If one were to trace this matter back, it would have to start after the final exams, before summer vacation began.
At that time, Fang Li had already received an invitation from Chabashira Sae and met with her at the school.
"I have something I want you to do."
The moment they met, Chabashira Sae said this to Fang Li.
"You know there will be a Special Exam during summer vacation, right?"
That was what Chabashira Sae told Fang Li at the time.
"I want to see Class D rise above Classes A, B, and C in the Special Exam and become the undisputed winner among the first-years."
That was what Chabashira Sae wanted Fang Li to do.
Naturally, Chabashira Sae knew that Fang Li, who had little interest in class competition, would not do such a thing.
So, Chabashira Sae offered a price sufficient to move Fang Li.
"The price is Personal Points. You're interested in those, aren't you?"
At the time, Chabashira Sae's offer had indeed caught Fang Li's interest.
Thus, Fang Li agreed to Chabashira Sae's request and, in a manner almost akin to employment, promised to secure victory in the Special Exam.
Ayanokoji Kiyotaka had been right.
Fang Li's sudden whim would not have led him to guide Class D to victory.
He had done so entirely for this reason: Chabashira Sae had paid him a reward substantial enough to interest him.
That was why Fang Li led Class D to victory in the Special Exam.
After learning this, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka looked silently at Chabashira Sae.
"Don't you think the difference in treatment is a little too great?"
That seemed to be Ayanokoji Kiyotaka's first thought.
And it was true.
With Fang Li, Chabashira Sae had used temptation.
With Ayanokoji Kiyotaka, Chabashira Sae had used coercion.