Chapter 375: Counterattack

The event is finally about to officially begin, an exhilarating moment, and Wu Yang and the other candidates straighten their backs.

Because they were debating who should speak first, the four third‑year candidates kept yielding to each other, but completely ignored Lu Cheng standing aside.

In their view, today's president choice must be one of the third‑years; Lu Cheng is just a token filler.

After the speaking order was set, the first three candidates each gave a speech, with nothing worth discussing.

It was merely about, after becoming president, how they'd serve everyone, fulfill the duties, hope for support, cast a vote, and such.

Compared with the first three, who spoke bland platitudes that left the audience indifferent, the next speaker Wu Yang quickly ignited everyone's emotions.

The earlier speech was basically the same as the previous three, but the latter added concrete implementation plans.

"Fellow students, if I become president, I plan to hold a Remembering bitterness, thinking sweetness activity once a week, during which the entire school staff and students will voluntarily go hungry for a day…"

The remark immediately sparked discussion among the students below.

"What the heck, go hungry for a day? Is this damn Remembering bitterness, thinking sweetness? At least give us some steamed buns and wild greens."

"The key is it's once every week, which means we'd be starving four days a month."

"What a lousy idea, Remembering bitterness, thinking sweetness isn't done like this."

Hearing the clearly opposing remarks, Lu Cheng was also a bit surprised.

This Wu Yang really shouldn't have said that now; it could very well have the opposite effect.

Wu Yang, of course, knew that his boldness came from confidence.

That confidence came from the school, from the nation, from billions of people.

"I know everyone has opinions, but I think there's nothing wrong with this; the sacrifices of Revolutionary Martyrs must not be forgotten, and the Revolutionary Spirit must not be forgotten.

Remembering bitterness, thinking sweetness activities can let us recall past hardships, commemorate Revolutionary Martyrs; only through deep reflection can each of us truly appreciate how hard today's happy days are…"

Wu Yang grew increasingly passionate, eventually raising his fist and shouting loudly, "Never forget class suffering, Revolutionary Will must not be forgotten, Revolutionary Spirit must not be forgotten—does everyone support me?"

Lu Cheng and Zheng Guoping exchanged a glance, silently cursing, "This Wu Yang really knows how to stir up antagonistic feelings, even invoking Revolutionary Martyrs—who the hell dares not support him."

Anyone who doesn't support him is essentially forgetting the sacrifices of Revolutionary Martyrs.

That's even more severe than the label of 'hedonism'.

As expected, regardless of genuine approval, in this situation the slogans must be shouted first.

One person leads, and immediately everyone follows.

"Revolutionary Will must not be forgotten, Revolutionary Spirit must not be forgotten…"

The atmosphere surged instantly, everyone fearing to fall behind; the chants rose wave after wave, shaking the dust from the Da Litang ceiling into a fluttering fall.

Even the leaders on stage, seeing the students' passionate scene, nodded in approval.

Some even internally thought Wu Yang was the most suitable candidate for president.

Zheng Guoping sensed danger; with students so supportive of Wu Yang, he feared Lu Cheng was in trouble.

But Lu Cheng thought this was a good chance for a counterattack.

After the earth‑shaking chants ended, Wu Yang stood proudly there, and then Lu Cheng stepped forward, taking the microphone from Wu Yang's hand.

"Lu Cheng, just say a couple of lines, don't waste everyone's time."

Wu Yang felt certain of victory; Lu Cheng smiled and nodded, and only after Wu Yang returned to his seat did his voice echo through the Da Litang.

Compared with Wu Yang's passionate, shout‑style speech, Lu Cheng appeared much calmer.

To others, this unconfident tone seemed like a pre‑emptive sign of surrender.

"Students, Wu Yang spoke well just now, especially emphasizing the Remembering bitterness, thinking sweetness activity… Hmm? I'd like to ask everyone, what does Remembering bitterness, thinking sweetness mean?"

From the chattering below, Lu Cheng couldn't hear clearly, so he continued on his own.

"Remembering bitterness, thinking sweetness truly is, as Wu Yang said, recalling past hardships, not forgetting the sacrifices of Revolutionary Martyrs, so I think the activity can be…"

The Wu Yang in the audience was completely confused; he had asked Lu Cheng to keep it brief, yet he was now echoing his ideas.

Afraid? Knowing he has no chance of winning, he simply stops opposing the group and chooses to support him.

Wu Yang thought this, still considering Lu Cheng to be shrewd.

Who would have known that Lu Cheng would then turn the conversation around.

"Remembering bitterness, thinking sweetness is not wrong, and the Revolutionary Spirit should not be forgotten! But I'd like to ask everyone, why did the Revolutionary Martyrs shed blood and sacrifice their heads? Is there any student who can answer?"

Wu Yang grew anxious; he had wanted Lu Cheng to go up for the final rally, yet he was now asking questions on stage like a teacher.

Seeing Lu Cheng stall there for a while with no student answering, Wu Yang felt a brief satisfaction, indicating the students were unmoved by Lu Cheng's words.

But as a good buddy, how could he let Lu Cheng be left hanging.

He immediately stood up and said, "Of course it's to let us enjoy happy, good days."

Lu Cheng gestured and said, "Hey, that student spoke very well, indeed, Revolutionary Martyrs weren't afraid to sacrifice their lives so we could have good days, so I think the spirits of the Revolutionary Martyrs in heaven wouldn't want to see us starving, merely to commemorate them."

Clearly we could eat properly, yet we deliberately pretend to be hungry, pretend to eat poorly; I think that's not commemoration but a show, betraying the sacrifices of Revolutionary Martyrs! So what is true commemoration?

"True commemoration is not wasting food, eating well, studying hard, contributing to society, doing one's best, building a prosperous nation so everyone can have enough to eat…"

"In this way, the spirits of the Revolutionary Martyrs in heaven would be genuinely pleased; this is true commemoration, truly worthy of the Martyrs."

Lu Cheng stood on the stage, wandering aimlessly, speaking casually.

Though his voice was soft, each sentence pierced everyone's heart, and a sense of strength began to sprout within.

Seeing the situation go awry, Wu Yang immediately stood and shouted, "That's sophistry!"

"Sophistry?" Lu Cheng glanced, then calmly said, "I don't think this is sophistry; rather, it starts from facts, and you all can consider…"

"Our country truly faces hardships; to surpass other nations we must endure much suffering. I also believe our people are the most resilient, but that doesn't mean we must endure suffering blindly.

Peace isn't a façade; starving a day isn't commemorating Revolutionary Martyrs, especially starving a day each week, which only adds mental burden to students and strain to the school."

Watching Wu Yang's chest heave repeatedly, he was at a loss for how to argue; he hadn't expected Lu Cheng to be so eloquent.

With ease, he seized control of the rhythm.

This left Wu Yang momentarily confidence‑shaken; it seemed today's election would indeed involve fierce battling, and who would ultimately win was hard to say.

However, Wu Yang still has confidence; Lu Cheng only denied his Remembering bitterness, thinking sweetness activity, but those ideological education and political study are things no one can deny.

The final victory will definitely belong to his Wu Yang.