A Dangerous Choice and a Crucial Clue

Despair, like a tightening noose, gradually snapped Karuizawa Kei's sanity. After all legitimate avenues failed, a dangerous thought began to grow wildly in her heart—seeking unconventional loan channels.

Through several vague intermediaries, after much effort, she finally contacted a Class C Boy who was said to have "connections." He arranged to meet her in an abandoned preparation classroom in the school building, specifically choosing a time after school when there were few people around.

As she walked into the dusty classroom, Karuizawa's heart pounded so hard it felt like it would leap out of her chest. In the dim light, the Class C Boy, flanked by two companions, wore a malicious grin.

"Yo, Karuizawa from Class D. Heard you're short on points?" the leader scrutinized her, his gaze roaming over her body.

Karuizawa forced herself to remain calm. "Yes, I heard you can... lend points here?"

"Of course," the boy said slowly. "But the interest isn't cheap. Borrow three thousand, pay back five thousand next month. How about it?"

The usurious condition made Karuizawa gasp, but she was desperate. "Can... can the interest be a little lower?"

"Think it's too high?" the boy sneered. "Then you can find someone else. But I'll warn you, the whole grade knows Class D is dirt poor. Who else would lend to you besides us?"

His companion chimed in, "Actually, if you can't pay back the points, you can compensate in other ways..." As he spoke, he took a step forward menacingly.

Karuizawa recoiled in terror, her back hitting the cold wall. At that moment, she finally realized how dangerous her situation was. The look in their eyes was disturbingly similar to the bullies from her memory, filled with malice.

"I... I don't want to borrow anymore!" she stammered, trying to bolt for the door.

"Come when you want, leave when you want?" The leader blocked her path. "Since you're here, you have to pay a price, right?"

At this critical juncture, the classroom door was suddenly pushed open. Kushida Kikyo stood at the entrance with a few other girls, her face displaying just the right amount of surprise. "Kei? What are you doing here? We were looking all over for you! Hirata-kun said he had something important to discuss with you."

Seeing this, the Class C Boys grudgingly moved aside. Karuizawa practically scrambled out of there, her heart still racing wildly.

Afterward, Kushida "concernedly" asked why she was with those notorious Class C students. Still shaken, Karuizawa half-truthfully, half-falsely recounted her attempt to borrow points and how she was almost extorted, her tone filled with lingering fear and despair.

"Those people are too dangerous!" Kushida appropriately showed her worry. "Kei, what kind of trouble are you in? You need so many points? If you trust me, maybe I can help you think of a solution..."

Perhaps the near-death experience shattered Karuizawa's last psychological defense, or perhaps the long-term pressure made her desperately need an outlet. She finally revealed part of the truth to Kushida—she had been severely bullied at her previous school, and that experience left her with an extreme fear of being looked down upon and ostracized. After transferring, she worked hard to cultivate a strong image and dated Hirata to protect herself from further harm. But now, the shortage of points made it impossible to maintain this protective shell, and the fear tormented her day after day.

"I absolutely cannot... absolutely cannot go back to that time..." Karuizawa choked out. "If everyone finds out about my past, if Hirata-kun looks down on me because of it... I'd rather die..."

Kushida gently comforted her, but inwardly, she was ecstatic to have obtained such crucial information.

That evening, in Dorm 129, Kushida reported this significant breakthrough in detail.

"So, the core issue is her severe bullying experience at her previous school, which has led to her extreme obsession with social status and image now," Feng Qi analyzed calmly. "Hirata is her current 'umbrella,' and points are the fuel for maintaining this protective system."

"Exactly!" Kushida exclaimed excitedly. "And I'm sure she's hiding some more specific details. Judging by her reaction, that experience might have been even more... unbearable than ordinary bullying."

Feng Qi pondered for a moment. Karuizawa's weakness was more fatal than he had anticipated. The fear of bullying trauma often makes victims go to any lengths to avoid repeating it, leaving a lot of room for manipulation.

"It's time," Feng Qi finally decided. "Tomorrow, you can 'accidentally' let her know that you know someone who might be able to help her solve her current predicament. You don't need to say who specifically, just let her know that such an 'option' exists."

Kushida nodded in understanding. "I get it. We need to make her come to us for help."

"Precisely," Feng Qi's eyes deepened. "Voluntary submission is always more stable than forced cooperation."

The next day, as planned, Kushida brought up the topic "casually" when she was alone with Karuizawa.

"Kei, about what you said yesterday..." Kushida lowered her voice. "I know someone who might be able to help you. Not those dangerous loan sharks, but... a more reliable channel."

Karuizawa's eyes instantly lit up with hope, but then dimmed again. "Reliable? What are the conditions?"

"I don't know the specifics," Kushida skillfully avoided a direct answer. "But I heard that this person doesn't value points when helping others solve problems, but rather... other values."

This vague answer gave Karuizawa hope while planting a seed of unease in her heart. What kind of "other values"? She dared not think about it, but her survival instinct wouldn't let her give up this lifeline.

"I... I need to think about it," Karuizawa said softly, her voice trembling.

Kushida patted her shoulder considerately. "Of course, take your time to think. But you need to decide quickly, opportunities don't wait."

Watching Karuizawa's dazed figure leave, Kushida knew the fish had smelled the bait. Now, all they had to do was wait—wait for hunger to overcome fear, wait for despair to crush reason.

Back in Dorm 129, after receiving Kushida's report, Feng Qi began preparing for his first "official" meeting with Karuizawa. He needed to meticulously design every detail of the conversation—from the time and place of the meeting, to the opening line, and to potential reactions and countermeasures.

This hunt was about to enter its climax. And Karuizawa Kei, the maiden shrouded in the shadows of her past, was stepping closer and closer to the crossroads of her destiny.