Chapter 010: The Thinking Style of Kiyotaka Ayanokoji 

The first morning of school had concluded, and the afternoon was free. Most students chose to return to their dormitories, while others went to the Keyaki Mall Street to buy some daily necessities or splurge the massive 100,000 personal points they had.

Matsumoto Chizuru also invited Ayanokoji Kiyotaka. It was just the beginning of the school year, and they were still in the phase of getting to know each other and separating into factions.

Therefore, the first gathering was particularly important.

However, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka politely declined. Once labeled with a particular faction, it would be challenging to integrate into another group. At best, they could only maintain surface harmony, but there would be a noticeable temperature difference between individuals.

The only exceptions were Hirata Yosuke and Karuizawa Kei. Besides their outstanding social skills and looks, they also had a selfless dedication to the class. They were willing to sacrifice their personal time for the sake of the class.

Tendo Amamiya wouldn't waste too much time on the goal of moving up to Class A. He didn't want to sacrifice his personal time for those flawed individuals.

However, he also exchanged contact information with most of the people in his class, maintaining a certain level of intimacy.

At this moment, they were at Keyaki Commercial Street. The school had prepared comprehensive facilities, including cafes, KTV, cinemas, restaurants, and clothing stores, where they could find most of the things they needed. Even if they wanted something more unusual, they could request the school to purchase it on their behalf, as long as they had enough personal points.

Inside the convenience store, Tendo Amamiya was selecting some daily necessities, while Horikita Suzune followed silently, picking out the things she needed. Ever since the opening ceremony, Horikita had been quietly following him without saying a word. Tendo Amamiya naturally understood why. Horikita must be eager to gather information about the school but didn't know how to approach the topic. However, Tendo Amamiya was in no rush. It was Horikita who should be in a hurry. Therefore, Tendo Amamiya didn't initiate a conversation.

"It's another annoying coincidence," Horikita suddenly said lightly, and Tendo Amamiya turned to look. Kiyotaka Ayanokoji had appeared near them, seemingly out of nowhere.

"Don't be so guarded," Kiyotaka Ayanokoji said, holding a shopping bag. He glanced at Tendo Amamiya and spoke in a nonchalant tone, "You two seem to have a good relationship."

Although Horikita had been following Tendo Amamiya all this time, their proximity made it obvious that they were together. It wasn't strange for Kiyotaka Ayanokoji to ask such a question. During the self-introductions in class, although he appeared somewhat awkward, Kiyotaka Ayanokoji's remarkable abilities were quickly adapting to the role of a high school student. Or rather, he realized that high school students seemed to come in various types, and they could behave however they wanted.

Unfortunately, although he only wanted to live a peaceful life, the thought patterns shaped by the white room compelled Kiyotaka Ayanokoji to instinctively absorb the information around him, always staying in the realm of absolute safety and aiming for victory in the end. However, proactive socializing didn't align with his self-imposed avoidance mentality, so he had no choice but to approach Horikita, who he had crossed paths with twice before.

Based on his judgment, although Horikita could be merciless with his words, he was actually a good person. Otherwise, he wouldn't have initiated a conversation. As long as he had sufficient reasons, people like Horikita would generally not refuse to help.

"Our relationship is not as simple as you think, Ayanokoji," Tendo Amamiya spread his palms and sighed, "This is also the dilemma of being a popular guy."

"What an enviable dilemma," Kiyotaka Ayanokoji replied lightly, with no fluctuation in his voice. Frivolous and self-centered... These were the first impressions that came to Kiyotaka Ayanokoji's mind. Was Tendo Amamiya being ironic or showing off?

However, Kiyotaka Ayanokoji quickly rejected his own inference. During the class self-introductions, Tendo Amamiya gave off a straightforward and cheerful impression. Frivolousness and straightforwardness might seem similar, but they left completely different impressions. The former would make girls dislike you, while the latter could be considered a plus in certain situations.

A strange sense of peculiarity lingered in Kiyotaka Ayanokoji's mind. Or rather, had the relationship between Horikita and Tendo Amamiya reached a point where they could joke around like this? It also demonstrated Tendo Amamiya's social skills, being able to establish such a deep relationship with Horikita within half a day. Kiyotaka Ayanokoji considered himself incapable of such a feat. But it also depended on Horikita's response, as it would reveal Tendo Amamiya's true nature.

Kiyotaka Ayanokoji had different approaches for different people. Unfortunately, Horikita showed no intention of acknowledging him and continued to pick out inexpensive items from the shelves. Kiyotaka Ayanokoji silently labeled Tendo Amamiya as questionable.

He believed he could see through Horikita at a glance, as well as most of the people in this school. But for now, he couldn't figure out Tendo Amamiya. Looking at the shampoo in Horikita's hand, Kiyotaka Ayanokoji casually glanced at the price tag and resumed the conversation, "Are you buying things? With a hundred thousand personal points, you should be able to afford something more expensive, right?"

"It's none of your business," Horikita replied without lifting his head, continuing in his cold tone, "What are you doing here? If you have nothing to do, don't disturb me."

"It's normal to greet a classmate, isn't it?" Kiyotaka Ayanokoji calmly responded to Horikita's dismissive attitude.

Without waiting for Horikita's reply, Kiyotaka Ayanokoji continued, "I overheard words like Class D, defective goods, and hell earlier, and it made me a bit uneasy."

"So, you want answers from me?" Horikita instantly understood the implications of his words and glanced at Kiyotaka Ayanokoji, "Well, considering you're someone without friends, it's a smart choice to seek clarification from me."

This guy who couldn't establish normal relationships with people seemed to have some redeeming qualities by thinking of approaching her for answers. Horikita casually flicked his hair and analyzed calmly, "Since this school evaluates students' worth based on their abilities, it won't just end like this. If you're committed to avoidance, then focus on living your own life, but it's better to be more frugal with your personal points."

"I see, that puts my mind at ease," Kiyotaka Ayanokoji nodded in agreement with a wooden expression. This seemed to be the limit of what Horikita could analyze, and it appeared he hadn't even gathered basic information or paid attention to others' conversations!

His perspective was too narrow!

However, it could also be seen that Horikita had a cautious mindset and was a kind person. Furthermore, everyone in the world inevitably wears a mask, to varying degrees. Horikita Suzune was someone who remained consistent in their behavior, and Kiyotaka Ayanokoji had never encountered someone like him before. He wondered what kind of person Horikita would grow into.

Kiyotaka Ayanokoji felt a sense of curiosity emerging within him.

But this is not what Ayanokoji wanted, and he couldn't gather information from other people. Should he try to probe Chabashira-sensei instead?

Ayanokoji immediately dismissed the idea. It would be foolish to easily expose his abilities. While the White Room taught them to showcase their strengths as much as possible, doing nothing when you have the ability is the most foolish action.

However, when Ayanokoji's knowledge reached a certain level, he suddenly had a feeling. Hiding one's true abilities was an exceptional talent. The social world observed by ordinary people is merely a superficial facade, and those wealthy individuals are likely just pawns pushed forward by others.

Since he didn't get the answers he wanted from Horikita, Ayanokoji shifted his gaze to Tendo Amamiya.

"I'm done shopping. Goodbye," said Ayanokoji before he could say anything. Tendo Amamiya left the convenience store with his shopping bag, and Horikita quickly packed up and followed.

"Truly the only successful case from the White Room," Ayanokoji's thoughts echoed in his mind.

Ayanokoji Kiyotaka was undoubtedly a true genius who grew up in the White Room since childhood. His unique way of thinking made every word he spoke carefully chosen, making it impossible to find any flaws. It has become a habit.

In simple terms, Ayanokoji rambled on and on, possibly without any practical use, just a bunch of vague and inconclusive nonsense that could be interpreted in any direction. It was almost impossible to find any flaws in Ayanokoji's words.

At the same time, within a single morning, Ayanokoji had completely seen through Horikita's true nature. He guided the conversation's rhythm from start to finish, without even needing to ask questions, and used Horikita's kindness to extract information willingly.

"Well, it's only interesting this way," Tendo Amamiya couldn't help but smile. Ayanokoji Kiyotaka, who lacked emotions, was like an iron wall inside, almost impossible to control. But it wasn't difficult to manipulate him for work; it just depended on who was more skilled.