Chapter 11

As Professor Nakamura leaned back in her chair, about to continue the lesson, her phone buzzed loudly on her desk.

She frowned slightly and glanced at the screen before her expression shifted from annoyance to concern. Without a word, she picked up the phone and turned slightly away from me.

"Hello?" she said, her voice now quieter but strained.

I couldn't hear much of the conversation, but her face paled almost immediately. Her eyes tightened, and her hand gripped the edge of the desk so hard her knuckles turned white.

"What do you mean the payment hasn't gone through?" she asked, her voice barely concealing the panic. "I... I thought I had more time. My son needs that treatment... Please, I'll sort it out today."

She nodded a few times, swallowing hard, clearly trying to hold herself together. Her back was to me now, but I could sense the desperation in her voice. "Yes, I'll find the money. Just—please don't delay the treatment any longer."

After a few more words, she hung up, her hands trembling slightly as she placed the phone back on the desk.

The confident, composed professor I had just been interacting with now looked vulnerable, like a different person entirely.

I had never seen this side of her before, and for a moment, I was unsure what to do. Part of me wanted to pretend I hadn't overheard, but the other part of me—one that knew I could use this moment—saw an opportunity.

Clearing my throat softly, I spoke up, my voice careful. "Professor Nakamura... is everything okay?"

She froze, clearly not expecting me to address her, and then turned around quickly, her expression guarded once again. "It's nothing you need to concern yourself with, Ryo," she said, trying to sound dismissive, but the shakiness in her voice betrayed her.

I stood up slowly, stepping closer but keeping a respectful distance. "It didn't sound like nothing... You mentioned your son. If there's anything I can do—"

Her eyes flickered with frustration, but also hesitation. "I appreciate the concern, but this is a personal matter. I'll handle it."

I hesitated for a moment, gauging her reaction before speaking again, more softly this time. "Look, Professor... I may not know you well, but it sounds like you're in a tight spot. Maybe I could help... financially."

She blinked, surprised by the offer, but quickly shook her head. "I can't ask you to—"

"I'm not offering out of pity," I interrupted, trying to maintain a calm, steady tone. "Think of it as a loan or... maybe just a way for me to get on your good side. Besides, it's your son. This isn't something you should have to worry about on your own."

Her eyes searched mine, clearly torn. For a moment, I thought she might refuse, but then her shoulders slumped just slightly.

"I... I don't know what to say," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's a lot of money. I can't just—"

"I don't need a number," I said, cutting her off again. "Just tell me where I can send the payment."

The room was silent for a moment, the weight of the situation hanging between us. Finally, she nodded, her eyes softening ever so slightly.

Her expression faltered. She was trapped, caught between her pride and her desperation. I could see it, the internal struggle playing out on her face. She didn't want to be indebted to a student, but she needed the money more than anything else right now.

"I don't know how I'd repay you..." she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

"That's not something you need to worry about right now," I said smoothly. "You can figure it out later. What matters is your son getting the treatment he needs."

As soon as Professor Nakamura nodded, I could feel the weight of the moment shift. She was in my debt now—though I had no intention of making that clear just yet. There was a delicate balance to maintain, and I needed her to think this was about helping her, not about gaining leverage.

But how would I get the money? I wasn't rich, and the sum she needed wasn't small. However, in moments like these, creativity was key. I had a few options.

First, there was my rich friend. He'd lend me the money without too many questions if I framed it the right way. But borrowing from him was only temporary—it wasn't a long-term solution.

I'd need to pay him back quickly, and I didn't like the idea of depending on someone else. Still, if I could gather enough money through a mix of strategies, help could be a starting point.

There were also more unconventional ways. I had connections, acquaintances involved in things I'd usually avoid—some borderline legal, some... not. A quick investment or favor might get me the funds. Risky, yes, but sometimes a little risk was necessary. And I knew how to navigate those waters.

Then there was the most obvious, but least desirable option—gambling. It was a high-risk play, but if I placed the right bets, I could double or triple my money.

I knew people who ran underground games, and they often tipped me off about which odds were in my favor. It wasn't something I liked to rely on, but if worse came to worst, it might be my last resort.

The important thing was to keep the debt in my control. The moment I sent the payment, Professor Nakamura would owe me—personally.

I wouldn't put myself at a disadvantage, not for a second. This was about ensuring she'd feel that weight, that unspoken obligation, and I'd collect on it later.

As I walked out of her office, my mind churned through the options. First, I'd get in touch with Hiroshi, then follow up on some of the more... unconventional possibilities.

One way or another, the money would be arranged.

And once it was, the real game with Professor Nakamura would begin.