OVL 02 Li Zhijin

Her hand rested on the yellow tabletop, her fingers slender and fair, resembling the white porcelain from the Dehua kiln in a porcelain exhibition hall. ... She closed her eyes briefly, yet could not help but raise her hand, counting one by one, with thirty days remaining ... ... one, two, three, four. ... ... There are still seven days left

In fact, the voice was so weak that it resembled a struggling kitten; it was unclear whether he had heard it clearly or not. He closed his eyes and fell into a state of complete oblivion.

At that moment, I sat up, my tone earnest and resolute: "How can it be the same? The cultural relics returning are not something that can be possessed by just one or two individuals. My hope for their return stems from the fact that our civilization relies on them for its transmission in certain aspects. A person's life is limited, but it can continue through generations, endlessly. They accompany us, and aren't we both less lonely because of it?"

Luo Yao has always believed that men carrying single-shoulder bags, especially those resembling girls' motorcycle bags, may be considered trendy, but they appear quite effeminate. Thus, she shook her head and walked past him, only to be called to a halt.

He casually replied, "It's just a bit of a whim, really."

Thinking of this, I chuckled dryly a few times. Before I could speak, I heard Sister Lin say, "Oh, didn't our library subscribe to that magazine? Why haven't I seen it?" As she spoke, her gaze glanced over at the rack where magazines and newspapers are usually placed.

Naturally, there are experts who study the placement of several artifacts, the arrangement of spotlights, humidity control, and the coordination of surrounding artifacts. Luo Yao, a junior staff member with limited experience, holds this job, which is considered a stable position, and is busy running around every day.

The lighting in the hall is much brighter than that in the exhibition room. He took off his velvet hat, revealing a very short haircut, even shorter than what is typically referred to as a buzz cut, yet his features are handsome, with a hint of familiarity, as if he has been seen somewhere before. He extended his hand to her: "My name is Li Zhijin"

At that time, I was held in his embrace, slowly reading to him, and he smiled: "This sentence is well said. Since that is the case, why are you still so indignant, insisting that those cultural relics return to the motherland?"

She shook her head and called the security to clear the area. Taking a few steps alone, she saw that the two individuals had indeed gone upstairs. Suddenly, she sighed and called out to them: "Hey, that way is blocked."

However, in an instant, Fang Liuyi's expression changed. She stepped out of the car, her velvet qipao fitting closely, with the elegant teardrop-shaped hidden buttons on her chest, exuding a sense of grace that had quietly settled over the years. She linked her arm with her son's, gracefully lifting her foot as she walked towards the museum

Later, she began to accompany her mentor on field investigations, which essentially involved visiting one temple after another. It was then that she realized how fascinating this field of study was and discovered that there were so many remarkable individuals in the world. The shabby little temple had a head monk whose gaze was gentle and warm, always found in the meditation room, rarely seen by others. When she and her mentor visited, they were served what appeared to be the coarsest tea leaves, yet drinking it felt like sipping from a clear spring, leaving their minds feeling lucid and transparent. The shabby little temple had a head monk whose gaze was gentle and warm, always found in the meditation room, rarely seen by others. When she and her mentor visited, they were served what appeared to be the coarsest tea leaves, yet drinking it felt like sipping from a clear spring, leaving their minds feeling lucid and transparent

Luo Yao pointed at the wall of broken porcelain, where the rise and fall of dynasties was depicted from top to bottom, with each line representing a different dynasty. Only the section representing the Song Dynasty was faint, resembling the color of the sky after a rain, separating the splendor of five thousand years of history. Every time Luo Yao saw it, he was always filled with emotion, as if witnessing the pinnacle of aesthetics

Ultimately, they took them up in the small staff elevator. The exit area was quite dim, and none of the three looked presentable. She at least had a staff badge hanging from her chest, so she found a side door, gently pulled it open a crack, allowing a sliver of light to seep through. Luo Yao smiled and said, "You can go in from here"

She said that Western religions are much more assertive than Eastern ones, being overly ambitious. However, Eastern religions are too utilitarian compared to Western ones. Therefore, in the end, both Eastern and Western religions have a minority of individuals who truly attain enlightenment. Religion, after all, remains a niche.

Luo Yao stopped in her tracks, forgiving his lack of understanding of the rules. After all, she was the one walking around in work attire, so it was only natural to be called out. She smiled and said, "If you need an explanation, you can rent an audio guide at the service desk, or you can request a volunteer guide. I can call one for you." She picked up the intercom, "Please hold on a moment."

The camera slowly approaches a five-legged wash basin from the Ge kiln of the Southern Song Dynasty. Although it is clear that there is glass separating them, and that it would not damage the artifacts inside, Luo Yao still cannot help but feel nervous, even clenching her fists. She recalls another time when she assisted an expert in opening the glass to arrange the exhibits, personally touching those fragile porcelain pieces while wearing gloves, not daring to breathe too heavily, fearing that even a slight pressure might crush these delicately thin vessels.

Luo Yao extended her hand to shake his and jokingly said: "If you come next time, you won't be so lucky. If you want me to explain, you need to make an appointment. Or according to the regulations, you must bring a group of people."

He seemed to have understood her doubts, and then pointed to the bronze statue of Li Zhengyuan in the corner: "There he is, my great-grandfather." Then he shrugged, "My dad insisted that I come and watch them take pictures. Do you think it's necessary? It's not like we're filming a movie. I was actually more interested in the banquet upstairs."

Luo Yao turned her head; the lights were very bright. She saw Li Zhijin wearing a baseball cap, looking at her with great interest. She hurriedly said, "Hello," but her gaze involuntarily shifted back to the camera.

Dear Mr. Li Zhijin

She was truly just making things up, as she couldn't recall the answers from the reference book at that moment and spoke off the cuff. A female professor sitting there took off her glasses and looked at her like that, her eyes long and bright, with the corners slightly raised, nodding her head. Unexpectedly, that was how she was admitted

That afternoon, the museum began to close its doors. Workers were laying down a red carpet, rearranging the lighting, and setting up display panels. The first few rows of seats were reserved for journalists, while the banquet area at the back was being arranged by the catering department of a five-star hotel, which was currently preparing fresh flowers and ice sculptures for the tables.

Really? Then after we finish shooting, will you take me to see it?

She nodded eagerly: "I will go, I will go."

Sister Lin spoke concisely: "The cultural relic donation ceremony at the end of the month. Oh, by the way, I almost forgot to contact them. I have to work overtime these days, as several museums have new items coming in, and they are significant pieces, so we need to rearrange everything again"

At this moment, on the way to the museum, Fang Liuyi, draped in a black mink shawl, wore a sparkling brooch on her chest, making her appear exceptionally outstanding, showing no signs of being a woman nearing sixty. She gazed out the window and casually remarked, "You are becoming more and more like a philanthropist"

A crowd of people began to laugh. Therefore, Luo Yao kindly explained: "Today, our hall is hosting a donation ceremony, followed by a reception. As a result, the first floor and the upper floor are separated."

The young man interrupted her: "It seems that you really like Song porcelain"

Luo Yao thought that she was interested in cultural relics, so she nodded and said, "Yes, it's just upstairs. You can come and see it anytime in the future"

The little assistant almost jumped with joy: "Ah, how could I forget? You must have the invitation."

She shook her head firmly: "No, I have other matters to attend to after I finish here, and besides, our attire does not meet the requirements."

It is a documentary. Can we still borrow the documentary about Li Zhengyuan?

She truly is unwilling to admit that she has obsessive-compulsive disorder; she does not even know when it began. She reads Osho's books, which state that one should never attempt to resist it, as it is a part of you. How can you resist it? Just let it exist naturally, and then you will gradually fill the void in your heart. Slowly, you will no longer feel anxious, will not suffer from insomnia, and will not force yourself.

Luo Yao hurriedly skimmed over the coarse pottery in front and went directly to the final exhibit, the Tang Sancai. She selected the key pieces and explained them to him one by one

Perhaps the rejection was too abrupt, causing the young girl to awkwardly fold the newspaper. However, Li Zhijin reached out his hand and said, "Who is it? Let me take a look."

With a hint of defiance in her tone, she recalled a time when she had a debate with the curator. She insisted that Song porcelain represented the pinnacle of Chinese art, but the curator shook his head and said, "No, for example, the Famille Rose of the Qianlong period, you may not like it, but it also represents the porcelain-making techniques of that time"

He lazily waved his hand and said, "Alright, sorry for the trouble." He turned his gaze to Luo Yao and asked, "Are you really not going?"

It seems that only she could perceive the deep-seated indifference within him; the assistant was merely infatuated, and even Li Zhijin, upon seeing it, nodded in agreement

Zhan Zecheng, perhaps photographed on the street, exudes an exotic charm, surrounded by pedestrians who are all foreigners, tall with blonde hair and blue eyes, making a striking impression. The camera does not blur the background, yet he possesses an innate ability to stand out. Dressed in a gray trench coat, it is merely a flat photograph, even just a candid shot, but his gaze, cast sideways, resembles a cold dagger that can pierce deep into the soul of a person. The camera does not blur the background, yet he possesses an innate ability to stand out. Dressed in a gray trench coat, it is merely a flat photograph, even just a candid shot, but his gaze, cast sideways, resembles a cold dagger that can pierce deep into the soul of a person

When Bai Luoyao woke up in the morning, she was drenched in cold sweat. She hurriedly left the house, ran to the bottom of the stairwell, and then breathlessly ran back, pushing the door with a mix of doubt and belief. In fact, it remained steadfast, and she felt completely at ease, heading to squeeze onto the subway. It was as regular as a program that had been running for over two years, never changing.

In the following days, she suddenly felt that she was not so anxious anymore. Everything was proceeding in an orderly manner. The promotional brochures for the museum had already been reprinted, and the website had been redesigned, prominently featuring several newly acquired significant artifacts. It was just waiting for the completion of donations for the official exhibition, and it was expected that a new wave of visitors would soon arrive.

She cannot do it, truly cannot. ... Just like at this moment, her palms are empty, she only wants to do something ... ? ... Tear a piece of paper? Or count the days once more? Is it seven days ... ? Ultimately, she cannot help but tremble her fingers to touch the numbers on the calendar, and her heart is filled with despair, Zhan Zecheng. ... ... ... She hates this name, she knows it is getting worse and worse ...

Luo Yao felt somewhat guilty; in fact, she had seen it in the morning. It was bothersome, and she had thrown it away along with some expired magazines into an unknown corner.

In fact, once arranged here, it truly resembles something remarkable. The rosewood root carving cleverly separates the space as a screen; the dark, noble marble, the enormous chandelier, and the clusters of crystal candles.

Sister Lin sighed: "That night, the ceramics museum is going to lend itself to a film crew for location shooting, and they need staff to accompany them, you see..."

As she walked up to his side, Bai Luoyao noticed that he was carrying a casual black cloth bag made of environmentally friendly material, which appeared very comfortable. He exuded a refreshing scent of mint, and with the warmth of the heating in the room, she found it quite pleasant.

He was taken aback for a moment, smiled gently, and said, "I have no research on this, please continue."

She took them outside, and the security check at the entrance was still busy. The opening time was 9:00 AM, and it was now close to lunchtime, yet there were still many people. She used to do the same, bringing food inside and then wandering around for the whole day. She watched the group of students exit through the side door and stood there for a moment. Suddenly, she saw them stop parallel to the security check, seemingly in a commotion. She almost thought something had happened, but after a moment, the group moved forward, laughing and joking as if they had discovered something very amusing.

Luo Yaoxin felt a tightness in her chest and forced a smile, asking, "What happened? Wasn't it the donation ceremony that day?"

Since no one sought her assistance, she drifted like a wandering spirit and turned to the porcelain gallery on the ground floor to take a look

Three years ago, she hated him, and now, it has surprisingly turned into an even greater hatred

She let out a sigh and suddenly felt at ease. The ceramics gallery is on the ground floor, while the donation ceremony and reception are on the second floor. She even heard that there would be security personnel isolating the second floor that day. This means she could really avoid it.

His tone was very elegant. After glancing at her name tag, he said: "Never mind, thank you, I am still in a hurry. I really didn't expect that waiting to enter the venue would take more than an hour"

She certainly recognized this invitation. It was specially designed, with the double ram motif on the cover slightly embossed, exuding a rich color and a sense of solemnity

He smiled gently: "Alright, I cannot argue with you."

Speaking of which, after graduating with her master's degree, she followed the trend and took the civil service examination. Her major was obscure and esoteric, religious studies, which sounded rather desolate. Coincidentally, that year the museum was hiring, and somehow it was included in the civil service recruitment plan, as if it were tailor-made for her. Moreover, she was already as familiar with the ins and outs of the museum as she was with her own home; as long as she passed the written exam, she had no worries about the interview. Indeed, two or three years had really passed. Luo Yao sat in her chair, staring blankly at the date.

His expression seemed somewhat strange; upon hearing her words, he appeared even more delighted, and then said: "I understand."

"However, the wine party is quite rare..." Sister Lin frowned, "Otherwise, I might as well go. Didn't they say that the wine party also invited celebrities? You young people..."

Most of the students who came were from liberal arts majors. She picked simple questions to ask and finally selected ten, closed the folder, and then smiled as she said: "Training will start on the weekend, and after two weeks of training, you will be able to take up your positions." In the end, she couldn't help but ask: "How many of you are here to take advantage of the situation for personal gain?"

The assistant went in first, and Li Zhijin held the door, frowning as he looked at her. Suddenly, he pulled her wrist and said, "You haven't had dinner, have you? At least stay for a meal before you leave!"

Luo Yao smiled slightly, nodding her head: "No need. However, explaining is also quite exhausting."

Li Zhengyuan Porcelain Museum

The female assistant, not knowing where she had obtained a newspaper, squeezed in beside Luo Yao and said, "So today is the donation event?" She pointed at the large image of the Double Sheep Zun on the newspaper, momentarily unable to recall its name, and paused there.

Fang Liuyi suddenly sneered: "Just like your father. Do you really think I don't know? Is that woman still at the museum?"

His smile is truly beautiful, like the summit of a snow-capped mountain, pure and white, yet suddenly discovering a snow lotus flower, an astonishing beauty fills the view. However, he smiles so rarely; more often, his face is expressionless, as if he has facial paralysis, his expression unchanging, and his eyes instill fear, cold as ice, chilling the heart. Luo Yao remembers the last time she lay in the hospital, in a daze, only seeing those eyes. She could not discern how much emotion remained within them, only recalling her own hysteria as she shouted with all her strength: "Get lost, I am not committing suicide; only a ghost would commit suicide for you." Luo Yao remembers the last time she lay in the hospital, in a daze, only seeing those eyes. She could not discern how much emotion remained within them, only recalling her own hysteria as she shouted with all her strength: "Get lost, I am not committing suicide; only a ghost would commit suicide for you."

Luo Yao heard him say this and smiled faintly, her face pale: "I am not nervous." As if to divert attention, she asked, "What are you doing here? Are you a staff member?"

You say, am I more handsome or is he?

Luo Yao stood up, anxious to pat her chest and said: "Sister Lin, I'm not saying this lightly, but why don't you go find someone who knows the ceramics museum better than I do? Besides, I've never been fond of chasing after stars since I was young. You could take your daughter along to get a few autographs."

No matter how much one caresses the days on the calendar, no matter how much one wishes for it not to come, that day will inevitably arrive

Luo Yao stared in astonishment as he took out the invitation.

It is that young man: "Hello, may I ask if you could explain the collections here?"

In fact, the preparation work of the crew is very detailed, including which shots to take and which artifacts need to be重点拍摄, all of which have been planned out. Luo Yao feels as if she is sitting there like a supervisor.

A girl raised her hand with a smile and said, "I am interested in jade artifacts. The staff do not need to wait outside in line to enter, right?"

Li Zhijin stood up easily and said, "Alright, just because of what you said, I will take you inside"

Sister Lin was persuaded by her, and after a while, Luo Yao finally remembered: "What film crew? Are they coming to the ceramics museum for location shooting?"

The young girl chuckled softly and said earnestly, "You are quite handsome too"

The Yiqin Group has sent the corresponding facilities and billboards to the museum. In order to avoid disrupting the regular work and exhibitions, it is necessary to work overtime. In fact, the Double Sheep Zun has already been quietly transported here. The old curator, along with several senior professors, is busy rubbing the inscriptions and identifying the patterns, working longer hours than the average person

As she spoke, he leaned closer to the glass, observing intently, and then nodded. In fact, Luo Yao knew that there were some parts he did not understand, yet his expression was earnest, as if he were a diligent student. Finally, when they reached the exit, she habitually said: "Our bronze ware pipes are also quite famous in the country"

Indeed, Mr. Li Zhengyuan is truly an extraordinary person. If it were me, I might not be willing to donate my most cherished artwork. Luo Yao murmured to herself, realizing that she could deeply understand the feelings of the ancient emperors who took the "Lantingji Xu" with them to the grave.

At the end of the month, it is said that Mr. Zhan Zecheng and his mother, Ms. Fang Liuyi, the chairwoman of Yiqin, will both be in attendance. Upon hearing that Zhan Zecheng would be coming, Sister Lin couldn't help but gossip a bit: "Have you heard? The last issue of 'Collector' featuring his photo sold out completely."

Zhan Zecheng did not respond, merely raising his hand slightly to adjust his cuff. A pair of obsidian cufflinks, as simple as his expression.

Ah, she truly has a remarkable ability to completely forget what happened yesterday. If it weren't for Sister Lin bringing it up, she would probably really think that his return to find her last night was just a dream

Suddenly, someone interrupted her worries. The person's voice was very relaxed as they directly patted her shoulder: "Hey, we meet again"

Luo Yao hesitated for a moment and quickly said: "What would you like to know? I can show you around"

Little did she know, the young girl flipped through the newspaper and revealed a photograph of a man. She had not heard what Luo Yao had said at all, her voice filled with excitement: "Is he really upstairs?"

In the end, I still dare not think any further; if I do, it will be utterly unpleasant. Luo Yao heard Sister Lin on the phone, her tone somewhat irritable: "It doesn't really affect anything... and you are just opening a venue, but..." In the end, it was unclear what was said, but it seemed that some issue had been resolved, and she said, "Alright, I will make arrangements."

The knight who is bestowed with a title can ultimately possess the gem only for the duration of his life

Someone came over to open the car door

In fact, the number of people in the crew is not large, and they entered through a side door in a low-key manner. Only one female assistant is particularly lively, walking beside Luo Yao and chattering, "Oh, what day is it today? I saw so many people outside and thought they were here to pick us up!"

The director immediately became displeased and turned to say: "We don't have any stars in our group."

Yes. Do you know about the wine party?

Mr. Li's descendants are all overseas, and he is the only one in Wendaoshi. Luo Yao asked him: "Then why did you come back?"

The director called out "Wrap it up" and walked up to Li Zhijin: "Once the footage is edited, I will have someone deliver it to you"

Today, a group of volunteer guides will arrive at the museum, with online registration and campus promotion starting simultaneously. In fact, their funding is limited, and the expected results are not anticipated to be very good, yet many students still signed up. She eagerly applied for this interview position with the director. The director did not hesitate, recalling how she used to come here to provide volunteer explanations with her ponytail. On the first day, she boldly asked him: "Director, I heard that many treasures in the collection are hidden in the museum's backyard, and that the items displayed outside are all replicas. Is that true?" The old man was at a loss for words at that time, not knowing whether to laugh or cry, perhaps startled by her straightforwardness.

He nodded noncommittally and sat down beside her: "I am familiar with the director, so he brought me in to take a look"

Luo Yao felt quite convinced; that solemn and austere museum would soon transform into a glamorous place filled with elegantly dressed figures. As she observed the bustling world outside, she suddenly felt out of sync. She glanced at the time; it was almost here, and she estimated that reporters were already waiting at the entrance. She took the organized materials by herself and walked down the small staircase beside her.

Is that so? When Luo Yao went to buy the "Southern Weekly," he indeed saw that issue at the newsstand, featuring his half-body photo, which is quite rare! This person hates being photographed the most! But she finds it disgusting. That magazine has always used cultural relics as the cover, and the only thing that can be associated with people is the Terracotta Army; what does he count as? A profit-driven businessman? Cold-blooded, selfish, probably doesn't even know what a cultural relic is, yet he collects? She finds it disgusting. That magazine has always used cultural relics as the cover, and the only thing that can be associated with people is the Terracotta Army; what does he count as? A profit-driven businessman? Cold-blooded, selfish, probably doesn't even know what a cultural relic is, yet he collects? Isn't it just relying on a bit of money?

She then continued to lean over her desk, writing explanatory notes for several exhibits. Reference materials were piled high on the table, many of which were handwritten drafts, consisting of data and inscriptions translated by the former curator over the past few days. Luo Yao habitually bit the tip of her pen, pondering the next sentence, and for some reason, a line of poetry came to her mind

Oh my, you look so nervous. That camera won't touch the porcelain at all, will it

Luo Yao saw a man standing in front of Mr. Li Zhengyuan's statue for a long time, seemingly examining the biography closely. He wore a fleece, with the brim of his hat pulled low, dressed in a simple fleece jacket and jeans, which would normally be considered an unremarkable outfit, yet he carried a black messenger bag on his shoulder

His expression turned cold, the corners of his mouth moved slightly, but the car happened to come to a stop

Luo Yao only knew that he suddenly appeared in front of her that night, catching her completely off guard. This time was different from that night; she had foreseen the time, and thus could not help but start to think. There were many things she had to suppress in order to forget, but with only seven days left, she knew he would definitely come. What could she do to suppress the increasingly intense feeling of anxiety?

He smiled softly: "This time there is no time left, perhaps next time. I do not know if I will encounter such responsible staff again"

She shook her head and turned to walk back. One hand unconsciously pinched the tiger's mouth of the other hand, as if this could help her feel a bit more awake. Upon returning to the office, it seemed that she was the only one idle, while everyone else was bustling about. It felt as if she were wandering outside the room, and she grabbed Sister Lin and asked, "Where are you going?"

Next to the calendar is a photograph. In the photo, I am still sporting a ponytail, somewhat reserved as I follow my mentor. At that time, I had just become a student of Professor Yu Huiru, and due to my unfamiliarity, I always felt constrained when meeting my mentor. I still remember during the re-examination interview, there were five professors sitting in front of me, taking turns to ask questions. One of them asked a broad question comparing Eastern and Western religions. In my understanding, such a question could almost fill several thick volumes of professional discourse. Nevertheless, I expressed what I had in mind. I still remember during the re-examination interview, there were five professors sitting in front of me, taking turns to ask questions. One of them asked a broad question comparing Eastern and Western religions. In my understanding, such a question could almost fill several thick volumes of professional discourse. Nevertheless, I expressed what I had in mind

She nodded

Li Zhijin took off his hat and said, "Wait a little longer, once we finish shooting here, I will take you up."

Luo Yao, are you available on the 30th?

She was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and pointed to a nearby location where a large porcelain vase from the Qing Dynasty could be seen. It was adorned with colorful and exquisite enamels, said to embody the essence of Western art: "So, sir, do you think that vibrant and colorful appearance is beautiful?"

The flash seems capable of engulfing a person

Mr. Li is remarkable; several pieces of Song Dynasty porcelain in this collection were all donated by him. For over a thousand years, it is indeed extraordinary to find shards from famous kilns, and it is rare for him to have discovered this washed piece from the Ge kiln. Look, it is intact.

The person holding the invitation is dressed nonchalantly in a deep red checkered shirt, layered with a black windbreaker, wearing a pair of Nike shoes, and carrying a backpack with two shoulder straps, looking very much like a vibrant student.

Suddenly seeing this photo, Luo Yao coughed softly and suddenly felt that this person was truly everywhere. She smiled awkwardly and said, "Should be here, right?"