Chapter 176 Not Hard Work

Xiao Yuzhu once asked: Lin Sicheng, why is it so important to apply for World Heritage status?

With that time and energy, wouldn't it be better to find bargains? Isn't restoring cultural relics profitable?

Lin Sicheng simply smiled.

It's not that I don't know how to answer, but rather that I have a different perspective: in this society, money can't solve everything.

Finding a bargain is tempting, but it's all about luck. Even the most skilled appraisers and experts can't find bargains every day.

Restoring cultural relics can be quite profitable, but as Grandpa and Professor Wang have repeatedly mentioned, one must have the financial strength to match their wealth accumulation.

Just like Grandma Zhao, her skills are excellent, and she's very well-known, right?

But in Lin Sicheng's view, while the standards were high, they were also off-target. The old lady was indeed very influential in the fields of cultural relics, collecting, restoration, tomb raiding, and robbing, but at most she was just a "craftsman".

If you become a nationally and authoritative industry-recognized inheritor of skills and cultural guardian, then you are a "master"!

Inheriting and protecting skills, popularizing traditional culture, promoting development and innovation, enhancing social influence, and even creating a cultural brand...

Take Zhao Xiuneng, for example. He has a net worth of several hundred million yuan and his collection is piled up like a mountain. He's rich, isn't he?

But to put it bluntly: not only Chen Peng, but even Guan Xingmin wouldn't give him a second glance. Whenever he found something rare, he not only dared not let anyone know, but he also had to hide it from everyone.

Even Li Chunnan treated Lin Sicheng with great courtesy. Many people knew he had acquired the Crimson Cloud Cup and Xu Weili's documents, but the origins of those two items were often unclear.

But who has asked?

Certainly, Lin Sicheng's foresight in reporting and cooperating when necessary, coupled with Wang Qizhi's protection and the support of his status, contributed to this success. However, the most significant factor was the recognition of Lin Sicheng's character and abilities by these individuals and organizations.

Therefore, status and position are things you can't see or touch. But if you don't have them, then sorry, go cool off somewhere else...

Lost in thought, Lin Sicheng was pulled back to reality by a car horn.

Before we knew it, we had entered the TC city area.

The enormous chimneys stood like a forest of swords, billowing thick smoke that was then torn into shreds by the howling wind.

The streetlights were shrouded in thick fog, like watercolors spreading out, blurry and indistinct, making the old billboards appear white.

The juniper trees were covered in dust, and as cars drove by, the snow was churned into black mud. Pedestrians, bundled in thick cotton coats, hurried along, their faces weathered and worn.

The whole city looked like a faded old photograph, gloomy and gray.

Tongchuan was established because of coal, and its development followed by its market development; such a situation is to be expected.

After arriving at the hotel, we put our luggage away and then had dinner.

At first glance, there were quite a few people, a total of eight or nine: the vice dean who came from the school to make a special trip, the instructor Shang Yan, the assistant Li Zhen, as well as Lin Sicheng and the newly recruited assistant.

I don't recognize the remaining few?

Shang Yan looked at the list again: "These three are assistants from the district cultural bureau... but they don't seem like it to me?"

Lin Sicheng smiled and said, "Professor Shang, it's a good thing that the higher-ups are paying attention to it. Why do you care whether it looks similar or not?"

Shang Yan hummed in agreement and didn't say anything more. She just felt that the roles of these three were a bit strange: a driver, a data clerk, a technical assistant... all of them revolved around Lin Sicheng.

Does the higher-ups value Lin Sicheng that much?

But Wang Qizhi specially assigned Lin Sicheng a master's degree assistant?

It was strange, but Shang Yan was just curious and didn't think much of it.

After having lunch and resting for a while, the group went straight to the Tongchuan Ceramics Research Institute.

The building is not tall, only five stories, and the decoration is very simple.

But it has everything you need: research rooms, laboratories, archives, technology research and development center...

The equipment is complete, many of them are the latest generation of imported goods, and they are very new, shiny and dazzling.

A man in his early forties approached, a reserved smile on his face, yet also exuding confidence: "Are you Dean Su from Xida University?"

With their hands clasped together, Dean Su nodded: "Yes, that's me!"

"I am the head of the Yaozhou Celadon Technique Development Department of the Research Institute. My surname is Liu... The professor went to Beijing, and Director Du (Deputy Director) went to a meeting in the city, so I am here to receive you..."

Dean Su didn't pay much attention and even pondered for a moment: This person should be a student of Director Meng Shufeng, the director of the Tongchuan Ceramics Research Institute and the head of the Yaozhou Kiln Ceramics Firing Technology Research Center, who is also a national-level intangible cultural heritage inheritor.

As for this development department, it's probably similar to a project team that oversees process restoration and R&D design; this person should be the person in charge.

Those who came to learn technology this time didn't need to worry about the level of hospitality. Dean Su politely shook hands and then introduced Lin Sicheng:

"Minister Liu, this is Lin Sicheng, the inheritor of the 'Porcelain Restoration Technique' that our school has approved as a project, and also a top student of our school..."

He is the person who came to your institute for this study visit. He will handle the specific arrangements for the visit and learning himself… We look forward to your continued support!

At first, Minister Liu had a smile on his face. But as he introduced Lin Sicheng, the smile gradually faded.

Students, passing on skills, applying for intangible cultural heritage status... how did all of this come together?

Lin Sicheng realized something was wrong, so he didn't shake hands, because the other person had no intention of shaking hands with him at all.

Without even exchanging pleasantries, he simply greeted them and immediately produced the planning report:

"Hello Minister Liu, you can just call me Xiao Lin... We're here for two reasons: first, to investigate and learn about the raw materials and techniques of Yaozhou kiln porcelain; and second, to exchange technical knowledge, specifically on the restoration of ancient celadon... We'll be in a lot of trouble with you from here on out..."

Minister Liu received the plan and glanced at it.

There's a lot to do; you need to research, study samples, observe and learn, and also do hands-on practice.

Looking at the timeline: it will take about a month of study...

After looking at it twice, Minister Liu smiled and said, "Xiao Lin, I'm only in charge of reception. I need to consult with my superiors before I can give you a reply!"

Lin Sicheng sighed, his face expressionless: "Okay, then I'll trouble you!"

Minister Liu said "okay," and after everyone left, Dean Su was completely bewildered: "What's going on?"

Before coming, at least a letter was sent in the name of Xida University. Even if they didn't like him, he shouldn't have been so cold to him.

Lin Sicheng thought for a moment: "They probably think we're trying to steal their technology?"

"How is that possible?"

Dean Su was puzzled: "The letter clearly states that we applied for 'porcelain restoration technology,' while theirs is for 'porcelain firing techniques'... One repairs, the other creates, what use is it for us to steal it?"

Lin Sicheng sighed: "Professor Su, do I look like I have excellent restoration skills?"

Dean Su was stunned: he was both amused and annoyed.

Indeed, Lin Sicheng is a bit too young.

This isn't something that can be learned by rote memorization, like songs or plays. It's a craft that requires years of accumulated experience.

Anyway, it didn't seem right no matter how you looked at it, so naturally, Minister Liu began to suspect the purpose of their trip.

It's not surprising: it's not uncommon for other organizations to steal technology from organizations that have already applied for World Heritage status, and it's not just one or two cases.

Moreover, their levels are quite high: some are municipal-level units, and some are even provincial-level units... Compared to them, it's not surprising at all that they treat Northwest University like a thief...

Just then, Minister Liu returned. He seemed very polite, but there was a clear hint of distance in his voice: "Dean Su, I just consulted with Director Du, and the leadership wants us to cooperate as much as possible..."

Shortly after, the head of the training department will come to deliver the materials... Also, I will have the head of the restoration team come over. If you are going to visit and inspect the site, please contact him afterwards..."

He chuckled again and extended his hand, "Dean Su, the lab is still conducting experiments, so I can't leave for too long. Sorry!"

After saying that, Minister Liu glanced at Lin Sicheng, turned around casually, and left the reception room.

The group looked at each other in bewilderment: Did they really think they were trying to steal technology?

Otherwise, they wouldn't be so perfunctory...

Dean Su frowned: "Xiao Lin, I have a feeling that the materials that will be delivered later are probably not very valuable."

Lin Sicheng nodded: "Dean Su, remove the feeling!"

A burst of laughter followed. The newly hired assistant looked on with curiosity: "Yaozhou porcelain was only applied for World Heritage status last year, and the application only covered the celadon firing technique. It's amazing that you have a dedicated ceramic restoration and research department."

Just as Lin Sicheng was about to say something, Shang Yan scoffed, "Little Sun, didn't you notice when you came in?"

Assistant Sun, confused, asked, "Professor Shang, what are you talking about?"

"There's such a big sign at the entrance of the building, can't you see it?"

Suddenly, Sun Le blushed deeply: The Porcelain Research Institute, isn't that exactly what it's for to study ceramic restoration?

But he was so focused on the "National World Heritage Application Research Center" that he forgot about this part...

Lin Sicheng sighed and looked at Shang Yan again.

Shang Yan snorted: When your teacher abused his power to replace Li Zhen, why didn't you protect her?

I only said a few sarcastic things to him; I was already being lenient by not giving him any trouble.

Lin Sicheng looked helpless...

It wasn't very smooth, but everyone remained calm, mainly because Lin Sicheng wasn't in a hurry.

About ten minutes later, a few more people came in. They introduced themselves as the heads of the data department and the restoration team, and the people behind them were carrying more than a dozen file folders.

Lin Sicheng dismantled the items one by one, and Dean Su and Shang Yan asked a few more questions.

The former was fine; they were told to take a look first, and he would find any missing information whenever needed.

After talking with the next person, both of them were filled with disappointment: at present, the main restoration research of the Porcelain Research Institute is still mainly focused on gilding and lacquer.

The seamless repair that Dean Su and Shang Yan hoped for was not addressed at all.

But when it comes to mending gold and lacquer, Lin Sicheng was better than anyone else.

After putting down the documents and waiting for everyone to leave, Shang Yan couldn't wait any longer: "Lin Sicheng, how did it go?"

"The data is incomplete!" Lin Sicheng sighed. "We lack core technology!"

"Then what should we do?" Shang Yan looked at Dean Su. "Should we contact the school, or go to the Municipal Bureau of Culture, or the Provincial Department of Culture to explain?"

"I doubt it will have much effect!" Lin Sicheng shook his head. "It might even backfire!"

It's not easy for local governments to achieve political success, so we must protect it and make good use of it.

You think you're explaining, but the other person feels like you're putting pressure on them...

"Although it lacks core technologies, this set of materials is not without value. Let me take a look first... Of course, it would be best to find a few representative works to compare with."

Lin Sicheng thought for a moment: "It would be even better if we could visit the technology research and development center!"

“The deputy director of the TC City Museum is a graduate of our school,” Dean Su pondered. “Ask him to help mediate and get him to check on things at the R&D center; it shouldn’t be a big problem!”

Shang Yan also stood up: "I'll go find the samples!"

Master Sun's eyes lit up: "Professor Shang, Yaozhou porcelain, doesn't our school have some?"

Shang Yan paused, then glanced sideways at Lin Sicheng: "Your teacher just gave you an assistant of this caliber?"

Lin Sicheng didn't speak, but sighed.

The skill level was indeed lacking, but the key issue was that they rushed into the project without properly studying the materials: the Yaozhou porcelain firing technique had long been lost, and Tongchuan's application for World Heritage status used a semi-innovative substitute technique.

How can you study someone else's innovative techniques when you're using pure antique porcelain?

The key issue is that the assistant's professional skills and proficiency will affect his own learning progress. Leaving aside everything else, just the task of searching and organizing information would probably be a challenge for this senior student, Sun…

After thinking for a moment, Lin Sicheng tapped the table: "Senior Brother Sun, you should hurry up and study the materials. Senior Sister Li, I'll need to trouble you these next few days..."

"Huh?" Li Zhen was taken aback for a moment: "It's not hard work at all!"

Shang Yan pouted: I, as the mentor, haven't even said anything yet, aren't you tired?

But she didn't say anything...