Chapter 29

For thinking the person they followed was the better choice. As for Class D, it was a complete disaster. But this approach only worked if there was just one capable person in the class. If anyone challenged them, things would turn out even worse than in Class A. Yuan Yuyuan had some ideas, but what was done was done. His image had already been set, and besides, Class B had been spoiled by Ichinose and couldn't accept a tyrant leading them.

"Oh, I see. It didn't even work in Class C, where the delinquents rule. Honami really is a schemer." Shiina was curious why Yuan Yuyuan had suddenly asked that question. Until now, they had simply read quietly together, then shared their thoughts afterward. Their relationship had the feel of a friendship between gentlemen, as clear and untroubled as water. This was the first time they had talked about class matters like this, but for a moment, she didn't know how to ask. As if he'd noticed her unease, Yuan Yuyuan took the initiative to explain. "Does it seem strange? Shiina, don't tell me you've forgotten that I'm Class B's vice class representative."

"I just don't want class grudges to come between us. I know Ryuen often sends people to harass Class B, but even when people object, Ryuen still insists on doing things his way."

"I know about all that. I'm not taking it out on you. Huh, is my reputation really that bad?" Damn it, wasn't his image supposed to be that of a refined, easygoing gentleman? Who was spreading rumors about him?!

Shiina thought it over. Yuan Yuyuan had only asked irrelevant questions from the start. It seemed she was the one who'd said something strange, because she didn't want their relationship to change. "Hehe, it's nothing like that. Just forget I said anything."

To stop Yuan Yuyuan from asking any more, Shiina had to change the subject. "Um, Yuan, what have you been reading lately?"

Yuan Yuyuan glanced at the copy of The Maltese Falcon in his hands, which he'd already read who knew how many times. "Well... I'm sentimental, so..." Though he said that, he still showed Shiina the cover.

"Eh? This one again? But why?"

"How should I put it? I've read a lot of detective novels already, and I don't know whether the ones I haven't read are any good. So I can only pick up the ones I've read before."

"I see. Then would you like to trade books with me?" Seeing Yuan Yuyuan's puzzled expression, Shiina added, "I've read lots of detective novels, so I might have one you'd like."

"Good point. Miss Shiina, please do me the honor of blessing me with one."

"It's not that big a deal." Shiina picked a book out of her towering pile and handed it to Yuan Yuyuan. "How about this one?"

"The Postman Always Rings Twice. Miss Shiina, you read novels full of violence? I'm surprised."

"Uh... Actually, have you read it, Yuan? If you have, give it back to me. I'll look for something else."

Shiina had only wanted to recommend a book she thought Yuan Yuyuan would enjoy. She'd completely forgotten that it contained a few explicit scenes, and hurriedly tried to take it back. To her surprise, Yuan Yuyuan held on tight.

"No, no. I've only heard of it. And I'm glad you don't treat me like an outsider, Shiina."

Since Yuan Yuyuan had put it that way, Shiina gave up. She turned around, pretending not to care, but her bright-red ears gave her away completely.

"If you like it, please feel free to take it. So, Yuan, what book have you picked out for me?"

"Let me see. I wonder if it's here."

Yuan Yuyuan searched carefully. After a while, he finally found the book he wanted near a corner.

"Here. It's supposed to be a detective novel, but at its heart, it's more of a coming-of-age story."

Shiina accepted the book with both hands and read the title on the cover. "Boy's Life. I don't think I've ever heard of it."

"It might not be very well known here, and it's not a detective novel in the traditional sense, either. If you're set on a suspenseful mystery, you might be disappointed. But I still think it's a great book. I hope you like it."

Shiina nodded, only half understanding. "I trust your taste, Yuan. Let's talk about it after I finish reading."

"Of course. I'll also be sure to criticize certain parts thoroughly."

"D-don't say that... Why don't we call it a day? I just remembered I have something to do. I'm really sorry."

Watching Shiina hurry away, Yuan Yuyuan couldn't help shaking his head. "Girls these days are so easily embarrassed."

The day for discussing books with Shiina was tomorrow. That evening, Yuan Yuyuan finally shook off the Sloth debuff that someone had apparently sneaked onto him and decided to read the novel Shiina had recommended.

"I can't believe a girl recommended an adult novel to me. It's still so thrilling when I think about it."

Before Yuan Yuyuan could even open the book, his phone chimed with a notification from Himeno Yuki.

[Kushida snuck out.]

...Sorry, Shiina. There's something I have to take care of right now. Once this battle's over, I'll come back and read.

Yuan Yuyuan apologized to Shiina in his mind, his hands already moving as he quickly replied to Himeno Yuki.

[Where did she go? Are you following her?]

[Toward the school building. I'm right behind her.]

[Okay, I'm coming over. Keep me updated in real time.]

Following the location Himeno Yuki sent him, Yuan Yuyuan headed for the stairs between the third floor of the school building and the rooftop. There, he found Himeno Yuki peeking around the corner at Kushida.

The victim, Kushida Kikyo, had no idea that two people were spying on her. She was staring at the door leading to the rooftop, which was locked, and spoke in a gloomy voice like an evil spirit crawling up from hell.

"Ah, this is so annoying."

Seeing that the main event was about to begin, Yuan Yuyuan quickly signaled to Himeno Yuki to take out her phone and record.

"This is so annoying, so annoying! That bitch Horikita should look in the mirror! How could a stuck-up bitch like you possibly teach anyone how to study?!"

Yuan Yuyuan showed no awareness that he was spying on someone. Instead, he silently nodded along, as if he were right there with Kushida, badmouthing Horikita Suzune.

"And that's not all. She even made me do something that would make people hate me! Who'd want to go talk to those lecherous guys?!"

Just swearing wasn't enough to vent her anger. As she spoke, Kushida kicked the door.

"That bitch Horikita! Bitch! Bitch! Bitch!"

Bang! Bang! Bang!

"She acts so superior all the time. Who says you're any better than the rest of us, you bitch?!"

Clang!

The noise rang out especially sharply in the empty school building. Kushida Kikyo also felt she'd gone too far. As she was about to look around, Yuan Yuyuan quickly pulled Himeno Yuki back, then stepped forward himself to draw Kushida's attention.

"Is that you, Kushida? Did you happen to fall?"

Kushida Kikyo had heard that Yuan Yuyuan's footsteps didn't match the number of steps he'd taken. She assumed he was pretending to have just arrived because he was afraid she'd catch him spying.

"What are you doing here?"

Without waiting for Yuan Yuyuan to answer, Kushida grew even more irritated.