The thousand-year-old ginseng was brought back by Zhang Yang, a treasure he needed to guard carefully.

Zhang Yang knew exactly how to store such a celestial treasure; the security of his current place was simply inadequate, given it was a rented apartment of very ordinary standing.

If it were anything else, fine, but if a treasure like this attracted unwanted attention and was stolen, he would rather die.

The millennium ginseng was not only effective for treating illnesses but would also play a part in the practice of his ancestral Qigong. The notions found in Wuxia novels about heavenly materials and earthly treasures boosting internal energy were not entirely baseless.

These natural treasures were excellent sources for replenishing Yuan Qi (vital energy), and the greatest requirement for cultivating inner strength was precisely this Yuan Qi.

Of course, reality wouldn't be as exaggerated as fiction; consuming one thousand-year-old ginseng wouldn't magically grant centuries of added power.

If Zhang Yang prepared the medicinal formula himself using this ginseng, he could recover to his previous peak condition within half a year. Following his old cultivation pace, this process would have taken at least three to four years.

This calculation was based on his already accelerated cultivation speed.

Such assistance was immensely important to Zhang Yang, as a significant portion of his medical expertise stemmed from his ancestral Qigong, which was the very reason his acupuncture techniques surpassed those of ordinary TCM practitioners.

To protect these precious assets, he knew he had to move the plan to purchase a house up the agenda.

This time, buying a house didn't mean acquiring Old Man Liu's two-bedroom apartment; it meant acquiring a large home with high-level security and robust protection measures, which he estimated would cost a substantial sum.

Until he secured a suitable property, the millennium ginseng could only be safely deposited in a reliable bank vault—at least the security there far surpassed that of his home.

Time slowly moved on; Hu Xin and the others never brought up the thousand-year-old ginseng again after returning to school.

Everyone's schedule had tightened recently as they prepared for examinations. Hu Xin and his group aimed to avoid failing courses, while Zhang Yang and Mi Xue strived for excellent results.

A week passed quickly.

During this week, Zhang Yang visited the hospital twice more. Huang Ju's weight had almost fully recovered, and thanks to Zhang Yang's acupuncture, she showed no lingering side effects from the rapid weight gain. Medical checks revealed her body was quickly approaching the optimal state for her definitive surgery.

This upcoming operation could finally resolve her issue once and for all.

Nannan's mother had been discharged, and her whole family came to thank Zhang Yang specially. Nannan's father was also aware that Zhang Yang had fronted the costs for his wife's hospitalization.

They repeatedly assured him they would repay the money as soon as possible.

Zhang Yang truly hadn't given the money much thought; ideally, they shouldn't repay it at all. Regrettably, Nannan was too stubborn a girl to accept that arrangement.

It was Monday again, and with exams looming this week, the campus was a blur of students hurrying about.

Many students who usually slacked off and spent their time playing were suddenly shaking off their laziness, diligently studying for a few days—a last-minute cram session, better than nothing. They only needed a passing grade; failing was what they sought to avoid.

Others, however, paid little mind to the exams, continuing to busy themselves with other matters.

Zhou Yichen was one such person. He never worried about exams, thanks to his uncle holding a director position at the university, ensuring he wouldn't fail.

Furthermore, Zhou Yichen had been living quite comfortably these past few days.

He hadn't expected that after Zhang Yang stripped him of his authority, he would so suddenly relinquish it, and so completely at that.

For the first few days, he remained slightly uneasy, fearing Zhang Yang might stage a sudden comeback or stir up some trouble.

However, after several days, seeing Zhang Yang show no reaction whatsoever—not even inquiring about his suppression of Xiao Bin and Gu Cheng—he gradually relaxed.

Moreover, he had heard that Zhang Yang was doing quite well now, driving a Mercedes and having plenty of money. In Zhou Yichen's estimation, Zhang Yang must have struck it rich somewhere and was currently living the life of a nouveau riche.

This fact fueled his jealousy. He did not want Zhang Yang to fare better than him and secretly hoped Zhang Yang would lose everything soon, reverting to his former impoverished state.

It must be said that Zhou Yichen's mindset was peculiar and utterly self-serving, yet such people are common in reality.

Many struggle to accept when someone around them suddenly prospers, especially those who were previously considered beneath them. If such a situation arises, even if nothing is said, the jealousy can become maddening.

While the students prepared for exams, the Student Union's regular meeting had to proceed as scheduled; Monday was the day for this gathering.

Zhou Yichen arrived at his office early, beginning to savor this lifestyle once more.

Zhang Yang’s relinquishment of everything meant the Student Union was once again his domain. Xiao Bin’s Club Department reverted to its former designation as the Housekeeping Department, and Gu Cheng was marginalized in the External Relations Department, rendered practically irrelevant.

Fortunately, Gu Cheng had cultivated considerable goodwill during his tenure leading External Relations; otherwise, his situation would have been far more difficult.

Glancing at the time on his watch, realizing it was nearly time for the meeting, Zhou Yichen stood up with a satisfied air and headed toward the conference room.

During every meeting, he made sure to be the last to arrive.

Most attendees were already in the room. Zhou Yichen scanned the faces and his brow twitched slightly.

Most people were present, but not everyone. Xiao Bin of the Club Department was absent, and Gu Cheng from External Relations had also failed to show up. Monday's mandatory meeting required all campus members to attend; absence without cause would result in demerits.

With the two missing, Zhou Yichen merely frowned, thinking nothing more of it, and took his seat directly.

Next to him sat Wang Guohua, the Director of the Secretariat. Due to past conflicts, Zhou Yichen had suppressed Wang Guohua significantly, and Wang Guohua’s life was now far more miserable than before.

This situation only deepened Wang Guohua's resentment toward Zhou Yichen.

“Let’s begin. The holiday is approaching. Today's discussion will primarily cover preparations for the break. Moreover, next year’s orientation work cannot be neglected; this is a vital task for our Student Union!”

Zhou Yichen cleared his throat, signaling the start of the meeting.

Changjing University Student Union had always been central to orientation activities. In previous years, insufficient funding meant they worked exhaustively. This year, with better finances, they could recruit more volunteers to assist, making their work easier.

Successful orientation guaranteed rewards from the university, so Zhou Yichen took this matter seriously.

“Excuse me, are we late?”

The conference room door suddenly opened, and a voice unfamiliar to many for some time suddenly sounded. Everyone turned their heads, staring in astonishment at Zhang Yang, who pushed the door open.

No one had expected Zhang Yang to appear at this juncture.

The most surprised was Zhou Yichen. Zhang Yang’s arrival stirred an inexplicable flicker of unease in him. He felt wary of Zhang Yang now; he held no official position in the Student Union anymore, so he shouldn't be here, yet he had appeared. In that instant, a thousand thoughts raced through Zhou Yichen’s mind.

“Why is everyone silent? Haven’t you seen me for so long that you’ve forgotten me?”

Zhang Yang showed no pretense of politeness, walking straight to the conference table. He looked around, finally fixing his gaze on the new head of the External Relations Department, Huang Sheng, who visibly paled under the scrutiny.

Zhang Yang hadn't come alone; Xiao Bin and Gu Cheng followed him and stood close by. Both of them now focused their attention on Huang Sheng as well.

Being watched by three people simultaneously made Huang Sheng extremely uncomfortable.

“Z-Zhang Yang, what are you trying to do?” Huang Sheng managed to ask unnaturally after a moment.

“Nothing at all. I apologize, but I need to borrow this seat for a moment!”

Zhang Yang smiled slightly. Upon hearing this, Huang Sheng immediately stood up, but as he did, he felt something was wrong—he had simply yielded his seat to Zhang Yang, as if he belonged to Zhang Yang.

Unfortunately, he was already standing, and it was awkward to sit back down now. Zhang Yang offered no reprieve, instead striding over and taking the seat that had been his.

Huang Sheng could only stand awkwardly, casting a wronged glance toward Zhou Yichen.

Zhou Yichen’s expression was grim; he completely ignored Huang Sheng, consumed by trying to decipher Zhang Yang’s purpose for being there. Seeing Zhang Yang settle into the External Relations seat, he wondered if Zhang Yang regretted giving up his power and intended to return.

However, leaving was easy; returning would be hard, and Zhou Yichen was determined not to allow Zhang Yang back under any circumstances.

Since Zhou Yichen paid him no mind, Huang Sheng reluctantly sat down on the periphery, crowding in with the other members of External Relations. He was the most embarrassed person in the room.

A department head relegated to the outskirts, effectively pushed out during the meeting—if a crack in the floor had opened, he would have gladly dived in. He desperately wanted to leave the room, but in this moment, he dared not move.

Gu Cheng was less troubled; finding an empty chair nearby, he dragged it over and squeezed in with the others in the External Relations section.

With this arrangement, all meeting attendees were gathered, save for the addition of Zhang Yang.

“Zhang Yang, you have already resigned!”

After a long silence, Zhou Yichen finally asked quietly. Now, he lacked the nerve to confront Zhang Yang loudly.

Zhang Yang had been studying a file he brought with him since sitting down. Only when Zhou Yichen spoke did he look up, casting a faint glance at him.

“I am aware. I am not here today to reclaim my former position. I have a few questions for Chairman Zhou.”

“Questions? What questions?”

Zhou Yichen’s brow twitched again, a new wave of unease surging through him, distinct from the previous feeling.

“Nothing major. Everyone knows that the sponsorship funds for the Student Union were painstakingly secured by me, intended to serve the entire Union. However, I find some of Chairman Zhou’s recent actions quite perplexing, so I came specifically to inquire.”

Zhang Yang spoke slowly, ready to spring the traps he had laid earlier. Zhou Yichen, meanwhile, had already fallen to the bottom of the pit with no way out.

“What actions do you find confusing? Furthermore, we are in the middle of a meeting. Isn't bursting in like this disrespectful to the entire Student Union?”

Zhou Yichen frowned tightly, his sense of foreboding growing stronger, especially when Zhang Yang mentioned the sponsorship funds.

Having tasted the benefits of controlling the finances, he had certainly enjoyed many advantages. He wasn't inherently a good person, and under no external scrutiny over the funds, dipping his hands in occasionally felt normal. In his mind, this was the Union's money; previously, Zhang Yang blocked him, leaving him powerless, but now that it was all in his hands, he felt he could use it as he saw fit.

“It is precisely because I respect the Student Union that I made a special trip here. Otherwise, I truly wouldn't bother myself with your affairs!”

Zhang Yang’s expression suddenly shifted. He tossed the file on the table forward and continued, “On the 16th, the Organization Department purchased twenty commendation certificates and three trophies, totaling eight hundred yuan. When did the Organization Department need trophies and certificates? And tell me, were these certificates and trophies gold-plated or silver-inlaid to cost eight hundred yuan?”

At Zhang Yang’s words, Zhou Yichen’s lips trembled. Indeed, Zhang Yang had come specifically for him.

That particular purchase had occurred shortly after he seized financial control. The funding had been requested by the Arts Department, headed by Gao Jie, whom Zhou Yichen deeply disliked because Gao Jie frequently exchanged knowing glances with Zhang Yang. The items were meant for them, but instead of giving them the money, Zhou Yichen directed the seemingly unrelated Organization Department to procure the goods.

The current head of External Relations, Huang Sheng, hailed from the Organization Department, just as Zhou Yichen himself had years prior; it was considered Zhou Yichen’s stronghold.

Zhou Yichen remained silent, and Zhang Yang pressed on. “On the 18th, the Life Department bought one hundred mops, one hundred brooms, and twenty trash cans for five thousand yuan?”

At this point, quiet murmurs spread through the room. It was clear to everyone that Zhang Yang’s visit was targeted at Zhou Yichen.

Mops and brooms cost mere yuan each; even a high-quality mop wouldn't exceed ten yuan. Trash cans were even cheaper. Spending five thousand yuan on such a small inventory was undeniably excessive.

Zhou Yichen’s mouth twitched again. He could no longer remain silent.

Zhou Yichen spoke slowly, “Zhang Yang, these are internal matters. The items purchased might have been slightly more expensive, but we have receipts for everything. All financial transactions followed the proper procedures!”

“Very well, you followed procedures. But if the items were just bought expensively, let me ask you this: On the 19th, 23rd, and 24th—three days—a total of nine thousand five hundred yuan was spent at the Triumph Hall. And on the 24th, what explains the consumption of over three thousand yuan at the Caesar Palace KTV?”

Zhang Yang gave a cold smile and stated his final point.

As soon as he said this, many faces displayed shock. Zhou Yichen had taken Student Union members to Triumph Hall before, but only those loyal to him; others were kept in the dark. Only now did they learn Zhou Yichen had been using Union funds for extravagant entertainment. This was Student Union money, not Zhou Yichen's personal piggy bank. Several department heads now showed clear signs of anger.

Since Zhou Yichen took charge, applying for funds had become far less straightforward for them; requests were often delayed or rejected. They received no money for the work they did for the school, while Zhou Yichen was spending over ten thousand yuan on fine dining and karaoke entertainment. Anyone finding out would be incensed.

“Minister Zhang, is what you’re saying true?”

Gao Jie was the first to lose his composure and stood up to ask. After Zhang Yang left, the Arts Department never received the necessary funding again. They had to procure essential items through other means. If Zhang Yang hadn't left them a small reserve fund, their department would likely have reverted to its original struggling state. He was among the angriest now.

…………………………… Seventh update, a 4,000-character mega-chapter, making up for the previous missing 1,000 characters. Continuing to write; the eighth update follows! !d@tNovel Network