Chapter 722
Suddenly a consensus was reached, and Sir Grey stammered:
"That's...good. Now...the details..."
Over the next two hours, lawyers from both sides discussed the terms of the agreement in detail.
The list of cultural relics, handover time, payment method, scope of media coverage, etc., every detail needs to be determined in black and white.
When all the documents were ready and waiting for signatures from both parties, Mrs. Grey suddenly asked:
"Mr. Lin, I'm curious, how did you resolve the funding issue in such a short time? Did your government agree to increase the funds so quickly?"
Counselor Lin hesitated for a moment, then decided to tell the story behind it:
"To be honest, the difference was made up by a Chinese university student using his own savings.
Her name is Su Miao, she is Ms. Hu's classmate, and she is the one who proposed the 'honor exchange' plan."
There was silence in the drawing room. Charles' eyes widened in surprise, while Mrs. Grey gently wiped the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief.
Her wife murmured to herself, "A student...using all his savings...Henry, do we really deserve such sincerity?"
Sir Grey was silent for a long time, then finally picked up the pen and signed his name on the agreement.
When he raised his head, there was a rare hint of respect in his eyes:
"Counselor Lin, please tell Miss Su that the Grey Family thanks her for her...generosity. I hope to have the opportunity to meet her in the capital next summer."
The handover ceremony is scheduled to take place in a week, and media coverage is also in full swing.
According to the agreement, mainstream media in China and the Ukrainian Islamic Republic will simultaneously report on this "cultural exchange event" to highlight the Gray family's positive role in promoting friendly relations between China and the Ukrainian Islamic Republic.
Counselor Lin said at an internal meeting at the embassy:
"This is a win-win situation. We have recovered our national treasure, and the Grey family has regained social honor. Most importantly, this case will set a good precedent for similar cultural property returns in the future."
On the day of the signing ceremony, Grey Castle was unusually lively.
Because the agreement had been signed and the path was clear, the matter naturally became public. Not only was it public, it was also used as a typical propaganda.
Diplomatic officials, museum experts and media reporters from China and Iraq gathered together.
Under the illumination of flashing lights, Sir Grey and Counselor Lin jointly signed the final handover documents.
When the knight handed the cultural relics to the Chinese representatives, the audience burst into warm applause.
Sir Charles said in his speech: "Today is a historic moment and the Grey family is honored to contribute to the cultural exchange between China and Eagle.
These precious works of art will return to their homeland, and what we gain is a deeper friendship between the peoples of our two countries."
Counselor Lin’s speech was even more moving: “These cultural relics carry the historical memory and cultural genes of the Chinese nation.
Nearly a century of displacement finally comes to an end today. We thank the Gray family for this generous act, which demonstrates the Eagle Country people's respect for cultural diversity and their commitment to historical justice."
After the ceremony, Hu Xiaodie, who was invited to attend, quietly walked to the back garden of the castle to get some fresh air.
The winter sun is unusually warm, and it brings a sense of comfort when it shines on your face.
I can finally put aside the tension and worry during this period.
Charles came over and handed her a cup of hot tea. "Hu, thank you for everything. If it weren't for you, we would never know the true value of those 'old goods' - not only in terms of money, but also in terms of culture."
Hu Xiaodie took the teacup, and in the steam, she saw the sincerity in Charles' eyes:
"Actually, what I did was insignificant. What's remarkable is your family, Counselor Lin and his people, and Su Miao. I've told you about our country's current economic situation. 10,000 pounds is a considerable sum.
Her major is archaeology, and now she is really showing her love for this profession through her own actions.”
Charles nodded, "I know. I'm very much looking forward to meeting this special lady on next year's trip to Beijing. I admire her greatly."
Hu Xiaodie said cautiously: "There is one more thing, Charles, I must apologize to you.
I was the one who told Su Miao that your family had Ru kiln porcelain, and it was I who sent her the photos that led to the subsequent series of stories. I apologize for not having your consent."
Charles said gently, "It's okay, I understand. Besides, it was you who solved our family's predicament. For this, I should thank you."
…
After the handover, the cultural relics will be escorted back to China by Mr. Ma, Commissioner Liu and accompanying personnel from the embassy.
To ensure safety, Mr. Ma and Commissioner Liu made special protective boxes, wrapped each cultural relic tightly, and the three of them held them in their arms all the time during the journey.
At the Beijing airport, there were five cars coming to pick up the cultural relics, and reporters were following them throughout the process.
The cultural relics were carefully transported to the Palace Museum.
There, the top cultural relic restoration experts are ready to conduct a thorough inspection and necessary restoration on these cultural relics that have gone through vicissitudes of life.
Although it will take a long time before these cultural relics can be officially exhibited to the public, today, everyone involved in this return operation will have the opportunity to have a sneak peek.
When the Ru kiln celadon glaze lotus-shaped saucer was taken out of its special packaging by the experts, the scene was silent.
After nearly a hundred years of wandering, it finally returned to its homeland.
The glaze shone with a soft luster under the light, and the color, like the sky after rain, made everyone hold their breath.
Su Miao received a special invitation and was able to witness this moment.
When she returned from the museum, she also had a package in her arms, which was brought to her by Mrs. Thomas Grey.
After opening it, she found a beautiful photo album, a small velvet box and a letter.
The album contained high-definition photos of the cultural relic handover ceremony, and the letter came from Mrs. Olivia Grey:
"Dear Miss Su:
Although we've never met, your story deeply moved me. The fact that a young person could selflessly dedicate themselves to our nation's cultural heritage gives me hope for this ancient civilization.
Attached to this letter are photos of the handover ceremony and a small gift, a Chinese jade pendant left by my mother.
It is said that it was carved personally by a Chinese friend and given to me. Now, I want to give it to you.
Looking forward to seeing you in Beijing next summer.
Sincerely,
Olivia Grey"
Su Miao carefully opened the velvet box, revealing a flawless white Pixiu jade pendant that shone with a warm luster under the light.
She gently stroked the lines on the jade, as if touching the friendship that transcended time and space.
Su Miao's 60,000 yuan was like a stone thrown into the long river of history, which briefly stirred up her life and allowed the national treasure that had been silent for a hundred years to finally return to where it belonged.
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