Chapter 206: Chapter 206 – Rivalry
Of course, this isn't to criticize them—it's just that they weren't used to it yet. Given a few more days, they would likely adapt and become accustomed to the routine.
This was one of the goals of the school's special exam arrangement. Although the purpose was to cultivate middle management talents, it was important for them to understand the conditions at the grassroots level. The aim was to avoid producing a group of middle managers who were out of touch with reality.
However, when Yukio's class returned to the hotel, they stood out distinctly from the other students. While other classes looked fatigued and some even smelled of fish, Yukio's students were full of energy and enthusiasm, carrying large bags full of purchases.
Everyone was curious about what kind of work they had done to be so happy: "Wait a minute, isn't Yukio's class supposed to be involved in the third-year Yukata Workshop project?"
"Yeah, it has to be. There's no way they could be mistaken, but how did they manage to buy so much stuff? Did the Yukata Workshop give out gifts?"
"Definitely not. You all saw it too—none of the third-year seniors at the Yukata Workshop brought anything back and they looked exhausted."
A little bit of curiosity and some bragging from Yukio's students quickly spread the word: it turned out that Yukio's class hadn't worked at all that day! Instead, they exchanged their personal points for cash and went out to have fun. They visited the aquarium, went to the Skytree, and shopped along the way back.
Comparisons can be infuriating. If everyone had been tired from working on their projects, it wouldn't have been an issue. But, seeing Yukio's class having a day out made many students from other classes, who were worn out from a full day of labor, feel discontented.
"Why does Yukio's class get to have so much fun while we don't?"
"It's really great that they got to go to the aquarium. Damn, I'm so jealous!"
"Yeah, why don't we go out tomorrow too? If we miss this chance, who knows when we'll get another one. We might be stuck at Advanced Nurturing High for two years! Two whole years!"
"This is unfair! I'm going to talk to the class advisor. Why can they ignore the project? I'm going to report their class!"
"Hey, hey, don't be silly. What can you report? Do you think you're the only one who knows? The school staff and the officials scoring the project aren't blind. If Yukio's class was allowed to go out, it must be within the rules. What can you report?"
"But this isn't right! They completely skipped the project to have fun, that's so unfair!"
"Tsk, just admit you're jealous. If you think it's unfair, why don't you go out and have fun tomorrow too? Why say so much?"
In just a few minutes, the news about Yukio's class spread, and the students were in an uproar, arguing back and forth. The exhaustion from the day seemed to vanish, replaced by vigorous debate. Some passing class advisors couldn't help but marvel at the students' energy, thinking how wonderful it is to be young and full of vitality.
You can't blame the students for feeling this way. It's perfectly normal to feel upset. They were working hard on their project while Yukio's class went out for a leisurely day. Anyone would feel the same.
The Advanced Nurturing High School system is designed to amplify such grievances. From the moment they enroll, students are isolated from the outside world for three years. The Shopping Center offers various entertainment facilities, but it's still a cage that keeps them all inside. Having a rare chance to go out, only to work themselves to exhaustion without getting to explore the world, is frustrating for anyone.
Why are the students so upset now? It's because they were provoked by Yukio's class getting to visit the aquarium and Skytree. These are experiences the Shopping Center doesn't offer!
The members of Yukio's class were delighted by the others' envy. They kept boasting loudly about the amazing sights at the aquarium and the impressive height of Skytree. The admiring and envious looks from their peers filled them with pride.
The girls pulled out their newly bought autumn clothes, seemingly discussing them but actually relishing the envious gazes from the other class girls, enjoying the superior feeling of having something others didn't.
Manabe put away the autumn clothes, her face brimming with smiles as she looked at her girlfriends. "Only Yukio could take us on such an outing."
"Exactly. Seeing the looks from the other girls in the classes earlier made my heart bloom with joy. I almost couldn't continue the discussion, nearly burst out laughing."
"That's Yukio-san for you. He must already have a plan. We'll have our fun now, and when the time comes for us to be needed, we'll give it our all!"
"Alright!"
The members of Yukio's class, having gone through so much, knew better than to get carried away. They knew when to show off and when to buckle down and get to work. They could discern the right moments...
Seeing his team so sensible, Yukio didn't need to say much more. He headed toward the hotel elevator, ready to return to his room and wait for dinner.
But as he reached the elevator, he saw President Horikita coming down, clearly having received the news and rushing over to find him. "President Horikita, is there something you need?"
"Here." President Horikita, as cold-faced as ever in front of others, handed a USB drive to Yukio. "It contains the financial reports of Takahashi Yukata Workshop."
"Oh?" For once, Yukio was genuinely surprised. He accepted the data without any formalities.
President Horikita wore a "don't pretend" expression. "Didn't I tell you when we first met? Your performance in the deserted island exam, even though it was only the first years participating, I could find out about it through the student council."
"Back then, you led your class, seemingly giving up but actually becoming the ultimate winner. This workplace exam, Yukio, you're aiming for the most crucial, highest-scoring task of devising strategies to increase revenue."
"Since we agreed to compete before I graduate, I had to bring you the data from Takahashi Yukata Workshop. I want to see just what you can achieve, Yukio."
"Of course, if you suspect the data is fake, you can check it yourself in the next few days."
Got it. That's why President Horikita specifically brought the data over. Yukio felt that President Horikita was indeed impressive. "Thanks. When the time comes, you'll see for yourself, President Horikita."
"As for checking it myself, there's no need. I trust you on this."
President Horikita pushed up his glasses, his face expressionless but with a hint of a smile in his eyes. Competing with Yukio brought out a strong sense of rivalry in him. "One more thing to remind you: increasing revenue scores the highest, but don't forget the one and a half month duration."
"In such a long time, every job, no matter how small, can accumulate a significant amount of points."
"No need to worry about that," Yukio had it all planned out. "Tomorrow, I'll have everything arranged."
***
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