Chapter 34

Chapter 034: People's Union Association

This was not just about demonstrating value.

It was also an opportunity to completely shed the persona of "fearing the wilderness."

Although the post contained no lengthy text—only a picture of a dazzling golden chest and a brief description of the ability obtained from it—others would naturally fill in the gaps when combined with the title.

Explaining too much on her own would, in fact, be counterproductive.

After posting, she ignored the impending uproar and switched back to the special task force's group chat interface.

Her gaze then fell on Zhuang Hongwen's reply: "I need to discuss this with my colleagues."

Yu Jing seemed to envision a one-sided proposal suddenly turning a corner.

Even though she had only posted on the Fate Net Forum, the content was so impactful and strategically valuable that someone would surely report it to the decision-makers immediately.

Even if organizational inefficiencies caused delays or omissions in information transmission, it didn't matter.

After Zhuang Hongwen announced the "regrettable" decision on behalf of the decision-makers, she could remind him, "Why not check the forum before making a decision?" without any rush.

After all, when that time came, the embarrassment wouldn't be hers.

Yu Jing thought to herself.

As for choosing this moment to reveal the golden chest and ability...

Would it raise suspicions that she hadn't just obtained it, thereby weakening the force of her earlier attack on "information delays"?

After all, someone already possessing such a powerful ability wouldn't naturally fear wild beasts.

Thus, last night's "oversight" might seem insignificant.

Some would surely think this way.

But in truth, it didn't matter at all.

Yu Jing's attack relied on her value as "Second on the List," not on the naive belief that wrongdoings must be compensated.

Having a just cause—this "cause" often served merely as a stepping stone.

Just a name, after all.

Moreover, the decision-makers would only weigh pros and cons.

For them, if it were merely a million-level faction contribution, they might try to cultivate a substitute.

But a genuine golden chest and the powerful ability it yielded were far too rare.

Yu Jing's value instantly increased significantly.

Faced with this considerable weight, the decision-makers would naturally not easily stick to their original stance.

Thus, from the moment Yu Jing chose to "reveal her hand," she had already secured victory.

All she had to do now was wait quietly.

Just five minutes after posting, the dormant group chat icon flickered again.

A message from Zhuang Hongwen popped up:

"After discussion, we have agreed in principle to establish the [Chinese People's United Charity Foundation (Preparatory Group)]. Comrade Yu Jing will serve as the first Chairman and Secretary-General of the [People's Union Association], fully responsible for the foundation's preparation and initial operations. Relevant resources and personnel coordination will be arranged with you as soon as possible."

"Comrade Yu Jing, we hope you will live up to this trust and truly work for the welfare of your faction compatriots."

People's Union Association?

Yu Jing raised an eyebrow slightly.

Following convention, it seemed it should be abbreviated as "China Federation."

But as the thought crossed her mind, she recalled the two solitary, towering characters—"Huaxia"—on the faction ranking list.

She understood instantly.

The vision and ambition of the higher-ups were self-evident.

And the title of "Chairman and Secretary-General" meant combining decision-making and executive power in one person.

This sincerity was more than sufficient.

It seemed the news of the Golden Chest and her abilities had already landed on their desks.

Yu Jing was satisfied, yet she felt a slight regret.

She had actually wanted to see them go back and renegotiate.

Her mind was rather dark-hearted.

After the resolution was announced, Zhuang Hongwen immediately added, "Additionally, regarding the issues of information synchronization and work support, I have arranged for someone to look into it and adjust the procedures."

"Mistakes like last night's oversight will not happen again. I hope Comrade Yu Jing can set aside any concerns and give it her all."

Seeing this, Yu Jing replied concisely and firmly:

"Rest assured, Old Zhuang. It is my duty, and I will not shirk it."

With that, the small ripple caused by last night's events within the Special Task Force...

Was settled and completely turned over.

Although this task force had only just been established, burning a little fire first might make arranging the work easier.

Even if that fire was aimed at a superior.

And after this silent confrontation and game of negotiation...

Yu Jing gained a more personal understanding of the saying, "Politics is the art of compromise."

Of course, it can only be called "art" when both sides compromise.

Unilateral concession is called defeat.

Moreover, the exchange and granting of power are often actively fought for.

The only difference is whether someone fights for you, or you fight for yourself.

Otherwise, examples of people with value but lacking corresponding status and authority are not uncommon in any era.

Having found the right opportunity this time, Yu Jing had undoubtedly achieved her goal perfectly.

As for whether this struggle would affect the interests of certain people and provoke dissatisfaction?

She didn't care.

Where there are people, there are conflicts.

This holds true even at the very top.

...

After handling this official matter.

Yu Jing only then remembered... the supply box that had refreshed along with the rankings not long ago—she hadn't opened it yet.

With a slight thought, she retrieved it from the Portable Space of the Fate Net.

The unadorned box lay quietly before her.

She reached out and touched it.

A faint light flowed, and the box's form quickly solidified.

It was the most common Black Iron Chest, utterly devoid of luster.

The anticipation in Yu Jing's heart instantly died out.

Expressionless, she lifted the lid.

Inside the chest lay a single item:

A pair of black stockings, with fine fabric and a smooth touch.

Yu Jing: "..."

She frowned almost imperceptibly, a trace of extremely subtle, barely detectable disgust flashing in her eyes.

Then, using two fingers, she picked them up as if handling some insignificant piece of clutter, and casually tossed them into the most inconspicuous corner of her Portable Space.

Along with the Black Iron Chest, which had fulfilled its purpose and was gradually fading away, she also withdrew it.

Stockings... in the Trial Ground, a place fraught with danger and lacking in clothing and food, their practicality approaches zero.

In fact, they are far less useful than a piece of coarse linen that can be used to wipe things down.

At least, that's what Yu Jing thought.