Who would have thought, when he went to Class A to find her, Kagaribi no Kiriue hadn't gone home yet. As a result, while she was chatting with some close female Classmates, she saw Chen Yao appearing at the classroom door.
"Uh, do you need something?"
Kagaribi no Kiriue looked at Chen Yao and asked.
"Classmate Kagami, I have something to discuss with you..." Chen Yao explained the drama group situation to Kagaribi no Kiriue and invited her to participate in this week's rehearsal.
He originally thought this tsundere Vampire would give him a harsh scolding, but after she heard it, she fell silent for a while and then asked: "Are you participating in this drama group?"
"I am..." Chen Yao was slightly stunned for a moment, then replied.
"Oh, then it's fine, I'll join too."
Hearing that he was participating, she actually joined without hesitation. After agreeing, she turned around and went back to her friends to continue chatting about this and that, leaving a stunned Chen Yao standing there.
Although he wasn't sure what Kagaribi no Kiriue's deal was, he had still completed the task. For the sake of a month of free time, around 4:30 PM, under the organization of the Student Council and the Service Club, the group of people participating in the rehearsal warm-up gathered in the school gymnasium for practice.
On the stage, from left to right, stood Hayato Hayama, Tobe Sho, Hachiman Hikigaya, Chen Yao, and Kagaribi no Kiriue. Those in charge of logistics were the Student Council members, Yukinoshita Yukino, and Yui Yuigahama. The team to face Koudo Ikusei High School was officially formed.
"Good, this should be fine..."
Yukinoshita Yukino glanced at the team and felt slightly relieved.
However, at that moment, at the entrance of the venue, those five students wearing red school uniforms entered Sobu High School's grounds again. Leading them were the actual leader of Class A, Yanagisaka Arisu, and another leader, Katsuragi Kohei. Their presence immediately drew everyone's attention upon their arrival. After all, they weren't just students from Japan's top high school, but also among the top performers at Koudo Ikusei.
"Teacher Hiratsuka, has your school's team been assembled?" The tall, bald Katsuragi Kohei asked.
"It's ready. Look, these are some of our school's most outstanding students; I'm sure you'll have a pleasant collaboration."
Shizuka Hiratsuka said with a smile as she presented the five to them.
"Oh, then please take care of us, Hayama-kun, and the other students." Katsuragi Kohei said, looking at the line of students.
"What's with that attitude..." Tobe Sho, with his yellow hair, noticed that their gaze was somewhat condescending. He was the first to feel annoyed and cursed in a low voice.
Kagaribi no Kiriue had never been treated this way; she glared fiercely at them, making the three students from Koudo Ikusei High School behind them feel quite uncomfortable.
"Gopher-kun, we should get along well."
Sakayanagi Arisu, still wearing a calm and composed smile, leaned on her cane. Her gaze quickly fell on Chen Yao's face again as she greeted him.
"Uh..."
Chen Yao showed a look of disgust toward this black-bellied girl.
The groups from the two schools looked like they were about to fight, both sides harboring a sense of hostility as they confronted each other.
"Alright, alright, it's the first rehearsal, everyone needs to cooperate well. Time is tight, so let's begin."
Shizuka Hiratsuka clapped her hands and announced the start of the joint rehearsal for the two schools.
Each of them held a script theme. It listed a total of fifteen scene transitions, many of which were duets. Chen Yao was stunned to find that, perhaps due to someone pranking him, he was not only playing a villain but also had three scenes opposite Yanagisaka Arisu!
The theme was Western fantasy adventure, with five protagonists and five antagonists. However, because of the free-form nature, those assigned as villains could actually add scenes to turn themselves into heroes.
As the two schools began rehearsing, there were no issues with the first scene. But by the second scene, the Koudo Ikusei High School students used their character positions to lay the groundwork with some dialogue. Tobe Sho, Hayato Hayama, and Kagaribi no Kiriue didn't notice any problems during their scenes. However, by the third scene, the three Koudo Ikusei students skillfully used the previous dialogue to describe him as a hypocritical petty villain. Much like a debate competition, they used loopholes in the dialogue to render Tobe Sho unable to utter a single word in rebuttal.
"Impressive, so that's how this game is played..."
Hachiman Hikigaya finally realized the opponent's tactics. He couldn't help but praise their eloquence in debate and their ability to convey emotions, which completely led people astray.
"..." Yukino's expression became worried as she saw Tobe Sho's speechless and unsightly state on stage.
Teacher Hiratsuka thought: "It feels like a newbie village hero leaving home only to immediately encounter two Demon Kings plus the Three Heavenly Kings, getting crushed until not even a scrap is left."
Chen Yao watched silently and finally understood that these five students were indeed clever and skilled in strategy, like five attacking spirits of a team. Based on the comparison of quality between the two sides, Sobu High School was absolutely no match for Koudo Ikusei... Chapter 12: The Undead Doesn't Know First Aid (Daily request for votes)
In the gymnasium of Chiba Prefecture Sobu High School, the rehearsal continued until six o'clock. The sky had already darkened. The group of Sobu High students, who had been thoroughly beaten, could only watch the relaxed silhouettes of the Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School students with heavy hearts.
"The students from Koudo Ikusei are indeed very impressive."
Hayato Hayama had to admit their excellence.
Shizuka Hiratsuka stood with one hand on her hip and said, "Of course. Their school uses an elimination system. If you're not smart enough or don't understand power plays, you'll be expelled within a few days. Today's little tricks were just an appetizer for them."
After all, it was the nation's leading elite high school, and admission required a recommendation from a qualified middle school, followed by a strict review by Koudo Ikusei. It had many systems different from general public high schools.
Everyone watched Tobe Sho, who had been "insulted" in every possible way during the rehearsal; his mood was currently very low. The other side seemed to have looked up information on the Sobu High students and focused their attacks on the one with the weakest mental fortitude from the start. Shizuka Hiratsuka was now worried that Tobe Sho wouldn't be able to withstand this pressure.
"Well, I'm heading back now. Goodbye, Teacher. Goodbye, everyone."
Just when everyone was feeling suffocated by the blow, Chen Yao packed his things, said goodbye, and hurried to the parking lot with his bag.
"I'm leaving too. Thank you for your hard work, Teacher."
After seeing Chen Yao leave, Kagaribi no Kiriue took out her phone to call her Butler, also appearing completely unconcerned.
Yui Yuigahama looked at them with some admiration and said, "Classmate Chen Yao and Classmate Kagami have such good mindsets; it doesn't look like they're under any pressure at all."
"Having a thick skin has always been one of Classmate Chen Yao's strengths. It's not surprising."
Yukinoshita Yukino said, watching Chen Yao's back.
Shizuka Hiratsuka, however, watched Chen Yao's departing figure closely. She knew that the International Student Chen Yao had decent character and spirit, but she always felt that Chen Yao's psyche was somewhat detached. How to put it... it was as if he had transcended humanity, yet his humanity was also very heavy. To the point where he stood right there—and whether it was teachers or Classmates, he was always nearby—yet no matter how much someone ran toward him, they felt like they could never reach his side... Under the night sky, Chen Yao had just taken out his car keys and was about to open the door to drive home and draw manga, when a familiar girl's voice came from behind: "Oh, so this is Gopher-kun's car?"
Chen Yao was startled. He turned his head and saw Sakayanagi Arisu, who had left not long ago but suddenly appeared in the parking lot.
Under the night sky, Sakayanagi Arisu, wearing a Beret and holding a cane, looked at this honda nsx with great interest.
"Why are you here? Didn't you just leave with your Classmates?"
Chen Yao asked, narrowing his eyes.
Sakayanagi Arisu smiled and said, "They took the bus back. I said I forgot something to shake them off. I heard Gopher-kun seems to have driven here himself. This looks like a honda nsx, right? The engine is a VTEC naturally aspirated V6, displacement about 3,179cc. Even though Gopher-kun is poor, he drives such a fine out-of-print car... I think only one type of person fits the criteria. Your part-time job wouldn't happen to be as a Male Dancer or something, would it?"
"Don't talk nonsense! This car is just a refurbished second-hand one; it didn't cost much!" Chen Yao hurriedly explained.
"But you're quite fond of lying, aren't you? Although lying is a natural weapon for humans, I don't find it strange. But Mr. Chen Yao, your grades are the best at Sobu High, and you haven't even given it your all. Your love for manga is also real, hmm... A poor boy with excellent grades and a penchant for 'well-intentioned' lies suddenly driving a sports car... it's hard not to imagine the reasons behind it..."
Sakayanagi Arisu rested one hand on her chest and pinched her chin with the other, adopting a thinking pose as she analyzed.
Chen Yao's face turned pale. If these words were spread, probably half the school would believe them. Was this woman really this good at slandering people?"
"Say whatever you want. Please step aside, I need to open the car door."
Chen Yao said as he looked at the silver-haired girl who was provoking him.
"Classmate Gopher, I recall there's a very nice café in Chiba Prefecture. Could you take me there for a seat? I'd like to discuss our shared scenes with you by the way."
Sakayanagi Arisu seemed not to hear Chen Yao's words; instead, she asked him to take her to a café for a cup of coffee.
"Why the sudden request for coffee? Besides, I told you, I'm busy rushing my manga." Chen Yao refused helplessly.
Sakayanagi Arisu smiled and asked, "Don't you care about the stage play? Don't you plan to avenge the school for today, or get back at me? I'm quite looking forward to competing with you."
Chen Yao replied indifferently, "That's just you people taking an art form like a stage play—meant to entertain yourselves and the public—and turning it into something for fame and profit. I only agreed to perform because of a certain Classmate. Isn't this kind of stage play supposed to be about free expression? Isn't the essence just for everyone to perform to their heart's content?"
After all, he knew exactly what kind of person he was and what he needed; he wouldn't participate in such a meaningless comparison of talents.
"I see. So you're that kind of person," Sakayanagi Arisu said thoughtfully. Then she tilted her head up again, revealing a beautiful and moving smile. "By the way, Gopher-kun, I actually... can't walk for too long. Could you send me back to the school in Tokyo? I'll pay you a service fee. What do you think?"
Chen Yao's eyes widened. She had just seemed to praise him for not being the type to seek power and profit, so why did her tone suddenly shift to sounding like a high school girl soliciting compensated dating on the street?
"Tokyo and Gunma Prefecture are in different directions and quite far apart. You're a young lady, right? Calling a taxi back shouldn't be a problem at all. Plus, I have to rush my manga. For safety's sake, you'd better take a taxi back."
Chen Yao didn't know if other boys would agree just because Sakayanagi Arisu was pretty, but he certainly wouldn't. He already felt this girl was manipulative enough, and he felt no obligation to help a girl he barely knew so casually.
"Sigh, alright then. I'll walk out and call a cab myself. Gopher-kun, I originally planned to stay and treat you to coffee, but I suppose it's not as important as your manga."
The girl, who carried herself like a lady, looked slightly disappointed, but she didn't seem too surprised. She leaned on her cane and walked toward the parking lot exit.
In truth, Chen Yao did want to help her a little, but her motives for approaching him were unclear, and she was extremely clever. He figured she'd be fine going back on her own.
But just as he was unlocking his car, he suddenly heard a clattering sound. He froze, turned around, and saw Sakayanagi Arisu, who hadn't even walked twenty meters, suddenly collapse.
"Sakayanagi-san, did you fall? Are you okay?"
Chen Yao was puzzled. He stopped getting into the car and went forward to check.
Upon approaching, he saw the girl clutching her heart, lying on her side on the ground. Her expression was pained, but she seemed to have stopped moving... "Hey, don't scare me, Sakayanagi-san!?"
Chen Yao was shocked. When he went to shake her, he saw a pill bottle on the ground. He picked it up and saw the label: [Rapid Heart Relief Pills]... Chapter 013: Sakayanagi Arisu's Mr. Hero
Analyzing the situation and combining it with what she had said earlier about not being able to walk long distances, there was a high probability it was a heart problem.
Chen Yao immediately became nervous. He reached out to touch Yanagisaka Arisu's carotid artery and found that the pulse was weak. Only then did he realize this girl actually had a heart condition, and he became extremely uneasy.
"Sakayanagi, don't lose consciousness! Stay awake!"
Chen Yao hurriedly tried to wake Sakayanagi Arisu, but the usually proud girl was unconscious with a pained expression. Like a Sleeping Beauty in a castle, she clutched her chest in agony, and it seemed she wouldn't wake up anytime soon.
This was bad. Chen Yao remained in a crouching position, feeling at a loss because he hadn't learned any first aid. Even during his past adventures, as long as he took a gulp of Elemental Soup, his wounds would heal, leaving him refreshed and free.
"What should I do? Right, call an ambulance!"
Chen Yao immediately took out his phone, preparing to call for help.
However, at that moment, Sakayanagi Arisu, lying on her back, let out a very faint cough. Her beautiful brows furrowed slightly as if her breathing was obstructed, catching Chen Yao's attention.
"Is she having trouble breathing..." Chen Yao gave up on the call for a moment; first aid had to be performed on the spot. Otherwise, he didn't know if Sakayanagi Arisu could hold on until the ambulance arrived.
He knew a bit about treating injuries. He immediately leaned down to check and found that her breathing was indeed obstructed. He realized that lying flat on her back could cause breathing difficulties, so he immediately turned her head toward him. He knew he had to perform the first round of emergency treatment as quickly as possible to ensure her safety.
Then he hurriedly searched for how to handle a sudden fainting spell in a heart disease patient and found a set of procedures.
"Lay the person flat with their head turned to one side. To keep the airway clear, the tongue must be kept flat to prevent it from curling back and blocking the airway in the mouth..."
Chen Yao read it out quickly.
He saw that Sakayanagi Arisu's mouth happened to be slightly open, her delicate cherry-like lips taking small breaths. He used his phone's light to check her oral cavity and, without hesitation, used his hand to straighten her tongue, ensuring it didn't block her breathing or get bitten.
"Also, the collar needs to be loosened to ensure the patient can breathe freely. Do not administer medication at this time to avoid choking..."
Chen Yao read the next part of the emergency measures. He then reached out to untie the ribbon around Sakayanagi Arisu's neck and unbuttoned her shirt one by one. This revealed the girl's smooth and alluring collarbone area. Even in his nervous state, Chen Yao's heart couldn't help but speed up a bit, but he was saving a life now and didn't care about that.
Now that he had done basically everything he could, he looked at the still unconscious Sakayanagi Arisu and didn't forget to encourage her: "Sakayanagi, you must hold on. You'll be fine..."
Chen Yao tried pressing on her philtrum. Then, realizing there might still be people in the gymnasium, he glanced toward it, then looked back at the unconscious Sakayanagi Arisu with concern. He stood up and ran toward the school, shouting: "Is anyone there? Help! I need an ambulance! Someone come help!!"
However, darkness enveloped his lonely figure. The surroundings were empty, and the school was deathly silent. No one responded... Helplessly, he returned to Sakayanagi Arisu's side and picked up his phone, preparing to dial the emergency number.
"Ugh..."
At that moment, Sakayanagi Arisu in front of him suddenly moved slightly. She slowly opened her eyes and saw Chen Yao looking at her with a face full of worry.
It had to be said that when this boy was serious, he had an indescribable air of handsomeness and maturity... "Ugh... Chen... Mr. Chen Yao..."
Sakayanagi Arisu seemed to be in a semi-conscious, dazed state. Seeing her awake, Chen Yao's tense heart finally eased slightly.
"Sakayanagi, you're finally awake!" Chen Yao breathed a sigh of relief. He crouched down a bit and asked, "Do you feel very uncomfortable right now? Just bear with it a bit longer, I'm calling an ambulance right now..."
"My heart... it hurts... *pant pant*... Am I going to die?" Sakayanagi Arisu asked in a small, trembling voice filled with fear.
"Don't talk nonsense. That's not happening. You'll live for a long time. Trust me, just hold on a bit longer and you'll be fine. Don't fall back asleep..." Chen Yao rebuked her in a scolding tone while encouraging her to stay conscious.
"I'm sorry... I originally came back... to apologize to you... I just wanted to... tease you earlier. Will you forgive me..."
Sakayanagi Arisu turned her face to look at Chen Yao, her silver bangs slightly covering her cute face as she asked softly.
"I didn't care about that at all. Don't overthink it."
Chen Yao answered seriously.
"Even though... you wouldn't even give me a ride..."
Sakayanagi Arisu gave a poignant and sad smile as she spoke.
"It's my fault. I really didn't know you had a heart condition. From now on, no matter where you go, I'll drive you there. You must stay awake, the ambulance is coming soon!"
Chen Yao promised.