Caesar's attention did not linger on Lu Mingfei for long. He withdrew his gaze and stood at the edge of the second-floor balcony, lightly resting both hands on the railing like a Monarch surveying his domain.
His clear, penetrating voice rang out, echoing through the silent hall:
"I have always believed that elites should keep the company of elites... Everyone here is an elite I recognize. I long to stand beside the exceptional, because walking with fools only makes me feel as though my own wisdom is slipping away."
Caesar leaned forward slightly, his voice carrying a fervent conviction. "Kassel College needs the finest voices and the most brilliant minds to fulfill the mission we were born with. And the finest... will always be us."
The corners of his lips lifted into an almost arrogant curve.
"True elites are often seen as madmen by the mediocre. Now, as president of the Student Union, I welcome you all into the ranks of these madmen. Together, let us preserve this precious madness in a mediocre world."
Even the crystal chandeliers beneath the dome seemed to sway gently with the applause, and the air throughout the ballroom seemed to ignite.
The crowd erupted. Cheers rose one after another as acquaintances and strangers alike embraced excitedly, shouting the same name: "Caesar! Caesar!"
Watching the fanatical scene, Lu Mingfei had to admit that it was pretty damn impressive.
Caesar raised a hand slightly from the balcony, and the applause receded like a tide. He swept his gaze over the room, his voice returning to its usual calm. "Now, please enjoy this evening to the fullest. Fine food, fine wine, and beautiful music..."
He snapped his fingers. "Tonight, let us forget our mission for a while and simply be madmen who know how to enjoy life."