"If you don't explain yourself clearly, I'll scream 'pervert.'"

Dubian Che's gaze shifted to the bottom of the stairs, where the Hundred Poems Club had set up a challenge.

"A few days ago, I saw you practicing alone in a corner of the school. When Ayane asked about it, I casually recommended you."

"You were peeking at my chest at that time, weren't you?!"

"Peeking... never mind." Dubian Che couldn't bother to ask how many misunderstandings there were, "I only recommended you to be the Minister, so what's there to fuss about?"

"You want to see me embarrass myself!" Yuzao Haomei asserted.

"Idiot." Dubian Che insulted her quite politely.

"What did you say?!"

"I said it's because you're talented."

"What, what talent?" Despite still looking confrontational, Yuzao Haomei was, after all, human, and deep down, she secretly looked forward to Dubian Che's response.

"Effort."

"Effort is also a talent?!"

"Of course it is." Dubian Che explained, "In this world, actually, many things can be achieved just by making an effort—getting into a good school, obtaining a stable job with a high income."

"As though it's that easy."

"Yeah, it's not easy. The people who can accomplish these things are envied by most, why is that?"

"Because it's not easy," Yuzao Haomei gave Dubian Che a 'why-are-you-even-asking' look, only to realize he hadn't been looking at her.

She glanced down at her own chest, white and round, enough to make one's mouth water.

"Pretending to be decent." She muttered softly and buttoned up her top.

Dubian Che ignored her muttering and her action, saying:

"For the vast majority of people, these things can be done just by putting in the effort. But what seems to be the simplest effort, not everyone can do it. It is a talent that can be obtained at any time, but very, very few people can actually acquire it. You are one of those who have it."

"... There are many people in the Wind Instrument Club who work hard, why me?" Yuzao Haomei toyed with her hair, feeling a trace of secret pleasure.

"Because I want to see what you'll become."

"What do you mean? You really do want to see me make a fool of myself?!"

"If possible, I'd like you to become the center of attention through effort, not just your looks."

Dubian Che's gaze returned from the Hundred Poems Club, looking straight at Yuzao Haomei: "Haven't you always been doing just that?"

"Mind your own business!" Yuzao Haomei's tone suddenly turned aggressive again, but her bluster was transparent, like a typhoon that hadn't arrived yet.

After a moment of silence, just as Dubian Che was about to end the conversation, she aggressively asked:

"What should a Minister do?"

"For you—" Dubian Che didn't mind her tone, "start by remembering the names of over a hundred people in the Wind Instrument Club."

"I..."

This was not at all what Yuzao Haomei had imagined a Minister to be, but just as she prepared to object, she realized that she indeed didn't know that many people.

Not to mention the more-than-a-hundred-members of the Wind Instrument Club, even the names of some boys and girls in her class of forty students, she didn't know all of them.

It was not a matter of memory, but rather what one cared about.

Unable to refute, she shifted the direction, mocking: "Thinking you're so grand despite being my age, spouting all sorts of principles."

"Not principles, just some summaries of life. Besides, age doesn't matter, what's important is what you've experienced."

"Hmph!" Yuzao Haomei twisted her mouth, then extended her hand, reluctantly saying, "Let's make up."

Those fair and delicate hands, to avoid school rules as much as possible, were painted with light-colored nail polish.

"I already have a girlfriend, so let's skip the handshake."

"Tsk—" Yuzao Haomei quickly withdrew her hand, "Don't act like you're some loyal man, it's disgusting! And furthermore, if you don't make up with Haomei, then don't blame Haomei if she continues to talk bad about you!"

"As long as it's not saying I molested you. I'm off to play rehearsal, and you keep up the good work, goodbye." Dubian Che waved his hand and turned to leave the staircase landing.

Watching Dubian Che disappear, Yuzao Haomei pulled out a small mirror from her pleated skirt pocket, tidied her bangs and makeup, ensuring she appeared before her classmates in her most beautiful form.

'Because you have talent.'

She locked eyes with her reflection, bright and vibrant eyes, a juvenile face, beautiful.

"... A Minister, huh."

Suddenly feeling a weight on her shoulder, she exhaled deeply, as the pressure was joined by expectations for the future.

Her blood began to surge, with an impulse to do something right away.

'All right! First, remember the names of more than a hundred members of the Wind Instrument Club!'

Yuzao Haomei closed her mirror and stepped forward, descending the stairs with brisk, light steps.

◇

"What did he say?" Jiutiao Meijie asked as Dubian Che entered the clubroom, resting her hand on her cheek, looking casually at the script.

Ichiki Aoi, who had arrived early, had already explained his reason for being late.

"Tell her, effort is also a talent, and have confidence in herself."

Jiutiao Meijie looked up at him, "You're quite gentle."

"I have no interest in her nor any ulterior motives," Dubian Che walked over and sat down.

"Is the next Minister decided?" Ichiki Aoi asked curiously, "Wasn't Ayane still considering?"

... This is tricky.

Dubian Che suddenly realized he might have spoken too much just now, and now making Yuzao Haomei Minister seems inevitable.

Upon reflection, having her as a Minister wouldn't be bad.

Considering her attitude just now, the future probably looks positive—at least it seems so now, and that's enough.

"Let's start practicing," Kiyono Lin wasn't interested in these matters.

The six of them practiced earnestly all afternoon for the next day's performance. Luckily, the Cultural Festival lasted three days, and they would have time to look around after tomorrow's performance.

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