Damn Zhang Yang. Always Zhang Yang. Zhang Yang’s continuous displays had entirely erased the satisfaction Zhou Yichen felt just moments ago when he had Zhang Yang sidelined. For some unknown reason, a thorn lodged itself in his heart, making him profoundly uncomfortable.

It was supposed to be his purview, the adjustment of Student Union executive posts; Zhang Yang was supposed to have, at most, advisory input. Yet now, it felt as if this entire reshuffle had become Zhang Yang’s responsibility, which infuriated him.

Zhou Yichen wasn't the only one displeased.

That person was Gao Jie. The job adjustment Zhang Yang proposed struck right at the core of Gao Jie's ambition. No one willingly wanted to remain a steward serving others, especially when the Department of Associations had virtually no budget.

The Arts Department, however, was entirely different. They constantly organized events: the Freshman Gala, holiday celebrations, and management of various large-scale school sports meets—all fell under the purview of the Arts Department.

The funding alone for one event in the Arts Department far exceeded what the Department of Associations saw.

They were students, so rampant graft wasn't the main concern, but having funds meant they could stand taller, speak louder, and accomplish much more.

Gao Jie deeply desired the transfer to the Arts Department. He mistakenly interpreted Zhou Yichen’s look as reluctance to approve his move, which only deepened his resentment.

Several other neutral parties shared Gao Jie’s sentiments.

Their neutrality stemmed from their relatively insignificant positions; Zhou Yichen hadn't seen the need to court them actively, focusing instead on dealing with Zhang Yang first and letting them slide.

Now, believing Zhou Yichen didn't want Gao Jie’s position changed, they projected this onto themselves. Naturally, they all felt uneasy.

If Gao Jie faced this resistance today, they reasoned, they would face the same thing when their own opportunities arose.

Zhang Yang maintained his smile throughout, yet he keenly observed the shifting expressions on everyone’s faces.

These students were still far too green, utterly incapable of comparing themselves to the true seasoned operators.

Back at the hospital, the expressions worn by directors and administrators in meetings were always the same, utterly impenetrable masks revealing none of their true intentions.

Zhang Yang gave a faint smile, turning to Wang Guohua, and inquired softly, “Director Wang, you’ve been with the Arts Department a long time and are a senior member. Do you think student Gao Jie would be suitable to take over your role?”

The address, "Director Wang," sent Wang Guohua’s spirits soaring.

He found Zhang Yang increasingly agreeable and nodded involuntarily.

“Minister Gao is very talented. I won't even mention his performance at the Freshman Gala. I was extremely grateful for the help I received from Minister Gao back then. I truly believe handing the Arts Department to Minister Gao is perfectly appropriate!”

Wang Guohua spoke slowly, considering his words, as he was already slated for the Secretariat based on Zhang Yang’s prior suggestion. Now that Zhang Yang proposed Gao Jie for the Arts Department, he certainly wouldn't object.

It was a gesture of repayment, though he didn't—and perhaps couldn't—grasp the deeper implications behind it.

Zhou Yichen’s expression darkened further. Just as he was about to interject, Zhang Yang spoke again: “Minister Ye, what are your thoughts on student Gao Jie?”

This Minister Ye, Ye Zhan, headed the Technical Department and was Gao Jie’s closest associate, also one of the neutral figures.

Since Zhang Yang asked him, he naturally wouldn't oppose the move and immediately confirmed, “Student Gao Jie possesses excellent artistic skills and is very capable. I see no issue with him moving to the Arts Department!”

“Everyone…”

Zhou Yichen finally couldn't hold back and tried to speak, but Zhang Yang cut him off after only two syllables: “Does Chairman Zhou also believe student Gao Jie is suitable? Ah, apologies, that was my oversight; I should have sought Chairman Zhou’s opinion first. But it's not too late; let us hear the opinion of our highest leader before deciding!”

Zhang Yang’s face was beaming sweetly, making Zhou Yichen wish he could land a solid punch.

He started to object, but a reflexive glance at Gao Jie made his heart plummet.

Gao Jie’s eyes were filled with anticipation, and the other neutral members were all watching him. If he opposed this now, it would effectively push all those neutrals directly into Zhang Yang's camp.

Although Zhang Yang had voluntarily stepped down, he hadn't left the Student Union; he remained a member of the Presidium and certainly retained the capability to stir up trouble if he wished.

Endure. He must endure this. That was Zhou Yichen’s sole coherent thought.

“I believe student Gao Jie is excellent. Under his stewardship, the Arts Department will undoubtedly become even better than before!”

Zhou Yichen’s statement signaled explicit support, even strong endorsement.

Since there was no other viable path, he chose to offer full support, framing it with positive remarks. This, he reasoned, might leave the door open to winning Gao Jie over later.

His logic was sound, but anger often leads people to make errors.

The moment he said that, Wang Guohua became displeased.

What did that imply? That the Arts Department would certainly improve under Gao Jie? Did it mean Gao Jie was inherently better than Wang Guohua himself?

They were supposed to be allies. To utter such a statement in front of him—where could he possibly save face? It essentially implied that in Zhou Yichen’s eyes, Wang Guohua was inferior to Gao Jie.

Wang Guohua felt a surge of displeasure, lowered his head, but said nothing.

Glancing at Wang Guohua, the smile playing on Zhang Yang’s lips deepened.

“Since Chairman Zhou concurs, perhaps we should finalize this matter today to avoid further meetings. The nation is currently promoting efficiency; we should follow the national spirit and improve our own efficiency!”

Zhang Yang said this slowly, and many people nodded noncommittally.

Given Wang Guohua’s prior reaction, everyone paid little mind to Zhang Yang’s latest suggestion; only Zhou Yichen truly cared.

Unfortunately, he was now unable to object. He had just lavished praise upon Gao Jie; he couldn't retract it now, or his previous words would have been wasted effort.

The moment the vote passed, Zhang Yang spoke again.

“Everyone is aware of Hu Tao’s capabilities, and he has experience working in the Department of Associations. I propose we entrust the position of Head of the Department of Associations to Hu Tao!”

The instant Zhang Yang finished speaking, Hu Tao’s expression shifted drastically, and he vehemently waved his hands, crying out, “No, that won't do!”

Hu Tao had worked in the Department of Associations before, but he currently belonged to the Department of Sports and held high prospects of taking over that department. Compared to the Department of Sports, the Department of Associations was merely a nuisance. He had no intention of relinquishing his chance at heading the Department of Sports to become a service steward.

“Student Zhang Yang, perhaps we can discuss this later!”

Zhou Yichen managed to suppress the rage boiling inside him, speaking slowly. Today’s performance by Zhang Yang was entirely unexpected and left him utterly baffled.

“The Secretariat and the Arts Department are settled; one more Department of Associations shouldn't matter. Since student Hu Tao disagrees, why don’t we open the floor for suggestions? Who else is suitable for the Department of Associations?”

Zhang Yang smiled faintly, his gaze sweeping lightly over the assembled members in the conference room. Many immediately looked down, and no one else spoke.

………………

Chapter Two. Three updates today; one more chapter remains, which will be posted a little later! C

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