Conversation on the Rooftop and the Eavesdropping Incident

The door to the rooftop was left slightly ajar, and a cool breeze poured through the gap, carrying the faint, distant sound of commotion.

Sae Chabashira was likely trying to catch a breath of air here during the break.

Kiyotaka Ayanokoji didn't hesitate for a second; he pushed the door open and stepped out.

The iron door let out a soft, creaking groan.

Suzune Horikita immediately stopped in her tracks, signaling Lin Mu to do the same.

The two of them tacitly retreated behind the wall beside the door, pricking up their ears.

The wind was stronger on the rooftop, causing Sae Chabashira's voice to drift slightly, yet it remained clear:

"Is there something you need? Class is about to start."

Her tone sounded relaxed, even a bit languid—a stark contrast to the cold, judgmental persona she had displayed in the classroom just moments ago.

Kiyotaka Ayanokoji's voice was calm and ripple-free, devoid of any pleasantries, getting straight to the point:

"Teacher, may I ask you a question?"

"A question?" There was a hint of confusion in her voice.

"Do you believe that modern society is equal?"

Kiyotaka's tone remained flat, as if he were merely discussing an inconsequential academic topic.

Sae Chabashira raised an eyebrow, her tone tinged with impatience: "That's a sudden question. What is the point of answering it?"

"It is of great significance. Could you please answer me?" Kiyotaka insisted.

Sae Chabashira pondered for a moment before giving her answer: "In my view, society is certainly not equal, not in the slightest. Equality is nothing more than a facade used to cover up the truth."

"However, we humans are creatures capable of thought; any rules or clauses must, at the very least, appear to be equal."

As he spoke, Kiyotaka pulled out his Student Terminal, swiped his fingertip across the screen, and held it out toward her.

"Regarding Sudo's English grade, please sell me one point for him."

Sae Chabashira was stunned for a moment, then let out a low chuckle, her eyes filled with amusement:

"You really are interesting. I never expected you to make such a request—buying points."

"Didn't you say on the first day of school, Teacher, that purchasing goods requires the use of points from our Student Terminal?

Any rules or clauses must, at the very least, be equal on the surface, and this exam is no exception."

Kiyotaka remained expressionless, his logic clear.

"However, with the points you have on hand, I'm afraid you can't afford that one point."

Sae Chabashira extended a finger, her tone carrying a hint of deliberate obstruction.

"Let me think. If you can pay me 100,000 private points right now, I can make an exception and sell you that point."

Kiyotaka's expression remained indifferent as he spoke calmly: "You really are mean-spirited, Teacher."

At that moment, hearing the words "buy points," Suzune Horikita's eyes visibly brightened.

Her hands, resting at her sides, tightened slightly, and her body leaned forward; she was clearly waiting for Sae's response with bated breath.

As for Lin Mu, he remained lazily leaning against the wall, the lollipop in his mouth making a faint "click" sound—he had bitten through the last bit of candy.

Although he had already seen this conversation in his precognitive visions, hearing Kiyotaka say "Please sell me one point for him" in that flat, emotionless tone still felt...

At this moment, Suzune Horikita could no longer hold back.

She took a deep breath and pushed the door open to step out.

The iron door slammed against the wall with a loud "clang," causing both people on the rooftop to turn and look over.

"Then, what if we add my private points to the total?"

Suzune's voice was firm, her gaze fixed directly on Sae Chabashira.

She analyzed the pros and cons calmly, her logic clear, her tone carrying an unquestionable seriousness:

"I don't know what kind of penalties a class faces when someone is expelled. But keeping Sudo is, on balance, more beneficial for Class D."

Lin Mu, following behind Suzune, realized that their eavesdropping had been exposed, so he simply stepped out as well.

With his hands in his pockets and the bare plastic stick still dangling from his mouth, he leaned lazily against the doorframe, looking for all the world like someone who was just passing by.

Kiyotaka and Sae Chabashira looked at the two of them simultaneously.

Kiyotaka's expression didn't change; he simply called their names calmly: "Horikita, Lin Mu." It was as if their appearance there was perfectly normal.

Sae Chabashira raised an eyebrow, the smile at the corner of her mouth deepening. That smile held a hint of amusement, a hint of appreciation... perhaps?

"You two, you really are both quite interesting."

Her gaze swept over Suzune first, then shifted to Lin Mu leaning against the door, her tone inquisitive:

"Lin Mu, are you here to plead for Sudo as well?"

Everyone's eyes were focused on him.

Lin Mu licked his lips, savoring the last trace of grape-flavored sweetness as it dissolved on his tongue.

He spoke slowly, his voice carrying his usual air of laziness and detachment:

"Teacher, I'm just here to watch the show."

He shrugged, the plastic stick bobbing at the corner of his mouth: "I have no interest in Ken Sudo's business.

As far as I know, students have been expelled from various classes in both the second and third years. Survival of the fittest in this school is inevitable; it's only a matter of time."

His gaze swept over Suzune Horikita and Ayanokoji, his tone flat: "I won't interfere with or participate in whatever Suzune Horikita and Ayanokoji decide to do. Carry on."

The words were blunt and cold, even a bit cruel—but they fit perfectly with the impression he had always given:

A slacker who was indifferent to class affairs and only cared about his own comfort.

Sae Chabashira looked at him for two seconds, didn't ask any further questions, and simply gave a faint smile before turning her attention back to the transaction at hand.

The subsequent events unfolded logically: Ayanokoji and Suzune Horikita gathered the 100,000 points, Sae Chabashira accepted them, and agreed to "sell" that one point.

Ken Sudo's expulsion crisis was resolved in this understated manner, bought off with a massive sum that would make any ordinary student who had just enrolled ache with pain.

It was truly in line with the style of this school. Everything had a price tag.

Lin Mu sneered inwardly, feeling that the show was about over.

He gave a slight nod to the three people on the rooftop, his tone casual:

"The show's over, I'm heading back to the classroom."

With that, he turned around, hands still in his pockets, and sauntered back the way he came.

The conversation on the rooftop continued behind him, and he could faintly hear Sae Chabashira talking with Ayanokoji and Suzune Horikita, but none of that had anything to do with him anymore.

When he returned to the Class D classroom, the atmosphere inside had barely changed.

Ken Sudo was still slumped in his seat, his face ashen, while Yosuke Hirata was still trying to comfort him, though with little success.

The other students were either silent or whispering to each other, their faces filled with helplessness.

At this moment, Kushida had her hands clasped tightly in front of her chest, her brows furrowed, clearly still anxiously thinking of a solution.

As soon as she saw Lin Mu return, her eyes lit up, and she hurried over.

"Lin Mu! You..."

Lin Mu raised a hand, making a "keep it down" gesture, then signaled for her to come closer.

Although confused, Kushida obediently leaned in.

Lin Mu lowered his head slightly, leaned toward her ear, and whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear:

"Don't worry, Sudo is fine now."

Kushida's body visibly stiffened for a moment.

"Ayanokoji and Suzune Horikita have already settled it with Sae Chabashira."