Chapter 8 National Day Trip to the Forbidden City (2)
On October 1st, in the office area of the Palace Museum—
Su Yutang, a native of City B, sat in the monitoring room, his gaze sweeping over the long, winding queue of tourists waiting to have their tickets checked on the screen. He exclaimed, "Wow, wow, wow, it's a sea of people. I've been here at least 30 times in my life, and this is the first time I've seen so many people."
What's particularly striking today is the large number of foreigners at the entrance, mostly of European descent. Many were even filming videos with their phones, chattering away in a language I couldn't quite make out.
Zhang Mo was sitting next to him looking at reports on a tablet. In just a few days, the total sales of the "intelligent translation" function had exceeded 80 million RMB!
And as the opening time approaches, this number continues to rise rapidly.
Even when the Ministry of Commerce conducted data analysis, the conclusion they reached was—
"It's still easier to fool foreigners."
At the same time, the technology department was also sending out data—
"According to policies and regulations, insulting language was blocked in real time that day, totaling 182,345 messages."
Our foreign friends' insult skills are still too low-level; even Master Yu said to let them hurl 100 insults first.
We translated what you asked us to translate, and whether the translated work passed the review is not our problem.
Anyway, she's already a capitalist, and capitalists should make money from capitalist countries!
Satisfied, Zhang Mo closed the report page and the group chat, then turned to Su Yutang and asked curiously, "What are you doing coming to the museum so many times?"
Su Yutang shrugged: "There's nothing I can do. Every time friends from out of town come to visit, they specifically ask to come here, so I have to go with them. I've practically memorized the tour guide's script."
“It’s 8:05. There are still 25 minutes until the museum opens.” Zhang Mo glanced at the time and said thoughtfully, “Hiss, I suddenly realized that I’ve been studying in B City for four years and I’ve never been here before.”
At that time, she was a poor college student, focused on academic credits and part-time jobs, and had never visited any of these tourist attractions.
"Haha, since we've made it this far, why don't I take this opportunity to introduce myself to Mr. Zhang?" A refined laugh rang out, and the newcomer was Director Wang of the Palace Museum. He strolled in with his hands behind his back, the morning light still reflecting off his glasses, making him appear exceptionally kind and approachable.
Zhang Mo stood up and said with a faint smile, "How could I possibly let Dean Wang introduce me personally?"
Dean Wang waved his hand and said with a smile, "It's only right, and we are very grateful to General Manager Zhang for his support of our work."
An unspoken understanding filled the air.
Although this matter was ostensibly handled by the National Security Bureau and the Ministry of Culture, Director Wang also had his own connections. He knew, to some extent, that these cultural relics were all intricately linked to the General Manager Zhang in front of him.
In particular, the Shang Dynasty dragon-patterned white jade pillow, the Shang Dynasty black bird-patterned handle fly whisk, and the Qing Dynasty white jade burial jar with intertwined branches pattern are three cultural relics.
According to the Museum Regulations, museums can acquire cultural relics through purchase, donations, or legal exchanges, and can also improve the efficiency of their collections through borrowing.
These three cultural relics were loaned out free of charge by an anonymous kind-hearted person for this temporary exhibition, and are only on display during specific major holidays.
Zhang Mo: "Since Dean Wang has said so, then I won't stand on ceremony. Could you please take me to the venue where those cultural relics are located so we can double-check the equipment for the live broadcast?"
Dean Wang: "No problem, Mr. Zhang, this way please."
Zhang Mo glanced at Su Yutang.
Su Yutang: "I won't go. I'll stay here and keep an eye on the surveillance. The guards this time are all elites, so Dean Wang and President Zhang can rest assured."
Even the guards have been replaced with agents from the National Security Bureau, which shows that the higher-ups are indeed taking this matter very seriously.
Soon, Dean Wang led Zhang Mo to the exhibition hall where the five cultural relics were on display.
The air conditioning in the exhibition hall was on full blast, and the glass display cases gleamed coldly under the spotlights.
The display case is surrounded by a cordon to ensure that visitors can view it at a safe distance, while also adding a touch of solemnity and sanctity.
To emphasize the importance attached to this event, the exhibition hall only displays these five artifacts separately, and at each of the four corners of the hall stands a capable and imposing guard.
Zhang Mo glanced around and noticed that they were all familiar faces, especially Wu Kexin in the southeast corner.
A simple nod is enough to acknowledge the greeting.
Dean Wang was unaware that Zhang Mo knew these experts sent from above. His eyes were fixed on the white jade pillow with Shang dragon patterns in front of him, full of admiration: "It's been a long time since I've seen such a well-preserved cultural relic with such exquisite design."
The quality of the jade and the craftsmanship are simply exquisite!
Although tours are now by reservation only, based on my experience, today's visitor numbers will definitely break previous records! Tens of thousands of people want to see these treasures in person!
Just as Dean Wang was giving his passionate speech, a small but very crisp "clang" interrupted him.
Dean Wang suddenly straightened up, his reading glasses sliding down to the tip of his nose: "What was that sound?"
Based on his years of experience, it sounded like jade hitting a hard object.
Zhang Mo: "......"
Dean Wang looked at Zhang Mo with a puzzled expression: "President Zhang, did you hear anything just now?"
Zhang Mo remained calm and said without changing her expression, "No."
Dean Wang rubbed his temples and muttered, "Did I hear wrong?" He then turned his gaze to the white jade pillow with dragon patterns. "Was it my imagination? Why do I feel like it just shook? Was there an earthquake?" His tone was tinged with uncertainty and fear.
She definitely trembled slightly; it was an involuntary tremor that came from the socially anxious person hearing that tens of thousands of people wanted to see her...
Zhang Mo: "Cough, it must be because you've been working too hard lately and haven't been resting properly."
Wu Kexin and her three colleagues looked up at the ceiling together, pretending nothing had happened.
Zhang Mo changed the subject: "And I believe the recent public opinion has had some impact on you, hasn't it?"
At this point, Dean Wang smiled: "There are indeed some, but when I think about how those people will be shocked when they see the real thing, I can't stay angry."
What's this called again? According to you young people, I think it's called being slapped in the face?
Zhang Mo said politely, "Dean Wang is truly keeping up with the times."
Dean Wang was pleased with Zhang Mo's praise and asked, "The museum is about to open. Director Zhang, is there anything that needs to be adjusted?"
Zhang Mo didn't mince words and said directly, "It would be best to move this warning line outward by half a meter."
From what I understand, these artifacts are a little... shy.
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