Tsukishiro's Recruitment Pitch and Overtures

"Yes, teacher, please tell us quickly."

After listening to everyone's replies, Chie Hoshinomiya smiled gently, then picked up the documents in her hand and slowly spoke.

"Alright, I'll announce the results of this Voting Exam, but everyone, please don't get too excited yet. I must first announce the students who received the Praise Vote, so please be patient."

Upon hearing her words, the students in the classroom all fell silent, listening attentively to Chie Hoshinomiya's announcement of the results.

"First up is Kanzaki Ryuji, who came in third place in the Praise Vote."

"So it really was Kanzaki... I was thinking of him too..."

Shibata Sou, as Kanzaki Ryuji's best friend and frenemy, was clearly unwilling to accept the other's name. After all, the number of Praise Vote represented the public's preference, and the more votes received, the higher the popularity.

"Then comes second place, Ando Sayo."

"Yay, it's Ando- kun!"

Congratulations!

Ando Sayo, the class's social butterfly, glanced at Ichinose Honami sitting not far away. When Honami looked over, she had a smile on her face, genuinely happy for her.

"Finally, the first place..."

Y.

At this point, Chie Hoshinomiya paused noticeably, instantly stirring everyone's emotions.

Who came in first place?

"Teacher, don't let us down at such a crucial moment!"

The students were somewhat dissatisfied and began to shout out.

"Don't be so nervous, everyone. Actually, many of you probably already know what's going on."

Chie Hoshinomiya waved her hand with a smile, then said to the class, "In this Voting Exam, the person who got the most Praise Vote in our class is... Nozase-san, congratulations!"

"It really was Ichinose? There was no suspense at all."

"Haha, if Classmate Hashiba doesn't carry out this plan, then I think it will definitely be him."

"That's right, that's right."

After everyone congratulated Ichinose Honami with smiles, Shibata continued, "So, Ichinose in our class to get the [Protection Point] now, right?"

"That's right, that should be it."

"That's wonderful! I think this is the perfect result!"

When the results were announced, everyone in Class A was very happy. They were already very united, and they would rather pay 20 million points than have anyone drop out. Now, the person who got the Protection Point was the most popular girl in the class, which perfectly matched everyone's wishes.

Congratulations, Honami!!!

Hashiba Hikaru immediately stood up and led the applause. He smiled at his girlfriend beside him; to be honest, this answer was within his expectations.

After all, besides being popular in Class A, Ichinose Honami is also very popular with students from other classes because of her gentle and approachable personality, so it's normal for her to receive a lot of Praise Vote.

Upon hearing the result, the pink-haired girl's bright face immediately lit up with a radiant smile. She was very grateful that everyone had cast their Praise Vote for her.

The classroom remained noisy for a while, until it quieted down, at which point Chie Hoshinomiya continued speaking.

"Let's continue. Next, we'll announce the student who received the most Criticism Vote in this Voting Exam... It's Classmate Hashiba."

Chie Hoshinomiya smiled and looked at the class's absolute ace, "Just like your plan."

"Yes, I understand."

Hashiba Hikaru nodded. It would be good if everything went smoothly, because he needed to see the Chairman to submit the 20 million points later. According to his plan, the people from the [White Room] should have already arrived at the school.

"I'm really happy that no one in our class will drop out this time. Classmate Hashiba, are you ready with your points?"

The young female teacher asked again.

"Ready."

Just as the teachers were discussing the matter, Ichinose Honami transferred 20 million Private Points to Hashiba Hikaru. Even after transferring such a large sum of money, the pink-haired girl still had more than 20 million Private Points. This was the enormous resource controlled by Class A.

"Let's go then."

"Um."

When Hashiba Hikaru stood up from her seat, all the students' eyes immediately focused on her. Although the students all knew what was going on, this kind of thing was never a good thing, and everyone still felt a little uneasy.

"It's okay, I'll be back after I hand in my points, don't worry everyone."

The boy smiled and explained gently to everyone. Before leaving the classroom, he glanced at his girlfriend, whose pretty face also showed unease. But Hashiba Hikaru didn't say anything; it was just a small matter.

"Let's go, teacher."

Hashiba Hikaru followed Chie Hoshinomiya all the way to the floor where the Chairman's Office was located. He had been here many times before and was very familiar with the place. Just as they were about to reach the end of the road, a figure appeared in front of them.

"Classmate Sakayanagi?"

After seeing the other person's small face clearly, Chie Hoshinomiya couldn't help but feel a little puzzled.

Good morning, Hoshinomiya-sensei.

Sakayanagi Arisu stood not far from the Chairman's Office, the silver-haired girl with a serene expression, her mood unreadable.

"What are you doing here, Classmate Sakayanagi?"

Chie Hoshinomiya somewhat curious.

"I'm waiting here for Classmate Hashiba. He's supposed to meet with the Acting Chairman today, right?"

Sakayanagi Arisu glanced at the calm-looking Hashiba Hikaru, "I want to go in with him."

"Well..."

The young female teacher hesitated for a moment, but after seeing Sakayanagi Arisu's expression, she seemed to understand something, said a few words to Hashiba Hikaru, and then turned and left.

After she left, Hashiba Hikaru Hashima asked Sakayanagi Arisu.

"You're going too?"

"That's right, I'd like to get to know this Acting Chairman."

"Let's go in together then."

Hashiba Hikaru didn't say a single unnecessary word; she simply raised her hand and knocked on the door.

Knock knock knock.

A few seconds later, a middle-aged man's voice came from the room.

"Please come in."

"Excuse me."

Hashiba Hikaru pushed open the door and entered, followed closely by Sakayanagi Arisu, her expression serious.

After all, the person we're about to meet is the real [enemy].

Chapter 615 Tsukishiro's Attempts to Win Over and Show Goodwill.

After Hashiba Hikaru and Sakayanagi Arisu entered the Chairman's office, a middle-aged man was standing next to the floor-to-ceiling window with a smile on his face and a friendly look in his eyes.

"Hashiba- kun, this should be our first meeting, right? And Classmate Sakayanagi, hello, I'm the newly appointed Acting Chairman, Tsukishiro."

The man wore a well-tailored suit, with exquisite details from tie to cuffs, and a pair of gold-rimmed glasses perched on his nose, giving him a very refined appearance. However, compared to Sakayanagi Narimori, his looks were considerably less striking; he was merely an ordinary-looking man.

"Hello, Chairman. I am Hashiba Hikaru from Class A of the First Year."

Hashiba Hikaru responded seriously, after all, this guy had become the nominal highest-ranking person in charge of the school.

"Hello, I'm Sakayanagi Arisu from Class B of the First Year."

Sakayanagi Arisu nodded slightly; the young girl's manners were always impeccable, leaving no room for criticism.

"This school is truly blessed with outstanding students. Both of them are exceptionally bright first-year students, and their appearances are also remarkable. It's truly admirable."

Tsukishiro clapped his hands and smiled, his expression very friendly.

"You flatter me. I'm here to submit 20 million Private Points. You should have received Hoshinomiya-sensei's notification by now, right?"

Hashiba Hikaru got down to business, and since he wasn't sure why Sakayanagi Arisu had come along, he decided to finish his own business first.

"Of course, I've heard that Class A of the First Year, where Hashiba- kun is, is a very united group. Even when faced with such Special Exam, they still don't intend to give up on anyone. That's an excellent decision."

Looking at the tall, handsome young man before him, Tsukishiro recalled the intelligence he had gathered through special channels.

Before coming to this school, he had specifically inquired about this boy named Hashiba Hikaru.

Despite being only a first-year student, he holds the position of Student Council President. Moreover, it is said that his control over the class is terrifying, to the point that his word is law.

Besides, his learning ability and athletic ability are far beyond those of his peers. If it weren't for the fact that Hashiba Hikaru's name wasn't on the roster of the [White Room], Tsukishiro would have really questioned his background and origins.

"This is the direction we've been striving for, so naturally we can only choose this method to deal with the exam."

Hashiba Hikaru watched as Tsukishiro took out his phone. "I'll just transfer my Private Points to you, okay?"

"Can."

Tsukishiro nodded. This was just a small matter. What he cared more about was his goal for coming here. Since the purpose was to bring back the [Masterpiece], he naturally needed some people to help him.

Although he has already chosen his assistant from the [White Room] who will be enrolling soon, if he can get help from students in the same grade as Ayanokoji Kiyotaka, the plan will definitely be executed more smoothly.

After the transfer was completed, Hashiba Hikaru glanced at Sakayanagi Arisu beside her, seemingly wanting to ask her what she planned to do by coming along.

Standing opposite, Tsukishiro naturally saw the boy's actions. He immediately turned around, walked back to the table, and picked up a document.

"Classmate Sakayanagi, this is the report you prepared earlier. I have read it all and stamped it. Thank you for your help."

"These are things I should do."

The silver-haired girl smiled slightly, took the document, and then spoke.

"Then I'll take my leave."

"Okay, see you next time, Classmate Sakayanagi."

After Sakayanagi Arisu left with her cane, only the two of them remained in the office.

Because he wasn't very familiar with Tsukishiro, Hashiba Hikaru didn't want to reveal his Sakayanagi Arisu, and his expression remained very calm.

"Hashiba- kun, are you and Classmate Sakayanagi very familiar with each other?"

Tsukishiro looked at the boy's face and took the initiative to ask.

"Hmm..."

Because she wasn't very familiar with Tsukishiro, Hashiba Hikaru didn't want to reveal her true relationship with Sakayanagi Arisu.

"Classmate Sakayanagi and I are both colleagues in the Student Council, and we spend a lot of time together, so we're quite familiar with each other."

"That's good."

Tsukishiro nodded with satisfaction and continued, "Actually, I arrived here a couple of days ago and asked Classmate Sakayanagi to help me compile some reports on school affairs. After all, it's better to get familiar with the environment before starting any work."

After hearing his words, Hashiba Hikaru guessed that Sakayanagi Arisu's initiative to help was probably a test of Tsukishiro, something he was unaware of. Perhaps the silver-haired girl had her own ideas about this matter.

"Since Hashiba hold the position of Student Council President, it means you know this school very well. I've only been in office for a short time. Would you be willing to help me with some small tasks?"

When speaking to Hashiba Hikaru, Tsukishiro always spoke in a gentle tone, after all, if he wanted to win him over, he naturally had to show his goodwill.

"Of course. Everything I do in the Student Council is to help everyone in the school. If the Chairman has any questions, please feel free to ask me anytime."

Hashiba Hikaru agreed almost without hesitation. He understood that Tsukishiro was trying to win him over. Since the other party had already made his move, he might as well play along. It was a good idea.

"Okay, as expected of the Student Council President, Hashiba- kun. I'll contact you when I need anything."

Tsukishiro asked with a smile, "By the way, I heard you're planning to renovate the Student Council offices during spring break?"

"Yes, I've already submitted the detailed construction plan to the renovation team, and we can start work after the holiday."

"Hmm..."

"Hashiba- kun is so selfless! Renovating the Student Council Office would benefit everyone, how could you let him pay for it out of his own pocket?"

Tsukishiro thought for a moment and then continued to make suggestions.

"How about this, I'll provide you with a budget document later, and you can hand over the bills to me after the renovation is complete, okay?"