The Billion-Value Lands Are Just For Farming

Chapter 507 - It Is Difficult to Find a Job

Dig a hole, cover it with soil, and count to five.

Su Ming made his way to the center of the yard, dug a hole, and carefully placed the seed inside.

He watered and fertilized the soil as well.

“Ding! The hundredth generation of Celestial Peach has been successfully planted! Harvest time: 80 hours!”

80 hours?

Does it really take that long?

But on second thought, it seemed reasonable.

When he planted the Heart of Wisdom, it took a whole half month.

Now, probably because his level had gone up, the planting time had significantly decreased.

Otherwise, it would have taken at least a week.

All set!

Su Ming dusted off his hands, feeling quite pleased.

If his guess was correct,

he could harvest the Three-legged Golden Toad by tonight.

What would it be?

Surely something splendid.

Even though it was deep into autumn,

the sunlight was perfect.

Su Ming lounged on a recliner in the middle of the courtyard,

squinting slightly,

the epitome of relaxation.

He listened to the bustling sounds of the city around him.

The sun's warmth bathed him,

cozy and comforting.

The villa's pond, home to several carp, now housed much larger fish.

To have such a sanctuary amidst the urban rush was a luxury.

He was so content that he nearly dozed off.

Absolutely blissful!

Meanwhile,

at Eastsea University,

in the principal's office,

Principal Ye was greeting an old friend.

“Ah, if it isn't Principal Xie! What brings you here today?”

Principal Ye greeted the middle-aged man with a beaming smile.

They exchanged a hearty handshake.

“Ye, stop teasing me. I've been beside myself with worry these days.”

Xie Haijun slumped into a chair, his brow furrowed with concern.

“What seems to be the problem?”

Principal Ye asked, taking a seat across from Xie Haijun.

“The job outlook for our graduates is looking grim this year.”

“We're not in the same league as Eastsea University. At Eastsea Technology University, less than half of our graduates have secured jobs this year, and the companies that attended our autumn recruitment fair were mostly small, lesser-known firms.”

“The students are unhappy, and so is the broader community.”

“I came to seek your wisdom, Ye. Your school's job fairs are always a hit. Could you share some of your strategies with us?”

Xie Haijun implored, his expression laden with worry.

“This…”

Principal Ye paused, caught off guard by the request.

Old Xie, I assure you, I had no other intention.

Please don't get the wrong idea.

You see, our school's recruitment fair has been quite successful, right?

It's not because I'm an exceptionally skilled principal.

The reason is…

It's because we're Eastsea University, a 985211 institution.

And then there's your Eastsea Technology University.

Well…

It's somewhat different.

Of course, Principal Ye could only think this to himself. He couldn't voice it outright. After all, Xie Haijun was here seeking solace, not criticism.

And Xie Haijun is no fool. He's well aware of the situation but had no other option than to come here for guidance.

“Old Xie, as you know, the market has been tough these past couple of years.”

“Many large companies are at full capacity, some are even downsizing, and the smaller ones? They prefer hiring seasoned professionals with experience, not wanting to invest time and energy in training newcomers.”

“It's not just you. Our fall recruitment fair this year also had lackluster results. Though slightly better than yours, only about 80% of our students managed to secure contracts.”

Principal Ye was speaking the truth.

The market economy is indeed challenging right now.

Xie Haijun's face dropped upon hearing this.

If a large institution like yours is struggling, what hope do I have?

“Ye, I won't lie to you, I've been losing sleep and my appetite over this.”

While speaking, Xie Haijun pulled out a newspaper from his briefcase.

The front-page headline was glaring.

Eastsea Technology University's employment rate dismal!

Is it an issue with Eastsea Technology University's teaching, or the quality of the students? It warrants deep reflection!

“Look at what this newspaper says, completely devaluing our university.”

“We already have a small pool of applicants, barely scraping by the passing mark each year. With this kind of publicity, who would dare to apply?”

“This is just ruining us.”

Xie Haijun was beside himself with anger.

Principal Ye took the newspaper, looked it over carefully, and his brow furrowed slightly. “Old Xie, try not to get upset. The media tends to sensationalize to draw in readers.”

“I understand that, but the key issue remains unresolved…”

Xie Haijun, already thinning on top, found his hair shedding even more with worry.

Principal Ye gave him a look.

“Come on, Old Xie, it's not the end of the world.”

“Losing hair over an online issue, really?”

“If we have fewer students, we can lower the admissions threshold and recruit more.”

“But if you lose your hair, that's a tougher problem to solve.”

”Actually, I have an idea,” Principal Ye said, shifting the conversation.

”Oh?”

Xie Haijun's eyes brightened. “Ye, you've got to help me out!”

“Isn't your school celebrating its 70th anniversary this year?” Principal Ye asked with a grin.

”Yes, that's right. But what about it? The 70th anniversary is making things complicated. It should be a time of celebration, yet our employment rates are dismal,” Xie Haijun lamented, furrowing his brow.

”Use the 70th anniversary to host a grand celebration,” suggested Principal Ye. “Reach out to a few alumni.”

”Your school isn't exactly small; there must be some alumni who have made it big. Get them to come back.”

“Have them provide resources and job opportunities.”

“Then get some TV stations to give them some publicity, hand out some honorary certificates, and so on. It's a win-win.”

Principal Ye spoke cheerfully.

“Aiya!”

“Aiya ya!”

“Aiya ya ya!”

Upon hearing this, Xie Haijun slapped his thigh and stood up abruptly.

Principal Ye's face contorted in response.

Damn it!

If you're going to slap a thigh, slap your own!

Why on earth are you slapping mine?

And with such force!

Ouch…

That really hurt.

“Ye, no wonder you're the principal of Eastsea University.”

“You're truly impressive; I'm in awe,” Xie Haijun said admiringly. “I'll start preparing right away.”

As he was about to leave, Principal Ye interjected.

“Hold on a second.”

Rubbing his thigh, Principal Ye managed to stand, despite the pain.

That old man sure had a strong hand.

The aftereffect of that slap was intense.

It made me shiver all over.

“What's the rush?” he asked.

“I've got another idea.”

“Our school's job prospects aren't looking too great either.”

“How about we join forces?”

“Let's organize a domestic enterprise employment forum.”

“We'll invite distinguished alumni from both our schools.”

With that, Principal Ye thought of Su Ming.

He had a vivid memory of the last gathering.

In Eastsea City, numerous business owners respectfully stood behind him, addressing him as Mr. Su.

When Su Ming made an entrance, with a wave of his arm and a call to action, a legion of entrepreneurs rallied behind him.

Wasn't that the very definition of influence?

Despite Eastsea University's employment rates being marginally better than those of Eastsea Technology University, the advantage was slight.

Principal Ye was understandably concerned.

Then Xie Haijun arrived, and suddenly, Principal Ye saw the light.

What a brilliant idea!

“Excellent idea, excellent idea!” Xie Haijun exclaimed, barely containing his excitement.

It was clear they had a strong rapport.

Though it was a hard pill to swallow, Eastsea Technology University indeed fell short of Eastsea University in several aspects. The caliber of faculty and student quality were incomparable, and the success rate of their graduates, as well as the number of distinguished alumni, were significantly higher.

By co-hosting an event with Eastsea University, he could also enjoy a share of their prestigious spotlight.