Sun Chonglai laughed heartily: "Of course, the unlimited budget you provided is also an essential condition."

The Bone Man spoke solemnly again: "I am by no means flattering you. It's not just about having money; it's also crucial not to interfere with everyone's interests and research. Compared to money, this may be even more valuable."

"Our school being what it is today, you all deserve great credit; I'm just a hands-off manager."

Zhou Yi smiled and said: "Actually, my understanding of education is quite rough. Kids mainly learn by imitation, focusing on accumulating foundation. Therefore, what's important are us adults; we need to set a good example for them and lead by example. We're not afraid of failure and can persist in overcoming difficulties. I believe, to some extent, they'll be influenced and encouraged."

"What you're saying is simple and direct, but it truly is the essence of education: leading by example."

Sun Chonglai sighed: "It's easy to say but hard to do. We always ask students and children to be honest and tell the truth; however, we often lie and have to constantly restrain and correct ourselves..."

Zhou Yi didn't mind this at all and patted the Bone Man on the shoulder: "Just do your best. Old Sun, you've done well already. Don't pursue perfection; we're inherently imperfect, so just try your best."

"I agree."

...

Leaving the graduation ceremony, Zhou Yi headed to the Mud Tree Civilization Department.

This was the department he visited the least.

Even the Civil Aviation Department, he occasionally dropped by to check on Gong Zheng's situation.

But the Mud Tree Civilization Department was like a shadow among many departments.

Whenever Ni Ge attended a meeting, he would leave right after.

No good news or bad news came from there, and Zhou Yi never urged or pressured them.

Having heard about the egg incident, Zhou Yi was inspired and rushed to Building 11 in Yalong Bay.

This place is now the office of the Mud Tree Civilization Department. The exterior walls of the tall building are covered with climbing vines and green tendrils, adding a layer of plant sunscreen, making it stand out in the Jade City series.

A white granite slab is erected outside the building, with intertwined vines in bloom, forming the words "Mud Tree Civilization Department."

Walking inside, Zhou Yi couldn't help but glance around.

The interior was full of vines and tree roots, interwoven in a way that made the whole building seem like a plant kingdom.

At the entrance stood a green vine, which spoke through a speaker nearby: "Hello, Chairman!"

"Who are you?"

"I'm Ye Qing."

It turned out to be Tree Demon Ye Qing.

This one was introduced from the Tree Monster Territory early on, responsible for cultivating Pan Trees, and was one of the founders when the Mud Tree Civilization Department was established.

"Where's Ni Ge?"

"The Minister is upstairs, Chairman, let me take you up."

Then Ye Qing put on an Electric Cat Walkie-Talkie and gracefully glided on the ground.

Along the way, Zhou Yi noticed that each room housed various plant samples and indoor cultivation racks, seemingly turning most rooms into indoor hydroponic labs.

Through the huge glass doors, one could clearly see the growth inside.

The department employees included various sizes of mechanical life, Bone Men, Ocean Men, Tree Demons, and humans.

Unlike other departments, this place seemed to have a much more relaxed pace, with most staff looking at ease. They all checked the growth conditions in different labs and greeted Zhou Yi, saying hello to the Chairman as he passed by.

This relaxed atmosphere was related to Ni Ge.

Although an Explorer, he maintained a laid-back attitude that nothing mattered much.

According to Ni Ge, the time he was most stressed was not fleeing from Usurper Worm attacks, nor surviving alone on Exotic Earth, but after digging through soil for a long time only to find the Black Thorn had been taken away—yes, that was Zhou Yi's doing.

Besides that, Ni Ge always felt that except for matters of life and death, nothing was too significant. Be positive, relax your shoulders every day, don't be too tense.

On the third floor, Zhou Yi saw Ni Ge.

This Mud Tree Person was playing the game "Dead Sea Battle" on a projection wall with the department employees, waving their glove controllers.

"Can you really catch me??"

"Getting counter-killed in a three-on-one! Do you even know how to play?"

"Talk! Talk!"

Ni Ge was gesticulating wildly, having the time of his life.

Zhou Yi watched, his face dark.

Damnit.

The Mud Tree Civilization Department must be properly sorted out!

Playing games and slacking off all day—how can the revival of the Mud Tree Civilization be achieved!

Perhaps sensing some kind of murderous aura or the surrounding silence.

Ni Ge turned around, shivering when he saw Zhou Yi: "Chairman, you're here... Let me explain, it's not what it looks like..."

Zhou Yi said coldly: "Come over here, I want to hear a proper explanation."