Kushida, become mine

After Horikita left, Bai Ye looked at Kushida, who was sitting by his bedside with her head bowed and looking somewhat uneasy, his mind filled with a thousand thoughts.

The reason he kept Kushida behind was simple: based on his knowledge of the original story, there was a 90% chance Kushida was on the list of people to be expelled.

Since Kushida was also one of the most difficult people to handle, he would rather let Horikita be suspicious than miss this opportunity; after all, such chances were rare, and there wouldn't be many more in the future.

Having settled on his strategy, he spoke softly: "Kushida, I'm finally able to be alone with you."

Hearing his meaningful tone, Kushida turned her head to meet his gaze, saying with some unease: "I feel like Jingu-kun is a bit different from usual?"

"Don't act like you really know me that well."

"Although I don't know much, but... Jingu-kun shouldn't be such a... frivolous person." Kushida said hesitantly, "Otherwise, you wouldn't have deliberately kept your distance from the girls in class."

"People always have two sides. There are very few people in this world who are the same inside and out, because once you speak your true thoughts—pleasant words are fine, but if you say something that hurts others, you will be hated."

Just like Horikita Suzune.

Although he could tolerate Horikita, others were different; her outward arrogance wasn't an act, it was genuine pride.

But she also had a side of inferiority.

Arrogance and inferiority are not inherently contradictory, because the essence that leads to both emotions is caring too much about one's own value in this society.

Because they care too much, they feel a sense of superiority when seeing those inferior to them, and feel inferior when seeing those stronger than them.

The true opposite of both is someone who is desireless and indifferent in nature.

"Then what is Jingu-kun's other side... can you let me see it?"

Kushida couldn't help but stroke the back of his hand, her tone soft.

"That won't do, unless Kushida-san is willing to tell me first."

"I don't have anything to tell, Jingu-kun really loves to joke." Kushida pulled her hand back and gave him a reproachful glare, "Forget it, I won't look, you wouldn't tell me anyway."

"It's getting late, I think I'll head back today... eh?"

Just as Kushida stood up to escape, he grabbed her hand and pulled her back, causing her to let out a lovely, soft moan.

Kushida's voice carried a hint of trembling: "What... are you trying to do..."

"I haven't finished speaking yet, what's the rush?"

"..."

Neither of them spoke.

He waited quietly, waiting for the moment Kushida couldn't hold back anymore.

Time ticked by, and after nearly half an hour, when he couldn't help but yawn, Kushida finally said:

"Did Horikita tell you something?"

Her gentle tone had vanished, replaced by a cold, husky indifference.

"Horikita didn't tell me anything; she might not even remember who you are."

"Then how can you be so sure?" Kushida kept her head down, her hair obscuring her face, making it impossible to read her expression.

Bai Ye didn't answer immediately, instead saying:

"Do you know who I am?"

"Who? Don't tell me you're a prince from some country?"

"How is that possible." Bai Ye raised his hand, wanting to give her a flick on the forehead, but remembering the atmosphere, he held back.

"Actually, I am..."

He gave a rough summary of his background.

There was nothing to hide here; on the contrary, it could increase his bargaining chips with Kushida.

But even after hearing it, Kushida still didn't believe him.

He had no choice but to show her a photo of himself and his father, then let her search for the man online.

"So you really are the son of a chaebol... and a yakuza heir... why does it feel like I'm in a TV show?"

"To be honest, I feel the same way."

"Hmm?" Kushida's cold gaze swept over him.

"...Just saying."

"Fine, I believe you, but what does this have to do with me? Do you want me to be your secret... mistress?"

Kushida, you really are a genius!

He shook his head: "To be honest, I came to this school to unearth useful talent; after all, my goal is to revive my family."

Maybe he had thought about it once in a dream.

"And I believe that ordinary relationships are easily betrayed, so I want to turn those outstanding girls into my girlfriends."

"Like Horikita?"

"That's right."

Kushida stared deeply at him, then suddenly said, "You wouldn't happen to be using a high-sounding excuse just to build a harem, would you?"

Kushida, you really are a genius!

"I... don't think so."

"Why are you hesitating?"

"Alright... ahem, I've investigated all the capable students in this school, so it's not strange that I know about you."

"I count as one?" Kushida frowned deeply, her voice turning colder. "Since you already know about my past, you still think that? Aren't you afraid I'll stab you in the back?"

"Of course I'm afraid, which is why I want you to be my woman."

Bai Ye was surprised to notice the tips of Kushida's ears turning slightly red. He smiled and continued, "Let me tell you a secret: although I'm no longer a young master of the underworld, I still hold some leverage over the shareholders and executives of many large corporations, and many of them are even related to me by blood. As soon as the timing is right, I can make a comeback. And you, as my assistant, will have whatever you want in the future. I don't think there's anyone more worth pledging your loyalty to than me. What do you think?"

He didn't try to persuade Kushida with emotions; given their current relationship, the chance of success would be zero.

Only tangible benefits could form the most stable cooperative relationship at this moment.

Given Kushida's abilities, she was worth the investment. After all, during middle school, she had managed to uncover the secrets of almost everyone in her class and had many acquaintances throughout the entire school. With someone like her helping him, the difficulty of his upcoming plans would be significantly reduced.

"Let me think about it... give me two days." Kushida finally let out a sigh of relief, her expression returning to a calm state.

"I'll wait for you."

He could see through Kushida's intentions; after all, she was a girl, and if she agreed too eagerly, it would make her seem cheap.

Given that both of them had already exposed so many secrets to each other, the fact that she hadn't refused on the spot could effectively be taken as consent.

The two-day wait was merely a formality.

He didn't make things difficult for Kushida any further and let her leave right then and there.

As she reached the door, Bai Ye suddenly remembered one more thing: "Oh, right. You can tell the people in class what Horikita said. You don't need to mention me; just act as if you discovered it yourself."

"Really?" Kushida paused and glanced back at him.

After all, this was a massive gift. As long as she told her classmates, their trust in her would multiply, making it much easier for her to build relationships with them in the future.

"Since Horikita wants to do this regardless, I have no intention of opposing it."

"You're really good to her, aren't you? Do you like her that much?" Kushida said softly.

"If you're willing to be mine, I'll treat you the same way... besides, you're the one who gains the most from this. Horikita does all the work, and you get to steal all the credit. What's there to be unhappy about?"

"Well... alright then."

Kushida finally felt balanced, gave him one last silent look, and left.