Starforce Warriors

Chapter 113: Your Intentions

"Little Zhi's brand still lacks an ambassador." The voice from the resting area continued. "If Li Xiaofei doesn't mind, he can sign an endorsement contract with Little Zhi to become the spokesperson for the Xiesheng brand. These two outfits, Noble Gentleman and Green Lotus, can be part of the signing bonus and given to you both to wear at tonight's gala. What do you think?"

An endorsement contract?

Li Xiaofei was intrigued.

The bespectacled store owner immediately clapped her hands in delight, "Great, great, that's wonderful... "

She genuinely hoped Li Xiaofei would become the brand's ambassador. His personal style and temperament were perfect for Xiesheng.

Li Xiaofei looked at Tan Qingying.

She crossed her arms and smiled, "It's your decision. Supporting something you like, why not?"

Li Xiaofei thought for a moment before turning to the bespectacled store owner, "It's an honor to represent Xiesheng. I really do love this Great Xia ancient style. But there's one thing you might not know. I'm from the slum and a member of a slum gang. Having me as a spokesperson might attract criticism and risk."

"It doesn’t matter." The cold voice from the resting area replied confidently. "Little Zhi can handle that level of risk."

Her words carried a strong sense of assurance. Li Xiaofei was surprised but then realized anyone who could open a store in the Starry Sky Tower must have some backing.

"In that case, I have no objections."

He agreed. The process of negotiating the endorsement contract was quick because both he and the bespectacled store owner were quite inexperienced.

The endorsement fee was 100,000 star coins per year. Additionally, he could try on new releases from the store before anyone else. What Li Xiaofei needed to do was simply wear Xiesheng brand clothes at various award ceremonies and major competitions.

After signing the contract, Li Xiaofei and Tan Qingying left the store wearing their new outfits.

"Originally, I was going to buy you clothes, but now it seems I've ended up getting one for free because of you," Tan Qingying said, slightly troubled. As they walked, she continued, "No way, this makes me look unreliable. Next, when we buy shoes and accessories, I'll pay for everything. You better not fight me for it."

"Don't worry, I won't fight you," Li Xiaofei said. "I'm a poor guy."

The handsome young man and beautiful girl laughed and chatted as they disappeared around the corner outside the store.

The bespectacled store owner stood at the door and watched them leave, unable to control the smile on her face. After a while, she excitedly clenched her fist and pumped it in the air before turning back into the store.

"Sis, why didn't you invite that girl to be our brand ambassador too?" she asked curiously.

The voice from the resting area, now much softer, replied, "Because you can't afford her."

"Ah?" The bespectacled store owner was very surprised. "Is she... very expensive?"

"Incredibly so," The voice from the resting area seemed to carry a faint hint of laughter. "However, her value doesn't lie in money, but in power."

"Power?" The bespectacled store owner began to understand, curiosity piqued. "Who is she, exactly?"

"The city leader's daughter, Tan Qingying," the woman in the resting area replied.

"What?!" The bespectacled store owner exclaimed in shock. "Isn't she the one who's said to be very rebellious, loves dyeing her hair, and often hangs out with a group of delinquents and loafs around?"

As a member of the city's second-generation circle, she had heard plenty of rumors.

"That was in the past." The woman in the resting area said. "Recently, she turned over a new leaf."

"Really?" The bespectacled store owner was even more astonished.

Rumor had it that the city leader had tried countless methods to reform his rebellious daughter, even graying several strands of his hair in the process, all to no avail.

"Otherwise, why do you think City Leader Tan would allow her to be with Li Xiaofei?" The woman in the resting area remarked.

The bespectacled store owner was taken aback. Then, a realization dawned on her, and she exclaimed in disbelief, "Are you saying that Tan Qingying turned over a new leaf because of Li Xiaofei?"

The woman in the resting area did not respond. The bespectacled store owner still found it hard to believe.

What kind of charm did Li Xiaofei possess that could make a rebellious girl, whom even her city leader father couldn't control, suddenly change her ways? No. It should be called magic.

She reflected on her brief interactions with Li Xiaofei. A shiver ran down her spine. Indeed, this young man had made a good impression with just a few words. But this ability, in her view, stemmed more from his sincerity.

It came from his unashamed and unabashed acknowledgment of his slum origins, from the smile on his face when he spoke, from his pride in his Great Xia heritage, and from the unintentional yet powerful confidence he exuded.

The saying goes that one becomes red near vermilion and black near ink. Perhaps Li Xiaofei touched the city leader's daughter with his sincerity? Or maybe there were other unknown reasons?

As she pondered this, her curiosity about the young man grew. She removed her thick black-framed glasses and rubbed her cheeks. Her previously hidden beauty suddenly emerged, and the store seemed to brighten considerably.

***

The banquet was held in the vast rooftop garden of the Starry Sky Hotel, which had the best view in Liuhe Base City. One could see the entire city from this high vantage point. It also had a gentle night breeze blowing.

When Li Xiaofei and Tan Qingying arrived, the banquet had not yet started, and a lively warm-up cocktail party was in progress. They found a corner booth on the periphery and sat down to chat.

"Today's banquet is a charity auction organized by the Ye family, one of the five major families," Tan Qingying whispered into Li Xiaofei's ear. "It's rumored that Mr. Li Zhoumin, the inspector from the Star Council, will also attend. He is known for mentoring young talents. That's why outstanding young members of the five major families and star students from prestigious schools have flocked here, hoping to win his favor."

Inspector Li Zhoumin?

Li Xiaofei had heard of this person. Li Zhoumin was considered a distinguished figure in Liuhe Base City. Although he did not directly participate in the city's management, he held a special position. He was a special envoy level figure. Even the city leader and the military commander had to treat him with respect.

The inspector represented the highest global authority, the Star Council. Sometimes, an inspector's report could lead to a change in the city's leadership. It was said that the five major families of Liuhe Base City were desperately trying to curry favor with Inspector Li in order to get top-tier cultivation resources and opportunities.

"However, gaining Inspector Li's favor is no easy task," Tan Qingying said with a hint of helplessness. "I've long given up trying to impress him, but my father insisted that I attend. So here I am, reluctantly showing my face."

"I feel like you're showing off," Li Xiaofei bluntly pointed out. "Others would do anything to get an invitation to this banquet, and you got it effortlessly yet didn't want to come. Truly, the wicked privilege of being a top official's daughter."

Tan Qingying laughed heartily, her laughter like a blossoming flower. "You can see through me, but don't say it out loud."

Li Xiaofei appreciated her playful and open-minded personality.

"Thank you," he said earnestly.

"Hmm?" Tan Qingying looked at him with wide eyes.

Li Xiaofei continued, "I understand your intentions."