HLM -Chapter 1136 Mobilizing Connections

Compared to the University of Otago and the University of Auckland, Lincoln University naturally had many shortcomings.

But it also had its own unique characteristics, ones that no other school could match.

It was the first university in the Southern Hemisphere to offer an agricultural program, the first to establish a landscape architecture major, the first research institution to study viticulture and winemaking under cool climate conditions, the university with the highest teacher-student ratio in New Zealand, and the only university grounded in land as its core.

Hearing his excitement and nervousness, Alexander said, “You know, ordinarily, a remote town in the middle of nowhere wouldn’t even be considered as a potential site for a university…”

“Sunset Town isn’t some backwater, mate, it’s quite bustling!” Wang Bo couldn’t help but interrupt him.

Alexander said, “The town may be lively, but what about outside it? Listen to me—unexpectedly, the person in charge of establishing the branch campus has proposed building the school in Sunset Town. You see, this gives Sunset Town a real chance.”

Wang Bo asked with delight, “Who’s in charge of the school’s establishment? I want to thank them!”

“Professor Sandra Angus, one of New Zealand’s most renowned experts in agriculture and the aquatic industry,” Alexander replied.

Wang Bo felt the name was somewhat familiar. Thinking carefully, he realized—wasn’t she one of the leaders of the expert team that recently came to Sunset Town to study freshwater corals?

No doubt about it, Professor Sandra had come here for the corals.

“There’s also Professor Brant from the University of Otago’s agriculture department, who also supports building the school in Sunset Town. Oh, by the way, I don’t know if you know this, but this professor is planning to move to Lincoln University,” Alexander added.

Brant was an old friend—he was in charge of Wang Bo’s farm.

Wang Bo asked eagerly, “So, how likely do you think it is that the school will actually be built in New Zealand?”

In some countries, he would have had to prepare a gift for Alexander. Clearly, as one of the leaders of the Green Party, Alexander had some say in this matter.

But New Zealand didn’t work that way. Wang Bo, being a key member of the Green Party himself, knew Alexander wouldn’t refuse to help just because he didn’t offer gifts or favors.

Sure enough, Alexander said, “The possibility is very high. The site of a national university requires parliamentary approval, and the Prime Minister thinks Sunset Town is a good choice. And we hold quite a few seats in Parliament, so as long as you provide something solid, I think a branch campus will soon be established—a Lincoln University Sunset Town Branch.”

Wang Bo asked, “Please be direct with me, my teacher. What should I do?”

It wasn’t that he lacked insight; he genuinely didn’t know where to start.

“First, you need to prepare a campus construction plan and design drawings, to show the school and Parliament your determination to welcome them to Sunset Town.”

“Second, be patient. We will help you. You have to believe that every Green Party member wants a university on their turf!” Alexander said.

This was the truth. Universities cultivate talent. Many graduates of Lincoln University would become middle-class members of society or key figures in agriculture.

They would live in various towns, and with their professional knowledge and connections, they would become important figures locally. Eventually, they could influence votes in that area.

It’s like the Ouroboros—a snake biting its own tail, forming a circle, its head and tail connected.

For political parties, everything is ultimately about votes. They can find electoral opportunities in anything, and in the end, everything serves the election.

But Wang Bo didn’t care. As long as the university branch could be built in Sunset Town, he was perfectly content.

This was a major matter. As soon as he hung up, he immediately gathered his team for a meeting.

The number of civil servants in Sunset Town had surged. Across all positions and departments, there were now over fifty people. If security guards, cleaners, and firefighters were included, the total would reach about a hundred.

Naturally, Wang Bo summoned his most trusted subordinates for the meeting—the core inner circle.

Hearing that Lincoln University might establish a branch campus in Sunset Town, the group immediately became excited.

“My God, we must seize this opportunity! With a university, our town can truly take off!”

“Boss, use all your connections and influence—this school must come here!”

“Do you know how many jobs this will create? God, I can’t even imagine. If the university comes, Sunset Town’s population will exceed ten thousand!”

“Queenstown doesn’t even have a university. If Sunset Town gets one, combined with our tourism and agriculture resources, we could truly be New Zealand’s top small town!”

Amidst the bustling discussion, a university establishment proposal was drafted.

The most valuable asset in the proposal was Wang Bo’s network of connections.

He called CEO Bartier, General Manager Leonard, Police Commissioner Miller, and others, informing them of Lincoln University’s branch campus plan and asking them to contact people who could influence the decision, to help ensure the campus was built in Sunset Town.

In addition, he called Lancaster and Princess Eugenie. They couldn’t directly influence New Zealand’s university decisions, but the Governor of New Zealand, closely aligned with them, could.

Williams, Wendy, and others were also mobilized. Wang Bo earnestly asked for their assistance, leveraging their connections to support Sunset Town in this matter.

As for political parties, he didn’t need to worry—the Green Party had already started taking action. Their expectation for a Lincoln University branch in Sunset Town matched Wang Bo’s own enthusiasm.

Moreover, there were the school design plans. Porter contacted Tianheng Company, New Zealand’s top architectural firm, to quickly produce a design drawing.

Porter had a good reputation in New Zealand’s architectural circles. After making the request, Tianheng sent a design team, with five members arriving first.

Wang Bo asked, “When can you provide the design drawings?”

The lead designer replied, “This requires inspection, Mayor. It’s not a simple task; you must give us enough time. There are many factors affecting a building: site selection, foundation establishment, building structure regulations, seismic systems, structural components and connections, non-structural components, material quality, and construction standards—all need to be studied.”

Wang Bo said, “How about this—I’ll give you ten days. The requirements are set. If the design drawings are ready one day early, I’ll increase your fee by 10%. Two days early, 20%. How does that sound?”

The designer looked at him steadily and said, “Agreed!”

“Remember, the premise is that I am satisfied.”

“Agreed!”