Chapter 16

Yuan Yuyuan didn't care about Nagumo's provocation; after all, Kiriyama was just a good-for-nothing, and even if he harbored resentment, it wouldn't have any impact. "You flatter me, Senior. It's all thanks to the President's favor, but whether as Vice President or in general affairs, it is all about serving the people." Nagumo was taken aback upon hearing this, clearly not expecting this first-year student to play such a game with him, yet he still wore a gratified smile, as if he were very satisfied with Yuan Yuyuan. "Well said. The Student Council needs people like you who are willing to work. The elevator is here; aren't you coming in?" Because he had just locked eyes with Manabu Horikita and was too lazy to come up with another excuse, Yuan Yuyuan had no choice but to place his hand on Honami's shoulder again. "No need. Honami seems a bit afraid of you, Senior, so we'd better wait for the next one." Nagumo assumed he was just being sharp-tongued, so he said nothing more and headed downstairs with Kiriyama.

After the two left, Honami put her hands on her hips and glared at Yuan Yuyuan. "Yuyuan, you're talking nonsense again. I was never like that." "Don't be angry. I couldn't exactly tell Nagumo that President Horikita gave me a look to wait for him, and the way he looked at Honami made me want to gross him out." Seeing that it was partly her own fault, Honami was about to advise Yuan Yuyuan not to act on impulse when he spoke again, "Honami even waited until Nagumo left to say that; it seems you really are a virtuous wife who gives her husband face in public." Upon hearing this, Honami's face turned beet red, and she panicked, not knowing where to put her hands. "Don't say things like that... a virtuous wife..." Seeing that Yuan Yuyuan didn't think there was anything wrong with what he said and was looking at her with a mischievous grin, Honami had to lower her head and play the ostrich.

At that moment, Manabu Horikita finished organizing his documents and walked out. Seeing the two of them, he didn't say anything and invited Yuan Yuyuan to have a meal together. The four of them didn't choose the cafeteria but went to a restaurant recommended by Akane Tachibana. This peculiar group of four attracted the gazes of many students; interestingly, the third-years all looked confused, whereas most of the second-years wore expressions of "as expected." These reactions did not escape Yuan Yuyuan's eyes. What surprised him was that Manabu Horikita seemed to have no confidants other than Akane, which explained why he was being sidelined by Nagumo. Seeing Manabu Horikita still maintaining his calm and detached demeanor, he couldn't help but shake his head. However, the fact that Manabu Horikita could still serve as Student Council President only highlighted his own capability.

Amidst the whispers of the crowd, they walked into a private room. Yuan Yuyuan felt he still needed to remind his ally. "The President hasn't told the students about this matter, has he?" Manabu Horikita looked at Yuan Yuyuan as if it were a matter of course. "That is correct. Is there a problem?" "A problem? Haven't you noticed that hardly any of the second-years were surprised by my presence just now? On the contrary, the third-years, and even your own classmates who greeted you, were all confused. If your own classmates have to learn about their leader's decisions through second-year underclassmen, don't you think that will make them feel disheartened?" "I'm afraid your relationship with Suzune is drifting apart for the same reason. Things that could be explained in a few sentences, you always treat like a riddle, telling her things like 'you'll understand when you're my age'."

Manabu Horikita was not like Suzune Horikita; he had never denied the importance of his companions. But from the very beginning, the affairs of the class and the Student Council were handled by him alone, and he had never thought there was anything wrong with that. However, Yuan Yuyuan's guess about the situation between him and his sister... although he didn't want to admit it, it was basically correct. This forced Manabu Horikita to reflect on his own actions. "So, I should inform the students of my decisions so they feel secure and trust me more? Is that what you mean?" "More or less. Nagumo does this very well. He told most of the second-years—or rather, the second-years who defected to him. Anyway, this isn't something he can change, so there's no loss in letting others know, and his subordinates will feel more secure."

"The way you are now, making them work when needed and shouldering everything alone when not, while it makes people respect you, it also makes them feel a distance from you. Although you are indeed their superior, at the end of the day, you are all classmates. If something happens, they might feel it's unnecessary to bother you or be afraid to tell you. A lack of information is a minor issue, but if the class suffers a loss because of it, someone like Kiriyama might hold a grudge against you. After all, if he doesn't tell you, it's definitely your fault for always acting so high and mighty." Manabu Horikita's ability was beyond doubt; otherwise, he wouldn't have been hailed as the most outstanding Student Council President in the history of Advanced Nurturing High School. It was just that he didn't have to consider such things when he was Student Council President in middle school. Compared to that, this school was too unique, and as someone who had always been upright, he had never thought to deliberately buy people's hearts. If he had been willing to arrange for a few students from Class 3-A to join the Student Council, the situation where Nagumo held all the power would never have occurred. Yuan Yuyuan, having been influenced by his father, understood this aspect better, though with someone like Honami in Class 1-B, he was happy to remain idle.

"That was truly a profound conversation. I thought I was doing well enough, but I didn't realize I had been repeating the same mistakes for so many years." Seeing that Manabu Horikita understood immediately, Yuan Yuyuan didn't intend to waste any more time on this. "Alright, alright, let's order... no, let's eat first." After the meal, Manabu Horikita and Yuan Yuyuan discussed serious business. "What do you think of Kiriyama and Nagumo?" "How should I put it? Kiriyama, who thinks the world should revolve around him, and the arrogant, lecherous Nagumo—they fit the images I had in mind quite well." "As long as you have a handle on it. Although Kiriyama is somewhat dissatisfied with you, you and I are the only ones in this school who can help him take down Nagumo. So, while I am in office, he can still be your asset. If Nagumo takes power, I fear..." "I understand. He's a fence-sitter. As long as Nagumo takes a hit once, he'll fall into line. I have it under control." Seeing Yuan Yuyuan's confidence, Manabu Horikita felt at ease. After paying the bill, the two of them took their respective mascots back to the dorms.

On the way back, Yuan Yuyuan saw Honami looking like she had something to say but wasn't sure if she should, so he took the initiative to ask: "Is there something on your mind, Honami?" "It's nothing important. It's just that the situation between Yuyuan and the two Presidents is a bit complicated, and I feel like I can't really help." "That's not true. Have you forgotten what I told the President? Honami, you manage the class in perfect order; otherwise, I wouldn't be able to deal with Nagumo with peace of mind." Ahhh! Why did he have to make it sound like she was an excellent housewife who kept the house spotless and served hot meals when her husband came home? Marrying Yuyuan... Honami quickly shook her head, chasing away these unrealistic fantasies. "Marriage... no, I mean, thank you. I will definitely lead the class well." Honami, who had slipped up, glanced secretly at Yuan Yuyuan. Seeing that he didn't seem to notice her mistake, she breathed a sigh of relief. "Then I'll leave it to you, Honami. If anything involves other classes, remember to tell me." "Of course. With Yuyuan here, we will definitely be able to promote to Class A." The Training Camp Exam with Akane and Horikita both looked like a headache; who could refuse the chance to teach the Student Council President a lesson?