The Bet with the Chairman, Part 2

Chairman Sakayanagi's hand holding the teacup paused for a moment.

"Oh~ you actually agreed. I originally just wanted to make you back down, after all, a talented student like Qiuyue is rare. If you were expelled, as the chairman, I'd truly feel the loss. But since Qiuyue wants to bet, then I'll take the gamble. However, 10 million Private Points—does Qiuyue think points are as cheap as cabbages?"

"Canceling an expulsion requires 20 million Private Points. I don't think my conditions are excessive. If anything, Chairman is the one getting the better deal."

"Hoh~ Qiuyue even knows about that. Impressive. Fine, I accept your wager."

"Chairman flatters me. I have nothing else to discuss. Please rest well, and I'll take my leave now."

Qiuyue: (Phew, finally done. Hehehe, getting something for nothing, and pocketing 10 million Private Points. Feels great. I won't call you old geezer anymore.)

Qiuyue stood up, turned, and prepared to leave.

"Qiuyue, wait. Don't you want to know why you're in Class D?"

Qiuyue stopped his just-lifted foot and turned back.

"Chairman, what do you mean by that?"

"Qiuyue, don't you have any doubts about the school placing you in Class D?"

"Chairman, since the school assigned me to Class D, it must have its own considerations. Take things as they come, make the best of it. Why would I question a fact that's already been decided? That's something only the incompetent would do. The strong prove themselves with their abilities."

Qiuyue: (Actually, I'm really curious. Why don't you just say it? I've already put on this act; I can't take it back now. Gotta keep a straight face...)

Qiuyue's expression remained blank as he locked eyes with Chairman Sakayanagi, as if he truly didn't care.

"...Well said. But does your strength match that arrogance?"

"Chairman, if you have nothing else, I'll be going."

"Qiuyue, the school knows your excellence. Your academic ability, judgment, and physical capability are all top-tier within Class A. However, the school judges that you have a tendency toward violence and a solitary nature. Qiuyue, you didn't have a single friend in elementary or middle school, did you?"

"No... I did have friends."

Qiuyue: (Alright, alright, so that's how it is. I'm a reliable adult. First, let's define what a friend is.)

"If the friends Qiuyue refers to are the lackeys you beat into submission in middle school, then spare me."

"..."

Qiuyue: (That's it? That's why they put me in Class D? Fine, looks like the school's evaluation staff are all idiots.)

"Qiuyue, in my view, this is a misjudgment by the school~"

Qiuyue: (So what? Can you transfer me to Class A or something?)

Qiuyue's inner thoughts were completely different from what he said out loud. He acted utterly indifferent.

"Luck is also part of strength. I'll accept the loss."

"Qiuyue, it seems you haven't said which class you're betting on yet. I can let you choose first, you know. Or will you come back here later?"

"I was planning to call you later. The chairman's contact info is on the school network."

Qiuyue: (I'll say which class later to play it safe. What if, because of my butterfly effect, Ayanokoji doesn't make a move this time? Then I'm screwed.)

"Qiuyue, didn't you say luck is part of strength? Let's just make a direct prediction. Or does Qiuyue lack confidence in himself?"

Chairman Sakayanagi pressed on step by step, his smile never fading.

Qiuyue: (You old geezer!)

Qiuyue remained silent.

"Qiuyue, you pick one first, then I pick one, then you pick again. How about that?"

Qiuyue: (I still don't know if Ayanokoji will act. I'm also in Class D, so it's easiest to operate there. I have to pick Class D first.)

"Then I'll choose Class D first."

"Because you're a Class D student yourself? Not bad. If I were you, I'd choose Class D or Class A. But I'd lean toward Class A. Class A is generally stronger than the others, Qiuyue~"

"So which class does Chairman choose?"

"Naturally, Class A."

Qiuyue: (That leaves Class B and Class C. I think cooperating with Class C is more beneficial than Class B, but Ryuen's zero-point strategy is way too easy to get screwed by. Ryuen's goal is Class A's monthly 800,000 Private Points.)

"I'll pick Class B second."

"Then it's settled. I have Class A and Class C, and Qiuyue has Class B and Class D. Are you ready for this, Qiuyue?"

"Naturally. I've been ready for a long time. But Chairman, you won't abuse your authority, will you? If you do, I won't stand a chance."

Chairman Sakayanagi burst into laughter.

"Hahaha~ No, I won't. I wouldn't bear to see such an excellent student like Qiuyue expelled. Besides, I'm the chairman of this school. I won't interfere with things within the rules, so you can rest assured, Qiuyue."

Qiuyue: (...Does that mean outside the rules is fair game? What does he mean? No use guessing his thoughts. From what he said, it doesn't seem like he wants me expelled.)

"So, Chairman, are you planning to gift me 10 million Private Points?"

"Does Qiuyue-kun really think you'll definitely win? You'll be up against both Class A and Class C, you know. And even if you do win, consider it compensation for the school's misjudgment in placing you in Class D."

Qiuyue: (This old geezer's probably figured out I want to get into Class A—go to his daughter's class, boost her combat power—so that's why he's being so blunt. I know your little schemes, old man.)

"Then I'll take you up on that."

Class D

"Sudo-kun, here, your phone's fixed. Take it."

"Thanks, Qiuyue. Awesome, my phone—you're finally back."

Sudo grabbed the phone and started swiping through it, as if checking it over.

"That's great, Sudo. Your phone got fixed so fast."

Qiuyue tilted his head slightly, a hint of surprise inside, but his expression stayed unchanged.

"Yo, Ayanokoji-kun, good morning."

"Mm, Qiuyue-kun, good morning."

Ayanokoji still wore that expressionless face, greeting Qiuyue like a robot.

Qiuyue: (Why's he paying attention to this spot? Coincidence? My greeting shouldn't be a problem—we've been in study groups together and had a celebration party. Not greeting him would be weird.)

They exchanged a silent look, then each returned to their own seat.