Starting Cultivation in Wasteland

No joke, the dean of the Agricultural College… actually doesn't quite understand crop cultivation.

He's in charge of the Agricultural College, mainly focusing on administrative tasks, ensuring the college's development.

Ultimately, he reached the required Cultivation Level and has a fair approach to things, so the academy entrusted this responsibility to him.

In stark contrast is the A-level professor next to him, here to take on a project.

This person's Cultivation Level is also sufficient, qualifying him to take over as dean, yet he prefers research and has no interest in administrative work.

It's often said there are many bookworms in higher academies, and it's indeed true.

After all, conducting research isn't necessarily less profitable; securing a major project can be as lucrative as administrative work.

The key is that research results not only bring monetary rewards but also fame—life revolves around fame and fortune!

However, the branch dean's ability to inquire about a "broad-spectrum defoliant" suggests he isn't entirely clueless.

The A-level professor replied gravely, "It's definitely broad-spectrum, but to what extent the spectrum covers needs to be backed by data."

The dean raised a thumb, "Impressive, you two continue your discussion; I'm just casually asking."

"It's Panda who is impressive," the A-level professor glanced at Qu Jianlei and spoke thoughtfully.

"Most people don't even know the term 'fruit set rate'. Which academy did you graduate from?"

"Well… just an unknown school," Qu Jianlei chuckled awkwardly, "I mainly relied on self-study."

The A-level professor dismissively shook his head, "Self-study alone won't cut it; you must have practical experience. Where have you farmed?"

Qu Jianlei's mouth twitched slightly, forming a forced smile, but he didn't answer.

"I was presumptuous," the A-level professor quickly realized, having heard of the mysterious background of the person opposite him.

Thus, asking about his past was indeed inappropriate.

So he changed the topic, "Another question, looking at this molecular formula... it seems to be relatively stable in water?"

Qu Jianlei gave a thumbs up and nodded, "Your insight is strong."

One truly cannot underestimate professionals; the opponent is an agricultural expert, not a chemistry expert.

Yet, with just a glance at the molecular formula, they could analyze its stability in water. You have to respect that!

The A-level professor nonchalantly shook his head and replied lightly, "The key bonds are very stable; it's no challenge at all."

He then asked thoughtfully, "How will the wastewater be treated? It's unlikely to be dumped on Garbage Star."

"Biodegradation can be considered," Qu Jianlei replied in a solemn voice, "I haven't conducted related tests, but there's a high probability it's feasible."

It's not just probably feasible; Blue Star already has ready examples.

Paraquat naturally degrades quickly and combines well with the soil, but the derived highly toxic dioxins degrade very slowly.

The A-level professor didn't quite express it correctly, but they are merely an agricultural expert, so one shouldn't be too demanding.

Qu Jianlei is certain that Blue Star truly has bacteria that can consume dioxins; unfortunately, he doesn't know how to cultivate them.

The A-level professor nodded straightforwardly, "Biodegradation… should be feasible, fully supported from a genetic standpoint."

No wonder he is confident; this is his area of expertise.

Qu Jianlei smiled slightly upon hearing this, "Then I'll rely on you; I'm still fairly unfamiliar with the field of genes."

He doesn't hide his ignorance—it's okay to not understand, as no one is omniscient; pretending to know is the most pathetic.

The A-level professor's eyes revealed a look of appreciation, "Young man, you're quite nice… What qualifications do you have?"

"Mm-hmm," Zi Jiu Immortal couldn't help but let out a heavy hum, "Dean, didn't the old dean inform you?"

Only then did the onlooking Agricultural College dean realize, "Alright, stop trying to recruit everyone you meet; you can't manage it!"

The A-level professor really wasn't afraid—both of us are A-levels, and if I didn't want to be dean, how would it be your turn?

"Speak properly, why couldn't I manage it? Such talent, if… oh, the old dean? Then it's fine!"

He then looked at Qu Jianlei, "Having this molecular formula is enough; I'll research the rest myself… How do we collaborate?"

"The molecular formula is already widespread on Star No. 4," Qu Jianlei replied indifferently, "It's not that rare a thing."

The A-level professor dismissively stated, "The one you personally handed me and the one I picked up on the road—are they the same?"

In many cases, it's indeed like this—when one's status and position reach a certain level, actions naturally aren't petty.

With a full granary, one knows etiquette; with sufficient clothes and food, one knows honor and disgrace.

When conditions are met and one still fusses over trifles, they can only be described as inherently petty.

Qu Jianlei nodded slightly, "Then I wish you early success."

The A-level professor immediately grinned, "Hey, why don't you give more pointers? After all, you're a support teacher from Green Water!"

Qu Jianlei, hearing this, adjusted his expression, "Good is good… but not free."

"Price is negotiable," the A-level professor replied without hesitation, "Just name your price."

Qu Jianlei waved his hand and spoke calmly, "Co-signing research outcomes; all commercial profits are mine. Any issues?"

"Yes," Blue Star answered without hesitation, "Commercial interests, at least twenty percent net profit should belong to Green Water."

This is what a truly integrated talent in industry, academia, and research looks like. You might think they're a bookworm, but they really want everything.

"Impossible," Qu Jianlei's face darkened, "I authorized you to attach your name to the research, do you really think my authorization is worthless?"

Blue Star grinned wickedly, "Don't tell me that, it's thanks to Zi Jiu's favor... what's it got to do with me?"

Zi Jiu Immortal's face flushed red instantly, like a prawn thrown into boiling oil, the transformation was incredibly fast.

Qu Jianlei was both amused and annoyed by this, thinking, how could someone at A-level as a professor be lacking in decorum?

However, in the next moment, Blue Star's face turned serious and he spoke solemnly.

"The old dean vouched for it; the pressure on Wood Attribute Awakened, Green Water Academy is willing to bear it all, is that enough?"

Damn, this is really sincere! Qu Jianlei was shocked inside but shook his head expressionlessly, "Not enough."

"Just saying you'll bear it all, anyone can talk big. When the time comes, you might just say you did your best... and who am I supposed to cry to?"

Blue Star was stunned for a moment, then shook his head with an odd expression, "You... the old dean really called it!"

Qu Jianlei frowned a bit, pulled out a cigarette to light, "I've never even met the old dean... what do you mean?"

Blue Star seemed a bit dazed, "The old dean said, even if you don't trust him, you should at least trust his elder sister."

"Is that really so," Qu Jianlei sighed lightly, his gaze a little distant.

Does this mean there's no success that can come by chance?

Zi Jiu Immortal's admission to Green Water Academy was indeed due to her own efforts, but her great-grandmother's influence was beyond her imagination!

Blue Star didn't understand what these words meant, and seeing the other person's unpleasant expression, he quickly added another sentence.

"The old dean also said, as long as he is alive, it won't be the younger generation's responsibility to worry about these trivial matters!"

"Younger generation?" Qu Jianlei's expression was a bit strange, thinking, I can't be of the same generation as Granny Jia, at most there's just one generation difference, right?

As for meeting Zi Jiu Immortal, that was purely by accident.

Just at this moment, a sudden thought descended from the sky, not very powerful, but very stable.

"Of course, you are of the younger generation. Tsk tsk, not even fifty years old yet, the elder sister really has a good eye..."

"Rest assured, as long as you cooperate with Green Water, before I die, you don't have to consider the pressure from Wood Attribute Awakened."

Qu Jianlei slightly frowned: thinking I don't really care much about this pressure now.

Of course, potential pressure objectively exists, but when it comes time to escape for life, a little more pressure won't make much difference.

But a senior's concern always calls for some response, "Well, then thank you very much, old dean."

"Heh heh," the old dean gave a dry laugh, "I'm staking my life on this, and all I get is a thank you... Young lad, that's not very generous!"

This was awkward... Qu Jianlei didn't know how to respond, so he could only stiffly reply, "Old man, you don't have to force yourself."

"Not forcing," the old man sighed lightly, "You can go back first, contact me after work."

Qu Jianlei didn't ask more and could only get up and salute his farewell.

This left the people of Green Water Academy scratching their heads in confusion.

Even the dean of the Agricultural College couldn't help but ask, "Little Zi, this cooperation... what's his attitude?"

"Dean, no rush," Zi Jiu Immortal replied with a brave face, "Don't you also have ways to gather information?"

"What ways do I have, I'll just have to ask the old dean," the dean of the Agricultural College gave a wry smile.

Later that afternoon, Qu Jianlei went to visit Granny Jia again, bringing her a set of improved Gold Attribute Cultivation Techniques.

Granny Jia had a fondness for such things and started chatting with Qu Jianlei while flipping through the materials.

The Gold Attribute cultivation was obviously aimed at Zi Jiu Immortal, but since she was of the Sand Attribute, it needed slight adjustments.

In this aspect, Granny Jia could provide a lot of ideas and suggestions, which was far better than Qu Jianlei working alone.

Without noticing, it was already the end of the workday, and library staff quickly left.

This type of low-income flat agency hardly left room for doubt about the staff's enthusiasm for getting off work.

As dusk approached, Qu Jianlei was about to suggest going out for a bite, when the rumble of a motorcycle echoed.

Soon after, a heavy motorcycle pulled up at the entrance of the Rare Books Tower, parking with a tail swing.

The rider wore tight black leather, adorned with shiny metal pieces, a full-on heavy metal punk style.

The rider took off the helmet, seemingly in his thirties, with handsome eyebrows and an imposing presence.

This aura combined with his attire gave off a strong second-generation rich vibe.

He ascended the stairs, warmly greeting, "Elder sister, I'm here."

Qu Jianlei, hearing this voice, was left dumbfounded: Could this be the old dean of Green Water Academy?

(Updates till now, asking for monthly votes, continued subscriptions, and recommendation votes.)