

The three are chatting when another knock comes at the door, and Fang Jin pushes it open: "Teacher Lin, General Manager Zhang and Miss Zhang are here!"

This was also agreed upon earlier: Zhang Yuanqiao plans to establish a branch in Beijing and intends to hand the appraisal business over to Lin Sicheng.

It is just that the time was rather vague; they said they would come today, but not at what time.

"Hurry and invite them in!"

As he speaks, Zhang Yuanqiao and Zhang Yuanfan enter the office, and the three hurriedly stand up.

Pleasantries, seating, and tea.

Zhang Yuanqiao apologizes first: "I had planned to come three days ago, which would have certainly been in time for your opening. But my grandfather's health had some issues, and he only got a little better yesterday."

Lin Sicheng pours a cup of tea for the siblings: "Is the old gentleman's condition serious?"

"It is not serious, just a cold. But my grandfather's resistance is too poor, so we didn't dare use strong medicine and could only recuperate slowly—"

This is a common ailment for the elderly; everyone is like this at that age, not to mention that Zhang Zongxian is already eighty years old.

But Lin Sicheng knows the old man lived to be ninety-six. At the funeral, he even stood vigil and wore mourning clothes as a grandchild.

In a flash, his gaze involuntarily falls on Zhang Yuanfan's face, and Lin Sicheng sighs inwardly.

He had thought that in this life, the two would have no more interactions, or even if they did, it would be eighty or ninety years later.

But he did not expect it to be six or seven years earlier than in his previous life?

By some twist of fate, by some strange coincidence—

As if sensing something, Zhang Yuanfan looks at him strangely, and Lin Sicheng collects his thoughts and begins to discuss business: "General Manager Zhang, Miss Zhang, it is quite a coincidence; I have a client coming for an appraisal in a moment. Let's talk after I deal with them—"

Upon hearing "deal with," Zhang Yuanqiao laughs.

Although he did not make it yesterday, he sent an Assistant to attend and knows that the foreign company sent an Executive to deal with Lin Sicheng. He also knows these people are coming today, so he came early to see if he could help with anything.

Zhang Yuanqiao thought for a moment: "General Manager Lin, this Expert Sun is likely not easy to deal with!"

Lin Sicheng was stunned for a moment: "General Manager Zhang knows him too?"

Zhang Yuanqiao nodded: "I know him, and I've met him several times. My grandfather has met him too!"

"He likely arrived in Hong Kong in ninety-seven. He truly has genuine skills, and within less than a year, he had made a name for himself. As long as it is a large-scale auction or a collection exchange held by high-end tycoons, one can see his figure."

"By around 2000, he was already a Senior Appraisal Consultant for the Hong Kong Qiuzhi Yaji (Chinese Collectors' Association). A year or two later, he became a preview consultant for the Hong Kong branches of Sotheby's and Christie's. The key is that he knows a lot: porcelain, jade, Calligraphy and Painting, bronzes, gold and silver wares, and even textiles, furniture, and glassware—there is nothing he does not understand, and nothing he is not proficient in."

Relying on his impeccable eye, he quickly established a firm foothold. Later, he was transferred to New York and became a Senior Expert Consultant for the Oriental Art Department at Christie's. Afterward, he became a Special Invited Guest Appraisal Consultant for the Asian Art Department of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (Kansas City)."

"And he established an independent appraisal firm in Manhattan, New York, while simultaneously serving as a Special Invited Expert stationed in New York for the Sotheby's and Christie's auction houses—"

Zhang Yuanqiao paused slightly, weighing his words: "General Manager Lin, this person has great ability, a very sharp eye, and is also very experienced—"

—"

This is certain.

Not to mention Sotheby's and Christie's, just looking at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, it is the largest art museum in the American Midwest. If one compares the quantity and quality of Chinese Cultural Relics collections, it ranks third in the United States: second only to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Freer-Sackler Gallery.

That Sun Jingzhou could be specially invited as a guest appraisal consultant is absolutely based on genuine skill.

Lin Sicheng could also understand the deeper meaning of Zhang Yuanqiao: it is not that Lin Sicheng is inferior to this person, but that the other party has come prepared, has calculated everything, and will definitely use a major move as soon as they strike.

But we can take a roundabout approach: this person likes money, otherwise he wouldn't have stolen in the past. As long as the offer is high enough, he can be completely bought off.

Lin Sicheng, however, shook his head: "General Manager Zhang, I estimate he wouldn't dare!"

He is not Sun Henian now, but Sun Jingzhou; his roots are now in the United States, and even if you gave him ten times the courage, he wouldn't dare to betray a foreign-funded company.

"It's not about asking him to directly defect, but to quietly let some water through. It's not about letting him go easy during the appraisal, but buying some information from him, such as the subsequent plans of the United Association."

Zhang Yuanqiao emphasized: "As long as we are prepared, we won't be afraid of them using underhanded tricks!"

Actually, Lin Sicheng had not failed to think about this point, and Zhang Yuanqiao was not the first person to suggest such an idea to Lin Sicheng.

After meeting that General Manager He yesterday and learning of Sun Jingzhou's background, Zhao Xiuneng had suggested: since this person loves money so much, then cater to his preferences. As long as he can be made to reveal a little bit of what that General Manager He wants to do, that would be enough.

But after thinking about it, Lin Sicheng rejected it: the United Association's obstruction plan is comprehensive; you can defend against one side, but you cannot defend against every aspect.

You can buy off Sun Jingzhou, but you cannot buy off He Youhan, and you cannot even buy off Liang Shiya. Therefore, it is better to resolve it uprightly from the beginning.

Moreover, there is no time: He Youhan only appeared yesterday, and they are coming to the door today; if you want to buy off Sun Jingzhou, you must have the opportunity.

Furthermore: Liang Shiya has been "missing" for more than ten days; it is likely that He Youhan arranged it, and he had long been guarding against this move—

Lin Sicheng was turning these thoughts over, wondering how to explain it to Zhang Yuanqiao, when suddenly, his cell phone began to buzz "buzz, buzz, buzz."

It displayed the note: General Manager He.

Speak of the devil, and he appears?

There was no time to discuss it, and even if they did, they would first have to deal with today.

Lin Sicheng made a gesture and answered the phone: "General Manager He, hello!"

"General Manager Lin, we have arrived!"

"Very well, General Manager He, I am waiting for you on the eighth floor!"

"General Manager Zhang, Miss Zhang, please sit for a moment, I will go to receive them first!"

"Teacher, Senior Brother, please keep General Manager Zhang and Miss Zhang company!"

Saying this, Lin Sicheng stood up.

Both sides are indeed opponents, but this is just the beginning; it is not good to make too much of a scene and make things overly tense.

Zhang Yuanqiao thought for a moment: "General Manager Lin, I will go over and take a look in a moment!"

Lin Sicheng nodded: "Good!"

Zhang Yuanqiao did not want to join in the fun, but truly wanted to help Lin Sicheng: dealing with the foreign-funded company early would allow Lin Sicheng to free up his hands sooner.

Only if Lin Sicheng dares to go abroad can he help Zhang Zongxian—

Watching Lin Sicheng leave the room, Zhang Yuanqiao suddenly sighed: "Professor Wang, General Manager Lin's character is too upright!"

Lin Sicheng is upright?

Wang Qi Zhi and Zhao Xiuneng were stunned for a moment.

So-called uprightness can sometimes be understood as stubbornness. This is also what Zhang Yuanqiao wanted to express: since they are enemies, why talk about morality with him?

The logic is indeed like that, so a long, long time ago, Zhao Xiuneng would often come up with crooked ideas and damaging schemes. But Lin Sicheng never openly refused; he just did things for Zhao Xiuneng to see.

And every time, it would prove in the end: an upright and honest method is the fastest, most stable, simplest, and most effective way to resolve things, without exception.

Over time, Zhao Xiuneng understood a principle: in the face of absolute strength, any tricks or schemes are futile.

Therefore, Lin Sicheng just doesn't like to use crooked or underhanded methods, not because he doesn't understand them, and certainly not because he is stubborn.

Zhao Xiuneng wanted to explain, but the words reached his lips and he stopped: wait a moment, wait until this Expert Sun is dealt with, and this General Manager He is dealt with, then we will see what this General Manager Zhang has to say.

In a flash, there was movement outside the door; it seemed they had already been received.

Zhang Yuanqiao stood up: "I'll go take a look!"

Zhang Yuanfan was stunned for a moment: "Brother, is that okay?"

"Just treat it as if he came for an appraisal!" Zhang Yuanqiao said as a matter of course, "Just a collector's exchange!"

In other situations, intervening rashly when others are communicating is indeed impolite, but in the world of collecting, it is the exact opposite.

For a collector: since I dare to take out my collection, it is because I want more people to see it. For the observer: since I have seen a good item, I must certainly inspect it.

Many collections, even nearly half, are traded under such accidental coincidences.

Wang Qi Zhi also stood up: "Let's go together; in case the atmosphere cools down, we can ease it a bit."

While speaking, the few of them left the office.

It was also a coincidence; just as they arrived, Lin Sicheng was leading people out of the elevator lobby.

There were quite a few people who came, a full five or six. Except for He Youhan and Sun Jingzhou, the few people behind were each holding a box.

Looking at the scale, they were not small; they could definitely be called major artifacts.

Since they had run into each other, introductions were necessary; Lin Sicheng first had Li Zhen take those carrying the items to the reception room.

"General Manager He, Mr. Sun, this is General Manager Zhang, a partner of the Center. This is Miss Zhang, General Manager Zhang's younger sister—"

"This is my teacher, Professor Wang, and this is my Senior Brother, General Manager Zhao—"

Both sides shook hands and exchanged polite pleasantries.

Perhaps it was an illusion, but looking at He Youhan's face, Zhang Yuanqiao had a sense of déjà vu.

"General Manager He, have we met somewhere before?"

"General Manager Zhang, I also feel we must have met: on a few occasions, I accompanied my elders to auctions and had the honor of seeing Mr. Zhang!"

He Youhan smiled, "Influenced by my father, I have been fond of collecting since childhood, though General Manager Lin does not believe it!"

Lin Sicheng was noncommittal: it was not that he did not believe whether He Youhan loved collecting or not, but that he knew He Youhan's motives were impure.

Zhang Yuanqiao suddenly realized: "Is General Manager He from Hong Kong?"

"Yes, my ancestors arrived in Hong Kong when the port opened, and it wasn't until after my grandfather passed away that my father took us brothers and sisters to settle in the United States."

Looking at He Youhan's face, Zhang Yuanqiao was lost in thought:

The so-called opening of Hong Kong refers to the Qing government formally ceding Hong Kong Island to the British after the Nanjing Treaty. The first governor, Pottinger, established the government in accordance with the British Royal Charter, set up the Legislative Council, the Executive Council, and the Supreme Court, and created a free port.

And besides soldiers, officials, and missionaries, many British merchants also came to Hong Kong after the port opened.

Most of these were the *taipans* (agents, senior managers) of British trading firms that had traded with the Guangzhou Thirteen Hongs before the Opium War, or even partners. They were the main force after Hong Kong opened, and also the wealthiest group.

The key was, the surname He?

Zhang Yuanqiao remembered that among the foreign merchants who settled in Hong Kong, there was only one family with the surname He: the Hong Kong He Clan!

That is, the He Clan of the first richest man in Hong Kong, and also the He Clan of Macau He—

Zhang Yuanqiao suddenly reacted: "How should one address General Manager He and Macau He?"

Even though He Youhan had good cultivation and a good temper, he still could not help but change his expression. He replied indifferently: "That is my cousin once removed!"

So that was the branch of the richest man?

The He Clan were descendants of Jews and were naturally fond of collecting, so Zhang Yuanqiao found it difficult to judge exactly which branch He Youhan belonged to.

He was just curious: since they were cousins, they were close relatives. I only asked a question, why did your expression change?

But immediately, Zhang Yuanqiao froze again: of all people to ask about, why did he have to ask about that person in Macau?

As the old saying goes, don't hit a person in the face, don't expose their shortcomings. And here he was, rubbing salt into the other person's wound?

He was filled with annoyance for a moment, yet he did not know whether he should apologize.

On the other side, Zhao Xiuneng stared at He Youhan several times: The Hong Kong He Clan?

He had only thought he was an executive of a foreign firm; he hadn't expected such a massive background.

Compared to the previous General Manager Li (Li Zhenghao), this person's level was several tiers higher: not only was the He Clan deep-rooted and influential, but it also lay in the influence of his family.

Information that Li Zhenghao could not find despite all his efforts, He Youhan could get with a single phone call. Connections that Li Zhenghao racked his brains to make, He Youhan only needed to ask his elders to step in.

If one were to compare the obstacles and difficulties the two could create for Lin Sicheng: one was in the sky, the other was in the ground.

Wang Qi Zhi was not very worried, because this was not a normal commercial act, nor was it a normal technical cooperation. Behind Lin Sicheng were many leaders paying attention, and many departments providing support.

He also knew what Zhao Xiuneng was worried about: there were restrictive clauses for foreign companies, so even if they wanted to exert force later, they could only do it secretly.

But then again: this General Manager He knew very well what those nineteen technologies meant; even if he wanted to cause trouble, would he dare to do it openly?

This was not the past: Hong Kong had already returned for twelve years, and Macau had already returned for ten—

The only thing to consider: General Manager He's rank was higher than Liang Shiya's, and his authority was greater. His news channels were far more numerous and faster than Liang Shiya's.

The fear was that he would find some handle and catch Lin Sicheng off guard—

The few had different thoughts; only Lin Sicheng was silently eating his melon.

Zhang Yuanqiao could not judge which branch He Youhan came from, but Lin Sicheng could: most descendants of the He family were fond of collecting, but only two could be called collectors:

The current Macau He (the only son for three generations), and Sir He, the second son of the eldest son of the richest man. These two shared the same great-grandfather and were cousins.

Macau He's children were very high-profile, often appearing in Hong Kong and Macau media, and furthermore, they all worked at Macau Entertainment; none were executives of foreign firms.

Sir He had many children, all of whom had long settled in the UK and the US, almost never participating in any activities of the Hong Kong business community, and rarely exposed to the media.

But since General Manager He claimed his father was a collector, and his expression changed upon hearing "Macau He," it was nine times out of ten that he was Sir He's son.

Therefore, he and Macau He were also cousins.

Lin Sicheng knew even better why General Manager He's expression changed.

Because the two families were in a lawsuit, which had been going on for seven or eight years, and would have to go on for another seven or eight years; even when Lin Sicheng traveled back, they were still fighting—

Lin Sicheng was happily eating his melon when He Youhan suddenly looked over: "General Manager Lin, you seem very happy?"

Lin Sicheng flatly denied it: "No, General Manager He is mistaken!"

He Youhan's face was cold: Mistaken my foot, do you think my eyes are blind?

Although Lin Sicheng had no expression, those eyes were not only bright but also darting around.

This was clearly thinking of gossip—

Zhang Yuanqiao and Zhang Yuanfan were both stunned: Lin Sicheng, this person is a member of the He family?

It was one thing to eat your melon, but to do it right in front of him?

Lin Sicheng knew what the two were thinking and could understand: Mr. Zhang had great fame in Hong Kong, but it was limited to the collecting circle, while the He Clan could influence every aspect of both Hong Kong and Macau.

Just comparing financial power and influence, the two sides were not in the same league.

With the halo of their predecessors, when the brother and sister looked at He Youhan again, they naturally wore tinted glasses and added an automatic filter.

But Lin Sicheng was born in New China, grew up under the Red Flag, and had received an education based on the concept of "everyone is equal" since childhood. Even though he had lived two lifetimes and had suffered from the iron fist of class, he had never developed a filter for social strata.

Even though he was getting closer and closer to this level, and in the eyes of many, he had already become a member of this level. But Lin Sicheng could at least guarantee that he could uphold his original intention and never change.

Therefore, Lin Sicheng did not feel that He Youhan's background or family could have much influence on him.

Instead, he was more interested in He Youhan as a person, and more vigilant: he had only revealed a trace of curiosity, and it was captured by him in the first instance; one could see how sharp his mind was.

From this, it is evident that this person is much smarter than President Li Zhenghao; if one had to make a comparison: he is at least worth five or six of him—

In a flash, the group entered the Reception Room. Originally, they were meant to have a cup of tea and exchange a few polite words, but He Youhan was not in a very good mood and directly refused.

Fang Jin brought over the toolbox, Lin Sicheng put on gloves, and he had He Youhan's Assistant open the case.

He Youhan looked left and right: "This should be the first order since Lin Sicheng opened for business, why didn't you call a few more people to show your support?"

He knew Wang Qi Zhi, and he also knew Zhao Xiuneng: both of these men were Appraisers, but by comparison, they were at most second-rate.

As for the siblings Zhang Yuanqiao, they were complete laymen.

He Youhan had originally thought: even if Lin Sicheng were not facing a formidable enemy, he should have made full preparations, at least by inviting a few more Experts.

Because he had only said he was coming for an appraisal, but hadn't said exactly what he was appraising; what if he brought a few strange and bizarre items?

But looking at it now, it seems Lin Sicheng hasn't taken it to heart?

No, to be more precise: he is very confident in his own appraisal ability.

"If I said that President He came too urgently and caught me off guard, I wonder if you would believe me?"

Lin Sicheng sounded like he was joking, but what he said was not polite at all, "However, President He can rest assured, I will definitely not appraise it wrongly!"

He Youhan was noncommittal, because what Lin Sicheng said was the truth: he had indeed caught Lin Sicheng off guard.

But then again: it didn't matter whether Lin Sicheng invited Experts or not; in fact, the more he invited, the more counterproductive it would be.

Because over ninety percent of Experts wouldn't recognize this thing—

In a flash, the Assistant opened the case, pulled out an aluminum alloy carrying box, and then opened the lid.

The group leaned forward in unison, and then simultaneously froze: what on earth is this, a leather flask?

The shell was flat, about twenty centimeters in total height and about twenty-five wide, looking somewhat like a beast-skin pouch of a nomadic people.

The color was dark and dull, with brown showing through the ochre-yellow, and the surface was covered with patina and spots left by the passage of time. There were naturally formed wrinkles in parts, occasional fine cracks, and signs of wear from long-term use visible at the corners.

The mouth of the flask was constricted and inlaid with two copper hoops, which had generated a thick, dark patina after many years of oxidation. The edges of the hoops were engraved with faint scrolling grass patterns, but they had already been worn until they were blurry and indistinct.

The body of the flask was hammered with stag patterns, surrounded by scrolling grass decorations, and inlaid with multiple Gemstones around the perimeter. There was Agate, there was Turquoise, and there was also a piece of Lapis Lazuli. The surfaces of the stones had pits, and old dirt was accumulated in the crevices.

Observing more closely, the entire object lacked any luster, including the Gemstones. Whether it was the flask body, the ear loops, or the decorative pieces, every single part was covered in ancient traces.

The key was the patina: it was integrated and seamless, at the very least six or seven hundred years old.

Calculating the time: it was at least from the Yuan Dynasty, and more likely the Jin Dynasty.

At this point, Wang Qi Zhi and Zhao Xiuneng already had a preliminary judgment: it was a leather pouch of a nomadic people from the Yuan Dynasty or earlier, and it must have been used by the nobility, if not royalty.

Commoners wouldn't be that particular, nor would they have the means; let alone the Gemstones and patterns, they couldn't have sewn it so finely at all.

Looking at the top of the flask again: the stitches were of uniform size, and the thread ends were neat and tidy.

The nobility did use Gemstones, but they mostly used Agate and Turquoise; Lapis Lazuli was only used by chieftains or royalty.

Because this thing was expensive and rare: it was not produced in China and had to be imported from Central Asia. Given the transportation conditions of ancient times, for this thing to reach China and then end up in the hands of a nomadic people, it could be said to have traveled over thousands of mountains and rivers, through thousands of hardships.

Third, and most importantly: the craftsmanship.

This was not an ordinary leather pouch; it used a multi-layer compression technique. Especially the two ear loops: the copper material was hammered into rings, which only nomadic craftsmen could do. But the scrolling grass patterns on them were done with engraving technology, which was definitely carved by Han Dynasty craftsmen. The key was that the depth was uniform; folk workshops didn't have this level of skill, so it was at least official imperial work.

There were also the deer patterns on both sides of the flask body, which used the Hammering and Mold Printing Technique. That is, a pre-made pattern mold was placed on the surface of the leather, and external force was used to hammer and press the pattern onto it, forming a Shallow Relief effect.

Ethnic craftsmen didn't have this skill, and while folk workshops did, they couldn't press it so finely.

Including the Gemstones on the flask body, this was the Trench Inlay Technique: likewise, folk workshops couldn't inlay them so levelly, and certainly couldn't inlay them so securely.

Since it was a product of an official workshop, it couldn't have flowed over through mutual trade between the two sides: nine times out of ten it was a reward, or perhaps even an Imperial Tribute.

But Lin Sicheng always felt that this thing was a bit strange: looking at it—it didn't quite look like leather?

It was as if—it was made of papier-mâché?

The more he looked, the more he felt something was wrong, so Lin Sicheng lifted the flask.

As soon as he held it, he opened his eyes wide: it was indeed not leather, but it wasn't paper either.

Have you ever seen a flask made of tree bark?

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