Chapter 49: Summons

It's not only Newblood who care about grades.

Like Pa Luo Wu Shi, those who once took the academy's mission and brought back Newblood from Storm Sea, more or less, also paid attention.

After all, if the Newblood they brought back happened to join the academy and performed well, they could also gain some benefits.

Although trivial, occasionally bringing it up in conversation adds a bit of face.

Upon seeing the name of the first place, Pa Luo Wu Shi was very surprised.

Although they had met once before, and because of the "paper" they already knew Linke Grand was outstanding, but Pa Luo Wu Shi didn't expect the other to be outstanding to this extent.

Compared to his former self, he is not lacking either.

"Perhaps we could invest a little."

Pa Luo Wu Shi recalled the distant past, and after feeling nostalgic, this idea arose in his mind.

He too was once a Newblood from Storm Sea, after decades of struggle and life‑and‑death trials, he has reached today, becoming a third‑rank wizard at the peak, about to advance to sage.

No need to overthink; a casual investment won't cost much.

Moreover, Pa Luo Wu Shi is currently in the transformation period of his promotion; he just needs to wait quietly for the transformation to finish, and for quite a while there's nothing to do.

Might as well treat it like playing a raising game.

Having a pastime is also nice.

By the way, compensate the little guy, after all last time, to save trouble, he suffered some loss and grievance.

Thus, as Lin Ke was about to leave the Library and return to the dormitory, he received the notice of Pa Luo Wu Shi's summons.

Although he didn't know why, Lin Ke dared not be negligent.

He quickly gathered his paper, pen, and Portable Smart Brain, then headed for the Administrative Building.

The address given in the summons notice was still the "Paper" Review Office.

The door stood open.

Lin Ke lightly knocked a few times at the doorway to give a heads‑up, then entered.

"Good evening, Pa Luo Wu Shi."

Upon entering, Lin Ke actively offered a greeting and salute.

"Sit."

Pa Luo Wu Shi indicated with his gaze the chair in front of the desk.

"Thank you."

Lin Ke obediently sat down.

"Calling you so late, there's nothing else; mainly because I saw your grades and it suddenly reminded me of the past, so I wanted to meet you."

Pa Luo Wu Shi got straight to the point, stating the reason for the summons.

"Thank you for your concern, Pa Luo Wu Shi."

When the big shot shares his feelings, how could Lin Ke remain silent?

Not wanting to just jump in with a reply, he could only resort to the universal thanks.

Seeing Lin Ke a bit restrained, Pa Luo Wu Shi also understood, so he shifted the topic and asked:

"Regarding the silver star flower seed optimization you mentioned in your previous 'paper,' have you done any follow‑up experiments?"

Lin Ke replied solemnly: "One, lack of funds; two, lack of experimental conditions; for now I haven't continued the experiments, preparing to restart once all conditions are mature."

"Hmm..."

Pa Luo Wu Shi pondered for a moment, then said,

"Since the published 'paper' already mentions this direction, we must quickly conduct the experiment, obtain the results, promptly publish a 'paper,' and secure a 'patent'."

"Otherwise, it's easy for someone to swoop in and take it."

Lin Ke listened, and an embarrassed smile appeared on his face.

In his original estimate, the new germination method for silver star flowers might positively affect the good‑seed rate, but its effect on seed optimization, while possibly present, is probably not large.

Wanting to optimize silver star flower seeds is definitely not that simple.

But, hearing is believing.

When Pa Luo Wu Shi brings up the optimization of silver star flower seeds, is he really just talking about this issue?

How could they possibly value such a trivial gain of a few melons and dates?

So, Lin Ke showed an embarrassed yet polite smile, then spoke sincerely:

"Thank you for your guidance, Pa Luo Wu Shi. I think I should also take this seriously and hurry to conduct the experiments, but..."

As he spoke, Lin Ke's smile grew more embarrassed: "Indeed, I lack the conditions; the labs in the Experimental Building are all shared, and I don't know how to apply for a suitable dedicated space."

After his words fell, Lin Ke secretly hoped.

"I've laid out the steps for you, big shot."

"You see, shouldn't you step down these steps and bring out the benefits you prepared for your junior?"

Pa Luo Wu Shi didn't let Lin Ke's heart linger any longer, and readily said: "I can actually provide you with a laboratory for six months' use; you bear the consumables. But you must give me a reason convincing enough to persuade me."

Faced with the temptation, Lin Ke didn't rush to reply, but fell into deep thought.

Does he need a dedicated laboratory?

Of course he does.

Otherwise he wouldn't be eyeing first place in the Two Districts Grand Comparison at the start of next summer, giving his all in the midterm exam.

Is he anxious or not?

He's not especially anxious; it can be early or late.

Can he refuse?

He certainly could, but he likely couldn't bear the risk of offending Pa Luo Wu Shi.

So, the key issue became what reason Lin Ke should give.

Paro Wizard could serve as the head of the Thesis Review Office, such a prestigious position, obviously his strength, status, and wealth are not to be underestimated.

Small favors aren't enough to move the other's heart, while grand gestures appear hypocritical.

Then, how should I answer to satisfy them?

Lin Ke thought carefully, then replied in a solemn tone: "Within four years, as long as Paro Wizard needs it and it's within my ability, I will do my utmost to do two things for you!"

One lacks sincerity, three is too many, so let's compromise.

"Ha!"

Paro Wizard gave a light laugh and praised, "Indeed, a smart person!"

As his words fell, Paro Wizard opened the drawer, took out a black card, placed it on the table, and handed it to Lin Ke.

"The laboratory is located on the third basement level of the Experiment Building, facilities are complete, any other needs can directly contact the Experiment Building's tower spirit."

Paro Wizard said lightly.

"Thank you, Paro Wizard!"

Lin Ke stood up, first bowed, expressed his thanks, then put away the black card.

"Hmm."

Paro Wizard accepted the salute calmly, then waved his hand, "It's getting late, go back. Remember to let me see the results early."

"Yes, Paro Wizard."

Lin Ke responded, then slowly retreated from the office.

After walking some distance from the Administration Building, Lin Ke let out a long breath, relaxing his tense nerves.

Although Paro Wizard's attitude was gentle and tone mild throughout, the pressure he exerted on Lin Ke was greater than the glance of the old man during the previous investigation.

For example, the pressure from the old man is like a mountain, its weight and demeanor are obvious, straightforward;

while Paro Wizard's pressure is like a deep, hidden abyss, terror lurks unseen, and if one is not careful, they will be silently swallowed.

No matter what, the outcome of this audience with Paro Wizard, as far as we can see now, is more beneficial than harmful.

As for the future impact, Lin Ke couldn't worry about it at the time.

To retreat unscathed and even receive Paro Wizard's support is already a great blessing!

In short, having secured six months' use of a dedicated laboratory is just enough to bridge until early next summer.

Now the key lies in the research direction, ideas, and results.

(End of chapter)