บท 69: Chapter 69 The Game That Has Just Begun

Although there are many things worth tsukkomi, there is only one thing that can be certain.

That is, Hoshinomiya Chie is very curious about Fang Li.

Since Fang Li entering the teacher's office, this teacher has been sticking to Fang Li's side, acting extremely familiar with him and constantly bringing up topics.

Being caught up by this overly girlish teacher, Fang Li suddenly lost his temper and could only give perfunctory responses.

Until...

"...What are you doing?"

With such a cold voice ringing out, the person who called Fang Li over appeared behind Hoshinomiya Chie.

And, as if knowing that words alone couldn't stop Hoshinomiya Chie, the person slammed down the folder in their hand.

"Bang!"

With a heavy sound, the folder hit Hoshinomiya Chie on the head.

"Ouch!"

Hoshinomiya Chie cried out in pain and crouched down, holding her head.

"That hurts...," Hoshinomiya Chie protested to the Chabashira Sae who appeared behind her, while holding her head, "What are you doing, Sae-chan?"

"That should be my question to you," Chabashira Sae put away the folder and said very coldly, "What are you doing, Hoshinomiya?"

See?

This teacher couldn't possibly use "Chie-chan" to refer to Hoshinomiya Chie, right?

Even though her lie was exposed, Hoshinomiya Chie continued to protest to Chabashira Sae.

"I was just keeping your cute student company while you were gone."

"Is that really just keeping him company? Weren't you practically glued to him?"

"Because Nanaya-kun is even more handsome than I imagined."

"So, you treated my student like a toy to play with, is that it?"

"That's not it~"

Chabashira Sae and Hoshinomiya Chie then began to argue with each other.

Even though Chabashira Sae's tone was still as cold as ever and Hoshinomiya Chie was lively like a young girl. But from their conversation, it was clear that these two people had known each other for a long time and had a very close relationship.

Obviously, not all of Hoshinomiya Chie's words were lies.

At least, they had known each other since high school, at least that must be true.

Of course, whether the relationship between these two people is really good remains to be seen.

This is because, in the next moment, there was a slight change in the atmosphere between the two.

"Truly, it's no surprise that it's Sae-chan, she has a good eye for people."

Hoshinomiya Chie stood up again, like she wanted to hide behind Fang Li, and peeked out only her head to look at Chabashira Sae.

As a result, Fang Li couldn't see Hoshinomiya Chie's expression anymore.

However, Hoshinomiya Chie's cheerful voice had changed a bit.

"If it was Nanaya-kun, he could become a very powerful ally for Sae-chan, and help her "climb the ladder," right?"

The atmosphere changed under Hoshinomiya Chie's words.

Chabashira Sae met Hoshinomiya Chie's gaze head-on.

Fang Li could feel that the two were engaging in a fierce confrontation with their eyes.

What was more concerning was what Hoshinomiya Chie had mentioned.

---"Climb the ladder."

Recalling what Ichinose Honami had said before, teachers at this school also received evaluations based on the classes they were in upon graduation, and this so-called "climbing the ladder" likely referred to advancing to a higher class.

In other words, Hoshinomiya Chie believed that Chabashira Sae was aiming for Class A.

As the closest person to Class A, Hoshinomiya Chie had to take notice.

And perhaps the reason Hoshinomiya Chie was so curious about Fang Li was also related to this?

This teacher believed that Fang Li was the power that Chabashira Sae relied on to advance to Class A, which is why she was so curious and enthusiastic about Fang Li.

In other words, there may be some probing behind Hoshinomiya Chie's treatment of Fang Li.

It remains to be seen how Chabashira Sae would respond to Hoshinomiya Chie's probing.

This question was answered in the next second.

"Don't say stupid things." Chabashira Sae said expressionlessly. "You should know that I can't do that."

This statement caused Fang Li's eyebrows to raise slightly.

She can't do it?

Not that she doesn't want to, but that she can't?

What does that mean?

Fang Li began to ponder.

But as if she knew everything, Hoshinomiya Chie's tone became cheerful again.

"Indeed, Sae-chan can't do that."

Thus, Hoshinomiya Chie acknowledged Chabashira Sae's words and denied her ambitions.

All of this was telling Fang Li that there must be some hidden motives.

(This teacher is definitely hiding something...)

Fang Li cast his gaze on Chabashira Sae, but she did not give him any time to observe. "I've wasted enough time on boring things. Let's get to the point," she said, ignoring Hoshinomiya Chie and turning to Fang Li. "Nanaya, come with me."

Chabashira Sae seemed to want to take Fang Li away, presumably to the counseling room in the teacher's office used to tutor students. However, Hoshinomiya Chie was not willing to let her do so. "Sae-chan is really cunning. Don't monopolize Nanaya-kun. Let me join in," she said, persistently.

Chabashira Sae responded with cold words, "This is a matter of Class D. Even if it involves other classes, it has nothing to do with Class B."

Hoshinomiya Chie did not give up and continued to insist on coming along.

Chabashira Sae seemed to want to say something more, but Fang Li finally spoke up.

"Alright, Chabashira-sensei, let's not waste any more time. Let's talk here," Fang Li said, glancing at Hoshinomiya Chie and then at Chabashira Sae. "The matter you want to discuss doesn't seem like a secret. Hoshinomiya-sensei seems to know everything, so there's no need to deliberately change places."

"That's right," Hoshinomiya Chie quickly agreed. "I also know what happened, so there's no need to avoid me."

"Okay," Chabashira Sae fell silent for a moment before nodding expressionlessly. "Let's just start explaining."

Turning to Fang Li, Chabashira Sae asked, "Yesterday, did you have a dispute with the people in Class C?"

Fang Li's eyes flickered slightly at the direct question. "I see... What happened with the people from Class C?"

This was a confirmation that something had happened.

Chabashira Sae's response confirmed Fang Li's guess. "Yesterday, three students from Class C, Ishizaki Daichi, Komiya Kyougo, and Kondou Reo, lodged a complaint with the school that they were subjected to violence by a student from Class D."

Chabashira Sae spoke slowly.

"That person was you, Nanaya."

Upon hearing this, Fang Li understood.

Ryuuen Kakeru's "playing around" had not ended yet.

No.

It was just about to begin.