Chapter 56

"Xiaoyong, what did you say? That young man doesn't want the hundred million yuan reward, but instead wants to donate the original 'Lanting Xu' and the Imperial Seal to the state for free, only hoping to waive the taxes and fees for this auction, and to receive some policy discounts when running a business in the future?"

A hoarse voice came from the phone on Yun Haiyong's end.

"That's right, he also said he wants to invest ten billion yuan to set up a precision machine tool factory to produce world-class machine tools, not for any other reason, but to improve our country's industrial level!" Yun Haiyong said loudly.

"Oh, young people these days, there aren't many who are so sensible. To donate priceless treasures to the state for free, without a single cent, and even refuse a hundred million yuan reward, and then use the money earned to start a high-tech enterprise to revitalize the country, that's truly remarkable!"

The hoarse voice paused for a moment and then continued, "I think this condition is completely acceptable. I'll call the relevant departments right away to issue a document to waive the taxes and fees for this auction. As for his business, I'll also inform Secretary Tang and Mayor Bu. The machine tool industry is the foundation of all industries, and for such a patriotic young man who wants to do something practical, we should give strong support!"

...

This negotiation went much more smoothly than before. When Zhong Yang learned that Li Yi didn't even want the hundred million yuan reward, there was no reason to hesitate. What Li Yi wanted was just some policy discounts within the legal framework, and these policies were already in place. Who wouldn't do a favor when it was so easy?

As for waiving a bit of the taxes and fees for this auction, no one took it seriously. They didn't even bother to ask how much it was. It was the money of the other party, so what difference would it make to collect less tax?

After finishing the call, Yun Haiyong smiled slightly. Tan Mingcheng, standing beside him, first sought instructions from his superiors and then notified the staff that none of the taxes or commissions from Li Yi's auction proceeds would be collected, and all the funds would be transferred to Li Yi's personal account!

This exhibition was organized by the provincial cultural department, not a private event, so the waived taxes and fees also included the exhibition fees and auction commissions. All the funds from Li Yi's auction belonged to him.

A full 5.84 billion yuan!

Seeing the ten-digit bank balance, Li Yi didn't show any particular surprise. For him, who had once been an emperor in another universe, this was just a small amount of money, a tiny start-up fund.

In comparison, what he valued more was the support from the state.

As everyone knows, setting up a business involves many departments and regulations. Any clerk can...

Cough, cough, for well-known reasons, this book must declare that China is the most politically transparent country in the world, with no corrupt officials or corruption at all.

However, although our officials have the highest quality in the world, even the village women's committee chairperson is far superior to the U.S. President, some misunderstandings still exist among the public.

For example, the phenomenon of officials taking bribes, although it has never happened in China, is widely believed by many people.

Li Yi knew that China's politics were extremely transparent, and ordinary people setting up businesses would not be treated unfairly. However, he liked to be thorough, so maintaining good relations with the authorities was very important.

For example, the procedures for obtaining a business license are very complicated. Any department or any clerk can hold your submitted documents for one or two weeks, find a small mistake, and send them back for re-examination.

Of course, all the clerks handle these matters according to established procedures. They are strictly following the rules for the benefit of the country and the people, and you can't find any fault with them. Our civil servants are all law-abiding and dedicated.

Li Yi wanted to avoid such situations. Now, as a patriotic person who had donated two national treasures for free and made significant contributions to the country, the state had agreed to support him, making it much easier to set up a business.

At least, those non-issues could be directly green-lighted without the need for smoothing things over, and even the high efficiency of government departments wouldn't waste his time.

"Auntie, I remember your condition was a monthly salary of 100,000 yuan, right? Give me your bank card, and I'll transfer 120 million yuan to you, enough for a hundred years!" Li Yi said with a smile.

"I don't want... don't..."

Although Lin Ruxue was happy to see her nephew make so much money, she felt a bit uneasy about accepting over 100 million yuan.

"Ha, you don't want it? Too late, you're already mine!" Li Yi reached out and hugged Lin Ruxue, took her bank card from her bag, and asked the auction house staff to help transfer the money.

"Don't be so informal!" Lin Ruxue pushed Li Yi but didn't refuse. After all, Li Yi wasn't an outsider, and with over 5 billion yuan, giving her over 100 million wasn't a big deal.

"I'll keep some for you first, and return it when you get married," Lin Ruxue said.

"Hey, you don't manage the household? After we get married, will you still hand over the money to me?" Li Yi asked with a smile.

"Stop talking nonsense, are you done yet?" Lin Ruxue glared at him, wanting to pinch his ear but feeling embarrassed with so many people around. She said angrily, "Wait until we get home, and I'll deal with you!"

The female cashier, who was processing the transfer for Li Yi, saw the two of them being so intimate and couldn't help but smile, "Mr. Li, you really love your girlfriend, I'm so envious!"

Lin Ruxue, realizing she was misunderstood again, blushed but didn't argue, only secretly pinched Li Yi.

Li Yi chuckled, "Yes, we're getting married soon, and I'll give you some candy then. By the way, transfer another 10 million yuan and set up a separate account!"

"Sure." The female cashier nodded.

Li Yi said to Lin Ruxue, "This 10 million yuan is for your classmate with cancer, it should be enough. If it's not, I'll add more."

Lin Ruxue felt deeply moved.

At the class reunion, she had kept blaming Li Yi for boasting and even wanted to take him to apologize to Di Huiqiu. But in just one night, he had prepared 10 million yuan for the treatment!

"Xiaoyi..." A faint bitterness choked Lin Ruxue's throat, leaving her at a loss for words.

"Ha, if you're moved, give me a kiss!" Li Yi leaned in.

Lin Ruxue laughed, her mood instantly changing. She grabbed Li Yi's ear and scolded, "If I don't pinch you, you won't know your own name!"

"Xue, be careful, ouch!" Li Yi deliberately cried out in pain.

"Hehe, you deserve it!" Li Ting clapped her hands.

The female cashier couldn't help but shake her head, thinking that Mr. Li was so rich but seemed to have a short temper.

After leaving the finance office, Li Yi met Tan Mingcheng again, who was chatting with Ni Liqun from the capital and Li Changhe from Taiwan.

Ni Liqun and Tan Mingcheng were old friends, and Tan Mingcheng had invited Ni Liqun to several exhibitions in Zhili Province.

Ni Liqun's granddaughter, Ni Siyi, stood beside her grandfather. Seeing Li Yi come out, she immediately pouted unhappily, "Bad guy, selling China's treasures to foreigners!"

"Xiao Yi, don't talk nonsense!" Ni Liqun frowned.

Businessmen value making money from all directions and being kind to others. If his granddaughter's careless words offended Mr. Li, it would be trouble.

Unexpectedly, Li Ting, who was standing next to Li Yi, had sharp ears and heard Ni Siyi's words, and said unhappily, "What's it to you if we sell things to foreigners?"