After an unknown amount of time had passed, Fang Li and Ayanokoji Kiyotaka emerged from the reception room together.
As they walked out of the school building and stopped on the avenue in front of it, both recalled what the chairman had just told them.
"It seems Ayanokoji's Father has completely set his sights on the two of you. After careful consideration, I have decided not to interfere too much in how you handle this."
After pondering for a while, the chairman had made that decision.
"After all, the theme of this school is competition. As long as neither of you violates the school's systems or rules, I will not comment on this matter. I am even somewhat looking forward to your performances. I hope you will shine brightly here."
Having received that gentle counsel, Fang Li and Ayanokoji Kiyotaka left the reception room.
Now, the two of them stood before the school building, gazing ahead.
The sun was gradually setting, making the evening clouds in the sky even more vivid, almost staining them with the colors of night.
Fang Li and Ayanokoji Kiyotaka watched the scene together, neither saying a word.
Until, after a while...
"Your father said as much, didn't he?" Fang Li said meaningfully. "What are you going to do?"
If he defeated Fang Li, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka would be allowed his freedom.
Those words should have been enough to tempt Ayanokoji Kiyotaka, shouldn't they?
Therefore, Fang Li would not have been surprised in the least if Ayanokoji Kiyotaka truly decided to become his enemy.
But...
"I already told you. I have no intention of continuing to obey him."
Ayanokoji Kiyotaka replied without expression.
From that face and those eyes, utterly devoid of emotion, probably no one could tell what this man was truly thinking.
Yet Fang Li