Chapter 29

believing that the person they follow is the better candidate. As for Class D, that is entirely a lost cause. But the premise of this method is that there is only one capable person in the class; if there were competition, the situation would be even worse than in Class A. Although Yuan Yuyuan has some ideas, the die is cast, and his persona is already set. Furthermore, Class B, having had their appetites spoiled by Ichinose, would not accept a tyrant leading them.

"Oh, so it wouldn't even work in Class C, where delinquents run rampant? Honami really is a schemer." Shiina was curious why Yuan Yuyuan would suddenly ask such a question. Before this, the two of them had always just quietly read books and exchanged their insights afterward, a friendship as pure and clear as water. This was the first time they had discussed class affairs like this, but she didn't know how to ask about it. Seeming to notice her hesitation, Yuan Yuyuan took the initiative to explain: "Does it seem strange? Shiina, you haven't forgotten that I am still the vice-representative of Class B, have you?"

"I just don't want our relationship to be mixed up with too much class animosity. I know Ryuen often sends people to harass Class B, but even when someone raises an objection, Ryuen still chooses to go his own way."

"I know that. I'm not taking it out on you. Strange, is my reputation really that bad?" Damn it, wasn't his persona supposed to be that of a refined and easygoing gentleman? Who exactly is spreading these rumors! Shiina thought carefully; Yuan Yuyuan had only been asking about trivial matters from the beginning. It seemed only she, not wanting their relationship to change, had said some inexplicable things. "Hehe, it's nothing. Just pretend I didn't say anything." To prevent Yuan Yuyuan from pressing further, Shiina had to change the subject.

"Um, what book has Yuan-kun been reading lately?" Yuan Yuyuan looked at The Maltese Falcon in his hand, which he had already flipped through countless times, and said: "Well... because I'm a nostalgic person, so..." Although he said that, he still showed the cover to Shiina.

"Eh? This book again? But why?"

"How should I put it? Because I've already read many mystery novels, and I don't know if the ones I haven't read are any good, so I have no choice but to re-read the ones I've already seen."

"So that's how it is. Then, would you like to swap books with me?" Seeing Yuan Yuyuan's confused expression, Shiina added: "Because I've read many mystery novels, there might be one that Yuan-kun would like."

"That's true. Please, Miss Shiina, do bestow your blessing upon me."

"It's not that dramatic." As she spoke, Shiina took a book from her mountain of books and handed it to Yuan Yuyuan: "Then how about this one?"

"The Postman Always Rings Twice? Miss Shiina, you actually read novels filled with such violence? It's truly surprising."

"Uh... by the way, has Yuan-kun read it? If so, give it back to me, and I'll look for something else." Shiina only wanted to introduce a book she thought was good to Yuan Yuyuan, completely forgetting that this book was interspersed with some adult content. She hurriedly prepared to pull the book away, but unexpectedly, it was gripped tightly by Yuan Yuyuan.

"No, no, I've only heard of it. And I'm also very happy that Shiina doesn't treat me like an outsider." Seeing that Yuan Yuyuan had said as much, Shiina had no choice but to give up. She turned around, pretending not to care, but her bright red ears had completely betrayed her. "If you like it, please feel free to take it. So, what book has Yuan-kun prepared for me?"

"Let me see. I don't know if it's here." Yuan Yuyuan searched earnestly. After a while, he finally found the book he wanted in a corner. "Here. Although it's a mystery novel, its core is actually more like a coming-of-age story."

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

"Perhaps because this book isn't very well-known in the country, and it's not a traditional mystery novel either. If you are fixated on suspenseful mystery plots, you might feel disappointed, but I still think it's a masterpiece. I hope you like it." Shiina nodded as if she understood. "I trust Yuan-kun's taste. Then, let's exchange our thoughts after reading it."

"Of course. I will also seriously critique certain segments."

"Don't... don't say anymore. Why don't we stop here for today! I suddenly remembered I have something to do. I'm so sorry." Watching Shiina's retreating figure as she fled, Yuan Yuyuan couldn't help but shake his head.

"Young girls these days really have thin skin."

First Semester : Chapter 28 The day to exchange thoughts with Shiina was tomorrow. In the evening, Yuan Yuyuan finally broke free from the laziness debuff that someone had secretly cast on him and decided to properly read the novel Shiina had recommended.

"To think I was recommended an adult novel by a girl. Thinking about it now, it's still quite exciting." Before Yuan Yuyuan could even open the front cover, his phone chimed with a notification for the information he had set up for Himeno Yuki.

[Kushida snuck out.]

...Sorry, Shiina-san. I have something I must complete right now. I'll come back to read the book after I finish this battle. Yuan Yuyuan apologized to Shiina in his heart, his hands not stopping as he quickly replied to Himeno Yuki.

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

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

[Okk, I'm coming over immediately. Report the situation in real-time.]

According to the location provided by Himeno Yuki, Yuan Yuyuan arrived at the stairs between the third floor and the rooftop of the school building, successfully meeting up with Himeno Yuki, who was peeking at Kushida. The victim, Kushida Kikyo, did not yet know that two people were spying on her. She was staring at the door that had already been locked leading to the rooftop, and a gloomy voice like a vengeful spirit crawling out of hell emerged from her mouth.

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

"So annoying, so annoying. That bitch Horikita doesn't even look in a mirror. How could a self-righteous bitch like you possibly have a way to teach others how to study!" Yuan Yuyuan had no self-awareness that he was currently spying on someone; instead, he nodded silently, as if he were currently badmouthing Horikita Suzune together with Kushida.

"That's one thing, but she actually made me do this kind of offensive work. Who would want to go find those lecherous guys!" Kushida didn't feel satisfied just by cursing; as she spoke, she kicked the door.

"That bitch Horikita! Bitch! Bitch!"

Bang! Bang! Bang!

"Acting all self-important and putting on airs all day long. Who would be lower than a bitch like you!"

Clang! The sound this time was particularly jarring in the empty school building. Kushida Kikyo also felt that she had gone a bit too far. Just as she was preparing to observe her surroundings, Yuan Yuyuan quickly pulled Himeno Yuki back, while he stepped forward to attract Kushida's attention.

"Isn't this Kushida-san? Did you trip and fall by accident?" Hearing Yuan Yuyuan's footsteps and the count of the stairs not matching up, Kushida Kikyo thought the other party was afraid of being discovered spying, so she pretended she had just arrived.

"What are you doing here?" Without waiting for Yuan Yuyuan's response, Kushida became even more irritable.