Wang Xiaotao went to the various shops at the school gate, begging for donations. Sometimes, before Wang Xiaotao could even open his mouth, the boss would politely usher him out, saying, "Sorry, we haven't opened yet." Some even threw a dollar at Wang Xiaotao.
At first, it was fine, but later Wang Xiaotao felt that one dollar wasn't enough. The next time someone threw a dollar at him, Wang Xiaotao was almost angered to death. He rushed forward and argued with the boss. Wang Xiaotao wanted to reason with him.
"I'm from the student union of Zhonghai University. Our school is holding a party, and I'm here to solicit sponsorships. Are you interested? We can discuss anything. What's the meaning of throwing a dollar at me?"
The boss looked at Wang Xiaotao with disdain. "Given this situation, you still ask? The situation is clear, you don't need to ask anymore. This dollar is my sponsorship to you. You don't need to advertise for me. Just leave immediately, and this dollar is yours. Don't hinder my business, really. Sponsorships all day long, sponsorship your sister!"
Wang Xiaotao retreated in defeat, unable to argue with them. He thought about fighting, but found that the boss and his employees were all stronger than him. Looking down at his own skinny arms, he was no match for them. He could only throw the dollar back.
"Thank you! I don't need your dollar."
He had never been so insulted. This boss was going too far.
"Don't want it, fine. Take the dollar. Let's go eat some meat skewers tonight. One dollar is still money!" the boss said unhappily to his employee.
However, after walking past a few more storefronts, Wang Xiaotao couldn't go on. He had been too discouraged by the repeated rejections. Either the bosses were too busy to talk to Wang Xiaotao, or they simply refused him, or they ignored him completely.
Wang Xiaotao looked up at the sky blankly. He never expected to be treated like this when soliciting sponsorships. He had had enough of this look. Two people he spoke to nicely only offered discount coupons; not a single boss agreed to give cash. Except for the few dollars he received at the beginning, the later one-dollar offerings were proudly rejected by Wang Xiaotao.
A gentleman does not accept charity given with scorn. How could he, the Vice President of the Zhonghai University Student Union, endure such humiliation? Truly, you cannot speak of ice to a summer insect; they don't understand my ambitions.
Wang Xiaotao decided to give up. This was not something a person could do. He wasn't a beauty. If he were a beautiful campus belle, he'd get sponsorships galore. With his looks and build, he was clearly made for rich women. But would he abandon his principles for a pittance? Forget it. He'd focus on his studies. He didn't need to be the Vice President.
Wang Xiaotao is out!
Zhang Dalong's approach was quite amusing. After entering a shop, he would first check if the owner was male or female. If it was a male owner, Zhang Dalong would turn around and leave. If it was a female owner, he would first assess her attractiveness. If she was good-looking, he would reveal his identity, representing the Zhonghai University Student Union to solicit sponsorships. He would boast about Zhonghai University being a top-tier institution and how high-class the party was. He'd claim that as long as their banner was displayed at the party, and with Zhonghai TV broadcasting it, the sponsorship fee would be well worth it.
And surprisingly, Zhang Dalong's smooth talking managed to secure two hundred yuan in cash. He also received discount coupons worth about five hundred yuan.
When Ma Xiaojun learned of Zhang Dalong's achievements, he nodded with satisfaction. Zhang Dalong had performed well, especially by strategically choosing his targets, indicating strong purpose. People like him were more likely to succeed, this was Ma Xiaojun's experience as an elder. In Ma Xiaojun's opinion, Zhang Dalong had won this time. If he was willing to lower himself to solicit sponsorships, and if Zhang Dalong contributed a few thousand more, he would surely be the Vice President. Ma Xiaojun found Zhang Dalong increasingly pleasing to the eye. Yesterday, Zhang Dalong had let him know that he had at least three to five thousand yuan in cash, readily available. Soliciting sponsorships was a piece of cake. However, Ma Xiaojun did not tell Zhang Dalong that soliciting sponsorships was routine work for the External Relations Department.
Time passed quickly. Zhang Tianxing, Zhang Dalong, and Wang Xiaotao appeared before Ma Xiaojun and the others. Upon arrival, Wang Xiaotao said, "I give up. I'm not competing for the Vice President position in the External Relations Department."
Hearing this, Zhang Dalong signaled Zhang Tianxing to go first: "Zhang Tianxing, we share the same surname. I'll let you have your moment to shine first." He was clearly implying that he would offer more. Little did he know that Zhang Tianxing was not angered by this. Zhang Dalong's intention was too obvious: after Zhang Tianxing stated his contribution, he would offer a higher amount to put Zhang Tianxing down and highlight his own prestige. However, Zhang Dalong had miscalculated. Zhang Tianxing was determined to break through with sheer force this time.
Zhang Tianxing stepped forward and said loudly, "I haven't solicited sponsorships. However, whatever the amount needed for this party, I can cover it in the name of the Little Lobster Association and Tianxing Network Company."
His words stunned Ma Xiaojun and the others. They had never imagined Zhang Tianxing would do this. After all, this was not a small sum. Although they hadn't dealt with the "Association," they knew that anything calling itself an association was usually not ordinary. Moreover, there was also a network company. What was Tianxing Network Company? Tianxing, Zhang Tianxing? Did this network company belong to Zhang Tianxing? The information contained in this news was too much for Ma Xiaojun, who was completely bewildered. He only knew Zhang Tianxing was famous and thought that since Zhang Tianxing was just a student, it wouldn't be a big deal. He never expected everything to exceed his imagination. The network company was currently booming. Ma Xiaojun had heard from teachers that the internet industry was highly valued, and companies could easily sell for tens of millions.
He had been careless. For a few meals with Zhang Dalong, he had offended a potential asset like Zhang Tianxing. This was a loss. It seemed he couldn't suppress Zhang Tianxing. If nothing else, Zuo Lili would definitely be the first to disagree. She had wanted Zhang Tianxing to join the External Relations Department before; he didn't know when they had connected. It seemed he needed to guard against both of them, otherwise, his future work would be passive. But it didn't matter. Even if Zhang Tianxing joined, he would only be a Vice President of the External Relations Department. It would be too easy for him to crush him. It seemed he had been too stressed lately and hadn't relaxed, or he wouldn't have made such a choice.
Unexpectedly, Zhang Dalong shouted from below, "Report, teacher! I've secured six thousand yuan in sponsorships this time." After speaking, he cast a provocative glance at Zhang Tianxing. "Little brat, what's the difference? You can make up the rest? It's about money, isn't it? This time I'll put all my pocket money on the line. I don't believe you're willing to spend six thousand yuan yourself."
To his surprise, Zhang Tianxing replied without hesitation, "Then I'll contribute seven thousand."
Upon hearing Zhang Tianxing's words, Zhang Dalong's blood rushed to his head, and he felt dizzy. He had only solicited one thousand yuan in sponsorships, plus five thousand from his personal savings, totaling six thousand yuan. It seemed he couldn't overpower Zhang Tianxing financially. Damn it, he was once again outdone by Zhang Tianxing. Was it fated that he and Zhang Tianxing were destined to clash? Can one mountain hold two Zhangs?