Study Group and the Wisdom of Free Ingredients

On the third day after Chabashira Sae announced their points had been reset to zero, Class D's predicament was already plain to see.

The cafeteria at lunch break had become a showcase of class hierarchy. Students from Class A and Class B chatted and laughed as they picked out various dishes at the pay counter; Class C students, though strapped, could at least occasionally buy a drink; but Class D students could only silently queue at the free meal section, collecting the same monotonous Mountain Vegetable Set Meal.

"Mashed potatoes and greens again..." Ike Kanji grimaced as he poked at his tray. "I'm about to turn into a rabbit."

Sudo Ken chewed his whole-wheat bread with a vicious look, his gaze frequently drifting to the Class B students at the next table sharing a pizza. His basketball training had already taken a noticeable hit from the lack of proper nutrition.

Right in the middle of this gloomy atmosphere, Fūki Ran began his move.

After school, he claimed a long table in a corner of the library, then started inviting the people he had preselected one by one. The first to arrive was Yukimura Teruhiko, who pushed up his glasses, looking somewhat uneasy.

"Feng Qi, you said there was an important study plan?"

"That's right." Feng Qi slid a carefully organized set of math notes in front of him. "I'd like you to help me assist classmates who are struggling with their studies."

Yukimura flipped through the notes in surprise. "Did you... put these together?"

"We all need to do our part to improve the class's evaluation," Feng Qi said calmly.

Next came Kushida Kikyo. She still wore her signature smile, but the dark circles under her eyes betrayed her exhaustion.

"Feng Qi, did you need something from me?" she asked curiously.

Feng Qi handed her a small notebook. "These are some creative recipes I researched using free ingredients. If you could share these methods with the girls in our class, it might improve everyone's meals a little."

Kushida opened the notebook, and her eyes lit up. "Using mashed potatoes as a substitute for korokke? Making a bibimbap sauce with greens and free seasonings? These ideas are amazing!"

"Collective wisdom is always greater than individual effort," Feng Qi said, his words carrying a hint of deeper meaning.

The most critical invitation took place at the basketball court. Sudo Ken had just finished practice and was sitting tiredly on a bench.

"What now?" he asked grumpily as Feng Qi approached.

Feng Qi placed a small paper packet beside him. "These are homemade energy bars made from free ingredients. The taste isn't great, but at least they'll help replenish your stamina."

Sudo stared at the packet for a long time before finally asking in a hoarse voice, "Why are you doing all this?"

"Because the midterm exam is next week." Feng Qi met his eyes directly. "If you mess up the physical exam due to lack of stamina, or get suspended for failing the written subjects, it's a loss for Class D."

"I told you, I'm not cut out for studying..."

"That's why I organized a study group." Feng Qi cut him off. "Seven o'clock tonight, at the library. Come or not, it's up to you."

That night at seven, when Feng Qi and Horikita met at the library, they were surprised to find that Sudo had actually shown up. He stood awkwardly by the door, looking like he was ready to bolt at any moment.

"Since you're here, sit down," Horikita said coldly, sliding a math test paper in front of him. "Let me see your level."

For the next two hours, a peculiar scene unfolded in the library: Horikita explained math problems to Sudo in her uniquely ruthless way; Yukimura assisted by clarifying technical terms; Kushida occasionally brought over small snacks made from free ingredients; and Feng Qi coordinated the whole operation, offering timely encouragement and guidance.

"I've explained this problem three times already!" Horikita's voice carried suppressed anger.

"S-sorry..." Sudo showed a rare expression of embarrassment.

"Let's try explaining it a different way." Feng Qi stepped in and re-explained the problem using a more intuitive method. Surprisingly, Sudo actually understood this time.

"Oh, so that's how it works!" he exclaimed in sudden realization.

Horikita looked at Feng Qi with a complicated expression. "You're pretty good at teaching."

"I just know how to tailor the approach to the student," Feng Qi said lightly, brushing it off.

As the night deepened, the atmosphere in the study group gradually became more relaxed. Even Sudo, who had been the most resistant, started seriously working on problems and occasionally even asked questions on his own.

"I didn't expect you guys to be this good," Sudo said during a break, munching on the homemade vegetable crackers Kushida had brought. "I used to think all honor students were arrogant."

Horikita snorted but didn't argue.

"Everyone has their strengths," Feng Qi said. "For example, your performance on the basketball court is something we can't even dream of matching."

Those words made Sudo straighten his back, a confident look returning to his face.

After the study group ended that night, Feng Qi and Horikita were the last to leave the library.

"I can't believe you actually convinced Sudo," Horikita said, a hint of disbelief in her tone.

"Everyone has something they want to protect." Feng Qi gazed at the night sky. "What Sudo wants is to prove his worth on the basketball court. We just gave him a reason."

"You're better at manipulating people than I thought." Horikita stopped walking and looked directly at Feng Qi.

"That's not manipulation," Feng Qi replied calmly, meeting her gaze. "It's guidance. Besides, weren't you part of it too?"

Horikita fell silent. It was true—tonight, she had broken her usual principles and actually helped someone she considered a "good-for-nothing."

"If Class D's grades improve on this midterm exam," Feng Qi continued, "not only might we regain points next month, but more importantly, we can prove Class D's value to the school."

"You seem very concerned with proving Class D's value," Horikita pointed out sharply.

"Because I believe being placed in Class D isn't a coincidence." Feng Qi's gaze grew deep. "This school is testing us in its own way. And I intend to prove that their judgment is wrong."

Those words struck a chord deep within Horikita. She watched Feng Qi's retreating figure, feeling genuine curiosity about this mysterious boy for the first time.

Meanwhile, in the girls' dormitory, Kushida Kikyo was sharing creative recipes using free ingredients with the other girls.

"If you just mix mashed potatoes with chopped greens and add free salt and pepper, you can make really tasty vegetable patties!"

"Really? I'll try that tomorrow!"

And in the boys' dormitory, Sudo Ken was, for the first time, reviewing the day's math formulas, with the homemade energy bar Feng Qi had given him sitting nearby.

All these changes were noticed by Hirata Yousuke. The next day during break, he sought out Feng Qi specifically.

"I heard you organized a study group? Need any help?"

"Of course." Feng Qi smiled. "Actually, I was just about to discuss it with you..."

An undercurrent was quietly shifting direction within Class D. And at the center of it all was the transfer student who always wore that mysterious smile.

The Midterm Exam would be the first touchstone to test all of this.