One month later.
In a conference room aboard the Earth.
The members of Parliament sat quietly on either side of the conference table, seemingly waiting for something.
"Senator Hong."
Albert's voice suddenly broke the silence in the conference room.
"Why isn't the Head Councillor here yet?"
Hong Qiming sat in his seat with his gaze lowered, the picture of composure.
His expression did not change in the slightest at Albert's question.
"It isn't time for the Election Assembly yet. The Head Councillor may have other matters to attend to."
The conference room fell silent again.
A few minutes later.
Albert let out a long breath, rose from his chair, and said in crisply articulated Chinese, "Senator Hong, it's almost time."
"Will the Head Councillor still be coming?"
Hong Qiming slowly closed his eyes to conceal his inner anxiety.
"Why do you ask?"
He did his utmost to maintain his composure as he posed the question in an even tone.
Albert said nothing. He simply stared intently at Hong Qiming's face, trying to glean some information from his expression.
Clearly, he failed.
Albert kicked his chair aside in irritation.
"Senator Albert!"
"Maintain order!"
"This is Parliament, not your office!"
Hong Qiming raised an eyebrow and snapped his eyes open, fixing Albert with a piercing stare.
Albert froze.
"Senator Hong, as I recall, we hold equal rank, don't we?"
"Have you already decided you'll be the second Head Councillor?"
Faced with Albert's provocation, Hong Qiming grew even calmer. "Senator Albert, please mind your words."
"I was merely offering a friendly reminder, so we can avoid an embarrassing scene when the Head Councillor arrives."
Albert's expression stiffened.
He turned away and stared gloomily at the seat at the head of the table.
The Head Councillor...
Ever since the Human Federation had been established,