Chapter Twenty-Three: Su Ziye's Thoughts

So, what is my perspective? Liu Ru never expected Die Qian to ask her this question.

In truth, Liu Ru hadn’t really considered the matter; to her, it was simply something Su Ziye wanted to accomplish, and she was there to assist as needed. In fact, she hadn’t contributed anything irreplaceable thus far.

“I feel that, at the very least, it’s a good thing,” Liu Ru thought for a moment and replied to Die Qian.

“Indeed, it is a good thing. From a student’s perspective, they’ve gained an excellent drink. From the academy’s standpoint, although expenditures have increased, if Su Ziye truly manages to promote the beverage’s sales outside the academy, the overall income might even see a substantial boost.” Die Qian sighed as she spoke. “You know, although the academy is vast and prosperous, it has always avoided competing with the common folk for profit. As long as it maintains its territory in Ye Night City, it can guarantee a lifetime of abundance. Yet, every student council president has sought to break this limitation, especially this term’s Carlotus.”

“Many have entertained such thoughts, but how to act, and through what means to break through—no one has ever proposed a feasible plan.” Die Qian looked at Liu Ru. “Do you know why?”

Liu Ru shook her head. “Please enlighten me, President.”

“Because the academy cannot meddle with established businesses, forcibly carving out a share for itself. From a standpoint of power, it would be easy, but the most important lesson from the Saint’s teachings was: never be too greedy.” Die Qian smiled softly. “It’s easy to say, but very hard to practice. So, while daily affairs are handled by the student council, the truly major decisions still require the wisdom of the elder atop Ye Tower.”

“But this time, Su Ziye cleverly created a new opportunity. Before he began, I never imagined someone could make such a grand scheme from a simple sugary drink. Perhaps, as Carlotus said, Su Ziye is a source of endless surprises. Yet, the more it seems so, the more uneasy I feel.”

“Uneasy?” Liu Ru was taken aback by Die Qian’s choice of words.

“Yes, uneasy,” Die Qian nodded. “Su Ziye is a man with great destructive power, but seeing him engage in such seemingly gentle pursuits only makes me more unsettled.”

“At least it’s better than him actually causing trouble, right?” Liu Ru tried to defend Su Ziye.

“So you don’t think what he’s doing now has destructive potential?” Die Qian looked at her and countered.

“Does it?” Liu Ru asked instinctively.

“Of course it does,” Die Qian sighed. “Implementing it within the academy is one thing, but outside, without the academy’s name, progress would be difficult. If the academy’s name is used, it breaks the rules. I suspect Su Ziye had this in mind when he named the drink ‘Academy Joy Water’.”

“So what will we do?” Liu Ru looked at Die Qian.

Here, ‘we’ referred to the Snow Burial Society.

“Nothing,” Die Qian replied calmly. “This isn’t within our society’s purview. It’s Carlotus who must worry about it, but given his character, he seems to be secretly delighted. He wants to see just how much of a storm Su Ziye can create, especially since he’s already set his sights on handing the student council presidency to Su Ziye.”

“Huh?” Liu Ru noticed the latter half of Die Qian’s sentence. “Really?”

“I feel it’s more of a challenge,” Die Qian replied.

Why does no one else have to face such harsh conditions to become student council president?

“That’s because you don’t really know Carlotus,” Die Qian smiled calmly. “He is a man of his word; anything he says, he will carry out. So, if he sets such a condition, it means he’s already thought through how to hand over the presidency to Su Ziye smoothly. After all, winning the support of the masses is crucial. Carlotus himself accomplished several major feats to earn the previous president’s recommendation, taking nearly two and a half years. Since Su Ziye wants to become president in just one year, naturally he must pay the price.”

“Mm.” Liu Ru nodded in silent agreement. She couldn’t help but accept Die Qian’s reasoning.

“But why are you so concerned about this matter, President?” Liu Ru looked at Die Qian.

As Die Qian said, the student council is most deeply involved in this affair, with risks that could shake its foundation. The Snow Burial Society, by contrast, could remain aloof. So why did Die Qian specifically summon Liu Ru to report?

“Because of the Third Prince,” Die Qian replied calmly.

“The Third Prince?” Liu Ru was completely unprepared for this answer.

“You should know I didn’t pay attention to this at first,” Die Qian said with a soft laugh. “It wasn’t until yesterday, when the Third Prince appeared at the Three Towers Square, that I realized something might have gone awry. I went immediately to check on his state.”

The white-robed president of the Snow Burial Society paused as she spoke, then lifted her head to look at Liu Ru. “What surprised me greatly was that the Third Prince was involved with an incredibly happy attitude. I could hardly believe my eyes.”

“I originally wanted to consult Carlotus for confirmation, but lately I haven’t wished to see him. After learning a bit more, I discovered you play a particularly unique role in this whole affair.”

Die Qian smiled slightly as she spoke. “So, Liu Ru, do you know what role you are about to play?”

Faced with Die Qian’s questioning, Liu Ru was at a loss. “I don’t know.”

She truly didn’t. Su Ziye had never told her why he acted as he did; she remained his marionette, carrying out all his commands.

Die Qian sighed. “Su Ziye wants you to become his true shadow, do you understand?”

“Shadow?” Liu Ru was startled.

“Yes, a shadow,” Die Qian nodded. “If one day Su Ziye needs to leave Ye Night Academy, he will certainly leave you behind to manage his unfinished business. So before that day comes, he must train and cultivate you thoroughly.”

In that instant, Liu Ru felt as if lightning had struck her mind.

She was stunned.