Many people subconsciously straightened up and looked toward Zhang Yang. With Zhou Yichen gone, Zhang Yang naturally became the pillar of the gathering, even though he held no official position within the Student Union.

"Listen up, everyone!"

Xiao Bin cleared his throat lightly, sweeping his gaze across every face.

Those department heads who had been suppressed by Zhou Yichen now turned to look at him, while those who had tightly clung to Zhou Yichen’s coattails, or followed him, now hung their heads low.

Regarding the accusations Zhang Yang had just leveled against Zhou Yichen, they had either participated in those actions or committed similar ones themselves; Zhang Yang had simply chosen not to bring them up.

Misusing public funds for shopping—who wouldn't take the opportunity if they could skim a little for themselves? However, they were modest; they only slightly inflated invoices to cover their 'hard work,' nothing as outlandish as what Zhou Yichen had done.

Even so, watching Zhou Yichen being led away by the University Disciplinary Committee, these individuals felt a cold dread, fearing they might be next.

Being taken away by the Disciplinary Committee meant the end of one's future.

Xiao Bin was quite pleased with the reaction of the assembly. In this moment, he seemed to feel the intoxicating sense of power his Chairman had wielded; this territory would soon be his.

"Zhou Yichen’s actions are deeply regrettable and disappointing. More importantly, they serve as a stark warning to all of us. From now on, we must be vigilant and disciplined, ensuring there is never a second Zhou Yichen!"

Xiao Bin spoke slowly. Such a summarizing statement ought to come from the most important person present. Since Zhang Yang remained silent, Xiao Bin took the floor, and some of the smarter members began to grasp the underlying meaning.

Pausing for effect, Xiao Bin continued, "I believe the majority of students present are good people and have not engaged in such behavior. If you haven't done it now, you must never do it in the future!"

Xiao Bin’s words caused the heads of the few guilty parties to sink even lower.

He said 'the majority,' not 'all,' which made those who had crossed the line feel even more apprehensive and terrified.

They had no choice. They had witnessed Zhou Yichen’s fate firsthand. The usually composed Zhou Yichen had lost control when taken away by the Disciplinary Committee; they could fare no better.

After another brief silence, Xiao Bin resumed, "Zhou Yichen neglected his duties and abused his authority. I propose that he is unfit to continue serving as Chairman. I suggest we immediately suspend his Chairmanship!"

When Xiao Bin finished, everyone exchanged glances, but no one spoke.

There was no doubt Zhou Yichen's tenure as Chairman was over, but few expected Xiao Bin to be the one to propose the motion.

Removing a Chairman required a decision from the Presidium; this general meeting technically lacked that authority. However, several members present were on the Presidium, and given the severity of Zhou Yichen's offense, a temporary suspension was feasible.

Zhang Yang was the first to voice his agreement. As soon as he spoke, the other Presidium members immediately followed suit, and Zhou Yichen's golden hat as Chairman was effectively removed.

"As the saying goes, a nation cannot be without a sovereign, nor a family without a head. Our Student Union has so many members and so much work; the Chairman’s seat cannot remain vacant indefinitely. I, Xiao Bin, hereby put myself forward and formally apply to run for the position of Student Union Chairman!"

Xiao Bin spoke again, and this time his words startled everyone.

Most instinctively looked toward Zhang Yang. Everyone had naturally assumed that with Zhou Yichen gone, Zhang Yang would certainly become the new Chairman, especially since Zhang Yang was the one who brought Zhou Yichen down, and they had previously contended for the position.

No one had expected Xiao Bin to suddenly nominate himself.

Had it been anyone else, they might have ignored the suggestion entirely, but everyone knew Xiao Bin was Zhang Yang’s man. This sudden move by Xiao Bin strongly suggested it was Zhang Yang’s will.

"Student Xiao Bin’s self-nomination is excellent. He has served the Student Union for three years, working in the Culture and Arts Department, the Secretariat, and the Club Department. He has rich work experience and is an old friend to everyone. I propose that before the official election, he can first assume the role of Acting Chairman!" Zhang Yang said with a slight smile.

Electing a Chairman required approval from the Presidium and the expanded meeting; no one could jump directly to the top spot. However, an Acting Chairman was different; with the consent of the Presidium, an interim leader could be appointed. Zhang Yang was a Presidium member, so his suggestion was legitimate.

Once Zhang Yang finished speaking, nearly everyone understood the situation.

This had been planned beforehand. Zhang Yang had removed Zhou Yichen but had no personal interest in taking the Chairmanship himself; instead, he was promoting Xiao Bin. While Xiao Bin was eligible to run, many others were more qualified and experienced. By rights, it shouldn't have been Xiao Bin’s turn.

But no one dared voice this truth. Xiao Bin might lack the credentials, but Zhang Yang possessed absolute authority. If Zhang Yang had declared he would be the Chairman, no one would have dared utter a single word of dissent. Likewise, his designation of a successor left them with no room to object; they could only accept it silently.

If they refused and wanted to step up themselves, Zhou Yichen was the perfect cautionary tale. If someone as powerful as Zhou Yichen met such a miserable end, what chance did they have?

Silence reigned. Once the few Presidium members concurred, Xiao Bin officially became the Acting Chairman.

Amidst the awkward applause, Xiao Bin rose from his seat as the head of the Club Department and slowly walked over to where Zhou Yichen had been sitting, settling into the chair.

Acting Chairman of the Student Union, the top post in Changjing University's student organizations—it was his now.

As he sat down, Xiao Bin felt a momentary strangeness, but the feeling quickly vanished. He understood that the Changjing University Student Union had entered the era of Xiao Bin.

Furthermore, his self-nomination had actually been requested by Zhang Yang. For Xiao Bin to effectively lead as Chairman, Zhang Yang’s support was not enough; he needed the capacity to stand alone. Zhang Yang could help him once, perhaps twice, but not forever. The self-nomination was his first step; if he lacked the courage to even volunteer himself, Zhang Yang would never have elevated him to this position—it would have been better to let others compete fairly.

After Xiao Bin sat down, Zhang Yang rose again. His objective for the day had been fully achieved, and there was no need to remain. This might well be his last time in the Student Union meeting room; student affairs would no longer concern him.

The regrets of the former 'Zhang Yang' had now been rectified. Although he hadn't taken the seat himself, putting his own person in power was a more difficult feat than taking it himself. He had done much better than the previous 'Zhang Yang.'

Zhang Yang left, but the Student Union meeting had to continue.

The two prominent figures of the Student Union had departed one after the other, yet their exits were vastly different. Zhou Yichen was gone; no one would remember him except perhaps as a cautionary lesson. Zhang Yang, however, had left, and every word he spoke was remembered clearly by everyone present.

All eyes turned back to Xiao Bin.

Xiao Bin was now Acting Chairman, but everyone understood that the 'Acting' title would soon be dropped, confirming him as the formal Chairman. With Zhang Yang’s backing, achieving that was virtually guaranteed.

This reality sparked quiet envy in many. Just two months ago, Xiao Bin was someone ordered around, constantly criticized, a man who dared not speak out against injustice. In such a short time, Xiao Bin had executed a spectacular reversal, leaping above all of them—it was no wonder some felt jealousy and resentment.

Yet, they could only accept it. Xiao Bin was fortunate; he had followed the right person, ultimately reaping the rewards and ascending in a single step.

This entire incident served as a vivid lesson for students who had not yet entered the professional world. No matter the time or place, aligning with the right person was paramount; following the right person guaranteed a bright future.

"It's done!"

As Zhang Yang stepped out, Mi Xue greeted him with a smile. She had been waiting outside, having not attended the meeting. After Xiao Bin’s ascension, she planned to resign her student position; now, only Zhang Yang occupied her thoughts, and everything else was irrelevant.

"It’s done. I won't need to come back here again!" Zhang Yang smiled faintly, and without caring that they were still on campus grounds, he took Mi Xue's hand.

Perhaps because Zhang Yang had fulfilled his past unspoken desires, his body was involuntarily experiencing a peculiar sensation—a feeling of intense excitement mixed with something indefinable.

"Zhang Yang, is there anything you can't do?" Mi Xue suddenly turned and asked him with utter seriousness.

Zhang Yang was slightly taken aback, looking at her in surprise.

"You said it before—that you would make Xiao Bin the Student Union Chairman. I remember. At the time, everyone disbelieved you, even Xiao Bin and I didn't believe it. But you actually achieved it!" Mi Xue asked softly, her beautiful eyes fluttering.

In truth, she wanted to ask about many things: the sponsorships he had sought for the Union, the traffic accident she'd been in previously, or even the recent bet. Mi Xue realized that anything Zhang Yang set his mind to accomplish, he never failed.

"Heh heh, you really want to know what I can't do?" Zhang Yang suddenly flashed a strange, knowing smile and stared straight at Mi Xue. She grew shy under his gaze and instinctively lowered her head.

"Tell me!"

But Mi Xue insisted on asking. She was gradually realizing that in her heart, Zhang Yang had become omnipotent.

"If you want to know, then follow me forever, keep following, and you will see what I cannot do!" Zhang Yang continued to chuckle mysteriously. Mi Xue looked up in astonishment, only to drop her gaze moments later as her face flushed bright red again.

Zhang Yang’s words clearly carried a deeper implication. He was asking her to follow him eternally; only then, by staying close, could she discover the rare occasions, if any, when he might fail. Following him forever—didn't that mean they would be together forever? Being together forever implied being a family. The hidden meaning in Zhang Yang's statement was too obvious, hence Mi Xue’s blush.