Chapter 280 - 111 [Zen Meditation Travel Study Plan] (8200 words)_4
"Mr. Zhou, eating so vegetarian?" Chen Yan greeted politely.
The old man laughed, "Getting older, eating some vegetarian food to nourish the stomach. Can’t compare to young people’s appetite."
This old man with the last name Zhou looked quite dignified, but his physique was somewhat bloated, with a large waistline. It was obvious he ate well daily but lacked exercise, making his beer belly’s waistline about twice the size of Chen Yan’s.
But his limbs weren’t fat.
This is unhealthy obesity.
Actually, he looks better now. When he first arrived at the academy, he was even fatter.
Chen Yan nodded and casually said, "It’s good to be moderate with food. It’s hard to buy old-age slimness with money... But apart from watching your diet, it’d be best for Mr. Zhou to be more active as well. You can walk around the academy in the mornings and evenings when you have nothing to do."
It was just some small talk, and Chen Yan didn’t mind chatting a bit.
Mr. Zhou nodded and brought up a topic, "I heard that Elder Zi went out of town a while ago. I wonder if he’s back yet."
Chen Yan shook his head. "I don’t know."
The matter of him and Chu Keqing going to Port City wouldn’t naturally be known to irrelevant people at the academy.
"I see Elder Zi has great respect for Instructor Xiao Chen. Teacher Xiao Chen must be from a prestigious background, right?"
Chen Yan laughed, "What prestigious background? Just a double non-bachelor’s degree, not even from a prestigious school. It was President Chu who gave me the opportunity, just a way to make a living."
But Mr. Zhou didn’t believe it—he had seen with his own eyes how Chu Keqing treated Chen Yan at the academy. Although Chu Keqing was careful not to appear too humble in public, the genuine respect was obvious to an old hand like Mr. Zhou.
"What do you mean a way to make a living? I think Teacher Xiao Chen is indeed talented. Elder Zi’s attitude towards you is different from other instructors."
Chen Yan thought for a moment, knowing that if he didn’t address such rumors, it would only make people more suspicious and spread even further. So he nodded and said, "It’s nothing special. Just that I have elders with some influence in front of President Chu, and President Chu is giving me some face and taking care of me a bit."
Giving a reasonable explanation to stop people from making wild guesses.
Mr. Zhou nodded. The reason Chen Yan provided was somewhat in line with his private speculations.
"Next week’s Zen meditation travel study course in Japan. Teacher Xiao Chen, you will also be going, right? I heard other instructors mention that all of the instructors in our Zen Meditation Class will be going this time."
Chen Yan was stunned when he heard this.
He hadn’t paid much attention to such matters.
Mr. Zhou then explained to Chen Yan that the Basic Zen Meditation Class was almost over next week, with the final course being a group trip for all students to a tranquil temple in Japan for Zen meditation.
It had nothing to do with religion, just seeking tranquility.
As for why go to Japan... it’s actually a hidden benefit.
This Rich Lady Chu was quite savvy, using this Basic Zen Meditation Class to exploit the money from rich people who liked to appear cultured.
Specially targeting rich fools.
Each student paid a hefty fee!
Chu Keqing understood that the wealthy had mixed intentions, with little true dedication to the path.
Ninety-nine percent of them were there to appear cultured or to take a break.
Cultivation was just a placebo for them—like how many pseudo-intellectuals felt spiritually cleansed after a trip to Tibet. It was the same notion.
Just self-comforting.
Another important reason was networking.
With the reputation and influence of Elder Zi, many individuals with assets and resources were willing to try it out.
As a result, it became a gathering place for many prominent figures.
Any circle with a concentration effect will attract more people who want to join.
For example, places like societal Changx Business School claim to be educational but are more like platforms for networking.
But since hefty fees were paid, there had to be some grand processes to live up to those fees, making it seem high-end so the rich folks would feel it was worth it and satisfying.
Did you think those coming for Zen meditation were really detached from worldly desires? They’re all worldly beings!
Going to Japan for a research and study tour became a high-end process.
Additionally, for the academy’s internal staff, it was a free benefit.
Killing two birds with one stone.
Rich Lady Chu was indeed a shrewd woman!
The travel study course in Japan was set for next week, with all twenty-one students from the Basic Zen Meditation Class going, plus six instructors and three academy staff.
After lunch, Chen Yan took a rest, then taught for two hours in the Zen Meditation Class in the afternoon.
Just as he finished and was tidying up his things, he saw Chu Keqing standing at the door of the lecture hall, smiling at him.
As the students left one by one, greeting Chu Keqing, she politely nodded and returned their greetings. After everyone left, she slowly walked up to Chen Yan.
"Senior."
"Hmm, you’re back." Chen Yan had finished packing his things, unscrewed his thermos cup, and took a sip of water. "Have you taken care of the affairs of your third senior brother in Port City?"