Chương 181: -178- University
"Do I even need to say it? Of course, I also wish that the Twin City Academy could be established in Zaun. It's the first joint project between the two cities, and I believe the the academy will play a crucial role in both cities' futures. However, considering the learning environment for future students, we have decided to build the academy in Piltover."
"This isn't compromise; it's a demonstration of our responsibility to future scholars."
Silco confidently spoke in front of several Piltover councillors. Standing tall and upright, he appeared like a poised arrow ready to be released.
What's going on now? Argument? Competition?
This is indeed competition, but it's a healthy one.
Currently, councillors from Piltover, including Mel, Jayce, Camille, and Kiramman, are sitting, while on the Zaun side, Silco is standing and lecturing, accompanied by Vander and Sevika. Linwin is in a wheelchair, and Powder is leaning against it.
Professors Heimerdinger and Singed, as the heads of the university, are also part of the meeting. Professor Fluffy is attentively listening to Silco's speech.
With legs kicking under the table, Professor Heimerdinger seems excited. Well, when it comes to discussing knowledge and academia, Heimerdinger has boundless energy. He lives for science.
As for Silco, the former gang leader has transformed into an excellent politician.
"As for Piltover University? Of course, it can remain, and we can expand Piltover University. We can allocate the additional space to Zaun University. One on the west, Piltover University, and one on the east, Zaun University. How about that?"
"Shouldn't students from both sides mingle?" Jayce asked, crossing his hands on the table. He continued, "Better communication among young people, integrating them together, can change our perceptions of each other, right?"
"You're right, Jayce, but there's no need for that," Silco responded, shaking his head.
Bending down, he placed one hand on the table, saying, "We don't need to disrupt the teaching order just to deliberately promote relationships between students from both cities. Dividing Zaun University and Piltover University isn't about distinguishing between Zaun and Piltover or forming separate camps. It's about highlighting our distinct academic characteristics."
"Piltover excels in precise instruments and has insights into business and transportation. Zaun excels in alchemy, with our research on chemical and minerals surpassing Piltover. With nearly twenty different courses between the two universities, the aim is to help each student quickly find a preferred major and participate, progressing with like-minded students. And that is the significance of building Twin City University together."
Silco's words won the approval of Councilor Kiramman, who applauded and smiled, saying, "Mr. Silco is right. Although Jayce's idea is good, deliberately promoting communication among students isn't necessary. I believe Zaun students must take a course at Piltover University, and Piltover students must take a course at Zaun University."
Madam Kiramman paused and continued, "This isn't forcing students to communicate but creating a place that encourages them to do so. Whether a student chooses to focus on studying alone or discuss academics with others around them is up to them."
"Alright, I think this aspect can be integrated into the University," Silco nodded. "But speaking of this matter, Councilor Kiramman, and Councilor Camille, when do you plan to change the monopolistic control of the major families over Piltover?"
"Well." Councilor Kiramman hesitated, and her face, bearing a striking resemblance to Caitlyn, showed an embarrassed expression.
Camille raised her head, tilting it back gracefully and squinting her eyes, pretending not to hear Silco's words.
"Cough!"
Linwin coughed heavily.
"Silco, we're discussing the establishment of the university right now. Other matters can be discussed later, much later."
Seeing Linwin speak up, Silco shook his head. Then, he calmly said, "Of course, I was just asking. However, even though this is Piltover's internal matter, we are currently on the same side. I naturally don't want internal disputes among your people at this crucial moment. From what I heard from Councilors Jayce and Mel, your reform is encountering some troubles. Some people are resistant, despite not directly encroaching on their interests. It's just providing ordinary people with more upward mobility, yet they are afraid."
Silco's tone remained calm, but a hint of menace flashed in his eyes. "And that's a mistake, councillors."
"Alright, Silco, that's enough." Seeing Councilor Kiramman maintaining an expressionless face, and Camille revealing a mocking smile, Linwin quickly interrupted Silco again.
Silco stopped for the second time as Linwin spoke up. Shrugging, he continued, "Alright, I was just asking. Now, does anyone have any thoughts? After all, in just ten days, Twin City University will begin recruiting students."
"Me, me!"
A voice rang out, and Heimerdinger stood on the chair, raising his hand high.
"Please go ahead, Professor." Silco respects Professor Heimerdinger.
Upon being looked at by everyone, Heimerdinger's hands continued to lightly clap, and after some hesitation and fidgeting, he finally spoke up, "It's about the tuition fees. I hope, I hope the tuition fees can be lower."
Seeing everyone puzzled, Heimerdinger quickly explained, "After seeing the environment in Zaun, I understand a truth: genius can be born in various places. However, the previous Piltover University undoubtedly severed the paths for many students due to high tuition fees."
"I don't want to see that happening again, so I hope we only charge some textbook fees and provide funds for teachers. Also, as the headmaster, my salary must be decent, right? I can forgo my salary and use it all for the students."
"Professor." Jayce called out to Heimerdinger.
"What's wrong, Jayce?"
"Hasn't anyone told you about the fact that Twin City University won't charge any tuition fees?"
"!"
Seeing Heimerdinger's beard blowing in the wind, Jayce pointed to Linwin sitting opposite him and said loudly, "Professor, Linwin and I are the sponsors of Twin City University. We will unconditionally donate money to support University, and furthermore, the future talents from the Twin City University won't need to work under Linwin and me. They can choose their family and the job they want freely."
Heimerdinger, happy after hearing Jayce's words, asked, "Really? Is it true, Linwin?"
"Of course, Professor." Linwin nodded, smiling, "Jayce and I have inexhaustible wealth, and we are not people who crave enjoyment. So, we are willing to use the money to build both cities."
"This is wonderful!"
"But, Professor, there are still criteria. Having the best teaching staff, the best equipment, and teaching materials, of course, isn't something everyone can enter." Jayce continued seriously, "Twin City University will adopt an exam selection. Only those who pass the exam can enter the university. However, if someone is illiterate but has excellent skills, they can be admitted to the university."
"That's no problem. We don't want to admit fools who are here to waste time."
The headmaster of University, Heimerdinger, with his beard fluttering, asked, "So when do we start?"
"We've just mentioned it, Professor, in ten days."
"Ten days?"
"I want to start tomorrow!"
"That won't work, Professor." Linwin continued, "Zaun University is currently moving things up there. Those valuable alchemical instruments, textbooks, can't be transported up in just one day."
"Alright."
Seeing the excited Heimerdinger, everyone present burst into laughter.
Despite being several hundred years old, Professor Heimerdinger appeared like a child.
But perhaps it's because of this that he is so respected.
Heimerdinger is a scientist who is pure to the extreme.
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