The Grandmother in the Siheyuan

Chapter 582 Calligraphy, Paintings, and Antiques
"We can create opportunities if we don't have them, but this ship is a real lifesaver." The leader of the South China Sea Fleet said with a smile, "Once we can create seven or eight strategic locations in the South China Sea, the entire South China Sea will be stable."

The two returned to the bridge from the bridge, where a map of the South China Sea was hanging. Liu Hua pointed at the map and said, "Isn't there a natural strategic location here? Why don't we use it?"

"where?"

Liu Hua pointed to Zheng He Island and said with a smile, "I remember that no international document recognizes this place as belonging to the Philippines. This is Zheng He Island, which was passed down from our ancestors."

"Academician Liu, you really dare to think big," the leader said with a smile. "But it's alright. Since you dare to think it, we dare to make it happen. Indeed, as you said, this is our Zheng He Island. Sooner or later, the name on this map will be changed."

On his way home, Liu Hua made a detour to Shanghai to see how things were going at the Jiangnan Shipyard.

"Academician Liu, you've come at the perfect time." The shipyard director of Shanghai Shipyard accompanied Liu Hua: "The installation and construction work has just been completed. Since you're here, we'll hold a launching ceremony and then take it out for sea trials."

Liu Hua participated in the launching ceremony of the ship, but unfortunately, he was not the one to smash the bottle. This bottle-smashing ceremony, which originated in the West, is usually performed by a lady, symbolizing the blessing of the sea goddess.

This time, they specially found a young girl from the project team to throw champagne. The boat slowly glided into the water, and after a while of rocking and swaying, it came to a steady stop on the water.

"Great, excellent." Liu Hua praised enthusiastically, "Conduct sea trials as soon as possible to see how strong our island-building capabilities are. The leaders of the South China Sea Fleet are right, we can create opportunities, but the equipment must be ready."

Liu Hua didn't pay attention to the sea trial because so many people were concerned about it. Several high-ranking officials came to see it. This was a major event, a matter of great importance to the future national strategy.

When Liu Hua returned to Beijing, Rosamund Kwan was still remotely directing her subordinates to acquire cosmetics from those old domestic brands.

Liu Feifei had just returned from her younger brother's place. Her tabby Ragdoll cat hadn't been feeling well lately. Liu Sheng's pet business now includes a pet hospital, providing a one-stop service.

"How's Liu Sheng's business?" Liu Hua asked casually. "He's now far ahead of everyone else in the Ragdoll cat market."

“That’s right, he’s my brother after all, not a coward.” Liu Feifei said proudly, “He now owns the largest Ragdoll cat breeding base in the country, and he also has two or three special breeds of Ragdoll cats. Even the Americans want to import from him. He’s a big shot in the international pet industry.”

"Now that you know Liu Sheng has a number one spot, you were so disappointed in him back then," Liu Hua said with a smile. "You were scolding your younger brother through gritted teeth. It seems that since your parents-in-law passed away, you've become more and more of an elder sister."

“There’s no way around it. I raised Liu Sheng, so I have to help my parents manage him. Back then, he was really neither good at academics nor martial arts, but I never expected him to improve so much after changing his path.” Liu Feifei said with tears in her eyes, “Now, I think I’ve done right by my parents.”

"She even started crying as she was talking." Liu Hua said cheerfully, "You should be happy. Your sister-in-law has stopped running the clothing market and switched to a boutique. Business is good. Your younger brother and sister are both doing well. Why are you crying?"

"Sir, someone has come looking for us. It was Brother Liu Sheng who brought them."

The nanny reported to Liu Hua that the house was now empty. Their daughter had gone to university and usually lived on campus. Only the elderly couple and two nannies were left at home.

"Liu Sheng brought people? That's strange, he's never brought anyone here before."

Liu Hua also knew the people Liu Sheng brought.

He was the curator of that private museum, whom everyone in the group respectfully called Master Ma. Master Ma saw Liu Hua and showed him great respect, taking the initiative to shake his hand: "Academician Liu, please forgive my abrupt visit."

"It's alright, my house is too messy to clean right now. It'll be more lively with a few more guests," Liu Hua said with a smile. "My two kids are either working or in school, so it's just my husband, my nanny, and me at home. I'm very happy you could come."

Liu Sheng smiled and said, "Brother-in-law, if you feel it's too quiet, you can come over here. There are quite a few people and pets here, it's very lively."

Liu Hua waved his hand: "I can't take good care of your little darlings. I'm too lazy to do anything right now, I can't even take care of myself."

Master Ma laughed and said, "Master Liu is an anomaly. How many grown men are this devoted to their pets?"

"Aren't you?" Liu Sheng retorted, "You cherish your thrushes like they're your precious treasures, just as much as I do."

Liu Hua waved his hand: "You are all oddballs. What brings you here today?"

“I was drinking with Mr. Ma that night and we talked about calligraphy, paintings and antiques. I mentioned that my brother-in-law has collected quite a few, including a long scroll by Huang Binhong that hangs in his study.”

Master Ma said with a smile, "What I like most is calligraphy, painting and antiques. Now that Master Liu has mentioned it, I can't hold back any longer. I hope he can help introduce me so I can also admire Huang Binhong's long scroll."

"It's nothing," Liu Hua said with a smile. "I have quite a few calligraphy, paintings, and antiques in my study."

During that special period, these kinds of antiques were confiscated. The steel mill had a warehouse full of them. Given his relationship with Li Huaide, he would often sneak in and take a lot of things. Li Huaide knew but pretended not to know.

Upon seeing the long scroll on the wall, Master Ma exclaimed, "What a treasure! This must be a work from Huang Binhong's peak period; its grandeur is truly magnificent!"

Master Ma stood there for a while, admiring the painting, and said with great praise, "I also have a few paintings by Huang Binhong, but they are nothing compared to this one."

“I bought these from a consignment shop; they were very cheap back then,” Liu Hua said with a smile. “Later, when they were confiscated, I also took some from the steel mill’s warehouse.”

Liu Hua led the two into the basement, which had been converted into Liu Hua's antique exhibition hall, and no outsiders had ever entered before.

When the lights were turned on, Mr. Ma felt his legs go weak: "Mr. Liu, you're amazing! Your collection blows my museum out of the water."

He couldn't help but be amazed. For example, Liu Hua had more than thirty volumes of the Yongle Encyclopedia and the Siku Quanshu, which he had taken from the warehouse back then. They were definitely unique copies.

"Mr. Liu, could you please lend me your property for a while?" Mr. Ma pleaded. "These are all national treasures."

Liu Hua waved his hand: "Not for now. If word gets out, I won't have a peaceful life anymore. The Palace Museum will be annoyed with me to death."

(End of this chapter)