No other reason. Actions would always be more powerful than words.
Han Qiu talked a big game, but in terms of action, aside from directing some resources to marginalized groups for the development of his "guild," he had never made any real contribution to the broader masses.
Shi Jingyi, on the other hand, through earthquake rescue efforts, year after year of teaching, and online education, had won far more hearts and far greater influence.
If these two were to face off in a contest, there would be no suspense whatsoever.
"All right."
After some deliberation, Shi Jingyi nodded in agreement.
"I wouldn't have been able to advance so quickly without so many people's trust in me," she said. "If the public needs me to step forward and give them confidence, I won't decline."
The officials who had come were visibly thrilled, because if Shi Jingyi had refused, there would have been no other option.
When Zhang Minglu saw Shi Jingyi agree, he spoke up: "Dean Shi, would you like to discuss this with Guan Tong first?"
Compared to the others, he understood Guan Tong better, and he also knew that Shi Jingyi and Guan Tong were close. He was somewhat worried that this cooperation between the officials and Shi Jingyi might provoke Guan Tong's displeasure, causing no end of trouble down the line.
Hearing this, Shi Jingyi said, "He will support whatever decision I make. Of course, I won't hide this from him either."
Though the two had been together for a long time, they each maintained a high degree of independence. Unless something involved them both simultaneously, they both supported each other in making their own decisions. But that didn't mean they weren't close. If either one needed help, the other would provide aid at the first moment.
"In that case, we won't intrude any further." Zhang Minglu and the others rose to their feet.
"There's no need for the contract to be signed today. There are still about ten days left in the Rule Period. Once negotiations are complete and everything is finalized, we'll contact you again."
"Very well. Take care, everyone."
After seeing the group off, Shi Jingyi thought it over for a moment, then used the Mind Network to contact Guan Tong. Guan Tong had been watching the live stream with Chen Na. When he heard Shi Jingyi's voice in his mind, he went outside the shelter alone. After listening to Shi Jingyi explain everything, he was both surprised and not surprised.
Not surprised, because previously at the Countermeasures Research Office base, when Gao Liangwei had spoken with him privately, he had mentioned the officials wanting Shi Jingyi to carry the banner and seize Han Qiu's Awakened One speaking rights. Since Gao Liangwei had brought it up, it meant the Higher-ups had been brewing this plan for a long time. Perhaps from the very moment Han Qiu began his propaganda, the Higher-ups had begun preparations, quickly selecting personnel and deciding Shi Jingyi was the best choice.
What surprised Guan Tong was that the officials wanted her to sign the trade contract.
"Dr. Zhang Minglu asked if I should consider your opinion," Shi Jingyi said. "The way he said it, it seemed like he thought you would object. Is that right?"
"I'm just worried about how public opinion might affect you. This thing changes fast. Today it can lift a person to the heavens, and tomorrow it can trample that same person into the mud... But since you've made your decision, I'll support it."
Shi Jingyi: "This is indeed my decision. I was able to become an Awakened One quickly because I relied on so many people's trust. I don't want those people to be deceived by Han Qiu."
Guan Tong: "Mm, so you said you support him. But as for the contract signing, that matter shouldn't be taken lightly."
Zhang Minglu: "Why do you say that?"
Guan Tong said cautiously: "Haven't you noticed, Jingyi? Ever since the Star Scar Merchant Group arrived, they've been wanting to meet with the Awakened Ones of Tianshui Star's civilization."
Shi Jingyi thought about it and realized it did seem that way.
Guan Tong continued: "I have three speculations. First, it's the arrogance that the general public assumes, meaning that in Mr. Ga's eyes, ordinary humans aren't even worthy of signing a contract with him. Second is the reason Mr. Ga himself gave, that out of consideration for contract enforcement, signing with an Awakened One who has stronger risk resistance is the optimal solution."
At this point, Guan Tong's attitude grew considerably more serious.
"The third point, and the dangerous one, is that Mr. Ga's true objective isn't trade at all, but the Awakened Ones of Tianshui Star."
Shi Jingyi was shocked upon hearing this: "The target is Awakened Ones? You think it wants to seize Authority?"
Authority is the symbol of an Awakened One, even the essence condensed from the development of some civilizations. To an Awakened One, it is almost the most important thing besides life itself. Judging from Guan Tong's example, it could be snatched away. Even though the Convention strictly prohibits such behavior, who could guarantee the Star Scar Merchant Group would abide by it? Setting aside the Doomsday Rules themselves, just from Mr. Ga's response to the "stowaway" remarks, Guan Tong could tell this Star Scar Merchant Group was no law-abiding, good-natured bunch.
"The Star Scar Merchant Group's purpose is hard to judge, so if you're going, you must take my Shadow with you."
On this matter, Guan Tong would not let Shi Jingyi go risk it alone. If the Star Scar Merchant Group that Mr. Ga represented truly came to seize Authority, then Shi Jingyi would be in grave danger. For that reason, if she went, Guan Tong had to have Shadow accompany her. If something really happened, he would use Body Swap to arrive instantly, and then...
Guan Tong's eyes turned sharp and cold. If this Star Scar Merchant Group was an enemy that came with malicious intent, he would immediately activate the devouring ability of the Civilization Observer title and "eat" Mr. Ga alive.