Chapter 387: The Auction and the Museum Plan

“Our Own Museum”

Fu Qiong’s expression shifted in an instant as she suddenly understood everything.

At that moment, she finally grasped why the auction had stirred her own Leader and even pulled him away from the core district to Haishi.

On further thought,

although both Tengwang Pavilion and the Protectorate of West Liang now function as exhibition hubs—especially the Protectorate, which, thanks to the famed Yeguang Cup, holds its own among northwestern museums—

the fact remained that Mingsha City didn’t have its very own museum.

After all, what belongs to others will always remain theirs! “Leader, where should we build our own museum?”

Regaining her composure,

Fu Qiong couldn’t help but ask.

Even she found it hard to contain her curiosity.

Everyone knew that Mingsha City represented the pinnacle of ancient construction in the Long Kingdom—if even dining spaces made use of Zhaixing Pavilion, imagine the grandeur of a museum.

Sure enough, if a Mingsha City Museum were to materialize, it would surely unleash a bloodbath in Long Kingdom’s art circles.

“We have to secure the items first; without the Yongle Encyclopedia, everything is meaningless.”

Xu Hao didn’t answer Fu Qiong directly but instead focused his attention on the auction floor.

At that very moment, bidding for the Silk Road Landscape Scroll had reached its climax. “Ten million!”

On site, Bidder 187 maintained his usual uncompromising style—no hesitation in his bid.

“You,”

In the front row, Wenmo Group President Sun Xin’s face drained of color. By custom, he should have added another $50,000.

Yet at that moment, Sun Xin hesitated for a long time and ultimately refrained from raising his bid.

Though he seethed inside, he had no choice—he intended to go head-to-head with Bidder 187, but his available funds prevented another bid.

“Alright! Ten million on the first call, ten million on the second, ten million on the third—sold! Congratulations to Mr. 187 for securing the complete Silk Road Scenic Map.”

The auctioneer, a seasoned pro,

noticing Sun Xin’s silence, swiftly moved to the final procedures without further ado.

Thus, the Silk Road Landscape Scroll was successfully clinched by Bidder 187.

But that wasn’t all.

To everyone’s surprise, after winning the Silk Road Landscape Scroll, Bidder 187 didn’t stick around but instead left for the backstage to complete the handover.

“What does this mean? He’s leaving already? Could it be that he isn’t bidding on the Yongle Encyclopedia?”

Many on site exchanged puzzled glances.

In their eyes, Bidder 187’s unhesitating bid—raising ten million for the entire landscape scroll—spoke volumes of his capability.

A bidder of his caliber was bound to pursue the Yongle Encyclopedia.

Yet he turned and left as if he had come solely for the Silk Road Landscape Scroll.

“I have no idea what kind of background this foreigner has!”

Watching Bidder 187’s retreating figure, Sun Xin nearly ground his teeth in anger—his plan had been completely derailed.

But in such a situation, he had no choice but to accept defeat.

Still, Sun Xin looked gloomy, while many felt relieved that he hadn’t secured the complete Silk Road Scenic Map.

“Good thing he didn’t win! Now Mr. Sun can focus all his efforts on the Yongle Encyclopedia!”

On various forums, many commented just that.

Even Qi Jianwen and Zuo Ping from Yan City expressed similar sentiments.

They fully backed Sun Xin’s bid for the Yongle Encyclopedia, not for the Silk Road Scenic Map.

It wasn’t that the landscape scroll was lacking; in many ways, the Yongle Encyclopedia symbolized the nation’s prestige.

“Ten million is no small sum—it might well be the final straw in securing the Yongle Encyclopedia!”

They exchanged knowing glances.

Qi Jianwen took a deep breath.

“That’s right! Even if the Yongle Encyclopedia is invaluable, in later stages, its price can’t just keep ballooning indefinitely.”

Zuo Ping added.

“But then again, although Mr. Sun eventually gave up on the landscape scroll, his bidding strategy—”

As he moved to the tea table to brew a strong cup, Qi Jianwen couldn’t resist asking again.

“Do you think there’s a problem with Mr. Sun’s bidding approach?”

At that, Zuo Ping’s expression shifted.

“Not that there’s a problem, but bidding only in increments of $50,000 isn’t ideal—right from the start, that Bidder 187 had the upper hand.”

Clutching his tea cup, he returned to his seat.

Qi Jianwen shook his head slightly.

“Leader, when you mentioned Bidder 187, for some reason, I instantly thought of Mingsha City! Had Mingsha City attended this auction, its bids would have mirrored Bidder 187’s—relentlessly overpowering the competition from the outset.”

Zuo Ping straightened his posture.

“Hmm? You thought of Mingsha City too?”

Qi Jianwen paused, clearly surprised.

To be honest, he had thought of Mingsha City as well, even imagining how great it would be if they had participated in the auction.

But that thought was quickly dismissed.

Mingsha City was just a Tourism Company, busy with its core district ‘Epang Palace’ project, and after the recent setback with No.4 Entertainment City, there was no way they’d heavily invest in this area.

“It’s just a pity. I hope Mingsha City isn’t too affected by No.4 Entertainment City—online sentiment toward them tonight is rather unfavorable!”

Zuo Ping sighed deeply.

When Mingsha City used to stir up controversies, he was constantly on edge, fearing something would go wrong. Now, its quietness felt oddly off.

“That shouldn’t matter. Despite the online chatter, tourist numbers haven’t dropped a bit! Particularly, several southern summer study tour groups start in ancient Chang’an and then head straight to Mingsha City!”

Qi Jianwen waved his hand with confidence.

Although the internet dubbed Mingsha City as a trendy tourist hotspot built in the desert, it was fundamentally different from ordinary viral locations.

It possessed a rich historical and cultural heritage,

and in many other aspects, it had long surpassed Xidu.

“Oh, I really hope Mingsha City can quickly regain its old momentum.”

Zuo Ping hesitated, unsure of what more to say.

Tourism across the Long Kingdom was fiercely competitive nowadays. Mingsha City had once been dominant, but other cities were catching up—just like Xidu, which recently launched several small projects on a street in Datang’s Neverending City.

There were activities like quiz contests organized by Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui, as well as the weeble-wobble game, among others.

They became instant hits!

Some even remarked online that Datang’s Neverending City in Xidu hosted the second most people in ancient costumes, only behind Mingsha City.

There were rumors that a department within Xidu Tourism had already targeted Mingsha City as the next to surpass.

If Mingsha City didn’t progress or remained stagnant, it might truly get overtaken.

“Hmm? Is the Yongle Encyclopedia about to be unveiled?”

Nearby,

just as Qi Jianwen was about to add more, a sudden commotion arose at the auction venue.

Bidders turned their eyes toward the display stand, and the auctioneer’s voice from the podium rose noticeably.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the next item up for auction is the most valuable artifact of tonight’s session. It hails from…”