"Staryan, you take it."

"Eh? Me?"

"Of course."

Sensing their thoughts aligned, Yao Staryan finally spoke up.

"Well, basically, sponsors just exchange funding for ads or promotions. Simple, right? We can ask the news club to run ads in the newspaper—and also in the pamphlets handed out on Christmas Day."

"Ohhh, I see! That’s a neat trick!"

If we do this, the shopkeepers on the nearby shopping street might help us.

"Great idea!"

Wang Yun’s eyes lit up. She shared her thoughts: "Hmm, we should bundle everything—materials for Christmas activities, whatever we can get—and sign one contract."

"Right! That might even cut our material costs a bit."

"Exactly. Business on our shopping street has slowed. If this promotes them, they’ll likely sponsor us."

"Spot on!" Yao Staryan nodded briskly.

Clearly, talking to the shopkeepers was the urgent next step.

"So, Wang Yun, does this work for you?"

"Yeah, worth a try."

We had a plan, but I still had doubts.

"Still... as students, just showing up unannounced to ask for sponsorships—won’t that bother them?"

"Gale Splendor’s concern makes sense," Wang Yun said. "But success isn’t unlikely. We’re neighbors—they’ll be flexible."

"That may be true... but barging in with ‘Please sponsor us’ could still trouble them."

"Gale Splendor has a point." Wang Yun paused, thinking. After a moment: "How about preparing materials first? Like details for this Christmas event."

"Start now, here?"

"No, better at school. We can get the student council’s input, and most documents are there anyway."

"True."

"Next topic," Wang Yun said, pulling another paper from the pile. I fully believed Willow Ran now—Wang Yun had dumped all non-actor-related documents on me just to rope me in.

"Before that, coffee?" I was thirsty from talking, and caffeine would help focus.

"Sure! Extra milk for me!"

"Same here."

"Me too, Gale Splendor—same as Willow Ran."

They acted like coffee and milk were free. Well, I’d suggested it.

After brewing coffee, we discussed other issues. Sadly, no clear conclusions like before. Wang Yun postponed them to the daily student council meetings.

Still, not a total loss—the sponsorship plan had advanced.

I never expected to help the student council again after so long. Last time, I thought I’d avoid it all through high school.

At the next routine meeting, Yao Staryan and I—the drama club actors—reappeared. Unlike the earlier Christmas planning session, only council members attended this one.

I’d thought our presence would surprise them. Instead, I was the surprised one—many asked why Yao Staryan and I missed previous meetings.

Turns out, Wang Yun had expected us to join from the start.

"To ease our budget shortage, I believe sponsorships from the shopping street are best. Any questions?" Wang Yun opened the meeting, sharing our night’s discussion.

As she displayed the materials, the council buzzed with excitement.

"Yeah, no better option. If shop owners help, this Christmas event will be amazing!" said Shen Lian, the council secretary. Sensitive and easygoing, he was always cheerful.

"Since everyone agrees, next topic: trash bin numbers and placements. Ideally, we’d also set smoking and non-smoking zones."

Wang Yun looked around. Shen Lian raised his hand: "For details like this, giving clubs rough goals and letting them brainstorm might be easier."

I agreed. With clubs as units this year—not just classes like last—coordinating placements with them made sense.

"Fine. We’ll revisit this at the next Christmas meeting."

Then Shen Lian raised his hand again: "President, about promoting the Christmas event..."

"Hmm? What about it?"

"Could other schools help promote it too?"

"Other schools..." Wang Yun frowned slightly, then relaxed. "No problem. I still have contacts with nearby student councils."

Promoting beyond our school would draw crowds, strengthening our sponsorship pitch.

"Really? That’s great!" Shen Lian beamed, bowing his head happily after Wang Yun nodded.

After the meeting, council members scattered to other tasks. We walked out with Wang Yun.

"How’s it feel? Big progress, right?"

"Ah, yeah. Having Star Yan and Gale Splendor really helped," Wang Yun admitted frankly. "A few tweaks needed, but this is solid."