Chapter 333: Why Is He So Likable? (Third Chapter: Repaying the Debt)

The next day, when Li Ye arrived at the campus debate team, Qin Yongsheng grabbed his hand and said, "You're late again by several days—several people have complained. Watch out, you might get pushed out at the last minute."

Li Ye frowned. "It's already mid-February—less than two weeks left. Still someone clinging on?"

Qin Yongsheng nodded toward the corner of the debate room's curtain, signaling Li Ye to look.

Li Ye glanced over and saw several backup members of the campus debate team.

For a team preparing for an international university debate competition, backups are essential—what if someone gets bitten by a dog or scratched by a cat? You can't scramble for replacements last minute.

Besides, students who got into Jingda all have fierce competitive spirits; wanting to replace the main team is normal.

But it's already mid-February, and the team departs for Lijiapu in early March—Li Ye, Yang Chen, and the others have already developed perfect chemistry. Who could possibly overtake them now?

Yang Chen walked over and whispered, "It's Guan Tingzhong. Ever since he was replaced, he's been simmering with resentment."

"Your attitude has always been lackluster. The day before yesterday, Guan Tingzhong spent hours in Director Liu's office."

"Lackluster attitude?" Li Ye chuckled softly. "That's quite a heavy accusation."

The campus debate team was preparing intensely, and the school had hoped everyone would return early for the Spring Festival—but they hadn't mandated it.

After all, Spring Festival is the most important holiday in Huajia; some students live far away, and a round-trip by train takes a week. You can't just rush home for a quick visit with family and then rush right back.

Besides, Li Ye had to host Pei Wencong. Which mattered more?

If it weren't for missing Wenleyu, Li Ye would've waited another week and returned only when classes officially resumed.

"Let whoever wants it take it. I don't care."

Li Ye dropped the remark, picked up the debate topic materials Yang Chen and the others had organized, and memorized them effortlessly.

For Li Ye, certain opportunities meant nothing.

But others were scrambling, desperate to get them.

Like Guan Tingzhong.

When the campus debate team received notice about competing in Lijiapu—and the accompanying study-abroad slots—the school's Director Liu had asked on the spot who wanted to study in Lijiapu.

Li Ye said he had no interest in studying abroad; Qin Yongsheng and Yang Chen said they'd follow the school's decision—but Guan Tingzhong clearly declared his intention to "return home after studying and serve the motherland."

Then he became a backup. The school chose graduate student Qiao Dapeng to replace him as the lead debater.

Later, Li Ye learned that Lijiapu had allocated two study-abroad slots specifically for the campus debate team.

So if Li Ye didn't go, the remaining three—Qin, Yang, and Guan—had to be narrowed down to two, to prevent personal bias from disrupting team cohesion at the last minute.

Thus, Qin Yongsheng and Yang Chen, who had deferred to the school's decision, earned the exchange study slots at Lijiapu National University—while Guan Tingzhong, who had aggressively pursued it, was eliminated entirely, losing even his backup debater status.

But now it seemed Guan Tingzhong had decent character—quite resilient, never giving up.

"Everyone's here? Good. Let me quickly mention a few things."

Li Ye was Ditou recording notes when he heard someone speak. He looked up—it was Director Liu, who ran the debate team, entering through the door.

Everyone put down their things and focused on Director Liu, especially Guan Tingzhong, who glanced toward Li Ye.

"I won't reiterate how important this debate is. I just want to warn someone: don't center yourself, ignore collective interests, and do things that harm team unity."

"We've trained for so long. Don't let one person's selfishness ruin our team's performance and damage our school's reputation."

Director Liu's tone was harsh, making Li Ye frown.

I was just a few days late—does it need to be turned into a political issue?

He turned slightly, glancing at Guan Tingzhong nearby—and their eyes met.

Guan Tingzhong immediately looked away, refusing to acknowledge Li Ye's gaze.

"Li Ye!"

Li Ye suddenly heard Director Liu call his name. He stopped looking at Guan Tingzhong and stared coldly at Director Liu.

He'd already decided—if Director Liu accused him of selfishness, he'd debate him, demand an explanation.

He'd at least expose who'd been whispering poison in his ear, and have a proper talk with them.

But when he saw Director Liu's expression, he grew confused.

Just moments ago, Director Liu had been cold and stern—now his face was as warm as spring.

"Li Ye, this is an invitation from Lijiapu for Seven-Inch Blade. It arrived at the school yesterday."

A literary exchange invitation from Lijiapu landed in Li Ye's hands, leaving him speechless.

So Director Liu's harsh words weren't aimed at him—then who?

As Li Ye pondered, Director Liu waved his hand. "Li Ye, let's step outside for a moment."

After leaving the room, Director Liu said, "Li Ye, this trip to Lijiapu represents Jingda's face."

"But we have little overseas experience and very limited resources. I heard from the Youth League that you have some connections with Fenghua Apparel?"

Li Ye understood at once and nodded slowly. "Yes, some connections. You want them to sponsor a few outfits?"

"Hahaha, I hadn't even dared to ask—you're so straightforward."

Was I straightforward?

You're the one who's being smooth.

Still, Li Ye didn't mind the sponsorship—the debate competition would be broadcast on Channel One, and the advertising effect couldn't be measured in mere money.

"Ahem, also…"

Director Liu cleared his throat, embarrassed. "I heard Fenghua Apparel exports and earns foreign exchange. Could you help us secure some foreign currency sponsorship? Our school budget is extremely tight."

Li Ye looked at Director Liu's expression and sighed inwardly.

Who would've thought that the richest university in China's future would now be begging students for foreign currency?

You might get high-end suits and shoes with some effort—but foreign exchange? That's pure calculation.

Think about it: in the early 80s, foreign exchange was needed everywhere. The school's allocated foreign currency budget probably covered every ticket, lodging, and expense down to the last cent.

"I'll try contacting them. But Director Liu, don't get your hopes up—they've already reallocated their foreign exchange, and the bulk's been seized by state agencies."

Director Liu nodded. "That's exactly the situation. Do your best, Li Ye. If we can get two thousand U. . dollars, our trip will be much smoother."

Li Ye: "..."

Only two thousand U. . dollars? You should've said so earlier!

But then again, on the black market, two thousand U. . dollars meant ten or twenty thousand yuan.

Director Liu and Li Ye returned to the room, chatting amiably—this scene stung Guan Tingzhong's eyes, making him uneasy.

Sure enough, Director Liu shot Guan Tingzhong a furious glare. "Keep preparing. Less than twenty days left. Stay united. No underhanded tricks."

After Director Liu left, the room fell silent. All eyes turned to Guan Tingzhong.

Guan Tingzhong's face turned ashen. He clutched a stack of materials, as if he wanted to bury his head in them.

He simply couldn't understand: how could a student who broke rules and had a bad attitude suddenly become so popular?

Guan Tingzhong didn't realize he'd only noticed Li Ye's flaws, ignoring his strengths and abilities.

Especially his "cash ability"—something he couldn't comprehend.

Time flew by, and soon it was early March.

The debate team held a "departure ceremony" at Jingda, with the campus newspaper photographer snapping pictures nonstop.

Because Fenghua's sponsored outfits were so outstanding, others stared in awe, asking where they'd gotten them—and when they learned they were domestic brands, none could believe it.

Jin Peng, as Jingda's sponsor, chatted warmly with Director Liu and others; the way Liu shook his hand showed that a dozen outfits and two thousand U. . dollars had won genuine friendship.

Yang Chen and Qin Yongsheng quietly asked Li Ye: "Bro, how much did this outfit cost? I've never seen this style at the department store."

Li Ye said, "It's a new season's design—won't hit stores for another half-month. As for the price, I don't know exactly—probably around three hundred yuan for the full set."

"Three hundred?"

Several people around them gasped. Qiao Dapeng, who'd just joined, whispered, "When we come back, do we have to return these?"

Li Ye shook his head and smiled. "These are custom-made, tailored to our body measurements. Who'd wear them back? Who'd buy used clothes?"

"Whoa~"

"Man, even if we lose, we've already made six hundred yuan just by going abroad!"

"What do you mean 'even if we lose'? We must win. We can't lose."

"That's not what I meant—I mean, Fenghua Apparel is just too generous."

The four main debaters each received two sets of Fenghua outfits—one suit, one Chinese-style mandarin collar—totaling six hundred yuan per person.

Remember, a college graduate's monthly salary then was only fifty to sixty yuan—these two outfits were worth a year's pay.

But everyone only saw the value of the clothes, not their own worth.

Building a fashion brand isn't just about advertising and good craftsmanship—it requires choosing the right target audience.

Think of Huang Da's line in "Crazy Stone": "Brand-name stuff, Benetton"—it instantly dragged Benetton's image down.

So who should Fenghua Apparel target?

People like Yang Chen and Qin Yongsheng—those who love fashion and hold social status.

When these young people grow up, they'll become the most influential trendsetters.

Fenghua Apparel has been quietly infiltrating universities across Beijing—even at reduced profit margins—growing steadily, silently.

Only this way, when foreign brands flood in years later, will Fenghua have a fighting chance.