Chapter 204 Before the dragon ascends, it lives among fish and turtles. But when it ascends to heaven, its scales are no longer visible.

On the seventh day of the Lunar New Year, may your business prosper.

The red wrappers of firecrackers lay scattered on the steps, and a faint smell of sulfur lingered in the lingering morning mist.

Before the door even opened, a long queue had already formed outside the hot and sour soup stall. After a while, with a "whoosh," the roller shutter door slammed down.

Puffs of steam rose up, enveloping the guests. A misty, ethereal atmosphere enveloped the scene.

One spoonful is just enough for a bowl, plus a meat patty. He doesn't even go inside, but squats down on the curb with the bowl in his hand.

Just as he took a slurp, the distant sound of a flower drum troupe's clappers rang out. Diners, bowl in one hand and flatbread in the other, crowded together to the roadside.

The shop's security door was only halfway opened when the owner stepped it back in. Inside the beauty salon, the woman on the bed rolled over, put on a face mask, and ran out the door. The owner's wife and the shop assistant followed closely behind, grabbing a handful of sunflower seeds in between.

More and more people gathered by the roadside, their faces beaming with joy and a relaxed, contented air.

Ye Xing'an remarked with feeling: "If we talk about cultural heritage and urban environment, Beijing is certainly more profound and better built. But if we talk about livability, business environment, and pace of life, Xi'an is actually more suitable."

The secretary wholeheartedly agreed.

Not to mention the seventh day of the Lunar New Year, even on the eve of the Lunar New Year, when you walk the streets of Beijing late at night, the stalls are still set up and the shops are still open.

It's not that the New Year's Eve dinner was bad, nor that the family reunion was unhappy... it's just that the burden on our shoulders felt like a mountain.

With a sigh, the two watched the flower drum for a while, then strolled around the outer street before entering the school.

The dean's assistant was waiting downstairs early, greeting from afar: "Director Ye, Secretary Wang!"

Ye Xing'an nodded: "Assistant Zhang, thank you for your help!"

He quickly bent down and said, "You're too kind!"

The dean personally arranged it, only saying it was a visiting leader, without specifying who that leader was. He also didn't explain why they only brought a secretary. But the main message was clear: provide excellent service.

His rank must be quite high, but thankfully, he was very friendly.

"Director Ye, how would you like to arrange today's schedule?"

"We don't really have an itinerary, let's just wander around and head to the practical education center first!"

Looking at the laboratory building not far away, Ye Xing'an smiled and said, "Assistant Zhang, once we get there, there's no need for a special introduction. Also, try not to disturb the professors' teaching and experiments. Just take a look!"

Assistant Zhang immediately changed his tune: "Boss, I understand!"

The three people walked towards the practical teaching center, and Assistant Zhang introduced them in a low voice:

"Two years ago, the School of Cultural Heritage was selected as a provincial-level brand-name major. Last year, it applied to the Ministry to establish a specialization in cultural heritage management, which was approved at the end of the year. If all goes well, it will be approved as a national key discipline development project this year..."

"The school plans to apply for key disciplines under the 211 Project this year, and the province and the Ministry of Education are very supportive... The experimental center has also been gradually upgraded and is now a national-level scientific research platform..."

Ye Xing'an nodded slightly.

The newly built center is indeed very comprehensive: it has laboratories for artifact analysis, teaching experiments, restoration and conservation, special research, and even related artifacts such as minerals, metals, ceramics, textiles, and animals.

The coverage is also very broad, encompassing the entire chain and meeting multi-level needs. While ranking first among cultural heritage preservation universities nationwide might be an exaggeration, Northwest University is certainly among the top three.

They were just taking a quick look around, like a fleeting glimpse. Ye Xing'an only stopped briefly when the three of them reached the third floor.

A plaque hangs at the entrance: Wang Qizhi Cultural Heritage Research and Protection Technology Laboratory.

Assistant Zhang explained in detail, and Ye Xing'an nodded frequently.

But in his heart he thought: development-oriented, innovation-oriented, near-national-level R&D laboratory... Wang Qizhi's name was prominently displayed on it.

It's not that the brother-in-law is looking down on him: Wang Qizhi's abilities are certainly more than enough, but with his lazy, donkey-like personality, he'd never amount to anything...

After a moment's thought, Ye Xing'an walked straight inside.

The place is quite large, divided into four sections, with a panoramic glass partition in the middle. The layout is also quite good, with bright windows, clean tables, and a neat and tidy environment.

In the lab, Zhu Kaiping was leading his research group in analyzing data. Perhaps they had encountered a problem, as the group sat around the computer, frowning and silent.

On the other side, Feng Lin was leading the data team in organizing materials. The keyboard clattered loudly, and the printer hummed. They were all quite focused; it wasn't until the three of them walked to the middle of the lab that someone noticed them.

The voice abruptly stopped, and Feng Lin looked up, quickly calling out, "Assistant Zhang!"

Before Assistant Zhang could say anything, Ye Xing'an smiled and said, "It's alright, you guys go about your business, we'll just take a look around!"

I didn't recognize the person, but they seemed very impressive. Judging from Assistant Zhang's humble demeanor, they must be a leader who came to visit.

They assumed they were just casually looking around. Feng Lin nodded, and the data clerks glanced at the papers before lowering their heads again.

As before, the keyboard started clicking again, the printer started spitting out paper, and the bound documents were laid out on the long table to the side.

Without getting too close, Ye Xing'an casually glanced at the title.

Ancient metal rust prevention techniques: passivation treatment.

Ancient metal surface coating techniques: 1. Paint film coating. 2. Grease coating. 3. Beeswax sealing...

Alloying and metal coating, i.e. optimization and protection...

There were more than ten books in total, which Ye Xing'an didn't understand very well, but he had heard Wang Qizhi mention that their laboratory's research project on rust prevention of metal cultural relics not only far exceeded that of other universities and peers in China, but was even at the world's leading level.

Wang Qizhi has an unconventional personality and tends to exaggerate, so saying he's "world-leading" is certainly an exaggeration. But his second sister said that the technical level of her third son's project is at least in the top tier domestically.

In other words, they are fully qualified to apply for relevant national-level scientific research projects and seek funding and technical support.

Considering Wang Qizhi's repeated mentions that the project was independently designed by Lin Sicheng, and that all experimental steps and phased application plans were also handled by Lin Sicheng, Ye Xing'an couldn't help but sigh with emotion:

A national-level research project leader in his early twenties?

It's no wonder that Wang Qizhi treasures him.

He quickly changed his mind and went back into the experimental area. Perhaps someone had reminded him, because Zhu Kaiping looked up and glanced around: "Assistant Zhang, is there something you need?"

His tone was very casual, with a hint of doubt in his expression. The key question was: "Is something wrong?"

It's no exaggeration to say that Ye Xing'an has visited countless organizations, but this is the first time he has ever seen an employee greeted by their own organization's leader in such a way.

Looking closer, it seems there's a hint of impatience in the researcher's eyes.

I understand, I've disturbed their experiment...

For a moment, Ye Xing'an was both curious and amused.

Assistant Zhang looked helpless.

But this isn't his fault; it was Director Ye who said there was no need for an introduction.

He gave Zhu Kaiping a subtle glare: "It's nothing, just accompanying the leader on a tour!"

As he spoke, he winked.

Unfortunately, the flirtatious glances were wasted on the blind man, and Zhu Kaiping simply replied, "Then do as you please!"

Then he turned back to his computer and continued discussing with his team members.

Assistant Zhang was dumbfounded: Zhu Kaiping, you're here again? Are you really not clear, or are you pretending not to understand?

What did I just say? I said "accompanying the leader on a tour"... You made it so clear, and you didn't even bother to inform the leader?

At the very least, shouldn't you at least say "hello"?

Just as he was wondering whether he should remind him again, Ye Xing'an smiled and shook his head.

Judging from the atmosphere in the lab and the attitudes of the two groups, this was definitely not the first time: everyone was focused on their own tasks, completely absorbed and oblivious to the world around them.

I don't care what kind of leader you are; I only care about my research, because that's my job. Even if someone blames me later, the taller person will naturally take the fall.

Very focused and pure, but to be honest, that's rare.

Ye Xing'an also understood how difficult it was to create such an atmosphere, and that it was by no means something that could be achieved overnight. It required not only personal instruction but also leading by example.

One can imagine Lin Sicheng's usual work attitude. And honestly, this kid does have some skills in managing people.

After a moment's thought, Assistant Zhang whispered, "This is a key researcher in the lab and the leader of the research group. He leads the team to complete all the specific research experiments and data analysis!"

"That group outside is the data team, responsible for data verification, index improvement, and data collection..."

Ye Xing'an nodded: "Who is specifically in charge?"

As instructed by the leadership, Assistant Zhang truthfully stated: "The daily work of the laboratory, including the formulation, guidance, and acceptance of experimental plans, is handled by Director Lin Sicheng, a student of Secretary Wang. Secretary Wang mainly focuses on the overall direction."

Sure enough, just as Wang Qizhi said, he was just a figurehead.

But Ye Xing'an always felt something was strange: a twenty-year-old student being addressed as "director" by a school leader in his forties, and in such a natural way?

To be honest, it's even rarer...

I glanced around and was about to leave when another collective sigh echoed from the lab. Looking in the direction of the sound, I saw that everyone gathered around the computer had long faces, frowning and sighing mournfully.

There must be a problem with the experimental procedure, or the data was not calculated correctly.

As he was pondering this, Zhu Kaiping sighed, "Forget it, don't worry about it anymore, I'll ask Junior Brother Lin!"

The group members nodded in unison.

Without hesitation, Zhu Kaiping dialed the number and put it on speakerphone.

As if by prior arrangement, five or six researchers picked up paper and pens at the same time and formed a circle around each other.

The phone rang twice before being answered, and a voice came from the other end: "Senior Brother Zhu!"

Clear and gentle, it sounds very young.

Zhu Kaiping bowed slightly: "Junior brother, we can't derive the data, and the error is getting bigger each time!"

Two grinding sounds, like something being ground: "Senior Brother Zhu, which step exactly?"

"The coexistence of ironware with sulfur-containing minerals (cinnabar, realgar) releases sulfur, which inhibits sulfate-reducing bacteria!"

"Oh, the principle behind that is the reverse application of the corrosion mechanism of sulfate-reducing bacteria. You have to work backwards, including the experimental sequence..."

Zhu Kaiping nodded: "You mentioned this before the Chinese New Year, and that's exactly what we did. But we've done the experiment more than ten times and still can't get the electrochemical corrosion to balance... We've tried it the right way and the wrong way, but we just can't get it right!"

"That can't be right?" There was a pause on the phone. "Senior Brother Zhu, is your experimental environment an oxygen-free zone?"

Zhu Kaiping was taken aback and exclaimed, "Huh?"

Immediately, as if it were contagious, several researchers perked up: "Huh?", "Huh?", "Huh?"...

Then, their faces all turned red.

To put it simply, the experiment recreates the corrosion process of iron artifacts buried deep underground, with the environment being severely oxygen-deficient, not completely oxygen-free.

They made a mistake due to momentary negligence, failing to recognize the problem within their own ranks.

Zhu Kaiping blushed and said, "Thank you, junior brother!"

"You're too kind, senior brother!"

Lin Sicheng chuckled and hung up the phone. The researchers exchanged glances, remaining silent for a long while: How utterly embarrassing…

After leaving the laboratory, Ye Xing'an asked curiously, "Assistant Zhang, is their iron artifact project just starting out?"

There was never any project approval, so how could there be a project?

Not only did they not submit any bids, they didn't even have a research proposal. Furthermore, there were very few research institutions in China that could even conduct such a study.

I heard that Lin Sicheng thought the bronze ware project was progressing too quickly, so he found them something else to do. Once the previous two projects are finished, they will start working on the design.

But when it comes to competing with the State Administration of Cultural Heritage for resources, even leaders can't say too much...

After a moment's thought, Assistant Zhang gave a vague reply: "Director Ye, that's basically it!"

Ye Xing'an immediately smiled, but did not ask any further questions.

He was a little puzzled: "Since the project has only just started and the experiments have only just begun, it's like feeling your way across the river. How does Lin Sicheng know where they went wrong?"

Wait, right?

Assistant Zhang paused for a moment, but then he was stunned: How did Director Ye know that they consulted Lin Sicheng?

Just as he was wondering, his eyelids unconsciously lifted, and Assistant Zhang froze on the spot: No one said that we were coming to the Intangible Cultural Heritage Center, right?

Director Ye didn't say that, and neither did Secretary Wang.

How did the three of them get to the door of Lin Sicheng's studio?

Assistant Zhang belatedly realized: This Director Ye is probably here specifically for Lin Sicheng.

Muttering to himself, he introduced the situation casually. Ye Xing'an remained noncommittal and pushed open the glass door.

Directly opposite the entrance is the reception area, with a small bar and two potted plants. A carved screen separates the two areas, through which several sofas can be vaguely seen.

Assistant Zhang led him over, and just as they rounded the screen, he suddenly froze.

On the sofa, Tian Chengming and Song Jingxian sat facing each other, each with a pile of documents in front of them and a laptop with its screen open next to them.

Hearing the noise, the two of them looked up at the same time, then stood up: "Assistant Zhang!"

"This must be the leader who's here for a visit. Please have a seat!"

"Old Song, pour the tea!"

The two greeted each other warmly, one offering her a seat, the other turning on the water dispenser and taking out paper cups and tea from the cabinet.

They acted so familiarly and naturally, as if they were staff members of the center.

Ye Xing'an smiled and waved his hand: "Thank you, but we won't sit down. We'll just look around!"

"Okay, boss, do as you please!"

As they entered the exhibition hall, the two exchanged a glance: Don't you know them?

But no matter what, studying is the priority.

It must be said that Lin Sicheng was truly generous: the Yaozhou porcelain technique, which was treasured by Meng Shufeng's group of apprentices and was so precious that they wanted to hide it in their crotches even when they slept, was openly displayed on the brochure shelf in the reception area.

The two didn't dare to move casually, and even asked a question, only to be told: "Feel free to look around..."

...

The three entered the exhibition hall, and Assistant Zhang explained again. Upon hearing that the two were the director and deputy director of the Tongchuan Industrial Bureau, Ye Xing'an immediately remembered them.

When Wang Qizhi returned home for New Year's Day, he specifically mentioned that Lin Sicheng had gone to Tongchuan for an inspection, but he hadn't learned any technology and had instead suffered a lot of anger.

But in the end, it was truly satisfying: by relying on just a few samples, they managed to crack most of the core technology of Yaozhou porcelain.

They even deduced the secret-color glaze that the Tongchuan Porcelain Research Institute had longed for but could not obtain...

Thinking of this, Ye Xing made a decision.

"Assistant Zhang, those two must be looking at the core technology of Yaozhou porcelain, right?"

"Yes, Director Ye, but only a portion has been made public, and Director Lin will be giving training tomorrow!"

Assistant Zhang nodded and emphasized again, "Intangible cultural heritage projects have strict requirements for the transmission of skills, so the training is open to the public!"

Ye Xing'an understood, but the problem was, those two seemed quite happy.

I imagine they didn't know about the public training. How upset will they be tomorrow?

Ye Xing'an glanced back again: "These two, do they come here often?"

"Yes, Director Ye, I've been coming every weekday since the center opened!"

Assistant Zhang only made a brief mention, but Ye Xing'an understood immediately: Isn't he just like a piece of chewing gum? If you don't agree, I'll keep you hanging on?

Subconsciously, Ye Xing'an frowned, and his secretary behind him silently took note.

After a question-and-answer session, the three of them entered the exhibition hall again.

The space was quite large, with seven or eight display cases and more than a dozen stand-up structures. Assistant Zhang was about to introduce it when Ye Xing'an waved his hand.

A golden eagle statue, still bearing the banner from the time of congratulations: "A bright future awaits you, may your ambitions soar... Fang Jingxian!"

This must be the female antique dealer surnamed Fang.

A gilded bronze bowl with engraved patterns, a gift from Political Commissar Guan. A painting of a golden pheasant, from Secretary-General Hao of Rongbaozhai.

A bronze plaque depicting auspicious clouds gathering over the sea belongs to a renowned appraiser and copper craftsman in the city.

A jade magnolia bonsai; this belongs to that coal mine owner from Yulin.

In addition, there were four pieces of red-glazed imperial porcelain, two broken chicken cups, and countless other broken pieces and fragments of porcelain.

Wang Qizhi had told Ye Xing'an everything about these things and the people who gave them the gifts. Ye Xing'an even learned more about them: they came from all walks of life, from legitimate to illegitimate, and even to smearers.

Ye Xing'an still felt that it was best for Lin Sicheng to avoid too much contact with these people.

But as Wang Qizhi said, he's only in his early twenties, and he didn't rely on his father, grandfather, or even his teacher. He built all these relationships from scratch, so what more could one ask for?

It even took half a year?

Half a year?

And what were he and Wang Qizhi doing when they were in their early twenties?

Recalling Wang Qizhi's words, Ye Xing'an continued forward.

In a separate cabinet, there are several sets of photos: pictures of district leaders cutting ribbons, photos of the district head and leaders of various bureaus giving speeches, and group photos including Wang Qizhi and Lin Sicheng.

There were many, probably a dozen or so. Looking around, in an inconspicuous corner, one stood out as slightly out of place:

On the same opening day, at the same center entrance, Lin Sicheng stood in the middle. Two men in their early forties stood on either side, their heads tilted to the side, crowding together with Lin Sicheng's head like three cloves of garlic.

At the same time, each of them raised a hand and made a peace sign on Lin Sicheng's head, and the three of them grinned.

Chen Peng, He Zhigang.

To the side, there was a small box containing a military medal.

Looking at the military insignia on it, Ye Xing'an remained silent for a long time.

Continuing on, he looked at Li Zicheng's iron certificate and the cloisonné enamel plate that Lin Sicheng had repaired, but which Wang Qizhi hadn't given to his elder brother, and which he had secretly hidden away.

After that, I looked at the blue and purple clay teapot, the golden crown of the Ming Dynasty's imperial son-in-law, Dong Qichang's Sanskrit Heart Sutra, and the iron seal of Emperor Qianlong.

Unconsciously, Ye Xing'an smiled: "Yeah, he's only twenty-one, what are you asking for?"

National-level scientific research projects, money-making skills that seem to turn lead into gold, sophisticated interpersonal relationships, and even an indomitable spirit and character...

At the same time, he recalled Wang Qizhi's blunt statement: "Brother-in-law, he doesn't have this connection, yet he can still do a great job. Perhaps, he doesn't even need it..."

Ye Xing'an smiled again: If we stay in Xijing and don't move, perhaps we don't need to.

But at only twenty-one, it's already like this. How can I not move?

Before the dragon ascends, it associates with fish and turtles. But when it ascends to heaven, its scales are no longer visible. When a sage arises, all things become visible; when the wind and clouds stir, dragons and tigers gather.

Ye Xing'an could even guess that it would take two or three years, or at most four or five years...

With a sigh inwardly, I went up to the second floor.

From afar, you could hear the "zzzz" sound. Looking through the glass, you could see Lin Sicheng holding a file in one hand and a half-broken porcelain jar in the other, with several polished specimens beside him.

Ye Xing'an took a closer look.

Just as my older brother said, he does look quite energetic. As for other things, I can't tell yet.

Looking to the side, a pretty girl with delicate features was helping out. She was basically just helping things up and cleaning off the dust.

But he seemed to be daydreaming, his eyes not on his hands or the porcelain in them, but fixed on Lin Sicheng.

As the girl was filing, her hand slipped, and the porcelain jar spun around. With a "whoosh," the file suddenly slipped.

At the last second, the file grazed Li Zhen's hand and stabbed her diagonally.

"Snap!" A hole was punched in the porcelain jar.

Seriously, if Lin Sicheng had reacted even a fraction of a second slower, Li Zhen would have had a blood bar on her hand.

He frowned and raised his eyelids: "Don't you want your hand anymore?"

Li Zhen felt a pang of guilt and lowered her head.

After a long silence, she murmured, "I...can I not go to the training center?"

No... why are you still worrying about this?

Lin Sicheng paused for a moment, then drew his file: "Senior Sister Li, what did you say before the New Year?"

Li Zhen bit her lip, as if she had mustered all her courage: "I regret it!"

"I've had plenty of regrets, why don't you go to heaven?" Lin Sicheng scoffed. "If you're not going to the training center, you're going to the office..."

Li Zhen panicked immediately: "I...I...I'll go..."

"Pfft..."

Xiao Yuzhu, who was filming nearby, burst out laughing.

Lin Sicheng pointed again: "Cut out that part!"

Xiao Yuzhu immediately stopped giggling and nodded hastily.

Since he needed to repair it anyway, Lin Sicheng simply cut it open from where the hole had been. He didn't dare use Li Zhen's help again, and instead used Xiao Yuzhu.

The "buzzing" sound rang out again.

Ye Xing'an glanced at Li Zhen, then at Lin Sicheng, and recalled: Why did that pouting gesture just now look so familiar?

Huh, Ye Anning?

He paused for a moment, then chuckled silently before turning away.

Assistant Zhang followed behind: "Director Ye, this is the person in charge of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Center. Should we invite him out to meet us?"

"Need not!"

Ye Xing'an walked downstairs unhurriedly. "The training is tomorrow, right?"

"Yes, Director Ye, it's on the third floor. Several school leaders and professors from the porcelain group will be attending!"

"Can I just stand by and watch?"

"certainly!"

Ye Xing'an nodded: "Okay!"

Lin Sicheng was still grinding the porcelain pieces, unaware that someone had just been outside the restoration room...