Chapter 499: Contacting The Big Shots! Buying The Treasure Farm! (2)
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Luo Feng nodded, then asked, “So, if I were to discover artifacts abroad, should
I directly contact you?”
“Pretty much so,” came the reply. “If the artifact is worth less than ten million, we will directly decide to let you purchase it and bring it back to our country. If it’s over ten million, then we need to request approval from our superiors.” “What about artifacts of exceptional value?” Luo Feng inquired.
“For exceptionally valuable ones, we cannot outright approve their purchases! We are not a printing press, after all. We cannot simply match whatever price is demanded. Our position is that if an artifact is discovered, we should make the utmost effort to bring it back. For instance, if an artifact is worth ten million, but the seller demands twelve million, that is acceptable. However, if someone asks for one billion for a ten million item, that is undoubtedly unreasonable.”
Luo Feng clarified, “That’s not what I meant. I meant that in the case whereby the artifact itself is of high value, not the seller demanding sky-high prices.” “My answer is the same,” came the answer. “We cannot buy it!”
“After all, money does not grow on trees, even for the government. Artifacts symbolize historical significance, representing certain historical events of our Chinese civilization. But if you ask about their practical value, it lies only in their archaeological significance. Some people believe that knowing history is useless and that developing technology is what truly matters. Others believe that as long as these artifacts are abroad, they stand as a testament to our history, and it does not matter where they are.”
Upon hearing this, Luo Feng had a better understanding of the way their government handled such matters.
Minor artifacts, the government would naturally acquire.
But those worth hundreds of millions, billions, or even trillions…
With such money, the government would rather invest in infrastructure to improve people’s living standards.
It would be uneconomical to spend a huge amount to bring artifacts back, only to have them sit idle in the country.
In other words, these artifacts are witnesses to the history of China. Whether they are abroad or at home, their historical testament is the same.
“As you are in charge of operations, who then is the ultimate authority in these matters?” Luo Feng asked.
“Of course, it’s the most prominent city lord!” The older man chuckled.
The ultimate authority, indeed, was him.
“So it’s the city lord of the capital!” Luo Feng gasped in surprise.
This position…
Was like the Luoyang Prefecture of the Eastern Han period.
The entire territory of the capital was under his management.
His rank was even higher than that of the lord of the magic city.
“Wait, before that, Little Luo, why are you suddenly asking about the ultimate authority? What are you planning?”
“It’s of course an important matter!” Luo Feng smiled. “More important than what we’re discussing here?”
“Absolutely!” Luo Feng affirmed.
“Ah, well, it may be a bit premature to contact the city lord of the capital now,” said the director. “He’s at work. Perhaps it would be best to wait until his lunch break or after he has finished his duties for the day. He’s quite busy, with numerous affairs to manage.”
“And, to give you a heads-up, the city lord is the eldest son of that esteemed elder! ”
Upon hearing this, Luo Feng drew in a sharp breath.
He remembered that the city lord of the capital was only 45 years old. Given his current position, it was possible that he, the elder’s eldest son, could one day rule over all.
“Well, alright,” Luo Feng conceded, “there’s no rush to contact the city lord of the capital. We can reach out to him over the weekend if we have time! After all, we have other tasks to attend to here, don’t we?”
“Indeed, Little Luo, we’ll follow your lead!” responded the director.
Although Director Wang was uncertain about what Luo Feng was planning, he had no doubts about Luo Feng’s intentions. Luo Feng, though not holding an official position, had substantial resources and enjoyed high social status. It was unlikely that he would engage in any self-serving activities because there was simply no need. His actions must relate to official matters.
Everyone, not just Director Wang, held Luo Feng in high regard for his patriotism. The elder once mentioned that even if the sky were to fall, they would have to protect this remarkable young man. He would never commit any actions detrimental to the official authorities.
Having wealth makes things easier.
Luo Feng, using the address on the envelope, managed to locate Jiro’s farm in the Cherry Blossom Country.
The farm covered an area of approximately 2,000 square meters, and the buildings occupied 300 square meters. However, in the Cherry Blossom Country, one square meter equated to 3-3 square meters. Therefore, the total area of the farm should be around 6,600 square meters, and the buildings should occupy around 1,000 square meters.
While not a particularly large farm by local standards, it had been left abandoned for countless years. The previous owner, Jiro, had died in China. Due to the passage of time and the lack of sufficient information left by the original owner, it was impossible to contact any descendants.
The farm had since been reclaimed by the authorities of the Cherry Blossom Country and was available for sale or rent. However, due to its remote location, there had been no buyers.
Upon learning this, Luo Feng heaved a sigh of relief. He had been concerned that someone might have already moved into the place, which could have led to the discovery of whatever Jiro had left behind. While he had guessed that Jiro had not told his friends or family about this, it was just a guess. Now, with the new information, he could confirm that Jiro had not informed his family. Otherwise, they would have claimed the farm by now.
Luo Feng immediately made arrangements to purchase the farm himself, but he did not use his own identity. Instead, he used his father’s identity, with the cooperation of the officials, so no one could link the purchaser back to him.
However, Luo Feng did not wish to travel there immediately. He still wanted to explore the tomb of Sima Yi.
Once that was done, he would take a trip to the Cherry Blossom Country.
That evening, Luo Feng called Director Wang and asked, “Director Wang, could you inquire if Mr. Qin might have some time to visit me here?”
The mentioned Mr. Qin was Qin Anbang, the city lord of the capital. His father, Qin Tianchao, was the esteemed elder they spoke of earlier.
“Visit you? Can’t you leave Mount Changbai, Little Luo?” asked Director Wang.
“I can’t, hence the request for your help,” Luo Feng replied.
“Ah,” Director Wang was speechless. This was Qin Anbang they were talking about, an incredibly busy individual. Only Luo Feng would have the audacity to suggest that he take a detour.
But Luo Feng had no choice. He was running out of time. To travel to and from not afford..
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