Chapter 15: An Unexpected Reconciliation?

“Classmate, although I don’t understand why you’re being so arrogant...” Sayuri Sato sneered as she walked back. “You still have a chance to apologize to me right now.” “Tell the teacher your name, your phone number, and... right this instant, write a five-thousand-word apology.” As long as she knew which class Kitahara belonged to, Sayuri Sato only needed to hint at her displeasure with him, and the teachers who were vying for her attention would spring into action. There were quite a few single male teachers attached to Kitahara’s class. Once they found out about this, Kitahara’s days ahead would be anything but easy. Thinking of this, her mood turned darkly pleased... If she couldn’t get him expelled, she would make his life miserable. “Teachers have tempers too...” Seeing that her trap had worked, Kitahara breathed a sigh of relief. He had offended a teacher tonight, but at least he had earned his reward; otherwise, he would have gained nothing at all... Regaining his composure, annoyance crept in. This crazy woman... If he didn’t deal with her tonight, she would probably keep causing him trouble. He needed to find a way to handle her. “An apology? Sure... I know a good place, perfect for apologizing. Teacher, would you mind coming with me?” Kitahara looked at her ample curves, wanting to grab her fiercely. Perhaps, he could take the place of the blond-haired guy and teach this female teacher a lesson. He was curious to see the expression on her face when she woke up in a hotel the next day. “Where?” Kitahara glanced out the window, and Sayuri Sato followed his gaze. A newly opened hotel gleamed with gold and splendor; men and women entered, arms around each other, whispering closely, an air of unmistakable intimacy. A hotel. Sayuri Sato’s face flushed red instantly as she understood his implication. She raised her hand high, ready to slap Kitahara. But Kitahara didn’t move, remaining calm. Go ahead and hit me. The bar had surveillance cameras... But Sayuri Sato hesitated and quickly saw through his scheme. “You sly bastard, you want me to make a move so you can blackmail me, don’t you?” She calmed herself down. “I won’t give you that chance.” Being a student was Kitahara’s greatest shield. Though teachers held high status in society, once public opinion turned against them, the reversal would be drastic... condemned by countless people. Sayuri Sato decided to reassess him. Though every word he said was filthy, bordering on perversion, it was all calculated... The purpose was to make her lose her reason. “You crafty brat.” “Likewise, teacher, you’re pretty clever too.” Sayuri Sato looked at Kitahara deeply, memorizing his face. He had an innocent and naive appearance, yet did such things... She harbored a little malice, thinking that if she exposed his off-campus activities, it would surely stir up a storm. But no, there was no evidence. Kitahara scanned around, seeking the blond-haired guy. He had a dark idea—to use him... Initially, he had planned to act heroically. But since this homeroom teacher was so oblivious, he might as well add some lewdness. Of course, the reward still had to be claimed; after all the fuss tonight, it was still for the sake of perfecting his Mandarin. “Looking for your sugar daddy?” Sayuri Sato sneered coldly as she noticed him glancing around. “If you can’t talk, then shut up,” Kitahara replied casually. “Tsk.” Sayuri Sato saw that Kitahara no longer wanted to argue and grew bored. She ordered another drink and said casually, “Are you short on money? Talk to me, since you’re so free and haven’t found a woman willing to spend on you.” Actually, she intended to record their conversation. Kitahara gave a blank look, seeing through her ulterior motive, and answered casually, “Yeah, very short. No one else earns in my family except me, and I have to take care of an adopted little sister.” “Hah, pathetic, playing the victim again?” Sayuri Sato sneered.

“I have no reason to lie to you,” Kitahara said casually. “You’re a teacher; you can check the records tomorrow and see for yourself. Why would I tell such a meaningless lie?” Of course, there was a slight discrepancy—he was actually supporting his young girlfriend, Chikawa. Sayuri Sato paused. Many things could be seen differently from two perspectives. For example, a college girl turning to prostitution and a prostitute going to college would have entirely different experiences... Just like Kitahara now. From another angle, having no parents and going out to sell yourself to support the family might be somewhat forgivable? Sayuri Sato quieted down, looking into Kitahara’s clear eyes, swallowing hard. Damn... She felt like slapping herself. But... “That’s no reason to sell your body.” Me? Kitahara rolled his eyes. “Everyone faces many setbacks in life, but that doesn’t mean you have to trade your body because of one hardship. There are student loans and other support...” At this point, a shadow of sadness appeared in Sayuri Sato’s eyes. She was talking about Kitahara, but perhaps also comforting herself. Kitahara’s gaze shifted; he understood this was a breakthrough—a way to ease the tension. “What you say... makes sense.” “But life isn’t always fair.” Since the misunderstanding was cleared, they might as well continue talking. Judging by her current state, she probably wouldn’t give him a chance to explain. Drunk people have no reason left. Sayuri Sato was silent for a moment, waving her hand: “Got it, then hurry home. Don’t let me see you here again.” Huh? She was letting him off so easily? Kitahara was stunned. Why so sudden? Wasn’t she supposed to mock him next? Sayuri Sato coldly added, “Get going, I don’t want to see you anymore.” Tonight’s incident was over. The disciplinary action she mentioned earlier would be treated as if nothing happened. After all, what reason did she have to be harsh on him? Of course, all this depended on Kitahara telling the truth; if Sayuri Sato found he was lying... “I don’t want to go back,” Kitahara said seriously. “Want to try the iron fist of a teacher’s love?” Sayuri Sato narrowed her eyes. She hadn’t mentioned it before, but she had studied judo for years and even won awards in competitions. If things got physical, Kitahara would definitely be at a disadvantage. “...” Kitahara checked the favorability meter. After his words, it had risen from 7 to 15, and now 20. This woman was probably a little tipsy, so her emotions were heightened. No good. He couldn’t let her chase him away. He had to find a way to stay; the task wasn’t finished yet. [Mastery of Tea Ceremony], let me see what you’ve got!

“Going back to that cold and lonely home—how is that any different from wandering the streets?” he said, feigning sorrow. Sayuri Sato was stunned, turning to look at Kitahara. His eyes were dim, his profile hidden in shadow. A love song by Uesugi Shō played—a man of incredible talent. Sayuri Sato was moved by the atmosphere, pondering for a while before hesitantly saying, “I’ll stay here until 10:30.” “You stay by my side, don’t go anywhere. When the time’s up, little brat, you come home with me obediently, got it?” After saying this, she suddenly felt a bit ridiculous. These two, who had just been at odds, had somehow reconciled, and now this... Life was unpredictable. “Okay.” Kitahara nodded, a little surprised himself. Then, suppressing his awkwardness, he complimented her: “Teacher, you’re a gentle person.” Sayuri Sato’s face flushed deeply, and she fell silent. Her fists quietly withdrew. At this moment, their mood was like a couple who had just quarreled—cooling down yet still a bit awkward. Strange, but oddly normal. Kitahara sat quietly, observing his surroundings, waiting for the appearance of the scumbag... The suited man who had just arrived fit the description, but after glancing at Kitahara, he quickly looked away. What was going on? Just as Kitahara was puzzled, a strong scent of perfume wafted over. A tall woman with striking red lipstick, clad in high heels, sat beside him, licking her lips: “Handsome, alone?” “...Two.” “That old hag with you?” The woman glanced at Sayuri Sato, appraising her from head to toe, then sneered disdainfully at her generic attire. Sayuri Sato felt a stabbing pain inside, a surge of anger rising from her core. She looked at the woman before her, puffing out her chest. Duang~ “He’s my student,” Sayuri Sato said with a forced smile. The woman—or rather, the rich lady—gohed, “Teacher-student play? Young people these days like to play that way?” The rich lady pulled a business card from her cleavage. “Here’s my contact info; think it over and come find me.” Then, right in front of Sayuri Sato, she slipped the card into Kitahara’s pocket. “...” Kitahara turned back, looking innocent. Sayuri Sato’s face flushed with anger; she slammed the table. “Waiter, another drink!” “Teacher.” “Bring him some milk!” “Drink less, okay?” Kitahara recognized the drink—Japanese sake, a premium daiginjo, almost as strong as baijiu, a generous four taels per glass. Sayuri looked at him coldly: “You think I can’t hold my liquor?” “No.” “Then just watch me drink quietly!” Kitahara thought it over. Since she was drunk, she would be an easy bait, and with him around, it didn’t matter how much she drank. Let her drink. “Also.” A hand landed on Kitahara’s head. Turning around, Sayuri Sato forced a smile: “How long do you plan to keep that card?” Reluctantly, Kitahara tossed the business card away.