Rebirth: Controlled Nuclear Fusion

Part 107：The Clown

Upon seeing Long Lao defend Jiang Fan, Cheng Shu's previously grim expression softened considerably. After all, Long Lao's prestige in Long Guo was immensely high! Even national leaders had to show him some respect, and Cheng Shu dared not offend him. However, as the current head of Longkan, his responsibility was to the journal itself. Numerous nations worldwide were watching, eagerly awaiting the downfall of Long Guo. Although Cheng Shu wasn't directly responsible for manuscript reviews, he was determined to ensure there would be no nepotism or corruption.

"Long Lao, I understand Jiang Fan is your student, and Longkan is our nation's first SCI journal. If it fails, you know what it will mean for us," Cheng Shu said, his tone tinged with urgency.

Long Lao, being a researcher at the forefront of science, understood well the immense importance of Longkan's success to Long Guo. Jiang Fan had proposed the creation of Longkan to safeguard the nation's academic autonomy, ensuring that they weren't overshadowed by the West. Should the journal fail, Long Guo would face ridicule from around the world, and worse, the possibility of academic and technological isolation from other great powers. In the future, Long Guo's development would face insurmountable challenges, with the only way out being to capitulate to Western nations. This was a scenario Long Lao could never accept.

"Cheng Shu, rest assured. We've reviewed Jiang Fan's SCI papers, and there's absolutely no issue," Long Lao responded firmly.

Cheng Shu paused, then replied, "As for Jiang Fan's manuscript, I believe we should involve other relevant teams in the evaluation."

"Are you implying that I and Long Lao can't be trusted?" Old Qiao interjected, his voice laced with irritation.

"Uncle Qiao, please don't take offense. I'm just thinking of Longkan's long-term welfare," Jiang Fan quickly reassured.

He then handed over his SCI paper to Cheng Shu, who finally relaxed.

"Jiang Fan, I do hope your SCI paper can be published in Longkan. I trust you'll understand," Cheng Shu said, his tone warmer.

"I understand," Jiang Fan replied.

"One more thing: when rejecting manuscripts, I hope you can provide detailed feedback to the authors. After all, they've put in a lot of effort, only to receive a cold 'rejection' without understanding their mistakes."

"I understand," Jiang Fan said again.

After Cheng Shu left, Jiang Fan took his advice to heart. He reviewed his own manuscript, carefully pointing out areas that could be improved and offering suggestions for enhancement. After all, this was the only way to raise Long Guo's overall academic level. As for submissions without merit, however, he didn't feel the need to waste time replying.

In the academic group created by Wang Deshun, the members were passionately discussing the situation. Wang Deshun had already informed them that he and Professor Zhang Shaohua had shared their concerns with Cheng Shu, Longkan's head.

Group Member 3: "Professor Wang certainly lives up to his role as group leader—such efficiency!"

Group Member 5: "With Professor Wang and Professor Zhang leading the charge, I'm confident the head of Longkan will provide an explanation!"

Group Member 6: "Now all I want to hear is Longkan issuing a public statement, removing this young editor-in-chief, and replacing him with a seasoned academic expert!"

Group Member 13: "Exactly! Professor Zhang would be perfect. After all, he's published over 20 papers in internationally renowned SCI journals and is well-versed in their review standards!"

Group Member 19: "I agree with you! Professor Zhang for editor-in-chief!"

Group Member 28: "Yes, I also support Professor Zhang as editor-in-chief!"

Zhang Shaohua: "Thank you all for your confidence in me, but I honestly feel my academic standing is still quite far from that of international scholars, haha..."

Wang Deshun: "Old Zhang, you're being too modest! If you think you're far from them, what does that make the rest of us? Haha..."

Group Member 49: "Yes, Professor Zhang, stop being so humble!"

Group Member 53: "Perhaps we should wait until the current editor-in-chief steps down and then write a recommendation letter to Cheng Shu, suggesting Professor Zhang as his successor!"

Group Member 66: "That's an excellent idea, I'm all for it!"

Just as everyone in the group was united in supporting Zhang Shaohua as the new editor-in-chief, one member sent a message:

Group Member 86: "I just received a message from Longkan!"

Group Member 89: "Could it be that they're informing you your submission has been accepted?"

Group Member 86: "It's about my SCI paper. They've given me feedback and suggested some reference materials!"

Group Member 86: "I have to say, Longkan really lives up to its reputation as a national SCI journal. The reviewers are truly experts, and the references they provided helped me spot issues I hadn't noticed before!"

Group Member 27: "I also got a reply, and after reviewing their feedback, I realized my SCI paper had flaws. If it had been published, it would've been ridiculed by foreign scholars. I'm truly grateful for the feedback from the editorial team!"

Group Member 55: "I've also read the feedback from Longkan's editors and found the problems in my own paper. It seems we may have misjudged them."

Zhang Shaohua, noticing the group's support for him as editor-in-chief, couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. If the nation was willing to entrust him with such a responsibility, he would gladly contribute to its progress. However, when he saw many members discussing their positive feedback from Longkan, he quickly opened his own email.

Excited, he hoped that after careful consideration, Longkan had deemed his paper to be exceptional and had passed it through their rigorous review process. If all other submissions were rejected but his paper was accepted, it would prove that his academic abilities far surpassed many others.

With a trembling hand, he clicked on the email.

To his dismay, the email was no different from the others—Longkan had provided feedback, pointing out areas of improvement.

Zhang Shaohua's first reaction was one of denial. His paper couldn't possibly have problems! After all, he had spent three years researching it, meticulously reviewing every detail. Although he didn't want to admit it, he reluctantly began to read the feedback carefully. If the feedback was wrong, he would surely file a complaint with Cheng Shu.

As he read on, his initial frustration gradually subsided. The feedback was sharp and to the point. The reason his paper had taken three years to complete was precisely because of the issues the editor had highlighted. He had overlooked certain aspects and only later discovered similar findings in international literature.

Embarrassed, Zhang Shaohua realized that his earlier understanding of the references had been mistaken. The editor's suggestions were valid, and as he checked the references provided, he confirmed that he had indeed misunderstood. The editor had even directed him toward a more promising research direction.

Sweat began to bead on his forehead. As one group member had pointed out, if his paper had been published as is, it would have been ridiculed by foreign scholars. He felt a deep sense of shame, as though he were a fool.

At the end of the email, Zhang Shaohua saw a line that left him speechless:

Longkan Editor-in-Chief Jiang Fan's response.