It had been more than a month and a half since high school began. Qiuyue's life remained steady as ever, neither too much nor too little—just right.
"Qiuyue, there's something I'd like to talk to you about. If you're free, would you have lunch with me?"
Qiuyue looked at Kushida, who was smiling brightly, and said:
"Kushida, unless it's something particularly important, you can just tell me directly."
"...It's about holding another study group. At the library. I remember you said last time that you'd be willing to help, so..."
"Of course."
"Thank you, Qiuyue! Let's meet at the library at 3:50 this afternoon!"
With that, Kushida left.
Qiuyue silently analyzed the situation.
We're at this part of the story already...? Good thing I managed to get involved in the study group storyline. It's about time I made another deal, and this is just the right moment—not too early or too late.
In the original story, the second study group clashed with Class C, and they found out that the exam's scope had changed. In other words, the test would be switched to the one used every year.
Just like last time, Qiuyue went to the restroom, took out her phone, and began drafting a message. Then she sent it—but this time, she sent it only to Hirata and Ryuen.
Class C
"So it really came again? Hm? This is interesting! It's not that expensive. I'll buy it!
You're making me more and more interested in you! Hahaha! I'll call you X for now! I'll find you, X.
Ibuki, I've transferred 30,000 Private Points to you. Go find a senior and buy the first-year midterm exam papers. Try to get the price down to 15,000. If you can't, that's fine."
"...Okay, I understand. What about the study group we organized...?"
"Keep it going. There's no need to disband it. Just treat this as an extra study resource. Even if X's information is real, there are still plenty of ways to get the exam papers changed this time.
"For instance, we could report the leak to a teacher. What do you think, X?"
Ryuen's smile grew more and more maniacal.
Class D
As soon as Hirata received the message, he gathered all the students in Class D.
Of course, Qiuyue was there too. After sending the message in the restroom, she'd immediately returned to the classroom.
"Everyone, that person sent another text. They say they have information that could very likely help us pass the midterm exams. It'll cost 30,000 Private Points."
"Huh?! Is that for real? Then let's buy it!"
"Exactly! It's only 30,000! If we all chip in, it won't cost much at all!"
The most excited were the Idiot Trio, who had all failed. The other students who'd failed weren't nearly as worked up. After all, those three had claimed the bottom three spots.
"Last time, they didn't want to contribute any points... This time, the information only helps them, and now they want to drag the whole class into paying because they didn't study properly..."
"...Why should we help pay for them?"
"Yeah..."
"..."
The three of them flushed red.
Hirata quickly stepped in to defuse the situation.
"Okay, okay, everyone, calm down. No matter what, we shouldn't turn a blind eye while Ike and the others face the threat of expulsion. Besides, it's only 750 Private Points per person."
Ike touched his eyes, pretending to wipe away tears that weren't there.
"...Hirata... Thank you so much. From now on, I'll do whatever you say."
"Ahaha... You don't have to go that far..."
Qiuyue watched the discussion. When it was time to transfer the points to Hirata, she took out her phone and sent them.
She held the phone in her hand rather than putting it in her pocket, standing where the camera could capture her clearly. With her other hand in her pocket, she tapped the message she'd prepared in advance and sent it.
Even if Ayanokoji hadn't noticed her, Qiuyue didn't intend to leave him even the slightest clue.
The message read:
Every year, the first-year first-semester midterm exam questions are more or less the same. You can buy the exam papers from upperclassmen.
Friendly reminder: You can bargain the price of the exam papers down to as little as 15,000 Private Points.
"Ugh... We still have to spend points...? It has nothing to do with us."
"They brought it on themselves by not studying. We don't have many points to begin with."
"Couldn't they pay for it themselves...?"
The students who were doing well in class began airing their grievances.
Qiuyue grumbled inwardly.
See? This is what happens when the class doesn't collect class dues! As the saying goes, 'Every man for himself, and the devil take the hindmost.' Who'd willingly lower their own standard of living, especially just to pave the way for someone else?
Horikita stepped forward and walked straight to the podium.
"I think we should collect half of the Class Points we receive each month as class dues from now on, so we can deal with situations like this.
"I know a lot of people in the class have a poor impression of me, so Hirata can manage the funds.
"As for this time, since Ike, Yamauchi, and Sudo didn't contribute points last time, they should pay this time."
"But..."
Yamauchi started to speak, but Horikita glared at him. He swallowed the rest of his words.
"As for buying the exam papers from upperclassmen, I'll leave that to Kushida and Ayanokoji. If anyone has any other concerns, speak up now."
The classroom fell silent. Everyone was stunned by how decisive Horikita was and how neatly she'd arranged everything.
"Good. Then it's settled!"
That was Horikita? She actually took the initiative to do something like this for the class. Has she grown this quickly because Ayanokoji said something to her?
As expected, Ayanokoji still wants to develop her and make her the public face of Class D's leadership.
After the discussion ended, Kushida found Qiuyue.
"...Um, Qiuyue, we can't hold the study group this afternoon. Sorry..."
Kushida looked embarrassed.
"It's fine. I understand. You have something important to do. I'm guessing Sudo and the others will go with you."
"Mm-hm. They said they want to get the questions as soon as possible. They won't bother me. The midterms are coming up soon, after all. What about you, Qiuyue? Where are you going?"
"I was just about to go to the library."
"Huh...?"
"Oh, even without the study group, I was planning to go to the library and read today."
I'd finished all the books I'd brought from home while cooped up in the dorm, and there hadn't been any good anime lately. The library was my only option.
"I see..."
"Kushida!"
Qiuyue looked up and frowned slightly.
Ayanokoji? How long has he been there? Was he eavesdropping? I didn't say anything, so it should be fine. Tsk... Why do I always feel like Ayanokoji's watching me?
"Qiuyue, I should get going. Bye!"
"Bye."
...Why have I had a bad feeling these past few days? I've been kind of on edge. I should keep a low profile for a while—at least until I've gotten 20 million Private Points.
In this unequal society, everything comes down to money. First, I'll graduate from Class A, then I'll take as many points as I can and turn them into cash. That'll save me years of hard work.
Good grief. There's no point overthinking it. I should head to the library first.
Before you continue