Chapter 33: Hikaru Li’s Attempt at Coaxing

"Do you all know the history of Tokyo University?" I asked.

The crowd below remained silent, quietly guessing in their minds what I would say next.

"The University of Tokyo was established in the early Meiji period, forged through countless societal upheavals and national transformations. In that turbulent era, Tokyo University produced many heroic figures whose stories were deeply moving. Figures like Professor Tenshin Okakura and other visionary scholars stood firm, showing high moral integrity. They wrote enduring pieces, maintained an unyielding spirit of righteousness, and dedicated their lives to raising the nation’s cultural and intellectual foundation. Reflecting on this history, we see how previous generations overcame adversity, fought against fate, and strove endlessly upward."

I paused briefly before continuing: "Does anyone here still remember the heroes who sacrificed their lives on the battlefields of old? Probably not many. Yet, I bet most of the girls here can instantly tell me the birthday of a top pop idol. The reason I’m not talking about modern pop stars or celebrities today is that we, the youth of this generation, have forgotten the things we ought to remember the most. If you don’t believe me, let’s do a quick test right here on the spot. Please raise your hand if you remember your own parents’ birthdays!"

I waited for quite a while, but only a very few people weakly raised their hands. I motioned for them to put them down. "Now, please raise your hand if you can casually name twenty great scientists or historical visionaries!" Even fewer hands went up than before.

"Alright, let’s switch methods. Please raise your hand if you don’t even know thirty famous celebrities!" This time, not a single person below raised their hand.

"Remembering history is a vital symbol of Tokyo University’s spirit. We must remember the things that inspire us, so that they may lift our spirits and cheer us on; we must also remember our past shortcomings, so that knowing our weaknesses, we may press forward with courage! Friends, fellow students—understanding how to become a qualified university student is something we must all figure out. No one else can give you the answer; you can only experience and grasp it for yourself through your own struggles. Thank you, everyone, for listening to all my rambling. I wish you all happiness and joy in your university life. Thank you!"

With that, I took a deep bow and turned to leave the stage. Immediately, a storm of enthusiastic applause erupted behind me. Walking backstage, I wiped away my sweat, only to see Secretary Kindaichi and President Takahashi both smiling at me.

President Takahashi said, "I really couldn’t tell—you know Tokyo University’s history quite well!" I didn’t take up his compliment, merely offering a humble smile. After I stepped down, the Head of Academic Affairs went up to announce the end of the entrance ceremony, adding that everyone should attend their respective class meetings in the afternoon!

While I was talking with Secretary Kindaichi, Hikaru Li walked over from outside. Seeing me, he greeted me warmly: "Fuitsu-kun! Your speech just now was truly magnificent. Last time during dinner at Uncle’s place, you left halfway through. I’ve been wondering when I’d get to see you again! Why don’t we grab a bite together later? We can call Shohi and Shizune too, so we can catch up like family!"

"Wait, you two know each other? You’re family?" Secretary Kindaichi asked in confusion.

"Family? How could that be? A poor guy like me could never climb high enough to claim such rich relatives. Secretary Kindaichi, you must have misheard!"

A trace of malice flashed across Hikaru Li’s face upon hearing my words, though he quickly masked it well. With a forced smile, he said, "Fuitsu-kun, don’t be like that. We’re all family inside and out, so what is there to haggle over? Don’t throw a childish tantrum!"

Damn it, give him an inch and he takes a mile. What I hated most was how he spoke to me with the patronizing attitude of an elder, completely oblivious to what a hypocrite he was.

I said bluntly, "Just what kind of family are you to me?"

Hikaru Li’s face instantly darkened at my words, and he looked ready to blow a fuse. However, seeing so many people around, he held back once more, squeezing out a smile: "Everyone in your family knows about my relationship with your sister. Of course we’re family!"

His endurance really has improved, hasn’t it? In the past, he would never have wasted so many words on me. I had no idea what his real motive was!

I shook my head and said, "I’ve never had any rich relatives, nor do I have a sister. The only family I have are my parents!"

"Then we can just hang out on our own and start off as regular friends!"

"Sorry, I don’t like making friends with your type. I’m afraid I’d end up being sold out without even knowing it!" I refused flatly.

"You...! Fine. Then I’ll see you around—we have plenty of time!" Seeing that I completely ignored him, Hikaru Li snorted coldly, gave a resentful glare, and left in huff.

"Do you know Hikaru Li? Why did you treat him like that?" Secretary Kindaichi asked, looking at Hikaru Li’s departing back.

"Met him once. A typical rich young master. I have no interest in making friends with someone like that," I said with disdain.

"Haha, well, regardless of everything else, he is the Student Council President after all. Maintaining a decent relationship with him does have its perks!"

Secretary Kindaichi’s words suddenly reminded me of Hikaru Li’s status. After I mocked him like that, given his arrogant and hypocritical nature, he would definitely look for trouble with me. However, as long as I didn’t draw unnecessary attention to myself, he wouldn’t be able to do anything to me either.

Thinking of this, I smiled at Secretary Kindaichi and said, "Thank you, Secretary Kindaichi. I understand!"

Secretary Kindaichi nodded and left alongside the President.

Destiny really loves playing jokes on people—just when I was desperately trying to keep a low profile, something always happened to throw me right under everyone’s noses.

At noon, I grabbed a quick bite at the small cafeteria below my dorm, rested for a bit, and then walked toward the academic building.

Arriving at the Faculty of Economics, I followed the class location guide posted near the main entrance all the way up to the 5th floor, finding the Marketing Department, Class 5.

When I entered the classroom, quite a few people were already seated inside, chatting happily and introducing themselves to one another. The moment I walked in, the classroom suddenly became lively. Thanks to my speech at Yasuda Auditorium this morning, everyone recognized me and swarmed over to greet me: "Hello, Fuitsu-kun! I really didn’t expect to be in the same class as the national top scorer! This is such a huge flex!"

"Yeah, Fuitsu-kun, why did you choose to study Marketing?" a chubby girl asked.

When had I ever experienced such warmth from classmates? I replied happily, "I don’t belong to any single department right now, but I’ll be attending classes with this group for the time being!"

"You haven’t chosen a major yet?"

"I can take courses in any major, but I’m required to double-major across four fields!"

"What?! You’re seriously a god! None of us could ever handle that!" Hearing that I was going to major in four fields, everyone gasped in astonishment, looking at me in disbelief.

I shrugged indifferently and said, "If I can’t handle it, it’s no big deal—I’ll just pick the best one to register as my official major later. Alright, let’s not crowd around the doorway, let’s go sit down. The professor will probably be here soon."

Everyone nodded and went to find their own seats. I picked a relatively hidden spot near the back where no one would notice me.

Sitting next to me was a very handsome guy. Seeing me look at him, he turned his head and gave me a friendly smile!

"Hello! I’m Ryu Yu, from Kyoto!" The boy extended his hand to me.

I shook his hand and said with a smile, "I’m Fuitsu, from Tokyo. Please take care of me in the future!"

"Haha, I’m actually the one who should be asking for your help! Big bro, you’re a big shot famous all across Japan right now—I’m definitely following your lead from now on!"

"Haha, if you follow my lead, you’ll only get plain rice porridge to eat! Let me handle things after class—the professor is coming soon, so we need to leave a good impression!"

"Got it, Boss Fuitsu. The professor’s here!"