Chapter Two: The Prerequisites for Becoming President

Carotes did not specify which matter he was referring to.

Thus, Liu Ru was left utterly bewildered.

However, Su Ziye, of course, understood perfectly well. He smiled and said, “The President’s terms are quite interesting, but I choose to accept them. That’s the reason why I came with Liu Ru this time.”

“Don’t go dragging others into this so casually,” Carotes looked at him. “This is a test for you alone.”

“But it’s impossible for me to handle the entire process by myself. I need someone to do the heavy lifting, and no one is more suited than Liu Ru.” Su Ziye spoke unhurriedly.

“What are you two talking about? I can’t make head or tail of any of this,” Liu Ru finally spoke up.

She was no longer the timid girl she once was; she now understood clearly when to speak and when to remain silent.

“Well,” Carotes sighed.

He looked at Liu Ru. “As soon as this fellow joined the Student Council, he started pestering me to recommend him as the next President. How could that be possible? Who ever heard of someone rocketing up the ranks like that? But he claimed he was pressed for time, so no matter what conditions I set, he’s willing to try and meet them.”

Liu Ru nodded; that was indeed very much in Su Ziye’s style.

As for why Su Ziye was in such a hurry, it was obvious—he had to race against time to improve himself. It seemed that becoming Student Council President was crucial in his plan.

“So what’s the condition?” Liu Ru asked directly.

“I’m a simple man, so all my terms revolve around money,” Carotes replied with a smile. “And if you want to become Student Council President in the shortest possible time, you absolutely need the approval of all the members.”

“In that case, the final condition should be perfectly obvious.”

“Enough with the preamble, just give it to me,” Su Ziye interrupted Carotes’ lengthy speech without ceremony.

“You really have no respect for your President,” Carotes smiled.

“You’re not the President anymore—you’re just a ruthless businessman,” Su Ziye shot back, reaching out his hand to Carotes.

Carotes lowered his head, chuckled, and produced a gleaming gold coin from his pocket. Liu Ru’s expression changed slightly when she saw it.

“This gold coin…” she began.

“Looks familiar, doesn’t it? If it’s familiar, that’s exactly right,” he said, handing the coin to Su Ziye.

Liu Ru recognized the coin because she had personally handed it to Carotes before—the Third Prince’s gold coin.

Now, the coin had lost whatever magical qualities had once been imbued in it; it had become just an ordinary golden leaf. But what did that have to do with Carotes’ conditions?

“Within a year, using this coin as your capital, you’re to grow your assets to one million golden leaves, correct?” Su Ziye looked at Carotes, seeking confirmation.

To the completely clueless Liu Ru, this was nothing short of a thunderbolt from a clear sky.

Within a year, to turn a single golden leaf into a million through compound interest—that sounded downright terrifying.

“Yes, and there are many additional requirements,” Carotes added. “For example, in all asset operations, every cent must be traceable back to this one golden leaf—you are not allowed to use any outside capital, which means you can’t accept external investment. You’ll also need to keep detailed accounts. I’ll have Qingyi take charge of this; she’ll handle all your day-to-day dealings from now on.”

“She’ll also be your future Vice President, so you must earn her approval.”

“That’s truly an honor,” Su Ziye replied with a smile.

Liu Ru knew, of course, that Qingyi was the Vice President of the Student Council, responsible for daily affairs. Incidentally, there were two Vice Presidents; the other was the Third Prince.

Of course, the Third Prince was responsible for being the mascot.

“Are you serious?” Liu Ru could not help but ask.

Neither man’s demeanor suggested they were joking.

But the terms of this agreement were simply outrageous.

What did it mean to turn one golden leaf into a million within a year?

Not even compound interest could roll over so rapidly, damn it.

Only a geometric progression—one on the first day, two on the second, four on the third—could produce such terrifying growth.

“Of course we’re serious,” Su Ziye said with a smile. Carotes had set such an absurd condition, but Su Ziye dared to accept, so he must have his own reasons. “However, I have to make it clear: after a year, it definitely won’t be exactly a million golden leaves, and certainly not in cash.”

“I’m not a nitpicking devil,” Carotes replied coolly, looking at Su Ziye.

“Then it’s a deal.” Su Ziye raised his right hand.

Carotes reached out, and the two of them high-fived in the air.

“It’s a deal.”

The clap echoed, crisp and pleasing.

…

…

After Su Ziye and Liu Ru left Carotes’ office, the closed door swung open, and out stepped a beautiful woman with turquoise hair and emerald eyes.

“How do you feel about it?” Carotes asked her, “Qingyi.”

“Feels like he’ll be another troublemaker, just like you,” Qingyi sighed. “Only people like you could come up with and agree to such ridiculous terms.”

“But do you believe he can do it?” Carotes asked calmly, looking at Qingyi.

“Of course not,” Qingyi replied without hesitation. “Anyone with even a shred of sense wouldn’t believe it. Even turning one golden leaf into ten thousand in a year would be an impossible task.”

“Let alone a million—that’s simply absurd.”

“I actually think you have an inexplicable excess of confidence in him.”

Carotes merely smiled. “And if I said I could do it?” said the red-haired Student Council President.

Qingyi’s expression changed instantly.

She looked at him. “After all, in all these years, the academy has produced only one Carotes.”

Carotes smiled but said nothing. “From now on, you’ll supervise and assist with this entire operation. There’s no need to obstruct or make things difficult—I know you’re not the type to do so. But you should pay close attention to the strange and formidable abilities he displays throughout the process.”

“If he manages to succeed, you would recognize him, wouldn’t you?”

Qingyi nodded without hesitation.

Though her mind was filled with disbelief,

If someone claimed they could do it, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation to see it happen.

…

…

“What on earth is going through your mind?” Liu Ru couldn’t help but complain as they rode the wind elevator. “How could you agree to such an outrageous condition?”

“You really think I can’t do it?” Su Ziye looked at her with a smile.

Liu Ru was taken aback. “You can really pull it off?”

“I told you,” Su Ziye said, squinting with a smile, “my chances of success are always one thousand percent.”