Chapter 1301 Academician
The fact that a young man could achieve such great success in just five or six years is remarkable. Even Bill Gates, who was already a prodigy, couldn't help but give Zhuang Rui a thumbs up.
Although Bill invests huge sums of money and does a lot of charity work around the world every year, all he can give to the world is money, and of course, love.
Zhuang Rui is different. He brought a civilization from a thousand years ago back into the public eye. This kind of cultural inheritance and exploration will bring people a greater impact and contemplation, which is far beyond what money can buy.
“Bill, it’s a pleasure to have you here. Oh, Prince William, your princess is truly beautiful. Mr. Ezkener, I’ll take you to see my white lion later; I’m sure it’s no less beautiful than your black panther…”
Zhuang Rui greeted Bill and his group with a smile. Although Zhuang Rui was not a big fan of socializing, he had become quite adept at it over the years and made sure that none of the guests felt neglected.
"Zhuang, you're a truly amazing young man. Your castle is far superior to mine. You know, mine are built of stone..."
Ezkener stepped forward and gave Zhuang Rui a tight hug. This great European collector and reclusive tycoon couldn't help but marvel at the magnificent castle before him.
Although the Golden City is much smaller than his private castle, it is a complete replica of the style of the Solomon era. The magnificent palace reveals a sense of historical vicissitudes and profound cultural heritage.
With this kind of heritage, the dazzling gold doesn't seem so vulgar; instead, it gives people a grand and majestic feeling, blending perfectly with Beijing, a city with a long history.
"Hehe, Mr. Ezkener, you're too kind. This is a civilization left by our ancestors. All I can do is to bring it back to life, promote it, and let more people see it..."
Zhuang Rui smiled and said a few modest words. He knew how much of an impact such an ancient civilization relic, which only existed in legends, would have on the world's scientific research community. Perhaps many of Europe's already settled histories would be overturned and rewritten.
Zhuang Rui's idea was not unfounded. During the restoration and organization of the Solomon site, some foreign experts discovered several major historical events and some accounts that have been passed down to this day, which seemed quite different.
However, those experts focused more on the restoration of cultural relics. Zhuang Rui planned to invite scholars and experts from various countries to conduct more in-depth research and discussion on Solomon's history after the Golden City opened.
While Zhuang Rui was chatting with his elders and friends, a commotion suddenly broke out ahead. A group of guards in black suits escorted an elderly man as they approached.
"Young...Vice Premier Ouyang..."
Upon seeing the person who had arrived, Zhuang Rui hurriedly went to greet him, almost instinctively calling out "little uncle."
In the previous few months, Ouyang Zhenhua was elected as the First Vice Premier of the State Council without any doubt in the new election, thus entering the core leadership of the country.
Of course, Zhuang Rui's maternal uncle, who was seventy years old, also stepped down. Although Ouyang Zhenhua could only serve one more term at most, this buffer was enough for the third generation of Ouyang family disciples to rise.
It can be said that, barring any major mistakes, the Ouyang family will remain a formidable force in the domestic political arena for the next twenty years.
"Hmm, not bad. Today, I'm here to cut the ribbon for you..."
Upon seeing his only nephew, Ouyang Zhenhua smiled.
Although high-ranking people knew about his relationship with Zhuang Rui, the ancients said that one should not avoid recommending worthy people even if they are relatives. At his level, he no longer needed to consider those gossips. Besides, even if someone had thoughts in their mind, no one would dare to speak out and make a fool of themselves.
Seeing that the others were a bit far away, Zhuang Rui lowered his voice and said with a smile, "Hehe, Uncle, I've won great honor for our country, so... shouldn't you give me some kind of explanation?"
The opening of a private museum, which attracted Bill Gates, Prince William, and many wealthy Chinese to attend uninvited, is indeed a great boost to the country's image, so Zhuang Rui's request is perfectly understandable.
"You brat, without this land, could your Golden City have been built?"
Ouyang Zhenhua glared at Zhuang Rui with a smile, but he wasn't angry.
He had been in a high position for a long time, especially recently he had reached the level of a national leader. Many people were trembling with fear when they saw him, even his own son was like a mouse seeing a cat. Zhuang Rui's words made him feel a warm sense of family affection.
"Hey, Uncle, don't bring that up. This land... I bought it with my own money, Uncle. You have no idea, I almost got eaten by a sea monster because of this money..."
Upon hearing Ouyang Zhenhua's words, Zhuang Rui couldn't help but mutter a few words. If it weren't for the trip to Vigo Bay last year, this Golden City would really have been difficult to build.
"Alright, is this how you make demands of the country?"
Ouyang Zhenhua tightened his expression, but he found it difficult to get angry with Zhuang Rui. He stepped forward and whispered in Zhuang Rui's ear, "You might be nominated for the academician election next year..."
"What?"
Upon hearing his uncle's words, Zhuang Rui almost shouted out loud. Before he could ask for clarification, Ouyang Zhenhua, surrounded by a group of people, had already entered the temporary rest room inside Golden City.
"academician?"
Zhuang Rui doubted that there was something wrong with his ears. He could accept being named one of the top ten young people or an entrepreneur, but being elected as an academician made him feel dizzy.
Although Zhuang Rui was "indifferent to fame and fortune" for reasons he couldn't explain, Ouyang Zhenhua's words still excited him. After all, even his teacher, Professor Meng, had only been elected as an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences last year.
Academician is the highest academic title in science and technology established by some countries. It is usually a lifelong honor. In China, academicians usually refer to academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences or the Chinese Academy of Engineering, who are senior experts in a certain field.
The election of new academicians is held every two years, with a total of no more than 60 new members elected each time.
Moreover, candidates for academician can only be nominated directly by academicians or recommended by relevant domestic scientific and technological research institutions, universities, and first-level academic societies affiliated with the China Association for Science and Technology, according to their organizational systems. They cannot apply on their own.
Famous scientists like Hua Luogeng, Su Buqing, Guo Moruo, Li Siguang, Zhu Kezhen, and Mao Yisheng were among China's first batch of academicians. This is arguably the highest honor a scientist can receive in China.
In Zhuang Rui's mind, all those who could become academicians were scientists in their seventies or eighties. He never dreamed that one day he would receive the same honor as his grandfather's teacher, Academician Li Siguang.
Zhuang Rui's thinking is not wrong. The average age of academicians of the Chinese Academy of Engineering is 69.9 years old. The youngest academician was 44 years old when he was elected. If Zhuang Rui, who is 33 or 34 years old, were elected, it would definitely cause a great sensation in China.
Given Ouyang Zhenhua's status, the fact that he said these words to Zhuang Rui suggests that it's a sure thing... one can imagine the huge controversy Zhuang Rui will cause in the domestic academic community a year from now.
However, Zhuang Rui didn't have time to think about this matter at the moment, because there were too many people around him who needed his attention. After shaking his head to clear the news from his mind, Zhuang Rui started chatting and laughing with the guests around him again.
The ceremony marking the "restoration" of the ancient Solomon site was attended by renowned historians and scientists from around the world, as well as numerous world-famous collectors, celebrities, and political figures. The opening of the Golden City attracted the attention of billions of people worldwide.
Following the grand ceremony, guests, guided by trained professional guides, toured the Golden City. Exclamations of wonder frequently echoed throughout the halls as they gazed upon these exquisite ancient artifacts. ...
"Uncle, you were looking for me?"
Zhuang Rui was originally accompanying Bill and others on a tour of the Golden City when he was called out by one of Ouyang Zhenhua's staff members. He didn't expect that the busy Vice Premier would still be here.
After his identity changed, Ouyang Zhenhua had many more bodyguards around him. Even when Zhuang Rui entered what used to be his office, he was strictly checked by several people wearing sunglasses.
Upon seeing Zhuang Rui enter, Ouyang Zhenhua pointed to the sofa beside him and said, "Well, just a heads-up, don't forget about that thing I told you about last year..."
Zhuang Rui was taken aback for a moment upon hearing this, and said, "The thing we talked about last year? What was it? Fourth Brother is keeping an eye on the Genghis Khan Mausoleum, it won't be completed and open to the public until next year..."
Ouyang Zhenhua shook his head and said, "It's not that matter. It's about the enthronement ceremony of the reincarnation of the Living Buddha in Tibet. They've repeatedly asked you to attend. The next date is next Tuesday. You should go then..."
Because this reincarnated Living Buddha was once the Panchen Lama's teacher, his status in Tibet is extraordinary. As a newly added member of the Politburo Standing Committee in charge of cultural and religious affairs, Ouyang Zhenhua also attaches great importance to this, which is why he stayed behind to give Zhuang Rui a word of advice.
"You mean him? I'll definitely go then..."
Upon hearing Ouyang Zhenhua's words, Zhuang Rui recalled the old man who couldn't speak Chinese. Although they had only met once, Zhuang Rui still held the wise old man in high esteem.
Chapter 1302 Making a Fortune Every Day
Seeing that Zhuang Rui had agreed, Ouyang Zhenhua nodded and said, "Well, I will also be attending the Living Buddha's enthronement ceremony. Would you like to come with me?"
Due to the instigation of some foreign forces in recent years, local conflicts have frequently occurred in some parts of Tibet and Xinjiang. Therefore, Ouyang Zhenhua also wanted to take this opportunity to express the central government's support for the Tibetan region.
Upon hearing Ouyang Zhenhua's words, Zhuang Rui shook his head and said, "I can go by myself. Is the enthronement ceremony held at the place where the reincarnated spiritual medium was found?"
Taking advantage of this trip to Tibet, Zhuang Rui wanted to visit the snow-capped mountains again, to see Xiaoxue, the parents of the golden eagle, and the simple and honest Tibetan people.
Moreover, Zhuang Rui was planning to drive into Tibet. He had previously promised Timur that he would help him find another golden eagle cub, so he might have to take him along on this trip.
"The reincarnated spiritual master has arrived in Lhasa, and the enthronement ceremony will be held at the Jokhang Temple..."
The search for the reincarnated spiritual master had already ended last year. Several candidates for the reincarnation were brought to Lhasa. After it was confirmed that the child Zhuang Rui found was the reincarnation of a Living Buddha, preparations for the enthronement ceremony began accordingly.
With only a week left until the enthronement ceremony of the reincarnated spiritual master, Zhuang Rui scratched his head and said, "Okay, Uncle, I'll be there on time..."
After receiving Zhuang Rui's reply, Ouyang Zhenhua left Golden City surrounded by a group of people, while Zhuang Rui became busy again; there were simply too many prominent figures today who required his attention. ...
The day after the opening of the Golden City, major media outlets around the world devoted significant space to reporting on it, and the magnificent Solomon ruins appeared before the world for the first time.
Experts from various countries have praised the construction of the Solomon site, calling it one of the most important archaeological excavations of the 21st century, which has played a revolutionary role in the study of the ancient world order and civilization.
Some world-class artists and collectors have also commented on the Golden City, believing that the Solomon site built in China completely recreates the prosperous Solomon Empire of a thousand years ago. The artworks inside have extremely high artistic appreciation and research value, especially the restoration of the gold murals at the site, which demonstrates superb master-level restoration skills.
Moreover, some internationally influential public figures also expressed their views, and coupled with the influence of the book "Solomon's Treasure," which has been circulating for more than a century, the Solomon site craze suddenly spread all over the world.
"This is a miracle of human civilization..."
Bill Gates said so.
"I think even the British Museum would pale in comparison..."
Prince William faced reporters from around the world.
"It completely rendered my antique collection meaningless..."
Ezkener made this statement among many internationally renowned collectors.
These comments from experts and celebrities inspired people all over the world to yearn for this magnificent city. In a short time, numerous reports and programs about the Solomon era appeared on the internet and on science and education channels in various countries.
According to a social survey conducted by an international travel agency, 80 percent of people plan to make Beijing, China their next travel destination, with the aim of getting up close to the ruins of Solomon.
Meanwhile, after evaluating Zhuang Rui's adventures over the past few years, the World Adventurers' Association passed a resolution to invite him to become a permanent director of the association.
Several organizations, both official and non-governmental, also extended invitations to Zhuang Rui. Some well-known foreign universities, which originally only wanted to invite Zhuang Rui to give lectures, also lowered their standards and extended invitations to Zhuang Rui as a visiting professor.
Of course, that's all in the future. At this moment, Zhuang Rui had no time to concern himself with such matters. After the celebration, before heading to Tibet, there were many things that required his personal attention as the boss. ...
The day after the Golden City opened to the public, Zhuang Rui hosted a celebration banquet at a five-star hotel in Beijing, inviting all the experts who had participated in the restoration of the Golden City and the staff of the Dingguang Museum.
Not only the Palace Museum and foreign restoration experts, Zhuang Rui also invited ordinary workers from Jingu Construction Company who participated in the construction. More than fifty tables of food and drinks filled the entire Chinese restaurant of the hotel.
"Brother Gu, thank you so much this time. I must toast you. Without your company's skilled workers, we really wouldn't have been able to make such a perfect repair..."
While experts were responsible for the details of Zhuang Rui's reconstruction of the Golden City ruins, the basic construction was entrusted to Gu Yun's company.
"Brother, don't say that. I should be thanking you..."
Gu Yun waved his hand, looking at Zhuang Rui's young face, and couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions.
Gu Yun knew that his father had formed a good relationship with Zhuang Rui, but he himself had reaped all the benefits. After meeting Ouyang Jun through Zhuang Rui, his Jingu Construction Company developed rapidly.
After several years of development, Jingu Construction Company has become a leading enterprise in the restoration of ancient buildings in China, and has almost monopolized the restoration projects of all famous ancient buildings in the country.
With its excellent restoration technology, Jingu Company has not only undertaken a large amount of domestic business, but has also opened branches in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. Nowadays, the restoration of some Buddhist temple buildings in Southeast Asia is basically done by Jingu Company.
From a small company that almost disappeared among many construction giants to a well-known construction enterprise both domestically and internationally, Gu Yun knew very well who had brought him all of this.
Zhuang Rui understood Gu Yun's meaning, smiled and waved his hand, saying, "Brother Gu, let's not talk about that. Make sure you take good care of your company's brothers today. I'm going to toast Teacher Jin..."
During the construction of the Golden City, Fatty Jin used his connections to contact many well-known domestic cultural relic restoration experts for Zhuang Rui. Although Zhuang Rui paid them, he still owed them a favor.
After toasting everyone, Zhuang Rui returned to his own private room, his face flushed. He was truly delighted to see that the Dingguang Museum had finally secured a place among the world's museums.
"Brother Zhuang, congratulations! Let's have a drink..."
"Wood, your alcohol tolerance seems to have increased! No way, we have to have a drink too..."
"Brother Zhuang, Monkey and I are toasting you. You have to drink it, no matter what..."