kingnovel Chapter 463: Nanhua University and Nanyang University want to become sister institutions with Shuimu
Chapter 463: Nanhua University and Nanyang University want to become sister institutions with Shuimu
Professor Zeng's voice was filled with resignation. "Mr. Chen's description of Nanyang University sounds like a paradise. But we... alas, we are really terrified of the life in the rear."
He adjusted his glasses, his voice was not loud, but it was clearly heard by everyone:
"In theory, Southwest Associated University should be directly managed by the Ministry of Education in Shancheng. However, Shancheng had long ago suspended funding for the university, using the excuse of 'everything for the front line.'
Although Chairman Long and Commander Lu of Yunnan Province are willing to provide assistance, the Yunnan Army also needs to eat and fight. How much money can they squeeze out to support us "useless scholars"?
Principal Mei and Principal Zhang have worked tirelessly and begged for donations everywhere, but it is just a drop in the bucket."
Another gray-haired professor beside him said with a bitter tone:
"It's not just the school that's having a hard time. We professors have it tough too. To be honest, my family has been struggling for the past month, and even my heirloom pocket watch... was pawned.
Many of our colleagues work part-time as middle school teachers, copy documents for others, or even… well, some set up shop on the street. The word “professor” is so embarrassing to even mention.
His words were met with sympathetic murmurs and sighs.
The scene quickly turned into a grievance meeting.
As Boss Chen listened, the expression on his face changed from excitement to deep compassion and understanding.
He waited for the discussion to subside before slowly speaking, pointing directly to the core pain point:
"I empathize with the suffering of all of you colleagues. Education is a long-term project. How can we allow the nation's teachers to be reduced to pawning their family property and struggling for a living? This is in no way your fault, but the tragedy of our times, the result of the shortsightedness of some in Shancheng."
As a brave man who dared to venture into Southeast Asia in his early years, his label was to dare to love and hate. After finally seizing the opportunity, Boss Chen naturally went crazy to flatter the White Party leaders.
He scanned the audience with his sharp eyes and made the most weighty promise:
"I, Mr. Tan, as the Executive Director of Nanyang University, hereby solemnly promise:
Anyone who is willing to teach at Nanyang University, Nanhua University and their affiliated research institutions, whether professor, lecturer or teaching assistant, will receive a salary at least ten times what you currently receive in Yunnan Province.
We provide everything from settling-in allowances, housing subsidies, children's education allowances, and medical insurance. The school also offers professorial apartments or generous rental subsidies, ensuring you have peace of mind.
"Ten times?!" someone couldn't help but exclaim. This number was like thunder, making everyone dizzy.
It's worth noting that due to a lack of funding, they haven't received their theoretical salaries in full for a long time. What's more, ten times their theoretical salaries wouldn't be enough. This means they can not only escape poverty immediately, but also live a decent, even comfortable, life, allowing them to focus on teaching and research without distraction.
Boss Chen saw the shock and uncertainty in everyone's eyes and knew the time had come. He changed the subject and offered another tempting and psychologically lowering 'step':
"I know that you all have deep feelings for your homelands and the universities you founded or protected (Shuimu, Yenching University, Nankai University), and you are reluctant to part with them. This is entirely understandable."
His tone was sincere, with a kind of empathy:
"I, Chen, absolutely do not intend to uproot you. Please consider this: wasn't Southwest Associated University itself the result of your migration southward from Yenching and Tianjin, ultimately establishing a temporary cooperative school here, in order to escape the flames of war and preserve the flame of scholarship?"
"Going south to Southeast Asia is no different in nature," he said, his voice rising persuasively. "It's both about temporarily escaping the flames of war, preserving our national lifeline, and allowing our scholarship and our students to continue and develop in a relatively safe and favorable environment. General Zhang Chi and I have a clear understanding of this and absolute respect for it."
He raised a finger and solemnly emphasized, "I hereby guarantee with my personality and reputation, as well as the trust of thousands of overseas Chinese in Nanyang, that going south to Nanyang will not be a permanent separation. When China is liberated, the Japanese pirates are driven out, and the country is restored, if you are willing to lead your students and what you have learned to go north to revive the glory of Shuimu, Yenching University, and Nankai University, Nanyang University will not put any obstacles in your way."
You are free to come and go. By then, Nanyang University, Nanhua University, Shuimu University, Yan University, and Nankai University will still be sister institutions, sharing resources and working together for the rejuvenation of our nation!
These words accurately removed the last huge stone of betrayal that weighed on the professors' hearts.
Otherwise, how could Boss Chen build such a big business in Nanyang? “Temporary refuge”, “preservation”, “future return”, “brother school”, his words are full of wisdom and consideration.
Even though Zhang Chi was here, he had to shout "High".
Boss Chen cleverly took advantage of the fact that Southwest Associated University was a "wartime union" and defined "going south to Southeast Asia" as a "wartime academic migration" with a longer distance and better conditions.
He also promised that he would "never block their return", which greatly soothed the professors' anxiety about loyalty to their "old school".
"As for military personnel conducting academic research?" Boss Chen gave a meaningful smile.
"General Zhang Chi personally signed the decree to establish Nanyang University and the Normal School.
Some people advised him to save as much as possible because military funds were tight. But he said, "People need to eat and study; soldiers need to fight and learn."
He wasn't just a soldier; he sent countless workers and soldiers to night school to learn to read. The schools were packed every night. Even construction sites were hung with banners in his handwriting: "No work allowed if you can't read."
"And my Nanyang University, he has promised me autonomy. He will not interfere in school affairs, the establishment of disciplines, or the hiring of professors. He often said, 'I know a little about fighting wars, but running a university? I'm an outsider, and outsiders can't lead experts!' Laymen, isn't this insight and this broad-mindedness enough to dispel your concerns?"
These words brought silence to the whole room.
The old philosophy professor stroked his teacup for a long time before saying, "General Zhang...does he really have such vision and magnanimity?"
At this point, a barely perceptible shrewd smile flashed across Boss Chen's eyes. He noticed that Principal Mei and Principal Zhang exchanged glances again. This time, in addition to shock, there was more intention and deep thought in their eyes.
This matter is already 90% done!
When that day finally comes, after the Japanese invaders have been driven out and our homeland has been rebuilt, will the professors and students who have graduated from Nanyang University choose to stay in Nanyang, a place with clean windows, advanced equipment, and ample funding, to continue their studies and development? Or will they choose to return to their hometowns, where everything is in ruins and where life may still be difficult?
Well, that's a matter of personal choice and academic future. Old man Chen Lao Da can't interfere!
The atmosphere at the table completely changed. No longer filled with complaints and grievances, it was now filled with lively discussions and whispered inquiries.
"Mr. Chen, how much is the resettlement fee?"
“Is the professor’s apartment a single-family house or a unit?”
"Can I see the lab's equipment list?"
"Can my family adapt to the climate of Southeast Asia?"
......
Boss Chen was surrounded by everyone enthusiastically. He answered their questions patiently one by one, his face filled with the joy of success.
Several young lecturers even excitedly expressed their willingness to accompany the group. Principal Mei watched this scene and finally nodded slowly. He whispered to Principal Zhang, "Looks like it's time to prepare a list of interested parties..."