NOTE:
985 University - In 1998, China launched Project 985 to improve higher education. Top-tier universities were established through funding, renowned faculty, and international participation. The announcement was made at Peking University's 100th anniversary.
211 University - China's Project 211 aimed to improve research standards and foster socio-economic growth by developing strategies for 100 universities.
------
Chapter 45: The Dormitory Building of Shanhe University
Behind almost every major news story, there seemed to be a connection to Shanhe University.
Whether it was a Han Dynasty tomb excavation or a big pot of food on a construction site, Shanhe University was somehow involved. Even the recent plane crash incident had a link to this fictional university.
"A school that hasn't even built its campus is buying ten planes for school transportation?" Xu Yan scoffed, shaking his head. He believed that Shanhe University was merely seeking attention by orchestrating these sensational news stories. He even entertained the idea that the previous headlines were all part of a marketing campaign orchestrated by the university. The goal was to boost their popularity just in time for the upcoming admissions season.
This marketing strategy by Shanhe University has been surprisingly successful. As of now, the hottest topic of discussion on the internet wasn't about prestigious universities like those in the 985 or 211 categories, but rather the non-existent Shanhe University.
"In three days, the application process begins," Xu Yan reminded himself. Yenching University had received an ultimatum from the school to ramp up its publicity efforts. They couldn't afford to lose top talents to this unconventional rival.
"It's time for a 'King Bombing' campaign," Xu Yan murmured to himself as he turned on his computer and selected one of the videos.
At another 985 university, in the Admissions and Employment Office, Du Yushan commented on the current situation. "This year, Shanhe University has clearly taken the lead."
In previous years, the popularity of universities during the admissions season had been relatively balanced. But this year, Shanhe University had broken away from the pack and was surpassing many well-established institutions in terms of popularity.
However, Du Yushan understood the situation well. While the rise of Shanhe University seemed remarkable, he believed that the university's foundation was quite weak. They were severely lacking in teaching staff, especially outside the Department of Archeology. Thus, in his view, Shanhe University was more of a paper tiger.
Their true competitors were the time-honored universities in China, such as Peking University and Tsinghua University. Du Yushan was focused on ensuring that his university maintained its appeal to top-tier students.
"With just three days left, it's time to boost our promotional efforts," Du Yushan declared. He took a deep breath and glanced at the promotion plan placed on his desk.
At Shanhe University's construction site on the border of the four provinces, specifically the Qinglong Campus, Qin Mu was live-streaming the ongoing construction progress of the school.
Occasionally, he responded to questions from the audience. Currently, more than 300,000 viewers are watching his livestream, and his fan base has grown to over two million.
"What's being constructed here is the Qinglong Campus of Shanhe University," Qin Mu explained as he moved around the site, offering insights. "While there are still two months left before the start of the semester, I have only been given a month to construct the entire school."
With only seventeen days remaining, he prioritized the construction of key buildings, such as teaching facilities, administrative buildings, canteens, and dormitory buildings.
"This is the teaching building of the Qinglong Campus," Qin Mu pointed out, "with approximately five floors and 120 classrooms, capable of accommodating 3,600 students simultaneously."
Audience members asked questions, with a particular focus on the dormitories.
"Will there be air conditioning in the dormitories?"
"Is it true that only girls' dormitories have air conditioning, while guys are left to suffer?"
"Is it another case of gender-based price discrimination in the cafeteria?"
"These double standards are calling for gender equality while simultaneously treating genders differently!"
While the audience asked their questions, discussions erupted among viewers, and many expressed their grievances about the double standards and gender disparities at their own universities.
"Rest assured, there will not only be air conditioning but also floor heating in the dormitories," Qin Mu reassured his viewers. He went on to list the features of the dormitories at Shanhe University, with amenities akin to those in standard hotel rooms.
The dormitory budget had been fully allocated, aiming to make the students feel at home once they arrived on campus.
"This is truly unbelievable! Is there really such a university?"
"Independent bathrooms, hot water supply, air conditioning, floor heating, 24/7 electricity, and a comfortable climate... What's the difference between this and my own house?"
"I'm already a senior, but I wish I could start college all over again!"
"Last year, I bought a small air conditioner for my dorm at my own expense, but it was confiscated by the security department's senior sister, claiming it was a high-power appliance."
Listeners found it challenging to believe the standards being set by Shanhe University and shared their own experiences with the audience, criticizing the policies at their own institutions, such as the prohibition of small appliances in dormitories.