Chapter 43: Reporting the Case

Not only the modern famous calligraphy and paintings that the Old Taoist had given to Ye Tian, but even the “Landscape Chess Game” painting by Wen Zhengming that Feng Kuang had received were all gone without a trace. It seemed…these thieves had some taste.

“Xiao Tian, you and Feng Zi stay right here. Don’t go anywhere. I’m going to report this to the police…”

Given the current situation, Ye Dongping could only place his hopes on the police department. After instructing Ye Tian a few words, he hurried out the door.

“Dad, Dad, don’t go! I know who it was…”

Ye Tian called out a couple of times from behind, but Ye Dongping, frantic with worry, didn’t hear him. He was only thinking about how to recover those calligraphy and paintings as quickly as possible.

…

The Xicheng Police Station was not far from the Recycling Station. After about seven or eight minutes, a panting Ye Dongping arrived at the police station’s entrance, but he was stopped by the old man opening the gate.

This gatekeeper was a bit hard of hearing. Ye Dongping tried to explain for a long time, but simply couldn’t get through to him. Ye Dongping began to get anxious and shouted loudly, “Uncle, I’m here to report a case! My home was burgled! Things worth tens of thousands are missing…”

“Tens of thousands? Kid, you’re bragging. I’ve lived this long and never seen tens of thousands,” the old man scoffed, but he didn’t stop Ye Dongping anymore. He even pointed out the director’s office.

“Comrade, are you sure you’re not mistaken? What kind of calligraphy and painting could be worth tens of thousands of yuan?”

The director was named Xu Fujie. He was in his early forties and seemed quite amiable. However, when he heard Ye Dongping mention the value of the lost items, his expression became exactly the same as the old gatekeeper’s, as if they were father and son.

“Director Xu, how could I lie about something like this? Among the over twenty calligraphy and paintings in those two boxes, many were from famous painters of the late Qing dynasty and modern times. There was even one work by the Ming dynasty artist Wen Zhengming. Saying they’re worth tens of thousands is actually undervaluing them.”

Seeing that Director Xu didn’t believe him, Ye Dongping couldn’t help but get agitated. Although the Old Taoist was Ye Tian’s Master, if he lost things the other had treasured for decades, he would have no face to see Li Shanyuan again.

“Comrade Ye, don’t be upset. I don’t really understand these things you’re talking about. But even paintings of our great leader only cost a few yuan each. Are the things you mentioned really that valuable?”

Xu Fujie had transferred from the military and hadn’t worked locally for many years. Back then, most of those promoted in the army came from rural areas. They only needed strong ideological and military qualities; there were no cultural requirements.

Director Xu had been illiterate before joining the army. He only learned to read and write during crash courses in the military. Now, he could barely read the newspaper. He had never even heard of the painting masters Ye Dongping mentioned.

In his view, the so-called famous calligraphy and paintings Ye Dongping talked about were the same as those New Year posters and calendars from recent years. This person was exaggerating, probably just to make him take it seriously.

Government workers in this era were hardworking and had few airs. Incidents of corruption were rare. But to be honest, their professional skills were really not up to par. Director Xu was a concentrated example of the characteristics of this era.

Ye Dongping stuck to his story, but Director Xu remained unconvinced. For a moment, the two men were deadlocked, neither able to persuade the other.

Director Xu, after all, worked in public security and had experience finding breakthroughs. After thinking for a moment, he said, “Comrade Xiao Ye, since you say these calligraphy and paintings are worth so much money, let me ask you, where did you get these things from?”

“This… this…”

Ye Dongping was truly stumped by the question. It wasn’t easy to explain. If he told the whole truth, it would involve the Old Taoist from the mountain. If the police station then went to verify it, not only would it waste time, but the paintings would likely be long gone by then.

Seeing Ye Dongping stammer, Director Xu became even more pleased with himself. He said, “You look like an educated person. Why are you so tricky? If a member of the public loses something, of course we’ll handle it. Why must you falsely report the value of the lost items…”

“Hey, Director Xu, I’m not making a false report. Everything I said is true.”

Hearing this assessment, Ye Dongping didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Just as he was about to defend himself, a sudden thought flashed in his mind. He quickly spoke up, “Director Xu, I’ll tell you the truth. These calligraphy, paintings, and cultural relics all belong to Mr. Liao Haode, the investor of the Recycling Station.”

“Liao Haode? Who is he? Why didn’t he come report the loss himself?” Director Xu asked, puzzled.

“Mr. Liao is an overseas Chinese from the United States. He came back recently to visit relatives and has already returned to America.”

Ye Dongping was forced into a corner. If he didn’t borrow the weight of Liao Haode’s status, this Director Xu probably wouldn’t take the matter seriously.

“Overseas Chinese from the United States?!”

Xu Fujie, who had been about to take a drink from his teacup, froze upon hearing this. He put the cup down and asked, “These calligraphy and paintings belong to that overseas Chinese?”

“Yes, that’s right. He left them at the Recycling Station for me to safekeep. Now they’re missing.”

Having started down this path, Ye Dongping could only keep going. The consequences of deceiving the government could be severe. Fortunately, Liao Haode had already returned to America. Even if they wanted to verify with him, given the current situation, it was pretty unrealistic.

“This… give me the specific names of the lost items. Ah, never mind, you write them down. Yes, write them all here. Right, just here…”

Hearing that the items belonged to an overseas Chinese from the United States, Xu Fujie’s attitude changed immediately. It wasn’t that he worshipped foreigners, but since the reform and opening-up, the country had placed great importance on attracting foreign investment.

For overseas Chinese who had left the country during various historical periods for various reasons, the state had also provided many policies, hoping to attract them back to start businesses and boost domestic economic development.

Therefore, during this period, a wave of enthusiasm for overseas Chinese swept across the land. For example, in this very County Town, there was an Overseas Chinese Store that sold all sorts of imported goods, from toys to electrical appliances, everything you could want.

But if you tried to buy something with regular money…sorry, not for sale. This store only accepted special Overseas Chinese Coupons issued by the state, showing just how much the country valued returning overseas Chinese at the time.

So, upon hearing these calligraphy and paintings belonged to a returned overseas Chinese, Director Xu’s attitude did a complete 180-degree turn. He knew that if this matter wasn’t handled well, it could potentially cause a political impact.

After watching Ye Dongping write down all the lost items on paper, Director Xu stood up and said, “Comrade Xiao Ye, here’s what we’ll do. The statement is recorded. I’ll send Deputy Director Liu, the most experienced old investigator in our station, to go back with you and examine the scene. You can discuss any requirements with him…”

The fact that he wasn’t going to the scene himself didn’t mean Director Xu didn’t take this seriously. On the contrary, precisely because he took it so seriously, he needed to report to his superiors immediately.