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Chapter 224: Jiangnan University
Chapter 224: Jiangnan University
Outside Zhang Wentao's office at Jiangnan University, Lu Wu was playing with his summoned beast, waiting for Zhao Kaiming, who had been summoned by Zhang Wentao.
After a while, the office door opened, and Zhao Kaiming emerged, wearing sunglasses.
"Uncle Zhao, why are you wearing sunglasses?" Lu Wu asked, curious.
"The sun is too bright, let's go. Weren't you heading to the Treasury? I'll take you there," Zhao Kaiming said, walking briskly towards Lu Wu.
He was afraid Lu Wu would see his face.
As they walked, Zhao Kaiming cursed Zhang Wentao under his breath for giving him a black eye, claiming that they should share the blessings and hardships together.
'Damn it, why should I bear this? Where's my share of the blessings?' he thought.
Of course, it seemed that there weren't any blessings to enjoy at Jiangnan University.
Zhao Kaiming, still fuming, led Lu Wu out of the administrative building towards the Treasury.
Along the way, they passed by the Training Grounds, the Challenge Zone, and the Research Zone.
Zhao Kaiming took the opportunity to introduce Lu Wu to the facilities at Jiangnan University.
"The Training Grounds, which we just visited, cover an area of 5 acres, with over a hundred training fields of various sizes. The highest-level training field can accommodate Leader-class summoned beasts, but there's only one of that specification, and it's currently out of order."
Then, they arrived at the Challenge Zone.
"This area consists mainly of Mystic Realms, which were modified by the esteemed predecessors of Jiangnan University for training purposes. Initially, there were 38 of them, but due to energy supply issues, 23 of the artificial Mystic Realms are currently out of commission."
Lu Wu was aware that these artificial Mystic Realms were training facilities created using architecture, equipment, and props.
He was surprised to learn that Jiangnan University possessed such advanced equipment, and there were as many as 23 of them.
It was evident that Jiangnan University had been quite wealthy in the past, and the contrast with its current state made it seem even more impoverished.
Zhao Kaiming's mood seemed to dampen as he continued, "The Challenge Zone now only has 15 natural Mystic Realms left. Among them, one is Elite-class, ten are Leader-class, two are Chieftain-class, one is Lord-class, and there's also a special-class Mystic Realm.
Some of these realms are quite intriguing; you can come and take a look when you have time."
Zhao Kaiming quickened his pace through the Challenge Zone, not giving Lu Wu much time to look around, and led him to the Research Zone.
"This area is where professors and mentors have their laboratories. Currently, there are 123 laboratories in total, with 88 of them either idle or abandoned. The rest are still operational.
Many of the active laboratories have fascinating research projects. You can visit them when you have the time."
At this point, Zhao Kaiming suddenly remembered something, "Oh, right! Old Zhang mentioned that if you're interested, you can set up a laboratory here at the university. They'll provide the space."
Having been beaten up, Zhao Kaiming also revealed Zhang Wentao's ulterior motive, "Don't be fooled by that old man's kindness. He's up to no good. He knows you have money, and he's planning to swindle you into funding a laboratory.
He might even be expecting a share of your research results, given his long-standing craving for your Boneless Wild Pig Broth."
After saying this, Zhao Kaiming added, "But that old man is also pitiful. Jiangnan University is drowning in debt, and it's crushing him. That's why he's resorting to this."
Zhao Kaiming scratched his head, feeling a bit embarrassed, and finally said, "If you can help, please do so. Help him and Jiangnan University."
Lu Wu scratched his head.
He hadn't planned on setting up a laboratory anytime soon.
His mind was solely focused on becoming stronger, and this was largely due to Zhang Yuchi's actions.
Up until today, Lu Wu had been content with his research and gradually developing his company, believing that with the support of his wealthy sponsor, he could progress at his own pace.
However, after witnessing Zhang Yuchi's display of power against the thirteen top figures of Jiangnan University and the sponsor's reaction during the incident, Lu Wu suddenly felt that his sponsor might not be as powerful as he thought.
He sensed a certain weakness in his sponsor when facing Zhang Yuchi, and considering that Zhang Yuchi was the daughter of his sponsor's rival, Lu Wu worried that his sponsor might be at a disadvantage.
If the rival were to get involved, would his sponsor be able to protect him?
Lu Wu felt a sense of insecurity.
As a result, his primary focus became on becoming stronger.
However, Lu Wu didn't outright refuse the idea of the laboratory.
"Well, I'll consider the laboratory," he said, trying to placate Zhao Kaiming.
"Uncle Zhao, I heard that Jiangnan University owes Jiangbei University 500 million points. Is this true?"
Zhao Kaiming was clearly not expecting Lu Wu to suddenly change the topic, but he quickly nodded, "Yes, we do owe 500 million points."
"How did this happen? 500 million points, that's equivalent to 50 billion in money. How can our school owe such a huge amount?" Lu Wu was genuinely perplexed.
Zhao Kaiming, sensing Lu Wu's curiosity, decided to give him an honest account of Jiangnan University's situation.
"First of all, when we say 500 million points, it's true that Jiangnan University owes Jiangbei 500 million, but that doesn't mean Jiangbei gave us that amount. Not even the Ministry of Education could easily produce 500 million points."
"Secondly, regarding the points and money, they can be exchanged, but not without limits. The point system was established specifically to serve the summoner community."
"It's like a wall that separates summoners from commoners."
"This analogy might not be entirely accurate, but in a way, the points do serve this purpose. In this world, while almost everyone can be a summoner, not everyone can become a professional one. Talent, resources, and other factors come into play. True professional summoners make up only 5% of the population, maybe even less."
"Most people in this world are just commoners with summoned beasts. They live alongside summoners in the same society, but their needs and resources are different, hence the necessity for two separate currency systems."
"Points and money are two distinct systems. They can be linked but not fully interchangeable. Small-scale exchanges are possible, but exceeding a certain threshold could easily disrupt the commoners' economic system."
Zhao Kaiming went into great detail about the points and money, and Lu Wu listened intently, growing increasingly frustrated.
"So, you're telling me that 500 million points don't equate to 50 billion in money, right?" Lu Wu's impatience was palpable.
Sensing Lu Wu's frustration, Zhao Kaiming quickly moved on. "Additionally, in the world of summoners, the point system can sometimes be unreliable. Strength and rarity often lead to sudden price surges for seemingly insignificant items."
Lu Wu understood this well. In his past life, he had witnessed strategic resources being priced at tens of millions or even billions per gram.
"Did we borrow some crucial resources from Jiangbei?" Lu Wu asked.
Zhao Kaiming shook his head. "Not resources, but people."
"People?"
"Yes, over a decade ago, Jiangnan University initiated a project that required additional manpower and resources at a critical stage. At that time, relations between Jiangnan and Jiangbei were amicable, so when we faced difficulties, Jiangnan immediately thought of Jiangbei for help."
"Jiangbei was very supportive and sent assistance without hesitation. Leading the team was a national treasure-level master, a breeding master just one step away from becoming a grandmaster."
Zhao Kaiming paused, a hint of emotion in his voice.
Lu Wu understood. "They... passed away?"
Zhao Kaiming didn't like the phrasing. "What do you mean by 'passed away'? They died! Not only did Jiangbei's national treasure-level master die, but three of our own national treasure-level masters also perished."
"Their deaths had a significant impact. Jiangbei was protected by the initial agreement, which stipulated compensation in case of failure. The compensation almost emptied our Jiangnan University's coffers. Fortunately, we had another national treasure-level master to support us."
"Our Jiangnan University has been on a downward spiral since then, starting ten years ago. We owe Jiangbei a substantial sum, and although we've paid a lot, we still have 500 million points left to repay."
Lu Wu now fully grasped the situation. Research could be risky, and Jiangnan University had suffered greatly.
As the conversation progressed, Zhao Kaiming's mood became somber, and Lu Wu refrained from probing further, despite his curiosity about Jiangnan University's ill-fated project.
The two continued their journey in silence.
Lu Wu, guided by Zhao Kaiming, arrived at the treasury of Jiangnan University...
...To be continued.
(End of Chapter)
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