Heading to Germany

June 30, 1900. Li Qiwei's exams were finally over, and he welcomed more than two months of vacation.

During this time, Planck sent a letter, urging him to head to Berlin as soon as possible.

Li Qiwei readily agreed. In the early 20th century, the world's scientific and cultural center was actually in Germany.

Due to Germany's educational reforms, the national literacy rate had greatly increased, and its university system was advanced, far surpassing the closed education system of Britain.

Consequently, Germany's national strength was booming, causing a strong sense of crisis in the British Empire, which would later erupt into various wars.

Of course, there were many other factors.

As a physics Ph.D. in his previous life, Li Qiwei only had a general impression of history. When it came to specific details, he was a novice.

However, none of that mattered to him now; he was merely going to Germany for academic exchange.

Planck mentioned in his letter that even before Li Qiwei arrived at Berlin University, he was already the subject of attention from countless teachers and students.

Therefore, he took the liberty of arranging a speech for Li Qiwei, a high-profile event: the regular meeting of the Berlin Physical Society.

Many top scientists would be attending, promising an academic feast.

Upon hearing this news, Li Qiwei felt a sense of awe.

In his past life, the gap between himself and these scientific titans felt like crossing the Himalayas.

Yet now, they would soon be sitting in the audience, listening to his physics report. A sense of exhilaration surged within him.

However, Li Qiwei's pleasant daydream was soon interrupted by Hong'er.

"Young Master, do you want to take this outfit? It looks a bit old."

"And your tea set, paper, pens, and various books. Is there anything else you need?"

Li Qiwei said helplessly, "Oh, Hong'er, if we can buy some things in Germany, let's not bring them."

"This time, the three of us will travel light. Let's treat it as a trip."

Li San chimed in, "Did you hear the Young Master? Hurry up! You're dawdling. Look how quickly I've packed."

"If you keep this up, you'll miss the train."

Hong'er pouted playfully, "How dare you say that? You're just a martial artist, what do you even need to pack? You just enjoy my misfortune."

Li Qiwei and Li San burst into laughter.

"Don't rush. We can still make the train. It will probably take four or five days to reach Germany, so it's better to bring everything we need."

Traveling from Cambridge in Britain to Berlin in Germany in this era was a long and arduous journey.

Li Qiwei had carefully consulted Wilson to plan a good route.

First, they would take a train from Cambridge to London, then a ferry from the port to cross the English Channel, arriving in Rotterdam, Holland.

From Rotterdam, they would take a train into Germany, reaching Frankfurt.

Finally, they would take another train from Frankfurt directly to Berlin.

This entire journey would likely take four or five days under ideal conditions; any minor issue could cause significant delays.

Li Qiwei had initially not planned to bring Li San, but later, for safety reasons, he decided to.

Although they would be traveling by ship and train, Li San couldn't bring his spear, pistol, or other weapons.

However, his hand-to-hand combat skills were formidable. Without Li San by his side, Li Qiwei would feel very nervous when showing off.

Amidst laughter, the three of them finally finished packing all their luggage and set off for London.

Upon arriving in London that afternoon, Li Qiwei told Hong'er and Li San to explore freely. They would depart from London by ship to Holland the next day.

That night, the three of them would rest at a hotel in London, taking the opportunity to experience the prosperity of the metropolis.

Li Qiwei, however, went alone to the headquarters of Nature, preparing to visit the editor-in-chief, Sir Lockyer.

The latter had written a letter after his paper was published, expressing a desire to meet him.

Li Qiwei certainly wouldn't pass up this opportunity. He also wanted to see the current state of the renowned Nature.

In London, on Crane Court, Macmillan House, the headquarters of Nature magazine was located.

When Li Qiwei explained his purpose, a white-haired old man soon came down from upstairs – it was Sir Lockyer.

"Welcome, Bruce. I didn't expect you to arrive so soon. You're even younger than I imagined, truly a young prodigy." Indeed, he was in the cultural industry; his words were pleasant to hear.

"Hello, Sir. Please forgive my impolite intrusion. I am also very grateful for your invitation. I have long admired Nature magazine."

"Bruce, just call me by my name, no need for 'Sir'."

"Alright, Lockyer."

"Have you heard of Nature before, Bruce?" they chatted as they walked towards the office upstairs.

"I studied under Professor Thomson at Cambridge. His doctoral students dreamed of publishing their papers in Nature," Li Qiwei said casually.

"Hahaha, that's wonderful! Bruce, you can tell them that from now on, Nature will prioritize reviewing their papers."

"Then I thank them on their behalf. I'm sure this is great news."

A moment later, Sir Lockyer led Li Qiwei to the third floor. After they were seated as honored guests, Mary brought them tea.

Lockyer chuckled, "Forgive my presumptuousness, Bruce. I assumed people from your country, China, would prefer tea over coffee."

"I personally enjoy tea very much and am deeply fascinated by ancient Chinese tea culture."

Li Qiwei took a sip of his tea with a smile, thinking to himself, I don't believe a word you say, you old fox. The coffee taste hasn't even washed off that cup yet.

But he smiled and said, "This tea is excellent. You must be quite knowledgeable about tea, Lockyer."

Lockyer laughed, "Indeed. I not only like tea, but also other aspects of Chinese culture." Then, he changed the subject.

"But I truly never expected that China could produce a talent like you, Bruce, in the scientific community."

"Please forgive my rudeness, I'm just curious. Asia and Africa generally lack fertile ground for science."

"Bruce, how were you able to achieve such success in physics? Was it simply because you studied at Cambridge?"

"Your vice-chancellor is currently promoting your achievements frantically."

Li Qiwei looked into Lockyer's eyes and, after another sip of tea, said, "Lockyer, you must understand that there are countless people like me in China."

"Our country has merely strayed down the wrong path for a time. Once a great figure can turn the tide, China will surely rise."

"Therefore, I also suggest, Sir Lockyer, that you might consider focusing Nature's future efforts on China."

Lockyer was stunned by Li Qiwei's words. He saw a powerful confidence in Li Qiwei's eyes, as if the man could foresee the future.

His original intention in inviting Li Qiwei was to follow up on the [Quantum Mechanics] paper.

This theory had immense potential. If future results could all be published in Nature, it would be an unimaginable boost for the journal.

After all, Li Qiwei's first paper alone had tripled Nature's sales.

Lockyer believed that as long as Li Qiwei maintained his current level, he would undoubtedly achieve even greater things in the future.

So, he said, "Bruce, your perspective is truly eye-opening. I think I can start with you, as you are Chinese, after all."

"I formally invite you to become a reviewer for Nature magazine, and also serve as an honorary editor-in-chief."

"From now on, any paper you author will be exempt from publication fees if submitted to Nature, and will receive priority processing."

Li Qiwei couldn't help but be shaken after hearing Lockyer's proposal.

A reviewer for Nature! In later generations, how many professors and scholars would envy this position.

Not to mention the title of honorary editor-in-chief. Although it carried no real power, Li Qiwei believed that as long as his own strength was sufficient, he would naturally have significant influence.

Furthermore, this position would allow him to understand the process of paper publication in this era.

He could build connections and prepare to cultivate his own influence in the future.

In this life, Li Qiwei didn't want to be a warlord; he wanted to be an academic overlord!

The protagonist is about to embark on his show-off journey in Germany. Please continue to read, collect, and vote. Thank you all, Old Xu!