Traveling back to 1977

Chapter 946 Well done
Back at Wanmuchun Park, there was still a little time before lunch.

The Hong Kong businessmen got out of their car and didn't go anywhere else. They all stood aside, watching the car carrying Chen Fan arrive and then watching them get out.

Then they kept their eyes on Chen Fan.

Chen Fan gave Zhao Wanru a reassuring look, walked straight over, and said with a smile, "Gentlemen, why don't you go in, sit down, and have some tea and rest?"

The group of over thirty people remained silent, some watching Chen Fan make small talk, others giving Mr. Huo meaningful glances.

Mr. Huo crossed his arms in front of him, grinned, but didn't say a word.

The purpose of these people's visit is obvious to everyone. Mr. Huo's willingness to bring them here is already considered "kind and righteous". He can't possibly ask Chen Fan to "request calligraphy" on their behalf, can he?

Although no calligraphy or paintings by Qinglian Zhenren have ever been sold on the market, it's simply because he never sells his calligraphy or paintings.

Unlike calligraphers, painters, and traditional Chinese painters in China, whose works are openly priced and displayed, in Beijing and Shanghai's Rongbaozhai stores, where each piece is priced at one or two hundred yuan, in Hong Kong, the prices aren't high either. They might be several times or even ten times higher, and if you like something, you can ask for a price to resell it. The prices are all roughly the same, displayed there.

But Qinglian Zhenren's works are indeed different. He has never sold his calligraphy and paintings. When he gives works to other people, he always inscribes them with his own words, indicating who they are for. This makes it difficult for the other person to sell or give them away.

The only work for which no one was specified is the "Immortal Lotus Painting" still in Rongbaozhai in Beijing. The painting features only a blue lotus that appears out of thin air, along with the inscription "A lotus in the eternal blue sky" and the seal of the Immortal Qinglian.

For just this one painting, Mr. Fok asked for a sky-high price of HK$200,000, but Rongbaozhai still wouldn't budge.

Now you people want to ask Master Qinglian to "request calligraphy", but are you really requesting calligraphy?
Judging from the price Mr. Huo asked for back then, he was clearly asking for a priceless treasure.

How can you let someone else speak up about something like this?
More than 30 people, a piece of calligraphy and painting worth 200,000 yuan, and a favor worth more than 7 million Hong Kong dollars, or about 1 million US dollars.

Even though Mr. Huo considered himself very important, he wouldn't dare to ask for it so easily. He was already being generous by bringing them all; what more could he ask for?!
Seeing that they were all silent, and not wanting to break the ice, Chen Fan smiled and gestured invitingly, saying, "This isn't the place to talk. Why don't we go upstairs to the conference room and chat?"

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement and rushed into the office building lobby.

I took the elevator several times, and finally sat down in the large conference room on the top floor. It was already ten minutes later.

More than thirty people, and only this place can easily accommodate them.

Before Chen Fan went in, he told Zhao Wanru and the others to go about their own business, leaving only Zhou Yali to keep him company.

Originally, they wanted Jiang Lili to broaden her horizons, but as soon as the girl heard that these people were all super-rich and worth hundreds of millions, she immediately relapsed into her old habit of being afraid of strangers, and ran away, tugging at Zhao Wanru's clothes with her head down.

Chen Fan didn't make things difficult for her and decided to go in with Zhou Yali alone.

Actually, don't assume that all these Hong Kong businessmen have hobbies like collecting antiques just because they are wealthy. In reality, they don't.

Take Mr. Huo for example. Apart from some very meaningful souvenirs, such as the invitation jointly signed by Mr. Li and Mr. Wu in 64, the "Yingdonglou" commemorative jade ornament given by Guangdong People's Hospital, as well as the certificates, badges, souvenirs, etc. awarded to him by his superiors, there are indeed very few so-called "priceless" collectibles.

Perhaps his most valuable possession is the million-dollar kesi (silk tapestry) replica of the "Lotus Pond and Ducklings" motif, a gift from his eldest daughter. However, this work also represents the pinnacle of domestic weaving techniques and remains a piece of unique significance.

As for Li Zhaoji, his largest collection consists of pocket watches he collected while traveling around the world, and he also does not have the habit of collecting antiques and calligraphy.

Even more outrageous was Hu Yingxiang, who sold his stocks and houses to build the Humen Bridge. After recovering his costs, he handed over the ownership of the Humen Bridge.

Antiques and calligraphy? Aren't those a waste of money?!

Most of these first-generation wealthy Chinese businessmen in Hong Kong started from humble beginnings and knew the saying "the taller the tree, the more the wind will blow against it," so they rarely did anything flashy or attention-grabbing.

The reason for requesting the calligraphy now is not for collection, but more because of my liking for the calligraphy and painting in Mr. Huo's home, as well as the high praise from the two local feng shui masters.

They don't care about antiques or calligraphy and paintings, but things that can "suppress feng shui" are something they're determined to get!

As Chen Fan approached the conference room door, he thought for a moment, then turned to Zhou Yali and muttered, "Does our paper mill produce paper for calligraphy and painting?"

Zhou Yali blinked and whispered, "You mean the kind of Xuan paper?"

Chen Fan nodded. "Yes."

Zhou Yali blinked again, "So you still don't know that our paper mill produces Xuan paper?"

Chen Fan's eyes widened instantly. "Huh?"

The paper mill here produces Xuan paper? What the heck?

How can we produce if the latitude and longitude are incorrect?

That's not the point. The key question is, where did they—no, where did we get the Xuan paper and the prescription?
The most crucial element in Xuan paper making is the formula. Without that formula, even if you are shown the complete manufacturing process, you won't be able to replicate it.

Zhou Yali glanced at the closed door of the conference room, pulled him a little further away, and whispered, "My dad said that you reminded him before that we should pay more attention to our country's unique traditional skills."

Just last year, I mentioned wanting to build another paper mill, so he sent Sister Yufeng to Anhui. He only probed a little, saying he could invest one million US dollars to expand production and export to earn foreign exchange. The local leaders agreed without hesitation and even opened the production workshop for her to see.

From the papermaking process to the special "formula" for Xuan paper, everything was given to us. After receiving it, Sister Yufeng hired more than twenty master Xuan paper makers from the local area at a monthly salary of one hundred US dollars per person. After only a few trials, they were able to produce qualified Xuan paper.

After saying that, he shook his head with a regretful look on his face. "Alas, it's a pity that the old masters always say that the geographical environment here is not right. The air is too humid and the temperature is too high. No matter how they try, it is not as good as the Xuan paper from Anhui."

However, our paper is quite popular in the market after it is exported. Although the quality of Xuan paper here is not as good as that of Xuan paper from Anhui, it is not much different, but our price is low.

So now, our Xuan paper is one of our flagship products, and it's quite profitable.

After she finished speaking, she clapped her hands and laughed happily, "Originally, I just wanted to make paper specifically for Tian Tian. I didn't expect that this mistake would turn out to be profitable. This is the first money-making project I've independently operated. I'm so happy."

She was genuinely happy, but Chen Fan felt completely numb.

Xiaobenzi managed to acquire Xuan paper technology twice, from the late Qing Dynasty to the Republic of China, but he lacked the most crucial "prescription" and was never able to replicate qualified Xuan paper.

It wasn't until after the reform and opening up that they managed to acquire it under the guise of investment.

Unexpectedly, I got the first move this time?

He genuinely hadn't expected this; he just wanted to ask Zhou Yali if the paper mill had any suitable paper for calligraphy and painting, and if so, to bring some over so as not to waste time not knowing where to buy it.

The result was a huge bombshell for him?
After recovering, Chen Fan took a deep breath and looked at Zhou Yali, asking, "Tell me, what other secrets in this industrial park are I unaware of?"

Zhou Yali looked at him innocently, "What secret? I thought you had told my dad, so I knew these things and didn't tell you specifically."

She paused for a moment, then looked at Chen Fan cautiously and asked softly, "Brother, is this a big deal?" Chen Fan clenched his fist and gritted his teeth, saying, "Don't you understand intellectual property rights? Besides, this is public property. This is a huge mess, you know?"

Zhou Yali blinked and whispered, "I know, so we immediately joined forces with the Xuan paper factory in Anhui and applied for a patent in the United States under the name of the joint venture. At the same time, we obtained the patent authorization from the joint venture. Wouldn't that make things perfectly legitimate?"

This also prevents a recurrence of situations where patents are stolen under the guise of investment.

Hearing her say that, Chen Fan felt much better and immediately asked, "Was the patent applied for in the name of the joint venture?"

Zhou Yali nodded vigorously and said very seriously, "Dad said that we can't just take advantage of the country."

We not only registered under the name of a joint venture, but the contract also stipulated that the patent belongs exclusively to the state, and we only have the right to use it. The paper mill here even paid patent fees to use it.

She paused for a moment, then said, "If we register it in our own name, wouldn't that be taking advantage of the country? You were the one who told Dad about this. If we do this, what will you become?"
"Does our family really need this little bit of money? Is it really worth causing a rift over such a small amount?"

Chen Fan was relieved. He patted her shoulder and laughed, "Not bad, not bad. There are many ways to make money. There's no need to undermine the government."

Then he added, "Tell Sister Yufeng to pay more attention to these kinds of traditional and unique Chinese skills. If you have the chance, submit a patent application and then quickly register it so that it doesn't fall into the hands of people with ulterior motives."

Zhou Yali immediately smiled smugly and said, "Don't worry, Sister Yufeng has already sent a team to do this. They've already invested several million yuan. The confirmed investments are in cloisonné, bone china, and our unique silkworm medicine technology that's closely related to silk. There are a few others that I can't remember, but there are quite a few."

Chen Fan immediately gave a thumbs up, "Well done."

Faced with the praise, Zhou Yali pouted and said, "We mean well, but some people just can't get away with it."

Chen Fan was taken aback. "What do you mean?"

Just as Zhou Yali was about to speak, she suddenly pointed to the increasingly loud conference room and said, "Shouldn't you deal with them first?"

Chen Fan glanced back and said, "Have someone prepare writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone; I'll need them later."

Zhou Yali gestured, "No problem, let them send it here."

Chen Fan looked around and said, "Let me take you to your office. It has an unbeatable sea view, which will be more conducive to your performance."

Zhou Yali laughed heartily, "I guarantee you'll be satisfied."

After saying that, he made a gesture, turned around and left.

Chen Fan walked to the front of the conference room, knocked on the door, and then pushed it open and entered.

The people inside immediately fell silent and turned to look at him.

Chen Fan glanced around and smiled, "What are you gentlemen talking about?"

The group had already discussed the terms privately, so Mr. Huo didn't refuse anymore and immediately said with a smile, "They're all talking about the calligraphy and painting you gave me; they want one too."

He paused for a moment, then quickly added, "But it won't be for nothing. When I go to the capital, those who have time will go together, and those who don't will give me a check to take with them. I'll put it in the donation box at Chaoyang Temple as a small donation."

This is no small amount; a painting or calligraphy piece is worth 300,000 Hong Kong dollars, no more, no less.

Chen Fan didn't know the exact amount, but he understood the look in Mr. Huo's eyes and couldn't help but laugh and say, "So you want calligraphy and paintings? No problem."

He then performed a Taoist curtsy to the crowd and said, "Now we are one step closer to the new Chaoyang Temple."

Upon hearing this, before everyone could even feel happy, they all turned to look at Mr. Huo.

Mr. Huo was taken aback for a moment and asked, "I didn't hear Brother Zhang mention building a new temple before?"

Chen Fan pulled out a chair and sat down, smiling as he said, "Actually, the current Chaoyang Temple is just a temporary measure. After all, the environment wasn't very open back then, and we couldn't go too far. So, in my third master's name, we bought a slightly larger old house, and later modified it, which is the Chaoyang Temple we know today."

Even after the temple opened, there were still too many believers every day. The temple was bustling with people all day long, completely lacking the tranquility of a secluded place. But we couldn't stop believers from coming in.

So I was thinking that when the time was right, I would find a slightly larger piece of land in the suburbs of Beijing and rebuild a new temple.”

After he finished speaking, Mr. Huo nodded in realization, "I see."

He frowned and pondered for a moment, then asked, "Brother Chen, how big does this new temple need to be? Do you have any ideas?"

Chen Fan shook his head and laughed, "The bigger the better, of course. I'm really scared of being squeezed like this now."

We're working hard to save money now, and when Taoist temples are allowed to buy land, we'll buy a plot in a suitable place so the temple can be built more spaciously, making it more comfortable for my master, the other monks, and the believers.

Mr. Huo nodded slowly, then turned to look at the wealthy businessmen who seemed quite interested, and knew that they shared his thoughts.

He then turned to Chen Fan and smiled, “If that’s the case, why don’t I ask the leaders when I go to the capital next time? If it’s allowed, we can jointly donate to build this new Taoist temple. The money can come from this incense money. If it’s not enough, we will find a way to make up the difference.”

The other wealthy businessmen also nodded in agreement.

Wouldn't donating to a Taoist temple sound much better than donating money for incense offerings?
Moreover, based on their understanding of current land and property prices in mainland China, unless it's a very difficult-to-build, dozens-story skyscraper, a piece of land in the suburbs, plus a few old-style Taoist temple buildings, would probably cost less than one million US dollars.

They didn't spend more money and got a better deal. Anyone would know which option to choose, let alone these people who have made their way in the business world.

Upon hearing this, Chen Fan's eyes immediately lit up, and he grinned, "Wouldn't that be too much trouble?"

He had originally planned to have Zhou Yali handle the matter in two years, but now that Mr. Huo was involved, it was naturally the best thing.

It must be said that at a time when special economic zones are about to be established and religious affairs bureaus are about to be fully restored, it is undoubtedly a good thing that an overseas patriot donated a Taoist temple. The success rate of this matter is quite high.

Mr. Huo laughed and said, "It's just a casual question, how troublesome could it be?"

The next second, he quickly added, "But I can't guarantee anything about this. If it doesn't work out, please forgive me, Brother Chen."

Chen Fan waved his hands repeatedly, "No, no, if it doesn't work out, it's just that the time isn't right yet. How can you blame Mr. Huo?"

He then stood up and said, "Then let's move on, and I will now offer my blessings to all the believers."

Well, with the benefits right in front of us, even the way we address each other has changed.

(End of this chapter)