Chapter 305: Wen Leyu: She

By late November, temperatures in North China consistently drop below zero; the crisp, cool autumn days are over, and everyone digs out their winter gear—thick cotton-padded coats, military overcoats—wrapping themselves like little potatoes and sweet potatoes.

In Dorm 209, Li Ye was unquestionably a fashion icon, owning not just a wool overcoat but also a full set of gear: leather boots, a scarf, and a fur hat.

But when he pulled on his sweater, his roommates burst into laughter.

"Big Bro, you've got style from head to toe—except for this sweater, hehehehe~ My little cotton-padded coat looks better than this!"

"Exactly! All show, no substance. Ten layers of yarn can't match one layer of cotton. No foreign junk beats a good old cotton-padded coat—and yours doesn't even look good."

This sweater was knitted for Li Ye by Wen Leyu last Chinese New Year—uneven stitches, crooked patterns, mismatched sleeves, brimming with abstract artistry.

Hmm, humor must be one of the arts.

But Li Ye paid no mind to the teasing from Chen Sihai and Wu Runfu; he deliberately spun around in front of the mirror, admiring himself.

"Handsome. Super handsome."

"Gorgeous. Totally vain."

The two buddies clucked their tongues in mock admiration, comparing their own cotton-padded coats to Li Ye's.

But Sun Xianjin leapt out of bed, sneering: "What do you two know? Do you think Big Bro's wearing a regular sweater? That's 'overflowing affection.' Do you two single dogs even have that kind of luck?"

"Damn, Sixth, like you've got one! Did that tall girl ever hold your hand? Li Ye strolls by Weiming Lake every day—what do you do every night?"

"Exactly! You wear high heels just to match her height, but you can't even walk side by side—one walks fast, the other drags."

The two roommates froze for a second, then erupted in furious curses, forgetting even the rule about not hitting below the belt.

After all, Sun Xianjin had used the term "single dog"—it was too insulting.

Bian Jingjing was taller than Sun Xianjin, and her words carried equally devastating force.

But Sun Xianjin wasn't angry this time; he proudly pulled a wool vest from under his quilt.

Same uneven stitches, mismatched patterns—just slightly better than Li Ye's.

"Look! Look!"

Sun Xianjin waved the vest like a priceless treasure, flashing it back and forth before his roommates, leaving them all speechless.

A guy with someone who cares for him is utterly detestable.

And it wasn't over yet—Li Ye next pulled a brand-new sweater from his suitcase.

"Look! Look! I haven't even finished wearing this old one, and a new one's already been knitted for me. Envious? Jealous?"

Double knockout.

"Ahh~"

Wu Runfu sighed deeply, muttering: "Sihai, are we in the wrong major? Why do both of those economics majors have partners, while all four of us math majors are still single?"

"It's not about your major—it's your attitude."

Li Ye, speaking as a seasoned veteran, lectured earnestly: "If you want a romantic love, you have to go after it—you can't just stand there daydreaming, waiting for girls to notice you."

"Sihai, Runfu—you haven't gone to any dances lately, right? Or the freshman welcome party, right?"

"Of course, if you're solely devoted to studying and serving the nation, then I'm the narrow-minded one—accept my sincere admiration."

"Don't even mention dances," Chen Sihai grumbled. "We just go to fill numbers. The girls at dances only ever stare at those few guys—never even see us."

Chen Sihai's words surprised Li Ye—and left him strangely melancholy.

Hadn't he once been one of those "filler guys" too? Eighty percent of girls really were drawn to just ten percent of the boys.

But girls in 1983 were probably still decent—if a guy truly pursued them, most wouldn't be heartless.

"Li Ye! Li Ye, come down quick—the teacher's calling you!"

A frantic shout came suddenly from downstairs.

Li Ye opened the window and saw Yang Chen, his former debate team teammate.

He called out: "What do they want?"

Yang Chen shouted back: "Dunno! They said come right away—hurry!"

"Okay, I'm coming down."

Li Ye pulled on his coat and headed downstairs, puzzled.

The debate competition ended two weeks ago, and the team disbanded after—it was odd they were calling him back now.

When he reached the activity room, he found several teachers present, and the other debate team members had already arrived; their expressions suggested they, too, had no idea what was happening.

"Everyone's here. Let's cut to the chase and announce a few things."

Director Liu declared: "First, this Saturday night, Channel One will broadcast highlights from the debate. You can cable your families so they can watch you on TV."

Yang Chen and the others erupted in delight—they were finally going on TV.

Back then, appearing on television was an immense honor; to see your own face on screen for your family to witness—what pride!

But before they could even celebrate, Liu pulled out a sheet of paper and waved it: "Second, we've received an official invitation from the Lijiapu Broadcasting Bureau to attend the First Asian College Debate Championship in Lijiapu next March."

"Boom~"

Though only a dozen people were present, the sudden roar of noise was thunderous.

"To Lijiapu? We're actually going to Lijiapu?"

"Why us? Shouldn't it be Shanghai First University?"

"Because their eyes are sharp—we're the undisputed champions."

Li Ye was also surprised; Wen Jinyuan had once hinted that a mainland university might be invited to Lijiapu, and Yang Chen and the others had all dreamed of it.

But Beijing University had lost the First National College Debate Championship just weeks ago.

Half a month ago, Beijing's debate team faced Shanghai First University in the finals, delivering a fierce, brilliant debate.

Beijing held every advantage—timing, venue—and their performance drew continuous applause from the audience—but in the end, they narrowly lost by the slimmest margin.

Though nearly everyone believed Beijing's loss was "not due to incompetence," some lamented that the defeat stemmed from Li Ye's weakness.

The final debate topic was: "Can the pursuit of wealth and the pursuit of morality be unified?" Beijing drew the negative side: "The pursuit of wealth and the pursuit of morality cannot be unified."

The debate had been evenly matched—until the opposing side threw a bombshell, directly targeting Li Ye, the third speaker for Beijing, accusing him of earning at least thirty thousand yuan—or more—in manuscript fees within just two years.

So, Mr. Seven-Inch Blade, have you abandoned morality for wealth?

Though Li Ye had prepared, he had to admit: Shanghai First University's team was exceptionally skilled. They seized on this single point, relentlessly hammering it, successfully diverting everyone's attention with the explosive "thirty thousand yuan" revelation.

Li Ye thought thirty or fifty thousand yuan wasn't much—but others didn't see it that way.

Even the judges didn't have thirty thousand yuan in their pockets!

No matter how you argue, you're just a rich little outsider—don't talk to me about morality.

Unfair play. Pure, unadulterated unfair play. Li Ye, who always liked to trip others up, had met an opponent stronger and even more ruthless—and all he could sigh was: "The world turns, and heaven never spares anyone."

But now, fate had turned again—Beijing University had still received the invitation after all. Truly, "life is unpredictable."

"Third thing."

Director Liu paused for several seconds, then spoke again: "Lijiapu National University has proposed an exchange student program with our university. We expect ten slots next year—who among you wishes to apply?"

Everyone stared at Director Liu, stunned—elated yet conflicted.

Elated because Wen Jinyuan's earlier promises had all come true.

Conflicted because openly applying for a study-abroad slot in front of so many people—wasn't that too eager?

Li Ye was also surprised.

Study-abroad slots were usually decided by the school's comprehensive evaluation—why were they asking for opinions? And since they wouldn't leave until next year, why the rush?

But then Director Liu asked: "Li Ye, will you apply?"

Li Ye shook his head: "I have no plans to study abroad."

Director Liu nodded, then asked the others: "What about you?"

For some reason, Li Ye felt Director Liu had just sighed in relief.

The remaining three: Yang Chen and Qin Yongsheng both said, "We'll follow the school's decision." Only Guan Tingzhong clearly expressed his desire to study overseas and serve the nation.

After the announcement, Li Ye didn't join the others in their ecstatic celebration—he went to class and left class as if nothing had happened.

For Li Ye now, studying abroad wasn't hard—he wasn't particularly drawn to the glittering world overseas.

But after class, Wen Leyu told him something.

"My mom told me yesterday—two of these study-abroad slots were specifically reserved by Lijiapu for your debate team."

Li Ye instantly understood.

The debate team had four members, and only two slots—so by March next year, the results would already be decided.

If all four applied, but only two went, would that disrupt team coordination during the competition?

Li Ye's withdrawal greatly reduced this risk—once one more of the other three was resolved, everything would be flawless.

Wen Leyu nudged Li Ye: "Hey, what are you thinking?"

Li Ye said: "I was wondering—if you had any desire to study abroad, and you did—"

Wen Leyu didn't hesitate: "Wherever you go, I go. You're not going to Lijiapu—why would I go alone?"

Seeing Li Ye smiling at her like an idiot, Wen Leyu bit back a grin and pouted.

But then she noticed something—she reached out and yanked open his collar, her face darkening.

"Where's the new sweater I knitted for you? Why are you still wearing this old, ragged one? Take it off right now—I'll unravel it and knit you a new one to alternate."

"You can't unravel this!"

Li Ye grabbed his collar with one hand and seized her small hand with the other: "This sweater may not be as fine as your new one—but it's a token of sweetness."

Wen Leyu: "..."

Li Ye said: "You think I'm being sentimental? Then tell me—how long did it take you to knit this first sweater? A month?"

Wen Leyu sheepishly held up two fingers—whether indicating two months or two attempts, it was unclear.

Li Ye smiled: "See? According to economic principles, an item's value is directly tied to labor value. A sweater knitted over two months can't be the same as one knitted in two weeks."

Wen Leyu's eyes widened as she stared into Li Ye's eyes, as if trying to determine whether he was lying.

The two locked gazes for a long time, until Wen Leyu was certain: Li Ye truly liked that sweater, even though it was uncomfortable to wear.

"Let's go eat. Today I'll make you stir-fried pork—just learned it from my mom."

Wen Leyu walked forward happily, feeling joyful at that moment.

But Mu Yunning, walking toward them, dashed her good mood.

Mu Yunning had lost weight and become much more direct in speech.

Ignoring Wen Leyu's presence, she asked Li Ye directly: "Just now, Director Liu called me and rejected the student exchange list I recommended, saying you've already turned down the study-abroad spot at Lijiapo? Can you tell me why?"

Li Ye froze, surprised that his homeroom teacher, Mu Yunning, had applied for a study-abroad slot on his behalf.

"Thank you for your kindness, Teacher Mu, but my family has too many pressing matters—I simply can't leave."

Mu Yunning was stunned into silence for a long while, then her gaze finally settled on Wen Leyu.

Li Ye quickly explained: "Teacher Mu, don't misunderstand—this is my own decision, unrelated to anyone else."

Li Ye knew Wen Leyu's temper well: even though Mu Yunning was a teacher, when angered, Wen Leyu would confront anyone without hesitation.

But Mu Yunning nodded and said: "Then it's fine. Studying abroad isn't necessarily the best choice."

Li Ye was puzzled, but Mu Yunning had already turned and walked away.

Wen Leyu leaned over and whispered: "She's jealous of me!"

"What? Jealous of you?"

"Yes! Her classmate gave up everything to study abroad—and it ruined her life.

But you gave up the study-abroad spot just for me. How could she not be jealous?"

Girl, that thought of yours isn't far off—I really do care about you deeply.

But what Li Ye had just said was true: his family indeed had a mountain of matters waiting to be handled.

Only two days had passed when Qiang and Director Xiong from Chang'an Film Studio came together.

Director Xiong was busy assembling a suit of armor, while Qiang, exhausted, sat slumped in a chair and said weakly: "Mr. Li, could you please tell my boss not to make me Deputy Director of Investment? I really can't handle it!"

Li Ye shook his head: "I think you should discuss this first with Ms. Pan Xiaoqing."

Since Qiang had come to the mainland, he and Pan Xiaoqing had completely dropped the pretense—they now appeared everywhere together, and even her father didn't object, acting like a proper young couple.

Qiang thought for only two seconds, then sat up straighter, reviving his energy.

"Never mind. I didn't say anything."

Some men, for a girl, willingly sink into softness and comfort; others, for a girl, must labor like a donkey, striving to raise their own worth.

Isn't it exhausting?