Chapter 271 Strike First

Under the blazing sun, a golden light shone through the glass curtain wall.

The asphalt road was radiating heat, carrying car exhaust fumes that rushed toward the sidewalk.

The chirping of cicadas rose and fell amidst the dense foliage, and four men stood under the shade of the tree, reluctant to part.

Wu Hui spoke earnestly: "Professor Wang, Xiao Lin, why don't you stay a few more days?"

Wang Qizhi shook his head: "We've been here for a week, and there's still a lot of work to do in Xi'an. Besides, we've finally managed to get out of town, so I need to show Lin Sicheng around."

Wu Hui remained silent.

Having finally found such a precious gem, Wang Qizhi, with his personality, was bound to show it off. Just visiting all his relatives would take a week.

Wait, thinking about it that way, Lin Sicheng isn't leaving immediately. If there's any problem, we can call him over anytime…

Thinking it over, Wu Hui half-jokingly said, "Xiao Lin, save her number, and whatever you do, don't ignore it!"

Lin Sicheng smiled and said, "Director Wu, how could that be!"

The two said goodbye and shook hands once more.

Director Ma stood to one side, looking dejected.

Lin Sicheng simply displayed a title on the screen, and then the lecture ended without giving the experts any time to ask questions.

Therefore, Director Ma took the initiative to follow along.

But when I went downstairs, I still had a lot to say, but when it came time to go, I didn't know where to start.

After a long silence, he sighed sadly and was about to give up when Lin Sicheng reached out his hand:

"Director Ma, you probably wouldn't believe me if I said I admired you a lot. But by any measure, you are my senior. If there's anything I've said that's wrong, please feel free to correct me..."

Correction?

How can you point out someone else's research progress when they're miles ahead of yours?

Thinking it over, Ma Qinglin reached out and grasped her hand: "Teacher Lin..."

"No!" Lin Sicheng quickly smiled. "Just call me Xiao Lin!"

"Okay, Kobayashi, I do have a few questions I'd like to ask you!"

"You flatter me. I'm not asking for your advice; let's discuss this together!"

"Thank you!" Director Ma nodded. "I wanted to ask, is there really no future in developing BTA-based solvents?"

Lin Sicheng paused for a moment, then decided it was better to be direct.

"Director Ma, I'm being blunt, please don't mind... Let me start by saying this: if we're only talking about corrosion inhibition rate, a BTA water solvent ratio of 100 mg/L can achieve a corrosion inhibition rate of 99.28%, but why is it not used? Because this stuff is toxic."

"It can enter the human body through the respiratory tract and skin. Long-term chronic exposure or high-dose ingestion can lead to multiple organ dysfunction. Most importantly, this substance is volatile and, due to its strong chemical stability, is difficult to degrade, resulting in a significant impact on the environment..."

"Leaving aside the harm to researchers and storage personnel, let's talk about exhibitions: you can't expect visitors to wear masks the moment they enter the exhibition hall, can you? Therefore, the main research direction of various institutions is to first reduce toxicity, and then consider how to improve corrosion inhibition efficiency. If we continue to study basic solvents, we can only focus on environmentally friendly compounding systems..."

Ma Qinglin nodded.

The direction is definitely correct. Including the Institute of Metal Research of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the National Museum of China, and even Peking University, they all had this as their goal before, only with different focuses and research subjects.

But that was before. Now, Lin Sicheng has basically blocked that path:

BTA + inorganic salts, BTA + organic resins, BTA + plant/animal-derived materials, and even organic resins + graphite molecular encapsulation systems.

Looking back now, Dean Zhang was absolutely right: the difference between us and them isn't just a matter of how far apart we are, but rather an entire dimension.

Therefore, the former dean did not hesitate at all and stopped the project.

But no matter what, this is a key national science and technology support project, and it can't be stopped just like that; there has to be an explanation.

But Ma Qinglin really didn't know how to explain it.

Seeing his hesitant and bewildered expression, Wu Hui was burning with anxiety.

Old Ma, Old Ma, when you're doing research, why is your mind so quick? But when it comes to interpersonal relationships and social interactions, why does your mind just freeze up?

Why hasn't Lin Sicheng published a paper on his research findings, which have been out for so long?

And in today's lecture, he was explaining the origins of porcelain craftsmanship perfectly, so why did he suddenly switch to the title of "Iron Cultural Relics Protection" at the end, and even leave some materials?

This is called Jiang Taigong fishing, where those who are willing will take the bait.

Just as he was wondering whether he should offer a reminder, Lin Sicheng smiled and said, "Director Ma, I've made another discovery, I don't know if you've encountered this before: when large appraisal institutions appraise cultural relics, they often use ultraviolet fluorescence or ultraviolet imaging instruments to determine the authenticity of the relics and whether there are any signs of restoration, etc..."

"But metal artifacts, especially bronze and iron artifacts, will change color after being tested with ultraviolet light?"

Ma Qinglin nodded: "Because ultraviolet rays will cause the rust layer on the metal to oxidize... Hmm?"

He paused abruptly halfway through his sentence.

How could Lin Sicheng, who was in charge of a key laboratory at Northwest University, not understand such a simple principle?

Ma Qinglin asked suspiciously, "And then?"

"Then, we investigated and found that irradiating iron with ultraviolet light would convert the most reactive oxidizing agent in the rust layer, β-FeOOH (ferric hydroxide), into the more stable Fe3O4. If copper was irradiated, it would stimulate the formation of a SnO (tin dioxide) protective film..."

Director Ma's spirits lifted.

The biggest culprit causing corrosion of iron artifacts is β-FeOOH: After iron artifacts are unearthed, exposed to water and air, FeCl2 or basic ferrous chloride will undergo a series of oxidation reactions, and the final product is β-FeOOH.

This substance itself does not contain Cl-, but it adsorbs Cl- on its surface, and its crystal structure can accommodate even more Cl-, thus causing a series of electrochemical corrosions. If β-FeOOH is converted to Fe3O4, how can it still accommodate Cl-, and how can it still corrode?

This effectively breaks the corrosion chain at its source.

The bronze artifacts are even more remarkable: the so-called SnO passivation film is the silver or black film that is often seen on the surface of bronze artifacts in museums.

Commonly known as mercury lacquer or black lacquer, it can make bronze artifacts last for thousands of years...

Vice President Ma became increasingly excited as he thought about it: "Xiao Lin, what's the highest corrosion inhibition rate you can achieve?"

"91% iron, 93% copper!"

Seeing the gleam in his eyes, Lin Sicheng quickly reminded him, "But there's one thing: one exposure isn't enough; it needs to be replenished regularly. More importantly, ultraviolet light can cause chemical changes in the materials of cultural relics, which is what we commonly call aging. If we want to conduct in-depth research, we must solve this problem first..."

At first glance, it seems simple: just shine a UV light on them from time to time, and you can solve the problem of corrosion on unearthed bronze and iron artifacts. And the effect is good: zero introduction of foreign substances, minimal intervention, non-destructive and highly efficient.

But first, you need to address the impact of ultraviolet light on metal penetration.

In a flash, Lin Sicheng sighed: "Director Ma, I feel it's very difficult!"

Of course it's difficult.

But then again: if it weren't difficult, what would be the point of having research institutions?

What Dean Ma cared about wasn't the difficulty level, but rather whether there was a direction to follow...

He extended his hand again: "Thank you... Kobayashi, thank you so much..."

You're too kind!

After exchanging thanks for a while, they said their goodbyes. Wang Qizhi waved, and Zhao Da drove up in his Mercedes-Benz and pulled up at the intersection.

After getting into the car, Wang Qizhi glanced at the rearview mirror, his eyes filled with suspicion: "I have a feeling that the topic of ultraviolet rust prevention you just mentioned is quite significant?"

It's more than just not small.

In its previous life, this project was a sub-project of the "14th Five-Year Plan" National Key Research and Development Program, Key Technologies and Application Demonstration for Cultural Relics Protection (2023YFF0906400), with the full name: Photo-passivation technology in the field of β-FeOOH inhibition of iron cultural relics.

The project was led by the Archaeological Research Center of the State Administration of Cultural Heritage and conducted in collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

But it was incredibly difficult; even when he returned, he still hadn't figured it out.

Seeing that he didn't speak, Wang Qizhi suddenly realized that he had guessed correctly.

Suddenly, he frowned: "No... Lin Sicheng, you're just going to give away such a big project to someone else for nothing?"

What's the hardest thing about doing research? It's not the process, nor the technology, but the direction and the approach.

Therefore, the vast majority of research institutions are not worried about whether they have research results, but rather whether they have projects. To put it bluntly, as long as they can compete for bids and get projects approved, it means a huge amount of research funding and research positions.

Whether the research can be continued and whether there will be any results are things that need to be considered last.

Lin Sicheng, on the other hand, just gave it away for free?

Lin Sicheng smiled and said, "Don't worry, teacher, it won't happen."

How much effort did Director Ma put into just this BTA compound system? Yet he brazenly used it without permission, which could very well be the death sentence for Director Ma's research career.

So even if he really gave it away for free, Lin Sicheng wouldn't regret it.

Moreover, Director Ma is just not good at expressing himself, not really clueless about social interactions. Even if it were given to him for free, he wouldn't accept it for nothing.

Furthermore, let alone the restoration center, even looking at the entire Northwest University, its current size and research capabilities are insufficient to support this project.

If you insist on pushing yourself to the limit, you'll only be throwing money into a bottomless pit...

I don't know where Lin Sicheng got his confidence from, but Wang Qizhi always offered suggestions without ever interfering.

He changed the subject: "When are you going back to Xi'an?"

"Next week, my cousin Ye said the Xiling Spring Auction starts the day after tomorrow, and she wants me to go with her to take a look."

"It's all her fault!"

Wang Qizhi muttered something, then suddenly realized something was wrong, "Wait, what did you say, auction?"

He knew that the Xiling Spring Auction was usually held in August. But it had always been in Hangzhou before, so why was it in Beijing this time?

"I heard they're trying to ride the coattails of the Olympics, so they're holding a special event in Beijing this year!"

"oh oh……"

Wang Qizhi nodded twice.

After the New Year, he went to Shanxi. He was busy running around trying to build connections or following Lin Sicheng to find kilns. He actually forgot about the Olympics.

"Okay, next week it is!"

Wang Qizhi said with a regretful expression, "It's a pity that Grandpa and my dad went to Guangzhou. My eldest brother, second sister, and third brother aren't here. Otherwise, we could have taken the opportunity to get together!"

Lin Sicheng also felt it was a pity: when the center was officially established last year, the old man specially wrote a calligraphy piece, and he was thinking of coming this time to express his gratitude.

As his thoughts raced, he suddenly remembered: "I remember Cousin Ye saying that her father seemed to be away on a business trip as well?"

What else?

Moreover, it was a business trip in Shaanxi.

Lin Sicheng was unaware that his brother-in-law had visited the school and even met with him.

Wang Qizhi gave a vague answer: "Yes, I'm on a business trip."

...

The air conditioner was on full blast, and gusts of cool air blew in.

Upon reaching the elevator, both elevators were ascending. Ma Qinglin glanced at his watch: "It's 1:50 now... Director Wu, the afternoon meeting is at 2:30, right?"

Wu Hui nodded and glanced at it a couple more times.

Ma Qinglin stared intently at the indicator light, wishing the elevator would immediately plummet.

His brows were slightly furrowed, his expression a little anxious, but his eyes revealed a hint of excitement.

Wu Hui sighed: "Old Ma, no matter how anxious you are, you won't finish the work in a day. Calm down first!"

It sounded a bit preachy, but Ma Qinglin took it to heart: he was indeed a little anxious.

But a national-level research project can be halted at any time, and anyone in charge would be anxious.

He sighed: "The topic that Kobayashi just mentioned is probably not easy to study."

It must be very difficult, otherwise Lin Sicheng would have done it himself.

Just like BTA, it's difficult enough, right? Lin Sicheng only took a year from start to finish.

However, on the other hand, based on the fact that the corrosion inhibition rate can reach more than 90%, and based solely on the three points of being harmless, non-damaging, and non-interfering, even if it is as difficult as ascending to heaven, this is still a highly feasible major project with a complete research direction, and its value is no less than that of the previous research projects of the Institute of Metal Research of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

For a second-tier research institution, this would be enough to sustain them for at least two or three years. Even if they ultimately fail to produce any results, the person in charge would easily receive two provincial awards, and key researchers would be promoted one level.

For the Institute of Metal Research at the Academy of Arts & Sciences, and for Lao Ma, this was their lifeline: both were iron cultural relic protection projects, both involved corrosion inhibition rate research, and neither required reporting to higher authorities. They could simply start a new sub-project under the original project.

To put it bluntly: the "Comprehensive Project on Iron Cultural Relics" that Lao Ma was originally in charge of didn't need to be stopped at all. There was no need to replace equipment or reorganize personnel; research could be carried out on the spot.

This is no less than saving Old Ma's career for the rest of his life. What a huge favor that is!

After a moment's thought, Wu Hui hesitated, about to say something, when Ma Qinglin nodded heavily: "Director Wu, I understand!"

Wu Hui paused for a moment, then remained silent.

Even if Old Ma doesn't understand, Old Zhang does...

With a creak, the elevator doors opened, and the two of them entered the car together.

Upon reaching the sixteenth floor, one of them went left and the other went right.

The secretary was waiting in the stairwell. When she saw Wu Hui, she handed him her briefcase.

Wu Hui took out a box and returned the bag: "Where's Lao Sun? He hasn't come yet?"

"I arrived, but about five minutes ago, the director called me in!"

It seems the director is also very curious?

However, on the other hand, the fact that five kiln sites were discovered in four months, confirming the connection between the techniques of six dynasties and more than a dozen famous porcelains, would pique anyone's curiosity.

With that thought in mind, he carried the box toward the director's office...

...

The office was quiet, with only a soft "whooshing" sound coming from it.

The old dean flipped through the documents, pausing occasionally, frowning sometimes, and his eyes lighting up at other times.

With two loud knocks, the door was pushed open.

Deputy Director Ma walked with a light step, his excitement and joy almost overflowing from his face...

The old dean put down the documents and pinched the bridge of his nose: "Found money?"

"I didn't pick up any money!"

Ma Qinglin picked up his teacup, refilled it, and sat down opposite him. "I've picked up a project!"

What is that?

The old dean sat up straight.

After finishing the lecture and taking a short break, Wang Qizhi went to the cafeteria for lunch. Around 1 p.m., he said goodbye to his students.

I and Director Liu escorted them to the elevator, and then Lao Wu and Lao Ma saw them downstairs.

In just half an hour, where could Lao Ma possibly pick up any projects?

Even if it were picked up, it could only have come from Wang Qizhi and his students.

Subconsciously, the old dean glanced at the folder on the table: It definitely wasn't this one, otherwise Old Ma wouldn't have said "picked up a project," but rather "picked up a bunch of projects!"

He leaned back: "Tell me in detail!"

"It was Kobayashi who proposed: photo-passivation treatment, namely the β-FeOOH inhibition technology for iron artifacts..."

Director Ma was beaming, and his mouth was like a river with its dam opened, talking non-stop.

The more the old dean listened, the stranger it seemed: non-toxic, harmless, non-damaging, zero introduction of foreign substances, zero intervention?

The key point is that it is applicable to both copper and iron artifacts, and the corrosion inhibition rate is over 90%... No matter how you look at it, this is a major project that is no less significant than the BTA project.

Involuntarily, Lin Sicheng's young face appeared in his mind. The old dean was both surprised and amazed: How did this timid kid's brain work?

Just then, Ma Qinglin waved his hand excitedly: "Dean, with this project, the Institute of Metal Research's projects won't have to be terminated. Even the existing framework and materials can be used directly, and we don't even need to change the personnel..."

“Terminate? Who told you to terminate? Neither I nor the director said it was a suspension…”

The old dean scoffed and shoved the folder forward, saying, "See for yourself!"

Director Ma, unaware of the reason, accepted it.

At first, he didn't pay much attention, thinking that this was the data and information of Lin Sicheng's "BTA compound system".

After the lecture, he immediately got a copy from Wu Hui, and it was then that he finally gave up hope.

But just when things seemed hopeless, a new path opened up: Lin Sicheng was both his downfall and his rise...

Just as he was pondering this, Dean Ma suddenly froze: Wait... isn't this the same book as before?

It's become much thicker, with significantly more content and data...

Dean Ma's pupils contracted, and two beams of light shot from his eyes: "Dean, this...this data in the book, is it complete?"

"Nonsense, if it weren't complete, why would I show it to you?"

The old dean tapped the table. "All the data and information on these three technologies—inorganic salts, organic resins, and graphene molecular encapsulation—are here. You can verify them when you get back and publish a report simultaneously..."

Before he could finish speaking, Dean Ma suddenly jolted awake.

While he was downstairs, he did consider whether he could buy Lin Sicheng's research results, but he ultimately didn't say it aloud.

Because he felt he was being too shameless: if he sold it to himself, what would happen to Lin Sicheng?

But as soon as he turned around, the complete version of the information was delivered to him.

It feels like a dream...

After he had a moment to process it, the old dean slowly began, “But there’s one point: the Institute of Cultural Relics can be the lead and undertaking unit, but the main body and core of the research must be the Xida Cultural Relics Research Center…”

Ma Qinglin nodded solemnly: "Dean, I understand!"

The iron artifact conservation technology project was a public project, and only two companies were selected through competitive bidding: the Academy of Cultural Heritage and the National Museum of China.

However, several institutions were commissioned to initiate the project, including Peking University and Beijing University of Technology.

Once Lin Sicheng's paper is published, all these projects will have to be terminated. Holding him accountable is secondary; as state-owned research institutions and top universities in China, can they afford to lose face like this?

Weighing the two options, someone will definitely try to take action. In that case, it's best to strike first...

Everything was discussed and agreed upon; it was simply a matter of how to negotiate. Moreover, the former dean was not only a fellow townsman and schoolmate of Lin Sicheng, but also his grandfather Lin Changqing, having been classmates and roommates for eight years.

After that, both of them stayed in Xijing to work, which means they were friends for many years, from the age of twenty to sixty.

Then, naturally, the document ended up in Dean Zhang's hands...