Huangfu Yun recounted Zhuang Rui's experiences on the nameless desert island, based on Zhuang Rui's account. Of course, the existence of King Kong was omitted, and Zhuang Rui's discovery of the treasure was attributed to the two sheepskin scroll treasure maps.
As for the specific sea coordinates of the deserted island, Huangfu Yun was rather vague and did not disclose them. This is because the deserted island is close to the U.S. Virgin Islands, and revealing them might cause some trouble regarding its ownership.
This decision was made after Zhuang Rui received a hint from Ezkena; he didn't want to get entangled in this issue.
"Alright, I'm afraid everyone here has been waiting impatiently. Now let's take a look at the treasure of the 14th-century pirate king, Klaus!"
After explaining the process of discovering the treasure, Huangfu Yun brought the press conference to a climax. He and Zhuang Rui went to the glass case covered by a red cloth and together lifted the cloth.
There are three display cases in total. All of them are bulletproof on all four sides and have an alloy base. The first one contains the gold pin and is also the largest display case.
The gold mask in the second display case was illuminated by spotlights from different angles within the glass case. Under the white, incandescent spotlights, the gold mask appeared even more noble and mysterious.
The third display case contains gold coins and jewelry from the Klaus Treasure Trove. All of these gold coins and jewelry have been professionally cleaned by Zhuang Rui.
The gold coins and jewelry, which were originally dull in color, now shone brightly under the light, displaying a luster that conveyed both the vicissitudes of history and the unique preciousness of gold and pearls.
"Wow!"
"My God, is that all made of gold?"
"How heavy will this thing be? God, tell me..."
"What do you know? Don't be fooled by the size of that gold pin; in terms of value, it's far inferior to that gold mask..."
“Those gold coins are from before the 14th century, and they must be quite valuable. God, why wasn’t this the treasure I discovered?”
For a moment, exclamations of surprise in various languages rang out from the conference room. Many of the reporters attending the press conference were involved in the international art auction industry, and some of them were knowledgeable enough to make an immediate judgment on the value of the items in the display cases.
The unveiling of the Klaus Treasure ignited the enthusiasm of the audience. Hundreds of reporters, no longer paying attention to Zhuang Rui and Huangfu Yun, were all taking photos from various angles.
The magnificent golden cat and the mysterious golden mask undoubtedly became the stars of the press conference.
Everyone's face showed a fanatical expression, wanting to get a closer look at Klaus's treasure. If it weren't for the armed police on site, the crowd would probably have already overwhelmed the display cases.
The scene was chaotic for a time, and order was gradually restored after another group of armed police officers entered. As for Zhuang Rui and Huangfu Yun, they were almost pushed out of the crowd just now, and only now did they return to the front of the podium.
"Alright, everyone has seen the treasure of Pirate King Klaus. As for the authenticity of these items, the answer will naturally be given at the subsequent expert academic conference... Now it's time for questions. Mr. Zhuang will answer a total of ten questions, so please think carefully before asking!"
Huangfu Yun coughed a few times into the microphone, and as he spoke, the area gradually quieted down. These reporters were all seasoned veterans, and as soon as Huangfu Yun finished speaking, countless hands were raised high.
"Miss, please ask your question..."
Huangfu Yun glanced around and finally pointed to a blonde woman with a hot figure and glasses. Her professional dress showed off her graceful figure, easily reminding people of a famous Page 3 girl from a certain newspaper.
Zhuang Rui glared at Huangfu Yun, annoyed. This guy's taste was still so tacky. But this woman was really good-looking. He remembered that in some European and American adult films, women like this usually played the role of office secretaries.
"Mr. Zhuang, I am a reporter from National Geographic. I would like to know if you intend to return the Golden Mask, as a symbol of ancient Egyptian civilization, to the Egyptian government?"
However, the beautiful female reporter's question brought Zhuang Rui to his senses.
Chapter 854 Ownership (Part 2)
National Geographic is the official magazine of the National Geographic Society of the United States. Since its founding in 1888, it has become one of the most successful and well-known magazines in the world.
This also makes the magazine a place where photojournalists from all over the world dream of publishing their photos. Does Zhuang Rui not even consider that a journalist who can work in such a place is likely to be all looks and no brains?
"Damn it, I'm not digging up America's treasure, what's it to you?"
Zhuang Rui was extremely dissatisfied with the US's world police tactics. The beautiful female reporter with golden eyes and blue hair seemed to ask a very casual question, but she had set a trap for Zhuang Rui, making it difficult for him to answer.
As one of the countries in the world most severely affected by the loss of cultural relics, China's relevant departments have been negotiating with cultural heritage departments of various countries in recent years to recover cultural relics that were lost a century ago.
Therefore, the reporter's intention in raising this question at this time becomes very sinister. If Zhuang Rui agrees to return the goods, it will be a waste of time and effort, and the Egyptian government will only thank the American reporter.
But if Zhuang Rui disagrees, they can hype it up, saying that the Chinese are unwilling to return national treasures to other countries. When relevant domestic departments try to recover cultural relics in the future, others will definitely use this as an excuse.
"Miss, I've heard that the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York is a famous museum on par with the British Museum in London, the Louvre in Paris, and the St. Petersburg Museum in Russia. Is that true?"
Zhuang Rui did not answer the question at first, but instead asked the reporter a question.
"Of course, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the United States is a place that brings together precious works of art from all over the world. But Mr. Zhuang, this has nothing to do with the ownership of your golden mask, does it?"
The pretty reporter was no mere pretty face; she immediately guessed Zhuang Rui's intention and steered the conversation back on track.
"Oh, no, no, I've heard that the Metropolitan Museum of Art's crown jewel is an entire 2460-year-old Egyptian tomb. I wonder, compared to that, which is more important? Besides, the Metropolitan Museum of Art probably has quite a few works by ancient Chinese artists such as Huang Tingjian, Mi Fu, Li Gonglin, Zhao Mengfu, Dong Qichang, and Fu Shan, right? I'd like to ask, where did they come from? And you... have any intention of repaying them?"
Zhuang Rui's voice was initially very gentle, but towards the end his tone became increasingly louder, adopting a completely questioning tone.
Seeing that the female reporter still wanted to speak, Zhuang Rui continued, "As for that 2,500-year-old Euphronius vase, it seems you didn't acquire it in a very honorable way either, did you? What right does a country like yours have to criticize other countries' problems? Oh, I digress. I haven't answered this lady's question yet. What I wanted to say is that if your country can return the ancient Egyptian tombs, Chinese calligraphy and paintings, and other precious artworks obtained through illegitimate means, I, as a private individual, would be very happy to return this golden mask to the Egyptian government free of charge..."
Zhuang Rui paused here, glanced at the female reporter, and said with a half-smile, "All of you here can be witnesses. What I say is valid for the rest of my life." The Euphronius vase that Zhuang Rui mentioned is a precious ancient Greek artifact, which was acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art through irregular means in 1972. Its price was only $100.
The seller was Robert Hector, who was wanted by the Italian police. For more than 30 years, the Italian authorities have been demanding that the Metropolitan Museum of Art return the stolen item, but the Metropolitan Museum of Art has been making excuses and has not returned it to this day, resulting in a very bad reputation in the international art world.
Zhuang Rui's meaning is very clear: if I, as a private individual, am willing to endure the loss and return the priceless works of art, then as the questioning party, are you willing to return the precious cultural relics that you have illegally looted from various countries?
Zhuang Rui had essentially turned the tables on the reporter. Not only was she not qualified to make the decision, but even someone who was qualified wouldn't dare to challenge Zhuang Rui anymore.
As a country with only a few hundred years of history, the United States has no history or culture of its own. The collections in their museums are almost all obtained through illegitimate means.
If the Metropolitan Museum of Art were willing to return those artworks, the museum would likely face closure soon.
Zhuang Rui's words silenced the room completely. China is the country with the most lost ancient cultural relics. Which of the national museums to which these people belong does not have illegally obtained Chinese cultural relics?
If we follow Zhuang Rui's line of thinking, then the museums of the Eight-Nation Alliance, as well as those of Britain, France, Germany, Tsarist Russia, the United States, Japan, Italy, and Austria-Hungary (now Austria and Hungary) would probably all be empty.
Of course, some small countries do not have Chinese cultural relics, but they have no conflict of interest with Zhuang Rui, so they naturally will not speak out.
Even the Egyptian journalists remained silent. After all, simply asking for the return of items without any real evidence was not convincing. Zhuang Rui could shut them down with a single sentence: "There are plenty of Egyptian antiques lost in British and American museums. Why don't you go and ask for them back?"
The female reporter blushed deeply at Zhuang Rui's words, but she couldn't refute them. Americans always judge others by their own standards, never considering whether they themselves are clean. This time, she was thoroughly humiliated by Zhuang Rui.
"Alright, I think this lady is very satisfied with Mr. Zhuang's reply. You can go back and have a meeting with the head of government. If it can be done as Mr. Zhuang said, we will let everyone know as soon as possible that we have returned the golden mask to the Egyptian government." Although Huangfu Yun had worked in the United States for many years, he still looked down on the United States. After a moment of silence in the room, he kicked the injured female reporter hard again.
"Sir, may I ask you a question..."
Huangfu Yun then selected another reporter.
"I am a reporter from The Times of London. I would like to ask Mr. Zhuang, in the early 14th century, it was our British and German joint fleet that captured the pirate king Krauss. In other words, Krauss's loot should have been divided between Britain and Germany. I wonder what Mr. Zhuang's views are on this issue?"
The tall, thin reporter with glasses was even more ruthless, directly questioning the ownership of these treasures. These reporters are really shameless, actually bringing this up. If you're so capable, why didn't you find the treasure back then?
"Damn it, couldn't you have found some Chinese journalists to ask the questions?"
Zhuang Rui glanced at Huangfu Yun, clearly dissatisfied with both of these issues. Wasn't this just someone who was annoyed by his friend's success and came to nitpick?
However, the question still needed to be answered. After thinking for a moment, Zhuang Rui said, "I think if Klaus were still alive in England, I would definitely return this treasure to you..."
Zhuang Rui's words caused a burst of laughter. He was mocking the reporter. More than 600 years had passed. Even if Klaus had not been captured by Britain and Germany, he would have long since turned to dust. His treasure would still fall into the hands of future generations. What did it have to do with Britain?
Zhuang Rui coughed twice, and after the room quieted down, he continued, "To put it bluntly, the world we live in now was changed by pirates."
The early discoverers and explorers of new lands were essentially pirates. Their motivation was nothing more than to divide the spoils and acquire wealth. While there was progress in civilization, it was also accompanied by dirty and cruel killings and plundering.
Because piracy is a private activity, unlike the aggressive plundering of other countries' wealth by some nations, I personally believe that the legacy of pirates belongs to world civilization. In my museum, there will be a pirate exhibition hall, where these pirate treasures belonging to world civilization will be displayed, allowing people around the world to understand the history of piracy and to condemn those countries and behaviors that plunder other countries' wealth through the sea. "Zhuang Rui is making a veiled attack, also including early colonial countries such as Spain, Portugal, and Britain in his criticism."
The actions of these countries at that time were no different from those of pirates. They slaughtered the natives of many African countries and emptied their wealth. These are undeniable facts. Zhuang Rui's words caused a moment of silence in the room, but then applause broke out. There are very few countries on this earth that have not been invaded by colonized countries. Zhuang Rui's words were very gratifying.
Only journalists from colonies like Britain and Spain looked embarrassed and unable to refute the claims, because in those days, many pirates were actually soldiers from those countries in disguise.
"Mr. Zhuang, I am the executive director of the World Adventurers' Association. Could you please explain in detail the process of obtaining this pirate treasure? Also, everyone is very curious about where this treasure was discovered?"
Having witnessed Zhuang Rui's quick wit, the reporter stopped pressing the issue of the treasure's ownership.
"No problem, I can release the coordinates of the deserted island where the Klaus treasure is hidden. Furthermore, I personally suspect that the Klaus treasure isn't limited to this; I also have two other treasure maps that can be auctioned off."
Zhuang Rui's words caused a huge stir, making the once quiet meeting room boil over again.
Chapter 855 Flaw
Zhuang Rui was willing to reveal the coordinates of Pirate Island because, shortly before the press conference began, he had already learned that the deserted island did not belong to the Virgin Islands, but was an isolated island located in international waters, belonging to no country.
According to relevant international regulations, wealth acquired in such places belongs entirely to the individual, so Zhuang Rui is not afraid that anyone will bring up the island issue again.
"Mr. Zhuang, are you sure you're not mistaken? We can find the treasure map ourselves, why auction it off?"
Huangfu Yun was unaware of Zhuang Rui's idea beforehand, and was immediately anxious, quickly offering advice.
This treasure map is also part of the pirate treasure. Wouldn't it be a loss for the pirate museum if it were sold? Moreover, according to Zhuang Rui's judgment, there is pirate treasure elsewhere. Wouldn't it be a waste to let someone else benefit from it?
However, Huangfu Yun forgot that he had a microphone in front of him. When he said that, everyone in the room could hear him clearly. However, everyone thought the same as him: only a fool would do something like selling treasure maps.
It's worth noting that just one treasure trove yielded so many world-shaking treasures. According to some estimates, Zhuang Rui's profit this time is at least two billion US dollars.
If there were another treasure, even if it were only one-tenth of the treasure in this one, it would still be a huge fortune of 200 million US dollars, worth exploring for many adventurers.
However, those people didn't know that Zhuang Rui had concealed most of the gold coins. If those gold coins were included, Zhuang Rui's gains this time would be at least four billion US dollars.
"Ahem, everyone, please be quiet for a moment. Let me first talk about the treasure map. I received two treasure maps, and the contents on them were different. I only searched one place and found Klaus's treasure..."
Due to supply issues, I didn't have time to search for the other treasure map. Regarding whether there is treasure in another location, I must first state that I can only guarantee the authenticity of the treasure map, but I cannot be certain that there is treasure there...
Because the preparations for this expedition were insufficient, it was almost a matter of life and death, which had a great impact on me personally. I don't want to go to that place again, but I also don't want the treasure to be buried on the deserted island, so I made the decision to sell the treasure map." Most of what Zhuang Rui said above was true. However, whether there was still treasure on that deserted island was certain. There were bird feathers, pearls, and scattered gold coins, and perhaps a few left. As for the items in front of him, there were absolutely none.
Zhuang Rui's decision to auction the treasure map was also an attempt to divert public attention, because once the press conference was held, it seemed that the media's attention was focused on him, which was something Zhuang Rui did not want to see.
His expedition was mainly triggered by Muta's planting of a bomb on the plane. Although that guy had already gone to meet Allah, some people might still associate it with him. Zhuang Rui didn't want that African madman to cause him trouble.
Once the treasure map is photographed, the media will inevitably pay attention to the subsequent developments, and the pirate treasures in the Dingguang Museum will also attract attention from all over the world, allowing the photographer to remain behind the scenes.
Whether the person who photographed the treasure map can find the treasure is none of Zhuang Rui's business. Anyway, the map is real. If you find it, you're lucky. If you don't find it, Zhuang Rui has already stated beforehand that he has completely absolved himself of any responsibility.
"Mr. Zhuang, I admire your selflessness, but how can you guarantee that the person who obtains the treasure map will not be disturbed and will be the first to find the treasure's location? You must know that you are talking about an auction, which means that the person who obtains this treasure map will have to pay a price..."
The vice president of the Adventurers' Guild raised his question: if Zhuang Rui were to publicly reveal the coordinates of Pirate Island, then anyone in the world could go there to search, and the treasure map would lose much of its significance.
The vice president himself is a successful businessman with a net worth of hundreds of millions. Adventure and treasure hunting are an indispensable part of his life, so he is extremely interested in the treasure map in Zhuang Rui's hand.
Zhuang Rui was taken aback upon hearing this. His decision was made on the spur of the moment, and he hadn't really considered this issue. After a moment's thought, he replied, "This gentleman is quite right. The auction will take place after the press conference, and I promise that the coordinates of Pirate Island will be announced three months after the auction... Furthermore, as the first guest of that Pirate Island, to show my sincerity, I will also tell the person who wins the treasure map the initial location of the treasure and allow them to photograph the treasure map where the treasure has been unearthed so that this friend can go and verify it. However, I must reiterate one point: whether the second treasure map will contain Klaus's treasure is something I cannot guarantee..."
Zhuang Rui's words were indeed very sincere. Announcing the location of the pirate island's coordinates in three months would be enough for the treasure map holder to discover the treasure. Moreover, his willingness to provide the first treasure location also showed that Zhuang Rui had nothing to hide.
"Mr. Zhuang is right. No one can guarantee whether Klaus stored the treasure in two separate locations back then..."
Upon hearing Zhuang Rui's words, the vice president was quite satisfied. He wasn't particularly concerned about whether there was treasure there; what he cared about was the thrill and excitement of searching for pirate treasure.
With Zhuang Rui's announcement of the treasure map being auctioned off as a gimmick, the questions that followed the press conference became somewhat perfunctory.
Half an hour later, Huangfu Yun announced the end of the press conference. Before the reporters could leave, people who had heard that Zhuang Rui was going to auction the treasure map immediately rushed in.