Ma Xiaojun cast an odd glance at Zhang Tianxing.
To be honest, Ma Xiaojun had a good impression of Zhang Tianxing. He was young, yet he was a chairman in society. He had initially planned to nurture him.
However, when Zhang Tianxing said he wanted to start as a deputy minister, Ma Xiaojun immediately crossed him off his list, finding the idea pointless.
Furthermore, Zhang Dalong was his subordinate, and he had dined at Zhang Dalong's expense quite a bit in the past few days.
"One's hands are short when accepting favors, and one's mouth is short when accepting food."
If Zhang Dalong and Zhang Tianxing clashed, Ma Xiaojun would undoubtedly side with Zhang Dalong.
Yet, Ma Xiaojun also felt a headache brewing. Zhang Tianxing was no ordinary classmate.
He already had a certain reputation before enrolling, someone even teachers had to regard with respect.
Initially, Zhang Tianxing hadn't planned to mingle with these brats. But on a whim, he decided he should butter up the school's connections. What if his academic performance faltered? It would be good to be on good terms with the teachers beforehand so they would be more lenient during exams.
Otherwise, if he failed every subject, it wouldn't look good for him.
Zhang Tianxing then walked towards Ma Xiaojun.
Seeing Zhang Tianxing's move, Zhang Dalong chuckled. "Zhang Tianxing, Zhang Tianxing, things are not as simple as you think. The position of deputy minister isn't for just any Tom, Dick, or Harry."
Ma Xiaojun, Zuo Lili, and Gao Zixuan sat at the front. They were the triumvirate of the student union: the president and vice-presidents.
Zhang Tianxing stepped forward and introduced himself. Zuo Lili looked up with interest. "Zhang Tianxing, what position are you vying for? Why don't you come to our Outreach Department? I guarantee you'll take over my position as minister by your third year."
"Senior Sister, I want to compete for the deputy minister position."
As soon as he spoke, the three present looked at Zhang Tianxing in unison.
After all, Zhang Tianxing was only a freshman. No one had ever heard of a freshman becoming a deputy minister.
Ma Xiaojun pondered for a moment. "Classmate Zhang Tianxing, there are requirements for the deputy minister position. We demand work ability and overall competence. Being a freshman is not very suitable; you've just enrolled and are unfamiliar with the situation."
"So, you're clearly rejecting me? I, Zhang Tianxing, have traveled north and south, seen all sorts of storms."
"President Ma, what are the requirements? Tell me, perhaps I meet them."
"Our Outreach Department has a very heavy workload. We handle external relations, invite guest speakers, and coordinate sponsorships for various events. Can you manage this as a freshman?"
Before he finished speaking, Ma Xiaojun realized his mistake. This explanation might work for other freshmen, but it was inappropriate for Zhang Tianxing. Who was Zhang Tianxing? He was the kind of person who dared to open a restaurant at the university entrance while studying here.
It seemed Zhang Dalong's meals were not easy to swallow, as he was asking Ma Xiaojun to send Zhang Tianxing away. It seemed he could only try to appease Zhang Tianxing for now and then let the school's Youth League Committee teachers deal with him.
Right, Teacher Zhang Ruofang looked at Zhang Tianxing with disdain. It seemed this Zhang Tianxing wouldn't impress Teacher Zhang Ruofang, so this kid had no chance of becoming a deputy minister.
However, before Ma Xiaojun could speak, Zhang Tianxing chuckled softly. "President Ma, I'm skilled in all these areas you mentioned. Securing sponsorships is easy; just tell me how much money is needed, and I guarantee I'll complete the task. I happen to know two people in the business world. As for handling external relations, there's even less to worry about. We businessmen welcome guests from all directions; it's our forte."
Zuo Lili covered her mouth and chuckled softly. This Zhang Tianxing spoke with no humility, but the Outreach Department needed such a formidable person.
"President Ma, we'll take Zhang Tianxing for our Outreach Department. If the teachers don't approve him for deputy minister, I can allocate a position for an executive member here."
Hearing Zuo Lili's words, Ma Xiaojun almost choked to death. This Zuo Lili was now driven by money. Every time they needed to secure sponsorships, it was Zuo Lili who fretted.
Now, hearing Zhang Tianxing's bold claims about securing any amount of sponsorship, he realized it was indeed fitting for the president of the Crayfish Association to speak so confidently.
"Vice President Zuo, we are currently screening candidates. It's not appropriate to promise a position now. Besides, without a trial period, how can we know if the person will be effective or not?"
Ma Xiaojun immediately raised an objection. Gao Zixuan, seeing the two begin to argue, spoke softly from the side.
"How about this: let's create a list of candidates for deputy minister. The evening party needs sponsorships now. Let's have them go out and solicit sponsorships and see who can complete the task first."
Ma Xiaojun immediately wanted to disagree, but seeing Zuo Lili's gaze, he swallowed his words.
He was a senior now, and arguing with Zhang Tianxing would be unwise. It was just about securing sponsorships. He would bring in Zhang Dalong later.
Didn't he want to humiliate Zhang Tianxing? Ma Xiaojun would give him the opportunity. As long as he invested money, he could thoroughly defeat Zhang Tianxing, and Ma Xiaojun could even prepare a deputy minister position for him, making up for the meals he had hosted.
He wouldn't intervene himself. It would damage his image if he, a senior, bullied a freshman.
He still wanted to stay at the school after graduation, and the teachers' opinions were crucial.
He couldn't let the trivial matter between the two of them affect his future.
With this thought, Ma Xiaojun took the opportunity to go out and speak to Zhang Dalong.
"Dalong, I have something to tell you. The Outreach Department is short a deputy minister. Do you want the job?"
Zhang Dalong understood immediately. He took out a pack of Jiulingzhizun and handed it directly to Ma Xiaojun.
"Brother Jun, you are my real brother. I'm happy to do this job. There are many beautiful girls in the Outreach Department, and I'm very satisfied."
What did it mean to be "one of us"? This was it. When there was good news, they thought of him. This freshman, deputy minister, was coming to him soon.
Haha, when he became deputy minister, and Zhang Tianxing had nothing, that's when his classmates would know who the true number one freshman was.
That would undoubtedly be him, Zhang Dalong. Zhang Tianxing was just a worm.
Ma Xiaojun sternly reminded Zhang Dalong, "This deputy minister position requires a test, which is to solicit sponsorships for the evening party. There will be two people competing with you, including Zhang Tianxing."
"Brother Jun, why didn't you just reject him? And you're letting him participate in the competition? This guy will definitely spend a lot of money."
"He's spending money, can't you? Let's just see who has more money. Whoever wins becomes deputy minister," Ma Xiaojun said impatiently.
Zhang Dalong was good in all aspects except for his lack of sharp thinking. But it didn't matter; as long as Zhang Dalong was willing to spend money, he was Ma Xiaojun's best buddy.
The opportunity has been given to you. Whether you become deputy minister depends on whose wallet is fatter among you. The outcome will determine the winner, and no one can say anything. This way is the fairest, and even Dean Hou wouldn't say anything.