9. The Tragic Hero with Unmatched Strength and Beauty

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Zhi Wei hadn’t actually grabbed Andre by the neck. She merely seized the collar of his shirt, pulling the damned little bear close to her face.

“Say that again,” she said tremblingly.

What did it mean to raise six million in half a day? And what was this about already paying a deposit of one hundred thousand credit points?

Was this even human language? Her heart chilled, and she felt faint.

Andre clutched his collar, watching Zhi Wei’s expression cautiously, and said carefully, “The website went live this afternoon and was made public. It raised six million in half a day.”

“When it reached one hundred thousand, I transferred it to the temple as the deposit.”

Zhi Wei hurried to check the website’s message board.

Before looking, she had half hoped the crude site would shake everyone up, imagining that people would see the ugly website and lose their illusions about her, no longer stubbornly clinging to the idea of the one true deity savior.

But after seeing it, she almost gasped for air.

[Such a simple website... The aesthetics are average, but all the functions are complete; still, it’s not at all high-end.]

Zhi Wei thought: Yes, yes, exactly that—everyone must think that! Quickly, everyone must think that!

[I looked at this website, then recalled Zhi Wei’s speech earlier; I was so moved...]

[Those organized candidates all have exquisite personal websites, but Zhi Wei is different! She’s an independent candidate from a barren star; this is the best she can offer us!]

[Even the most important candidate’s personal website is so simple—she truly puts the donations where they matter!]

[She refuses to waste voters’ money on self-promotion; this is the true spirit of a savior!]

Zhi Wei: …??

Wait! Are you serious? How did this turn into praise? Can you even praise this?

She stared at the messages filled with sympathy and regret, reading between the lines a faint sense of “she only has us now.”

The website is poor, everyone feels sorry for her, she has only us... The more Zhi Wei read, the more familiar the scene became.

Good grief, wasn’t this the classic sob story to win over fans!?

Other candidates have beautiful, polished personal websites; hers is shabby. Everyone sees the contrast—how can they not feel sorry?

She has no organization, already at a disadvantage, and after that lofty speech about running for the one true deity, she refuses to properly maintain her website—that clearly shows she won’t waste money on web design!

She scorns vanity and glitz; she genuinely cares for the voters!

Everyone looks at her and thinks, wow, she’s so pitiful. Plus, Zhi Wei is good-looking and gave an impressive speech before, so this isn’t just pity—it’s the “beautiful, strong, and tragic” type.

No one—listen, no one, not in modern times, not in interstellar society—can resist the “beautiful, strong, and tragic” persona!

She’s beautiful, idealistic, and yet uses such a broken website—how could voters not feel sorry? How could they not donate?

They just pour in the money!

Besides that, she has her own loyal followers.

Earlier, she handed drinks to the reporters blocking the entrance. They recognized her respect and weren’t stingy with praise.

Unprecedented—reporters who camp outside for long periods usually get scorned, never treated with kindness. What a considerate, polite, gentle, and strong candidate!

So in the message board, the most prominent replies were from reporters breaking news.

They briefly explained the background, praising her character.

[I know camping out here is a bit intrusive, but she didn’t mind at all and even ordered drinks for us... I regret not meeting her, but that gesture was warm enough. She’s the most considerate candidate I’ve encountered...]

And, by accident, Andre had handled things cleverly.

If the website had gone live right after her speech demanding donations, it would have seemed less righteous.

But Andre spent two days setting it up.

Two days was just right. The shock from her speech was still fresh; she remained the topic of discussion.

Reporters could come forward, the website could accept donations, making her appear composed, magnanimous, and unhurried.

Thus, she raised the money without losing face. Everything was perfectly timed.

Unbeknownst to her, other candidates were analyzing her overnight, convinced that such a mature operation must have powerful backing.

Meanwhile, Zhi Wei stared at the messages, her expression frozen by the shifting public opinion.

She suddenly turned and looked Andre squarely in the eye: “Didn’t I tell you not to spend money? How much did you spend?”

How did this happen? They were ready to disband; who was keeping her campaign alive?

Andre—! Zhi Wei roared silently in her heart.

Andre was obedient; if told not to spend, he didn’t.

He explained with a wronged tone, “You said don’t use my money, so I didn’t give you mine.”

“This was done by a former classmate of mine. I didn’t pay her, so it doesn’t count as me spending money on you.”

Andre looked noble—he was indeed of noble blood, and his connections alone brought many resources.

Spending money was a poor tactic; he didn’t spend anything and still got a lot.

Zhi Wei pressed her temple, veins throbbing.

This is interstellar society—how is nepotism still a thing here?

She took a deep breath, nearly fainting from frustration, yet she couldn’t show any weakness.

After all, normally, a candidate would be happy or relieved that their deputy resolved such a crisis.

So, despite her inner turmoil, she forced herself to praise Andre: “You really are... a capable aide, a dedicated deputy!”

“I know I’m dedicated!” Andre said proudly, yet confused, “...But why are you gnashing your teeth?”

Zhi Wei gritted her molars, barely keeping herself upright.

“Just give the money to your classmate,” she waved wearily and sank back onto the sofa. “Since you already have six million…”

Why did they even get six million in donations? She was utterly speechless.

Andre approached timidly, not sitting beside her, but standing carefully in front of her.

He turned sideways, bending over to observe her expression.

He said, “I know this is your strategy, and also a test for me. Everything is part of your plan, Commander!”

Zhi Wei asked mechanically, “What?”

“You told me not to spend money and forbade me from organizing offline rallies. You’re clearly eliminating wrong options for me and pointing me toward online fundraising via the website. You’re feeding me the correct answer!”

Andre awkwardly flattered her: “Under your wise guidance, we overcame the crisis and secured our first big donation!”

Ah?? This?!

Could it be that it’s not Andre’s fault, but hers?!

But she hadn’t set any test for him; that was all in his imagination!

Zhi Wei took a deep breath and raised her voice: “Andre, I know your intentions are good, but could you maybe not act on them just yet?”

Andre looked confused: “What do you mean?”

“You’re so eager...” Zhi Wei covered her forehead, sighing.

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Andre quickly pledged loyalty: “Since you trust me so much, I won’t let you down, Commander.”

Zhi Wei lowered her hand and looked Andre in the eyes.

She tried to brainwash him gently: “Listen, Andre, I chose you because of your sincerity, your innocence, your freedom. Understand? You must hold onto that—you can’t change, got it?”

Andre pursed his lips, eyes wide, his blue eyes round and even more striking, but less clever.

Andre sniffled, “You’re so kind to me. No one has ever recognized my talent and gifts before.”

Zhi Wei: “…That kind of thing…”

That kind of thing—you might not even have it, so why seek others’ approval?

She watched him moved yet silent, then sighed.

She couldn’t get angrier.

He meant well and tried his best; how could she blame him? He looked a little crumpled and awkward, pitiful even, beautiful like a rose squeezed for juice on an icy plain.

Zhi Wei gathered herself, thinking: It’s okay, it’s okay. There are so many hurdles and elimination rounds in choosing a deity candidate!

Every stage is tough; sooner or later, one will stop her!

Getting discouraged now means nothing. She still has plenty of chances ahead!

She quickly reminded Andre, “In any case, always consult me about what comes next.”

Andre nodded vigorously, “Okay! Okay!”

Seeing his earnestness, Zhi Wei’s remaining frustration melted away.

“You’ll still be my main support,” she said sincerely, “After all, my skills aren’t useful here.”

Andre was curious: “What skills? Mech? Medicine? Construction?”

Zhi Wei snorted, “Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Photoshop, Premiere, Windows 135, Office 365, Xmind, ChatGPT…”

She closed her eyes in despair: “I’m like a fish that can ride a bicycle here.”

Andre didn’t understand a word. He had many questions, so he picked the one he most wanted to ask: “What’s a bicycle?”

Zhi Wei: “…A means of transportation.”

Mentioning transportation, Andre suddenly realized what they lacked.

Counting on his fingers, he said, “We need to buy a starship. When we hold rallies across districts, we can drive it.”

Zhi Wei collapsed onto the sofa, exhaling: “Fine, whatever, I’m letting go…”

She asked, “Is there enough money? If not, tell me. Don’t use your own money to cover it—I hate bosses who make their subordinates pay out of pocket.”

Andre was enthusiastic: “No problem! I’ll use my connections! I’ll go to my family’s shop, haggle for a discount!”

Zhi Wei’s expression was hard to describe.

She looked at him, shaking her head helplessly: “How did a well-bred young master turn out like this... Will you regret following me? Eating badly, living poorly, and money always tight?”

Andre didn’t understand those concerns.

He said, “I’m your deputy. You’re my first commander—and you will be my only commander.”

When Andre’s face softened, it was a cold yet magnificent beauty, as if his soul were burning before Zhi Wei.

“For our ideals!” He raised his right hand and shouted as Zhi Wei was somewhat moved.

Zhi Wei: …But she has no ideals; she just wants to withdraw from the race!