In Sumeru, pretend to be a scholar

Erosan then revealed a slight smile: "Hmm, how much?"

The middle-aged woman glanced at the note given to her by Valusan and then said, "Your student is a scholar of the [Tasita] level, and receives a monthly education subsidy of 50,000 Mora. In addition, for projects that you lead and supervise with your students, you can apply for an additional research grant of no more than 100,000 Mora. The exact amount depends on the project's rating."

Although Wang Yan was no longer short of money thanks to Khalid's help, he was still somewhat surprised to hear that a single subsidy could be as high as 50,000 or 100,000.

The Academy of Education is really paying these "Hebantu" who are obsessed with research to mentor more students.

However, while Wang Yan felt the subsidy was quite substantial, Falushan frowned slightly: "Why is it so little? It wasn't this much last year. Junior, you're not trying to fool me, are you?"

Falushan narrowed her eyes, staring at the middle-aged woman.

The senior's imposing presence was palpable, causing the middle-aged woman's face to stiffen, and the two secretaries to tremble and dare not utter a word.

"You've misunderstood," the middle-aged woman quickly explained in a low voice, "It's almost the end of the year, and the school's budget has already been completely drained..."

“Oh…” Erosan nodded, understanding.

Each of the six schools of the Order of the Church has a limited budget each year.

Generally speaking, the Sheng Lun school is the most numerous because of its large numbers, while the Miao Lun school is the least numerous.

This is certainly not aimed at the school of thought that uses clever arguments.

It is said that since the genius Kapilavastu of the Myo-sastra school, the annual funding allocated by the Chanchagka to the Shahavara Academy has never increased.

The reason was that Kapilavastu disappeared after going out to investigate, and scholars frequently encountered tragedies when they activated the Kanrija ruins mechanism while conducting investigations. As a result, the higher-ups of the Council of the Church eventually became suspicious of mechanical research and imposed strict restrictions on the research and development and promotion of mechanical technology.

In addition, the Academy of Educational Research already imposed many restrictions on weapons research.

As a result, the funds naturally dwindled.

However, the Su Lun school also has something to say about the least expensive discourse of the Miao Lun school.

Because their funds are often limited.

Unfortunately, compared to those who play with machines, those who play with elements and ley lines are even more uncontrollable when it comes to doing ruthless things.

In general, all the major schools within the Order of the Church are careful with their funds.

The end of the year is often the time for schools of thought to 'settle accounts' internally.

This year's budget absolutely cannot be carried over to next year; otherwise, if the higher-ups see that you haven't used up all the money this year, they'll give you less next year.

Since education funds are also included in the budget, Erosan and Wang Yan naturally won't get the lion's share when they arrive at this time.

Having understood the situation, Falushan didn't cause a scene, because this was the common practice of the entire school, and it wasn't directed at her and Wang Yan.

However, Estelle added, "Then I'll write it down for now and fill it in next year."

The middle-aged woman wanted to say that there was no such thing as 'supplementing' in this kind of thing.

But looking into Eros's eyes, he finally nodded with a wry smile: "Yes, yes, I'll remember this for you, senior."

"Okay, then I won't disturb your work any longer." Eros turned around. "Wang Yan, let's go."

The two left the office.

The middle-aged woman finally breathed a sigh of relief. One of her secretaries hesitated before speaking, "CFO, are we really going to give Eloquence extra educational funding? But if word gets out… what about the others…?"

She was worried that if word got out, other people would come and ask for additional funds.

The budget is limited, and if this situation arises, problems are bound to occur.

The middle-aged woman glanced at her secretary: "Education funds can't be supplemented, and neither can project funds? Can't you understand how to change the name?"

Education funding is fixed and cannot be easily supplemented.

But how to allocate the project funding is entirely up to them. They can supplement the funding for one project at a time, and then they can cover the costs for several projects!

The secretary nodded quickly: "Okay, I understand."

...

On the other side.

Wang Yan followed Fa Lushan away from the School of Finance.

"Hehe, we're rich now! Come on, your mentor will treat you to dinner!" Erosham waved excitedly and said triumphantly.

Are you so poor that you need funding from the Faculty of Education before you can treat me to a meal?

Wang Yan looked at Fa Lushan with some shock.

Noticing her disciple's gaze, Falushan felt a little embarrassed, but still explained, "The trip to the desert to investigate the ruins used up all of this year's funds, and we even had to pay out of our own pockets... You know... we who work with mechanical systems... it's very expensive."

Wang Yan was speechless for a moment, feeling as if he had joined a school of thought with no future. Would he also become a penniless social outcast in the future?

"How about I treat you, mentor? I work part-time as a translator, and my pay is decent." In the end, Wang Yan didn't dare let Falushan use the educational funds from the Academy to treat him to a meal.

Although I know that if Estée Lauder dares to do this, there must be no problem with it.

But... what if?

Moreover, since I've officially become a disciple of Falushan today, it's only right that I treat my mentor to a meal.

Eros raised an eyebrow and said with a sudden realization, "Oh, I almost forgot, you're a celebrity in the translation world of Sumeru City."

As she spoke, Erosham revealed a hint of envy: "It's a pity that someone at my level can't just take on any job, otherwise I wouldn't be so short of money."

The Imperial College was naturally aware of this task of translating classical Chinese texts.

Ordinary scholars can do it, but scholars of the [Hebantu] level like Falushan definitely cannot.

Putting aside the fact that it would be somewhat embarrassing for the Academy to accept ordinary translation jobs from [訶般荼], even if [訶般荼] did accept a job, how much would he charge?

How much would an ordinary person have to pay to hire a [Heban Tu] to translate a passage?

The gains and the costs were completely different.

"You should take fewer of these kinds of jobs in the future. Even if you do take them, you should only take on truly challenging translations. It's best to leave general translations to the 'Tiriya' school of thought."

Erosham gave another piece of advice.

Wang Yan nodded, understanding in his heart that this translation market was probably a small treasury left by the intellectuals to the students of this college.

No wonder when a scholar came to provoke me, I told him that I was preparing for an exam and planning to join the intellectual school, and the other party's attitude improved a lot.

I reckon that by then, I had already been considered an insider.

However, without translation as a source of income, I can certainly make a living, but if I want to conduct other research, I'm afraid I'll run out of money again.

Thinking of this, Wang Yan's eyes flickered slightly, and he began to think about ways to make money.

Chapter 51 What scholar doesn't lack funding?

I treated Erosan to lunch at the Lombard Restaurant, and in the afternoon I went to her house to continue learning the basics of runes and mechanisms from her. I also helped her translate some ancient mechanical drawings.

It wasn't until around 5 p.m. that Erosan announced the end of class and made an appointment for Wang Yan to come and study with Erosan every Monday to Friday until he mastered the basics of wind element runes and mechanical arts.

As for the weekend, Wang Yan was free to allocate his own time.

Even if Wang Yan wanted to learn, Fa Lushan couldn't possibly attend classes every weekend.

After leaving Falushan's house, Wang Yan did not go straight back to his rented apartment, but instead turned around and headed towards Baoshang Street.

He successfully passed the entrance exam and was admitted to the Order of the Church, but Khalid would definitely have to give him an explanation. He couldn't just say he wouldn't go; that would be too unethical.

After passing through the bustling Baoshang Street, I arrived at Menakali Shop and found Khalid directly.

“Mr. Khalid,” Wang Yan said, getting straight to the point, “I have officially entered the Academy of Teachings and become a disciple of Master Falushan. From now on, I will be studying with my master every Monday to Friday. In addition, according to the rules of the school, I am afraid I can only take on translation jobs that are more difficult.”

As he spoke, Wang Yan roughly explained to Khalid what Eros had told him.

Upon hearing this, Khalid's face showed no displeasure, but rather a genuine and warm expression. "This is wonderful news, Mr. Wang Yan! Congratulations on passing the examination and officially becoming a scholar of the Academy."

He paused, then said earnestly, "Don't worry, I'll arrange the rest of the orders. I just hope that if we encounter any problems that we really can't solve, you can help us out as much as possible."

Seeing Khalid's humble attitude, Wang Yan immediately retorted, "You flatter me. I've always remembered your help. If you ask, I certainly won't refuse."

If it weren't for Khalid, Wang Yan would likely have been wandering in Sumeru City for some time.

Although it was thanks to Tina's introduction, Wang Yan must also remember Khalid's kindness.

Therefore, as long as Khalid asks, Wang Yan will definitely come to help, whether he has something to do or not.

“Okay, okay!” Khalid nodded repeatedly, his smile widening. “Then it’s settled.”

The two chatted for a while longer, mainly Khalid talking about how many beautiful pieces of jewelry he had recently received, which he then showed to Wang Yan.

Actually, it was just showing off, because Wang Yan didn't know anything about jewelry and couldn't tell the difference between good and bad, but as the straight man, he made Khalid very happy.

Perhaps Khalid's accommodating attitude towards Wang Yan is also related to the emotional value that Wang Yan usually provides.

The sky outside was gradually darkening.

Wang Yan got up to take his leave, and Khalid saw him off at the door.

They left the shop.

Wang Yan rubbed his stomach, feeling a little hungry. Luckily, the Lambad Tavern was just below.

Since things have come to this, let's eat first.

...

Lambad Tavern.

Wang Yan ordered several signature dishes, handed the menu to the waiter, and began to think.

Taking a break from translation work means that I won't have a stable income for a while.

"During this period, apart from the last few days of review time, my work schedule was completely full every day... roughly speaking..."

Wang Yan began to calculate in his mind how many Mora he currently had.

He currently only has the money Khalid advanced him; the actual wages are still in Khalid's hands and haven't been settled yet.

After careful consideration, Wang Yan estimated that he could earn between 250,000 and 300,000 yuan.

The main issue is the varying difficulty of the translation, which leads to different fees. Without a bill and with taxes to pay, it's difficult to give an accurate figure.

"Two hundred and fifty thousand... If it's for daily life, it's enough for me to live a wealthy life... But once I start researching mechanical arts, I'm afraid it won't last long."

Wang Yan first estimated based on the minimum profit.

"If I had to make money before I transmigrated, and I still have to make money after I transmigrate, then what was the point of my transmigration?!"

Wang Yan inwardly complained, but still calmed down and reconsidered.

Before he came to Sumeru City, he had thought about making money. Back in Huacheng Guo, there was no toothpaste when he washed up, so Wang Yan thought about whether he could make a toothpaste, get a patent, and then hand it over to the Academy of Teachings. In this way, the patent fee would be enough for him to live on and do research.

Don't underestimate toothpaste; it's often the most profitable everyday consumable.

"How do you make handmade toothpaste again?"

Wang Yan recalled her experience as a craft content creator: "First, I made bamboo salt, then prepared herbal powder... I remember it was powdered herbs like licorice and tea leaves... Then I ground them all into powder, added water and baking soda, and stirred it into a paste..."

Wang Yan felt that her memory had improved a lot, perhaps because of her recent hard work in studying. Some past memories were gradually becoming clearer in her mind.

Just as he was thinking, a surprised voice came from behind him.

"Oh, Wang Yan, what a coincidence, you're here too."

Accompanied by voices and footsteps, a familiar figure came and sat down next to Wang Yan.

Wang Yan looked at the other person.

It's Kavi.

“Kavi…what a coincidence,” he replied unconsciously.

"I heard from Elhesen that you have officially joined the Order of the Church and have become a disciple of Senior Erossan. Congratulations!" Kavi congratulated him.

"Thank you. It's all thanks to Tinari's letter of introduction; otherwise, it wouldn't have been so easy." Wang Yan attributed the credit to Tinari, then asked curiously, "Why did you come so late?"

It should be noted that Wang Yan left Erosan's house at around 5 p.m., and after chatting with Khalid for a while, he came to the tavern. By now, it was almost 8 p.m.

Although the tavern was still bustling, there were far fewer scholars now; it was mainly the gilded tour groups that gathered there.

Kavi was a simple-minded person. When Wang Yan asked, he replied directly, "I spent the whole day fighting for funding at the academy... After the event, the academy's cafeteria was closed."

"Are you also short of funds?" Wang Yan asked subconsciously.

Kavi rolled his eyes: "Look at what you're saying. Who in the entire Faculty of Sciences dares to say they don't lack funds? Well... except for that guy Alheisen, he only needs to read books."

“I can’t pretend I didn’t hear that. I’ll tell him later,” Wang Yan said with a smile, then his eyes flickered as he asked, “I’ve heard that many scholars have their own patents, which allows them to continuously generate funding…”