Chapter 919 - 0919 Like-minded People 7
"Yes, my old man sent it back, I do these things to exchange for foreign currency through national exports, right?" Huang Qingbai said, justifying himself before lowering his voice, "Ever since the relics were sent to the trade department for export, I’ve only managed to rescue a part that wasn’t sent out. The things I reclaimed, I dare not hand them over anymore. Sometimes I have to fool those ignoramuses with fake antiques!"
Desperation and anger filled Huang Qingbai’s eyes, almost tangible.
"Our nation’s cultural heritage, in the past was plundered by Western powers, now it’s being sent away by our own people, ending up in foreigners’ hands. What’s left for the country? Culture, culture. We, the descendants, ought to extract the essence and discard the dregs, preserving the relics left by our ancestors. Yet somehow, both essence and dregs have been labeled as old culture that must be discarded!"
Feng Qingxue consoled him, "It will pass eventually, just like you said, the country will value cultural heritage. The Forbidden City museum was preserved through this turmoil, wasn’t it? You should be grateful it wasn’t completely destroyed."
"By the time they value it, it will be too late. These cultural heritages are irreplaceable; once destroyed, they’re truly gone."
"Isn’t that the truth? But all we can do now is try our best to salvage what we can."
Huang Qingbai paused, then patted Feng Qingxue’s shoulder, unconcerned about the two dark handprints he left on her clothes, "Good kid, not many kids have the guts like you these days. Seeing you, I feel relieved to find a kindred spirit. This old man doesn’t have money, only able to watch countless relics and antiques being sent into factories."
Feng Qingxue’s heart stirred. She wanted to say she had money, even gold, but no way to purchase a large quantity of relics and antiques. But after some thought, she decided against it. She didn’t want to take risks that could affect her family.
With Huang Qingbai’s significant influence, Feng Qingxue easily left with a dozen books and paintings hidden within newspapers and textbooks.
Just out of the recycling station, she was confronted by Lu Jiang’s stern face.