The Second Business Deal

It has been over a month and a half since the start of high school. Qiuyue's life remained steady, neither leaning too far in any direction, perfectly balanced as ever.

"Qiuyue-kun, I have something I'd like to talk to you about. If it's okay, could you have lunch with me?"

Qiuyue looked at Kushida, who was all smiles, and said:

"Kushida-san, if it's not anything particularly important, you could just tell me directly."

"...It's about holding another study session. In the library. I remember you said last time you'd be willing to help, so..."

"Of course, no problem."

"Thank you, Qiuyue-kun. Meet at the library at 3:50 PM!"

With that, Kushida left.

Qiuyue analyzed silently in his mind.

So we've reached this part of the plot already... Well, at least I managed to get myself involved in their study group arc. About time to start doing business—not too early, not too late.

In the original story, the second study session clashed with Class C, and they found out the exam scope had changed. That meant it was switched to the test paper used every year.

Qiuyue went to the restroom just like last time, pulled out his phone, edited a message, and sent it. But this time, the recipients were only Hirata and Ryuen.

Class C

"So it came again, huh? Hmm? This is interesting! Not too expensive! I'll buy it!

You're making me more and more intrigued! Hahaha! I'll call you X for now! I'll find you, X!

Ibuki, I'm transferring you 30,000 personal points. Go buy the first-year midterm exam papers from some upperclassmen. Try to haggle it down to 15,000. If you can't, no big deal."

"...Mm, I understand. What about the study group we organized..."

"Keep it going. No need to disband. Think of it as extra study material. Even if X's info is real, there are plenty of ways to get this exam paper swapped.

Like reporting the leak to a teacher, right? As long as X exists!"

Ryuen's grin grew more and more unhinged.

Class D

After receiving the message, Hirata immediately gathered all the students of Class D.

Of course, Qiuyue was there too. He had returned to the classroom right after sending the message from the restroom.

"Everyone, that person sent another message. They say they have information that can give us a high chance of passing the midterms. It costs 30,000 personal points."

"Huh?! Seriously? Then buy it already!"

"Yeah! It's only 30,000! If we all chip in, it's not even expensive!"

The loudest reactions came from the failing trio of idiots. The other failing students weren't nearly as excited—after all, these three held the bottom three spots in the class.

"Last time they wouldn't even pay points... This time it only benefits them. Instead of studying hard, they want the whole class to chip in..."

"...Why should we pay points for them?"

"Yeah, seriously..."

"..."

The trio's faces flushed red.

Hirata quickly stepped in to mediate.

"Alright, everyone, calm down. No matter what, we shouldn't ignore Ike-kun and the others' crisis of facing expulsion. It's only 750 personal points per person."

Ike wiped away nonexistent tears, deeply moved.

"...Hirata... thank you so much. From now on, I'll do whatever you say."

"Ahaha... That's a bit much..."

Qiuyue watched their discussion until it was time to transfer points to Hirata. He pulled out his phone and sent the payment.

But he kept the phone in his hand, not in his pocket, standing where the camera could see him most clearly. His other hand, in his pocket, tapped the pre-edited content and sent it directly.

Even if Ayanokoji didn't notice Qiuyue, Qiuyue wasn't about to leave any opening for Ayanokoji to spot.

The message read:

The first-semester midterm exam questions for first-years are roughly the same every year. You can buy past exam papers from upperclassmen.

Friendly tip: The lowest price you can negotiate for the papers is 15,000 personal points.

"Ugh... we still have to spend points... and it has nothing to do with us..."

"It's their own fault for not studying. We don't have that many points to begin with."

"Why don't they just pay for it themselves..."

The top students in the class began voicing their dissatisfaction.

Qiuyue silently complained to himself.

See? This is the downside of not collecting class funds! As they say, "Every man for himself, and the devil takes the hindmost." Who wants to lower their own quality of life, especially to pave the way for others?

Horikita stepped forward and walked straight to the podium.

"I think we can collect half of the monthly class points from now on as a class fund, to deal with situations like today's.

I know many of you have a very poor impression of me, so I'll leave the class fund management to Hirata.

As for this time, since Ike, Yamauchi, and Sudo didn't contribute points last time, they'll be the ones to pay this time."

"But..."

Yamauchi tried to speak up, but after being glared at by Horikita, he swallowed his words.

"Also, leave the purchase of exam papers from the upperclassmen to Kushida and Ayanokoji. If there are any other issues, bring them up now."

The room fell silent. Everyone was stunned by Horikita's decisive and well-organized manner.

"Alright, it's settled!"

Was this Horikita? She actually made a move like this in class. At this rate of growth, did Ayanokoji say something to her?

As expected, Ayanokoji was still grooming her to be Class D's public leader.

After the discussion ended, Kushida approached Qiuyue.

"...Um, Qiuyue-kun, the afternoon study session is off, sorry..."

Kushida looked embarrassed.

"It's fine, I understand. You have important things to do. Sudo and the others will probably go with you, right?"

"Yeah, they said they want to get the questions as soon as possible and won't bother me. After all, midterms are coming up soon. What about you, Qiuyue-kun? Where are you headed?"

"I was planning to go to the library."

"Huh?..."

"Oh, even without the study session, I was going to the library today to read."

Staying in the dorm, I've finished all the books I brought from home, and there haven't been any good shows lately. So the library's the only option.

"I see..."

"Kushida!"

Qiuyue looked up and frowned slightly.

Ayanokoji? How long had he been watching? Eavesdropping? I didn't say anything incriminating, so it should be fine. Tch... why do I always feel like I'm being targeted whenever I see Ayanokoji?

"Qiuyue-kun, I have to go. Bye!"

"Bye."

...Why have I been having bad premonitions these past few days? I'm a bit on edge. I'd better keep a low profile for now—at least until I get 20 million Private Points before I act bolder.

In this unequal society, it's all about money. Graduate from Class A first, then take as many points as I can, convert them to cash, and cut a few years off the grind.

Yare yare, thinking too much is useless. Time to head to the library.