Zhou Yichen was stunned too, sitting up slightly straighter as he asked the question very softly.

Though his voice was quiet, everyone present could sense the tension beneath his words.

It was understandable; Zhou Yichen’s current difficult position as Chairman was entirely due to Zhang Yang. If Zhang Yang left, his biggest obstacle would vanish, allowing him, given time, to revert to the strong, unopposed Chairman he once was.

"Chairman Zhou, I am now formally tendering my resignation as Minister of the External Relations Department. You wouldn't refuse, would you?"

Zhang Yang smiled faintly and sat down directly. He spoke with such casualness that an outsider might mistake him for a close friend of Zhou Yichen.

"Agree, of course I agree! I am more than willing to agree!"

Zhou Yichen screamed the assent in his heart, but he dared not utter it aloud. He didn't know what Zhang Yang was planning and couldn't afford to speak rashly at this moment.

He was genuinely wary of Zhang Yang right now.

"Minister Zhang, you can't resign! We all know that the good times we are enjoying now are entirely thanks to you. The External Relations Department cannot function without you!" Wang Guohua called out urgently. He had relied on Zhang Yang to resist Zhou Yichen to develop his own standing. Without Zhang Yang, given Zhou Yichen's petty nature, Wang Guohua was sure to face immediate retaliation.

He wouldn't even have a chance to become the third faction in the Student Union; he would likely be sidelined, just as Zhang Yang had been before, only unlike Zhang Yang, he lacked the ability to stage a comeback using the power of the External Relations Department.

However, he wasn't entirely wrong in what he said: the current prosperity was indeed Zhang Yang’s achievement. The Student Union had money, and many departments were much more comfortable than before. Activities that were previously only dreamed about were now being carried out. More activities meant a better reputation for the Student Union, and cadres like them had become minor local celebrities.

"Director Wang, thank you for your high regard. However, my mind is made up. I believe our Student Union has many talents; the External Relations Department will develop well no matter who is leading it!"

Zhang Yang smiled and shook his head. The resignation was a trap he was setting for Zhou Yichen, but it was also his genuine intention.

At this stage, he held little interest in the Student Union. If it weren't for fulfilling the former 'Zhang Yang's' wishes, he would have left long ago.

"How can it be the same? Who else has the ability to pull in a sponsorship of two hundred thousand!" Wang Guohua exclaimed anxiously. Many other ministers nodded in agreement.

Zhou Yichen shot Wang Guohua a venomous look. He suddenly realized Wang Guohua was even more detestable than Zhang Yang. Zhang Yang leaving was the best news, yet Wang Guohua was desperately trying to stop it. If he ever got the chance in the future, he would certainly take revenge on this fellow.

"Director Wang, that's not fair. We must believe in the capabilities of our classmates. Wasn't everyone doubtful when I first joined the External Relations Department? But I still succeeded in the end. Besides, the next semester is still long; I trust the new minister can complete the task!" Zhang Yang said, smiling. Many people now realized that Zhang Yang was truly determined to leave.

Otherwise, he wouldn't need to say all these things or offer so many explanations.

"That's not certain. The External Relations Department absolutely cannot be without you!" Wang Guohua insisted, shaking his head again.

"Director Wang, since Minister Zhang is feeling unwell, it’s good for him to rest properly. Moreover, Minister Zhang is only resigning; he is not leaving the Student Union. He remains our comrade!"

Zhou Yichen finally spoke, directly opposing Wang Guohua's opinion. He could see that Zhang Yang genuinely intended to resign and wasn't using it as leverage. If Wang Guohua managed to disrupt things and make Zhang Yang change his mind, Zhou Yichen would be devastated; such an opportunity was rare.

No sooner had he finished speaking than, without giving Wang Guohua time to react, Zhou Yichen turned back with a jovial expression. "Zhang Yang, I approve your resignation. Please rest well. You are a great contributor to our Student Union. For now, Gu Cheng will temporarily take responsibility for the External Relations Department until you have fully recovered!"

Zhou Yichen's attitude was exemplary; to an outsider, it might genuinely appear as though he was deeply concerned for Zhang Yang.

"Gu Cheng's seniority is too shallow; he cannot bear that responsibility alone. Since I am resigning this time, I don't intend to return. Chairman Zhou should arrange someone else for the External Relations Department!" Zhang Yang smiled and shook his head, refusing again. His words made Zhou Yichen freeze momentarily.

Even if Zhang Yang resigned, Zhou Yichen hadn't considered taking back control of the External Relations Department; that was Zhang Yang’s territory. In Zhou Yichen's view, Zhang Yang wouldn't abandon it even if he left. That’s why he had suggested Gu Cheng manage it—he was projecting his own behavior. If Zhou Yichen himself were temporarily unable to work, he would assign one of his own people to take over, never handing power to an outsider.

It wasn't just Zhou Yichen who was stunned; Wang Guohua and the others were equally taken aback.

Not only was Zhang Yang resigning, but he was also giving up the External Relations Department? In their eyes, this was foolishness. Everyone in the Student Union knew how crucial the External Relations Department was right now.

"Z-Zhang Yang, are you serious?" Zhou Yichen couldn't help but ask, his speech slightly stammering from nervousness. This was certainly not Zhou Yichen’s usual demeanor.

But he couldn't help it; Zhang Yang’s words were too stimulating. Judging by Zhang Yang’s appearance, he was not only resigning but also relinquishing the External Relations Department, effectively handing the right to appoint the new minister over to Zhou Yichen.

This was the most fatal attraction for him. If the External Relations Department also fell under his control, he would grasp both financial and administrative power, turning the Student Union back into his private playground, his domain.

"Chairman Zhou, do you think I would make such a joke here?" Zhang Yang smiled faintly. Zhou Yichen’s breathing hitched. He immediately understood Zhang Yang’s implication.

This was a regular meeting, the most formal assembly in the Student Union, and no one would dare joke like this here. That meant everything Zhang Yang had said was true. Only then did he notice that from the moment Zhang Yang announced his resignation, Xiao Bin and Gu Cheng hadn't said a word. These two were Zhang Yang’s most loyal subordinates. They must have known Zhang Yang’s decision beforehand.

Slowly, Zhou Yichen’s heartbeat began to quicken again. He felt like he had been struck by a pie falling from the sky—a very large pie at that.

The few individuals aligned with Zhou Yichen also sat up straighter. They were equally excited, and the few with some standing looked on with expectation. They hoped Zhang Yang was genuinely resigning completely, handing over the authority to appoint the Minister of External Relations to Zhou Yichen.

If that happened, they would have a real chance to take over the External Relations Department. The department, once feared and labeled as the Student Union's hell, was now a rare prize. Who didn't want control over financial approvals? Look how Gu Cheng, a newcomer, had become the object of everyone’s flattery just by managing affairs in External Relations, even surpassing Zhou Yichen in popularity.

"I understand, Zhang Yang, rest assured. No matter who takes over the External Relations Department, we will never forget your contributions!"

Zhou Yichen took a deep breath, trying to calm his surging emotions. He found Zhang Yang much more pleasing to the eye now. Zhang Yang voluntarily ceding power was something he hadn't anticipated; for him, it was a massive surprise.

"Everyone, I sincerely apologize. Please continue your meeting; I must take my leave now!"

Zhang Yang stood up. Resignation in the Student Union wasn't complicated. Zhang Yang was effectively no longer the Minister of External Relations. Apart from his status as a member of the Chair Group, he held no other position, so there was no reason to stay.

As Zhang Yang left, Mi Xue followed him out. Mi Xue had joined the Student Union purely because of Zhang Yang; without him, she had no interest in staying. In ordinary times, Mi Xue following Zhang Yang so closely would surely have made Zhou Yichen jealous, but today his mood was surprisingly good; he wished Zhang Yang would never reappear.

"I'll see Minister Zhang off!"

Xiao Bin stood up, and Gu Cheng rose with him. Without waiting for Zhou Yichen’s reaction, both walked toward the exit. Zhou Yichen didn't mind their perceived rudeness. Since Zhang Yang was gone and had even given up the External Relations Department, dealing with these two would be easy later.

His thoughts were now consumed by the selection of the new Minister of External Relations. This choice was vital; it had to be one of his own people. If he weren't the Chairman and thus unable to hold the ministerial post concurrently, he would have taken the External Relations Department himself.

Besides the new appointment, there was the matter of the funds from the Finance Department. Zhang Yang had secured twenty thousand in sponsorship, and over forty thousand had been spent in a little over a month. He hadn't cared before, but now he felt the pinch. Forty thousand—that was enough for almost a year’s normal expenditure! These people spent money so freely once they had it.

But the thought that the remaining balance would be under his control made him excited. Over a hundred thousand—his uncle had given him a decent allowance, but never this much. This was his first time controlling such a large sum of money.

…………

"Zhang Yang, now that you're leaving, Gu Cheng's and my future won't be easy!"

After leaving the meeting room, Xiao Bin said with a wry smile to Zhang Yang. He had no intention of returning to the meeting today, preferring to avoid facing Zhou Yichen’s hateful expression.

"It’s all temporary. Don't worry; before long, everything will change!" Zhang Yang chuckled lightly. Power breeds greed. Once Zhou Yichen controlled so much money, he was bound to develop other ideas, especially since he was someone accustomed to spending lavishly.

Even if he was cautious and didn't dare touch this money, it was enough that he controlled it. Zhang Yang was certain Zhou Yichen could never relinquish control over these funds. As long as that was the case, Zhang Yang had a way to make Zhou Yichen suffer.

This was the large pit Zhang Yang had dug for him, one he couldn't refuse. Zhang Yang's departure marked the beginning of Zhou Yichen stepping into the pit, and now he could only wait for Zhang Yang to slowly fill it in and eventually bury him inside.

After they came out, Gu Cheng left separately after a brief exchange with Zhang Yang. Hu Xin and Xiao Dai were waiting for them. Both had no interest in the Student Union matters; they were more concerned about Nannan and her mother.

After eating a simple meal at Zhou Sao's Noodle Shop, the group immediately bought fruits and other necessities and headed to the hospital. Zhang Yang's car appeared at the Third Hospital for the third time today. The gate guard had changed, but the excitement around the car hadn't lessened. As soon as Zhang Yang approached, several people started whispering again.

When the group entered the ward, Nannan was peeling a banana for her mother. Two packages of fruit and a bouquet of flowers sat by the bedside, indicating someone had visited earlier. Zhang Yang knew this well; he smiled faintly, glanced at Nannan's mother, and then nodded silently.

Nannan’s mother looked much better than before, and a smile had replaced the worry and fear from the morning. In this state, she was perfectly fine for surgery.

"Nannan, why didn't you tell us your auntie was sick!"

Mi Xue was the first to rush over, greeting the auntie first before gently chiding Nannan. Xiao Dai also walked over, saying something similar.

"I didn't want to bother everyone. It's not a major illness for my mom!" Nannan smiled faintly. She was touched that so many good friends and classmates had come, but she was a girl not adept at expressing emotion.

"Zhang Yang, Mi Xue, you're here too!"

Another person entered the doorway, carrying a small trash bin. The group turned to see it was Gu Cheng. Gu Cheng had arrived much earlier than them. The bananas Nannan was peeling were bought by Gu Cheng, and he had been helping clean the room. He had just stepped out to take the trash out.

"I was wondering where you ran off to, running faster than all of us. How is everything now?" Hu Xin approached Gu Cheng and whispered, nudging him playfully with his elbow, his expression teasing.

"I was just passing by, so I came first," Gu Cheng replied helplessly. He had come early with other intentions, but here he hadn't said anything, only giving gifts and offering help—nothing like what Hu Xin was implying.

"Stop just talking; you still have things in your hands!" Xiao Dai turned back and frowned at Hu Xin, who was holding two large bags—the gifts they had brought.

"Hehe, I forgot! Auntie, we are all Nannan's classmates and good friends. Rest assured, just focus on your treatment here. If you need anything, you can call on us anytime!"

Hu Xin put down the bags and grinned foolishly. His clumsy appearance made Nannan’s mother laugh. Seeing her daughter surrounded by so many good friends and classmates eased her worries considerably, and she was secretly happy for her daughter.

"Mi Xue, you all stay here. I'm going to check the duty room!"

Zhang Yang smiled faintly, waved to Mi Xue, and left the ward. The surgery wasn't major, but it was still surgery. He wanted to confirm the details more clearly and thoroughly.

When he reached the office, he found only one female doctor on duty; everyone else was gone. However, he did get an unexpected piece of news: Wang Guohai hadn't left. He was currently in a hospital conference room. It seemed many department heads were staying late for an important meeting called by the Dean to discuss a significant matter. The doctor didn't know the specifics, but Zhang Yang didn't care much. Since Wang Guohai was staying, he could discuss the surgery details with him after the meeting. Zhang Yang planned to be present on the day of the surgery to ensure its success.

Zhang Yang was unaware that the meeting he paid little attention to was directly related to him. This meeting, specifically convened by Zhu Zhixiang, was to discuss the allocation of Zhang Yang's former work responsibilities.

…………

Ten votes more, four thousand words bonus update!

Thanks to Alliance Leader 'Little Pocket' for the 10,000 coin monthly ticket reward; the monthly tickets have finally broken into double digits.

Thanks to friends Lian Sihong, Feng XiaoらFengxue, choumeibani, Feizai7931, for their rewards. Special thanks to Alliance Leaders Yan Hui Man and Yumen Dao Wu Liao for their 1888 coin rewards. Xiao Yu thanks everyone for their support!