Free Web NovelChapter 440: Chapter 224: Genius, an Absolute Genius! [7,000 Words, Two-in-One!]
He still acts based on intuition.
Seeing this, everyone became tense, not daring to breathe.
Finally, after several processes of heating, cooling, and reheating, Li Younan wiped a bit of sweat off his forehead, smiled slightly, and said, "It’s done. We just need to let it cool naturally now."
It was only then that everyone checked the time and realized it was already afternoon, and they hadn’t had lunch.
But at moments like these, who had the appetite for lunch?
While waiting for the clay to cool, the dean led all the observing expert artisans to the cafeteria for a meal.
Master Luo sidled up to Li Younan, hesitated for a long time, and couldn’t help but ask, "Xiaoli, when you were firing the piece earlier... were you completely relying on intuition?"
Li Younan nodded: "Yes. I find it hard to clearly describe that feeling; it’s like a voice guides me saying, ’Control the heat now, increase the temperature, lower the temperature, rotate the body...’"
Master Luo’s expression was somewhat complex.
If Li Younan’s final fired axles and body really met the standard...
No doubt it would redefine his understanding of ceramic craftsmanship level and human capabilities!
For a long time, everyone focused on solving restoration issues with mechanical advances and gradually overlooked human initiative.
But Li Younan’s emergence made Master Luo question the validity of what he’s upheld all along.
Finally, after waiting for a long time, the body cooled to the right temperature, ready for the crucial assembly and testing steps.
Under everyone’s watchful gaze, Li Younan took the finished axle and body, gently embedded it into the body’s interface.
The axle rotated smoothly without any stutter or wobble, not even needing further fine grinding.
Done!
It really was... done!
Everyone realized that this young man hadn’t just been bragging; he truly solved this challenge with an inconceivable skill.
Damn, did this young man really complete it in less than a day?
It was already late at night, yet everyone’s face was full of uncontrollable excitement, even exhilaration.
The restoration problem that troubled them for so long—could it really be solved by this young man?
The dean walked to the completed faux specimen and pushed his glasses, carefully examined it, and finally showed an incredulous expression as he looked at Li Younan.
Many thoughts spun in his mind at that moment, but the most prominent emotion was bewilderment—he’s not even 30 years old!
How did he grasp such astonishing skills?
The dean couldn’t resist asking directly, "How many ceramics have you fired?"
Li Younan vaguely replied: "Not many, but once you understand the principles, they’re more or less the same."
"Genius, genius!"
The dean sighed deeply, for other than a genius, he could find no other explanation.
In every field, there exist individuals that can be regarded as geniuses.
Things that take others years, even decades to master, for a genius, once understood, are pinnacle achieved.
Such occurrences aren’t uncommon in other fields; for a long time in traditional craftsmanship, people believed accumulated experience was more crucial than so-called talent.
However, Li Younan’s appearance completely shattered what they had believed for many years.
Yet, compared to the regret of a broken worldview, what they felt more was excitement.
Li Younan had already showcased masterful rebuilding and exquisite painting skills, so even if he were slightly weaker in carving skills, he might still complete the restoration.
The upcoming challenge was lattice carving.
Similarly, it involved a semi-finished imitation revolving vase with partial lattice damage that required matching the carving pattern with the original precision to a tolerance of less than 0.02mm, while preserving width and angles, relying entirely on manual precision and recreating traditional style without mechanical aid.
In fact, during the restoration of this top national treasure, the hardest step was lattice carving.
While the other two steps could leverage some modern technologies, this craft depended entirely on the restorer’s hands.
But due to Li Younan’s demonstrated hand stability and recalling his carving skills showcased in "Alone in the Wilderness," everyone began to harbor expectations.
At least, Li Younan had proven his capability.
Li Younan picked up the semi-finished piece and said, "Give me one night, I’ll have it ready by tomorrow."
This time, even though everyone was shocked, they wouldn’t show it as if they were witnessing something unprecedented.
Though Master Xu’s mouth couldn’t help but twitch slightly.
Because theoretically, such complex detail control would take him at least four to six days, where just designing and planning the carving scheme would require two days.
Master Xu coughed twice and said, "No rush, you don’t need to hurry."
Li Younan replied indifferently, "I can take this back with me, right?"
The dean answered on behalf of Master Xu, "Sure, take whatever tools you need from here. It’s getting late, just contact me once you finish the carving."
Saying this, the dean also handed his contact information to Li Younan.
That day’s task was thus concluded.
Frankly, since everyone was so engrossed, they didn’t feel the passage of time, but unknowingly, a whole day had passed, with quite intense activity.
Li Younan didn’t mind; he had far greater stamina and energy than these older and middle-aged men.
But looking at the others, many lightly pounded their waists, visibly exhausted.
Yet despite this, everyone’s spirits were very high.
There was no jealousy over Li Younan’s skills, only joy at soon witnessing a national treasure’s restoration.
Many had started referring to Li Younan as a teacher out of respect.
As they left, the dean meaningfully said to Li Younan, "Xiaoli, if you really can restore that revolving vase, you’ll become famous internationally; I imagine many foreign museums will invite you."
Li Younan looked puzzled and said, "Foreign museums?"
But he soon realized something and sighed slightly.
With that exchange, both the dean and Li Younan fell into silence.
The dean laughed, shook his head, and said, "No rush to make such decisions today. You seem quite tired, go home and rest well."
Li Younan nodded.
Li Younan returned to the hotel and began his carving work, continuing until around four or five the next morning, then caught up on sleep until late morning.
Upon bringing the finished piece to the Forbidden City and handing it to the dean, he seemed much calmer now.
Without much ado, the dean slowly stood up and said, "Come, I’ll take you to see that damaged national treasure!"
(ps: Another three thousand words will be posted tomorrow morning; still working on it and rushing!)
