Chapter 217: A Proposal Amidst Turmoil

“Representative Huang, what is your proposal for the meeting?”

Inside the grand and solemn Survivors’ Representative Congress, 119 committee members gathered and began chatting casually as the meeting had yet to start.

Some wore military uniforms, others official attire, while a few donned the pre-apocalypse standardized Zhongshan suits.

These three dress codes signified the source of authority of the factions they represented.

“My proposal?”

Clad in the classic military green uniform of a general, a tall, middle-aged man chuckled softly and sipped the tea on the table.

“I intend to propose three new military-civilian reforms to deepen our army’s talent selection system.”

“You know, in recent years fewer survivors are willing to enlist, and private factions are increasingly competing for recruits.”

“If this trend continues, local control might soon become unstable…”

The questioning official nodded in agreement.

Although he belonged to the Political Department and didn’t directly engage in military affairs, he could clearly sense that private factions were flourishing in the Huaxia Battle Zone. Unlike the bloated and rigid state military and political systems, these private groups often offered better conditions and fewer restrictions.

“We need to act fast. I believe many areas beyond military influence are already beginning to show signs of self-reliance.”

“If we let this continue, it will only harm our unity!”

“We must avoid a scenario where state and private interests clash like in minor states—it would be no different from splitting up the nation.”

“Representative Huang, you can count on my vote in favor of your proposal!”

The officer, sitting upright in his formal posture, smiled as he listened. But before he could express thanks, his brow furrowed and his gaze unnaturally shifted toward the entrance.

There, led by several ushers, a young man was slowly making his way into the hall.

Among the senior officials, mostly over forty, the somewhat inexperienced Yenir shone like a firefly in the darkness, instantly drawing attention.

At just eighteen, he was the first candidate in Huaguo’s history to apply for a committee seat.

“That kid actually showed up?”

A note of mild astonishment filled the air.

The official beside Representative Huang paused in surprise at the memory of the grand awarding ceremony—everyone vividly recalled how Yenir had clinched his committee qualification.

Yet everyone assumed Yenir was merely attracted by the committee’s grand title—a kid intending to ‘play around.’

But to their surprise, today he was actually participating.

Glancing around, the official surnamed Tang noticed a stack of reports in Yenir’s hand, and with a curious tone he asked:

“What is he holding?”

“Could it be he has his own proposal?”

As Tang Yuan finished speaking, he couldn’t help but let out a laugh, his chuckle drawing a puzzled look from Representative Huang.

“Maybe he brought all that material to avoid any awkward silence?”

Their conjectures were understandable, though not meant in mockery.

In their eyes, despite any natural talent, Yenir was just a kid. At eighteen, what could he possibly understand?

Every issue discussed at this meeting was a matter of national importance, affecting billions. During the pre-apocalypse era, even provincial officials weren’t allowed to attend, let alone voice opinions.

“Who knows.”

“And who knows what the Prime Minister and his office are thinking? Grant him some privileges, sure, but involving him in such major decisions—it’s ridiculous…”

“I bet the kid doesn’t even know the full agenda. Imagine him standing up to speak and embarrassing himself…”

Shaking their heads, the group resumed their chatter, no longer paying attention to Yenir.

Each of them was engrossed in matters of great importance. They figured Yenir wouldn’t offer anything constructive until he was fully qualified—even if that was ten years down the line.

Away from prying eyes, a lean official seated in the fourth row glared at the young man’s back, his eyes burning with resentment.

“Yenir…!”

In a nearly resentful whisper, the man clenched his fists silently.

Beside his empty seat, a placard bearing Wanrou’s name was displayed prominently.

He was none other than Fang Teng—the husband of Research Institute Director Wanrou and Minister of the Third Armed Department of the Donghai Military Region!

He had just arrived at the Capital by military plane six hours earlier.

…………

“Mr. Yenir, here is the agenda for today’s meeting. Please read it carefully.”

“During the meeting, all system communications will be shut down. The use of recording or video equipment is strictly prohibited, and proposals must remain confidential until disclosed officially.”

“Your number is 119—you are designated as a Special Honorary Committee Member.”

A sweet smile and soft voice accompanied the announcement.

A female attendant in a white uniform bent gracefully as she carefully explained the guidelines to Yenir.

With delicate, flawless skin and exquisite features, she could easily rival the campus beauty icons of the pre-apocalypse era.

Being the most significant and prestigious meeting in Huaguo, every attendant and security officer had been meticulously chosen.

Listening to her detailed explanations, Yenir nodded subtly, showing no signs of impatience.

Everything felt rather tedious and burdensome.

Though he had memorized all these details from chairing many meetings in his third year of his previous life,

in this life he was seen as a newcomer, so he had to put on an act.

“During this meeting, you hold voting rights. After the main proposals, if you wish to voice your opinion, please press the button beside you.”

As the attendant demonstrated the button’s function, a flash of nervousness crossed the eyes of the girl assisting her.

While it was true that every committee member could present a proposal, in her eyes, Yenir was hardly older than her own brother. Compared to the many experienced, seasoned officials, Yenir seemed like an interloper…

Noticing the attendant’s anxiety, Yenir gave a helpless nod.

“Don’t worry, I won’t press it recklessly…”

“I’ll only use it when presenting my proposal.”

No sooner had Yenir reassured her than the girl jerked in fright, her heart nearly skipping a beat.

A proposal?

Yenir intended to present a ‘proposal’ at this meeting!?

Goodness, is this kid really going to spout bizarre ideas?

Overwhelmed with anxiety and having no right to speak, the girl’s face went pale. Upper management had clearly instructed her to emphasize the meeting’s importance to Yenir—she must not mess up! Flustered, she dashed off to report to her superiors.

Earlier, she had been eager to impress Yenir, but her graceful strides quickly turned into a frantic dash as she hurried away.

Watching her flee, Yenir’s initial surprise deepened into a sense of helplessness.

At that moment, before Yenir could decide whether to call her back, a teasing and mocking voice suddenly broke the silence:

“Hey, Yenir, what’s the matter? Did you fancy the attendant?”

“What did you say? How on earth did you scare her away?”

Yenir turned in astonishment to see Fang Hao, exuding a casual air as he nonchalantly sat down beside him.

At that moment, Fang Hao’s expression was exaggerated, even bordering on lecherous.

“If you’re interested in that girl, I’ll have someone send her a greeting.”

“For a girl serving here, she must be a Second-Stage Awakened. Not only is she attractive, but she also obeys orders without question.”

“Of course, coercion is out of the question. But with your credentials, I bet these young ladies wouldn’t turn you down.”

Staring at Fang Hao—who was nothing like the strict, no-nonsense figure he remembered—Yenir’s expression twisted into one of confusion.

Is this really the same Fang Hao he once knew?

Noticing Yenir’s discomfort, Fang Hao let out a carefree chuckle and patted him on the shoulder.

“What’s the matter? Not used to it?”

“You used to be a committee member, after all. Since I technically outrank you now, I need to be a bit more formal.”

“But things are different now—the Prime Minister himself said you’re one of my own.”

“After all, you’re likely to inherit my position someday. We’re all men here—I get it.”

As he spoke, Fang Hao grinned broadly while his gaze shifted to the fleeing girl.

“Tsk, those legs are something else.”

“You do have good taste, kid.”