Chapter 226: Dimensional Supremacy

The election for vice president of the Lone Army Literature Society was far more grand than Li Ye had expected.

First, the election wasn't held in a classroom but in the auditorium; not only did the Student Union and the Youth League Committee send representatives, but the school also dispatched a senior administrative official to oversee the event.

Even more students came to show support—before the event even started, the three-hundred-seat auditorium was packed, and those who arrived late had to stand.

This level of pomp and circumstance was nothing like the treatment a student organization normally received.

Li Huai waited by the door, constantly checking his watch and pacing in circles, until he finally saw Li Ye riding his bicycle, slowly carrying Wen Leyu toward them.

"I'm the little brother here—how can you be so calm? Everyone's here and you're the last one! Are you trying to make a grand entrance?"

"Why rush? I'm the last speaker anyway—let others go first!"

"Don't be careless," Li Huai pulled Li Ye aside, worried: "This morning, the comic rights for 'Wangxiang Gujun' were finally confirmed."

"All the conditions you requested were met, and the rights transfer fee was raised another twenty percent—Du Yuan's chances have increased significantly."

"Oh~ That's great news!" Li Ye smiled. "Brother Li, you've added another shiny line to your resume. When you make it big, don't forget the poor little brother back here."

"Get off it, stop being unserious," Li Huai scolded with a laugh. "When you go up on stage, be serious and composed—don't let them treat you like a child."

"By the way, where's your speech draft? Let me see it—I'm terrified you'll say something shocking."

Li Ye frowned. "I don't have a draft. I'll just introduce myself up there and see who votes for me—that's all."

Li Huai stared at Li Ye, nearly spitting in his face.

"You didn't even prepare a speech draft? Fine, I'll get Yang Yumin to write one for you right away—find a quiet spot and memorize it fast."

"No no no," Li Ye quickly grabbed Li Huai's arm. "I was just kidding—I memorized it last night. It's all in my head. No problem at all."

"."

"Alright, alright! If I'd known you'd take over our roles, Yang Yumin and I would've locked you in long ago."

"But now, even though we both recommended you, you still have to go through the motions. Still, everyone knows your situation—you've got a strong chance."

Li Huai eyed Li Ye skeptically, but had no other choice—he pulled him inside quickly.

Wen Leyu had already entered and was seated in the spot Sun Xianjin had saved for her.

As a candidate, Li Ye needed to sit alone in a separate row.

Since everyone else had arrived, one seat in that row remained empty—and when Li Ye sat down, it drew many eyes.

Most people on stage looked displeased, except one person who smiled knowingly at Li Ye.

That person was Dong Yuejin, the chief editor of the newly popular mainland magazine "Xinfeng."

"Xinfeng" had always maintained excellent relations with the Lone Army Literature Society; it was he who, against strong opposition, serialized "Wangxiang Gujun" in the magazine and fully supported its republication in Hong Kong.

He happened to be in Beijing on official business, and as a member of the Writers Association and a seasoned insider, he was naturally invited to sit on stage as an honored guest.

As for how this related to Li Ye—outsiders had no way of knowing.

"Hey hey, time's up, everyone quiet—our election is about to begin. Let me introduce today's leaders and guests."

"Today we are honored to have with us the renowned Chinese writer and chief editor of 'Xinfeng,' Comrade Dong Yuejin."

"Comrade Dong has consistently supported our literary endeavors, promoting 'Wangxiang Gujun' overseas and helping more people understand the indomitable spirit of the Huazhong people."

"He has also pushed forward the comic adaptation of 'Wangxiang Gujun,' securing us three thousand U. . dollars in foreign exchange—please give him a round of applause."

"Clap clap clap clap~"

Everyone clapped enthusiastically; Du Yuan, seated beside Li Ye, was especially excited, clapping while glancing over at Li Ye.

Li Ye was puzzled—did this guy think this was his achievement?

After introducing the stage guests, it was time for the campaign speeches—a novel format, since most people had only ever voted directly without ever witnessing such "self-promotion."

"Hello everyone, I'm XXX, 25 years old, joined the Youth League in 1977. I've been in the Lone Army Literature Society for two years, and I have a few ideas for its future development."

"Hello everyone, I'm XXX, 23 years old, a probationary Party member."

Several candidates' speeches were nearly identical: they introduced their identities and experience, declared their determination, outlined their future plans—all earnest, enthusiastic, and uplifting.

But when it came to Du Yuan, things got interesting.

"Hello everyone, I'm Du Yuan. I've loved literature since childhood and began submitting work in middle school. When I first saw my words published in a newspaper, I deeply felt the power of writing."

"Later, I joined the Lone Army Literature Society and gained an even deeper understanding of that power. I am willing to devote all my spare time to promoting the great history and indomitable spirit of our nation."

"To that end, I reject all entertainment, refuse all pleasures, and will not pursue romantic relationships."

"Hahahaha~"

The audience laughed—even Li Ye was both astonished and impressed.

【What a ruthless guy! He's willing to give up years of romantic choice—is being a monk really that appealing?】

Li Ye slowly shook his head—he thought it wasn't worth it.

Miss this opportunity, and you'll never get another one—once you graduate and enter society, pure love will be out of reach.

Even if a girl is understanding, she'll still ask, "Where do you work?"

If you say you're a sanitation worker in charge of street cleaning, do you really expect her to look at you with tender affection?

In 1983, sanitation workers weren't nearly as respected as they'd become later.

After Du Yuan stepped down, it was Li Ye's turn.

Li Ye took the microphone and smiled calmly. "Hello everyone, I'm Li Ye, twenty-one years old. I only joined the Youth League last year."

"."

Many in the audience fell silent—Li Huai, Yang Yumin, among others.

Even little brother Sun Xianjin was frantically mouthing words to Li Ye.

Too young, too little experience—why announce your weakest points right away?

Only two people smiled, as if waiting for a show.

One was Wen Leyu; the other was Li Ye's homeroom teacher, Mu Yunning.

"My writing experience is short—less than two years. My exposure to historical topics is even briefer."

"At first, I feared that if I wrote down my true thoughts, others would accuse me of promoting the decadence of the old society."

"So I felt trapped—why was the glorious history created by our ancestors labeled as decadence?"

"Why couldn't a civilization that had endured for five thousand years without interruption earn the world's respect?"

"Until one day, I met a very open-minded editor. We talked for three days straight, pouring out our shared love and pride for this land."

"Only then did I realize—there are many, many others who feel the same way."

"So I began writing accessible historical works—I want to spread the splendor of Huaxia to every corner of the world."

"I want to proclaim this nation's indomitability, pride, and dignity to everyone."

"."

Li Ye spoke at length, his thoughts soaring freely—every word conveyed the depth and grandeur of a great nation.

The audience sat stunned; many felt as if lost in a fog, thinking—this kid's got a mouth on him, talking like he owns the place!

Seeing the stunned expressions below, Li Ye decided to stop holding back—he'd unleash his ultimate move.

"Oh, by the way, my name is Li Ye—but I also have a pen name."

"My pen name is—Qichun Dao Feng."

(End of Chapter)