Cherreads

Chapter 13 - Chapter 13: Going All In

Your bonus chapter guys

.....

"Hey, did you see today's Steam Bird Gazette?" someone asked excitedly.

"Nope, what about it?" the other replied curiously.

"You've got to check it out—some little girl started from nothing selling grilled fish and now she's worth over a hundred million!" the first one exclaimed.

"For real!? Lemme see!" the second guy reached out eagerly.

"Fat chance! Go buy your own!" the first guy grinned smugly, hiding the newspaper behind his back.

Liyue Harbor was abuzz with excitement. People everywhere were discussing this jaw-dropping news.

Especially the common folk—they were filled with admiration and inspiration from Ningguang's journey.

"Brother Shajin, this was your doing, wasn't it?" Ningguang held up the newspaper, pointing at the front-page story.

"What do you mean?" Shajin looked puzzled.

"This." Ningguang handed him the paper.

He glanced at it and chuckled. "Charlotte's writing still knows how to grab attention~" He set the paper aside with a smile. "Yes, it was me."

"Really, Brother Shajin? I want to win the election on my own merits." Ningguang frowned, a bit displeased.

"No, Ningguang. I'm not trying to win the election for you," Shajin said earnestly, meeting her gaze. "I just think, if you don't even have enough chips on the table to play, the game itself becomes meaningless. That's why I stepped in."

"I understand, Brother Shajin. But I still want to win this with my own strength," Ningguang replied firmly.

"Don't get me wrong—I believe in your abilities, I really do," Shajin said with a smile. "But if the playing field isn't equal, where's the fun in any of it?"

"You always have an answer for everything~"

"Right back at you. Instead of debating, maybe you should focus on your campaign speech."

"Hmph, I've already got it prepared!"

As election day approached, a tense anticipation filled the air in Liyue Harbor.

On the streets, people gathered in clusters, discussing the upcoming Qixing election.

Ningguang, one of the candidates, had campaign posters and slogans plastered all over the city.

The day before the election, Shajin met with Charlotte again to confirm everything was ready.

A confident smile played on Charlotte's lips—she knew the report she was about to publish would change the course of Liyue's history.

"I'm ready, Shajin," she said, standing in the middle of stacks of newspapers.

"Good, Charlotte." Shajin nodded. "I trust your judgment. Our goal is to reveal the truth—to let the people of Liyue see the true faces of those they might choose as their next Qixing."

Charlotte gave a determined nod. She knew how heavy this responsibility was.

She turned and left, ready to release the truth to the public the next morning.

The day of the election finally arrived.

The central plaza of Liyue Harbor was packed with people, all waiting for the candidates' speeches.

Ningguang stood on the stage, eyes full of determination.

She knew this was more than just an election—it was a fight for Liyue's future.

Former members of the Liyue Qixing—Tianquan Star Shen Qiu, Tianji Star Lin Tian, Tianxuan Star Zhao Lei, and Kaiyang Star Wu Xiao—took the stage one by one.

As each former Qixing stepped up, the atmosphere grew increasingly tense.

Each candidate had their own supporters, waving banners and chanting names with fervor.

The former Qixing held a commanding lead in the polls over the other candidates.

But when Ningguang took the stage, the entire plaza fell silent.

All eyes locked on the young, poised woman before them.

Shen Qiu and the others sneered. Decades of dominance couldn't possibly be overturned by a girl who'd barely come of age.

Ningguang scanned the crowd. She saw anticipation, curiosity—and doubt.

She took a deep breath and began her speech.

"Citizens of Liyue, I am Ningguang." Her voice rang out, clear and unwavering.

"Today, I stand here not just to compete for a seat among the Qixing, but for the future of our home—Liyue."

"I know I'm young. Some of you may think I lack experience."

"But I believe youth also means vitality and innovation. I will pour all my passion and wisdom into bringing Liyue new hope and opportunity."

She outlined her plans and vision—boosting the economy, improving people's livelihoods, and strengthening Liyue's ties with other regions.

"And if I'm honored to become Tianquan, I vow to reform the markets and root out all forms of corruption…"

As Ningguang delivered her speech, Charlotte was already distributing the Steambird Gazette's special edition.

The paper exposed the former Qixing's crimes in detail—corruption, bribery, abuse of power, violence, and flagrant disregard for the law.

"Mr. Shen, what now!?"

The paper spread like wildfire. Support for the former Qixing plummeted.

"Tch. We underestimated that brat," Shen Qiu cursed under his breath.

"Don't worry. I've got a plan."

After Ningguang's speech, the plaza echoed with cheers of support.

Shen Qiu stepped forward again.

"Dear citizens of Liyue, you've all been misled by the lies in this paper!" he shouted, waving the issue in his hand.

"But I tell you now, every word in here is a vile slander!"

To prove his point, he pointed at a column.

"Look here—it claims I maliciously acquired civilian industries, including Ruan's Fishery. Well, Mr. Ruan is right here. Was it really a hostile acquisition?"

Ruan Er trembled as he stood, but clenched his jaw and said, "T-That… that's complete fabrication! Mr. Shen even paid above market price in mora."

"This paper is clearly spouting nonsense!"

"Yeah! Mr. Shen has been in office for years. Who's ever heard of such things?"

"Honestly, I bet even that whole story about Ningguang starting with grilled fish was fake too!"

The tide of public opinion began to shift.

"Heh… interesting."

Shajin stood in the crowd, eyes gleaming as he watched Shen Qiu on stage.

"Well then… I guess it's time to go all in~"

_

Please support my patreon, patreon. com/TravelerDouluo

And get early access to my 10 advance chapters.

More Chapters