Chapter 52: The face is more convincing than the mouth

Chapter 52: The face is more convincing than the mouth

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Sae, sitting on a stool in the beverage shop, slowly put down her coffee cup and spoke softly, "Matsuoka, she's one of the board members of this school. Her name is Shinji Mirai."

"Ah?"

The straw Rin Matsuoka was holding slipped from his grip as his mouth gaped slightly. He glanced at the old lady busy behind the counter, his expression a mix of suspicion and confusion.

"She's on the school board? Then why is she working here?"

"Not only is she a clerk, but she's also the manager. I heard she opened this beverage shop near the school to pass the time because she enjoys experimenting with drinks and cakes."

"Oh, I see." Rin nodded, signaling that he understood.

Some people with financial freedom seem to enjoy making life more complicated, either for others or for themselves.

Man, I really envy those who are financially free~~~

"So, Teacher Chabashira, did you bring me here because you want me to befriend her?" Rin asked.

"No, I don't have such utilitarian intentions. I genuinely like the coffee here, so I brought you along," Chabashira Sae replied, taking another sip of her coffee.

Rin believed her...

If Chabashira Sae didn't genuinely enjoy the coffee here, how else could she drink that bitter Americano without a single change in her expression?

Chabashira Sae slowly swallowed the bitter coffee, savoring its aroma, before exhaling and saying, "Matsuoka, tell me about the conflict between you and Nagumo and the others."

"Well, it's possible, but to explain that, we need to start with Sudo Ken."

"Sudo Ken?" Chabashira Sae looked surprised. "I remember he was the only student who didn't return to the classroom to collect his student ID and phone."

"Yes, that absent orangutan."

"Orangutan?"

"Oh, I'm talking about Sudo Ken. He's the red-haired guy with a bad temper. I just think he resembles an orangutan." Rin explained.

"...Keep going."

Rin recounted how he had persuaded the seniors to donate their personal points.

Of course, Rin carefully omitted any mention of the "class points," as he couldn't let Chabashira Sae know he was using them to control Daiki and Isamu.

However, since the "class points" were crucial to his manipulation of Daiki and the others, Rin's explanation was riddled with gaps.

Chabashira Sae didn't press him, though. She asked instead, "What about Nagumo? Is he looking for trouble because you took those points from the seniors?"

"Well… maybe it's more because I chatted up Nagumo's childhood friend during lunch at the student cafeteria, so he came to settle the score with me," Rin answered subtly.

"..." Chabashira Sae stared at Rin in silence.

She wasn't entirely sure whether to believe Rin's story, but as she looked at his handsome face...

Well, this guy's face is more convincing than his words.

Chabashira Sae quickly concluded that Nagumo was likely causing trouble for Rin because he had flirted with his childhood friend.

"I know Nagumo's character well, having taught him in History. He's capable but also sinister, petty, and vengeful. He's constantly provoking others."

"Once you've offended someone like him, there's almost no way to make amends," Chabashira Sae said slowly.

"I figured as much, which is why I made sure to offend him thoroughly."

"..."

Chabashira Sae looked helplessly at Rin Matsuoka, who was smiling. "This isn't a rational decision. If you're going to offend someone, fine, but don't overdo it. It'll only bring trouble for yourself."

"Then what should I do~? Chabashira Sensei, you have to help me. You wouldn't want the students in your class to be bullied by petty villains, right?"

"..." Chabashira Sae remained silent.

Why does this kid's words sound so strange?

"Don't worry. Although Nagumo is powerful, he's still a sophomore. He won't be able to directly target first-year students," Chabashira Sae reassured him.

"I'm not that optimistic," Rin shrugged, taking a sip of his honey milk tea. He added, "A gentleman's revenge may take time, but a villain's revenge starts in the morning and doesn't end until night. Nagumo probably already has a plan to get back at me."

"So, Rin, be careful. If you encounter any trouble, call me. Although I might not be able to fix the problem directly, I can at least help you find a solution."

"Alright, I understand, Chabashira Sensei."

Rin Matsuoka was a student Chabashira Sae valued highly, and she wouldn't let anything happen to him. If Nagumo really caused trouble for Rin, she would definitely lend a hand and help him resolve the crisis.

At that moment, Chabashira Sae's phone rang. She pulled it out while still holding her coffee cup, glancing at the screen. A flicker of surprise crossed her eyes.

"My friend just got free and is helping me with the test paper. She said she'll definitely send the file to my phone by 7 PM."

"Seven in the evening? That's kind of late. Chabashira Sensei, why not just bring the test paper to your office tomorrow? I'll come by to take it then," Rin suggested.

"Why wait until tomorrow? Just come to my dormitory tonight and take the test," Chabashira Sae responded without hesitation.

Rin's expression shifted subtly. Going to a female teacher's dorm late at night to take a test…

That sounds amazing!

With no objections, Rin quickly agreed to Chabashira Sae's proposal. If she had the test paper ready tonight, he would definitely go over to take it.

Of course, just the test, nothing else!

In a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere, Rin and Chabashira Sae enjoyed their drinks at the beverage shop.

Though Rin appreciated spending time with his cool and beautiful homeroom teacher, he still had errands to run. He needed to buy some essentials for the student dormitory, like notebooks and other daily necessities.

So, Rin said goodbye to Chabashira Sae.

"You don't want to stay a bit longer? Well, let's go then. I need to get back and prepare the handouts for tomorrow's class," Chabashira Sae said, standing up. Rin went to pay the bill.

Since Chabashira Sae was a regular customer at Shinji Mirai's shop, the old lady allowed them to enjoy their drinks first and settle their individual tabs afterward.

"We're leaving now. Why not stay a little longer? The cake I made will be ready soon," Shinji Mirai said to Rin and Chabashira Sae.

"No, I still have to buy some daily necessities. I need to stop by the supermarket," Rin replied with a smile, pulling out his phone and tapping on his personal points balance to pay.

Chabashira Sae, standing behind Rin, subconsciously glanced at his phone. When she saw Rin's personal points balance, her eyes widened in shock.

Tens, hundreds, thousands, millions... over one and a half million personal points!?