Saturday morning.
A golden ray of light shone from the eastern horizon, radiating a scorching heat.
The lingering heat of late summer has not yet dissipated.
With a thought, Ning Chuan retrieved the thirty-seven Divine Weapon that had absorbed the Sharpness Qi, and stepped out of the apartment.
He did not go directly to the Ancient Martial Arts Research Institute.
Instead, he first met up with Song Shiyu, then took a hovercar to a coffee shop in the commercial district, intending to meet with the president of the Wind and Rain Pavilion to discuss the sale of academic credits.
The other party's name was Di Shanjie, and he had some connections in the black market.
The person Wang Ke introduced helped him contact black market buyers.
I had talked to Ning Chuan once before, and I had a good impression of him.
Di Shanjie did not charge any referral fees to the middlemen.
However, in return, Ning Chuan had to accept an exclusive interview with the Wind and Rain Pavilion.
"Where are we at now?"
Ning Chuan asked Song Shiyu.
He didn't ask too much about the matter and left it to Song Shiyu and Shi Feng to handle.
"We've started contacting suppliers, but the price is still under negotiation..."
Song Shiyu said as she walked.
Led by a waiter, the two entered a private room in the cafe, where Di Shanjie was already waiting.
Wang Ke, who acted as the introducer, was also in the private room.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the two sides got down to business.
"20,000 credits is not a small amount."
I contacted several black market credit dealers.
The highest bidder offered 25 million for 1 academic credit.
However, that person could only accumulate 3000 points.
The remaining companies all charge between 20 million and 22 million for one academic credit.
Di Shanjie's explanation was clear and logical.
Ning Chuan pondered to himself.
On the black market, other students sell their credits, with 1 point typically only worth 12 to 14 million yuan.
His price nearly doubled.
Song Shiyu smiled slightly and said, "Brother Di, can the price go even higher? On campus, academic credits are much more valuable than Federation cash."
"It's difficult."
Di Shanjie shook his head.
As he spoke, he glanced at Ning Chuan and said, "Let me make this clear first, I have never taken any kickbacks."
I don't participate in actual transactions.
You can negotiate the price directly with the vendor, but at most it will cost tens of thousands of yuan more for just one credit. The chances of getting anything higher are extremely slim.
Di Shanjie was not lying.
He valued the opportunity to befriend Ning Chuan more than the academic credits.
Ning Chuan smiled and said, "Of course I can trust you."
"Actually..."
After a moment's thought, Di Shanjie said, "If you're not afraid of the hassle, there are two ways to increase the price of credits."
"Please speak."
Ning Chuan was somewhat interested.
Di Shanjie held up one finger and said, "First, we wait!"
The exchange rate on the black market is not constant; it fluctuates depending on the amount of credits available, and sometimes it can surge.
After speaking, he explained the reason to Ning Chuan.
Credits earned at Galaxy University are different from Federal Government currency; they cannot be printed arbitrarily.
Credits are earned through students taking courses, completing assignments, or through research conducted by their advisors.
In some ways, it's similar to cryptocurrency mining.
Academic credits are like ore.
The mentors and students act as miners.
Di Shanjie continued, "The official market and the black market on campus hold auctions regularly."
If there are good items at the event, credits will become highly sought-after and their prices will rise rapidly as the auction approaches.
"Since you're selling a large item, reaching tens or hundreds of millions, that's quite normal."
"This price is acceptable."
Song Shiyu raised an eyebrow and asked, "Approximately how long will it take?"
After a moment's thought, Di Shanjie said, "As far as I know, the next few auctions are all of average size, and the chances of finding anything good are not high."
It's estimated that it will take until the end of the year.
There were one or two large auctions at that time.
Upon hearing this, Ning Chuan secretly shook his head and asked, "What about the second method?"
He can't wait that long.
His Sharpness Qi will be completely devoured by the Divine Weapon in three more nights.
The money from the Wei Financial Group won't arrive until at least October.
There will be a gap period in between.
He didn't want to postpone his cultivation for the sake of more money.
Di Shanjie said, "You run a credit company on the black market, selling credits to students instead of merchants."
The appeal of academic credits to students is self-evident!
Indeed, students' purchasing power cannot compare to that of businesses.
But they would be willing to pay a higher unit price!
"However, there are two difficulties in starting a company on the black market!"
After a pause, Di Shanjie changed his tune, saying, "Or, it can be seen as a difficult point."
Wang Ke was confused and rolled his eyes, saying irritably, "Just tell me already, stop beating around the bush."
" Sister Ke, I'm innocent! I was just organizing my thoughts."
Di Shanjie shrugged and said, "Selling academic credits is a serious violation of school rules. To avoid being watched and exploited by the Discipline Department, you need protection from higher-ups in the school."
Wang Ke glanced at Ning Chuan and said, "With his high aptitude and being a newly appointed World Walker, finding a school leader to take care of him is a piece of cake."
"I know."
Di Shanjie nodded and said, "That's why I changed it to 'a difficult point'."
"Having connections with high-ranking school officials is just one condition. To successfully establish oneself in the black market, one also needs to make connections at various levels. Including Ning Chuan's influence, the cost will be at least this much!"
Di Shanjie spread out one hand and said, "5000 credits!"
Wang Ke vaguely understood and said, " Ning Chuan only sells 20,000 credits in total. If you want to start a company, you'll have to spend a quarter of them directly."
Even with a higher unit price, it's difficult to make much money from the remaining 15,000 credits.
It also requires spending more time and energy, and taking on unnecessary risks, so the overall cost-effectiveness is not high.
"That's roughly what I meant," said Di Shanjie.
Upon hearing these words, Song Shiyu remained expressionless, but her heart began to race.
Setting up a company on the black market is possible!
After becoming Ning Chuan's follower, he learned of the existence of the Thunder Sovereign and Ning Chuan's plan to use the position of teaching assistant at the Ancient Martial Arts Research Institute as bait.
to be honest.
He was terrified when Ning Chuan told him about the plan.
Absolutely outrageous!
But the harvest was plentiful!
Once the plan succeeds, Song Shiyu believes that the number of academic credits circulating in the market will decrease significantly.
At that time, they were able to set higher unit prices.
Not long after.
The talks have concluded.
Wang Ke and Di Shanjie got up to say goodbye and left.
Song Shiyu sipped her cold coffee without speaking, but instead transmitted her voice, " Ning Chuan, what are your thoughts? Should we open a branch company in the black market?"
The matter was of great importance, Song Shiyu dared not be careless.
"Opening a company is better."
After a few seconds of contemplation, Ning Chuan also transmitted his voice, saying, "However, not now. Let's wait until Wu Hanhai and his gang of big fish take the bait."
Starting a company rashly might attract the attention of those with ulterior motives.
Although the possibility is very low.
But he didn't want to take the risk.
"Clear."
Song Shiyu nodded and said, "I'll first learn about some precautions for opening a company on the black market, to prepare for what's to come."
"Okay, but be careful not to let anyone know."
Ning Chuan stood up, a smile playing on his lips, and instructed, "Also, hurry up. If nothing unexpected happens, this matter shouldn't be delayed for too long."