"San Shui, do you have any plans this afternoon?"
The seminar had just ended when Chen Miao heard Oshima Masao's voice.
"No classes this afternoon. Why?"
Chen Miao looked at Oshima Masao as he packed up his things.
"San Shui, have you thought about joining a club? You might only be here for six months, but you can't spend all that time being bored, can you?"
Seeing Oshima Masao's expectant expression, Chen Miao knew what he was getting at.
But Chen Miao didn't play along.
"I'm not bored. I find studying Kyoto's history, folklore, and culture quite interesting."
Oshima Masao looked briefly awkward, then leaned a little closer.
"In that case, you have even more reason to join a club, San Shui!"
"Books only teach you dry facts. Joining a club lets you put that knowledge to use, even go on field trips and see how what you've read holds up in reality."
Chen Miao stopped packing and looked at Oshima Masao.
"I see. Then do you have any clubs to recommend, Masao?"
A delighted smile spread across Oshima Masao's face.
"Of course!"
"The club I'm in is the perfect fit for you!"
"But..."
Oshima Masao hesitated as he reached that last word.
"You'll have to pass an assessment first."
Oshima Masao glanced around. Seeing that no one was paying attention, he whispered, "San Shui, I can give you the questions in advance, but you have to keep it secret!"
Seeing him behave like this, Chen Miao smiled. "There's no need. That would put you in a difficult position, Masao."
"Don't worry. I'm fairly confident when it comes to answering questions."
Oshima Masao was rather touched by Chen Miao's consideration.
"Then here's wishing you success right from the start!"
After lunch, Oshima Masao took Chen Miao to his club's