Chapter 366: Admissions Dilemmas and Future Ambitions

Hello, Director Wen.

After a moment, a somewhat youthful voice came through the phone.

“Here’s the deal: our school’s staff reached out to you earlier, and I heard you’re planning to apply to Mingsha Academy this year?”

Confirm the caller’s identity.

Wen Baozhang got straight to the point.

“Yes, I want to enroll in the Ancient Architectural Studies program at Mingsha Academy!”

Moments later, the youthful voice spoke again.

“Kid, have you really thought it through? Our Civil Engineering program at Qinghua University is number one in the country—and even school kids know what that means in Long Kingdom! What does Mingsha Academy have? It was only established this year and recruits at a second-tier standard.”

Wen Baozhang frowned.

“But Mingsha Academy offers Ancient Architectural Studies—do we have that at our university?”

“Well, our Civil Engineering curriculum does cover a part of it.”

Wen Baozhang paused.

“Oh, but Mingsha Academy has top-level Ancient Architecture professors. Does Qinghua University have that?”

“Although Qinghua University lacks a top-level Ancient Architecture professor, our faculty remains robust and commands high respect in the industry.”

“It’s just that I really love the Jixia Academy there at Mingsha Academy!”

“Uh…”

At that moment, a trace of embarrassment finally crossed Wen Baozhang’s face.

In their rapid-fire Q&A,

the youthful voice was unmistakably sincere.

Yet the more he spoke, the sharper his words pierced Wen Baozhang’s heart.

What was being said about Qinghua University was, frankly, unrivaled across Lanstarr.

After a brief pause,

a somewhat dejected Wen Baozhang tried to regain the narrative: “Kid, sometimes when applying you shouldn’t just focus on these factors. Consider the region and local economy—and most importantly, job prospects. Sure, Mingsha Academy is the talk of the town now, but who can predict its state in three or four years? What if Mingsha City ends up mismanaging things?”

“Job prospects? My uncle mentioned that a supervisor from his workplace has already reached out to Mingsha Academy to reserve some graduates in Ancient Architectural Studies.”

Upon hearing this,

after a brief hesitation, the youthful voice continued.

“Your uncle? Which organization is he with? Can they really compare to a Fortune 500 firm?”

“He’s with the Jincheng Cultural Relics Bureau. Graduates who report for duty are guaranteed a formal post!”

“Uh…”

A few minutes later,

a dejected Wen Baozhang asked the staff member on the other line, “Is it true that the Cultural Relics Bureau has pre-reserved graduates from Mingsha Academy?”

“It seems so! With a nationwide shortage of restoration experts, many provinces are eager to secure graduates from Mingsha Academy—especially since this year they’re only taking forty students.”

The staff member replied in a low tone.

“Then what about the other top candidate?”

Wen Baozhang rubbed his temples, opting not to delve further.

“The other top candidate wants to study Long Kingdom Traditional Medicine, chasing after Taiyi Hospital’s National Medical Master Lin Wenian and those other renowned doctors.”

“This…”

Wen Baozhang meant to pick up the phone again, but hearing this, he reluctantly let his hand fall.

“What about the other high scorers?”

“There are plenty. Many top scorers are also applying to Mingsha Academy. Some professors in the Environmental Studies department were headhunted from Yan City University, and there are also several doctoral advisors.”

“Headhunted from Yan City University?”

Wen Baozhang was momentarily speechless.

It was a real shock—he had once thought Mingsha Academy was nothing more than a gimmick, merely a trendy online university during its admissions phase!

But now, several programs have quietly built up the strength to rival Long Kingdom’s best, especially Ancient Architectural Studies, which is undoubtedly top-notch.

“Director, then…”

The staff member whispered a question.

“Forget it. Let’s focus on attracting other high scorers. We cannot lose to Yan City University.”

Waving his hand dismissively, Wen Baozhang agreed, “Alright.”

“Okay!”

Little did he know that while Wen Baozhang was venting, Li Jue and others at the Ancient Architecture Research Institute were in high spirits.

“I never expected Mingsha Academy’s first admissions to be so impressive. I bet this year’s cutoff score won’t even be lower than Lansi University—the best in Su Province.”

Vice Dean Cao Jun, teacup in hand, beamed.

Mingsha Academy is a subsidiary of the Ancient Architecture Institute. The better its student quality, the higher its chance to become a top-tier university! And if that happens, the prestige of the Ancient Architecture Research Institute will soar.

With that in mind, how could anyone not be pleased? “Other universities need flashy admissions ads; Mingsha Academy doesn’t. Our hard strength speaks for itself.”

Liu Shan added enthusiastically.

“Previously, Mingsha Academy was merely a landmark or a tourist spot, but starting this September, it will transform into a real university, bringing in thousands of permanent residents to Mingsha City.”

“It’s all thanks to Xiao Xu! He practically ignited the Ancient Architecture Department, while those National Medical Masters kickstarted the Traditional Medicine Department. I even heard many candidates in Su Province complained online that applying to Su Province Traditional Medicine College used to only require clearing a second-tier line.”

“But now that Su Province Traditional Medicine College has merged into Mingsha College, even surpassing a first-tier score doesn’t guarantee admission.”

Li Jue slowly leaned back in his chair.

They had been a bit anxious at first.

After all, it was Mingsha Academy’s inaugural admissions—if the start faltered, recovery would be difficult.

But now, all their worries seemed unfounded.

“It’s a pity there are only three departments. With a few more programs led by top industry experts, Mingsha Academy could reach even greater heights.”

Cao Jun slowly set down his teacup, a tinge of regret in his tone.

Su Province Traditional Chinese Medicine College is a perfect example: without the National Medical Masters from Taiyi Hospital, it would have remained just another second-tier institution. With them, however, it instantly became a dream school for many applicants.

“More top experts? That might not be impossible!”

At that, Li Jue’s expression shifted.

“Oh? What do you mean?”

Liu Shan and Cao Jun immediately perked up.

“Remember when someone wanted to spend a long period convalescing in the Ancient Building Courtyard at Mingsha Fudi?”

“Of course. Later, after Mingsha City built Lanruo Temple behind Mingsha Fudi and then added ‘The Long Road of Life’, things finally settled down.”

Liu Shan paused.

“Settle down? They wouldn’t give up just because Mingsha Fudi got an extra ‘Long Road of Life’. In fact, Xiao Xu promised to build a dedicated convalescence center in Mingsha City! By then, aside from one leader, many genuine academicians could be involved.”

“At that point, as long as Xiao Xu mentions it, Mingsha Academy could easily gain a few honorary or incumbent academicians.”

Li Jue smiled.

“They say a favor leaves one in perpetual debt—it’s a timeless truth.”

Besides, these veterans know that if you want a better environment, you have to contribute to Mingsha City. Without that, the city wouldn’t go all out to build convalescence centers.

“If that’s the case, it could really work! Although Xiao Xu still has many projects, the convalescence center might take a long time.”

Liu Shan and Cao Jun exchanged a meaningful glance.

Mingsha Academy’s high-quality enrollment already lays a solid foundation; if they can later bring in a couple of academicians from both institutes, it practically has all the ingredients of a top domestic university.

“It may take a long time! But it doesn’t depend much on Mingsha City’s construction progress!”

Li Jue nodded in agreement.

“Huh? It doesn’t depend on Mingsha City’s construction?”

Liu Shan was taken aback.

“Yes, the authorities are planning an airport adjacent to Mingsha City. The preliminary plan was just finalized and will need further coordination with the city later!”

Li Jue added.

Frankly, the airport is essentially a supporting facility for the convalescence center.

Big shots coming here might need to handle urgent matters at any time; without an airplane, it’s simply unworkable.

Of course,

it’s a boon for Mingsha City.

If Mingsha City were to build an airport on its own, it would cost hundreds of billions!

“The airport plan is set? How will they build it?”

Nearby, Cao Jun expressed his curiosity.

“With an airport, shuttling between Yan City and Mingsha City would be so much easier for me.”

“All I heard is a rough outline: the airport won’t use Mingsha City’s land; it seems it will be built about five kilometers north of the city.”

After a short pause, Li Jue remarked.

“Five kilometers north of Mingsha City? But the north is all desert! Why not build it in Hongsha Gang Village? Then, once the airport is up, you’d easily catch a subway into the city.”

Cao Jun glanced at the map of Mingsha City on the wall.

It wasn’t surprising to see the airport built outside the city. Although Mingsha City covers a vast area, as more construction begins, the available land within becomes scarcer.

Especially for an airport, which requires a huge plot.

Moreover, Mingsha City is surrounded by a pre-planned five-kilometer-wide green belt!

Once the city walls are completed, the green belts on the south, west, and north will be established; hence, any building outside Mingsha City will be set at least five kilometers away.

“The desert poses little issue. Costs aren’t as high as you might think! All that’s needed is a road from the airport to Mingsha City’s north gate. As for not including Hongsha Gang Village, I’m not entirely sure.”

However, since nothing is set in stone, the plans might be revised after further discussions with Mingsha City.

Li Jue shook his head.

He was actually a bit curious—Hongsha Gang Village seemed like the perfect spot for the airport.

“Oh!”

“Enough sidetracking! Regardless of where it’s built, it can only benefit Mingsha City.”

“Exactly!”

Days passed in a flash.

The internet buzzed with activity! Some netizens gossiped about showbiz scandals, others debated technological news, and plenty discussed Mingsha Academy—daily hot topics and endless rants abounded.

In Haishi, at Dino Park, Cole sat in his office chair, deep in thought. Turning to Adam across from him, he said,

“Don’t you think Mingsha City has been unusually quiet lately? How long has it been since it trended online?”

“Quiet? Boss, Mingsha City has been bustling. Over the past two days, many people have been talking about Mingsha Academy—especially parents of high school seniors.”

Hearing this, Adam quickly replied,

“They’re not the same thing! Mingsha City is Mingsha City, and Mingsha Academy is part of the Long Kingdom Ancient Architecture Research Institute. Essentially, their ties aren’t as close as you might think. Even if Mingsha Academy becomes a top university in Long Kingdom, Mingsha City won’t benefit significantly.”

Cole waved his hand dismissively.

Truth be told, he was hoping for news about either a lawsuit involving Fengdu Scenic Area or a media scoop on Mingsha City’s cash flow issues—but neither came.

Especially the latter!

Every day, he checked Mingsha City’s news, only to be repeatedly disappointed.

“Boss, the lawsuit concerning Fengdu Scenic Area won’t be resolved anytime soon. As for Mingsha City, recent visitors mentioned that the Xianxia Zone has new barricades, but nothing else has changed.”

Perhaps sensing Cole’s thoughts, Adam added,

“What? Mingsha City is still putting up barricades? Could it be that their cash flow is fine?”

Cole raised an eyebrow and leaned forward.

In his view, with Mingsha City busy managing the subway and ‘Epang Palace’, it simply couldn’t handle additional projects.

“Boss, I heard that Haofang Culture is collaborating with Yan City TV on a project—the new barricades in the Xianxia Zone are reportedly for an upcoming TV drama titled ‘Investiture of the Gods’, which was recently filed with the authorities.”

Adam added,

“A mythological TV series?”

“Seems like Mingsha City is short on cash and wants to patch up its cash flow by teaming up with Yan City TV.”

“Oh, I see. Even if it makes money, it’s probably just a billion or two—hardly a solution to the fundamental issues.”

Cole’s expression softened as he lit a cigar. “By the way, how’s our Underwater World project coming along? The forecast says Haishi will be sweltering for the next month. The Water Park will be packed, and if we delay any further, we might miss the peak season.”

“Boss, our project is scheduled to open in three days. In the next couple of days, additional marine animals will be transported to the park.”

When it turned to their own projects, Adam’s face grew serious.

This Underwater World at Dino Park has required considerable funds and effort—especially for advertising!

They’ve spent big on TV, online channels, even bus and residential billboard ads in Haishi.

After several rounds of promotions,

many netizens learned about Dino Park’s Underwater World, and anticipation hit its peak.

“Three days later? Perfect!”

Just then, a knock sounded at the office door, followed immediately by a female staff member’s voice: “Boss! An announcement just came out from Mingsha City.”