Zhou Yichen was gone. His departure was utterly unexpected, stunning everyone present into silence, unsure of what to say or do.

It was like a staff meeting or a company assembly where the department head or CEO suddenly walks out, leaving everyone else bewildered and unsure of the next step. The Student Union wasn't a corporation or an office, but the dynamic was similar.

Zhou Yichen was the Union President and the meeting's moderator; his sudden exit created significant ripple effects. A faint smile touched the corner of Zhang Yang's lips, his eyes carrying a glint of amusement.

This Zhou Yichen was indeed not simple. It was no wonder the previous 'Zhang Yang' could never measure up to him.

Had it not been for the soul from a later generation possessing him, the original Zhang Yang, even with his knack for securing sponsorships, would have found dealing with Zhou Yi extremely difficult. The fundamental quality of the two men was vastly different.

Zhou Yichen’s move—appearing to retreat—seemed rash and ill-mannered, but its effect was undeniable. His departure at least put a halt to any discussion about the External Relations Department's rewards or punishments.

As for the sponsorship funds Zhang Yang secured, now that they had surfaced, they would inevitably need to pass through the Student Union's accounts. Otherwise, it would look like he was mocking everyone, a result that would turn public opinion against Zhang Yang.

Even if Zhang Yang tried to delay handing over the money, Zhou Yichen wouldn't worry; he could stall too. As long as the core issue wasn't addressed, Zhang Yang, holding the funds, would become the unified target of everyone else.

After all, it wasn't just the Sports Department that was short on cash. If Zhang Yang simply handed the money over, the solution would be even simpler.

By temporarily sidestepping the penalty discussion for the External Relations Department, he bought himself time to strategize. He couldn't renege on his prior promises, but he could be flexible, perhaps even delegating the already sidelined Finance Department to Zhang Yang for specific tasks.

He already had a preliminary plan forming in his mind. However, executing any of that required time.

This was why, after careful consideration, he chose to leave so unceremoniously, letting everyone assume he was simply jealous of Zhang Yang. Only by doing this could he safeguard the power and interests he currently held.

He was someone keenly focused on gain, willing to sacrifice appearances for profit. The moment Zhou Yichen left, Zhang Yang had already seen through his intentions.

Zhou Yichen was clever, but in Zhang Yang's eyes, it was all petty cunning. He had battled true old foxes before; dealing with this little fox was hardly comparable.

"Minister Ouyang, you can deposit the funds directly, but here, I must announce a few points!" Zhang Yang spoke slowly. His voice wasn't loud, yet it carried well, drawing everyone's gaze to him.

Zhou Yichen was gone; their anchor was missing. Zhang Yang, the only one capable of standing against Zhou Yichen, instantly became the new focal point.

"Minister Zhang, please proceed!" Ouyang Yu immediately nodded, instinctively using a term of respect. Two hundred thousand yuan—that sum was now a reality.

He had no idea how Zhang Yang had accomplished it, but it didn't diminish his admiration and respect for him. Having served as the Finance Minister for two years, he understood better than anyone the sheer difficulty of securing sponsorships.

"It’s quite straightforward. First point: I intend to allocate a portion of these funds.

Our Student Union has over a dozen departments, and none of them have sufficient budgets. I want to set aside some retained funds for them to facilitate their future work!" Zhang Yang articulated his plan.

Ouyang Yu paused briefly, then nodded in agreement: "That is only right, Minister. No issue there!" The heads of the various departments sitting around the conference table instantly lit up, staring at Zhang Yang.

What a generous person! Every department was currently scraping by, unable to fund their activities, let alone maintain retained budgets.

Zhang Yang’s action effectively granted them fiscal autonomy. No matter the amount, having some money meant they could stand a little taller.

"Second point: The External Relations Department will oversee the approval and supervision of these funds from start to finish. This means the External Relations Department retains the right to be informed and to veto any subsequent use of these funds.

Minister Ouyang, please forgive the increased workload. I simply do not want the sponsorship I worked so hard to secure to become capital for certain individuals to squander!" Zhang Yang added, causing all the other ministers to momentarily freeze before silently acknowledging his statement.

Oversight power was something the External Relations Department had always possessed. Any funds brought in by that department, including the portion allocated to themselves, required their knowledge regarding usage—that was standard procedure, and no one would object.

What mattered was the approval power. This meant that every time they needed to spend money, they would require the External Relations Department's consent.

However, upon reflection, Zhang Yang's final sentence held sway. This funding was secured through his strenuous effort; if it were any one of them, they would likely make similar demands.

They might even demand more, given that this represented an achievement unmatched by anyone else. Of course, this would mean more hassle down the line, but complication was preferable to having no money.

These department heads were tired of being poor; as long as there was funding, everything was negotiable. As for Zhang Yang’s mention of 'squandering,' most people didn't dwell on it.

These ministers generally held relatively pure intentions; they needed the money truly for official needs, intending to use it productively. Only a minority of ministers harbored ulterior motives and wanted to object—these were Zhou Yichen’s loyal lackeys.

Unfortunately, with Zhou Yichen absent, they dared not be the first to speak out against such a popular proposal, knowing it would incite general outrage. "I have no objections!" Ouyang Yu considered it for only a moment before agreeing outright.

He genuinely had no issue. Traditionally, others brought him paperwork to sign off on expenditures; adding one more layer of required approval didn't matter much, as long as the money flowed.

Having money also meant an increase in his own authority. "I have no objections either!" Minister Liu quickly declared his support.

Zhang Yang had just promised funding for their department. Moreover, he had effectively fallen out with Zhou Yichen.

Zhang Yang was clearly capable of challenging the President, so supporting him might secure his own position. "Agreed!" "I agree!" Xiao Bin and Gao Jie were quick to voice their assent.

They had even less reason to oppose Zhang Yang. Gao Jie, apart from Xiao Bin, was one of Zhang Yang’s closest allies among the ministers; the greater Zhang Yang’s authority, the greater the potential benefit to him.

Soon, all the other ministers nodded their heads. Unanimity was reached.

Zhou Yichen had fled. Consequently, Zhang Yang couldn't automatically assume the Vice Presidency or gain oversight of departments like Finance as a reward, as those appointments required the President's final approval.

But that was irrelevant. He only needed the most crucial element: approval authority.

As for the Vice President title and managing the Finance Department, he didn't care for those posts at all. What he desired was the veto power over this specific sponsorship money.

Zhou Yichen could evade the issue, but Zhang Yang could secure this authority himself—it was merely an approval right that didn't absolutely require the President's signature to pass. "Excellent.

Zhang Yang thanks everyone for their support. With Chairman Zhou absent, Vice Chairman Wang will temporarily preside to pass this joint resolution.

Furthermore, the allocation of retained funds for each department will be finalized by the External Relations Department in the coming days. Minister Liu’s situation is urgent, so his allocation will be expedited.

Minister Ouyang, you may issue approval instructions to them starting tomorrow!" Zhang Yang concluded. Vice Chairman Wang immediately nodded.

A senior fourth-year student, he was usually preoccupied with job hunting and paid almost no attention to Student Union affairs. A person like him wouldn't obstruct anything, especially a resolution everyone else had already approved.

C