Among the ten most prestigious universities in the Chu Tang Empire, the Imperial College of Economics and Trade ranked last.
Of course, even with this ranking, the Imperial College of Economics and Trade held a formidable reputation not only within the Chu Tang Empire but across the entire Southern Universe. In the business circles of the Chu Tang Empire, at least 20% of successful entrepreneurs and merchants were graduates of this institution. For anyone in the Southern Universe looking to study economics and trade, the Imperial College of Economics and Trade was the best choice.
For Yun Yi, there was another crucial reason for choosing this university: it was conveniently located. From the bus stop near his home, it took only fifteen minutes by bus to reach this renowned institution.
By the time school started, Zhao Xiyue’s martial arts skills had reached Level 3, which was comparable to an average adult. Combined with the extraordinary physical enhancements from the "Haoqi Zheng Tian Jue," Yun Yi finally felt confident enough to let Zhao Xiyue go to school on her own.
After preparing Zhao Xiyue’s lunchbox, Yun Yi hurried to the bus stop.
Today was his first day of enrollment.
Three months ago, to secure admission to this prestigious university, Yun Yi had practically devoted every waking moment to studying. Through relentless effort, he had finally received his acceptance letter.
As for why he chose economics, Yun Yi had his reasons.
The bank card given to him by the Empress indeed contained a fortune that seemed astronomical to him. However, after leaving the base and broadening his horizons, especially after living in the Chu Tang Empire for a while, he realized that the sum was far from enough to raise an army, overthrow the Iserlas Empire, and establish a new Zhao Song Empire.
To acquire more funds, aside from robbery, the best method was to use economic and trade strategies to generate substantial profits from a solid capital base.
He had the initial capital, but his knowledge of profit-making strategies was limited to a few basic books he had read. To learn more, he needed formal education.
Moreover, as the best economics and trade college in the Southern Universe, graduates of the Imperial College of Economics and Trade naturally pursued careers in economics. This gave Yun Yi the opportunity to identify potential allies who could share his future struggles.
As Zhao Xuanxin had once said, friendships formed during student years were enduring, often lasting a lifetime. He had also mentioned that the strongest bonds in life were those formed with comrades and classmates. In short, recruiting talented individuals during his student years and binding them to his cause was an excellent strategy.
Thus, Yun Yi found himself at this university.
The entrance was bustling with new students. Some arrived in their own hovercars, others were dropped off by family, and a few who weren’t from Chang’an Four Star or even the Chu Tang Empire had arrived early and rented nearby accommodations.
As for those arriving by bus… to be honest, Yun Yi hadn’t seen anyone else.
Following the electronic signs on the walls, Yun Yi quickly found the enrollment office. After paying 2,000 Empire Gold—half a month’s salary—he received his student ID and a few sets of uniforms.
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"What? Mandatory on-campus housing?"
Hearing this, Yun Yi felt a pang of concern. He couldn’t live on campus; he had a young girl to take care of at home. However, the teacher explained that the school couldn’t allow students to live off-campus without good reason, as it was a matter of student management and school discipline.
After repeatedly explaining his family situation, the teacher finally told him that an exception could be made, but it required the principal’s approval.
After confirming the principal’s location, Yun Yi immediately headed to the principal’s office.
"Ding dong…"
After pressing the doorbell, a slightly aged voice soon responded, "Come in."
Pushing the door open, Yun Yi saw a neatly dressed, elderly man with meticulously combed hair and wide-rimmed glasses. This was the school’s principal, Baron Elias.
"Respected Principal, I apologize for interrupting your work."
Yun Yi’s polite demeanor immediately left a good impression on the seemingly strict old man.
"A new student? What can I do for you?"
Elias looked up at Yun Yi. Though his expression remained stern, he didn’t give Yun Yi a hard time.
"Principal, it’s like this," Yun Yi quickly organized his thoughts. He knew that when dealing with a strict old man like this, it was best to present his case clearly from the start to avoid misunderstandings.
"I have a younger sister. She’s very lovely, only ten years old, and attends a nearby elementary school." Yun Yi paused, noting Elias’s interested expression, and continued, "She’s too young to be left alone. For a ten-year-old girl to live in an empty house and eat unappetizing synthetic food would be cruel."
"Hmm, you’re right. As a member of the Empire, treating a young girl like that would be criminal."
"I agree entirely," Yun Yi added. "But for me, gaining admission to the Imperial College of Economics and Trade is an honor achieved through hard work and dedication. I truly love this school and hope to graduate with excellent grades, using the knowledge I gain here to create my own wealth and contribute to the Empire through taxes."
"Good. I like ambitious students like you," Elias praised. "Now, what brings you here? I assume you’re not here just to deliver a speech."
"Well…" Yun Yi’s voice carried a hint of sorrow as he continued, "My parents passed away over a year ago. It’s just my sister and me now. To support us, I’ve been working part-time at a nearby mech company to earn a meager income. Now that I’ve been accepted into the great Imperial College of Economics and Trade, I’m closer to realizing my dreams. But my sister is only ten. If I move on campus, she’ll be left alone."
"So!" Yun Yi’s voice rose with emotion as he looked at Elias. "Principal, I beg you to grant me permission to live off-campus. Please let me take care of this poor little girl!"
Elias’s expression was peculiar, as if he was trying not to laugh. After a moment, he composed himself and said, "So, you’re Yun Yi, right? It’s a shame you’re not studying drama."
"Yes, Principal… Wait, how did you know my name?"
"You graduated from the affiliated First High School of the Imperial College of Economics and Trade, and your sister, Zhao Xiyue, attends the affiliated Third Elementary School, correct?"
"Ah?" Yun Yi looked at the principal in surprise. Now that he thought about it, both he and his sister had attended schools affiliated with this university. But Yun Yi had never paid much attention to that.
Elias glanced at the information on his computer, and a faint smile appeared on his otherwise stern face. "After you applied to our school, your homeroom teacher submitted all your information. After consulting your sister’s homeroom teacher and visiting the mech company where you work, the school determined that requiring you to live on campus would be highly unreasonable. Therefore, it was unanimously decided to allow you to live at home and continue your part-time job. Originally, this information was supposed to be relayed to you by your homeroom teacher of Trade Economics Class 15, Grade 5240. I didn’t expect you to come to me, the principal, on your first day of enrollment."
"I… I’m deeply sorry," Yun Yi said, bowing apologetically.
He hadn’t expected his homeroom teacher, whose name he hadn’t even remembered, to report his situation to the school. Nor had he imagined that this prestigious university would go so far as to consult Zhao Xiyue’s school and visit Swift Mechanics on his behalf.
At that moment, Yun Yi was deeply moved. He didn’t know what to say except to thank the principal repeatedly. Even long after leaving the principal’s office, he was still processing what had happened.
"Imperial College of Economics and Trade… I will work hard. I will never forget you. Principal Elias, thank you!"