0059 66 Kochi School (Part 2)

Hua Chunyang picked up the teacup in front of her and slowly took a sip. Zhou Xiye looked down and saw that she also had a cup of tea in front of her. She knew it was time for her to express her opinion.

"Thank you, Professor Hua. I had heard about your achievements before I graduated from school. I am really looking forward to working with you..."

The others around him chuckled, and Ye Lifeng nodded. "We all heard about your situation a while ago, and you handled it quite well..." He exchanged a glance with the person next to him. "I was thinking that if you could handle these matters perfectly, I would recommend you... Hahaha," he chuckled twice, his eyes full of admiration. "I told you all long ago that my assistant is very capable. At such a young age, he can already go toe-to-toe with Ling Xingzhi!"

"Yes...yes..."

Zhou Xiye lowered his head, picked up the teacup, and gripped it so tightly that his fingers turned white.

The torment I endured was nothing more than a test for them. My sorrow and anger were nothing more than a game in their eyes.

Zhou Xiye picked up his teacup and laughed along with them. Since they had come this far, they should look forward.

The topics of conversation gradually became more formal, including the upcoming Two Sessions and the convening of the National People's Congress.

Before discussing the plans for the Two Sessions and the National People's Congress, the topic of the World Cup came up.

"It seems that the World Cup is definitely going to happen. It will definitely be held during his time in office. From every perspective, it will be beneficial to them in every way."

"How do we view the economic losses?"

"From an economic perspective, the World Cup is profitable; it's profitable no matter what."

“Hahaha, from a political science perspective, charisma’s legitimacy to rule is more suitable to explain the hosting of the World Cup,” Hua Chunyang said with a laugh. “You bunch of roughnecks are all science majors, and you come up here to do civil engineering construction, unlike me and Xi Ye, who are both liberal arts majors.”

Zhou Xiye was called out by name, and she responded with a smile.

“Charmaine, these people don’t understand, so explain it to them!” Ye Lifeng suddenly asked her to answer. In Zhou Xiye’s eyes, this scene was exactly the same as when her parents asked her to show off her talents during the New Year’s visits from relatives.

"Actually, this means that the leader's personal charisma brings legitimacy to the regime, and the subjects and those being ruled can create miracles, which are reflected in grand national projects, such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the Winter Olympics. The World Cup is of particular importance to China. Chinese football is an area that needs miracles. If, with vigorous reforms, we can achieve something in the World Cup, it will win over a large portion of the public."

"Max Weber's three types of legitimacy—traditional legitimacy, institutional legitimacy, and charismatic legitimacy—are the three most common indicators in top-level design. Democratic elections, procedural justice, whole-process democracy, and a tough foreign policy are all ways to fill in the gaps in this legitimacy."

After Zhou Xiye finished speaking, Hua Chunyang looked at him with admiration. "Little Zhou, you studied journalism, and you're also good at political science." She sighed and continued, "This is indeed the top-level design that my old classmate Wang Ning helped them plan. It's flawless and can be used as a theoretical system whenever needed to maintain our rule."

"This approach is also good for us; opposing the World Cup is not feasible."

Most people thought that hosting the World Cup would boost the domestic economy to a certain extent, and that these officials would also profit handsomely. Zhou Xiye sat silently to the side, listening to their conversation like an outsider.

After the New Year's tea party, Hua Chunyang asked Zhou Xiye to stay behind.

The two strolled to the backyard, where the snow scene was beautiful. Hua Chunyang said, "This is a snow scene that I specially preserved. Red plum blossoms and pine trees are the perfect combination."

Zhou Xiye nodded, wondering what Hua Chunyang wanted to say to her.

The two walked around the courtyard and finally arrived at the tea room, where snacks were prepared. Hua Chunyang invited her to sit down.

“Ye Lifeng mentioned your name a long time ago, and we’ve been paying attention to you for a long time too,” Hua Chunyang smiled. “You should know that there are many smart people and quite a few wise people in this circle, but those who survive are all loyal people.”

Zhou Xiye nodded, stunned by those old yet wise eyes, "The winner is king, the loser is a bandit. The one who survives should be the one who stands in the right position."

Hua Chunyang smiled and said, "So, Miss Zhou, are you standing in the right spot?"

Zhou Xiye looked down at the tea leaves floating on the surface of the teacup. “I don’t know. The simplest criterion for choosing a team is who can win. Of course, it’s not like that in politics. It’s about whose political ideology is better. Besides fighting for our own power, we also have goals to strive for, which is political ideology.” Zhou Xiye smiled bitterly. “Unfortunately, I don’t have the latter.”

Hua Chunyang looked at Zhou Xiye and said, "You chose Ye Lifeng because his son saved you. You must repay this kindness. It shows that you are a person who values ​​relationships."

"You could say that. It seems to be my natural attribute. Where Minister Ye stands, I have to stand there too."

"So what is your view on the current power diplomacy and the restrictions and crackdowns on BAT (Baidu, Alibaba, Tencent)?"

When Zhou Xiye heard this question, he shook his head and said, "I cannot comment without seeing the whole picture."

Hua Chunyang threw his head back and laughed loudly.

Zhou Xiye glanced at her, picked up her teacup, and took a sip. Once Hua Chunyang had calmed down, she spoke again, "Professor Hua, what are your political beliefs?"

Hua Chunyang shook her head, changing the subject. She didn't seem displeased by Zhou Xiye's remarks, but asked with concern, "I heard from people in the Women's Federation that you're not married yet. What are your plans?"

"I don't have anyone I like right now."

"If you don't have anyone you like, then find someone who is useful."

Zhou Xiye looked at her, puzzled.

"You'll definitely be transferred after the Two Sessions. I've arranged a position for you. You're still young and need to gain experience. However, your marital status is a problem. I'll arrange a few people for you in the near future. You should resolve this personal issue."

Hearing this, Zhou Xiye paused, "I still want to marry someone I have a foundation of love with. A stranger, even if it's just for..."

"You've sacrificed your parents and family for your future, so marriage is nothing to you, right?" Hua Chunyang smiled. "My daughter is abroad now, and she's very happy. My family is also abroad. I have the ability not to sacrifice them, but what about you? Can you do that?"

Zhou Xiye shook his head again, "I have no desire for marriage, and the person who can make me think about marriage has not yet appeared."

“In that case, you can have a fake marriage first. When you meet someone you like and are able to protect others, then you can pursue your happiness,” Hua Chunyang stood up. “Today is Lunar New Year’s Eve, so I wish you a happy Lunar New Year in advance. I won’t see you off.”

Zhou Xiye slowly stood up, and only after watching Hua Chunyang's elderly figure disappear from sight did she turn and leave.

After she went outside, Ye Lifeng was waiting for her in the study.

"Let's go," he said, standing up as he saw Zhou Xiye, and the two walked out together. They returned to the elevator following the same route.

"Old Hua has arranged a marriage partner for you. I'll give you this person's contact information. Find a time to meet him."

Just as Zhou Xiye was about to retort, Ye Lifeng shook his head, "The position we've arranged for you is Mayor of Hangzhou, a powerful position. Don't let something as trivial as marriage ruin your future."

Mayor of Hangzhou?

This position is so tempting. Is it worth it to exchange an arranged marriage for the position of mayor of Hangzhou?

In that instant, Zhou Xiye subconsciously felt that it was worth it.

The elevator descended rapidly in the darkness.

Zhou Xiye chuckled self-deprecatingly. It turned out that those so-called principles she thought she would always uphold were simply a matter of insufficient temptation and reward. In the darkness, Zhou Xiye seemed to see Satan smiling at her.

Everyone compares power to something evil because it peels back the layers and exposes the ugliest side of human nature.

But Zhou Xiye doesn't see it that way. He believes that power is a cleansing agent for human nature. Only after being tempted by it can you know what is most important to you.

"Okay, I understand."