"Elder Qian, where do you plan to build the museum?" At the same time, Wang Guan was also somewhat curious.
"How large will it be?
Will it also focus primarily on porcelain?" Curating Director Jiang listened attentively, feeling a touch of nervousness.
Others might not know, but he was acutely aware of how vast Elder Qian's collection was, surely containing countless masterpieces.
If a museum were established, it would undoubtedly draw immense attention.
Although the Forbidden City Museum, with its deep heritage, feared no competition, proximity would inevitably divert some visitors.
However, Director Jiang worried unnecessarily, for Elder Qian had no intention of placing the museum in the capital city.
"Not in the capital?
Then where?" Wang Guan was greatly surprised.
"In Tianjin," Elder Qian smiled.
"There are too many museums in the capital; it's better to steer clear." "Lingxi, thank you." Elder Zhou suddenly offered his thanks, appearing somewhat inexplicable.
In truth, those who understood the situation knew that setting aside Elder Qian’s own collection, Wang Guan's treasures alone were enough to cause a global sensation.
It could be said that this yet-to-be-established museum was certain to become the focus of global attention in the coming period.
Beijing already had the Forbidden City Museum; there was no need to overshadow it.
In a way, Elder Qian’s decision was also showing deference to the Forbidden City.
They had been old friends for years; some level of tacit understanding existed between them.
Yet, as a member of the Forbidden City's management, Elder Zhou still expressed his sincere gratitude, then gestured with his chin: "Lingxi, that cup...
are you truly planning to display it?" "Why not?" Elder Qian chuckled calmly.
"It’s just a rather peculiar cup.
We don't know its exact provenance, so why shouldn't it be exhibited?
The object is simply there.
As for what others think or the associations they make, that is their own business, unrelated to us." "Ah," Elder Zhou mused for a moment, lost in thought, then smiled.
"Lingxi, this is striking the grass to startle the snake; your real intent lies elsewhere." "Whether I startle the snake or not, my museum opens very soon.
Just remember to come and offer your support." Elder Qian smiled.
"As for the cup, feel free to take it for research.
Just ensure it's returned later.
If you uncover any significant findings, don't forget to notify us." "Certainly." Elder Zhou nodded, immediately signaling Director Jiang to carefully pack away the cup so they could proceed to the research lab.
After the two men departed, Wang Guan frowned slightly.
"Elder Qian, regarding the matter in Taiwan..." "Don't worry about Taiwan; I'll arrange for someone reliable to verify things," Elder Qian waved his hand.
"You rest for two days, then accompany me to Tianjin to scout locations suitable for the museum." "Okay..." Wang Guan's nod signaled that the following month would inevitably be a whirlwind.
Establishing a museum was certainly no simple task.
With Elder Qian's connections, securing licenses and paperwork would undoubtedly be effortless, but trivial matters like site surveying and renovation could not be achieved overnight.
As Elder Qian’s designated Executive Deputy Director, these tasks naturally fell to Wang Guan.
Although professional planners had handled the schematics, making him primarily a supervisory figure, the workload was still substantial.
A meticulous inspector is unwelcome anywhere.
But to the construction crew, Wang Guan was a tough taskmaster; no one knew how his eyes were so sharp that he could spot even the slightest knotting or crossing in electrical wiring.
With such a formidable supervisor, no one dared to cut corners.
That being said, the renovation team had been dispatched by the Tang family, already instructed by their superiors to work with one hundred percent professionalism.
Even without Wang Guan's oversight, there would never have been any shoddy construction.
In short, through everyone's concerted efforts, the museum’s renovation and remodeling progressed at an astonishing rate—or rather, the task was fully completed in less than a month.
After clearing up the loose ends and hiring people to clean the interior and exterior thoroughly, the empty structure instantly gleamed, spotless and immaculate.
"Very good.
You've worked hard." Accompanied by the others, Elder Qian inspected the entire museum, paying close attention to each exhibition hall and the internal security arrangements.
Naturally, the anti-theft systems were the absolute priority.
Their stringency surpassed even that of the Forbidden City, perhaps even stricter.
After all, relatively speaking, this museum would not be as expansive as the Forbidden City, and smallness had its advantages—it was easier to monitor, ensuring three-hundred-and-sixty-degree coverage with no blind spots.
It wasn't just cameras; thirty or forty professional security guards were already in place, every one of them recently retired military personnel, ensuring high standards and absolute reliability against any major lapse.
"Indeed, it's excellent." At this point, Elder Zhou smiled.
"Now everything is ready, just waiting for the east wind.
Lingxi, when do you plan to officially open?
Should we help you pick an auspicious date?" "An auspicious date isn't necessary; bringing more students and old acquaintances to support the opening would be more valuable," Elder Qian chuckled.
"And remember to write more articles mentioning my museum..." "Brother Qian, you're asking us to advertise for you," an old gentleman laughed.
"That requires a separate fee." "After decades of friendship, you talk money with me?
That wounds our feelings." "Your surname is Qian, so if we don't talk money, what should we talk about?" Amidst the friendly banter, everyone finished touring the museum and headed to a banquet.
While glasses were clinking, several heavily guarded vehicles quietly entered through the museum's rear entrance, carefully unloading large crates.
After the vehicles were unloaded, they departed.
Then, another group emerged, opening the crates one by one, and arranging the contents onto the museum's display shelves according to category.
Slowly, the empty museum began to fill up.
Various items were arranged aesthetically, catching different glints of light under the illumination, sparkling brilliantly like the stars in the night sky.
Once everything was perfectly placed, personnel began checking, examining each item for any oversight.
After meticulously reviewing everything several times and correcting minor flaws like misplaced labels or incorrect positioning, their task was considered complete.
Just then, someone exclaimed in surprise.
"Hey