Chapter 204: Before the Dragon Ascends, It Dwells with Fish and Turtles

The seventh day of the Lunar New Year, a prosperous start to the business year.

The red scraps of firecrackers lay scattered before the steps, and a faint scent of sulfur drifted through the lingering morning mist.

Before the doors had even opened, a long line had already formed at the Huchun shop. After a while longer, with a "clatter," the rolling shutter was pulled down.

Clouds of steam surged out, enveloping the customers. It was misty and hazy, with an ethereal, floating quality.

One ladle was just enough for a bowl, and then add a meat pie. Without going inside, they would hold the bowl and squat down on the curb.

Just as they took a slurp, the sound of wooden clappers from a flower-drum troupe rang out in the distance. The diners, bowl in one hand and pie in the other, all crowded toward the roadside.

The shop's security door had only been lifted halfway when the owner stepped back inside. In the beauty salon, the woman on the bed flipped up in one motion and ran out the door with a facial mask still on. The proprietress and the shop assistant followed closely behind, even finding time to grab a handful of melon seeds.

The crowd on the roadside grew larger, their faces showing joy, their ease revealing contentment.

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

The secretary deeply agreed.

Never mind the seventh day of the Lunar New Year; even on the deep night of New Year's Eve, if you walk the streets of Beijing, the stalls are still set up and the shops are still open.

It is not that the New Year's Eve dinner is not delicious, nor is it that family reunions are not happy... it is simply because the burden on their shoulders is like a great mountain.

Secretly sighing, the two watched the flower-drum performance for a while, then circled the outer street before entering the school.

The Dean's Assistant was waiting downstairs early, calling out from afar: "Director Ye, Secretary Wang!"

Ye Xing'an nodded: "Assistant Zhang, sorry for the trouble!"

He hurriedly bowed slightly: "You are too kind!"

The Dean had arranged it personally, saying only that a leader was coming to visit the school, but not specifying what kind of leader. Why he brought only one secretary was also not mentioned. But the core message was one: provide good service.

The rank was certainly not low, but fortunately, the person was very amiable.

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

"It's not really an itinerary, just a casual look around. Let's go to the Shi Jiao Center first!"

Looking at the experimental building not far away, Ye Xing'an smiled, "Assistant Zhang, once we go in, there is no need for special introductions, and try not to disturb the professors' teaching and experiments. Just looking is fine!"

Assistant Zhang immediately changed his tone: "Leader, I understand!"

The three walked toward the Shi Jiao Center, and Assistant Zhang introduced in a low voice:

"The year before last, the Cultural Heritage College was selected as a provincial key major. Last year, we applied to the Ministry to establish a Cultural Heritage Management track, which was approved at the end of the year. Barring any accidents, it will be approved as a National Level key discipline construction project this year..."

"The school plans to apply for the 211 Project key discipline this year with full force; the province and the Ministry of Education are very supportive... The Experimental Center is also being gradually upgraded, and it is now a National Level scientific research platform..."

Ye Xing'an nodded slightly.

The newly built Center was indeed very comprehensive: laboratories for Cultural Relics analysis, teaching experiments, Artifact Restoration and protection, thematic Artifact Research, and even those for ores, metals, ceramics, textiles, animals, and so on, were all available.

The coverage was also very broad, a full-chain system for multi-level needs. If speaking of all Cultural Relics Protection institutes in the country, saying it is number one would be an exaggeration, but Xida is at least among the top three.

It was just a casual look, like looking at flowers while riding a horse. The three reached the third floor before Ye Xing'an paused.

A plaque hung on the door: Wang Qi Zhi Cultural Heritage Research and Artifact Restoration Laboratory.

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

But in his heart, he thought: A development-oriented, innovative, quasi-National Level R&D laboratory... and Wang Qi Zhi's name is just hanging there so brazenly?

It's not that he, as a brother-in-law, looks down on him: Wang Qi Zhi's ability is certainly more than enough, but with his lazy-donkey personality, he would never be able to build this up in eight lifetimes...

With this thought, Ye Xing'an walked straight in.

The place was large, divided into four, with panoramic glass partitions in the middle. The layout was quite good, bright and clean, neat and tidy.

In the laboratory, Zhu Kaiping was leading a research group analyzing data. Perhaps they had encountered a difficult problem; a group of people were huddled around a computer, frowning in silence.

On the other side, Feng Lin was leading a data group organizing materials. The keyboards were clattering, and the printer was humming. They were all so focused that it wasn't until the three reached the middle of the laboratory that someone noticed them.

The sound stopped abruptly, and Feng Lin looked up, hurriedly greeting: "Assistant Zhang!"

Just as Assistant Zhang was about to say something, Ye Xing'an smiled: "It's fine, go back to your work, we're just looking around!"

They didn't recognize the person, but he felt very imposing, and seeing Assistant Zhang's humble manner, he must be a visiting leader.

Assuming they were just looking around, Feng Lin nodded, and the few Data Clerks just glanced at them before lowering their heads again.

Everything returned to normal; the keyboards started clattering again, the printer began spitting out paper, and on the long table to the side lay already-bound materials.

Without getting too close, Ye Xing'an scanned the titles casually.

Ancient metal anti-rust technology: passivation treatment.

Ancient metal surface coating technology: 1. Lacquer film covering. 2. Grease covering. 3. Beeswax sealing...

Alloying and Metal Plating, namely optimization and protection...

There were over a dozen volumes in total. Ye Xing'an didn't understand much, but he had heard Wang Qi Zhi mention that their laboratory's research project on metal Cultural Relics anti-rust not only far exceeded that of other domestic universities and peers but was even at a world-leading level.

Wang Qi Zhi had a flighty personality, and his speech was inevitably exaggerated; world-leading was certainly an exaggeration. But his second sister said that the technical content of this project of the third brother was at least in the first tier domestically.

In other words, it was fully qualified to be evaluated for National Level scientific research project plans and to seek funding and technical support.

Thinking again of how Wang Qi Zhi had repeatedly mentioned 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:

A National Level scientific research project Person in Charge in his early twenties?

It's no wonder Wang Qi Zhi treats him like a treasure.

Secretly turning his thoughts, he entered the experimental area. Perhaps someone had reminded him, as Zhu Kaiping looked up and glanced over: "Assistant Zhang, is something the matter?"

It was that kind of casual tone, with a hint of confusion in his expression. The key was the question: is something the matter?

It is no exaggeration; the number of units he has visited is countless, but this is the first time Ye Xing'an has seen a staff member greet the unit's leader like this.

Looking closer, there seemed to be a hint of impatience in this Researcher's eyes?

He understood; they were disturbing people doing experiments...

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

Assistant Zhang looked helpless.

But this couldn't be blamed on him; it was Director Ye who said no introduction was needed.

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

As he spoke, he even winked.

Unfortunately, the flirtatious look was cast before a blind man; Zhu Kaiping replied directly: "Then do as you please!"

Then he turned his head back, stared at the computer, and continued discussing with his group members.

Assistant Zhang was stunned: Zhu Kaiping, you're doing it again? Did you really not understand, or are you pretending not to understand?

What did I just say? It was "accompanying the leader for a tour"... You said it so clearly, and you won't even greet the leader?

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

Just as he was thinking about whether to remind them again, Ye Xing'an smiled and shook his head.

Looking at the atmosphere in the laboratory and the attitude of these two groups, one could tell that this situation was definitely not the first time: you look at your work, I do mine, focused and completely self-absorbed.

I don't care what kind of leader you are, I only care about my research, because that is my job. Even if someone blames us later, there will naturally be someone taller to take the hit.

Very focused, and also very pure, but to be honest, it is rarely seen.

Ye Xing'an also understood how difficult such an atmosphere was, and it was certainly not formed overnight. It requires constant instruction and, even more, leading by example.

One could imagine Lin Sicheng's usual work attitude. And asking himself, this kid really has some tricks up his sleeve when it comes to leading people.

Thinking secretly, Assistant Zhang introduced in a low voice: "This is a core Researcher of the laboratory, and also the Group Leader of the research group. The specific research experiments and data analysis are all completed by his group!"

"The group outside is the data group, responsible for data verification, index improvement, and collecting materials..."

Ye Xing'an nodded: "What about the person in charge?"

Following the leader's instructions, Assistant Zhang told the truth: "The daily work of the laboratory, the formulation, guidance, and acceptance of experimental plans are all handled by Secretary Wang's student, Director Lin Sicheng. Secretary Wang mainly focuses on the general direction."

Sure enough, just as Wang Qi Zhi said, he only held a nominal title.

But Ye Xing'an always felt something was strange: a twenty-year-old student, being called "Director" by a school leader in his forties, and being called that so naturally?

To be honest, that is even rarer...

Having taken a rough look, he was just about to leave when a collective sigh sounded in the lab. Looking toward the sound: the circle of people around the computer all had mournful faces, frowning and sighing.

It must be that there was a problem with the experimental procedure, or the data was calculated incorrectly.

Just as he was guessing, Zhu Kaiping sighed: "Forget it, don't dwell on it, I'll ask Senior Brother Lin!"

The group members nodded in unison.

No sooner said than done, Zhu Kaiping dialed the number and turned on the speakerphone.

As if they had agreed upon it, five or six Researchers picked up paper and pens in unison and gathered in a circle again.

After two rings, the call connected, and a voice came through: "Senior Brother Zhu!"

Clear and gentle, it sounded very young at first listen.

Zhu Kaiping bent over: "Junior Brother, the data cannot be derived, the error is getting larger each time!"

Two "buzzing" sounds, as if something was being ground: "Senior Brother Zhu, which step specifically?"

"Ironware and sulfur-containing minerals (cinnabar, realgar) coexist, releasing S to inhibit sulfate-reducing bacteria!"

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

Zhu Kaiping nodded: "You mentioned it before the New Year, and that's exactly how we did it, but we've done the experiment more than ten times and still haven't been able to get the electrochemical corrosion to reach equilibrium... We've tried it forward and backward, but we just can't get it right!"

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

Zhu Kaiping was suddenly stunned, and let out an "Eh."

Immediately, as if it were contagious, several Researchers perked up: "Eh," "Eh," "Eh"...

Then, their faces all turned red in unison.

To put it plainly, the experiment was to restore the corrosion process of iron Cultural Relics buried deep underground, and the environmental atmosphere was only severely oxygen-deficient, not completely oxygen-free.

They had been negligent for a moment and committed the error of "darkness under the lamp."

Zhu Kaiping blushed: "Thank you, Junior Brother!"

"You're too polite, Senior Brother!"

Lin Sicheng laughed and hung up the phone. Several Researchers looked at each other, silent for a long while: how embarrassing...

After leaving the laboratory, Ye Xing'an asked curiously: "Assistant Zhang, this iron Cultural Relics project of theirs, it's just started, right?"

It hadn't even been officially approved as a project, so where would a project come from?

Not only had no bid been submitted, but there wasn't even a project proposal. In fact, there were very few institutions in the country that even conducted such research.

He heard that Lin Sicheng thought the progress of the Bronze project was too fast and found them something else to do. Once the previous two projects came to an end, they would start designing it.

But when the time came, they would have to compete for resources with the National Cultural Heritage Administration, so even as a leader, he couldn't say too much...

Turning these thoughts over, Assistant Zhang gave an ambiguous reply: "Director Ye, that is basically the case!"

Ye Xing'an smiled immediately, but did not press further.

He was just a bit curious: "Since the project has just started and the experiments have just begun, it's like crossing the river by feeling the stones, so how did Lin Sicheng know where they went wrong?"

Eh, that's right?

Assistant Zhang was startled for a moment, but then he froze: how did Director Ye know they were consulting Lin Sicheng?

Just as he was suspicious, his eyelids lifted unconsciously, and Assistant Zhang froze in place: no one had said they were coming to the Intangible Cultural Heritage Center, right?

Director Ye hadn't said it, and Secretary Wang hadn't said it either.

Then how did the three of them walk to the door of Lin Sicheng's studio?

Assistant Zhang realized belatedly: this Director Ye, could it be that he came specifically for Lin Sicheng?

The latest novels are first released here!

Muttering to himself, he introduced it as if nothing were wrong, while Ye Xing'an, noncommittal, pushed open the glass door.

Directly facing the door was the reception area, a small bar counter, and two potted plants. In the middle was a carved screen, through which one could vaguely see several sets of sofas.

Assistant Zhang led them over, and just as he rounded the screen, he was suddenly stunned.

On the sofa, Tian Chengming and Song Jingxian had their heads together, with a pile of documents spread out in front of each of them, and a laptop with its screen on placed to the side.

Hearing the commotion, the two raised their heads in unison, then stood up: "Assistant Zhang!"

"This must be the leader here for a visit, please, sit, sit!"

"Lao Song, pour some tea!"

The two greeted them enthusiastically; one offered a seat, the other turned on the water dispenser, and then took paper cups and tea leaves out of the cabinet.

They were incredibly familiar and natural, making it seem as if the two were staff members of the Center.

Ye Xing'an smiled and waved his hand: "Thank you, no need to sit, we're just looking around!"

"Alright, leader, please feel free!"

Watching them enter the exhibition room, the two exchanged a glance: Don't recognize them?

But regardless of that, studying was the priority.

It had to be said, Lin Sicheng was truly magnanimous: the Yaozhou Porcelain Technology, which was treated as a treasure by Meng Shufeng's group of disciples—who would rather hide it in their crotches while sleeping—was just placed openly on the document rack in the reception area?

The two didn't dare to touch anything casually and specifically asked; the reply they received was: feel free to look...

The three entered the exhibition room, and Assistant Zhang explained again. Once it was mentioned that those two were the Director and Deputy Director of the Tongchuan Industrial Bureau, Ye Xing'an immediately had an impression.

When returning home for New Year's Day, Wang Qi Zhi had specifically mentioned that Lin Sicheng had gone to Tongchuan for an inspection, but hadn't learned the technology and had instead returned full of anger.

But in the end, it was truly satisfying: relying solely on a few samples, he had cracked seven or eight-tenths of the core technology of Yaozhou Porcelain.

He had even deduced the Secret Color Glaze that the Tongchuan Porcelain Research Institute had dreamed of but could never obtain...

Thinking of this, Ye Xing'an paused.

"Assistant Zhang, what those two are looking at, that should be the core technology of Yaozhou Porcelain, right?"

"Yes, Director Ye, but only a portion is public, and Director Lin will be conducting training tomorrow!"

Assistant Zhang nodded and emphasized again, "Intangible cultural heritage projects have strict requirements for technical inheritance, so it is public training!"

Ye Xing'an understood, but the problem was, those two looked quite happy?

Thinking about it, they probably didn't know about the public training yet. How miserable would they be tomorrow?

Ye Xing'an looked back again: "Do these two come often?"

"Yes, Director Ye, since the Center opened, they have come every single workday!"

Assistant Zhang only hinted at it, but Ye Xing'an understood immediately: aren't they just like sticky candy—if you don't agree, I'll just wear you down?

Subconsciously, Ye Xing'an frowned, and the secretary following behind silently noted it in his heart.

With one question and one answer, the three entered the exhibition room again.

The place was not small, with seven or eight display cases and over a dozen standing racks. Just as Assistant Zhang was about to introduce them, Ye Xing'an waved his hand.

A gold carving, still bearing the banner from the congratulatory message: May your future be bright, may your ambitions be realized... Fang Jingxian!

This must be that female antique dealer surnamed Fang.

A carved gold-gilded copper bowl, this was a gift from that Political Commissar Guan. A painting of golden pheasants, this was from Secretary-General Hao of Rongbaozhai.

A bronze plaque of auspicious clouds gathering over the sea, this was from a well-known appraiser and copper handicraft artisan in the city.

A jade magnolia bonsai, this was from that coal boss from Yulin.

As well as four pieces of Red Glaze Imperial Porcelain, two broken Chicken Cups, and countless broken artifacts and porcelain shards.

All these things, and the people who gave the gifts, Wang Qi Zhi had explained them all. Ye Xing'an had even learned more: people from all walks of life, all trades and professions, the legitimate, the crooked, and the shady—everything was there.

Originally, Ye Xing'an still felt that it would be better for Lin Sicheng not to have too much contact with these people.

But just as Wang Qi Zhi said: he was only in his early twenties, relying neither on his father, nor his grandfather, nor on him, his teacher. He had built these relationships entirely from scratch, so what more could one demand?

And it had only taken half a year?

Half a year?

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

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

In a separate display cabinet, there were several sets of photos: there were scenes of district leaders cutting ribbons, photos of the district mayor and various bureau leaders giving speeches, and even group photos including Wang Qi Zhi and Lin Sicheng.

There were many, about a dozen or so. Scanning them, in an inconspicuous corner, there was one that was slightly out of place:

Also at the entrance of the Center, also on the opening day, Lin Sicheng stood in the middle. Two men in their early forties stood on either side, tilting their heads and squeezing them against Lin Sicheng's head, looking like three cloves of garlic.

At the same time, both sides raised a hand to make a "V" sign over Lin Sicheng's head, and the three of them were all grinning with their teeth showing.

Chen Peng, He Zhigang.

Further to the side, there was a small box, inside which a Military Merit Medal lay quietly.

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

Continuing forward, he looked at the Iron Certificate of Li Zicheng. And the Copper-clad Enamel Sunflower-mouth Plate that Lin Sicheng had restored, but which Wang Qi Zhi hadn't given to his big brother and had secretly kept for himself.

Afterwards, he looked at the Blue Purple Sand Pot, the Ming Dynasty Consort Gold Crown, the Dong Qichang Sanskrit Heart Sutra, and the Qianlong Iron Seal.

Unconsciously, Ye Xing'an smiled: That's right, he was only twenty-one, what more could one demand?

National Level scientific research projects, money-making methods that could turn stone into gold, all-encompassing interpersonal relationships, and even an indomitable temperament and quality...

At the same time, he thought of that blunt remark from Wang Qi Zhi: Brother-in-law, even without this layer of connection, he could still do very well. Perhaps he might not even need it...

Ye Xing'an smiled again: If he stayed in Xijing and never moved, perhaps he wouldn't need it.

But at only twenty-one, he was already like this; how could he not move?

When the dragon has not yet ascended, it dwells with fish and turtles. When it ascends to heaven, its scales cannot be seen. When the sage acts, all things are seen; when the wind and clouds are stirred, the dragon and tiger meet.

Ye Xing'an could even guess now, perhaps in two or three years, at most four or five...

Sighing inwardly, he went up to the second floor.

From afar, one could hear a "buzzing" sound, and looking through the glass: Lin Sicheng held a file in one hand and a half-broken porcelain jar in the other, with several polished specimens placed to the side.

Ye Xing'an took a few careful looks.

It was indeed as his older brother had said; he looked quite spirited, though as for anything else, it was still impossible to tell for now.

Looking to the side, a girl with a beautiful appearance and delicate features was helping out. Mostly, she was just holding things steady and clearing away dust.

But she seemed to be distracted; her eyes weren't looking at her hands, nor at the porcelain in her hands, but were just staring at Lin Sicheng.

As she filed, her hand tilted, and the porcelain jar spun around. With a "hiss," the file slipped violently.

At the critical moment, the file grazed Li Zhen's hand and stabbed off to the side.

"Crack!" A hole was poked through the porcelain jar.

Honestly, if Lin Sicheng's reaction had been even 0.1 seconds slower, there would have been a blood groove on Li Zhen's hand.

He frowned and lifted his eyelids: "Do you not want your hand anymore?"

Li Zhen felt guilty and lowered her head.

After a long while, she moved her lips: "I... can I not go to the Training Center?"

No... why are you still obsessing over this?

Lin Sicheng paused and pulled out the file: "Senior Sister Li, what did you say before the new year?"

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

"There are many things to regret; are you going to go to heaven?" Lin Sicheng curled his lip, "If you don't go to the Training Center, then go to the office..."

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

"Pfft..."

Xiao Yuzhu, who was filming on the side, laughed out loud.

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

Xiao Yuzhu didn't dare to giggle anymore and hurriedly nodded.

Since it had to be repaired anyway, Lin Sicheng simply cut it open from the spot where it was poked. He didn't dare to let Li Zhen help again, so he switched to Xiao Yuzhu instead.

The "zzzt" sound rang out again.

Glancing at Li Zhen, then looking at Lin Sicheng, Ye Xing'an recalled: that lip-curling gesture just now, why was it so familiar?

Huh, Ye Anning?

He was stunned for a moment, then smiled silently, and turned around.

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?"

"No need!"

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

"Yes, Director Ye, it's on the third floor. At that time, several leaders from the school and professors from the Porcelain Research Group will all attend!"

"I can observe, right?"

"Of course!"

Ye Xing'an nodded: "Good!"

Lin Sicheng was still grinding the porcelain shard, unaware that someone had just been outside the Artifact Restoration room...

(End of this chapter)