In Classroom of the Elite, My Love Stock Market Only Wants a Full Position

Hashiba Hikaru: Yes, I expect the homeroom teachers for each class will explain it to everyone when the time comes. After all, it's quite important.

Kushida Kikyo: I'm actually a bit worried. Even though our class purchased the hidden rules provided by Hashiba-kun, many people aren't able to keep up with them.

Hashiba Hikaru: It's alright. I think Kushida-san has already worked very hard. Haven't the study sessions you organized already shown results?

Kushida Kikyo: That's true. Recently, some students have been motivated by me, and they've even started wanting to participate on their own.

Hashiba Hikaru: Isn't that great? What about Horikita-san? Have you become friends with her yet?

The boy stared at the screen and cast his fishing line out once more.

Although he had been chatting with Kushida Kikyo frequently during this time, her stock price hadn't changed. Aside from the fact that her personality was rather troublesome, the more important reason was that Kushida had been busy trying to get closer to Horikita Suzune, leaving the two of them with very few opportunities to meet.

As the new month arrived, Hashiba Hikaru decided he needed to speed up the progress.

Kushida Kikyo: Hmm... the progress is okay, I suppose, but we don't really have much to talk about right now.

The short-haired girl was currently sitting on her bed, wearing pajamas printed with cartoon teddy bears, a gloomy expression on her face.

Ever since their first meeting ended on a sour note, she had organized several study sessions. Although Horikita Suzune arrived on time every time, her attitude remained cold; she wasn't interested in anything other than studying.

However, Kushida Kikyo hadn't come away completely empty-handed. At the very least, she could now fully confirm that Horikita was a graduate from the same middle school as her, which meant there was a possibility she had heard about that "important matter."

As for how much she knew, or whether she understood the specific cause and effect, it was still impossible to make a direct judgment.

Yet, in light of the series of events that had occurred recently, a brand-new idea had sprouted in Kushida Kikyo's mind.

Although Horikita Suzune's temper was indeed terrible, that was also a good thing. At the very least, she didn't have a single friend to talk to, which meant the probability of her spreading that secret to others was relatively low.

On the other hand, ever since she agreed to attend the study sessions, she had been keeping her promise and never missed one.

Therefore, Kushida Kikyo felt that there was a possibility of winning her over. The key was to probe how much of the secret the other party actually knew; that was the crucial point.

However, these were all backup plans. There was only ever one best plan, and that was to get Horikita Suzune expelled directly.

In order to better bridge the relationship with Horikita Suzune, Kushida Kikyo thought of her confirmed "tool," Hashiba Hikaru, and wanted to hear if he had any better strategies.

Chat interface.

Hashiba Hikaru: It's been so long, and Horikita-san is still unwilling to be friends with you? That's hard to imagine.

Kushida Kikyo: I'm not sure either. I just get the feeling that someone like Horikita-san is used to being alone and is accustomed to acting on her own.

Hashiba Hikaru: It's fine. I believe that with Kushida-san's abilities, you will definitely succeed eventually.

In truth, Hashiba Hikaru had been pondering a question during this time: why was it that even though the information presented on the [Stock Analyzer] for Kushida Kikyo indicated she wanted Horikita Suzune expelled, she kept trying to become friends with her?

He had even sent a message to Horikita Suzune to ask about this, and the answer he received was that Horikita Suzune had no interest in Kushida Kikyo and didn't want to be friends with her either.

Thus, Hashiba Hikaru still didn't understand the entanglement between these two, so he could only play along with whatever topic Kushida Kikyo brought up.

Kushida Kikyo: Actually, I was wondering if there was any chance for me to meet with you, Hashiba-kun. After all, the plan you proposed last time was very effective.

Hashiba Hikaru: So, does that mean, Kushida-san... you want me to help you continue developing a plan to get closer to Horikita-san?

Kushida Kikyo: Yes, yes! I think Horikita-san is truly amazing; her grades are good and she has a strong sense of responsibility. I really want to become friends with her soon.

Hashiba Hikaru: I understand. I will find a way. Please wait a moment, Kushida-san; I will contact you once I've come up with a suitable plan.

Kushida Kikyo: Okay, I'll be looking forward to it.

After putting down his phone, Hashiba Hikaru immediately began to review the situation.

First, he needed to quickly come up with a more reliable way to help Kushida get closer to Horikita Suzune. This girl was simply too troublesome; more than two weeks had passed, yet her stock price hadn't risen at all.

Could it be that he would remain stuck here until he figured out what her so-called "other side" was really like?

Moreover, the stagnant stock price caused another problem: his funds weren't increasing.

With the new month almost here, the duration of the [Exercise Booster] was about to expire, and he had to renew it.

But the price of one [Exercise Booster] was 100,000 in funds, and Hashiba Hikaru only had 118,000 left. If an important item refreshed in the [Trading Shop] that he couldn't afford, he would have no choice but to cash out his [Ichinose Honami Stock], which currently had the highest price.

After a quiet night, May 1st arrived as scheduled.

The boy, who had already woken up, immediately looked at his [System Panel]. The brand-new system notification sound finally rang out.

[A new month has arrived. The Trading Shop items have been refreshed. Please check them.]

[Trading Shop]

[Stock Analyzer: 1,000]

[Wooden Sword: 2,500]

[Exercise Booster (30 days): 100,000]

[Combat Technique (Master): 250,000]

[International Chess (Proficient): 200,000]

[Charisma: 500,000]

"Combat Technique?!"

Hashiba Hikaru's expression shifted. This was a very important skill; he doubted any man would choose to refuse it.

Coupled with the time he had previously baited Ryuen into making a move, he felt that if he could master some combat abilities, they might prove useful in this school.

After all, when you encounter a situation where you cannot communicate with words, violence can also be a way to persuade your opponent.

Chapter 70: Promotion to Class A

By the time the sky was fully bright, Hashiba Hikaru had completed his exercise goal for the day. Today was the 29th day; tomorrow, the effect of the Exercise Booster would wear off, and his physical strength would complete its leap from 3 to 4.

Returning to the dormitory to take a shower, the young man put on his school uniform and walked into Class B. Many people had arrived at the classroom early today; although there was still some time before class started, the seats were already full.

After all, the new class rankings were to be announced today, and everyone was feeling a bit anxious.

Furthermore, the private points for the new month would be transferred this morning. Everyone had spent most of their points for this month, so they were naturally very concerned about this.

"Hashiba-kun, good morning!"

"Morning, Hashiba-kun."

As the current backbone of Class B, Hashiba Hikaru was greeted by many people every time he stepped into the classroom. After smiling and responding to everyone, he felt it would be better to say something.

"Um, I think everyone is looking forward to today, regarding the changes in class rankings."

"Yeah, everyone is hoping we can be promoted to Class A. After all, we've worked so hard together for so long." The eyes of Ando, who had chimed in, were filled with anticipation.

"Do you think we can be promoted, Hashiba-kun?" someone asked, wanting to know his thoughts.

"Regarding that, all the deduction records are handled by the school, so I'm not entirely sure if we can or not," Hashiba Hikaru said, his gaze sweeping over everyone. "Everyone worked very hard this month, and I believe the school will not let us down. As for the results, let's wait for Chie Hoshinomiya to announce them."

"That's true. All the criteria are recorded by the school. Even if we are very careful, if we make a mistake by accident, it will still be recorded, right?"

After all, the surveillance cameras in the classroom had an extremely wide field of view, and every move everyone made was monitored. Even if one didn't remember it, the recordings would not suffer from amnesia.

After Hashiba Hikaru returned to his seat, Ichinose Honami immediately leaned over.

"Do you think we can be promoted to Class A today, Hashiba-kun?" The girl's pretty face held a trace of nervousness; she seemed to lack confidence in the upcoming result.

"Haha, don't be too nervous, Ichinose-san," Hashiba Hikaru smiled and comforted her gently. "This is only the first month. Even if we don't get promoted in the end, there will be many opportunities in the future. Don't put too much pressure on yourself."

"Haven't you done a great job during this time? Everyone trusts you."

"Mm... I understand."

Ichinose Honami stared intently at the young man sitting beside her. Although he said that, it was clear that he was actually just as nervous; after all, this was a critical moment.

Immediately after, the girl suddenly made a bold move.

As Hashiba Hikaru looked toward the podium, he suddenly felt his right hand being gripped by a soft, smooth little hand, and before he knew it, their fingers were interlaced.

"?"

He turned his head to look at the girl's profile.

"Just consider this my selfishness, Hashiba-kun. I'm a bit nervous right now, and I hope you... can lend me some strength."

Ichinose Honami's ears were completely red. After she couldn't help but reach out and hold Hashiba Hikaru's hand, a sense of shyness instantly filled her brain.

"..."

"Alright, I've had many meals from you recently anyway, so I'll just consider this a return of the favor."

Hashiba Hikaru knew the girl's current mood, and he himself was equally concerned about the change in class rankings, so he did not let go of her hand.

The two sat in their seats, their palms pressed together, as if they could hear each other's heartbeats.

About ten minutes later, a beaming Chie Hoshinomiya walked into the classroom. She seemed to have dressed up carefully, making her already cute face look even more radiant at this moment.

"Hello everyone, a new month has begun. I'm sure you're all looking forward to today."

As soon as these words were spoken, the students below immediately began to react excitedly.

"Of course! Chie Hoshinomiya-sensei, please don't keep us in suspense. You should know what we care about, right?"

"Yeah, tell us quickly!"

"I'm anxious, I'm very anxious right now."

"Hahaha, alright, alright. Let the teacher announce the new class rankings."

Seeing that the students in the classroom were all looking on with bated breath, Chie Hoshinomiya did not hesitate any longer and picked up a piece of chalk to quickly write the detailed information on the blackboard.

First-Year Class Evaluation Points Overview

Class A: 980cp

Class B: 1010cp

Class C: 480cp

Class D: 530cp

"!"

"What!"

"Does this mean..."

When these detailed Class Evaluation Points were announced, the students of Class B were instantly stirred into excitement. Everyone knew what this meant: as long as a lower-ranked class's evaluation points exceeded those of the class ahead of them, they would automatically be promoted to the higher position.

"We did it!!!"

Shibata let out a high-pitched shout. The entire Class B classroom instantly turned into a boiling ocean, and every person's face involuntarily broke into a happy smile as they cheered along with their companions.

Sitting at their desks and holding hands, Hashiba Hikaru and Ichinose Honami immediately exchanged a glance after seeing the notification.

A satisfied and relaxed smile appeared on the pink-haired girl's face, and the boy also let out a sigh of relief.

He hadn't expected to successfully promote to Class A in the very first month; this was likely thanks to the 100 Class Evaluation Points awarded by the school, otherwise, it probably wouldn't have gone so smoothly.

"That's great, Hashiba-kun, we successfully promoted!" Ichinose Honami's eyes brightened, gazing intently at the boy's profile.

"Yeah, everyone's hard work didn't go to waste. It's a truly great result."

Hashiba Hikaru couldn't help but glance down at his hand, and after the girl beside him realized what was happening, her body trembled for a second before she hurriedly pulled her small hand away.

"Hehehe, it's so good. We must work hard to maintain this ranking."

"Indeed, but don't forget, Ichinose-san, we still have a lot to do today."

Hashiba Hikaru pointed to his phone, which immediately made Ichinose understand.

That's right, the Private Points would be deposited today, and she had to complete the collection of points from everyone, just as they had agreed.

Standing at the podium, Chie Hoshinomiya watched the celebrating students in the classroom, feeling equally happy in her heart. After all, this was the first time since she returned to this school as a homeroom teacher that she had encountered a class that achieved promotion by the end of the first month.

All of this should be credited to him, right?

The female teacher's gaze fell upon Hashiba Hikaru, who was chatting with the girl beside him. He was truly a useful trump card; he would surely be able to lead Class B to achieve even more amazing things in the future.

However, there was actually one point about this result that Chie Hoshinomiya was dissatisfied with: the class taught by that woman had also promoted in the rankings. Just thinking about it made her feel nauseous.

Fortunately, the children in her class were the best, and they would definitely be able to keep her firmly under their feet, hmph!

"Um, everyone, please check your Private Points. The points for today should have been distributed. You've achieved such excellent results, so this is the reward you deserve."

"Oh right, I almost forgot about that."

"Wow, 101,000 Private Points, that's really nice!" someone exclaimed, which was a bit more than the first month.

"Everyone, don't forget our plan. Being able to get these points is the result of Hashiba-kun and Ichinose-san's hard work," Ando said after confirming the Private Points that had arrived in her account. She immediately acted as a guide, calling out to her classmates, "Let's proceed with the collection of points in a little while."