"So there were such twists and turns? That's really incredible..."
In Sakura Airi's dormitory, Hashima Hikaru sat across from the red-haired girl at the table. He stroked the rim of his beverage cup, his tone slightly surprised.
"Yes, I also thought it was really thrilling. If Horikita hadn't produced that final piece of evidence, Sudo would definitely have been expelled."
While describing the hearing process to the young man, Sakura Airi was still deeply impressed by the scene that had just unfolded. Such a twisting hearing process kept the girl's heart in suspense, fearing that everything would go to waste in the end.
"Well, achieving a victorious outcome is what matters. This was a perfect counterattack. It was really hard work for you, Sakura."
The young man gently comforted the girl across from him, softly asking, "Facing everyone's gaze, Sakura must have felt a bit uncomfortable, right?"
"Mmm... But I only made a small effort, most of the credit goes to Horikita."
Sakura Airi's little face carried a faint blush.
After the targeted hearing concluded, the classmates in Class C were naturally very happy. Even that Kushida approached the red-haired girl, hoping she would attend the victory celebration as the main contributor.
Faced with such an invitation, Sakura of course declined. Although she had taken the first step, she still couldn't get closer to her classmates. This had never been an easy thing for her.
Anyway, I have Hashima, and that's enough.
Sakura Airi convinced herself with this answer, so after receiving his contact message, she immediately returned to her dormitory, waiting for the young man to come.
During this time, Hashima Hikaru has been very proactive, after all, he just raised Sakura Airi's stock price to 100, and needed to strike while the iron is hot to maintain attention. Moreover, she had no interest in class competition, which makes it a perfect time to relax.
After resolving this matter, that Ryuen will probably not be able to show his face for a while, since this plan has already failed, and with two classmates suspended, their class evaluation score will also decrease.
So it will be more difficult for Ryuen Kakeru to expand his influence in the future. This is the best outcome.
He can be temporarily set aside. As time passes, there's a more important matter that Hashima Hikaru needs to prepare for.
That is — the midterm exam.
According to the hidden rules purchased on the first day of school, it's known that this school has a critical red line for both midterm and final exams. After the exams, if a student's score in any subject is below the class benchmark score, they will be directly expelled.
This rule didn't cause much stir in the class at that time, as the benchmark score is half of the average score for that subject. If the average score is 70, then you only need to score above 35 to avoid violation.
Given the basic scores of Class A students, half of the average score is already a very low level, and no one would fail to reach even that score.
Moreover, Hashima Hikaru and Ichinose Honami now completely control the entire class. By having students with excellent single-subject scores deliberately lower their scores, they can ensure the benchmark score is even lower. There are many ways to manipulate it.
But this rule is different for classes further down, such as Sakura Airi, who is in Class C that just moved up. Her original class was of the worst standard, so whether this red line would be triggered is hard to say.
After taking a sip of his drink, Hashima Hikaru looked at the girl opposite and asked, "How are Sakura's usual grades?"
"Eh?"
Hearing this question, Sakura Airi's face showed embarrassment, feeling somewhat shy as she explained, "My grades... aren't too good."
"But it's almost time for the midterm exams, right? This is a very important exam, don't forget the hidden rules announced earlier."
"If it's the benchmark score, I should... be fine."
Sakura Airi also recalled the hidden rule they had purchased together earlier, understanding that scoring above half of the average would be enough.
However, she actually didn't have much confidence, as the girl was not skilled in studying.
"That's good, but one shouldn't be slack in studies; constant effort is necessary."
Hashima Hikaru touched his chin. According to the first semester's schedule, the midterm exam would be at the end of May, followed by the final exam at the end of July, and August would be summer vacation.
In this school, although special exams haven't yet been conducted, large-scale joint exams like the midterm are definitely very important. It's possible that the final results will be reflected in the class evaluation scores as well.
Class A currently has a class evaluation score that's only 30 points ahead of Class B, and Class B's overall quality and academic performance are definitely top-notch. So to avoid being overtaken by them, they must perform excellently in this exam.
"Is Hashima worried about something?"
During their frequent interactions over this period, Sakura Airi has become able to capture some of the young man's inner emotions, so she guessed Hashima Hikaru might be troubled by something.
"A little bit, after all, it's about an important exam. I don't want anyone to fail."
Hashima Hikaru also recalled the information that could raise Sakura Airi's stock price.
[Stock Price Increase Suggestion: Become her confidant, solve her life problems, take photos with her.]
"Would helping her improve her grades count as solving life problems?"
The young man was pondering this question. Given Sakura Airi's shy nature and unwillingness to actively socialize, she's probably not going to participate in any study sessions organized by the class.
This means her grades will either depend on her own efforts or she'll fail. No one can help her.
"But such a 5000-share treasure stock, if she accidentally gets expelled, wouldn't that be too wasteful."
Besides, she's easy to get along with, isn't she?
After making his decision, Hashima Hikaru's smile deepened, and he softly said to Sakura Airi, "I have a proposal, would Sakura be willing?"
"What is it?" The girl's eyes slightly raised, gazing at Hashima Hikaru's face.
"Since we're friends, would Sakura like to join me for a study session?" Hashima Hikaru watched as her eyes gradually brightened, his tone carrying a hint of expectation, "We can study together to achieve better results in the upcoming midterm exam."
"!"
Hearing this, Sakura Airi's eyes suddenly revealed an extremely delighted light.
She had actually been hesitating about whether to propose a study session as a way to invite him, as the girl wanted more opportunities to be with Hashima Hikaru.
And studying together was a good reason, allowing him to come over frequently.
Or, could I go to Hashima's room?
Thinking of this, the girl's heart was immediately filled with shyness, preventing her from directly expressing this idea.
Now, hearing Hashima Hikaru's proposal, the coincidental telepathy made Sakura Airi's joy even more profound.
"I'm willing... I want to study with Hashima. Although I might hold you back, I'll try my best."
After suppressing her inner excitement to respond, Sakura Airi looked at the young man again.
"That's good, please take care of me from now on, Sakura," Hashima Hikaru smiled slightly, "Whether it's in my room or your room, let's confirm the time via phone message before the study session."
"Mm."
The method of contacting via phone in advance was something the young man had already thought of, as his free time wasn't abundant. Besides the fixed morning and evening exercise plans, he also had study sessions with Ichinose Honami's group, and perhaps later he would need to interact with Horikita Suzune and Shiina Hiyori.
Oh, and also Kushida Kikyo whose stock price had just decreased.
Now there's an additional agreement for individual study with Sakura Airi.
Time management, time management.
[Your proposed study plan makes Sakura Airi very happy. She thinks this is the most perfect coincidence. Sakura Airi's stock price increases by 10 points, current stock price 110.]
"Coincidence?"
Seeing the system prompt, Hashima Hikaru was a bit puzzled, but looking at the girl's shy little face, he didn't dwell on it further. As long as he can continue to dig, it's a good thing.
Study, study hard!