Machida Sonoko was very upset.
Her alma mater, the private Waseda University, is also a top private prestigious University in Japan.
But whether it was Aki Tomoya or Kasumigaoka Utaha, after learning that she was from Waseda University, they both expressed that they had lost interest in Waseda University.
"Did I lower the standard of Waseda University students?"
Machida Sonoko felt complicated. She was at least the Vice Editor of a publishing house, and reaching this position at the age of thirty also met the external standards for their group of elites.
"Xia Shizi Teacher, is there something wrong with Waseda University? It's more comprehensive compared to Waseda University and Keio University. It's on par with Keio University, Waseda University, and Sophia University!"
Machida Sonoko felt it was necessary to say a few words for her alma mater.
In response, Kasumigaoka Utaha could only explain, "It's really not because of Machida-san."
Don't misunderstand, absolutely do not misunderstand. Kasumigaoka Utaha would never not take the Waseda University entrance exam just because Machida Sonoko was from Waseda University.
It's just that she heard from others that Hongzaka Akane was also from Waseda University, so Kasumigaoka Utaha couldn't accept becoming that person's junior.
Becoming Machida Sonoko's junior is fine, but Hongzaka Akane's junior, forget it.
Kasumigaoka Utaha couldn't bring herself to like Hongzaka Akane, and even disliked her a little.
"I wanted to say that Xia Shizi Teacher is as willful as ever, but it's more like confidence, isn't it? Can you just pick between Waseda University, Keio University, Waseda University, and Sophia University?"
Machida Sonoko exclaimed.
She could really pick any prestigious University. Such a person was right beside her.
Machida Sonoko, as a student, did not have an easy time getting into Waseda University.
And compared to Kasumigaoka Utaha, the gap was even bigger.
While balancing light novel creation, and even spending most of her time on creation, she could still have such confidence. It's really great to have talent!
"You're not joking, are you?"
Eriri looked at Kasumigaoka Utaha strangely.
Kasumigaoka Utaha turned back and noticed Eriri's expression, then asked calmly, "Is it not allowed?"
She was confident she could get into Waseda University, and naturally confident she could get into Keio University.
However, Eriri's expression at the moment didn't seem to be questioning her decision, but rather seemed to be concerned about other things.
Eriri's mouth twitched. She didn't know if she should tell Kasumigaoka Utaha that her childhood friend Aki Tomoya's third choice was Keio University, Faculty of Medicine.
But at this moment, she couldn't help but retort, "Why don't you go to Tokyo University..."
"I haven't prepared for Tokyo University at all, why would I go there?"
Although she really didn't want to say it, Kasumigaoka Utaha was really not interested in National University Corporation.
Of course, it's undeniable that if she were to compete with people at the same level, she had wasted a bit too much time, and she had never prepared for Tokyo University anyway.
"If I didn't take the first test seriously, even if I pass the score line, I will never consider it."
But when it comes to Tokyo University, the results of the first test will be used as a reference, with a perfect score of 900 compressed to 110. On top of this, the perfect score of 440 for the second test of Tokyo University totals 550, where they will compete further.
Therefore, the results of the first test are actually quite important, but it is not a rational behavior to specifically prepare for the first test to get a high score. The main focus is the score of the second test.
Having not taken the first test seriously, Kasumigaoka Utaha truly did not think it was a rational behavior to turn around and take the Tokyo University entrance exam.
Anyone who chooses Tokyo University has a basic confidence in their abilities, and while she is confident, she also knows that she has wasted a bit too much time on academics.
But Keio University is different. It's a private University at the same level as Waseda University, so there's no problem with turning to take the exam there.
For Kasumigaoka Utaha, it was just swapping her first and second choices.
"Well, Keio University isn't bad either..."
Eriri turned her gaze away, avoiding Kasumigaoka Utaha's eyes.
Seeing her react like this, Kasumigaoka Utaha found it increasingly strange, making her unable to resist asking, "What exactly are you trying to say?"
"It's just that I'm quite emotional."
"Emotional? You're someone who can easily get into Tokyo University of the Arts and Musashino Art University. I should be the one envying you."
Kasumigaoka Utaha was not being polite at all at this moment.
If they were to really compare, Eriri was the one who was more formidable.
She could get a recommendation and go wherever she wanted.
"Th-This can't be helped. I rely on the awards I've won, and I also want to stay in Tokyo!"
"...So, you mean if you don't stay in Tokyo, you could actually choose something better abroad, right?"
People are really different from each other.
Kasumigaoka Utaha looked at Eriri expressionlessly, now unable to tell if she felt envy or jealousy towards this blonde tsundere.
And in this room, the person who felt the most uncomfortable was actually Machida Sonoko.
"What's wrong with young people these days? They're supposed to be from the relaxed generation..."
Machida Sonoko couldn't help but murmur, holding her forehead.
Among the generation of young people she knew, every single one of them was formidable.
The famous doujinshi artist was actually a blonde young lady in reality, and she won awards left and right in reality too.
The highly popular author under her was a high school girl who could easily pick Waseda University.
"Aki-kun is the only one who makes me feel a bit relieved. Studying hard at a cram school to get into Tokyo University seems much more real than these two..."
Machida Sonoko sighed inwardly.
Whether it was Eriri or Kasumigaoka Utaha, they could easily achieve what others worked hard for a long time but couldn't.
Machida Sonoko had known people like this in the past; the one she remembered most vividly was her good friend Hongzaka Akane from University.
Machida Sonoko also had talent and aptitude, but compared to the two young people in front of her, it wasn't quite enough.
But everyone has flaws. Thinking of this, Machida Sonoko felt much more balanced.
"Let's talk about serious matters, Xia Shizi Teacher."
Machida Sonoko said to Kasumigaoka Utaha, who was about to continue questioning Eriri.
She knew what Eriri was hiding. She had also heard a little about Aki Tomoya's three University choices.
"Third choice is Keio University, Faculty of Medicine. Should I hope that Aki-kun works hard to get into his first choice?"
Thinking of this, Machida Sonoko felt like she was back to the time last year when she worried about Aki Tomoya and Kasumigaoka Utaha.
After thinking it over carefully, Machida Sonoko decided it was better not to be nosy. Things had already gone wrong last year, so she should just focus on her job now.
Sometimes, even with good intentions, things can turn out badly.
At the end of January, Kasumigaoka Utaha and Eriri discussed the creation of the third volume of the new work with Machida Sonoko from the editorial department.
Then, on the first Sunday of February, Kasumigaoka Utaha received her examination tickets from Keio University and Sophia University, preparing to take the Keio University Faculty of Letters entrance exam the following week.
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