No one spoke, and Zhang Yang passed the question back to Zhou Yichen, whose jaw was clenched so tightly he wished he could tear Zhang Yang apart. Everyone knew that the Student Union Secretariat held the most power; the Club Department was merely a formality that often required running errands for others. Anyone with ambition would avoid that post. "This matter can be discussed another time!"

Zhou Yichen felt choked, but he had to answer this question; after all, he was the Chairman. Zhang Yang immediately shook his head. "Chairman Zhou, we talked about this earlier. Efficiency is the buzzword nationwide now. Why split one task into two sessions!"

Glancing at Xiao Bin, Zhang Yang continued, "Chairman Zhou also mentioned earlier that merits should be rewarded and faults punished. I believe that student Xiao Bin has worked diligently and faithfully in the Secretariat. Although he made a small error today, his previous contributions were substantial and have gone unrewarded. Why don't we have student Xiao Bin take over as the head of the Club Department this time!"

Zhou Yichen abruptly looked up, staring at Zhang Yang in astonishment. If Xiao Bin became the department head, what was the point of taking him down from the Secretariat before? Xiao Bin’s work in the Secretariat was also about serving others, constantly running errands. The work in the Club Department was much the same; this move essentially meant Xiao Bin’s duties wouldn't change, yet he’d advance a rank to department head.

Zhou Yichen instinctively wanted to object, but before he could speak, Gao Jie cut in. "Student Zhang Yang's suggestion is excellent. Our Club Department has received significant help from student Xiao Bin multiple times; everyone knows that. Xiao Bin is familiar with all the clubs, and he’s an old friend to us. I believe he is capable and fully qualified to serve as the head of the Club Department!"

Once Gao Jie spoke, Zhou Yichen had to swallow his objection, shooting a resentful glare at Gao Jie. This Gao Jie was truly clueless. You were just transferred to the Arts Department, and now you’re siding with Zhang Yang. He needed to remember that I was the one who secured him the position of Arts Department head; I am the Student Union Chairman. Unfortunately, Gao Jie was unaware of Zhou Yichen’s thoughts at that moment. His defense of Xiao Bin was purely out of gratitude. Zhang Yang had helped him out, and today, he couldn't let both Zhang Yang and Xiao Bin be ousted; he had to offer support somehow.

Following Gao Jie’s endorsement, Ye Zhan, the head of the Technology Department, also expressed his support. The other neutral members nodded their agreement as well. Being neutral naturally grouped them together, and at this moment, it was proper to back Gao Jie. Moreover, the change in Gao Jie’s position offered them a glimmer of hope. "Director Wang, Xiao Bin is no longer working in the Secretariat. However, I still need to ask for your opinion—what do you think?"

Zhang Yang turned back and addressed Wang Guohua directly, completely ignoring Zhou Yichen’s face, which was about to explode with anger. This address, "Director Wang," caused Wang Guohua to puff up slightly again. Coupled with Zhang Yang’s polite solicitation of his professional view, he was extremely satisfied, and his favorable impression of Zhang Yang increased considerably. "Everyone is well aware of student Xiao Bin’s capability and work ethic. He indeed has past merits and has never received any rewards. Most importantly, student Xiao Bin is the most familiar with all the clubs. I believe student Zhang Yang’s proposal is excellent; handing the Club Department to Xiao Bin is the most fitting choice!"

Mentally cataloging Zhang Yang’s favors, Wang Guohua naturally spoke up for him. Zhang Yang smiled and nodded, then suddenly asked, "Student Hu Tao, what are your thoughts?"

He was addressing Hu Tao, Zhou Yichen’s staunchest lackey. Hu Tao seemed momentarily stunned, not expecting Zhang Yang to call on him so suddenly. A slight panic flashed across Hu Tao’s face as he quickly nodded. "I have no objections. In fact, I also think Xiao Bin going to the Club Department is very suitable; he truly knows all the clubs well!" Hu Tao’s agreement stemmed purely from not wanting to be sent to the Club Department himself. He was genuinely afraid that Zhang Yang would shunt him off to the Club Department. If this were the beginning of the meeting, he might not have believed it, but after seeing Zhang Yang install Wang Guohua as the Secretariat Director and Gao Jie as the Arts Department head, he worried sick about being dumped into the Club Department—he would cry buckets if that happened.

Zhou Yichen glared at Hu Tao with intense dissatisfaction, but Zhang Yang ignored him and continued questioning others. Everyone present agreed with Xiao Bin taking over as the Club Department head, and Xiao Bin himself was too thrilled to articulate words. What was a sudden turn of events? This was it. He had thought he would become a mere figurehead in the Student Union, perhaps even ousted entirely, but now, in the blink of an eye, he might become a department head. "Chairman Zhou, what is your opinion?"

After questioning everyone else, Zhang Yang finally cast a smile toward Zhou Yichen, entirely unconcerned by Zhou Yichen’s murderous glare, and asked calmly. "I disagree!"

Zhou Yichen ground out the words slowly, causing many people around the room to freeze. They suddenly realized that Zhang Yang seemed to have stolen the spotlight today, completely overshadowing Zhou Yichen. Even they had been subconsciously influenced and hadn't noticed that Zhou Yichen hadn't yet voiced his opinion on this matter. "Chairman Zhou, this is a proposal that everyone has approved, and it’s an excellent one at that. I would like to know the reason for your disagreement!"

Zhang Yang maintained his smile and asked softly. "I think he is unsuitable, so I disagree!"

Zhou Yichen stated flatly. He was truly angered, unwilling to even formulate a reason before directly rejecting Zhang Yang’s proposal. In the conference room, Wang Guohua and Gao Jie watched Zhou Yichen warily. Zhou Yichen’s rejection of the proposal, which everyone else endorsed, was tantamount to rejecting all of them—something unacceptable to the group. Though Zhou Yichen had been forceful before, he usually consulted opinions, offering at least superficial respect. Nothing he did was absolute. Now, by tearing off that veneer, he naturally provoked widespread dissatisfaction. "Chairman Zhou, this is not a dictatorship, and the Student Union doesn't belong to you alone. You can disagree, but I will report this to the Presidium and apply for a formal meeting to review your dereliction of duty!"

Zhang Yang spoke slowly, his expression turning serious this time. Gao Jie, and even Wang Guohua, quietly nodded. Zhang Yang’s words resonated deeply with them; they had no desire for a Chairman who ruled by decree, forcing them into the role of obedient stewards. Only Hu Tao and the true lackeys wanted to object, but faced with the current Zhang Yang, they didn't dare utter a word.

Zhou Yichen looked at the oppressive atmosphere with genuine shock, feeling a pang of panic. "Student Zhang Yang, I just wanted to discuss it further. There’s no need to make it so serious, right!"

He hadn't expected that merely venting his frustration and voicing a simple objection would elicit such a massive backlash from Zhang Yang. More terrifyingly, the senior cadres present weren't opposing Zhang Yang. Fortunately, his reaction was swift; he quickly forced a smile, his tone softening considerably. "When everyone agrees on something, is there still a need for discussion?"

Zhang Yang showed no regard for Zhou Yichen’s sudden softening, continuing to press him. Zhou Yichen felt a prickling sensation under Zhang Yang’s gaze and finally had no choice but to nod. "I believe Zhang Yang's proposal is very good. Student Xiao Bin is indeed very suitable to take over the Club Department!"

After saying this, Zhou Yichen slumped back into his chair as if his energy had been drained. A deep sense of defeat washed over him. Facing Zhang Yang, this was the first time he had experienced such a feeling.

………… Once again asking for recommendation votes. Friends, if you like the story, please give Xiao Yu a few votes. Recommendation votes are crucial for Xiao Yu right now. Also, thank you to aigeml1888 for the Qidian coin tip, and thank you to friend Xù Fú for the tip! C