In fact, after the information is refreshed, they always want to attack me!

Chapter 148: 146 The Exorbitantly Priced Exam Paper Sold to Nan Yunya (Two Chapters Combined, 5k words)

"Any other ideas? Go on." Horikita Manabu's tone was flat, clearly not believing that Shimizu Akira only had this one thought.

“Of course.” Shimizu Akira nodded. “Since the exam rules are so strict, is it possible to buy points to get points on the midterm exam?”

“You can’t buy scores from other classes,” Horikita Manabu directly denied, then added, “But you can buy scores from your own class—100,000 points for one point.”

"It's not cheap." Shimizu Akira clicked his tongue.

Horikita Manabu didn't respond, waiting for him to continue.

"Then, conversely, can I spend 10 points to reduce the score of other students by one point?" Shimizu Akira followed up with a new question.

Horikita Manabu raised an eyebrow upon hearing this. "You don't necessarily have that much hostility towards Class D, do you? Or is there someone in the class that you particularly dislike?"

"I'm mainly afraid that others will target me," Shimizu Akira said calmly.

Horikita Manabu raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised: "Given your cautious nature, why would you worry about this?" He paused briefly, his tone becoming more certain, "However, I can tell you definitively, there's no such possibility. The rules only allow for score increases, merely to show compassion for those students who are one or two points short of passing. After all, the school ultimately promotes cooperation—a class is a whole. Otherwise, what do you think was the purpose of informing you on the first day of school that you wouldn't be changing classes or homeroom teachers for three years?"

Akira Shimizu finally breathed a sigh of relief, and the tension between his brows eased somewhat.

He wasn't really hoping any classmate would be expelled, but he was genuinely worried that someone would sabotage him behind his back—who could say for sure what would happen in this school?

It was just a question.

Seeing his relieved yet puzzled expression, Horikita Manabu suddenly realized: this guy probably had been holding back all the questions he'd accumulated over the week.

However, upon further reflection, considering that the other party had taken care of his younger sister in many ways and was now the student council's prospective vice president, he didn't hold it against them and simply waved his hand slightly, signaling the other party to continue asking questions.

"President, how much authority does the homeroom teacher have?"

"It's not as big as you think. This school has always encouraged students to discover and solve problems on their own. On the surface, the school strictly prohibits teachers from interfering in student affairs, and even positions like class monitor are not allowed to be established—once you violate the rules, you will not only be fined, but also disciplined. The power of the student council is far greater than that of the teachers."

He suddenly seemed to remember something and added, "Speaking of which, something like this happened in your first month of first grade, Class D. Ms. Chabashira appointed two vice class monitors, right? I heard about it, and she had a lot of her salary deducted because of it."

Upon hearing this, Shimizu Akira found it somewhat interesting.

So even the position of deputy class monitor is not allowed?

So, it seems that behind the scenes, Ms. Chabashira Sae has done quite a few outrageous things for Class D.

"You should be alright now, right?" Horikita Manabu felt his throat was a little dry, so he picked up his teacup and took a sip.

Akira Shimizu had indeed asked quite a few questions today, and he figured the other party should have no more doubts by now.

Overall, he was fairly satisfied with the other party's performance.

The fact that he thought of modifying the exam paper was actually beyond his expectations.

After all, the senior who came up with this idea in the previous year successfully graduated from Class A.

Akira Shimizu smiled slightly awkwardly, and only after the other person put down their teacup did he cautiously speak: "Actually, I have a few more questions I'd like to ask. There must be special exams for second and third year students, right?"

"It does exist." Horikita Manabu nodded slightly, "However, the senior year exam papers are not available for the time being, since there are no higher-grade papers available for trade."

"But thinking about it carefully, at this time last year, theoretically it would have been possible to buy midterm exam papers from high school seniors, right?" Shimizu Akira pressed.

"No one in the third year bought them," Horikita Manabu answered frankly, his tone calm. "Not everyone is as far-sighted as you. For us back then, the senior year exam papers were too far away to be worth the effort. The class point difference between Class A and Class B was also huge. So, you wouldn't have already collected all the first and second year exam papers, would you?"

Since the senior year midterm exams haven't taken place yet, it's impossible for Shimizu Akira to have their midterm exam papers.

At most, we can only get midterm exam papers for grades 10 and 11 from third-grade students.

"Well! Actually, I only have first-year high school exam papers here." Shimizu Akira waved his hand, slightly embarrassed. "Actually, I just suddenly thought of this possibility; it's not like I had to think about it so much."

Akira Shimizu stroked his chin and posed another question, "So, do you know if any of the senior high school students have ever sold first- or second-year high school exam papers?"

Horikita Manabu was visibly taken aback, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes behind his glasses: "You... why are you suddenly asking this?"

After a brief silence, he picked up his phone. "Let me check."

Message notification sounds rang in succession.

Horikita Manabu scanned the screen, his expression gradually becoming subtle: "Not yet..." He suddenly paused, looking up at Shimizu Akira, "but Sato from our class said—he's already sent you the first-year exam papers."

Akira Shimizu naturally picked up the conversation, "I did know about this matter. In that case, Chairman, I think it's time to repay your favor."

"You said you're here to repay a favor?" Horikita Manabu looked at him with some surprise. "I do remember helping you last month. But that favor isn't so easily repaid."

The last transaction totaled 1200 million points, which, based on a 30% commission rate, amounts to 360 million points.

Horikita Manabu suddenly leaned forward, "Are you saying you're going to transfer 360 million points to me directly?"

Akira Shimizu gently shook his head. "Of course, it's not as simple as using points. I'm referring to a proposal—an opportunity that would allow the chairman to easily earn over five million points."

Horikita Manabu's eyes flickered slightly. "Oh? Only I can do it? Can't you do it yourself?"

Akira Shimizu met his gaze calmly and nodded slowly: "Yes, this matter requires the president's intervention. No one else—including myself—could possibly succeed. I hope the president can sell the second-year midterm exam papers to Masami Nagumo for at least 500 million points."

"500 million?" Horikita Manabu raised an eyebrow, but didn't immediately deny it. Instead, he gestured for him to continue, "Tell me your plan."

"Nangumo Masashi has already taken control of all four second-year classes," Shimizu Akira said. "They are now facing a special exam as well, but unlike the first-year students, they can only buy exam papers from the third-year students. Last time I ran into them at the dessert shop, I happened to overhear crucial information—Nangumo Masashi, in order to save points, forbade other classes from buying exam papers; only he could buy them personally."

Horikita Manabu tapped his fingers lightly on the table: "So you mean..."

"If the student council president can persuade all the third-year students to agree on a unified front and jointly block the sale of second-year exam papers," Shimizu Akira said, looking directly at the other student, "then he can force Nagumo Masayuki to buy them at a high price."

Horikita Manabu suddenly chuckled softly: "Interesting. But why do you think I can do that?"

"Because," Shimizu Akira said, emphasizing each word, "you are the most outstanding student council president in the history of this school. And Sato-senpai himself said—the entire third year, all four classes, are still under your leadership, steadfastly holding the line against Nagumo Masaru."

Horikita Manabu narrowed his eyes slightly. "Even so, I'm curious why Nagumo Masayuki insisted on buying it? After all, the second-year students have already taken a special exam, so they should all have a considerable academic foundation."

As expected, Shimizu held up three fingers: "There are three reasons."

"Firstly, since the first-year high school exam already contained questions clearly beyond the syllabus, following this trend, the second-year exam will inevitably have similar issues. More importantly, the average score in this exam will directly affect the class's points. If I were Nan Yunya, I would definitely buy exam papers to improve the overall second-year class points and the total points for tribute."

"Secondly, Nan Yunya has already promised the four classes that he would be fully responsible for purchasing the exam papers. If he goes back on his word, given his proud nature, he probably won't be able to tolerate breaking his promise in public."

"Thirdly, if he chooses to give up the purchase, he will also risk losing prestige, and the four classes will not be as obedient to him. This not only gives the third grade a chance to breathe, but also creates an opportunity for other forces—such as the opposition within the second grade—to instigate internal strife. This is probably the last thing Nan Yunya wants to see."

Akira Shimizu looked directly into Manabu Horikita's eyes, his tone resolute: "So this isn't a multiple-choice question, it's a mandatory one. Miyabi Nagumo must be bought; he has no choice but to buy. With the points he has, five million shouldn't be a difficult task for him. Of course, it's up to you, Chairman, to decide. Whether you don't sell to him or you do, it's a win-win situation for you."

“I have a question.” Horikita Manabu’s gaze darkened. “How did you know that Nagumo Masaya has a large number of points?”

Akira Shimizu was slightly taken aback upon hearing this, but quickly regained his composure. "I naturally have my own sources of intelligence."

Horikita Manabu rested his chin on his hands, his fingertips lightly touching his brow, and pondered for a moment.

Interesting, really interesting.

Unexpectedly, Shimizu Akira's visit was actually aimed at weakening Nangumo Masashi's power. The other party suggested that he monopolize the third-year exam paper market to strike at Nangumo Masashi—upon closer reflection, this argument did indeed make sense.

He understood Nan Yunya better than anyone else. Although she had personality flaws, she mostly kept her promises; otherwise, he wouldn't have let her join the student council as vice president. It can only be said that their philosophies were ultimately different.

Nan Yunya needs to buy exam papers; this is his Achilles' heel.

He has always relied on his overwhelming intelligence and strength to lead four classes, while using the so-called "random lottery promotion to Class A" as a pretext to keep the other three classes in suspense.

But if one day these followers discover that their "leader" can't even get a single test paper, will they still obediently follow orders?

The four classes didn't have much respect for Nan Yunya to begin with, and if he failed to perform his duties, they would definitely take the opportunity to make trouble for him.

Even if Nan Yunya wanted to overturn the table and report the exam paper, he couldn't do it—it would be no different from admitting defeat, and all the second-year classes, especially Class C and Class D, would complain about him.

After all, a class can clearly gain more than 90 points by using ancient scrolls, so why should he deprive them of that right?

Even students in Class A might not be able to answer all the questions that are beyond the syllabus, let alone students in other classes.

However… Horikita Manabu suddenly looked up at Shimizu Akira: “Haven’t you considered another possibility? Second-year students may not have bought exam papers from third-year students, but perhaps as early as first year, someone got a second-year midterm exam paper from a graduated senior?”

Akira Shimizu paused for a moment, then shook his head: "The president didn't expect this, and neither did I. But I think it's highly unlikely that anyone in the second year thought of this. After all, the entire second year is controlled by Aya Nanon, and even he didn't buy it in advance. Based on this, it's even less likely that others would have this idea."

“That’s right, your guess is completely correct.” Horikita Manabu’s lips curled into a faint smile. “I can tell you for sure that no one in the second year thought of that. Only Nan Yunya found out about the ancient scroll, and he bought the first-year midterm exam paper from me. I only started paying attention to him because the average score of Class B was over 90 points.”

Upon hearing this, Akira Shimizu's expression shifted slightly. "Nangumo Masashi... so you started in Class B? That's quite unexpected."

Horikita Manabu picked up his teacup, the rising steam blurring his vision behind his glasses: "What, you thought he was an elite from Class A from the start?"

"I have indeed thought about that," Shimizu Akira readily admitted, "After all, his current style..."

"It was this arrogance that ruined him." Horikita Manabu took a sip of tea. "During the entrance exam, his haughty personality was laid bare. Just like now—he even dared to openly discuss in public something as shameful as prohibiting other classes from buying exam papers."

"So this time, you've caught his biggest weakness." He rarely showed a hint of approval. "Shimizu, this 'gift' of yours has truly given me a pleasant surprise."

Horikita Manabu had to admit that this was undoubtedly a huge good thing for the third grade as a whole.

He could indeed sense that Nan Yunya's influence was growing stronger and stronger, and that it had begun to extend to Class D of the third grade.

In this way, as long as he orders a ban on third-year students selling exam papers to second-year students, whether he forces Nan Yunya to buy them at an exorbitant price or simply refuses to sell them and lets them fend for themselves, he can weaken the other party's power.

After all, he knew better than anyone that exam papers could only be bought from students, not teachers.

"You are the first person since the school was founded to think of using the monopoly of exam papers to earn a lot of points. I have to say, what surprised me more than your thinking is that, as a first-year student, you have not only set your sights on the first-year students, but have also gotten involved with the influence of the second and third-year students. I really admire you more and more."

Frankly speaking, no student in any previous year would have thought of this method.

It's not that they're not smart, it's just that their graduating class is too special.

There is Nan Yunya who rules over the four grades of second year alone, and there is also Nan Yunya who leads the four grades of third year.

Without any of these prerequisites, it would be absolutely impossible to sell this "sky-high" exam paper.

"One last question, what makes you think I would agree to your proposal?" Horikita Manabu smiled faintly, clearly intending to continue testing the other party, "I clearly said that I would not allow students to profit in this way."

"The student council is supposed to be neutral, so it's true they shouldn't be using such methods to gain points. But then again, maintaining balance between grades is probably one of the student council's important responsibilities. The second-year students are clearly the problem," Shimizu Akira responded calmly. "If the president really doesn't want these points, he can simply hand them over to the school or secretly distribute them to other second-year students. Right now, the most important thing is to teach Nanami Aya a lesson—after all, the student council hasn't seemed to have accepted any new students since the beginning of the semester. Isn't the president keeping this up because of Nanami Aya? Most importantly, Nanami Aya seems to have her eye on your sister. As her brother, are you really going to stand idly by?"

"...Reine?!" Horikita Manabu suddenly looked up, his tone filled with disbelief and astonishment, his face instantly darkening. "You mean, Nangumo Masaru wants to attack Reine?"

"He probably wanted to provoke you on purpose." Shimizu Akira looked at his suddenly tense expression and thought to himself that this was the first time he had seen the student council president so out of control.

After all, they are siblings by blood. It seems that this usually calm president still values ​​his sister very much.

Horikita Manabu tapped his fingertips lightly on the table, but the rhythm was half a beat faster than before.

He was silent for a moment, his Adam's apple bobbing, before slowly saying, "I agree to cooperate with you."

Akira Shimizu stood quietly opposite him, without saying another word.

He knew that his words had hit the nail on the head—Horikita Manabu might tolerate Nagumo Masaru's antics in the power arena and tacitly allow him to use points to win people over, but he would never allow anyone to set their sights on Horikita Suzune.

That was the student council president's Achilles' heel hidden beneath her calm exterior, and also her most sensitive spot.

Horikita Manabu's gaze returned to Shimizu Akira, all previous fluctuations gone, leaving only his usual indifference. "But you said something wrong. Five million? That's too little. Nangumo Masaru has far more points than that."

"What does the president mean?"

"Sell at least ten million points."

"That's greedy enough," Shimizu Akira immediately retorted.

Horikita was slightly taken aback; those words sounded vaguely familiar—after thinking about it, he realized he had said something similar to him last month.

"After this is done, I will share the profits with you. I will give you 300 million personal points from my private account as a reward. As for the large number of points obtained from Nan Yunya, I will discuss with the school how to handle them properly. Don't worry, even if this deal ultimately fails, I will still give you the points."

"Wait? I don't want the points, I'm here to return a favor!"

"You wish! You think you can get rid of this favor with just 300 million points!"

"So, what exactly do you want me to do? Just tell me directly."

"Now is not the time."

"ah?..."

...

Akira Shimizu turned to leave, but as he reached the door, he heard Manabu Horikita's voice behind him.

“You’re right.” The student council president’s tone returned to its usual calm. “The student council really needs to recruit some new members. You can keep an eye out for the recruitment announcements later. I’ve specifically relaxed the requirements; even those who have joined clubs or organizations can join the student council.”

"There's one more thing, a personal request. I hope you... can look after Reine for me."

Akira Shimizu paused, turning around to meet the gaze of Manabu Horikita. Horikita's eyes no longer held the scrutiny of before, but instead held a hint of pleading.

"I understand. Since it's the president's request, I will take it to heart and do it."

After answering, he gently closed the office door.

Chapter 149: 147 Yueqing: Little Princess, take care of your health and drink less coffee.

It was already 6:30 p.m. when Akira Shimizu left the student council.

Overall, he was very satisfied with this trip to the student council, just like the last one, especially with the final "deal" that was settled.

He originally intended to use this incident to repay the favor he owed Horikita Manabu from last month, but he didn't expect the other party to insist on giving him three million points.

(I can never repay the president's kindness.)