The First Lesson of the New Semester (Part 2)

"What did Ryuen say?" Horikita went straight to the point.

"He conceded, and he'll hand over the photos at noon." Tang Yu briefly explained the situation, omitting the parts related to Tsukishiro, "But this is just the beginning; he will retaliate."

Hirata clenched his fists: "We need to strengthen the class's unity. The first Special Exam of the new semester is in two weeks; we can't afford to fight individually like last semester."

Tang Yu nodded: "I have an idea..."

He briefly outlined a plan—using the "Emotion Weaving Network" to identify the strengths and weaknesses of his classmates and reassign study groups.

Hirata would be responsible for coordinating interpersonal relationships, Horikita would handle academic guidance, and he would focus on the overall strategy.

"That sounds feasible." Horikita gave a rare nod of approval, "But it will require the cooperation of our homeroom teacher."

"I'll handle the communication with Chabashira-sensei." Tang Yu said, "But before that..." He looked toward the other end of the classroom at Karuizawa, who was surrounded by several girls asking about her new look, "We need to resolve Karuizawa's problem first."

During the lunch break, Tang Yu headed to Shinjuku Station alone. The locker area at the east exit was sparsely populated, and he quickly found the designated locker.

The key was placed where Karuizawa's middle school locker used to be—a detail he had extracted from the thugs last night; Ryuen had clearly investigated everything thoroughly.

Inside the locker was a kraft paper bag. Tang Yu checked the contents—the original photos, a backup USB drive, and a note:

[The game continues. You won't be this lucky next time. --L]

Tang Yu sneered and destroyed all the photos and the USB drive (using the Molecular Decomposition Spray redeemed from the system, consuming 300 points). After ensuring nothing was left behind, he sent a message to Karuizawa: [It's resolved.]

On the way back to school, the system suddenly issued an alert:

[Abnormal emotional fluctuation detected]

[Location: Alleyway on the right]

[Identity: Ishizaki Daichi (Class C)]

Tang Yu pretended not to notice and continued walking. Through the "Emotion Weaving Network," he could clearly sense the ambush set by Ishizaki and two other Class C students—a typical Ryuen-style retaliation.

He changed his route toward the crowded shopping street while sending his location and a message to Ayanokoji: [Need a witness.]

Ten minutes later, Tang Yu "accidentally" ran into Ayanokoji and Secretary Tachibana Akane, who were "reading" at a cafe. Seeing this, Ishizaki and his group had no choice but to abandon their plan and slink away.

"You used me." Tachibana frowned, but her tone held more curiosity than anger.

Tang Yu smiled: "Just a coincidence. Shall we head back to school together?"

On the way back, Tachibana couldn't help but ask: "Do you really think you can change Class D?"

"It's not about changing them, but releasing their true potential." Tang Yu replied, "Everyone has a side that others don't know about."

Tachibana looked at him thoughtfully: "Including you?"

Tang Yu smiled without answering. When they parted at the school gate, Tachibana suddenly said: "President Horikita wants to see you. Student Council office after school."

This news caught Tang Yu by surprise. Horikita Manabu requesting a meeting meant the Student Council had already noticed his actions. This was both an opportunity and a risk.

During the afternoon homeroom, Chabashira announced the first Special Exam of the new semester—a "Class Debate Tournament" to be held in two weeks, with the theme: "The Pros and Cons of Meritocracy." The outcome would directly affect class points.

"This exam tests not only debating skills but also teamwork." Chabashira's gaze swept across the class, "Each class needs to select one lead debater and ten assistant researchers."

"The grading criteria include depth of content, team coordination, and on-the-spot performance."

Discussions immediately erupted in the classroom. Tang Yu activated the "Emotion Weaving Network," mapping out the capabilities of the entire class—Horikita Suzune had the strongest logical thinking, Hirata had outstanding organizational skills, Karuizawa unexpectedly possessed excellent expressive abilities, and he himself excelled in strategic planning.

"We need to finalize the candidates as soon as possible." Hirata stood up to rally the class, "Students who wish to volunteer, please..."

"Wait a moment." Tang Yu interrupted, "Before deciding on the candidates, we should first analyze the debate topic and the grading criteria."

He walked to the blackboard and wrote the words "Meritocracy" in large letters, "This isn't an ordinary debate; it's an exploration of the core philosophy of this school. The judges will likely be members of the School Board..."

The students quieted down, drawn in by Tang Yu's analysis. Through the "Emotion Weaving Network," he subtly adjusted everyone's focus and sense of participation—making shy students more confident, restless students more focused, and helping those with grudges against each other temporarily set aside their differences.

The effect was immediate. An hour later, Class D had not only finalized their debate team lineup (Horikita, Hirata, Karuizawa, and Tang Yu) but had also formulated a detailed research plan and practice schedule. Chabashira-sensei observed from the side, a glimmer of approval flashing in her eyes.

The bell rang for the end of the school day, and just as Tang Yu was preparing to head to the Student Council, Karuizawa stopped him: "Um... thank you." She handed him a carefully wrapped small box, "A small token of appreciation."

Inside the box were handmade chocolate cookies. Through the "Emotion Weaving Network," Tang Yu felt her sincere gratitude, as well as a deeper... budding emotion of some kind.

"I'll be sure to enjoy them." Tang Yu said gently, "By the way, you can return to your own apartment tonight. Those two thugs won't show up again."

Karuizawa nodded, a complex emotion that Tang Yu couldn't quite read flashing in her eyes: "I might... occasionally miss that secret apartment."

Tang Yu was stunned for a moment, and before he could respond, Horikita Suzune was already impatiently urging him: "We're going to be late for the Student Council meeting."

On the way to the Student Council office, Horikita suddenly asked: "You and Karuizawa... did something happen?"

"Why do you ask?"

"The way she looks at you is different." Horikita showed a rare side of gossip, "And she's changed completely."

Tang Yu smiled without answering. Through the "Emotion Weaving Network," he could sense that behind Horikita's curiosity lay a hint of... concern that she might not even be aware of herself?

In front of the Student Council office door, Tang Yu took a deep breath and gathered his thoughts. The meeting with Horikita Manabu would be a key turning point. He checked his system status:

[Emotion Points: 98700/∞]

[Current Ability: Emotion Weaving Network (3 hours remaining)]

[Task Progress: Opposing Ryuen (80%), Class Integration (65%), Handling School Board Assessment (30%)]

The door opened. Horikita Manabu sat behind the desk, his glasses reflecting a cold light. What surprised Tang Yu even more was that Tsukishiro Shuhei was also present, leisurely sipping tea.

"Tang Yu-kun," Horikita Manabu's voice was calm and authoritative, "we have a lot to talk about."