HLM -Chapter 1155 A Gift for the University

The school bus trip had firmly convinced Wang Bo that Lincoln University’s branch should be established in Sunset Town. These college students not only represented spending power and high quality, but also energy and vitality.

Sunset Town was an emerging small town. Its atmosphere was still pleasant now, but Wang Bo knew that was only because the townspeople were new and everything about the town still felt fresh. Over time, as the novelty wore off, the town’s vibe would become dull.

That could be fatal for a town that relied on tourism. Without enough vitality, it would lose much of its appeal to visitors.

In this context, having a university was a perfect way to inject energy. Every four years a new batch of students would arrive, with freshers arriving each year—ensuring the town would never lack vitality or energy.

Moreover, the arrival of teachers would improve the town’s overall quality, influencing even the elementary and secondary schools positively.

President Bartier was waiting for him on campus. When the group arrived, seeing their formal attire, the president looked astonished: “Uh, aren’t you hot?”

Atulu said, “We are, but the boss said we have to wear formal clothes to show Lincoln University the respect it deserves.”

Several of them looked at Wang Bo in discontent. President Bartier and his assistant were dressed casually. Though they wore long pants, their outfits were far more breathable than formal suits—much more comfortable.

When they reached the president’s office, an elderly gentleman with silver hair and a scholarly aura was waiting. Bartier went in first, standing and smiling: “Welcome, ladies and gentlemen.”

Wang Bo’s group followed closely behind. The old gentleman looked slightly puzzled and asked the same question: “Aren’t you a bit hot dressed like that in this weather?”

“Hot” was an understatement—it was extremely hot. Wang Bo glanced at the president’s cool attire and felt a bit frustrated; he had overthought it. Formal dress wasn’t necessary at all.

Lincoln University’s president was Radien Salrins, a globally renowned expert in veterinary disease and virology.

When Bartier introduced everyone, he said, “While other regions worldwide face severe issues like mad cow disease or toxic grass, New Zealand has no such problems, thanks to having an outstanding virology expert providing strong technical support behind the scenes—President Radien Salrins.”

The old man smiled modestly: “Mr. Bartier, you flatter me. It’s thanks to the efforts of every livestock worker and veterinarian across New Zealand. Mr. Wang, I’ve long heard of you—a young talent indeed.”

The initial meeting went smoothly. After brief pleasantries, President Salrins invited everyone to sit and personally handed each a bottle of chilled water:

“I’m sorry, I don’t drink soft drinks or alcohol, so there’s only water in my office. If anyone needs anything else, please let me know, and I’ll do my best to accommodate you.”

Wang Bo was about to speak when Atulu timidly raised his hand: “Report.”

The group rolled their eyes. He was just being polite—was he actually going to make a request?

But the Maori man seemed a bit intimidated in front of President Salrins. His broad, rugged face carried a look of respect as he raised his hand. The scene was amusing; Bartier quietly chuckled.

President Salrins smiled as well: “No need to report, child. Just tell me directly what you need.”

Atulu sheepishly said, “Back in school, teachers told us to ‘report’ before speaking. What I mean is… could you turn the air conditioning up a bit? I’m a little hot.”

The group, initially displeased, immediately relaxed and nodded in agreement.

President Salrins adjusted the air conditioning and gestured to Atulu: “Sit here, child. It’s cooler here.”

Atulu happily moved his chair, and Wang Bo thought of him as just a little kid.

Once seated, President Salrins placed his hands on the table and said: “I know the purpose of your visit, Mayor Wang. Thank you for valuing Lincoln University so highly.”

Wang Bo said, “It’s not just me, President. I brought you a gift. Once you see it, you’ll understand why I say that.”

Eva took a small silk box from her tote bag and opened it, revealing a shiny disc.

There was a projector in the office. Once the disc was inserted, a video quickly appeared, showing a man’s upper body.

It was Anderson. He waved and smiled: “Hi, Lincoln University. I’m a resident of Sunset Town and a graduate of Lincoln University. My major was Business Administration…”

Although Lincoln University was founded on livestock studies, it wasn’t limited to that field. The university focused on research, and its unique work on natural resources kept it at the forefront in New Zealand and worldwide.

Other fields, especially business administration, natural resources, and natural sciences, were also highly respected globally. Notably, Lincoln University’s independent New Zealand Business School had a campus on site, often called New Zealand’s own “Harvard Business School,” attracting many international students.

After Anderson, another person appeared: “Hello, Lincoln University. I’m a resident of Sunset Town. I love the school’s atmosphere. Due to my skin color and age, I never went to university, which has always been a regret. But if a university comes to Sunset Town, I want to be the oldest student there…”

It was Peter Peterson, an African-American cowboy. He genuinely regretted never attending university.

One by one, residents appeared in the video. It ran for thirty minutes and was somewhat monotonous, simply showing residents expressing their welcome and their views on the university coming to Sunset Town.

But President Salrins watched intently. This wasn’t acting; with his life experience, he could tell they were sincerely speaking.

The final scene took place in a church, where Bishop Rooney and his congregation prayed for God’s blessing on Lincoln University’s arrival in Sunset Town.

After watching, President Salrins exhaled slowly: “A wonderful gift. I’m pleasantly surprised. I don’t think I’ll receive a more touching gift before the New Year.”

Wang Bo nodded slightly: “Thank you for your compliment, President. Sunset Town is ready to welcome Lincoln University. Our residents hope that one day they can sit on the campus lawns reading a book.”