C57 – Donate
“Mr. Su!”
Old Master Zhang received assistance in exiting the vehicle.
He approached Su Ming at a slow pace, still feeling the excitement from earlier.
Acting on impulse, he had entered the car, but now his lower back ached, his legs throbbed, and he lacked the strength to walk.
Old Master Zhang hastily inquired, “These items are of utmost importance to us. Would you consider selling them to me? We’re prepared to offer a generous sum. I just hope you won’t entertain offers from others.”
“Mr. Su, you have the liberty to name your price. We’re willing to meet your terms.”
“Quick, fetch a chair for Mr. Su.”
“Standing under this scorching sun is unbearable. Fetch the large parasol.”
“Zhang, make a run to the neighboring convenience store and buy some ice cream, chilled watermelon, and iced water.”
“Mr. Su, my apologies. The heat today must be exhausting you.”
“Mr. Su, please take a seat in my car for a while. It’s air-conditioned.”
“I’ve got air conditioning in my car too!”
The elderly group nearly engaged in a dispute.
Su Ming observed them, uncertain whether to laugh or be perplexed.
A gathering of septuagenarians and octogenarians encircled him.
“Mr. Su, this item is sensitive to the wind. It’s inconvenient to leave it here. I have several boxes in my car. We can store it in one.”
“The box is at your disposal.”
The elderly gentleman continued, “I see a few more paintings here. Would you like to secure them as well?”
“Mr. Su, are you interested in selling the antique jade in your car?”
“I think the front of your car is dented. I’m willing to cover the repair expenses.”
“Your car appears a tad dusty. I’ll arrange for a cleaning.”
Su Ming hurriedly waved his hand and declined, “No need!”
He couldn’t bear the elderly men’s enthusiasm.
“As long as the price you propose is reasonable, I can sell these items to you.”
Su Ming offered a faint smile and said, “No need to get overly excited.”
“Very well!”
Once money reached a certain level, it became just a number.
His primary reason for selling all these items was that his storage couldn’t accommodate them any longer.
“Well, these items are of no use to me. They would be better off in your hands, so I will donate these Bamboo Slips free of charge.”
“What?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
As soon as Su Ming made this declaration, all the elderly gentlemen in the room widened their eyes, as did the young scholars standing behind them.
Had they misheard?
A free donation?
If it were an elderly gentleman in his seventies or eighties, it might be plausible, but this was a young man in his twenties.
In the prime of his life!
He had just declared that he would give it away for free?
“Mr. Su, this is not acceptable.”
An elderly gentleman nearby hastily responded, “These items are too precious. We cannot accept them for free.”
“Indeed. Set a price. Even if we have to sell our properties, we will raise the money for you.”
“Mr. Su, you cannot decide to donate or not. We would feel ashamed to accept them.”
The elderly scholars chimed in earnestly.
Su Ming smiled faintly and spoke slowly, “To me, these are merely bamboo and inscriptions I cannot decipher. But to scholars, they are priceless treasures, and they hold immense significance for our nation. I have one request: please share the findings of your research with the public.”
The elderly scholars were momentarily stunned.
They all marveled at the young man.
“This young man is truly extraordinary!”
“I can donate these items for free, but I intend to sell these antique jade pieces,” Su Ming added with a smile.
“That is not a concern. Rest assured,” Old Master Zhang replied. “How about this: if you’re comfortable with it, we will compile a list. If you leave these items with us, we will ensure you receive the highest possible price.”
“Alright, that sounds fine.”
The remaining details were easily sorted out.
When these dozen or so elderly scholars gathered, they paid no heed to anything else. Their focus was solely on the Bamboo Slips, even neglecting food and drink.
Su Ming’s assistants, comprised of young individuals and students, diligently recorded the details in a ledger.
The person overseeing the proceedings was President Chen.
As for Su Ming, the true owner, he reclined on the sofa and idly played with his phone, eventually drifting off to sleep after some time.