"Of course not."
Ye Xing replied with a smile, then turned his gaze to Yukino Yukinoshita.
"Would you like to leave? You can come back in after we've finished talking."
Being in the same room as her mother clearly made Yukino Yukinoshita much more tense, but she shook her head, her eyes firm.
"If this concerns me, then as the person involved, I should naturally remain here."
"Very well."
Ye Xing gave a slight nod, then looked towards Shizuka Hiratsuka, standing by the doorway, who seemed somewhat at a loss, and pointed to an empty seat beside the table.
"Shizuka, close the door and take a seat."
Ye Xing's tone didn't sound like a student addressing a teacher, but rather like a master issuing a command.
This secretly pleased Shizuka Hiratsuka yet again.
She closed the clubroom door and sat down at the table.
Mrs Yukinoshita, having clearly learned from last time, chose to speak first in an attempt to seize control of the conversation.
"If I'm not mistaken, you called me here to discuss which school Yukino will attend?"
Unexpectedly, despite Mrs Yukinoshita's intense gaze and the imposing aristocratic aura she carried as someone in authority, Ye Xing maintained a relaxed expression and shook his head.
"Discuss?"
Ye Xing chuckled, looked at Yukino Yukinoshita, and asked a question that took her by surprise.
"Yukinoshita-san, do you want to attend Shuchi'in Academy?"
Faced with this question, Yukino Yukinoshita instinctively glanced at her mother, whose expression was extremely stern, her eyes revealing hesitation and inner conflict.
But when her gaze returned to Ye Xing, for some reason, she felt a surge of courage, lightly bit her silver teeth, and her expression gradually grew resolute.
"I... don't want to go there."
"That's all I needed to hear."
Ye Xing nodded, the smile vanishing from his face as he looked directly into Mrs Yukinoshita's eyes and slowly declared.
"Then this isn't a discussion, but a notification."
"Yukino Yukinoshita will remain at Sobu High School."
Hearing such forceful words from him, both Shizuka Hiratsuka and Yukino Yukinoshita were somewhat shocked.
Mrs Yukinoshita was, after all, the president of a construction company, a genuine member of the upper class.
How dare Ye Xing speak to her in such a tone?
But then again...
Just who was Ye Xing?
He was the madman who, on Shuchi'in Academy's home turf, had single-handedly provoked all the first-year teachers and students, and with his own power, completely suppressed their momentum - audacious to the point of being called reckless.
No matter how impressive Mrs Yukinoshita was, could she compare to Kaguya Shinomiya, the eldest daughter of the Shinomiya conglomerate?
Impossible.
"Notify me?"
Hearing this, Mrs Yukinoshita couldn't help but let out a cold laugh, though she didn't say anything particularly aggressive, merely stating calmly.
"I've already let Haruno have her way once. I won't make the same mistake with Yukino a second time."
"Do you truly believe that compared to Shuchi'in Academy, this Sobu High School is a better choice?"
Faced with Mrs Yukinoshita's question, Ye Xing looked completely natural as he countered:
"Isn't it obvious?"
"Hmm?"
If Mrs Yukinoshita had initially thought Ye Xing was talking nonsense, seeing his current expression made her somewhat curious, prompting her to ask again.
"Then tell me, what makes Sobu High School better than Shuchi'in Academy for Yukino?"
"First point."
Ye Xing glanced at Yukino sitting nearby.
"Yukinoshita's personal preference is to remain at Sobu High."
Seeing that Mrs Yukinoshita seemed about to say something, before she could speak, Ye Xing immediately added:
"Of course, for a parent like you with excessive control issues and poor communication skills with your children, this point isn't important. Unlike me, you don't care about Yukino's personal feelings, only about arranging what you consider the correct path."
Hearing these words, Yukino Yukinoshita's eyes flickered, a faint blush appearing on her pretty face as she unconsciously lowered her head.
Was Ye Xing actually calling her by her first name right in front of her mother?
And...
Saying something as devastatingly powerful as caring about her feelings?
This ambush...
It was just too despicable...
After delivering this direct attack, Ye Xing continued without pause:
"Since that's the case, I'll explain in terms you can understand why Yukino should stay at Sobu High."
"Just to mention - in the joint exam held between Sobu High and Shuchi'in Academy for first-year students, I came first."
"Nothing particularly significant, just letting you know..."
Ye Xing showed a slight smile.
"...that academically, I'm stronger than all the first-year students at Shuchi'in Academy. Since Yukino can stay close to the strongest, why settle for second best and mix with those losers from Shuchi'in?"
Hearing this, Mrs Yukinoshita's brow furrowed slightly, but she had no rebuttal.
On the day the joint exam ended, she had already learned the results through acquaintances.
Ye Xing was indeed first.
What's more, this year's first-year cohort at Shuchi'in was much stronger than previous years.
Not only was there Miyuki Shirogane - a commoner who entered Shuchi'in through special admission based on exceptional academic performance - but also the eldest daughter of the Shinomiya conglomerate, Kaguya Shinomiya, a perfect genius without any flaws.
The value of this first place was exceptionally high.
Without even realising it, Mrs Yukinoshita's desire to control the direction of this negotiation had silently shattered.
Ye Xing gave her no breathing room at all, continuing his verbal assault:
"Of course, there's another reason besides this."
Ye Xing slowly began to speak.
"Since you seem unaware, allow me to inform you."
"This club's members include Kazusa Touma - daughter of a world-renowned pianist, herself possessing unparalleled piano talent that earned her the title Piano Goddess."
"Rio Futaba, who comes from an affluent family and demonstrates exceptional aptitude in science subjects."
"Mai Sakurajima, former nationally recognised idol actress."
"And most importantly..."
Ye Xing met Mrs Yukinoshita's gaze directly, smiling faintly as he continued.
"Me, who defeated all first-year students at Shuchi'in Academy and overwhelmed Kaguya Shinomiya, eldest daughter of the Shinomiya family."
"Now, I'd like to ask you this."
"If you believe Yukino could meet people of equivalent calibre after transferring from Sobu High School and this club to Shuchi'in Academy, then by all means proceed."
"If not, then the conclusion should be obvious."
Mrs Yukinoshita fell silent upon hearing this.
As a mother, though communication barriers existed between her and her daughters, Yukino and Haruno, she couldn't possibly misunderstand their personalities.
Yukino?
Friends?
Her daughter Yukino didn't have a single person who could be called a friend.
Setting aside mental health considerations...
Given Yukino's personality, even if she transferred to Shuchi'in Academy, she likely wouldn't establish any relationships there that could be called friendships.
After all, she fundamentally disliked that place and, naturally, would dislike all students there.
Mrs Yukinoshita was aware of the backgrounds of students like Kazusa Touma, Rio Futaba, and Mai Sakurajima.
Though she appeared indifferent on the surface, Yukino was still her daughter, and Sobu High was where Haruno had studied - she had certainly made inquiries.
But Mrs Yukinoshita hadn't expected...
That these outstanding students - who would stand out even at Shuchi'in Academy with their distinctive talents - would join the same club as her daughter, Yukino.
And moreover...
Mrs Yukinoshita studied Ye Xing sitting by the window, pondering silently.
As the club founder, he had gathered so many prodigies around him.
Were the Supernatural Society's members limited to just these?
Probably not.
Though Mrs Yukinoshita didn't understand why these people would join Ye Xing's club, since it had happened, it proved he possessed some quality that attracted them.
Should she discard all the advantages Yukino had gained at Sobu High School - as Ye Xing described - and force a transfer to Shuchi'in Academy?
This likely wasn't a wise choice.
"You make a reasonable point."
Mrs Yukinoshita nodded slightly before shifting topics.
"But there remains one final issue - Yukino's personal safety, which is most important."
Ye Xing smiled casually in response.
"That serial killer? He'll face justice soon enough."
Though unsure where Ye Xing's confidence came from, Mrs Yukinoshita pressed further.
"How soon is soon? And who can guarantee Yukino's safety until then?"
Mrs Yukinoshita glanced at Yukino, who was sitting nearby, speaking calmly.
"Since summer vacation is starting, why not come back to Chiba with me today?"Yukino pursed her lips and spoke softly.
"I... want to stay in Kyoto."
"Very well."
To Yukino's surprise, her mother didn't say much more, simply nodding and agreeing directly.
Before she could feel happy about it, she saw Mrs Yukinoshita turn her gaze towards Ye Xing and then utter something astonishing in a quiet voice.
"In that case, I'll entrust Yukino's safety to you during this summer holiday."
"I hope you can stay with her every moment until that serial killer is caught."
"Can you do that?"
The club room fell silent.
Both Yukino and Shizuka Hiratsuka were stunned, only showing expressions of shock after several seconds.
What did this mean?
Stay together every moment?
Including when returning home?
Wasn't this essentially cohabitation?
Yukino even began to doubt whether her hearing was functioning properly.
How could her usually strict mother say something so outrageous?
"Stay with me?"
As the person directly involved, Ye Xing remained unfazed, merely chuckling lightly.
"Mrs Yukinoshita, you're taking advantage of me here."
Mrs Yukinoshita revealed a meaningful smile and said calmly, "Since you've made the decision to interfere with Yukino's life, you must ensure her safety. This isn't a request from me as the president of a construction company, but as a mother. I hope you can agree."
Shizuka Hiratsuka and Yukino Yukinoshita didn't know how formidable Ye Xing's combat abilities were, but Mrs Yukinoshita understood perfectly well.
After all, she had personally witnessed how he killed Wu Hei.
With Ye Xing's terrifying speed and explosive power, even armed criminals would be no match for him.
Given the Yukinoshita family's wealth, hiring several professional bodyguards for Yukino wouldn't be a problem at all.
But first, could bodyguards provide twenty-four-hour, never-leave-her-side protection?
Furthermore.
Even if they could, it wouldn't be good for Yukino's reputation if word got out.
But with Ye Xing, it was different. After all, they were the same age and members of the same club, so spending time together was normal.
Moreover, considering the connection through Haruno...
Ye Xing and Yukino could be considered relatives.
Mrs Yukinoshita felt completely at ease entrusting the trustworthy Ye Xing with Yukino's safety.
And besides, a bodyguard as powerful as Ye Xing wasn't someone you could simply hire with money.
"I don't mind either way."
Seeing Ye Xing nod in agreement, Mrs Yukinoshita smiled with satisfaction, then turned to look at Yukino, who wore a complicated expression of conflict and hesitation, saying calmly, "If you're unwilling, then come back to Chiba with me. The choice is in your hands."
If this had happened in the past, Yukino would have preferred to return to Chiba, thinking she could just endure for two months.
But now, she hesitated.
Yukino wanted to stay in Kyoto not only because of her resistance towards Chiba Prefecture and her family, but for another, most important reason.
She could vaguely sense that within this Supernatural Quantum Mechanics Investigation Club, there was some kind of secret operation happening that she wasn't aware of.
As the Director, Ye Xing often held internal meetings that only specific members could attend.
Also, those words once spoken by Kazusa Touma kept echoing in Yukino's heart.
'I just think that you don't even understand Ye Xing as a person, don't know how many meaningful things he's done, yet still arrogantly claim you want to compete with him. It's you yourself that I find childish and ridiculous.'
Although Yukino hadn't interacted much with Kazusa Touma, she could tell the other girl wasn't someone who would lie.
If that was the case...
What counted as meaningful things?
Why did Ye Xing establish this club?
What kind of actions could make her own idea of helping Sobu High School students solve their problems seem childish and ridiculous?
And for what reason would someone with Kazusa Touma's personality give Ye Xing such high praise?
Yukino Yukinoshita was beginning to feel curious, too.
"I..."
Yukino tried her best to maintain a calm appearance.
"I'd still like to stay in Kyoto."
"Fine, it's settled then."
With that, Mrs Yukinoshita stood up and left the club room without the slightest hesitation, displaying the decisiveness of a strong career woman.
After she left, Shizuka Hiratsuka looked at Ye Xing with a pitiful expression.
"I'm scared of the serial killer, too. Can I stay at your place?"
"Don't even think about it."
Ye Xing rolled his eyes as he retorted.
"The serial killer would probably be scared of you, given your iron fist justice."
"You..."
Shizuka Hiratsuka gritted her teeth, looking too angry to speak.
Then Ye Xing added something that made her absolutely furious.
"Besides, his targets are young girls, young girls, understand?"
"Don't try to act young, old woman."
...
That evening.
"Excuse me for intruding."
Seeing how unusually stiff and cautious Yukino Yukinoshita appeared after entering, Ye Xing asked curiously.
"Who are you greeting?"
"Eh?"
Yukino was taken aback, looking surprised.
"Where are your parents?"
"Dead."
Yukino froze for a moment upon hearing this, then quickly waved her hands.
"I'm sorry, I..."
Before she could finish, Ye Xing looked at her in shock.
"So you're the one who killed them?"
"Um... how could that be?"
"Tch."
Ye Xing instantly changed his expression, waving his hand dismissively.
"You didn't kill them, so why are you apologising? Take a seat anywhere."
"Mm... alright."
Never mind visiting a male classmate's home.
Yukino Yukinoshita had no friends, so she'd never visited anyone else's home before. Now being alone together with him, even with her normally aloof personality, she couldn't help feeling somewhat nervous.
Ye Xing, however, was completely unfazed - after all, he'd lost count of how many girls had visited his home.
"Speaking of which, Yukinoshita-san."
Hearing him revert to addressing her as usual, Yukino felt an inexplicable sense of disappointment, though she maintained her calm expression.
"What is it?"
"Since I promised your mother I'd protect your safety, I need to let you know about the investigation I've been conducting recently."
"Investigation?"
Hearing these words, Yukino suddenly felt an ominous premonition and asked hesitantly.
"Could it be... the Sunny Doll Killer case?"
Ye Xing laughed.
"Hey, your intuition's quite sharp."
"Sharp my foot."
Yukino retorted irritably, frowning slightly.
"Ye Xing-kun, that's a serial killer even the Metropolitan Police Department hasn't been able to catch. Never mind whether you can track him down; even if you do find him, it would only put you in danger."
"Danger...?"
Hearing this word, Ye Xing shook his head softly as if he'd heard something amusing.
"If there really are so-called gods in this world, that serial killer had better start praying right now."
Yukino instinctively asked.
"Why?"
Ye Xing showed a kind smile, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
"Because I want a snack."
Before the confused Yukino could speak, Ye Xing continued on his own.
"I'm not asking for your permission, I'm just informing you that my upcoming investigation will focus on that serial killer."
"You can choose to participate or not."
Ye Xing looked directly into Yukino Yukinoshita's eyes and said slowly.
"Of course, if you decide to participate and demonstrate sufficient qualifications to become an internal member of the Supernatural Society during the investigation..."
"Then you'll gain the qualification to know the truth of this world, just like your sister Haruno."