"Stealing a national treasure?"
Wu Sheng's eyes held a hint of hesitation, likely having never engaged in theft before in his life.
"Old Tang, what could possibly interest you so much? You're not lacking money now, so why would you steal a national treasure and go against the country?"
I smiled, "Old Tie, when you see this, you'll understand why I need to steal a national treasure."
* * *
After I finished speaking, I took out the red lacquer box I had prepared.
Old Tie's eyes widened when he saw the lacquer box.
This item had an inseparable connection to our upbringing. Later, it was taken to Hong Kong by "Paradox of Logic" and has been missing ever since.
"Where did you get it?"
"I bid for it. 47.36 million Hong Kong dollars."
At this level of auction, the auction house does not disclose the buyer's name. The news media were all aware that an Asian collector had bid 47.36 million Hong Kong dollars for this set of Qianlong thumb rings.
"Is the national treasure you're stealing related to these Qianlong thumb rings?"
"Why did the Fourth Master in the past so eagerly pursue this set of Qianlong thumb rings? Because the Palace Museum houses a painting called 'The Qianlong Emperor's Grand Review of Troops.' In the painting, the Qianlong Emperor wears a military helmet, armor, and carries a bow and arrows, with a solemn expression and a heroic demeanor. It depicts the military review ceremony held by Emperor Qianlong in Nanyuan, on the outskirts of Beijing, in 1739, the fourth year after his enthronement. If you look closely, you'll see that the Qianlong Emperor is wearing a white jade thumb ring on his right thumb."
Wu Sheng grew nervous, his fists clenching unconsciously.
The design master also stared intently at the thumb rings.
Zhang Ying'ai remained calm, elegantly taking small sips of her delicious meal.
"Old Tang, you're risking your life! Trying to steal 'The Qianlong Emperor's Grand Review of Troops' is no simple matter. It represents the military culture of that era. Do you know its historical value?"
"We'll spread rumors, making people think we're going to steal 'The Qianlong Emperor's Grand Review of Troops.' In reality, we're going to steal a different painting, 'The Painting of Enduring Affection for Antiquity.'"
The current "The Painting of Enduring Affection for Antiquity" in the Palace Museum depicts the Daoguang Emperor sitting serenely on a rock, with a thumb ring on his right hand, holding a historical book, "Essentials of Ancient History," his gaze fixed forward in contemplation. Behind him, emerald bamboo rustles, creating a tranquil and serene atmosphere.
"The Painting of Enduring Affection for Antiquity" can also significantly increase the value of the Qianlong thumb rings. When placed alongside this painting, the Qianlong thumb rings might even carry hereditary significance, conservatively increasing their price by a single digit.
Seeing everyone in silence, I took a white jade thumb ring from the lacquer box and put it on my thumb.
"The value of an antique lies in its rarity. Once we obtain 'The Painting of Enduring Affection for Antiquity,' I will announce that the Qianlong thumb rings have been lost. When the Qianlong thumb rings and 'The Painting of Enduring Affection for Antiquity' disappear together, their market price will skyrocket. I guarantee this single piece will be worth 47 million yuan afterward."
Wu Sheng swallowed, licking his dry lips. "What's the reward?"
"One Qianlong thumb ring each."
* * *
"Was that assassination designed by 'Nuclear Warhead'?"
"No, but he found the flaw and pointed it out to me. So I believe that if you dare to touch national treasures, 'Nuclear Warhead' will judge you with his righteous aura."
* * *
Old Tie looked at me, lost in thought, and smiled, "Are you scared?"
"A little."
Old Tie laughed heartily, stood up, and walked to my side. He picked up the red lacquer box, opened it, casually took out a reddish-brown thumb ring, put it on, and then threw it to Wu Sheng. Wu Sheng, with his agile movements, caught it. He stared at Old Tie, "Iron Leg, are you crazy? Is this thing valuable?"
"An old stratagem. The Qianlong thumb rings are intrinsically linked to my fate, and I've paid close attention to them. I should have attended that auction last spring, but I was delayed by other matters. An Asian collector bought them. This Asian collector is also a patriot; after acquiring this set of Qianlong thumb rings, he anonymously donated them to the country."
Wu Sheng took one out and examined it carefully. The design master, standing nearby, casually took the box, opened it, and looked closely. "It doesn't look fake."
I smiled. "It's an old trick, 'The Cat Exchange for the Crown Prince.' We'll not only feint to the east while attacking the west, taking 'The Painting of Enduring Affection for Antiquity,' but we'll also use this set of fakes to swap back the real Qianlong thumb rings."
Zhang Ying'ai chuckled lightly. "I thought I was very lucky to have a dinner that could go down in history, but I didn't expect this meal to be so expensive. Boss Tang, you're treating us to dinner, and you want us to help you earn four hundred million."
"That's right. So, is anyone backing out?"
* * *
The next day, I posted an online invitation for a banquet for "The Schemers." I even hired online commenters. Soon, the news spread that someone was inviting "The Schemers." In just a few months, the term "The Schemers" was no longer unfamiliar to netizens; such is the speed of online dissemination.
However, when people saw the invitation posted on the Tianya forum, most of the comments were that it was a joke. The banquet was advertised as having taken place yesterday, yet the invitation was just posted. Who could travel back in time to attend such a dinner?
Just as everyone was questioning it, I sent out another photo. This photo showed no faces, but it clearly depicted four people attending the banquet: three men and one woman.
* * *
Just as this photo ignited public discussion, I boarded a plane and flew to Beijing.
It was nearing New Year's Day, and Beijing felt as if it was donning new attire in anticipation of the 2008 Olympic Games. I had called ahead, and Da Huang came to pick me up.
"Is the red envelope for the hundred-day banquet ready?"
Da Huang, upon seeing me, unceremoniously demanded the hundred-day banquet red envelope. His wife had given birth to a boy in Tianjin, and after that, Da Huang handed over the business of the Tianjin branch to Pang Zi and returned to his old house in Beijing with his wife and son.
When it came to educating their children, Da Huang had his own convictions. His son was a Beijinger, so he insisted he grow up in Beijing, no matter what. This is the unique pride of a Beijinger!
Seeing Da Huang demand the red envelope, I immediately took out my wallet and rummaged through the crisp hundred-yuan bills. I finally found a five-yuan bill. Under Da Huang's stunned expression, I solemnly handed it to him, "Here, the red envelope!"
"You little rascal, trying to play tricks on me?"
I burst into laughter. Da Huang also laughed and slung an arm around my shoulder, saying, "My mother is at home taking care of the child, so it's inconvenient for you to go there. Chang Ge has arranged a restaurant. I've called Pang Zi, and they're coming from Tianjin for New Year's Day too. We'll get together."
"Great!"
As we were talking, Yu Xiao Luo also appeared at the airport, wearing her police uniform.
"Sis~"
I enthusiastically stepped forward, opening my arms. But Yu Xiao Luo glared at me unceremoniously and said loudly, "Tang Nan, I suspect you are involved in a national treasure theft case?"
Hearing Yu Xiao Luo say this, I awkwardly retracted my open arms. "It's only been a few months, and the Criminal Investigation Bureau is even interfering in petty theft cases now."
"Stop joking. I'm asking you if this case has anything to do with you?"
"No."
Yu Xiao Luo's brow furrowed, and she produced an arrest warrant. "Tang Nan, I am now arresting you on suspicion of stealing national treasures."
Da Huang was stunned. "Yu Xiao Luo, is there a misunderstanding? Tang Nan is a wealthy and respected individual. Our younger brother lacks nothing, especially antiques. The teapots at home are no different from antiques in the Palace Museum. If we wanted them, would we need to steal them?"
Yu Xiao Luo didn't speak and took out handcuffs.
"Put out your hands."
My face contorted with embarrassment. "Is this really necessary? I'm not going to run away."
*Click.* Yu Xiao Luo said nothing and handcuffed me. She even applied a little force. I winced in pain. "Sis, be gentle."
"Serves you right. You couldn't just come to Beijing for a nice reunion, you had to cause trouble for me."
I glanced at the bewildered Da Huang. "Brother Da Huang, please hire me a lawyer."