In the room, Shenhe stood by the desk, watching Xia Zhi with curiosity as he pondered and wrote.
The diagrams and text in the book were hard for her to understand, but she could make out the words Xia Zhi was writing.
"Boss, is this the paper-making technology from the other world?"
"Mm."
"Do you have to translate all of it?"
"Not just that. Since this modern paper-making technology involves many things that only exist in the original world, I also need to find ways to substitute them with alchemy from this world, like extraction and filtration. So, I have to think it through carefully…"
"That sounds complicated."
"After all, the technological trees of the two worlds are quite different. In comparison, replicating dishes from the other world is much simpler—frying, boiling, stir-frying, stewing—it's all pretty much the same process."
"True."
Shenhe wasn't being clingy tonight. Knowing he was busy with important matters, she quietly watched and waited by his side.
Xia Zhi was also very patient.
As he had told Ningguang, improving the paper-making process was the foundation for the rapid dissemination of knowledge in Liyue.
As for the school, he was indeed inspired by his cousin's words, but this project also had many benefits for him.
First, there was the simplest aspect: reputation. Such a large public welfare project would make him a very positive figure in Liyue.
Though Ningguang would also be involved in the project, which would further deepen his relationship with her. He hoped there wouldn't be any strange rumors this time.
Second, there was [Auspiciousness].
Such a grand and beneficial event would continuously accumulate merit for him, undoubtedly strengthening his [Auspiciousness] skill and increasing his luck.
Then there was the "investment."
In the original world, schools received state subsidies, and students were given free milk daily to enhance their physical development.
In this world, academies didn't have such benefits, but his school could. Of course, milk was out of the question—transportation and sterilization were too troublesome.
Instead, he could boil large vats of water in the school canteen and add a few drops of Rainbow Juice concentrate. Wouldn't that be more delicious and nutritious than milk?
Children were in their growth phase, and with the vitality from Rainbow Juice, even if their home meals were lacking, it would be hard for them to become malnourished.
After a few semesters of this, they'd definitely have Black Iron Treasure Chests.
Finally, he had never been a principal before, and it sounded like it would be quite fun.
"Boss."
Shenhe suddenly bent down and whispered softly in his ear.
"Mm?"
"I want to learn the writing system of the other world."
"Why the sudden interest?"
"So, in the future, I can help you with things like this."
Shenhe is so considerate!
Xia Zhi smiled, put down the pen in his hand, turned his head, and kissed her.
"Sure, no rush. When we enter the dream world tonight, there'll be plenty of time, and I'll teach you slowly."
"Okay."
Shenhe nodded, straightened up, and stood quietly behind his chair, placing her hands on his shoulders to massage him.
Such a thoughtful girlfriend is truly amazing!
When he becomes the principal, he'll have Shenhe be his secretary.
A secretary is different from a waitress; she'll need to wear a different uniform. Even better…
After some time, Xia Zhi finished translating and adapting the [Modern Paper-Making Process Detailed Explanation] into a version more suitable for Teyvat.
It involved some simple alchemy techniques. While it couldn't match the efficiency of full industrial mechanization, it was more than enough for Liyue at this stage.
"Done."
Xia Zhi put down the pen. Since the first volume of that cultivation novel was signed with the Liyue Publishing House, he hadn't written this much in a long time.
He remembered how his neck and shoulders would always ache after writing back then. If he had Shenhe massaging him like this back then, he wouldn't have had such troubles.
Miss Chi Yu sometimes urged him to write more.
As for the second volume, it wasn't that he lacked ideas; he just wasn't interested in writing it.
After all, writing wasn't as fun as Shenhe.
Xia Zhi turned around and smiled. "Shenhe, thanks for your hard work."
"It's no trouble."
"You deserve a reward."
"Mm."
And then, well, there was no "then."
If there was anything to say, it was that translating really wasn't as fun as Shenhe. Next time, he'd leave this task to his cousin.
In the dream world.
Shenhe didn't play games or watch dramas. Instead, she diligently studied pinyin on the computer.
The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata watched from the side, puzzled. "Why are you learning this?"
"I want to help the boss."
"With your current level, what can you even help with?"
"…"
Shenhe glanced at her, ignored her, and continued softly reading the pinyin.
Xia Zhi, holding little Shenhe on his lap, smiled. "Even though Shenhe doesn't know much now, she can learn. She's very smart."
"No one's smarter than me."
"Alright, alright, we know you're the smartest God of Wisdom. Have you finished the school design?"
"Finished it long ago."
"Let me see."
"Here."
"What's this large open space?"
"The sports field."
"That big?"
"Of course, it needs to be big enough for the kids to move around."
"While that's true, land in Liyue isn't cheap. Such a large plot would probably be very expensive."
"Since Ningguang is footing the bill, don't buy land in the city. Buy wasteland outside the city; it's cheaper."
"But if the school is too remote, it'll be inconvenient and unsafe for the kids to get there."
"It's not that remote. Chihu Rock is a good location. I went shopping at the store tonight and chatted with a few shopkeepers. The land prices there are low."
"Is that so… What are you planning to do with this sports field?"
"A soccer field, a basketball court, the works…"
"That's doable. What about this?"
"The teaching building."
"Huh? And this?"
"The library."
"Wait, why is the library bigger than the teaching building?"
"Of course, the library should be bigger than the teaching building."
"Come on, this is Liyue, not Sumeru."
"Cousin, don't you want to create the world's largest library?"
"No."
"Don't you think unlocking this world achievement would be cool?"
"Cool, but too expensive."
"Come on, this is Liyue. Ningguang is the school's vice principal. She has nothing but money."
"Don't take advantage of her."
"How is that taking advantage? Knowledge is wealth. Buying books is just converting wealth into a different form."
"You make a good point, but this is an elementary school, not a university."
"It's fine."
"Alright, let's not talk about that for now. What's this?"
"The canteen."
"Bit abstract."
"It's creative."
"Wait, let me think…"
Xia Zhi rested his chin on Shenhe's hair, deep in thought.
"Cousin, what are you thinking about?"
"I'm thinking about the school's location."
"What's wrong with Chihu Rock? I've already found a few suitable spots for you…"
"It's good, but not cool enough."
"?"
"What do you think about building the school in the sky?"
"The sky? You mean…"
"Mm, like Ningguang's Jade Chamber."
The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's face lit up with interest. "That's great, but the Jade Chamber is Ningguang's pride and joy. She probably wouldn't be willing to turn it into a school, right?"
"That's too much to ask. I wouldn't do that. We can create a new floating school."
"We'd need Sunset Vermillionite, and that's very expensive. Your 20 million Mora probably isn't enough. And just having Sunset Vermillionite isn't enough; we'd need other things…"
"We'd need the Wonder Core and Adepti Sigils. Don't worry, I have ways to get those."
T/N:- I'm back on Webnovel! Sorry for the delay (personal stuff). I'll be uploading 3 chapters per day from now on!
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