Sean’s eyes lit up and he nodded. “Alright, it sounds grand and dignified. I like it.”
“Oh, and there’s one more thing I’d like you to help me do.”
Jasper gave it some thought before he said, “Help me find a few formal gifts. Nothing too outlandish, so no need for jewelry. Something like tea, perhaps. I’m using them as gifts.”
Sean nodded and replied, “Alright. I’ll get to it immediately.”
…
The following day, Hoofmorn University.
Jasper’s Bentley came to a slow stop before the administrative building where a group of people was already waiting for him.
“That’s Jasper?”
“I heard that he’s the richest man in the Southeast Province. One of the wealthiest in the entire southern region too.”
“That’s not even the half of it. I think Waterhoof City’s skyscraper belongs to him too. There’s no youth richer than he is within the country.”
“The most unbelievable thing is that he’s only in his twenties. He’s around the same age as our university’s students, but there’s no comparing against him. I heard he’s an entrepreneur too. Such a capable man.”
“Does anyone know what he’s doing here in our school? I heard that a few important department chiefs, the university’s president, and the dean’s waiting for him upstairs.”
“Wow. Considering the welcoming party, I almost thought that some important figure from Swallow Capital was coming over.”
“Of course. Universities around the country have to raise their own funds now. It’d be good for the school to make friends with wealthy people.”
“Stop talking, stop talking. He’s getting out of the car.”
“Holy sh*t, he’s so handsome!”
A man in his forties strode over to welcome Jasper once he saw the latter alight the car. The man extended his arm as he walked and smiled. “Welcome, Mr. Laine. Hoofmorn University is joyed to know of your arrival.”
Jasper shook the man’s hand and replied with a smile, “You are all seniors and pioneers of the education industry. I am but a mere businessman driven by benefits, there is no need for such a grand welcoming.”
The man smiled and said, “You’re too kind, Mr. Laine. Let me introduce myself, I’m Doiran Clem, the secretary of the presidential office. Mr. Marshman, the president, and a few important department chiefs are waiting for you upstairs.”
Jasper chuckled and spoke, “Then let us make our way upstairs quickly. There’s no need to make them wait any longer.”
Under the loud applause and Dorian’s lead, Jasper and Julian made their way into the administrative building.
When they arrived at the elevator, Dorian suddenly said rather embarrassedly, “Mr. Laine, the elevator’s getting old so it’s a little slow. Please forgive us for the long wait.”
Jasper asked curiously, “Hoofmorn University is the fifth-best university in the country but the administrative building looks simple and rather aged. There should be no reason for the school to struggle with funding, right?”
Dorian sighed and replied, “Swallow Capital sent a document last year, stating that all universities will have to raise and deal with their own funding. Our finances are only enough to cover staff wages and benefits, leaving us to struggle for campus construction.
“Not to mention that the university’s in dire need of funding for research projects as well. Any extra money we have is given to the professors and students for research.”
“As for our working environment, it’s as the dean said. It just has to be passable. There’s no need to furnish it too luxuriously, since this is a school and our focus should be on educating and learning.”
Jasper nodded in understanding. “Mr. Marshman is a great dean.”
