Chapter Two: A Million Is Not the Finish Line

And if the cabinet contained pre-restructuring state-enterprise archives, Haiyue might not have the legal right to sell it at all. “I request suspension of the auction,” he said, rising. “The cabinet may contain state archives that cannot lawfully be sold.” Qiu’s face hardened. “On what basis?” Shen displayed the torn label. “Items in the same batch were marked as labor-union inventory. The records predate restructuring. Your catalogue admits the contents were never reviewed. How did you establish title?” Su showed her credentials. “I am an external consultant to the municipal museum. These materials may document historically significant industrial migration. The archives authority should be notified.”