Chapter 505: Where Have I Seen This Before? (Two-in-One, Supplementary Update)

Wang Qi Zhi gritted his teeth, not knowing how to evaluate this.

Old Lu, seriously, you really know how to use reverse psychology.

If you hadn't said that, Lin Sicheng would have at least been more tactful and left himself some room to maneuver.

But once he heard you say that, even if he has to break his head today, he will get these items back.

How does that saying go? A scholar will die for one who appreciates him...

Since there is no way to change it, one can only cooperate with all one's might.

Wang Qi Zhi opened his briefcase and took out several documents.

These were the appeal materials prepared specifically for the partner—that is, the Xida Intangible Cultural Heritage Center—as the main body of the appeal, with the Forbidden City Ceramics Research Institute as the partner.

Originally, this was just a backup plan: Wang Qi Zhi would only take them out if Customs refused to let them in and blocked him and Lin Sicheng outside. Therefore, he had never imagined that, in the end, they would actually be used here: as the representative for the appeal?

Glancing at Lin Sicheng and patting Director Lu on the shoulder, Wang Qi Zhi walked up with the materials.

He handed a copy to each of the leaders, Department Head Song, and the several experts opposite.

It was a full dozen pages or more; there was no time to read them in detail, so one could only look for key information.

The most conspicuous parts were two lines:

Appealing Unit: Northwest University Cultural Relics and Museology College, Intangible Cultural Heritage Project Research Center.

Technical Advisor: Professor of the Northwest University Cultural Relics and Museology College, Master's Graduate Tutor, Wang Qi Zhi.

The reason the first line was conspicuous was that many people had never heard of this unit: they knew Northwest University, and that its Archaeology Department was a trump card major, with a ranking on par with Peking University.

Many people also knew that this Cultural Relics and Museology College was also known as the "Northwest University Heritage College." It was established by relying on Northwest University's archaeology major and Xijing's profound history, culture, and vast historical sites.

But no one would care what kind of center had been established under the Heritage College.

Looking at the word "Project" in the prefix, one knew it was at most a university-level laboratory.

Therefore, many people did not understand how this unknown university-level laboratory could suddenly have a cooperative relationship with a top-tier institution like the Forbidden City Ancient Ceramics Research Institute?

To use an analogy: one was in the sky, the other was on the ground, with a distance of a hundred thousand miles between them.

Looking at the second line, many people had their guesses: was this whole meal of dumplings made just for this dish of vinegar?

It wasn't even certain if this center existed, and even if it didn't, it didn't matter; the point was Wang Qi Zhi.

Many people were even guessing: today's review had nothing to do with the Cultural Heritage Department, but did Department Head Xiao come from thousands of miles away just for this? Looking at this "Intangible Cultural Heritage Center" now, it was quite intriguing.

Secretly speculating, they continued to flip through: the content of the appeal was more or less the same, with little difference from the one Director Lu had submitted earlier.

It basically just changed the unit name and the wording; the central idea was exactly the same.

The several experts looked at each other: the meaning was, they were changing the person?

But if even Director Lu couldn't do it, would changing to you, Wang Qi Zhi, work?

Different professions are like mountains apart; as someone who researches metal artifacts, can you explain things clearly if you go up there?

Flipping through it rapidly, Song Jingqiu raised his head and looked at Wang Qi Zhi.

What kind of medicine is this Professor Wang selling in his gourd?

Wang Qi Zhi stood on the side of the leaders, explaining something in a low voice.

The several department heads flipped through the documents with varying expressions.

Department Head Wu knew that the Forbidden City and Xida had a partnership, and also knew that they were preparing to cooperate on a new research project.

Department Head Xiao knew the same, and even knew more than Department Head Wu: this new project of Lin Sicheng's was absolutely extraordinary. And the porcelains being reviewed today were even more indispensable research materials.

Therefore, after the leaders learned of this, they gave temporary instructions for him to come and take a look.

But he didn't quite understand: since these porcelains were so important, why not use a more secure method from the very beginning?

He spoke bluntly: "Professor Wang, since you are a partner with the Forbidden City, why didn't you appeal directly instead of the Forbidden City Ceramics Research Institute?" Wang Qi Zhi knew what Department Head Xiao meant: this project was proposed by Lin Sicheng, and was also designed and planned by him; relatively speaking, he understood it better than Director Lu.

Then why wasn't he the one appealing?

Wang Qi Zhi thought for a moment: "Department Head Xiao, Director Lu's professional ability is beyond doubt. The Forbidden City Ceramics Research Institute's ranking in the industry is even more incomparable." He understood: in the world of cultural relics and archaeology, if you mention the Forbidden City, then surely no one doesn't know it.

But Xida's whatever-center? Never heard of it.

To put it bluntly: Lin Sicheng's qualifications were insufficient, and his persuasiveness was basically zero.

If it were him, just facing the questioning of those few experts, he would have to explain for several hours.

By what right can you represent the Forbidden City?

What achievements do you have that you can show off?

What thesis have you published, or have you presided over any National Level projects?

If not, then don't blame me for nitpicking.

Putting oneself in their shoes, it was normal for the experts to have such thoughts: sending a student up, what is the meaning of this?

You were the ones who didn't show respect first, so don't blame us for not being graceful...

"Then Professor Wang, who are you planning to send up?" Wu Hui flipped through the documents, "You?"

Department Head Wu, are you trying to touch a sore spot?

Just those four people opposite Director Lu—even Director Lu might not succeed. If it were me, at most one round, and I would have to slink away in disgrace. He shook his head: "I will oversee, Lin Sicheng will go up!"

Heh heh... you will oversee?

Wang Qi Zhi, how could such a shameless thing come out of your mouth?

Department Head Xiao had a strange look on his face, feeling like he was about to lose his composure and laugh.

Wu Hui was much the same, staring at Wang Qi Zhi for a long while.

Wang Qi Zhi's skin had long been tempered and was impervious to water and fire; he didn't care at all.

He bowed slightly: "Department Head Wu, I request your approval!"

Wu Hui didn't speak, and exchanged a glance with Department Head Xiao.

No wonder Wang Qi Zhi bowed as soon as he came up, with such an excellent attitude?

Even now, he remains so humble? It turns out he really was preparing to unleash his ultimate move.

Lin Sicheng is that ultimate move.

Xiao Heng knows little about him; to be precise, he has only heard the name but never met the person.

But Wu Hui knows him all too well:

He watched with his own eyes how Lin Sicheng, starting from nothing and without a single clue, managed to unearth two porcelain kiln ruins in Shanxi that were significant enough to fill gaps in history.

He even watched with his own eyes as Lin Sicheng worked in isolation, using only a few broken shards of porcelain to reconstruct Shadow Blue Porcelain and Sweet White Glaze.

It was also he who watched with his own eyes as Lin Sicheng, leading a few Masters who hadn't even published many theses, relied on a single university-level laboratory to research Cultural Relics protection materials that were at the international forefront.

If Lin Sicheng were not certain, he would never step up.

If he dares to step up, it means he has a one hundred percent chance of winning. No matter what Expert, scholar, or professor it is, and no matter what kind of questioning they raise, none of it is a problem for him.

As long as you can ask it, I can answer it.

Just like that academic seminar he held at the Wenbo Building back then: among those sitting in the audience, which one wasn't a leading figure in the industry?

Did he flinch?

Wu Hui does not know what method Lin Sicheng is prepared to use, but he is certain that Lin Sicheng definitely has a trump card.

The kind that settles the matter once and for all.

But to be honest, if the scene is made too ugly, wouldn't that be a bit bad?

Because for some things, merely obtaining official approval is far from enough; otherwise, it is just high-brow and out of touch, like clouds Floating in the sky.

One must have the support and recognition of the industry mainstream, must obtain the affirmation of top institutions and authoritative scholars, and then participate together to promote it jointly. This is from the official standpoint, from the standpoint of the Xida Intangible Cultural Heritage Center: the World Heritage Application project has only reached the Provincial Level, and to apply for anything higher, one certainly cannot bypass these few authoritative institutions.

If the grudge is too deep, it will certainly have an impact.

Xiao Heng can roughly guess what Wu Hui is thinking, but to be honest: how can one have the best of both worlds in this life?

One can only choose the lesser of two evils...

He looked at Lin Sicheng, who was sitting beside Director Lu, and then looked at the Expert opposite: "Professor Wang, was this decision to change people discussed in advance?"

Wang Qi Zhi shook his head: "Department Head Xiao, this was a last-minute decision!"

See?

What one fears is a last-minute decision: this means he is prepared to go full throttle and will not stop until the goal is achieved.

Never mind what Expert or scholar you are; I will take down whoever comes...

But to say, let them give up... that is impossible.

Even if the Forbidden City and Xida agreed, the Cultural Heritage Department and the Archaeology Department would not agree.

Because the significance of this project is different, and the key is: the Forbidden City Ceramics Research Institute and the Xida Center are indeed in the right.

Therefore, they previously always felt that today's review should be able to be perfectly resolved.

Debate is essential, and there will certainly be discordant voices, but it is basically controllable.

But no one expected that before even reaching the debate stage, Director Lu himself would explode first?

Wu Hui looked at Director Lu: to say that this matter is entirely the fault of old Lu would be against one's conscience. Because the root cause still lies with Customs: the targeting is too strong. Not to mention anything else, just look at these four Experts: before seeing them, even Xiao Heng and Wu Hui did not know that the preparation work by Customs had actually been done so thoroughly?

This clearly shows that they intend to make today's matter an ironclad case; it would be a strange thing indeed if Director Lu did not get angry.

It is no wonder Wang Qi Zhi has such a desperate stance; he has truly been forced to the edge of a cliff.

Wu Hui sighed and signed his name.

Then he handed it to Chen Feng: "Department Head Chen, take a look!"

Chen Feng took the document, his face showing no expression.

The National Cultural Heritage Administration is the review unit; to use an analogy: if this were a lawsuit, it would be comparable to the Supreme Court. Department Head Wu is equivalent to the Judge sitting in court during a final trial.

Today, the reason he has no presence is because it has not yet reached that stage.

Even, it has not yet reached the debate stage, and Director Lu, as the plaintiff, exploded first.

The process has not yet been completed, and the cross-examination must of course continue. If, according to the regulations, Director Lu, who cannot control his emotions, is kicked out, the appealing party still needs to send a representative up.

Even if they send a mute who doesn't speak for the whole time, at least such a person must be there.

Therefore, Department Head Wu will certainly sign.

But Chen Feng always feels that when Department Head Wu signed this, he was somewhat hesitant.

That is one thing; the second is: Chen Feng does not quite understand the role Department Head Xiao Heng is playing in today's cross-examination meeting.

He can come and sit here, representing the Ministry of Culture. But Xiao Heng came too suddenly, and the higher-ups did not notify anyone, so no one knows the purpose for which the leader sent Department Head Xiao.

Department Head Xiao did say that he was just here to take a look and listen, but no one believes it: a Department Level cadre is not that idle. Therefore, the question Xiao Heng just asked Wang Qi Zhi inevitably makes people's imaginations run wild: is this decision of yours discussed in advance? It is as if he is worrying on behalf of the other party: are you sure about this?

Chen Feng has to consider: where does Department Head Xiao stand today?

He also has to wonder: will Department Head Xiao affect the final ruling?

But that is just a thought, not a worry: to be honest, at this level, individual influence is already negligible.

If the Cultural Relics Bureau dares to judge recklessly, he dares to take the lawsuit to the very top.

With these thoughts, Chen Feng signed. As he closed the pen cap, he remembered again: "Professor Wang, who will be debating next?" "Department Head Chen, it is Lin Sicheng, my student!"

Wang Qi Zhi replied, then pointed backward, "The one sitting right next to Director Lu!"

Chen Feng was stunned for a moment and opened his eyes wide.

He was truly stunned for a moment; logically, such an expression should not appear on the face of someone like him.

But it was truly too sudden and incomprehensible: a student?

He had heard Department Head Wu ask before, and had heard Wang Qi Zhi say that "Lin Sicheng" would be debating.

But Chen Feng did not know that this Lin Sicheng was the one who had been following behind Wang Qi Zhi the whole time.

Song Jingqiu raised his eyebrows: he looks like he is just in his early twenties, still a child. Is this not a bit disrespectful?

Fearing that Director Lu cannot control his emotions and changing the person for the debate is normal. If one feels there is no hope and wants to give up completely, that is also understandable. But, shouldn't there be at least a minimum of respect?

After all, several Department Heads are sitting here, and the person personally presiding over the cross-examination is the leader of the Supervision Division, Deputy Director-General Song, who is at the Director-General level.

What's more, several authoritative experts from top institutions in the industry are sitting opposite; even if your Dean or the University President from Xida came, it might not be enough to impress them. As a result, you sent a student up?

Even Chen Feng thinks this way, let alone Song Jingqu and the several experts.

Department Head Song is fine; no expression can be seen on his face, but those few people opposite are all stunned.

Their eyelids flutter, constantly peering at Lin Sicheng's face.

A student?

Does that mean he hasn't even graduated yet?

No... looking down on people through a crack in the door, is there really such a way to bully people?

Being polite to Director Lu is because he has the Forbidden City behind him, as well as his own academic achievements and status within the industry.

But a student?

Subconsciously, the four experts look at the opposite side.

Director Lu keeps a cold face, neither speaking nor moving. But Lin Sicheng is a junior, so he cannot be impolite.

He bows slightly and smiles.

But in the eyes of the several experts, this smile looks more like a provocation.

Almost instantly, the four faces visibly darken.

If they let this kid say a single complete, coherent sentence later during the cross-examination session, it would be an insult to their professional careers and their academic status.

Xiao Heng and Wu Hui exchange a glance and sigh inwardly: I knew it would be like this?

But the arrow is on the string, can it not be fired?

Chen Feng finishes signing, and Wang Qi Zhi takes the document and hands it to Song Jingqu.

Both leaders agree, so naturally, he will not object. Song Jingqu flips it open and takes a look: "Professor Wang, before the cross-examination, what preparations do you need to make?"

"Department Head Song, we need to connect the multimedia equipment to play some images; it will be more intuitive. In addition, there are a few pieces of porcelain that need to be brought in for corroboration!"

Song Jingqu is expressionless: "Fine!"

The items were prepared long ago; Director Lu leaves the conference room and brings them in with two Assistants.

Lin Sicheng wants to go connect the projector, but Wang Qi Zhi doesn't let him.

"You organize your thoughts; I'll handle these things!"

Saying this, Wang Qi Zhi carries the laptop and goes to the back.

Song Jingqu is a bit confused again: does that mean this kid is going to come up and speak later?

The problem is, can you actually speak it out and explain it clearly?

He can already imagine the scene later: the expert asks a question, and the kid stammers. The expert asks another, and the kid stammers again.

Stumbling and stuttering...

In a flash, Wang Qi Zhi returns and sits down next to Lin Sicheng.

Director Lu, with the Assistants, places several boxes on the table next to the conference table and sits on the other side of Lin Sicheng.

Lin Sicheng is in the very middle; he stands up:

"Leaders, experts, and professors, hello. Let me introduce myself first..."

"My name is Lin Sicheng, and I am the Person in Charge of the Northwest University Intangible Cultural Heritage Research Center, as well as the inheritor of the Ancient Ceramic Artifact Restoration technology currently applying for Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage..."

"This student, wait a moment..."

Before he even finishes speaking, one of the experts opposite raises a hand to interrupt, then stares at Lin Sicheng with wide eyes.

"What did you just say? Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage, Ancient Ceramic Artifact Restoration technology... when did you apply?"

Lin Sicheng had anticipated this: upon hearing "World Heritage Application" and "Ancient Ceramic Artifact Restoration technology," this Director Chen would definitely be surprised.

Because this Director Chen is the Person in Charge of the Ancient Ceramic Composition Analysis Laboratory, jointly established by Fudan University and the Shanghai Museum.

Four years ago, after the State Council proposed establishing a National Level, provincial, municipal, and county-level representative list system for intangible cultural heritage and released the "Interim Measures for the Declaration and Evaluation of National Level Intangible Cultural Heritage Representative Works," the Shanghai Museum began preparations.

And the project they applied for was Ancient Ceramic Artifact Restoration technology. This Ancient Ceramic Composition Analysis Laboratory is one of the technical support units for this project. Suddenly, a peer pops up from out of nowhere, and this Director Chen is bound to be surprised.

But Lin Sicheng didn't expect that after the appeal materials were handed to him, this Director Chen hadn't even flipped through them?

As long as he opened the cover, he could see the unit name on the first page: Appealing Unit, Northwest University Cultural Relics and Museology College, Intangible Cultural Heritage Research Center. Applied Project: Ancient Ceramic Artifact Restoration.

If he had taken a look beforehand, he wouldn't have interrupted just as Lin Sicheng was starting.

Since the person asked, he must answer.

Lin Sicheng is unhurried: "Director Chen, we applied in 2007."

"Which unit applied? This center on the document?" Director Chen points at the materials, "The technical support is provided by Xida, right? Then what is the cooperation model?"

"School-enterprise cooperation!"

"What is the main body? Is it the school or the enterprise, and who is the project leader?"

"Both are enterprises!"

Director Chen presses on: "Which unit is it, and where does the dynamic inheritance lineage come from?"

Lin Sicheng sighs: I knew it would be like this?

But this is a cross-examination meeting, not taking a statement at a Police Station.

"Director Chen, look, shall we proceed with the cross-examination first?"

That means you can't tell me, right?

But why can't he say it?

Director Chen looks at Director Lu, then tilts his head to look at Department Head Xiao above.

Then he looks at the materials in his hand: it hasn't even been two years, and it has already reached the provincial level, which shows that the other party's project is advancing by completely skirting the edges of national regulations.

One year at the district level, one year at the municipal level!