Li Lin gathered the courage to speak, despite the fact that these words were not easy for him.
Even though Camille had mentioned that these council members were mere puppets orchestrated by the Ferros family, they were still, in appearance, council members, and their family held a prominent position in Piltover.
So, even as puppets, their influence was not insignificant, provided Camille or the Ferros family did not intervene.
Li Lin dared to confront the council members, even going so far as to challenge Cassandra's authority. Clearly, he had his own thoughts and confidence.
Firstly, if he followed Cassandra's plan, the Undercity would once again face oppression.
Vander was the leader of the Lanes, and based on Li Lin's investigations, his influence in Zaun was substantial.
Even if Vander currently avoided direct conflicts and remained within his territory, the other chem-barons in different districts would still have to consider his opinion.
Currently, Vander wished for peaceful coexistence with Piltover, provided both city-states could maintain the status quo.
However, after this recent city-wide incident, the council members and major families, eager to take action against Zaun, found an opportunity.
Once the fragile peace between the two cities was shattered, the Undercity would face more oppression, and the lives of its people would become even more miserable. Even if Vander did not want to be involved, his subordinates might not share the same sentiment.
In such a situation, Vander might not be able to control his own forces, and he might even find it unbearable, leading Zaun in a rebellion against Piltover, just like the "Day of Ashes" a few years ago.
Secondly, even if Li Lin couldn't convince the council members, he could take a gamble and use Camille as his backing.
Although it might seem a bit manipulative, based on last night's conversation with her, Li Lin believed she wouldn't mind him asserting himself with her authority.
After all, his actions were aimed at maintaining stability and peace between the two cities.
Apart from being disloyal to the Ferros family, his ideals aligned perfectly with Camille's.
Of course, it would be best not to use this trump card unless absolutely necessary.
Thirdly, and somewhat optional, with his achievements in inventing things like the electric generator, Hextech energy crystals, and exoskeleton armor, Li Lin could use these as persuasive tools with the council members and representatives of other families.
This would be an additional point in convincing them.
As long as the environmental pollution issue in Zaun was resolved and efforts were made to improve people's lives, the rest would follow suit.
Resolving conflicts would take time and continuous effort.
The only issue was that the upper-class families in Piltover were unlikely to contribute funds to develop Zaun.
If he wanted to change the current state of Zaun, he would need to visit Vander in the Lanes.
Li Lin sighed inwardly at the thought.
"World peace..." Mel smirked upon hearing these words.
"Especially now, with Noxus invading Ionia, you dare say that?" she added in her mind but refrained from expressing it out loud.
Her mother was the head of the Medarda family in Noxus, and in a militaristic expansionist country like Noxus, achievements and military contributions were highly valued.
The Medarda family, as imperial nobles, had contributed significantly in the recent wars against Ionia.
Mel had investigated Li Lin and knew he was from Ionia, fleeing to Piltover due to war.
She wasn't about to rub salt on his wounds.
After a moment, Mel composed herself and said seriously, "A beautiful idea, but can you really achieve it?"
"It's precisely because I have confidence that I say so," Li Lin replied, meeting Mel's eyes without any trace of fear. "And I believe I have the ability."
At the council table, a low mechanical voice sounded:
"Speaking without evidence. Do you think inventing that power armor alone can change the accumulated conflicts between two cities over the years?"
"Not just the power armor, but also the Hextech energy crystal, Councilor Bolbok," Jayce, standing beside Li Lin, couldn't help but interject.
Hearing his voice, the council hall erupted in a murmur:
"Hextech crystal?! Am I hearing correctly..."
"Heavens, isn't that the technology of the Ferros family?"
"I think this guy might be insane!"
"Hex Energy crystal... Could the groundbreaking invention the councilors mentioned be referring to this?"
"..."
Due to the cancellation of the Progress Day event last night, the electric generator and Hextech energy crystal were not showcased to the public.
Except for a few council members, other families were unaware of the Hextech energy crystal at this moment.
Upon learning that Li Lin had dared to research the most forbidden technology of Piltover, various emotions such as curiosity, excitement, fear, and schadenfreude surged among the representatives.
"Jayce!" Lady Cassandra, seeing Jayce speaking up for Li Lin regardless of the circumstances, couldn't help but sternly rebuke him.
"Apologies, Councilor Bolbok, I am just stating the facts," Jayce replied calmly, ignoring Lady Cassandra's angry gaze, and exchanged a nod with Li Lin.
I can only help you to this extent; the rest is up to you.
Li Lin, grateful for Jayce's subtle nod conveying a deeper understanding, continued to focus on Mel.
In the current scenario, if he could persuade Councilor Medarda, who subtly led the council, the fate of the Twin Cities would be largely determined.
Mel, with her right hand supporting her chin, pondered for a moment before slowly speaking, "Alright, since you put it that way, I'm curious to hear your insights. How do you plan to address the current issues in Zaun and, at the same time, ease the tensions between the two city-states without jeopardizing our family's interests?"
She subtly emphasized the word "our" this time.
This was promising!
A glint flashed in Li Lin's eyes, deciphering the hidden meaning in Mel's words – as long as it didn't harm the interests of these council families, it was acceptable. The rest of the families would be his responsibility.
"Well..."
In the following moments, Li Lin quickly laid out his original plan to the council members, addressing their intricate and probing questions. Fortunately, Caitlyn and Jayce assisted in presenting the case, leaving the council members speechless.
When the debate finally paused, Mel surveyed the room before turning her gaze toward other family representatives. She then raised her voice, resonating through the room:
"I believe everyone now has gained a clear picture of Mr. Li Lin's perspective. This matter is significant for both city-states. In the upcoming vote, I hope everyone can be fair and objective, not influenced by external factors...
"If you support Mr. Li Lin, please raise your hands to vote."
The family representatives in the audience exchanged glances, and after a while, no one seemed willing to be the first to act.
Just when Li Lin felt a sense of impending failure, a young man, dressed in Piltover University attire, with slightly messy medium-length hair and leaning on a cane, slowly raised his hand.
His expression showed hesitation, as if his decision was the result of internal struggle.
"Ohoho~~ His name is Viktor, my assistant," Heimerdinger chuckled, blowing on his beard, providing a brief introduction, "He represents Piltover University today."
So, it was Viktor, the young man who hadn't ascended into a machine yet. No wonder the system panel last night had exactly ten champions.
Li Lin remembered this young man; he had lain next to Heimerdinger in the hall of Piltover University last night.
With the first person stepping forward, more hands emerged sporadically from the audience, especially among the lower-class families who originated from Zaun, having risen to the upper city due to inventing practical patents.
"Elora." Mel beckoned to a woman in clothing similar in color and style to hers, approximately the same age, who emerged from the crowd, writing and sketching on her notepad, counting the votes.
After a while, Elora placed several sheets of paper in front of each council member, bowed, and withdrew into the crowd.
Mel glanced at the papers, a hint of a smile playing on her face. "It seems the supporting and opposing families are evenly divided."
She then set aside the papers, scanned the varied expressions on the faces of the council members, and with a slightly raised tone, declared, "Let's proceed with our vote. Those in favor of Mr. Li Lin's proposal, please raise your hands."
A crucial moment had arrived.
Li Lin's heart pounded uncontrollably, struggling to contain his nervousness.
The council members exchanged glances, and eventually, Heimerdinger was the first to raise his short little hand. "I agree."
"I am also in favor."
To Li Lin, Caitlyn, and Jayce's surprise, even the previously angry Cassandra raised her hand.
Mel's eyes showed a thoughtful expression. "Well, I find Mr. Li Lin's proposal feasible. I'm in favor."
"What?"
"Councilor Medarda, how could you..."
"Are you serious?"
The exclamation came from Shoola, Hoskel, and Bolbok councilors.
Salo, initially silent, sighed under Mel's sidelong glance and raised his hand. "I will also agree... but I have conditions."
"Please, Councilor Salo," Li Lin nodded.
"Firstly, sponsorship. The Salo family won't provide any sponsorship, and as for the others..." Salo quickly scanned the room, then focused his gaze on Li Lin. "It will depend on your abilities."
"No problem."
I never expected these families to contribute, and regret will be theirs later.
Li Lin maintained a polite smile, thinking to himself.
"Secondly, you've mentioned many ideas, which are indeed feasible. However, you didn't specify how long it would take for you to show results."
Salo Councilor hummed, "I suggest this: three years. We'll give you three years, and you must present results that satisfy us."
Three years, that's too short...
Li Lin's brows furrowed slightly. Just as he was about to say something, Professor Heimerdinger, sitting across the round table, spoke first.
"Salo Councilor, three years might be a bit challenging... Any scientist would understand that achieving a scientific breakthrough can't be rushed."
His voice was sharp but not grating.
"I think this young man does want to contribute to both city-states. Why not be a bit more lenient and give him more time? I think ten years would be reasonable."
"Ten years?!" Salo, Hoskel, and Shoola councilors exclaimed simultaneously.
"Don't worry, ten years will pass in the blink of an eye."
Heimerdinger waved his hand, completely unaware that Yordle's concept of time was entirely different from that of ordinary humans.
"How about we compromise? Let's all make a concession," Mel intervened, "Give Mr. Li Lin five years. It's not too tight, nor too easy. What do you think?"
She signaled to Li Lin.
Li Lin took a deep breath, seizing the opportunity to say, "Five years is fine. I can produce satisfactory results for all of you."
"Alright then, five years it is. I can wait," Salo Councilor reluctantly agreed.
Then, noticing Li Lin's apparent confidence, he timely poured cold water, "But don't be hasty; there's one more condition."
"Please speak."
Salo gave Li Lin a cold glance, "What if you can't deliver?"
This was a challenge, an attempt to gain an advantage...
Li Lin's heart skipped a beat. "I..."
Before he could say a word, Cassandra loudly responded from the other side, "The Kiramman family vouches for Li Lin."
"Mother..."
"Madam Cassandra..."
This time, the other councilors, Li Lin, Caitlyn, Jayce, and the representatives present were all shocked.
Shoola widened his mouth, "Councilor Kiramman, why would you do this?"
"I don't think you need to go to such lengths for just a craftsman," Bolbok also tried to dissuade.
Li Lin noticed that Madam Cassandra didn't even look at him, seemingly with lingering anger.
But even so, she was willing to bet everything on him...
Why?
Li Lin's emotions were complicated, and he couldn't figure it out.
"I've made up my mind," Madam Cassandra said coldly, "Li Lin is a Kiramman artisan. If he fails, the Kiramman family is willing to take responsibility for his actions."
"This..." At this point, Salo had nothing more to say, shaking his head helplessly. "Fine, I agree."
"Very well, now that everyone has decided."
Mel looked at Li Lin, a faint smile playing on her lips.
"Mr. Li Lin, according to the agreement, you need to produce satisfactory results within five years. The Kiramman family vouches for you. All present are witnesses to the agreement. Can you accept this?"
Li Lin exhaled heavily, "I can."
Mel's face showed a smile, slowly standing up from her chair, announcing to everyone in the hall:
"The vote now stands at 4 in favor and 3 against. I declare—Mr. Li Lin's proposal is effective."
(End of this chapter)
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