Chapter 14: Special Scholarship
"Special scholarship?" Principal Tan, who was flipping through some documents, suddenly had his smile freeze.
He instinctively doubted his hearing, "Xu Bo? Did you say special?"
"What else?" Xu Bo glared. "Old Tan, cut the crap and just approve it quickly."
Principal Tan felt a headache coming on.
As the principal, he wielded considerable power, and technically, all the teachers were his subordinates... but Xu Bo held a very special position.
"Xu Bo, it's not that I won't approve it," Principal Tan adjusted his glasses and said helplessly, "Special scholarships aren't like first-class scholarships. A first-class scholarship is just 100,000 Blue Star Coins, and I can approve that directly."
"A special scholarship is 500,000 Blue Star Coins. Even if I agree, it still needs to be reported to the education bureau."
"I know." Xu Bo nodded as if it were obvious. "You approve it first, and then I'll call Director He."
Principal Tan was stunned.
The "Director He" Xu Bo mentioned was indeed his direct superior.
Principal Tan knew that while Xu Bo's physical strength wasn't overwhelmingly powerful—his fitness level was just at 19 after his injury—his connections were profound, having survived over twenty years in the Star Realm and returned alive.
Principal Tan also knew that when Xu Bo first came to Guanshan District No. 1 High School, Director He personally escorted him.
"Xu Bo," Principal Tan shook his head, "if you want my approval, you need to tell me the reason. Which student? Or is it some promising middle school talent?"
Principal Tan understood Xu Bo's character well.
He was very strict in teaching students but also extremely responsible, always considering the best interests of the students.
Xu Bo was the school's top teacher.
Otherwise, even with Xu Bo's wide network, Principal Tan wouldn't truly care about him.
As for suspecting Xu Bo of wanting to embezzle the 500,000 Blue Star Coins? Principal Tan never considered that.
It was well known that Xu Bo's office was renovated at his own expense, costing over ten million Blue Star Coins... The wealth accumulated by a powerful martial artist who had ventured in the Star Realm for many years was truly astonishing.
"There's a promising student, but not from middle school," Xu Bo replied. "A senior in high school."
"A promising high school senior? Worthy of a special scholarship?" Principal Tan was slightly surprised.
He didn't recall any such student.
Scholarships take into account various aspects, including academic performance, family background, talent, and political background.
"I'll send you the information," Xu Bo said.
Soon, Principal Tan received the digital files and began reviewing them immediately. With over fifty years of experience in education, his capabilities were strong.
"Xu Bo, this Li Yuan is indeed a promising student with a lot of potential. Discovering him is a credit to you," Principal Tan first praised Xu Bo's discernment.
Then he shifted his tone, "But for a special scholarship? To be honest, Li Yuan falls a bit short."
"How so?" Xu Bo's face showed displeasure. "Didn't you see his spear technique footage?"
"I did, and it's impressive," Principal Tan replied.
Principal Tan shook his head, "But the scholarship is issued by the state. The approval process requires not only my consent and Director He's, but also the Intelligent Supervision Bureau's approval."
"The Intelligent Supervision Bureau doesn't conduct manual reviews; they only recognize major exam scores. Whether martial arts aptitude has awakened is also an important criterion."
"In the last final exam, his scores barely made it into the top thirty of his grade, and he hasn't awakened his martial arts aptitude yet... It's difficult to pass the final review," Principal Tan said.
"With his current strength, he has a chance to break into the top twenty of his grade," Xu Bo retorted.
"That's your opinion," Principal Tan shook his head. "The Intelligent Supervision Bureau only recognizes major exam scores. At least wait until the January adjustment exam."
"January adjustment exam?" Xu Bo looked displeased. "That's several months away; the opportunity will have passed by then."
"Old Tan, you're a martial artist too; you know how important this age is," Xu Bo said. "What resources can you provide now?"
"Now?"
Principal Tan thought for a moment. "I can directly approve a second-class scholarship."
"Fifty thousand Blue Star Coins? Not enough," Xu Bo shook his head decisively.
"I only have so much authority," Principal Tan spread his hands and added, "How about this: I'll allocate him a private martial arts room, which is a privilege usually reserved for the top ten students in the grade."
Xu Bo frowned, seemingly still unsatisfied.
"Xu Bo, that's enough," Principal Tan said.
"A senior student, fifty thousand should be enough to buy two to three months' worth of basic blood and energy potions," Principal Tan continued. "By the January adjustment exam, if he can break into the top twenty of his grade, I'll help apply for a first-class scholarship."
"Top twenty? Old Tan, I must say, you're underestimating him," Xu Bo shook his head. "Li Yuan has a real chance of breaking into the top ten by the January adjustment exam."
This made Principal Tan smile.
"Without awakening his martial arts aptitude," Principal Tan said, "breaking into the top ten is almost impossible. If he really manages that... I'll do everything I can to help him apply for the special scholarship."
"If the application doesn't go through, I'll personally sponsor him with some funds," Principal Tan said with a smile.
"It's a deal."
Xu Bo's eyes lit up, a sly glint appearing in his gaze. "You said it, and I recorded it... Alright, I've already sent you the report for the second-class scholarship. Hurry up and approve it."
"I have other things to do, so I'll hang up now."
"Beep—"
Xu Bo had already disconnected the video call.
Left in his office, Principal Tan, still processing what had just happened, looked at the new "Pending Approval" document on his work screen.
He paused for a moment.
Principal Tan quickly realized what had happened.
He had been outmaneuvered.
If Xu Bo had really intended to apply for a special scholarship, why would the second-class scholarship application have appeared the moment the call ended?
It was clear that Xu Bo had prepared it in advance.
Xu Bo's true aim was the second-class scholarship all along... Mentioning the special scholarship was just a negotiating tactic.
"This Xu Bo," Principal Tan smiled helplessly and said, "Nine."
"Open the pending approval document."
"Approve."
...
In the office building, inside Xu Bo's office.
"Special scholarship?" Xu Bo revealed a cryptic smile. "Calling Director He? I'm not that foolish."
Xu Bo knew that with Li Yuan's current situation, there was no way he could pass the Intelligent Supervision Bureau's review.
"This is enough."
"And we even got a private martial arts room," Xu Bo chuckled. "That old Tan is too rigid. Every time I ask for a bit of money, he fusses about it."
"The funds are allocated by the state, and he acts like it's his secret stash behind his wife's back. I'm not going to waste it..."
"Hmm? Approved?"
"This time it was quite swift." Xu Bo thought for a moment and said, "Black Dog, send Principal Tan a smiley face."
"Oh no, send him my saved selfie with a smile."
"Yes, Master."
.....
At nine in the evening.
The sound of students leaving their evening self-study echoed across the campus as they slowly departed.
In the martial arts classroom of Class 2, Grade 3,
Only Li Yuan and Li Tianyou remained, both practicing with their cold weapons.
"Li Yuan, aren't you leaving?" Li Tianyou couldn't help but call out.
"No worries, you go ahead," Li Yuan smiled. "I'll stay and practice a bit longer."
Li Tianyou paused for a moment.
He had arrived at school at 5:45 AM today, planning to go home early for some rest... but now he hesitated.
"Li Yuan arrives earlier than me and leaves later," Li Tianyou gritted his teeth. "I may not match his talent, but I can match his effort."
"Continue practicing."
In the distance, Li Yuan hadn't noticed the change in Li Tianyou's expression. He was focused on the data displayed on his Mind Palace panel.
_ _
[Life Level: 6.7 (Not yet entered the ranks)]
Body Fitness Index: 74 (This index is a comprehensive measurement of explosive power, endurance, speed, constitution, mental power, etc.)
Punching Power: 445 kilograms
Speed: 14.7 meters/second
Mental Power: 12.9
Physical Cultivation Method: "Rock Cultivation Method"
Mental Cultivation Method: "Observation of the Great Sun Starry Sky Sutra"
Skill Proficiency: Spear Technique (Level 3, 46%), Body Technique (Level 3, 29%), Fist Technique (Level 3, 94%)
[Note: A higher-level latent spiritual power is hidden within the body, yet to awaken]
_ _
"Compared to the beginning of the month, both my physical fitness and mental power have been steadily improving," Li Yuan thought with satisfaction.
He firmly believed that as long as he continued to train persistently,one day, he would become a powerful martial artist.
Today, what excited him the most was creating the ultimate move "Hidden Dragon in the Ravine."
"Just created it, still not very proficient in executing it."
"I need to continue refining it over the next few days," Li Yuan thought.
Suddenly.
"Li Yuan," a cold voice, resonant like a great bell, echoed through the classroom.
Both Li Yuan and Li Tianyou turned their heads.
"Teacher Xu?" Li Yuan was slightly surprised.
"Come to my office," Xu Bo said in a deep voice, then turned and disappeared into the night.
"Tianyou, I won't be coming back to the classroom later," Li Yuan said quickly, putting his large spear into the weapons cabinet.
He grabbed his bag and swiftly left the classroom.
"This late," Li Tianyou murmured.
"Teacher Xu came to find Li Yuan?" A hint of envy flashed in Li Tianyou's eyes. "No wonder Li Yuan wasn't in a hurry to leave today; Teacher Xu must be giving him special guidance."
Li Tianyou shook his head and thought to himself, "Li Tianyou, don't worry about others."
"Focus on yourself!" His eyes became determined once again as he resumed his diligent practice of his sword techniques.
....
In Xu Bo's office.
"A second-class scholarship? Fifty thousand Blue Star Coins?" When Li Yuan heard this good news, he was initially stunned, followed by immense joy.
With his usual temperament, he found it hard to hide his happiness.
In reality, for Li Yuan, these fifty thousand Blue Star Coins not only helped ease the financial burden on his family but also alleviated the pressure he felt in his heart.
It could reduce some of the guilt he felt towards his uncle and aunt.
"So happy?" Xu Bo, observing Li Yuan's barely concealed joy, felt quite surprised.
Xu Bo immediately realized that this scholarship was probably more important to Li Yuan than he had anticipated.
"This is so important to Li Yuan."
"Yet for the past half month, he hasn't said a word or come to me, not showing any hint of it. He's quite steady," Xu Bo thought, raising his evaluation of Li Yuan.
Once Li Yuan had completely calmed down,
"Thank you, Teacher Xu," Li Yuan said gratefully.
Li Yuan believed that the change from a third-class scholarship to a second-class one was likely the reason Xu Bo had delayed for so long.
"The scholarship will be deposited into your account next Monday," Xu Bo said. "Additionally, I have two more pieces of good news for you."
"Good news?" Li Yuan listened intently.
More good news?
"First, I had to pull some strings and talk to the principal five or six times before he agreed to allocate a private martial arts room for you so you can focus more on your training," Xu Bo said seriously.
A private martial arts room? Li Yuan was shocked; this was a privilege usually reserved for the top ten in the grade, with almost no exceptions.
"Thank you for your efforts, teacher," Li Yuan felt even more grateful.
"Second, the principal has agreed that if you can make it into the top ten in the grade during the January exams, I can help you apply for a first-class scholarship, which is 100,000 Blue Star Coins," Xu Bo said, looking at Li Yuan. "If you can make it into the top five, there's a chance to apply for the special scholarship."
"The special scholarship is 500,000 Blue Star Coins!"
"The opportunity is yours."
"Whether you can seize it depends on you."