Chapter 642: Chapter 642: Traveling Together as Three
Other than Hikari, she believed that no matter who else she found, they would never be able to achieve the same results as the girls at St. Seika Girls’ Academy who had received counseling.
That was why Chairwoman Oushun had come uninvited to discuss sharing Hikari with Sumeragi Rikka.
After hearing all this, Sumeragi Rikka let out a cold laugh.
"I understand your difficulties now, but what do the troubles of Oushun Academy have to do with St. Seika Girls’ Academy?"
"I have no intention of lending Hikari-kun to you. He belongs to St. Seika Girls’ Academy. He’s our treasure."
Looking at Sumeragi Rikka’s firm attitude, Chairwoman Oushun rubbed her forehead and delivered a classic line.
"Headmistress Sumeragi Rikka, you wouldn’t want the male escort counseling system secretly established at St. Seika Girls’ Academy to be exposed by the media, would you?"
Sumeragi Rikka’s expression changed at once, and she stared at Chairwoman Oushun with an icy gaze.
There was even a trace of killing intent in those cold eyes.
Because this threat was indeed a very serious matter to her.
St. Seika Girls’ Academy was one of the most famous girls’ schools in all of Japan.
It represented prestige, excellence, and distinction. It was the dream school of countless female students.
The girls who studied there all came from wealthy or influential families with impressive backgrounds.
Although she had created the counseling system for the sake of helping her students grow properly, if that system were exposed, countless people would condemn her.
And that wasn’t even the worst outcome.
The most frightening possibility was the reaction of the conservative parents behind some of the students. There was no telling how much they would hate her.
Just thinking about that situation was enough to send a chill through her.
So Chairwoman Oushun’s threat truly angered Sumeragi Rikka.
Yet even under that threat, she had no intention of giving in. She only continued staring at Chairwoman Oushun.
Sumeragi Rikka was afraid, but she would not submit because of it.
As someone who had become the headmistress of St. Seika Girls’ Academy, she had never been afraid of conflict. She had gone against powerful people many times before.
So even if Chairwoman Oushun had once been her friend, if she truly intended to go after her, she would not show mercy. She would drag her down together.
Just as Sumeragi Rikka was staring at Chairwoman Oushun with a look that suggested neither side would back down, Chairwoman Oushun suddenly did something completely unexpected.
Thump!
Her knees hit the floor.
Chairwoman Oushun actually knelt before Sumeragi Rikka.
With her full hips raised high, she assumed a formal kneeling posture and spoke sincerely.
"Rikka-chan, I didn’t mean to threaten you. I was really just joking. Please don’t misunderstand."
"I came here because I sincerely want to borrow Hikari-kun. I have absolutely no intention of taking him away."
"We can discuss any conditions you want. I’ll do anything."
"Please! Rikka-chan, I’m begging you!"
"Do you remember when we were roommates? The meals we ate together and the bed we slept in together?"
"When you hurt your leg, I was the one who helped you get to the hospital. When you got your period, I was the one who bought your sanitary pads..."
"Waaah... For the sake of our friendship, please agree to my request!"
Chairwoman Oushun rolled around on the floor, crying and begging Sumeragi Rikka to agree.
Her sudden clowning around instantly broke Sumeragi Rikka’s serious expression, and she could only look at her helplessly.
There was no helping it.
As her former roommate and close friend, Chairwoman Oushun knew very well that Sumeragi Rikka responded to kindness, not pressure.
So she switched tactics immediately and shamelessly.
After all, her goal was to improve Oushun Academy, not force Sumeragi Rikka out of her position. A situation where both sides lost would do her no good.
Seeing her former roommate and friend, now the chairwoman of Oushun Girls’ Academy, begging so humbly, Sumeragi Rikka found it difficult to refuse.
Watching Chairwoman Oushun cling to her leg, rubbing her cheek against the back of her knee through her stockings while crying and pleading, Sumeragi Rikka had no choice but to pull her up first.
"Alright, alright. Stop shouting and stop crying. If someone hears you, they’ll think I’m bullying you."
"You are bullying me!", Chairwoman Oushun no longer looked like a mature, gentle older woman. She seemed more like a young girl.
Wiping her eyes, she said, "If you don’t agree, Rikka-chan, I’m not getting up!"
"Then keep kneeling."
Sumeragi Rikka didn’t indulge her and kicked her directly.
"Rikka-chan, you... really are a heartless woman."
Chairwoman Oushun wiped her eyes again, then put on a look as if she were making a sacrifice and rushed over to hug Sumeragi Rikka’s thigh.
"Fine! Since you’re so heartless, I’ll sacrifice myself and give you some special service until you agree to my request!"
When Chairwoman Oushun started pulling at her skirt, Sumeragi Rikka really panicked.
"Are you crazy? Get away from me!"
"No! Unless you agree, I won’t leave today even if my mouth ends up covered in blisters!"
Looking at her shameless persistence, Sumeragi Rikka truly had no way to deal with her.
"Get up right now. If you don’t, then there’s nothing left to discuss!"
Hearing that, Chairwoman Oushun immediately climbed to her feet and smiled.
"Then that means we can discuss it as long as I get up, right? Rikka-chan, you agreed, so no take-backsies"
"Actually, I don’t really want to be your little follower right now. I’m worried I’d end up tasting someone else’s soy milk."
Listening to her shameless and explosive remarks, Sumeragi Rikka looked speechless.
The two of them then discussed the matter of letting Hikari work as a psychological counselor for Oushun Girls’ Academy.
Chairwoman Oushun offered many conditions, saying that as long as Sumeragi Rikka agreed to lend Hikari, Oushun Girls’ Academy could yield on recruiting top students in the future, and the two schools could increase cooperation and exchanges.
These conditions were all beneficial to St. Seika Girls’ Academy, and even Sumeragi Rikka found them tempting.
After discussing things in general, Sumeragi Rikka finally made her decision and nodded.
"Fine. I agree. Speaking only for myself, I’m willing to let the specially hired psychological counselor at our school help your students with their mental and physical well-being and relieve their stress."
"But I need to make one thing clear."
"Even though you wore me down and got my agreement, that doesn’t mean it’ll necessarily happen."
"Because even if I agree, whether he’s lent to Oushun Girls’ Academy depends on Hikari-kun’s own opinion."
"Only if he personally agrees to help can your academy invite him over. Otherwise, this matter is off the table."
Hearing that, Chairwoman Oushun smiled and nodded.
"Understood. If we’re talking about lending someone, then of course we should ask the person involved."
Seeing that she understood, Sumeragi Rikka nodded with satisfaction.
"Good. Later, I’ll discuss your proposal with Hikari-kun. If he agrees as well, then he can help the students at your academy in the future."
Chairwoman Oushun beamed.
"Mhm. And when that time comes, I’ll also pay Hikari-kun additional compensation."
Sumeragi Rikka immediately became cautious.
"You’re not planning to poach him while you’re at it, are you?"
Chairwoman Oushun quickly replied, "No, no. I just want to build a good relationship with Hikari-kun as well. What’s our relationship? We’re like sisters. Why would I poach your people?"
"Hikari-kun is someone everyone can use together. I wouldn’t do something that excessive."
Sumeragi Rikka nodded in satisfaction.
"As long as you know your limits. But I still need to warn you."
"Don’t treat Hikari-kun like some subordinate you can order around, or some young man you can manipulate however you want."
"His abilities are very, very strong. In every aspect. There are things about him even I can’t see through."
"So you’d better not offend him. If you do, I definitely won’t take your side."
Seeing Sumeragi Rikka’s serious expression, Chairwoman Oushun paused briefly, then narrowed her eyes and smiled gently.
"Haha! Rikka-chan, do you really think I’m that foolish?"
"Don’t worry. I won’t do something stupid like suppressing or offending him."
"I already met Hikari-kun on my way here."
"Compared to his handsome appearance and tall figure, what caught my attention more was his temperament."
"Tsk! Tsk! That feeling of being polite and gentle on the surface while being unruly underneath left a deep impression on me."
"So don’t worry, Rikka-chan. I definitely won’t offend Hikari-kun."
"On the contrary, I’ll coax him, take care of him, and give him whatever he asks for."
"After all, both Oushun Girls’ Academy and I are waiting for him to carry us~"
Hearing that, Sumeragi Rikka nodded in relief.
"As long as you understand."
"Oh right, there’s something else I want to ask, Rikka-chan~"
Chairwoman Oushun suddenly narrowed her eyes and revealed a strange smile as she looked at Sumeragi Rikka.
"What is it?"
Seeing that look, Sumeragi Rikka immediately felt that something wasn’t right.
"Well, you’re the headmistress, and Hikari-kun is a specially hired teacher at your school. Do you often take advantage of your position and make him play by your rules?", Chairwoman Oushun asked, her eyes curved like crescents and the corners of her lips raised high. She stepped closer and carefully examined Sumeragi Rikka.
Being looked at like that by her close friend made Sumeragi Rikka blush slightly, but she still spoke with complete righteousness.
"What nonsense are you talking about!"
"I, the headmistress, am pure and upright, virtuous and respectable. Hikari-kun is an honest subordinate who keeps to his principles and isn’t interested in women."
"I, Sumeragi Rikka, have never taken advantage of anyone!"
"Hehehe..."
Hearing that, Chairwoman Oushun laughed so hard she could barely contain herself.
"What are you laughing at? Everything I said is true!"
Sumeragi Rikka stood with her hands on her hips, looking completely justified.
"Maybe wipe yourself clean first before saying that. It’s almost reached your knees."
Chairwoman Oushun covered her mouth as she laughed.
"This is milk I accidentally spilled during breakfast. What are you imagining? People with dirty minds see dirt everywhere!"
Sumeragi Rikka bent down and cleaned up with tissues while stubbornly sticking to her story.
"Fine, fine. Everything you said is true."
Chairwoman Oushun shook her head with a smile.
"I believe you, sister. But next time you ask Hikari-kun to verify qualifications, can you invite me along too?"
"Get lost!"
Sumeragi Rikka answered with only one word.
"Hehe! You’re really protective of what’s yours. Fine then. Next time I ask Hikari-kun to help the students at my academy, I’ll secretly ask him to verify qualifications too. Then I’ll see what it’s like to keep something good all to myself. I’ve worked for so many years and never experienced that. Looking at how radiant you are now compared to how exhausted you used to be, I can’t wait~"
Chairwoman Oushun held her chest with confidence. After all, her looks and figure were no worse than Sumeragi Rikka’s.
"How dare you! You’re not allowed to make a move on Hikari-kun!"
Sumeragi Rikka threw the wet ball of tissue in her hand at her.
It struck Chairwoman Oushun.
A white stain immediately appeared on her expensive black dress.
Yet Chairwoman Oushun didn’t care at all.
Instead, she picked up the tissue and held it beneath her nose, sniffing it as though she were smelling a freshly prepared meal.
"What a rich scent. I like it~"
Chairwoman Oushun ran her red tongue across her lips.
Looking at her behavior, Sumeragi Rikka genuinely felt a sense of crisis.
"I’m warning you! Don’t try to seduce Hikari-kun! Otherwise, don’t even think about calling yourself my sister anymore!"
Sumeragi Rikka warned her again.
"My dear sister! Please! We were roommates for so many years and even slept in the same bed. You don’t have to be this stingy, do you?"
Chairwoman Oushun hugged Sumeragi Rikka’s arm to her chest and shook it while acting spoiled.
"Hikari-kun is mine. You’re not allowed to make a move on him!"
Sumeragi Rikka declared righteously.
"Hehe! I’m not taking him from you. Good things should be shared among sisters, right?"
Chairwoman Oushun smiled.
"Hmph! You’re always staring at what’s on my plate. Shameless!"
Sumeragi Rikka snorted.
"Or the three of us could go together~ I don’t mind at all~"
Chairwoman Oushun grinned shamelessly.
"What I’m best at... is adding flowers to an already beautiful scene~"
"You..."
Sumeragi Rikka looked completely speechless.
"Dear sister, please..."
Chairwoman Oushun put on another pleading expression.
"Sigh!"
Sumeragi Rikka let out a helpless sigh.
Outside the headmistress’s office, the early cherry blossoms drifted down, and the unfinished conversation faded into the growing chorus of cicadas.
———
At the same time, Hikari had only recently gotten into a taxi and left St. Seika Girls’ Academy.
He had no idea that two famous chairwomen from Japan’s education world were currently discussing him intensely and had even reached certain agreements because of him.
By the time Sumeragi Rikka and Chairwoman Oushun had nearly finished their discussion, the taxi carrying Hikari had arrived at the Richter Hotel.
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