The younger generation, starting from where the wind blows...

Chapter 45 Electing Class Officers: Is it More Cost-Effective to Go All Out?
Wu Di gave an example: one of the hard requirements for taking the selection exam for civil servants is to have served as a student leader during school.

Class leaders, student union leaders, and members of the college/university Youth League Committee.

While possessing any one of these three qualifications is sufficient to be considered a student leader, having two qualifications on one's resume—being a class leader, a student union leader, or a member of the Youth League—is definitely more advantageous than having only one.

In other words, if you want to become a selected graduate, the first step is to become a class leader, and the second step is to join the student union or the college's Youth League Committee.

The election for class officers will take place at tonight's class meeting.

Shi Xiaomeng was clearly unprepared for this, and as he listened to Wu Di, his heart sank little by little.

Yang Muye suddenly spoke up: "Xiao Meng, why don't you run for class monitor!"

Shi Xiaomeng and Wu Di were both stunned.

"Muye, are you kidding me? You saw Xu Yao just now too. Letting Xiao Meng compete with him is like throwing an egg against a rock. I think you're more suited to running for class monitor."

Yang Muyi seemed genuinely persuaded and asked Wu Di in return, "Do you really think I can beat Xu Yao?"

Wu Di thought for a moment and said, "It's almost a sure thing."

In fact, Wu Di felt that as long as Yang Muyi stood on the stage, his face alone would be enough to make most of the girls in the class vote for him.

Add to that the relaxed air about him that no one else can imitate, and he can win everyone's favor with just a few words. Winning against Xu Yao would be a piece of cake, wouldn't it?
"Then I'll team up with Xiao Meng to run for election. Do you think we can win?"

Yang Muye made a startling statement.

This time, Wu Di was truly shocked.

I've never heard of anyone forming a team to run for office.

Even Cheng Feng, who was lying in bed, couldn't help but joke, "Do you think this is the American election?"

"It's actually the same principle."

Yang Muyi explained calmly, "In the US presidential election, both parties' candidates will find a running mate, and the person who is elected will automatically become the vice president."

"Although the vice president doesn't have much real power, he still plays a significant role in the election process."

"My idea is for Xiao Meng to run for class monitor, and me to be his running mate, to run for—"

"The Youth League branch secretary?" Wu Di blurted out.

"Of course not. I see myself as a mascot, like the vice president, so I'll definitely be the least noticeable member of the class committee. I think the arts and culture representative will be the best choice."

Yang Muye's answer once again surprised everyone.

Wu Di's mouth was wide open, and he couldn't close it for a long time.

Is Yang Muye trying to force Shi Xiaomeng into the position?
Shi Xiaomeng was very touched, but still shook his head and refused.

"Makino, I really can't."

Yang Muye's attitude was very firm: "Xiao Meng, I'll only ask you one question: do you want to take the path of being elected to the central government?"

"I--"

"Let me put it this way: being selected as a civil servant is the best way for children from poor families to change their fate. Don't believe those stories of starting from scratch and starting a business, both domestically and internationally. But you really can achieve upward mobility by pursuing a career in government. In fact, the path of being selected as a civil servant is a special upward channel prepared by the higher authorities for children from poor families. After all, those who are truly capable don't need to take this path."

Yang Muye's words left Shi Xiaomeng completely stunned.

"Of course I want to, but—"

Before he could finish speaking, Yang Muye placed a hand on Shi Xiaomeng's shoulder.

"Just focus on your work, and I'll take care of the rest!"

“Muye, I—” This time no one interrupted, because Shi Xiaomeng realized that words could not express his gratitude to Yang Muye.

"Don't think of me as something noble. I'm just an ordinary person. Of course, my help to you is also for a purpose. Just think of it as me investing in you in advance."

Yang Muye patted Shi Xiaomeng on the shoulder.

He didn't have the same ambition as Lü Buwei to hoard rare goods, but once his business in China reached a certain level, it became very important to know how to maintain good relations with the government.

In his previous life, Yang Muye felt that Shi Xiaomeng was a great pity. He was loyal, grateful, and always remembered every penny Cheng Feng and Wu Di lent him during college.

Just because someone comes from a poor background, does he deserve to be unable to make it in Yanjing? Does he deserve to have his girlfriend stolen away by Cheng Feng, whom he always considered a good friend?

In the end, Shi Xiaomeng's revenge against Cheng Feng proved that he was not lacking in ability, but only in a benefactor who could give him a helping hand.

In this life, the two became roommates and fellow villagers, and Yang Muye didn't mind helping Shi Xiaomeng out.

Perhaps the gears of fate began to turn from this moment?
Shi Xiaomeng was deeply moved when Wu Di suddenly interjected, "Mu Ye, may I ask how you plan to operate this group election?"

"Xiao Meng and I went on stage together. He ran for class monitor and I ran for arts and culture representative. Then everyone voted for both of us at once. The final vote count went to Xiao Meng, but of course it also went to me."

"So you two advance and retreat together, does that mean?" Wu Di asked.

"Yes, whether Xiao Meng loses or I lose, it will be counted as a loss for both of us. This is fair to the other students who are running individually."

Wu Di originally wanted to bring up this issue as well, but Yang Muye beat him to it.

Did Yang Muyi fail in his bid for the Arts and Literature Committee? Wu Di thinks the odds are even lower than winning the lottery.

Normally, when running for arts and culture representative, it's just a girl in the class. Yang Muyi's main selling point is that he doesn't follow the rules. The boys will definitely vote for him because they find it novel, and most of the girls will vote for him because of his good looks.

How does flying dragon riding face lose?
The current weakness is still Shi Xiaomeng, who is running for class monitor, especially facing a strong competitor like Xu Yao.

It's really hard to win.

Yang Muye was well aware of this, so his first task was to create a persona for Shi Xiaomeng.

Shi Xiaomeng came from a poor family and relied entirely on his own efforts to get out of his small mountain village, which is already very inspiring.

However, playing the victim and complaining can only win the sympathy of some people, and this is a class officer election, not a scholarship assessment.

The ultimate winner will be the one who provides positive value to the students, whether it is emotional or practical.

"Xiao Meng, don't apply for your scholarships or student loans anymore. Don't worry, I'll lend you this money. It's interest-free, just like the government's policy. That way, when you run for class monitor, you can clearly state that you'll give up your scholarship and student loan slots to other students who need them more."

Yang Muye had barely finished speaking, and Shi Xiaomeng hadn't even agreed yet, when Wu Di immediately raised an objection:

"Won't this backfire and make everyone think that Xiao Meng is putting on a brave face?"

"Giving up scholarships and student loans is just a prelude. The real persona I want to cultivate for Xiaomeng is one of self-reliance. Next, I will fund a campus entrepreneurship project with Xiaomeng, and we will provide some work-study positions, giving priority to students from our class and college."

Wu Di's eyes widened.

No, it's just running for class committee member, why are you making such a big deal out of it?

Before he could voice his doubts, Wu Di suddenly stopped.

He suddenly realized that Yang Muyi's partnership with Shi Xiaomeng in starting a business was definitely not just for the purpose of running for a class committee position!
This is already paving the way for Shi Xiaomeng's next step: to make a strong push for the student council!

Just as I realized what was happening, Yang Muye's voice rang out.

"So, do you think Xiao Meng can beat Xu Yao now?"

(End of this chapter)