Lin Moyu understood one thing very clearly: points were more valuable than gold coins.
The cost for accommodations reflected this difference. A four-person dormitory required 500 points per month. For a two-person dormitory, it was 1,000 points, while a single dormitory demanded 2,000 points monthly. But the real shocker was the price of single-family homes—tens of thousands of points per month.
If students didn't have points, they could pay with gold coins, but the conversion wasn't pretty. Each point was worth 100 gold coins, meaning that the cheapest dorm, a four-person shared room, would cost 50,000 gold coins per month, and a single dorm would set you back 200,000 gold coins. It was an extravagant price tag.
Lin Moyu currently only had a few hundred gold coins on him. Although he could convert points to gold coins, it didn't work the other way around. Any attempts to convert gold coins into points were strictly forbidden and punished harshly.
Bai Yiyuan had mentioned that most things could be traded at Xiajing Academy. Points, however, were at the top of the economy. While some resources could be bought with gold coins, the best things were only available through points, making them the most valuable currency on campus.
Lin Moyu understood the importance of saving points.
Jiang Tao, the administrator for the residential area, had been explaining the dorm options. He'd joined the academy two years earlier and earned a few points managing the dorms. As he explained, earning points wasn't easy.
Given Bai Yiyuan's presence earlier, Jiang Tao had been extra polite. "Lin, I know you probably have a good amount of points from the recent exam, but let me give you some advice—save them. You're going to need them."
Lin Moyu nodded, understanding the point but still unmoved. "I want a single dormitory."
Jiang Tao raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure?"
Lin Moyu nodded again, confirming his choice.
Jiang Tao sighed like someone who'd been through a tough time. "Rich and willful... You'll regret not saving those points when you realize how hard they are to earn."
Jiang Tao led Lin Moyu through Building 8, a dorm dedicated to single rooms. He pointed out the available options on the second floor. "Rooms 206, 208, and 209 are taken, but the rest are free. Pick whichever you like."
Lin Moyu chose Room 201, the closest to them.
"Give me your ID card so I can register the room for you." Jiang Tao swiped the card through the machine and had Lin Moyu verify his identity with a fingerprint scan. A beep confirmed the transaction, and points were deducted.
Jiang Tao stared at the machine, eyes widening. "How do you have so many points?"
Displayed on the screen was Lin Moyu's balance. After deducting the 1,000 points for rent, over 133,000 points remained.
Jiang Tao gawked at the number. "You've got over 130,000 points!"
Lin Moyu simply replied, "I earned them as rewards."
Jiang Tao looked at him like he was looking at a rare treasure. "No wonder you're going for the single dorm! I've earned less than 10,000 points since I started here, and you've got more than 130,000. You're practically a walking bank!"
He handed Lin Moyu his ID card back and finalized the room assignment. "Room 201 in Building 8 is now yours. No one else can access it unless you give permission, and no one can rent it until you release it."
Jiang Tao gave Lin Moyu a respectful nod. "If you need anything, feel free to reach out."
Before leaving, Lin Moyu asked, "Senior, have you ever heard of Lin Mohan?"
Jiang Tao thought for a moment but shook his head. "No, I haven't. Is Lin Mohan a relative of yours? There are so many students at Xiajing Academy that it's easy to overlook someone. You can ask at the Academic Affairs Office tomorrow."
As he left, Jiang Tao gave one final piece of advice. "Oh, and don't forget to buy a communicator tomorrow. Life at the academy will be difficult without one."
After Jiang Tao left, Lin Moyu finally had some peace and quiet. The single dorm was small and simply furnished but clean. Sitting on the bed, he began to meditate, recovering his mental energy.
The next morning, a knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts. When he opened it, surprise flickered in his eyes.
Ning Yiyi, looking as lively as ever, stood at the door. "What's this? You don't recognize me?"
Lin Moyu smiled softly. "Of course I do."
Ning Yiyi laughed and grabbed his arm. "Come on, I'll take you to breakfast and show you around the academy!"
The cafeteria near the dorms was busy, and Ning Yiyi wasted no time piling her tray high with food. Her appetite was as strong as Lin Moyu remembered.
When it came time to pay, Lin Moyu offered his ID card. "I'll take care of it."
Ning Yiyi giggled but didn't protest. The machine beeped, and 5 points were deducted from his balance.
She looked at him in surprise. "You're paying with points? You can use gold coins here, you know. Points are too valuable to waste on breakfast."
Lin Moyu explained softly, "I don't have any gold coins."
Ning Yiyi's eyes widened. "Why didn't you say so! I've got plenty of gold coins. Don't waste your points on food. Points are hard to come by."
Lin Moyu smiled, brushing off her concern. "It's fine."
Ning Yiyi gave him a reassuring smile. "It's only 5 points, but seriously, don't make a habit of it. Save your points for the important stuff."
Lin Moyu nodded, taking her advice to heart. He knew that once he sold some of the materials and weapons he'd gathered recently, he could earn enough gold coins to avoid spending points on everyday expenses.
As they finished breakfast, Lin Moyu absently rolled a gem in his hand, already planning his next move.