The Shadow of Great Britain-Chapter 512 - 270: Research Frenzy (4K2)_3

The stranger heard these words, looked startled for a moment, and then his mouth opened wide in shock, so much so that it seemed two goose eggs could be stuffed into it.

"You... You are the famous Mr. Hastings? Mr. Wheatstone has mentioned you to me before, and I never imagined I would run into you outside Gresham College by such a coincidence."

"Hmm?" Arthur raised an eyebrow, "Charles has mentioned me to you? What did he say?"

Cook quickly took hold of Arthur’s hand, "Mr. Wheatstone advised me to be extra careful around you. Of course, I might have misunderstood or misheard him. After all, he was busy researching the telegraph at the time and just casually mentioned it to me. It’s also possible he misspoke."

Louis also extended his hand to Cook with a smile, "Mr. Wheatstone isn’t really good at communicating with others, but he is a kind and honest man. Mr. Cook, that’s all I can say."

Arthur didn’t mind being the butt of the joke, but he had to get on good terms with Cook before the joke turned into reality.

After all, although Wheatstone wasn’t good at socializing, he was very good at inventing things related to science. Someone whom he approved must definitely have talent and accomplishment in scientific research.

Arthur asked, "Mr. Cook, although your decision to gamble on the telegraph is indeed bold, I think it’s too risky to drop out of Heidelberg University so hastily. If you don’t succeed this time, how do you plan to live afterwards?"

"This..."

Cook was left speechless by Arthur’s question. It wasn’t that he hadn’t thought about this issue; it’s just that sometimes people simply don’t want to face it.

The Cook said with a wry smile, "Honestly, I don’t know. But I did save some money when I was serving in India, and with some inheritance left by my father, I should be able to get by for a while. However, to continue pursuing a degree at a university seems unlikely. After all, the tuition fees at universities in Britain start at three hundred pounds."

"Hmm..." Arthur shook his head slightly, "That’s not entirely true, at least I know one university that is quite affordable. Have you heard of the University of London?"

"The University of London?" Cook sighed, "Mr. Hastings, please don’t make fun of me. They don’t even have the authority to confer degrees, do they? And, judging by its social reputation, studying there not only doesn’t enhance one’s value but might even bring about negative effects. After all, a university that doesn’t have a chapel and promotes atheism is not accepted by many."

"That’s not entirely accurate." Arthur began, "The University of London doesn’t promote atheism; we just don’t actively promote theism. That’s it."

"Not promoting theism is atheism... No, no, wait... Hold on, ’we’? Mr. Hastings, could it be that you...?"

Louis interjected with a smile, "Yes, Mr. Hastings is a graduate of the University of London. By the way, the University of London’s Royal Charter has officially been approved by Parliament. If you are concerned about a degree, you can indeed study there. At the very least, it could provide you with a safety net, right?"

Upon hearing this, Arthur teased, "But even if you don’t attend the University of London, it doesn’t matter much. After all, in the Royal Society, even those with only high school diplomas are considered highly educated. Mr. Faraday often jokes about having only a primary school education himself, claiming that research has no necessary connection to university studies. An additional university degree doesn’t change much, it just occasionally brings that blind self-confidence that comes from thinking one is very scholarly."