Chapter 14: The Special Grant
Chapter 14: The Special Grant
"The Special Grant?" Principal Tan, who was reviewing documents, suddenly froze at the mention of the words.
He subconsciously doubted his own hearing, "Xu Bo? You mean the Special Grant?"
Xu Bo glared at him, "What else? Old Tan, stop beating around the bush and approve it quickly."
Principal Tan felt a sudden headache.
As the principal, his authority was immense, and theoretically, all teachers were under his command... But Xu Bo's status was unique.
"Xu Bo, it's not that I won't approve it for you." Principal Tan raised his eyes, helpless, "The Special Grant isn't the same as the First-Class Grant. The First-Class Grant is only worth 100,000 Blue Star Coins, and I can approve it directly."
"The Special Grant is worth 500,000 Blue Star Coins. Even if I agree, it still needs to be reported to the Education Bureau."
"I know." Xu Bo nodded matter-of-factly, "After you approve it, I'll call Director He."
Principal Tan was taken aback.
The Director He that Xu Bo mentioned was his direct superior.
Principal Tan was well aware that Xu Bo's strength wasn't exceptionally terrifying, and his physical condition after the injury was only at the 19th-grade level. But to have survived in the Star Gate for over twenty years and returned alive... His connections were unfathomable.
Principal Tan knew that when Xu Bo first came to Guan Shan High School, Director He personally escorted him.
"Xu Bo," Principal Tan shook his head, "If you want my agreement, you have to tell me the reason. Which student? Or is it a promising seedling from junior high?"
Principal Tan understood Xu Bo's character well.
He was strict in teaching but also extremely responsible, often considering the students' interests in his actions.
He was the school's top-rated teacher.
Otherwise, even with Xu Bo's extensive connections, Principal Tan wouldn't have cared much.
As for suspecting Xu Bo of embezzling the 500,000 Blue Star Coins? Principal Tan had never even considered it.
Xu Bo's office, which cost over ten million Blue Star Coins to renovate, was a testament to his wealth accumulated over many years of adventuring in the Star Gate as a powerful martial artist.
"There is a promising seedling, but not from junior high." Xu Bo explained, "He's from senior high."
"A promising seedling from senior high? Worthy of the Special Grant?" Principal Tan was slightly surprised.
He didn't recall any such student.
The grant considered various factors, including academic performance, family background, talent, and political connections.
"I'll send you the information." Xu Bo said.
Soon, Principal Tan received the network materials and immediately began reviewing them. With over fifty years of experience in the education sector, his capabilities were indeed formidable.
"Xu Bo, this Li Yuan is indeed a promising seedling with great potential. You've done well in discovering him." Principal Tan first praised Xu Bo's discernment.
Then, he changed the topic, "But if you want to apply for the Special Grant, I must be honest. Li Yuan still falls short."
"What's lacking?" Xu Bo's face showed displeasure, "Didn't you see his spear technique footage?"
"I did, and it's impressive."
Principal Tan shook his head, "But the grant is funded by the state, and the approval process involves not only your and Director He's consent but also the scrutiny of the Smart Supervision Bureau."
"The Smart Supervision Bureau doesn't conduct manual reviews; they only recognize the scores from major exams. Martial Spirit awakening is also a crucial indicator."
"In the last semester exam, his score barely made it into the top thirty in his grade, and his Martial Spirit hasn't awakened yet... It'll be challenging to pass the final review." Principal Tan explained.
"With his current strength, he has a chance to break into the top twenty in his grade." Xu Bo glared.
"That's your opinion." Principal Tan shook his head, "The Smart Supervision Bureau only recognizes major exam scores. We'll have to wait for the January exam at the very least."
"The January exam is still months away. It'll be too late by then." Xu Bo's expression turned displeased.
"Old Tan, you're a martial artist too. You understand the importance of this age." Xu Bo said, "What resources can you provide him directly now?"
"Now?"
Principal Tan thought for a moment, "I can directly approve the Second-Class Grant."
"50,000 Blue Star Coins? That's not enough." Xu Bo shook his head firmly.
"This is the extent of my authority." Principal Tan spread his hands, then added, "How about this: I'll also assign him a private Martial Dao Room, a privilege reserved for the top ten students in the grade."
Xu Bo frowned, still seeming dissatisfied.
"Xu Bo, that's enough."
"For a senior high student, 50,000 Blue Star Coins is enough to buy two to three months' worth of basic Vital Energy Potions." Principal Tan said, "Wait for the January exam. If he can break into the top twenty in his grade, I'll help apply for the First-Class Grant."
"Top twenty in the grade? Old Tan, I have to say, you're underestimating him." Xu Bo shook his head, "Li Yuan has a real chance to break into the top ten in the January exam."
At this, Principal Tan smiled.
"His Martial Spirit hasn't awakened."
"It's almost impossible for him to break into the top ten." Principal Tan smiled, "If he can really do it... Well, I'll do my best to help him apply for the Special Grant."
"If it doesn't get approved, I'll personally sponsor him." Principal Tan smiled.
"Consider it a promise."
Xu Bo's eyes lit up, and a cunning glint appeared in his gaze, "You said it yourself, and I have it all recorded... Alright, I've already sent in the report for the Second-Class Grant. Approve it quickly."
"I have other matters to attend to. I'll hang up first."
"Beep—"
Xu Bo had already hung up the video call.
Principal Tan was left in his office, still dazed, staring at the newly added 'Pending Approval' file on the work light screen.
He paused for a moment.
Principal Tan understood what was happening.
He had been outmaneuvered.
If Xu Bo truly intended to apply for the Special Grant, why would he send in the application for the Second-Class Grant within a second? It was clearly prepared in advance.
Xu Bo's target was the Second-Class Grant... He had initially mentioned the Special Grant just to negotiate a higher price.
"Xu Bo." Principal Tan sighed and smiled helplessly, "Number nine."
"Open the pending approval file."
"Approved."
---
In the administration building, inside Xu Bo's office.
"A Pinnacle Scholarship?" Xu Bo revealed a mysterious smile, "Call Director He? I'm not that stupid."
Xu Bo was well aware that with Li Yuan's current situation, there was no way he could pass the Smart Oversight Bureau's review.
"Enough."
"And I even got an Independent Martial Arts Room." Xu Bo smiled, "This old Tan, he's really too rigid, always dragging his feet when it comes to money."
"It's government-allocated funds, but he treats it like his personal savings hidden from his wife. I wouldn't waste it..."
"Hmm? Approved?"
"This time, he was quite prompt." Xu Bo thought for a moment, "Black Dog, send a smiley face to Principal Tan."
"Oh, no, send the smiley face selfie I saved last time."
"Yes, master."
---
At 9 p.m. in the evening.
The sound of the end of the evening self-study session echoed through the campus, and students were gradually leaving.
In the Martial Arts classroom of Senior High Grade Three (2) class.
Only Li Yuan and Li Tianyou remained, both cultivating cold weapons.
"Li Yuan, aren't you leaving?" Li Tianyou couldn't help but call out.
"It's fine, you go ahead." Li Yuan smiled, "I'll continue cultivating for a while."
Li Tianyou was stunned.
He had arrived at school at 5:45 a.m., intending to return home early for some rest... but now he hesitated.
"Li Yuan came earlier than me and is leaving later than me." Li Tianyou clenched his teeth, "If I can't catch up in talent, can I at least catch up in effort?"
"Continue cultivating."
In the distance, Li Yuan didn't notice Li Tianyou's change in expression. He was focused on the data on the Divine Palace Panel.
---
[Life Level: 6.7 (Unranked)]
Physical Quality Index: 74 (Comprehensive measurement of explosive power, endurance, speed, physique, mental strength, and various other aspects.)
Punch Power: 445 kg
Speed: 14.7 m/s
Mental Strength: 12.9
Physical Cultivation Method: Boulder Cultivation Technique
Mental Cultivation Method: Scripture of Observing the Great Sun
Skill Realm: Spear Technique (Third Level, 46%), Body Technique (Third Level, 29%), Fist Technique (Third Level, 94%)
[Note: A certain higher-level spirit is dormant within the body, yet to be awakened.]
---
"Compared to the beginning of the month, both my physical quality and mental strength have been steadily improving," Li Yuan was quite satisfied.
He firmly believed that with such persistent cultivation, one day he would become a powerful martial artist.
What excited him the most today was the creation of the ultimate move 'Rock Gorge Concealing Dragon'.
"I just created it, so I'm not yet proficient in using it."
"In the next few days, I need to keep refining it." Li Yuan was deep in thought.
Suddenly,
"Li Yuan." A voice as cold and heavy as a bell echoed from within the classroom.
Li Yuan and Li Tianyou turned around simultaneously.
"Teacher Xu?" Li Yuan was slightly surprised.
"Come to my office." Xu Bo spoke in a low voice, then turned and left, disappearing into the night.
"I won't be returning to the classroom later, Tianyou." Li Yuan said, putting his weapon into the weapon cabinet.
He grabbed his bag and quickly left the classroom.
"So late."
"Is Teacher Xu coming to find Li Yuan?" A hint of envy flashed in Li Tianyou's eyes, "No wonder Li Yuan wasn't in a hurry to leave today. Is Teacher Xu going to give him special guidance?"
Li Tianyou shook his head, thinking to himself, "Li Tianyou, focus on yourself!"
His gaze became concentrated again, and he seriously cultivated his knife technique.
---
Inside Xu Bo's office.
"A Second-Class Scholarship? Fifty thousand Blue Star Coins?" Upon hearing this good news, Li Yuan was first stunned, then filled with endless joy.
With his temperament, he could barely contain his happiness.
In reality, for Li Yuan, these fifty thousand Blue Star Coins would not only help relieve his family's financial pressure but also ease the pressure in his heart.
It could lessen his guilt towards his uncle and aunt.
"So happy?" Xu Bo observed Li Yuan's uncontrollable joy, feeling rather surprised.
Xu Bo immediately realized that the importance of this scholarship to Li Yuan might exceed his expectations.
"So important to Li Yuan."
"But for over half a month, he hasn't uttered a word or come to me to express his feelings, he's quite composed." Xu Bo thought to himself, his evaluation of Li Yuan increasing.
Once Li Yuan's emotions were completely calmed.
"Thank you, Teacher Xu." Li Yuan expressed his gratitude.
Li Yuan felt that the reason for the delay in his reward, changing from a Third-Class Scholarship to a Second-Class Scholarship, was probably because Xu Bo had taken so long.
"The scholarship will be transferred to your account next Monday." Xu Bo said, "Also, I have two more good news to tell you."
"Good news?" Li Yuan listened intently.
More good news? "First, I had to pull some strings with the principal five or six times before he agreed to allocate you an Independent Martial Arts Room, allowing you to cultivate more intently." Xu Bo spoke with a serious expression.
An Independent Martial Arts Room? Li Yuan was shocked. This was a privilege reserved for the top ten students in the grade, with almost no exceptions.
"Thank you for your efforts, Teacher." Li Yuan's heart was filled with gratitude.
"Second, the principal has agreed that if you can break into the top ten in the January adjustment exam, I can help you apply for a First-Class Scholarship, worth one hundred thousand Blue Star Coins." Xu Bo looked at Li Yuan, "If you can make it to the top five, there's hope for applying for the Pinnacle Scholarship."
"The Pinnacle Scholarship is worth five hundred thousand Blue Star Coins!"
"The opportunity is yours."
"Whether you can seize it is up to you."
(End of Chapter)
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