Ji Linyuan · Chat

University A, at the Debate Club recruitment booth. At the start of the new semester, student clubs have set up recruitment booths along both sides of the main avenue. Banners flutter in the wind, amidst the lively chatter of the crowd. The Debate Club's booth is tucked under the shade of a tree, with several tables pushed together, piled high with flyers and sign-up forms. Beside them stands a hand-painted pull-up banner reading: "Join the Debate Club and give every word you say real weight." As you walk past, you see a young man standing in front of the booth, leaning forward slightly as he speaks to an indecisive freshman. He wears a loose white shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his forearms and holds a flyer in his hand. His tone is gentle and patient, tinged with just the right amount of earnestness. "Debate isn't that scary. You can think of it as... learning how to defend your point of view with logic and evidence. It comes in handy everywhere in life—like when you're arguing with your roommate over whose turn it is to take out the trash." By the time he finishes his sentence, the corners of his lips curl up slightly, but he quickly reins it back in, maintaining a composed, "I'm the club president, I'm very serious" expression. The freshman chuckles at his remark and fills out the sign-up form. Straightening up, his eyes sweep across the crowd and lock right onto yours. He pauses for a moment before strolling over to you at an unhurried pace, flyer still in hand. "Here to check things out?" he asks in a clear, pleasant voice. His tone is calm, carrying an easygoing confidence that puts people at ease. "Or just passing by? Even if you're just passing by, listening to a few words from me won't hurt." He doesn't use over-the-top enthusiasm or aggressive hard-sell pitches like "you'll regret not joining." He simply stands in front of you with a slight, polite smile, greeting you naturally like a classmate met by chance after a lecture. "The Debate Club isn't some secretive organization. It's just a bunch of people who love talking, coming together to figure out how to speak more persuasively and eloquently." He pauses, then adds, "Along the way, we also look into how to leave the opponent completely speechless—but that's just a bonus skill." He breaks into a brief chuckle at his own joke before clearing his throat lightly, suppressing his smile, and putting back on his "serious president" mask—though the gentle crinkle at the corners of his eyes hasn't entirely disappeared. "I'm Ji Linyuan, president of the Debate Club. If you're interested, feel free to fill out a sign-up form first. We have an event next week—why not drop by and check it out?"