Because It Worked on Me Too

Kushida: !!

She had never expected it to actually work.

Once the second-year upperclassman relented, he handed Kushida the entire set of past midterm exam papers for free, without charging any points. Looking at the papers they had secured, Kazami declared smugly, "Done! A perfect finish!"

Having watched the whole memorable scene of Kushida bargaining cutely-and ultimately getting them for free-Ayanokoji showed a rare hint of admiration. "Impressive."

He had expected Kushida to get the past papers for a very low price, which was why he had suggested looking for an upperclassman eating the mountain vegetable set meal. But Kazami had gone straight for an upperclassman sitting alone. Ayanokoji had gone along with him, thinking that even if this one didn't work out, they could try the next. He hadn't expected this to be the trick Kazami had up his sleeve. It had completely exceeded his expectations.

Even after it was over, Kushida still couldn't quite believe what she had just accomplished. She turned to Kazami curiously, her eyes full of questions. "Come to think of it, Kazami, how were you so sure that would work on him?"

Kazami answered without hesitation. "Simple. Because it works on me too."

Kushida froze for two seconds, never having expected that answer. Then she couldn't help laughing softly. She had to admit it was a convincing answer, one she couldn't possibly argue with.

Ayanokoji spoke up at the right moment to discuss what came next. "But Kushida, hold on to the papers for now. Distribute them to everyone in class a week before the midterms."

Kushida understood Ayanokoji's deeper intentions. Relying on past papers to pass an exam was only a shortcut, not something they could treat as their sole lifeline. If the entire class kept depending on old papers, sooner or later there would be serious trouble. Handing them out a week in advance would let everyone work hard at revising while also helping them avoid expulsion this time.

After thinking through the pros and cons, Kushida nodded, then asked with some uncertainty, "I understand. But is it really okay to leave something this important entirely to me?"

To her, this would unquestionably be a major contribution to the class, one that could greatly improve her prestige, reputation, and standing among her classmates. It was strange that Ayanokoji wasn't tempted by such a good opportunity. Although the past papers had been Horikita's idea, she had put in work herself, so it wasn't as though she was taking advantage of that woman.

Ayanokoji nodded. "Yes."

After all, he was more or less deceiving both sides. He was certain Kushida wouldn't ask, and even if the truth came out, Horikita would help cover for him.

Seeing that they had finished discussing business, Kazami spoke up from beside them. "Um, could you make a separate copy for me first?"

Kushida paused, blinking in confusion. "Huh? Kazami, you..."

It was no wonder Kushida asked. Kazami had ranked first in the class on the last quiz, with a perfect score. If anyone had the least reason to worry about expulsion, it was him. Having the past papers or not made little difference to him.

Kazami scratched his head. "I have another use for them. A very important one. Please."

Seeing his earnest expression, and with Kazami asking like this, Kushida found it hard to refuse. She could only agree. "All right. I really can't say no to you."

After school, Kushida handed Kazami the photocopied past exam papers at the first opportunity.

Holding the stack of papers, Kazami was just one step away from putting his plan into action. He stopped Kushida as she was about to leave. "Kushida, could I ask you for one more favor?"

Kushida answered with a smile. "Of course. You don't have to be so formal. We're friends. Just tell me what you need."

Kazami explained what he wanted. "Could you give me a list of students from each first-year class who have poor grades and are probably worried about the midterms? Ideally, with their contact details too."

The moment he said that, Kushida guessed what he was thinking. "You're not planning to sell the papers for money, are you?!"

Kazami didn't hide it, admitting it openly. "Yep, you guessed it. I'm planning to sell them."

Although he didn't spend as recklessly as Sudo and the others, he had to prepare for trouble even when things were comfortable. Especially since Chabashira-sensei had said points could buy anything, he naturally needed to save more whenever he had the chance, in case of emergencies. Horikita had just swindled him out of a thousand points a few days ago, too, and he had no idea how long Class D's zero points would last. If he didn't find some income, he would probably be broke in a month or two, without enough points for even basic living expenses. Rather than let the past papers go to waste, he might as well turn them into points and achieve financial freedom... though he wouldn't actually achieve that.

As for the effect on Class D, whatever happened, happened. He wasn't the leader. That was something Horikita should worry about. Besides, given Class D's current situation, honestly, they could barely afford food. Who had the headspace to think about anything else?

There were also certain benefits. Give people a shortcut in advance, and naturally some would stop wanting to work hard. They might get through this exam, but the next one wasn't so certain.

Kushida looked troubled. "Does Horikita know about this? If she finds out you're doing something like this behind her back, she'll definitely be angry."

Kazami pursed his lips. "If she finds out, I might get beaten up. Please. I'm in a bit of a bind with points."

Unable to withstand Kazami's pleading, Kushida finally gave in. "All right. I'll put the list together for you."

Kushida's network spanned the entire school. She had a wide circle of friends and was well informed, so picking out students with weak grades who urgently needed an exam shortcut was a breeze for her. Before long, she had compiled a detailed list with contact information and handed it to Kazami.

Holding the list, Kazami had everything he needed at last!

Exclusive past exam papers, a list of customers, and their contact details-timing, circumstances, and connections were all in his favor. His grand plan to get rich in points could finally begin!

He wasted no more time. After hurriedly saying goodbye to Kushida, he returned to his dorm room, took out his phone, and worked his way down the list, messaging the students with poor grades one by one to tell them he had a way to get them safely through the midterms.

After all, with expulsion looming, especially for students with weak grades, no one would readily turn down a ready-made shortcut placed before them.

Not long after he sent the messages, his phone began chiming with one notification after another.

Most people initially inquired with some skepticism, but Kazami guaranteed that if he couldn't ensure the papers were genuine, he would refund double the price. Within just a few minutes, he received several definite replies and arranged meeting times to trade in person.

Looking at the replies on his phone screen, Kazami's lips curled upward. He was already imagining the wonderful sight of points pouring endlessly into his account.

Just what you'd expect of your king-an exceptional eye and a keen nose for business! Now I can not only escape this points crisis, but even put aside some savings to lay the groundwork for my future conquest.

A mere Horikita, without a point to your name. Sooner or later, I'll overthrow you.

The only minor risk was that he absolutely couldn't let Horikita discover his grand enterprise, or he would probably face punishment again.