As expected by Chen Han Sheng, two days later, Zhou Xiao resigned. Not only that, but as the saying goes, "when the wall falls, everyone pushes," many of Zhou Xiao's past misdeeds within the External Affairs Department were dug up. These included accusations of using his position to dine with women, suspicion of embezzling funds while securing sponsorships, and disrespecting Minister Qi Wei by relying on his connections.
All sorts of rumors were thrown at Zhou Xiao, some due to his own questionable actions and others fueled by people stirring the pot. In the end, even Zuo Xiaoli couldn't convince him, and Zhou Xiao was determined to leave the student council, the place of his disillusionment.
One day after a meeting, the student council's other vice president, Hu Xiuping, suddenly mentioned, "Zuo Xiaoli, since Zhou Xiao has left the External Affairs Department, we need to fill the position of deputy minister. Otherwise, how will Qi Wei manage everything?"
Zuo Xiaoli, already overwhelmed by the Zhou Xiao situation, responded cautiously, "There's still Yao Qingguo in the department, and Qi Wei is quite capable. I think this can wait."
However, Mu Wenling, the only female vice president, agreed with Hu Xiuping. "The freshmen's welcome party is already being prepared, and the External Affairs Department needs to secure enough sponsorships quickly. At times like this, it's best to promote someone capable early."
Zuo Xiaoli, feeling particularly sensitive about the words "newcomer" and "freshman," suddenly realized something. "Who are you planning to promote as deputy minister?" Zuo Xiaoli asked.
Hu Xiuping and Mu Wenling exchanged glances before Hu Xiuping cleared his throat and said, "We've considered this person fairly, from the perspectives of fairness and public opinion among the freshmen."
"Stop with the nonsense, just tell me who it is?" Zuo Xiaoli interrupted.
"Chen Han Sheng from Public Administration Class 2 in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences," Mu Wenling said calmly.
Zuo Xiaoli wasn't surprised by the answer but sneered, "Since both of you have decided, there's no need to ask for my opinion in a 2-to-1 situation."
Hu Xiuping and Mu Wenling remained silent. The president's position was a single seat, and promoting someone who could weaken other contenders while also installing a "nail" in the department was a win-win situation.
"According to convention, new deputy ministers have to undergo an interview. Do you want to join?" Hu Xiuping asked.
"Of course," Zuo Xiaoli replied with a sneer.
---
This was Chen Han Sheng's second time participating in a student council interview. The first time was for a regular member position in the External Affairs Department, and now he was being interviewed for deputy minister, just a week apart. The twists and turns of life were truly strange.
The interview took place in a vacant activity room at the University Life Center, and when Chen Han Sheng entered, he saw two men and one woman. One of them was Zuo Xiaoli, who glared at him with a dark expression.
After the two vice presidents introduced themselves and briefly talked about the student council's internal structure, Chen Han Sheng listened indifferently. Just as the process was about to be completed, Zuo Xiaoli suddenly spoke up. "Chen Han Sheng, do you really think you can be a student council official? I suggest you think this through carefully!"
After Zhou Xiao's resignation, Chen Han Sheng had decided to stop, but now Zuo Xiaoli had reappeared.
Chen Han Sheng wasn't bothered by it. People like him were bound to have enemies, but he would surely have more friends than foes.
"No need to think. I appreciate the trust of the organization. I will not let you down," he replied with a raised eyebrow, not holding back.
Seeing the tension between Zuo Xiaoli and Chen Han Sheng, Hu Xiuping thought he'd played a good move, effectively tripping up a competitor. Mu Wenling, however, noticed the subtle tension and frowned slightly.
With the support of the two vice presidents, it was almost certain that Chen Han Sheng would become the new deputy minister. Before leaving, Zuo Xiaoli angrily said, "Hu Xiuping, Mu Wenling, I saw what happened at Yiwu Commodity Center. This guy is a gangster at heart. You will regret this decision!"
After Zuo Xiaoli left, Hu Xiuping and Mu Wenling felt awkward. They had planned to congratulate and encourage Chen Han Sheng, but he stood up and said, "Are there any other matters, leaders?"
"No, nothing," Mu Wenling said, a bit stunned.
"Alright, then I'll see you next time," Chen Han Sheng waved and left.
Hu Xiuping and Mu Wenling exchanged looks before Hu Xiuping commented, "I thought he would thank us."
Mu Wenling thought to herself, this was all about mutual benefit. Chen Han Sheng had already seen through their intentions. If he could get 2500 yuan from someone like Feng Jihua, how could they fool him? He had probably already figured it all out.
"I really don't know what Xiao Wei is thinking, having me support Chen Han Sheng as deputy minister. I don't know if she can handle him," Mu Wenling mused.
No one had expected Chen Han Sheng to become the new deputy minister of the External Affairs Department, especially with Qi Wei backing him.
But no matter what, in just one month since the start of the semester, while other students were still adjusting to university life, Chen Han Sheng was already the class president and the new deputy minister of the External Affairs Department in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences.
---
On the morning of October 1st, Chen Han Sheng, Xiao Rongyu, Wang Zibo, and Gao Jialiang were standing at the East Gate with their luggage.
"Didn't I tell you that your dad didn't need to come pick us up? We took the bus home last night already," Chen Han Sheng said while wiping his sweat. It was already October, but the autumn heat of Jianye was still harsh.
"You didn't want to catch a ride, now you can take the bus," Xiao Rongyu pouted.
Originally, Chen Han Sheng hadn't planned to go home for the National Day holiday, but he couldn't stand his mother Liang Meijuan's nagging on the phone, so he decided to return home, though he hadn't set a time yet.
It turned out Xiao Rongyu's father was coming to Jianye from Port City to pick her up, and he had offered to give Chen Han Sheng and the others a ride as well.
"Alright, alright. That seven-seat car with Port City plates must be Uncle Xiao's," Gao Jialiang said, not missing a chance to show off. "Han Sheng, you need to be more mature and remember your gentlemanly manners. We're university students now."
"Damn, you're such a suck-up," Chen Han Sheng spat, cursing.
Xiao Rongyu's dad had seen the group and slowly pulled the car over to the curb. At this point, Gao Jialiang, who had just mentioned "gentlemanly manners," was already getting ready to rush for the middle seats.
Chen Han Sheng glanced at him and immediately understood his intentions. The two middle seats in the seven-seater were the most comfortable, and Xiao Rongyu was sure to take one. The other would be the "prime seat," the most spacious and closest to her.
Once the car stopped, Gao Jialiang indeed tried to rush for the seat, but Chen Han Sheng blocked him. "Let me go first. I'm sitting in the back."
Gao Jialiang hesitated. Though he didn't understand why Chen Han Sheng wanted to sit in the back, the back row was typically boarded last in a seven-seater car.
In a moment of confusion, Chen Han Sheng had already easily gotten in, but instead of sitting in the back, he settled in the middle.
Gao Jialiang stood dumbfounded and asked, "Chen Han Sheng, didn't you say you were sitting in the back?"
"Oh, I changed my mind," Chen Han Sheng said calmly.
Seeing this, Wang Zibo immediately jumped into the front passenger seat, leaving Gao Jialiang with the last row.
"Don't block the way. Xiao Rongyu is still sunbathing behind," Chen Han Sheng kindly suggested to Gao Jialiang.
Gao Jialiang had no choice but to gnash his teeth and mutter, "Chen Han Sheng, if I ever trust you again, I'll be a dog!"