The hearing's verdict was as follows: Class B's Ichinose was suspected of installing cameras in violation of school rules and was suspended for one week, with 50 Class Points deducted;
Class C's Ishizaki, Xiaoshi, and Jinteng were suspected of fighting. Ishizaki was suspended for two weeks because of his prior fighting record, while the other two were suspended for one week, with 50 Class Points deducted.
Class D's Ayanokoji was suspected of installing cameras in violation of school rules and was suspended for one week. Sudo was suspected of fighting and was suspended for one week, with 50 Class Points deducted.
The points for each class now stood at:
Class A: 1020 Class B: 690 Class C: 520 Class D: 37
"Tsk, tsk. One fight managed to involve three classes? Come on, tell me about it." Kamuro was a little curious.
"It's a long story."
"Then make it short."
"Mr. Mashima's here. I'll tell you next time." Lezheng ended the conversation.
Listening to Mr. Mashima teach, Lezheng felt a sense of warmth for the first time. Neither Class B's nor Class D's homeroom teacher fell within the bounds of normal people.
After class, Kamuro pestered Lezheng to tell her what had happened at yesterday's hearing, so he gave her a concise account of the arguments between those involved.
"So you've joined the Student Council, Lezheng? That's impressive," a classmate listening nearby said in surprise.
"I'm still being assessed. I'm not an official member yet." Lezheng waved a hand.
"Is the assessment really strict?"
"It doesn't feel that strict to me."
"Seriously? Then I'll apply too." Kamuro eagerly prepared to go see Horikita Manabu after school.
"Are you sure you want to join the Student Council, and aren't going for some other reason?"
"O-of course. Why else would I go?"
"Good luck."
After the hearing, thanks to Ryuen Kakeru pushing Lezheng into the spotlight, Lezheng's prestige in Class A briefly eclipsed Sakayanagi's and Katsuragi's, making things even worse for the already divided class.
That was Ryuen Kakeru's objective.
"Princess, that Lezheng guy has stolen all the limelight," Hashimoto said, somewhat displeased.
"Let them enjoy themselves for a few days. I've already prepared a countermeasure." Sakayanagi, however, was unbothered.
"Just as I'd expect of you, Princess."
After school, Sakayanagi received an invitation from Lezheng.
"Congratulations on making it to the Chess Club finals," Lezheng remarked.
"What a coincidence. I didn't expect you to be the Student Council representative this time." Sakayanagi smiled.
"Maybe President Horikita sent me because we're classmates."
"I'll show you what a champion can do."
"Sounds like you're very confident."
Whenever the various clubs held tournaments, at least one Student Council member had to attend the finals as a witness or referee. Lezheng had already received his notification from Horikita Manabu.
Lezheng arrived at the Chess Club's clubroom with Sakayanagi. Two people were already seated across from each other in the middle of the classroom, playing a game.
The student playing black had already been cornered. Feigning calm, he stared at the fingers of the student playing white, silently praying that his opponent hadn't seen through his intentions.
But white clearly saw through black's scheme and defeated him in a single move.
"Damn it, I was so close!"
"It's perfectly normal to lose to me." The player on white clapped his hands happily.
"Sakayanagi's here. Miyamura, you're up."
With their game decided, the two stood to give up their seats and beckoned the pair to sit down.
"I'm Lezheng Youyan from the Student Council. I'll be refereeing this match."
Lezheng gave a brief self-introduction.
After confirming that both players were ready, Lezheng announced the start of the match. Sakayanagi played white, and Miyamura played black.
At first, the two traded moves back and forth. By the middle game, Miyamura was beginning to struggle, and in the endgame, he spent far more time thinking than making his moves.
What Lezheng hadn't expected was that, although Sakayanagi could clearly have checkmated Miyamura earlier, she didn't. Instead, she chose to win by capturing every one of his pieces except his king.
That was rather disrespectful, yet Sakayanagi chose to do exactly that. Miyamura was stubborn too, doggedly holding on without resigning.
"I hereby announce that the champion of Advanced Nurturing's 137th chess tournament is Sakayanagi Arisu," Lezheng declared.
"You're really good, Sakayanagi." Stubborn as Miyamura was, he could accept a loss.
"Thank you for the game, Miyamura."
The Chess Club president was gracious too, handing Sakayanagi her championship prizes on the spot: fifty thousand Private Points, a chessboard, and fifty Class Points.
"You seem to know chess too, Lezheng?" Sakayanagi asked casually on their way back.
"Yes." Lezheng nodded.
"How would you rate my performance just now?"
"Very impressive. You lured your opponent into a trap, step by step."
"How about playing a game with me, then?"
"Sure."
Sakayanagi's style was the classic Scottish Game, with very direct attacks.
Lezheng, meanwhile, used the positional strategy of the Queen's Gambit, focusing on gradually exerting pressure.
Sakayanagi's initial composure slowly gave way to a grave expression.
"How long have you been playing?"
"About a year."
"..." Sakayanagi fell silent.
"Check." Lezheng checkmated Sakayanagi with his queen.
"Again." Sakayanagi was a little unwilling to accept it.
Lezheng won the second game as well. Fortunately, Sakayanagi pulled one back in the third.
"It's time to head back, Classmate Sakayanagi." Lezheng declined Sakayanagi's invitation to play again.
"Phew... Let's go. We'll continue when we have the chance." Sakayanagi let out the breath she'd been holding in a long exhale.
"Summer break's almost here." On their way back, Lezheng narrowed his eyes to adjust to the sunlight.
"Do you actually enjoy attending class, Lezheng?" Sakayanagi had returned to her smiling expression.
"I just think the Special Exams this term have been a bit too easy. Could they be saving something big for later?"
"Thinking about that while you're taking a walk with a girl? You're such a spoilsport, Lezheng." Sakayanagi covered her mouth in mock sadness.
"I'm so sorry. I really am a terrible person." Lezheng pretended to cover his face and sob.
"I'm more curious about your chess ability right now. Did you practice often before?"
"Yes. My dream used to be to become a professional player, but I gave it up because of my studies."
"Do those two things conflict?" Sakayanagi was a little puzzled.
"Your family must be pretty well-off." Lezheng glanced at her.
Although Lezheng hadn't spelled it out, Sakayanagi understood what he meant.
"So you came to this school because there's no tuition?" Sakayanagi asked tentatively.
"That's ninety percent of the reason. The other reason was the school's reputation for a hundred-percent advancement rate," Lezheng explained.
"Have you never considered what would happen if you didn't graduate from Class A?"
"I have. If I don't graduate from Class A, I'll find a job listening to beautiful married women's troubles and easing their worries."
"...That's a host, isn't it?"
"It's the service industry. Everyone gets what they need."
"You and Koenji from Class D would probably get along." Sakayanagi quietly withdrew the hand she had tucked into the crook of Lezheng's arm.
"I don't have those kinds of interests." Lezheng shook his head.
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