Due to the change of the starting price by the auction house, the auction process has become calmer. There is no more heated bidding. After the reserve price of each collection is quoted, everyone must first measure the value of the object before deciding whether to
bid.
However, relying on this method, the auction process is much faster. Basically, every item is sold after the first bid. Some antiques with too high reserve prices will be rejected if no one adds to the reserve price.
The auction of more than 30 antiques from China ended at around five o'clock in the afternoon.
Adhering to the rules he had set, Zhuang Rui did not take action again. Instead, Huangfu Yun bought a Longquan sword from the Qing Dynasty for 270,000 euros, which almost wiped out Huangfu Yun's family fortune.
Before leaving the auction house, Zhuang Rui exchanged contact information with Ms. Zhang, Mr. Liu and others. Many domestic collectors have a good impression of Zhuang Rui.
Especially Mr. Zhao, who had taken the porcelain at a cheap price, was naturally very grateful to Zhuang Rui for this idea, and even invited Zhuang Rui to visit his private collection after he returned to China.
"Brother Huangfu, I am going to London tonight. Do you want to stay here or go back to the United States?"
After returning to the hotel, Zhuang Rui looked at Huangfu Yun who was fondly playing with the Longquan sword in his hand and asked.
Huangfu Yun carefully wiped the sword body with a white cloth, then put the sword into its sheath, raised his head and said, "I'm almost penniless, why do I stay here?"
"I will return to China tomorrow and pack up all the swords I have collected in my home in the United States and bring them back to China. Your museum must leave a good exhibition hall for me..."
He is not strong enough to open a museum, but he can borrow Zhuang Rui's place to fulfill his long-cherished wish. Huangfu Yun still attaches great importance to this matter. Although the name cannot be a sword museum, it can display his collection in front of the world. Huangfu Yun
Already very satisfied.
"Okay, even if you don't want to, I will force you to do it..."
Zhuang Rui smiled and replied, "If you don't have Huangfu Yun's hundreds of swords, and only have dozens of antiques of your own, you want to open a private museum? It's just ridiculous. Not to mention that there is nothing to display when the museum is opened. That's what happened before."
The application may not be approved no matter how relevant it is.
Zhuang Rui has considered whether to change the name of the museum to China Dingguang Sword Museum. After all, the main collection after its opening will definitely be Huangfu Yun's swords.
However, although such a name can highlight the theme at the beginning, it is somewhat inappropriate for enriching the collection types in the future. After Zhuang Rui thought about it again and again, he gave up the idea.
"By the way, Brother Huangfu, how do you plan for your future career development?"
Zhuang Rui poured Huangfu Yun a cup of coffee and placed it on the coffee table in front of him.
"career planning?"
Huangfu Yun was a little confused by Zhuang Rui's irrelevant question. He was stunned for a moment before replying: "I am a contract lawyer of a famous law firm in New York, but it is enough for me to litigate three or five lawsuits every year."
I have been eating it for several years, and now I just want to collect some cold weapons from various countries in the world that have been lost among the people. In the future, I may sell them to support the collection, and I can’t tell if I specialize in this industry..."
The law firm that Huangfu Yun works for is very famous in the United States. The cases it takes are either rich or expensive, or they are commercial cases between large companies. After a lawsuit, the lawyer can make a lot of money.
The money is full, otherwise where would Huangfu Yun get the spare money to collect antique swords all over the world?
Zhuang Rui asked with a smile: "Then why don't you consider collecting professionally now?"
"Now? Brother, I don't have as much wealth as you. If I buy this sword, I will almost become a pauper. If I don't go back to make money, how can I survive by drinking the northwest wind?"
Huangfu Yun glared at Zhuang Rui angrily, and after brushing the sword and scabbard in his hand with sword flowers, he couldn't help but take it out again and started playing with it. It seemed that he was really obsessed with such objects.
"Brother Huangfu, I have an idea, I wonder if you can accept it..." Zhuang Rui pondered for a moment and then said.
"What does your idea have to do with me? Well... then let's hear it..." Huangfu Yun replied casually, his attention still on the Longquan sword in his hand.
"It's like this. I have invested in a lot of industries now, but I have never hired a lawyer to take care of it. I am also a little confused about the profits I have earned. I was wondering if you, a great god, could condescend to come to my place.
what about work?"
As Zhuang Rui's investment properties increased, he felt that he needed people to help him share some tasks, including the subsequent negotiations with the Guimet Museum and the signing of the agreement, which were all handled by himself. He was really a bit overwhelmed.
Zhuang Rui has always adhered to the belief that professional matters need to be handled by professionals, so whether it is jade mines, jade mines or auto repair shops and other industries, Zhuang Rui has not reached out to manage them randomly, but these things also need a person to handle.
Huangfu Yun was the most suitable person to help him compile it.
Huangfu Yun didn't pay much attention to Zhuang Rui's words at first. After hearing Zhuang Rui's words, he couldn't help but be stunned for a moment. He finally took his eyes away from the Longquan sword, looked at Zhuang Rui and asked: "Brother, what you said is true.
?My worth is not low..."
In the United States, the most top-notch and well-known barristers are often partners of law firms. If their annual income is converted into RMB, many of them have more than 50 million yuan.
Huangfu Yun is not yet at that level, but his annual income is about three to four million RMB, which in US dollars is five to six million US dollars. This kind of income is considered very high in China.
Zhuang Rui smiled and said: "Brother Huangfu, let me tell you your worth..."
"Damn, are you serious?"
Huangfu Yun inserted the Longquan sword into its sheath and said seriously: "I work for six or seven months a year, and I can probably earn about three million RMB. If you want to hire me as a full-time private lawyer, I will handle your business, including
As for daily affairs, five million per year, I can consider it..."
"five million?"
Zhuang Rui was shocked by the price offered by Brother Huangfu. Manager Wu, who looked like Qin Ruilin, only had only two to three million RMB a year, but he could help himself create tens of millions of profits a year. Compared to Manager Wu
, the value Huangfu Yun can create does not seem that great.
"Brother, what's wrong? Are you scared?"
Brother Huangfu couldn't help laughing when he saw Zhuang Rui's expression, "I have a double bachelor's degree in law and an MBA in the United States, and I have a good understanding of the financial market. It will be very useful in integrating your business, formulating investment intentions, and avoiding investment risks in the future."
Yes, it's five million yuan a year. That's because we are friends. If a domestic company asks me to be a full-time legal consultant, I will ask for at least eight million yuan..."
What Huangfu Yun said is quite right. He is now considered a relatively well-known person in the legal field. Generally, companies must make an appointment in advance to hire him to litigate, and he is also worth a lot of money.
Nowadays, the legal consultants hired by many multinational companies are indeed ridiculously expensive, and they can indeed help companies avoid many risks. However, Zhuang Rui is not even a self-employed person, so he spends so much money to hire Huangfu Yun, so he has to weigh it.
"five million……"
Zhuang Rui was a little undecided and pondered in his heart, but when he looked up, he saw Qin Xuanbing nodded slightly, which meant that he agreed.
"Five million is five million, but I have one more request..."
Zhuang Rui finally nodded and agreed, but Huangfu Yun was surprised. He proposed this price with the intention of evading it, but to his surprise, Zhuang Rui actually agreed.
As mentioned just now, the cost of hiring lawyers for some large companies is extremely high, but it is usually a cooperation with a law firm. Huangfu Yun is famous abroad, but when he returns to China, he may not be able to enjoy the benefits of such top lawyers.
treatment.
"What's the request?" Huangfu Yun asked in a deep voice, his face becoming serious.
If Zhuang Rui is really willing to pay this money, Huangfu Yun is also willing to return to China for development. Now that China's economy is changing rapidly, there are relatively more opportunities.
Zhuang Rui smiled and said: "It's very simple. In addition to helping me handle some business matters, Brother Huangfu, you also have to serve as the executive deputy director of my museum. You will be in charge of the daily work of the museum, and you will often contact foreign museums.
Carry out some exchange and exhibition activities..."
Zhuang Rui set up a private museum in a hurry this time. The main reason was to exchange collections with the Guimei Museum. In his heart, he was not mentally prepared to manage a museum, so after thinking about Huangfu Yun, he simply
People use their talents and leave this mess to Huangfu Yun.
"Let me be the executive deputy director of the museum?!"
After Huangfu Yun heard Zhuang Rui's words, the expression on his face was a bit strange. He couldn't tell whether he was happy or disappointed.
"Yes, I may not have enough time to take care of the museum in the past two years, so I need to trouble you..."
Zhuang Rui nodded. He is going to study under Professor Meng's graduate program this year. I am afraid he will focus mainly on his studies. Whether it is museums or business in Myanmar and Xinjiang, he may not have much time to inquire about it. This is why he is willing to spend a lot of money.
The main reason for asking Huangfu Yun.
"Okay, then I'll take this job. I'll go back to the United States tomorrow and get rid of the house. By the way, brother, the sword exhibition hall in the museum has to be decorated by me..."
Huangfu Yun had not yet made any plans to return to China, but now that he heard Zhuang Rui's request, he immediately made his decision and showed great excitement.
"Not only the sword exhibition hall, but also everything else is left to you. Those who can do more work..."
Zhuang Rui smiled a little like a little fox at this time. Huangfu Yun had been abroad for many years and he had been to basically all famous museums. It was definitely the best choice to leave his private museum to him.
Of course, Zhuang Rui still fulfills his duties as curator, even if he is just an unpragmatic nominal curator.
After negotiating with Zhuang Rui, Huangfu Yun felt as if he had been given a shot of chicken blood and became inexplicably excited. When he heard that Zhuang Rui had started to prepare for the decoration of the museum, he was not willing to wait for a moment and immediately asked the hotel to help.
After booking a flight, I had to fly back to New York overnight.
Since accepting Zhuang Rui's appointment, Huangfu Yun immediately got into the role.
According to Huangfu Yun, the decoration of this museum must be unique. He also needs to help Zhuang Rui handle the affairs of the Guimei Museum, and he also needs to rush to London to help him obtain the maximum benefits in the negotiations with Ezkenna.
, which means I have some time the day after tomorrow, so I have to go back to New York to take care of things first.
"Xuan Bing, what did you mean by winking at me just now?"
After seeing off Huangfu Yun who was about to rush to the airport, Zhuang Rui returned to the room, looked at Qin Xuanbing and asked, Qin Xuanbing had not interfered much in his affairs until now, but today's attitude made Zhuang Rui a little confused.
"Look..."
Qin Xuanbing moved the laptop screen she had been playing with in front of her in front of Zhuang Rui.
"Huangfu Yun's introduction?"
Zhuang Rui discovered that this was a profile posted by an American headhunting company. In it, Huangfu Yun was highly praised, calling him a rising star in the American judiciary. He had personally presided over the court defense of many well-known American companies, and
Won the case.
According to this headhunting company, Huangfu Yun already has a relatively stable customer base, and has the reputation and ability to open a law firm. According to their assessment, Huangfu Yun will be able to win from various lawsuits every year in the next few years.
Here, he received an annual salary of no less than US$1 million.
After seeing this introduction, Zhuang Rui understood why Qin Xuanbing asked him to agree to Huangfu Yun's salary requirements and dared to sign him himself. He still took advantage. You know, in 2005, 1 million US dollars was equivalent to 7 to 8 million RMB.
However, things have two sides. I definitely don't have any lawsuits to fight, so I asked Huangfu Yun to come over to help. What's more, I want to borrow his business talent to help me handle some exchanges and cooperation with foreign museums.
Regardless of whether Huangfu Yun can create profits for himself that far exceed 5 million in annual salary, the matter has been decided. Zhuang Rui took Qin Xuanbing's DV player, connected it to the computer with a data cable, and dialed Viagra's number.
.
"Hey, Boss Zhuang, do you still remember my brother? I thought you were stuck in Wenrou Village and couldn't come out..."
After Wei Wei returned to Zhonghai from Changhua, he was busy with his marriage. He did not plan to live with his parents. During this time, he was renovating the house, and his contact with Zhuang Rui was not as frequent as before.
"Don't talk nonsense. I'm in Paris. International long distance is expensive!" Zhuang Rui smiled and joked with Yang Wei.
"Tch, my brother is getting married and going to Hawaii for vacation. You and I are having sex with each other. If anything happens, please tell me quickly..." There was a bit of noise over at Viagra, and Zhuang Rui estimated that he would still be at the new house.
"Can you access the Internet now? I'll send a video to your email. You can do some processing, mosaic all the scenes about me in the video, and then upload the video to the Internet.
Remember, it doesn’t matter whether it is uploaded domestically or not, but it must be uploaded to foreign websites, preferably to some professional auction websites..."
Zhuang Rui's words made Qin Xuanbing beside him look at her. The husband she found was not a gentleman at all. He spent hundreds of thousands of euros less to take advantage. Now he wants to expose the auction house, which is a bit like killing everyone.
ah.
However, Zhuang Rui's words made Viagra on the other side of the ocean nervous. He could be heard running outside the door, his voice lowered a bit, and asked: "Didn't your kid go abroad to be 007? What kind of video did you make?
?The zipper door of the President of France? Damn it, we can sell it for money, a lot of media will want it..."
"Go away, when will I take nude photos of you and your wife? I said Viagra, you also have a wife, why do you have such a dirty mind?"
Zhuang Rui cursed on the phone angrily. It's true that he has a rich imagination, but can he get the video of the French President's zippered door? Do you really think that every president is like Clinton?
"Okay, let's go to the Internet cafe and get a few more broilers. Don't use domestic clients..."
Zhuang Rui was too lazy to talk nonsense with Viagra. Besides, he often heard that foreign phone calls were monitored. Zhuang Rui was also afraid that he would not be monitored, so he hung up the phone after telling Yang Wei.
When it comes to Viagra's computer technology, Zhuang Rui absolutely believes in it. Ever since he was in college, Yang Wei has often hung out in some hacker forums. He seems to have participated in some Sino-US hacker war. Zhuang Rui had no money at that time and could play computer games.
There are not many of them, and in this regard, they are far inferior to Yang Wei.
After handling this matter, Zhuang Rui turned down the hotel room, took Peng Fei and Bai Shi with Qin Xuanbing, and took a car to Paris Airport. Yesterday, he asked He Shuang to contact the airline and fly directly to London tonight.
After sitting on my private plane and waiting for about an hour, I received a notice from the airport that it was ready to take off. The plane penetrated the sky like a sword. This trip to Paris was officially over, but Zhuang Rui had an impact.
, but in the next few days, it spread all over the world.
The straight-line distance between London and Paris is only a few hundred kilometers. The plane flew for more than an hour before landing at the London Airport.
Although the distance was very close, after getting off the plane, Zhuang Rui clearly felt that the temperature in London was several degrees lower than that in Paris, and the air did not seem to be as good as Paris.
Before coming to London, Qin Xuanbing informed the staff of Qin Jewelry in London.
Since Qin Xuanbing has been designing jewelry for the British royal family last year and is considered a jewelry designer for the British royal family, Qin's jewelry also enjoys preferential treatment in the UK and can drive directly into the airport.
Without exception, the appearance of the white lion made the driver who came to pick up Qin Xuanbing and others tremble with fear. In the end, it was the hotel where Qin Xuanbing drove to.
There are more old buildings in London than in Paris. As cars drive on the old and damp streets, Zhuang Rui's mind also reflects on the description of the city of London in the book.
London is the capital, largest city and port of the United Kingdom. It is also one of the largest metropolitan areas in Europe and one of the four world-class cities in the world, alongside New York in the United States, Paris in France and Tokyo in Japan.
From 1801 to the beginning of the 20th century, as the capital of the British Empire, a global empire, London became the largest city in the world due to its outstanding achievements in politics, economy, humanities and culture, scientific and technological inventions and other fields.
And London is also a very diverse metropolis. Its residents come from all over the world, with diverse races, religions and cultures. There are more than 300 languages used in the city. At the same time, London is also a world-famous tourist destination with a large number of scenic spots.
Attractions and museums, etc.
It’s just that after the Second World War, Britain’s influence on the world pattern was no longer as good as it was in the era of Queen Victoria. During Victoria’s reign from 1837 to 1901, Britain was undoubtedly the most powerful country in the world.
one.
However, as the capital of an old empire, London still has a profound heritage. The ancient Tower Bridge on the Thames River, the Palace of Westminster, which is listed as one of the world cultural heritages, and St. Paul's Cathedral, a representative of Baroque-style architecture, are all...
It no longer explains the historical and cultural heritage of this city.
Zhuang Rui's impression of Britain, including London, is more about the Premier League. British football has developed extremely rapidly in recent years. It has surpassed the Italian League, known as the Little World Cup, and has become the country with the top five European leagues.
.
The hotel where Zhuang Rui and his crew members stayed was arranged by Qin Jewelry's employees in London. It is an internationally renowned five-star hotel, and the venue for this International Jewelry Expo was held in this hotel.
It can be said to be very convenient.
Zhuang Rui had a very exciting day today. In addition, he had just taken a plane, and he felt a little tired mentally. After entering the hotel, he took a shower and went to bed. However, Zhuang Rui felt that he had not slept for long.
It rang.
"Who is it?" Qin Xuanbing's voice sounded next to her.
"It's Fourth Brother, you go to bed first, I'll go out and answer the phone..."
Zhuang Rui got off the bed, came to the living room, and pressed the answer button.
"Hey, Wu'er, it's not bad. I didn't notice it. You are really strong-backed. The old man praised you. My uncle may give you a call later. Okay, your museum matter is not a big problem anymore...
…”
Ouyang Jun spoke very quickly. Before Zhuang Rui heard what was going on, he hung up the phone and looked at the wall clock hanging in the living room. Zhuang Rui immediately felt itchy with hatred. It's easy for me.
It's three o'clock at night, why are you bothering me?
"Damn, who is it again?"
When Zhuang Rui was about to go back to the house, his cell phone rang again. Zhuang Rui was so angry that he wanted to turn it off directly. However, when he saw the number on it, he couldn't help but froze because there was no caller ID on the phone screen.
"Hey, who is this?!"
Zhuang Rui was naturally not in a good mood when he was disturbed at three o'clock in the middle of the night.
"Xiao Rui, I am your uncle..."
The voice from the other end of the phone made Zhuang Rui wake up instantly. In his memory, it seemed that his uncle had not called him yet.
