HLM -Chapter 1135 Where Should the Branch Campus Go

In late November, the weather in New Zealand was getting warmer, while the Northern Hemisphere had entered winter. Alaska had long been seeing snowfall.

Tony Jackson, a dog-training expert Wang Bo had met in Finland, gave him a call and asked, “Mayor Wang, when are you planning to come for the competition?”

The competition was in January, so there was still time. Wang Bo replied, “I have quite a lot on my plate right now. I’ll probably only be able to participate just before the competition starts.”

Tony sounded a bit hesitant. “Are you sure training in New Zealand is appropriate? There’s no ice or snow there now. And this is an endurance race—you need to familiarize them with the course.”

Wang Bo understood what he meant, but he had no choice. Sunset Town’s development was so busy that he couldn’t be away for that long.

Tony suggested, “How about this—can you send the dogs to me? I can take care of them, train their endurance, and help them learn the course.”

Wang Bo had to refuse. “No way, buddy. It’s not that I don’t trust you, but those two lead dogs can’t leave me.”

Zhuang Ding and the Queen would be the lead dogs—they would never separate from Wang Bo.

The two of them were extremely attached to him. They were smarter than ordinary dogs, but still not human—they wouldn’t understand being handed over to someone else.

If they were sent to Alaska, they would probably try to find a way back to New Zealand. Of course, they couldn’t, so the only outcome would be their despair after repeatedly failing to return.

Wang Bo didn’t explain this to Tony. Tony, being understanding, laughed. “Haha, I get it. Good dogs are like that—the owner is everything. They wouldn’t want to be apart from their owner for even a minute, just like lovers in a passionate romance.”

After a pause, Tony asked, “What if I come to your town to train the dogs—what do you think?”

That was a good idea. Wang Bo said, “I’d be very happy to have you.”

Problem solved, Tony agreed to pack his things and come to Sunset Town as soon as possible.

Wang Bo was keen to visit Alaska himself, so he paid a lot of attention to the dog-sled race. If he could also win a championship along the way, all the better.

He had prepared two litters of Alaskan Malamutes. They had grown up at the animal farm. Although they were not yet one year old, under the influence of the Farm Heart, they were big, energetic, intelligent, and exactly the kind of ideal racing dogs.

Moreover, they had grown up alongside Zhuang Ding and the Queen, and were deeply loyal to their leadership.

After contacting Tony, Wang Bo went to check on the two litters. About ten robust dogs were rolling and playing on the grass. Nearby, two male mousedeer walked past proudly, not worried about being attacked by the dogs.

The sled dogs were used to it. Animals at the farm generally didn’t attack each other—unless a playful scuffle escalated, they lived in harmony.

Wang Bo whistled, and the sled dogs immediately came running, chasing each other.

He couldn’t tell the difference between these dogs and huskies at a glance. Of course, in terms of size, the difference was obvious. The sled dogs were tall, muscular, and impressive-looking.

Hearing the whistle, the dogs stopped playing, sprinted over, and obediently sat in front of Wang Bo in neat rows.

At this moment, Wang Bo gave Zhuang Ding a stern look. That bear loved to pounce on him. If they were separated for some time, the moment they met again, Zhuang Ding would definitely knock him down.

It didn’t matter if the environment was grass or mud—it just loved to do this.

Zhuang Ding pretended not to notice Wang Bo’s glare and lunged at a sled dog. Why are you all being so obedient?

But Wang Bo anticipated its move, grabbed its tail, and forcefully pulled it back.

It had targeted a female dog—Wang Bo knew exactly what it was thinking!

He would never allow Zhuang Ding to fool around so close to home. Forget that these dogs were going to compete, they weren’t even a year old yet—how could they get pregnant?

Gerald was also at the farm. When he saw Zhuang Ding, he closely monitored the situation. These sled dogs had been trained by him personally, which was why they were so well-behaved.

Wang Bo held Zhuang Ding’s tail while Gerald rushed over and grabbed Zhuang Ding’s head from the front.

Zhuang Ding struggled fiercely, trying to reach the female sled dog.

Two days later, while Wang Bo was at work, Alexander suddenly gave him a call.

“Hi, Chairman, is something wrong?”

Alexander laughed. “Look at you, buddy. Can’t I call you just because there’s nothing wrong?”

Wang Bo said, “Of course you can. You know how much I value you. Even hearing your voice makes me happy. Come, let’s toast to our friendship.”

Alexander said, “I believe everything you say. Who wouldn’t think you’re a reliable guy? But this time I’m really calling for a reason—you’re going to like this.”

“What is it?”

“Lincoln University is opening a branch campus. And I mean a branch campus, not an affiliated college. They’re currently choosing a location. Where do you think would be best?” Alexander asked.

Founded in 1878, Lincoln University is one of New Zealand’s oldest universities. Its predecessor was the Canterbury Agricultural College, a world-renowned comprehensive institution.

Wang Bo wasn’t very familiar with it, so he opened his computer to check.

He knew it was a prestigious university—after all, it’s one of New Zealand’s eight national universities.

Internationally, it also enjoys a strong reputation, rated a five-star university by QS. In recent years, its global ranking has been around 300th.

But while checking the rankings, Wang Bo noticed that Lincoln University ranked very high on the world small universities list—13th globally.

This caught his attention. Instead of answering Alexander’s question immediately, he asked, “Hey, Chairman, does this mean our Lincoln University no longer wants to be just a small university?”

Alexander was surprised. “How did you know? I have to admit, Wang, my friend, your insight is getting sharper and sharper! Tell me—where do you think this branch should go?”

The main campus of Lincoln University is in the suburbs of Christchurch, so its branch wouldn’t be far away.

Wang Bo said, “I think it should come to Sunset Town!”

Sunset Town was somewhat far from Christchurch—almost half the length of the South Island. But Alexander had asked where the campus should be built, and Wang Bo naturally hoped it would be on his turf.

Alexander laughed heartily. “There’s a saying in China—great minds think alike! My friend, I think the same! I’m sure the Prime Minister also hopes the school comes to Sunset Town.”

Wang Bo was thrilled but tried to stay calm. “How likely do you think it is?”

This would be a full university campus. Although Lincoln University is considered small, its branch would still host at least 2,000 students!