'You really know how to rub it in!'
Eriri retreated, and before leaving, she pretended not to notice as she stepped on someone's foot, venting her displeasure.
"Which high school should I choose?"
After returning to her seat, prompted by her childhood friend, Eriri rested her chin on her hand, deep in thought.
The high school she wanted to choose certainly wouldn't be one near Shimamura Middle School, because she didn't want to hear the embarrassing title 'Shimamura Middle School's Lady' again.
She wanted to welcome her high school life with a fresh new look and a perfect image.
However, she also couldn't choose a high school that was too far away, because commuting would be troublesome. So, she considered a high school in an almost opposite location.
Finally, Private Toyogasaki Academy entered her sights.
Without considering using privileges and relying on her own strength, the range of choices wasn't wide. This high school was considered a mid-to-high-tier high school, and getting in wouldn't be too embarrassing.
A few days later, Izumi Chihiro asked about it again.
Eriri didn't shy away and gave him the answer.
If she kept something like this hidden, wouldn't it mean she didn't want the two of them to go to high school together?
Of course, she wasn't necessarily set on that, but she thought her childhood friend would definitely be unaccustomed to it, so she decided to help plan things out first.
"Toyogasaki?"
Izumi Chihiro's expression remained unchanged.
This was somewhat expected.
"But given Eriri's grades, it might be a bit risky, right? Your foreign language scores are really dragging you down, and if you perform poorly…"
"That's impossible! Besides, aren't there still a few months left?"
As soon as she said this, it showed that Eriri was indeed not very confident.
"In that case, I'll help you with tutoring when I have time."
Izumi Chihiro sighed.
Although he wasn't a genius, he had some abilities. Combined with his vague memories from his previous life, getting into Toyogasaki Academy was easy for him, so he had the spare capacity to help Eriri.
"You're going to help me with tutoring?"
The girl puffed out her cheeks, looking somewhat displeased, but she still didn't say no.
Originally, she had the option of hiring a private tutor, but seeing how sincere her childhood friend was, she reluctantly agreed.
Then, she regretted it.
"Eriri is such an idiot. How can she make mistakes on such simple problems? Is her mind full of… that?"
"Looking for shortcuts? It's useless. Instead of thinking about devious ways, it's better to do a few more practice tests my way, and you'll naturally grasp it."
"Can't you try a different approach? Your mind is rigid. If this method doesn't work, it might be because this method isn't suitable. So, at this point, you need to re-examine the problem and find a suitable method."
"Ahhhhh! I'm not studying anymore!"
Eriri clutched her head, falling into hysterics.
What kind of tutoring was this?
This was clearly using public office for personal gain, seizing an opportunity for revenge!
He was tearing her to shreds.
She didn't believe she was really an idiot; she just couldn't figure it out at the moment. If she was given time…
Well, she still couldn't figure it out.
"With such a small setback, Eriri, you already want to give up. You really haven't made any progress, have you?"
Izumi Chihiro started with his venomous tongue again, using a contemptuous gaze.
This deeply wounded Eriri's pride.
So she proudly looked up and said, "Who said that! I can still continue!"
Giving up after a setback was no longer her style. To grow and become stronger, she couldn't stop here.
Another test.
"This is great."
Eriri looked at the report card in her hand, feeling extremely excited.
This period of enduring hardship and humiliation had finally yielded a gratifying result.
With this level of ability, even if she performed a little worse, entering Toyosaki Academy would be effortless.
This showed that Chihiro's teaching methods were indeed very successful, especially that 'sea of questions' tactic.
Although she was almost exhausted to death, and her work progress had slowed down during this time, from the results, it was still worth it.
"Well, it's not entirely his credit. It's also because I, Eriri, am too smart, which is why I was able to grasp it so thoroughly,"
Eriri said, feeling pleased with herself.
… …
After resolving this worry, the time had already come to mid-December.
Simply put, it was the season of '"White Album"' again.
The temperature had dropped significantly, and Eriri had put on a scarf.
"The next period is going to be lively…"
She thought about what would happen during this winter break, feeling very excited.
Winter Comiket, the fourth volume of Re:zero - Starting Life In Another World, and the broadcast of puella magi madoka magica were all futures worth looking forward to.
… …
This period was Izumi Chihiro's most relaxed time.
His tutoring for Eriri was basically over; even if Eriri didn't improve much afterward, there would be no problem for her to get into Toyosaki Academy.
Additionally, he had already submitted the fourth volume of Re:zero - Starting Life In Another World to his editor, and promotion was currently underway.
So he also had leisure to do other things.
For example, discussing with a certain proud light novelist.
During this time, Kasumigaoka Utaha had made remarkable progress, slowly maturing and no longer being a novice like before. When writing, she was no longer limited to individual talent but began to understand the path suitable for her own writing.
Her conversations with him were also no longer from the perspective of a junior.
From a creator's perspective, Izumi Chihiro still admired Kasumigaoka Utaha very much, of course.
She lacked neither talent, perseverance, nor conviction. As for how much she could achieve in the future, that would depend on opportunity.
Kasumigaoka Utaha: Izumi-sensei, I'm a bit curious, which character in my stories do you prefer?
Izumi Masamune: I like both.
Kasumigaoka Utaha: What a fickle scumbag! I misjudged you. It seems the third ending of "White Album" will become a true reflection of Izumi-sensei.
Kasumigaoka Utaha: No, a cleaver ending is definitely more suitable for a philanderer like Sensei!
Izumi Masamune: … …
Kasumigaoka Utaha looked at his reply, her rosy lips curving slightly, as if she saw him reveal an embarrassed expression.
The thought of him still being that infamous Old Thief inexplicably made her happy.
However, when she thought that Izumi Chihiro was about to become an anime adaptation author, she couldn't help but feel envious.
Seeing her characters and stories come to life was truly a heartwarming thing.
"I wonder when I'll have this opportunity?"
Kasumigaoka Utaha mused.
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💯 PS = 2 bonus chapter