Volume 2 Chapter 52
by Need_More_SleepVolume 2 + Chapter 52: The Debate Begins
Today was the final day of Sakura Academy’s semester. To ease the students’ burden, the school had arranged only a half day of classes. Yet by the afternoon, the campus remained just as lively as ever, there was no decrease in the number of students, because everyone had come to watch the spectacle.
It turned out that the public debate between the student council and the clubs was scheduled for that very afternoon. The representatives were none other than Bai Yuxuan, the student council president who had already become a legend in her first year, and Ouyang Qianxue, the campus’s most admired figure. The students all wanted to see which of these two outstanding individuals would prove superior.
Because Sakura Academy placed great importance on student autonomy, the outcome of the debate would be decided by a joint vote of students and teachers. To ensure fairness, only students not affiliated with any club were allowed to vote, and participating teachers could not be advisors to either the student council or any club, ensuring complete impartiality.
As the first-ever president of three clubs and the only student council president to take office in her first year, both Ouyang Qianxue and Bai Yuxuan drew immense attention. The school administration treated this debate with utmost importance, not only was the largest auditorium opened as the venue, but even the principal attended in person, giving both of them the highest level of recognition.
“Now, I hereby announce that the public debate regarding the abolition of certain clubs officially begins. Next, please welcome both representatives to the stage!”
After briefly introducing the attending school leaders, the faculty advisor declared the debate open.
The two walked onto the stage from opposite sides of the platform. The audience erupted into enthusiastic cheers.
“So these are the two most popular people at Sakura Academy right now…” Ning Caiwei couldn’t help but sigh in admiration as she watched them.
“Let me first explain the rules of the public debate,” the advisor said after both had taken the stage.
“First, each speaking turn must not exceed five minutes.
Second, since this public debate differs from traditional debates and aims to allow students to fully express their concerns, there is no restriction on the type of speech, it may be statements, questions, answers, or rebuttals.
Third, both sides may freely use projectors and other equipment to present supporting evidence.
Fourth, personal attacks are strictly prohibited during the debate.
Please keep these four points in mind.”
After speaking, the advisor looked toward the two participants.
“Understood.”
“Mm.”
“Then the debate begins. First, the appellant side, club representative Ouyang Qianxue, may start.”
With both parties in agreement, the advisor signaled the start.
“Regarding the student council’s previous decision to abolish more than fifty clubs, we from the club side believe that dissolving them solely due to poor performance is extremely unreasonable!”
“Hmph.”
After Ouyang Qianxue finished, Bai Yuxuan let out a faint, cold laugh before responding.
“Then explain why poor performance doesn’t justify their dissolution. Sakura Academy is a prestigious institution. As students here, we must uphold its standards. If a club cannot produce results or contribute to the school’s reputation, what purpose does it serve?”
“But I believe that the purpose of establishing clubs is to provide us with a space to fully develop our interests and express our individuality. Overemphasizing performance distorts the very meaning of a club’s existence!”
“I didn’t expect Ouyang Qianxue to be such a skilled speaker!”
The surrounding students began murmuring among themselves.
“She’s actually holding her ground against Bai Yuxuan!”
“As expected of the campus idol, excellent at everything!”
“Qianxue is amazing! Keep going, argue that Bai into a corner!” Ning Caiwei cheered excitedly.
“That’s not quite right,” Wang Qian said from beside her.
“What do you mean? From the current situation, Qianxue clearly has the upper hand!”
“You’re underestimating Bai Yuxuan. Do you think someone who single-handedly defeated the previous student council is that simple? I’d wager he’s treating this debate like a game. Look at him, calm, composed, completely at ease.”
“You mean… he hasn’t even gotten serious yet?”
“I’m afraid so.”
“Then Qianxue…” Ning Caiwei’s expression turned worried.
“Trust her. After all, she’s Ouyang Qianxue. Before meeting her, didn’t you think no one could surpass you, a current idol?”
“…You’re right. I believe she will win!”
“Alright… it’s about time I got a little serious,” Bai Yuxuan muttered with a faint smirk.
“Before I present my argument, let me first show everyone a set of data.”
She pressed the remote in her hand, and a statistical chart immediately appeared on the projector.
“These are the expenditures of those fifty-plus clubs over the past semester, compiled over the last few days.”
“What? That’s so much!”
The audience gasped in surprise.
“That’s only because there are so many clubs, which makes the total appear large!” Ouyang Qianxue countered.
“Please note, President Ouyang, this is still my speaking time. I haven’t finished yet,” Bai Yuxuan replied calmly.
“My apologies.” Ouyang Qianxue lowered his head slightly.
“Since you’ve brought it up, I’ll explain. For example, the art club requires brushes, paper, and various supplies, so a budget of around ten thousand per semester is understandable. But for others, like the Go club you oversee, the equipment can be reused. Its budget typically doesn’t exceed one thousand per semester. Am I correct, President Ouyang?”
“That’s correct. The Go club’s budget this semester did not exceed one thousand.”
“Then can you guess how much those underperforming small clubs spend in a single semester? Let me tell you, just the cooking club alone costs nine thousand! And according to my investigation, there is severe waste. Failed dishes are simply thrown away, and there are no restrictions on members, after each activity, more food is discarded than consumed.”
“What? Seriously?”
The audience erupted into discussion.
“Among the clubs I abolished, there are many like the cooking club. Please take a look.”
Bai Yuxuan pressed the remote again, and the slides switched to detailed budget reports for each club.
“And do you know what these fifty-plus clubs actually do on a daily basis? The so-called manga research club spends all day reading manga. The cooking club cooks all day, things you could easily do at home. Worse still, some even use the club as an excuse to simply play around. These funds, if saved, could be invested in improving the school’s infrastructure, benefiting everyone. Yet instead, they are wasted on them. Tell me, students, are you truly willing to accept this?”
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