With Zhou Yichen gone, the External Relations Department held the approval authority for these sponsorships.

A few of Zhou Yichen's lackeys felt constrained in their desire to object; they lacked the confidence to challenge Zhang Yang, and besides, this was not an era where everyone owned a mobile phone. Apart from Zhou Yichen, none of them possessed one, making it impossible to notify him.

The rest of the attendees had absolutely no reservations about the matter.

The older members understood that this was essentially a reward from Zhang Yang. What he accepted was relatively light; had Zhou Yichen not suddenly departed, Zhang Yang would certainly have been promoted to Vice Chairman.

Given Zhang Yang’s accomplishments and seniority, no one would have objected to him taking the Vice Chairman role.

Furthermore, the residual effects of Zhou Yichen’s sudden departure were now becoming apparent.

People habitually compared him with Zhang Yang, and upon comparison, they found that Zhang Yang currently surpassed Zhou Yichen in both bearing and substance. Zhou Yichen’s irresponsible, sudden exit had left a shadow of doubt in everyone's minds, coupled with a slight erosion of trust.

However, this thought didn't linger for long; the department heads and committee members soon became engrossed in discussing another matter.

The reserve funding that Zhang Yang had promised them was what truly concerned their immediate interests and offered the most tangible benefit.

Each person began to air their grievances, detailing the hardships their respective departments had endured over the years, the precise amount of funding needed, and the future utility of those funds.

Zhang Yang, far from showing impatience, listened with a placid smile, even instructing Mi Xue and Gu Cheng to diligently take notes.

Every statement made by every head was recorded.

Through their accounts, Zhang Yang perceived that the Changjing University Student Union had indeed suffered in recent years, at least in terms of financial shortages.

In the memories of the former 'Zhang Yang,' there had been a deep attachment to the Student Union—otherwise, he wouldn't have remained despite being so sidelined that he was practically powerless.

The twenty thousand in sponsorship money secured this time served to mend a regret for the former 'Zhang Yang,' allowing the Student Union to develop better and more healthily in the future.

Although the current Zhang Yang held little personal interest in these affairs, completing these tasks brought him considerable satisfaction.

Having inhabited someone else's body, it was only fitting that he should handle some of their unfinished business.

At this thought, he couldn't help but glance back at Mi Xue.

The original owner of this body had secretly adored Mi Xue for a long time. He wondered if he should also fulfill this desire for the former 'Zhang Yang.' Judging by Mi Xue's demeanor, it seemed this wish could be easily realized if he chose to pursue it.

Poor Mi Xue had no idea that a beast—the most dangerous kind—was currently fixated upon her.

The meeting proceeded swiftly. Overwhelmed by the impact of the twenty thousand in sponsorship funds, everyone was too focused on securing as much money as possible to benefit their own departments to consider anything else.

Mi Xue and Gu Cheng, who were recording the speeches of all the department heads, felt for the first time the hidden struggles and the incomprehensible burdens carried by these outwardly glamorous Student Union officials whom everyone envied.

It made them reflect deeply, realizing that every household truly has its own difficult stories.

The meeting concluded. The allocation of reserve funds for each department would be settled at the next meeting, but the twenty thousand had already been transferred to the Finance Department's account in advance. Thinking about the 'enormous' sum of money in the ledger, Ouyang Yu walked with a noticeable buoyancy.

He smugly thought that he was likely the Finance Minister in the history of the Student Union to ever control such a large amount of funds.

This twenty thousand in sponsorship money fundamentally shifted everyone's perception of Zhang Yang. Unconsciously, they began to feel that Zhang Yang seemed stronger than Zhou Yichen and better suited to lead the Student Union.

Of course, Zhang Yang was unaware of these growing opinions; had he known, he would certainly have objected.

His actions within the Student Union stemmed from Zhou Yichen having provoked him, and the lingering influence of the former 'Zhang Yang's' memories. He held no personal interest in Student Union work; if asked to become Chairman, he wouldn't even accept the role.

…………

"Zhang Yang, I really need to thank you, you are incredible!"

At Zhou Sao Noodle House, Xiao Bin looked at Zhang Yang with undisguised admiration. After the meeting, their group had gathered here for dinner.

Zhang Yang had just promised his department, the Clubs Department, a full ten thousand yuan in reserve funding—the highest amount allocated to any department. Because of this, his smile hadn't stopped.

With this ten thousand yuan, the awkward status of the Clubs Department would be completely transformed. The leaders of all the various clubs were not fools; the department's money was inherently meant to serve them, and they would surely flock over like cats to fish.

How this money would be distributed was now Xiao Bin’s prerogative, which effectively increased his authority.

Even if everyone knew Zhang Yang deliberately sought to empower Xiao Bin, they would understand. Xiao Bin had always followed Zhang Yang and was his most loyal supporter; Zhang Yang never mistreated his own people. As for grand principles like absolute fairness, they simply did not apply to Zhang Yang.

Back in his previous life, he had known that true, absolute fairness did not exist in this world; he only needed to avoid breaking the game's rules.

However, if Ouyang Yu were to hear this, he would surely feel a pang of heartache—ten thousand yuan! When had he ever allocated that much money to a single department before?

"Xiao Bin, I know your capability. Work hard; there's definitely room for progress in the future!"

Zhang Yang chuckled. Just as he finished speaking, the owner of the noodle house, Boss Zhou, walked in carrying a large plate of chicken feet. Having overheard their conversation, he couldn't help but smile and ask, "Zhang Yang, what are you talking about? What room for progress?"

The owner was naturally in high spirits; his wife had been discharged from the hospital and was recovering at home, with his parents assisting him. He had reopened the shop.

After all, it was a small business, and keeping it closed would have an impact.

Zhang Yang was a great benefactor to him. The moment Zhang Yang and the others arrived today, Boss Zhou greeted them joyfully and even took them to the back to see the newborn child.

After seeing the baby, the group settled down to eat.

"I was talking about Xiao Bin. He has great potential for improvement; becoming our Student Union Chairman in the future isn't out of the question!"

Zhang Yang laughed lightly. As the others smiled at this, they were suddenly stunned into silence.

Especially Xiao Bin, whose eyes widened in disbelief as he looked at Zhang Yang.

"Zhang Yang, what did you just say?" After a moment, Xiao Bin asked uncertainly, thinking he might have misheard.

Zhang Yang smiled wryly, "I said, keep working hard, Xiao Bin. Becoming the Student Union Chairman in the future is entirely possible!"

This was genuinely what Zhang Yang thought. He had no intention of becoming Chairman himself, but that didn't mean he couldn't elevate his own people. Xiao Bin had the seniority; his ability was slightly lacking, but that didn't matter. With Zhang Yang helping him manage the bigger picture, ensuring Xiao Bin had a successful term as Chairman was entirely feasible.

As for whether he could successfully push Xiao Bin into the top position, Zhang Yang harbored no worries. He did not take a figure like Zhou Yichen seriously.

"Really? Congratulations, Xiao Bin! Wait right there, I'll make a plate of Sweet and Sour Meatballs to celebrate for you!"

Boss Zhou didn't know the internal politics of the Student Union, but he knew the Student Union Chairman was a very important position. Hearing Zhang Yang's words, he immediately shouted happily and hurried to the kitchen.

He was a simple and honest man, expressing his congratulations in the only straightforward way he knew how.