Afternoon Classes and an Unexpected Bet
The school day continued without much change—until Hiratsuka Shizuka made an announcement before dismissal.
The upcoming monthly exam was scheduled for the 1st of next month—Thursday and Friday.
Failing this test meant a mandatory parent-teacher meeting.Failing the final exams meant remedial classes during summer vacation—every single day—until passing.
It was essentially a preparation phase for the finals.
Su Yu, however, looked forward to the exam.
As Hiratsuka left, Su Yu started packing up, but his phone vibrated.
Checking the screen, a small smile formed on his face.
Yukinoshita Yukino had sent him a challenge.
If Su Yu scored higher than her, she would agree to one of his conditions.If he lost, he had to agree to one of hers.
Such an advantageous bet—Su Yu accepted immediately without hesitation.
After School – A Change in Routine
While four girls headed back to Sakura Hall, with Yui carrying Su Yu's bag,
Su Yu made his way to the tennis courts instead.
Now that he didn't have to tutor anyone, he had extra time for exercise.
Today, he played for over an hour before taking a break.
As Hikigaya Hachiman and Totsuka Saika began their match, Su Yu checked his phone—an email from Satou Yumiko.
Manga Industry Developments
Five mid-tier manga artists had been selected.Each had decent fanbases and strong works.Like Su Yu, they had been interviewed in a Q&A format—and their responses were quite engaging.The next step was arranging their interactive activities.
Su Yu replied:
"No need for over-the-top effects. Focus on simple, engaging topics: favorite foods, favorite manga, favorite voice actors. Let them vote on which voice actors they'd like to see in upcoming anime adaptations."
"If possible, invite their favorite voice actors as guest hosts for a live broadcast."
Satou Yumiko responded quickly, agreeing that it was a great idea.
In reality, she had already considered these things, but discussing it with Su Yu was her way of gauging whether he wanted to personally participate in the shows.
His response was clear—he had no interest in appearing alongside other manga artists.
Satou Yumiko understood—as the boss, being too involved might make the artists uncomfortable.
Just as Su Yu put his phone down, another message arrived—
This time, from Yukinoshita Haruno.
Digital Manga Platform and Market Strategy
Haruno had acquired a software development studio specializing in electronic manga platforms.
The developers estimated that the basic software could be operational within a week.
Now, they needed a logo design.
After a moment's thought, Su Yu replied:
"The cover of a manga book."
Haruno's response was instant—she sent back a mock-up logo, based on the cover design of Future Manga Weekly.
They were on the same wavelength.
Next, Haruno brought up the issue of distribution platforms and whether Future Manga should expand internationally.
Su Yu considered it carefully.
"No rush. We own the copyrights—let them come to us."
Instead of actively entering foreign markets, they should let international companies seek partnerships.
This would allow local companies to handle translation and distribution.Future Manga would simply collect licensing fees.**A three-year timeframe was ideal—by then, if the overseas market saw major profits, Future Manga could raise licensing fees accordingly.
Haruno acknowledged Su Yu's sharp business sense.
Although the Yukinoshita family had the resources to expand abroad, market dynamics made direct competition difficult.
That was why Madam Yukinoshita preferred partnerships over direct investment—a strategy Haruno fully agreed with.
Back at Sakura Hall
Returning home, Su Yu found three girls reviewing their notes.
Opposite them, Hiratsuka Shizuka was reading a manga.
Seeing Su Yu enter, she set her book down.
"Su Yu-kun, aren't you worried about your test scores?"
"In two days, we'll have our answer."
"If your grades are poor, I'll personally tutor you."
Hiratsuka smiled sweetly—but there was a definite threat hidden in that smile.
"While I'd love to accept your kindness, I have a bet with Yukino… so I'll have to show a bit of my true ability."
"…What exactly is this bet?"
"Feel free to use your imagination."
With that, Su Yu went upstairs.
Hiratsuka and the three girls fell into deep thought.
Especially Yui and Yumiko.
They both instantly assumed the bet was something…inappropriate.
Yui thought Yukino had suggested it.Yumiko thought Su Yu had suggested it.
Either way… their faces turned red.
As the sunset painted the sky, Hiratsuka's tutoring session ended.
Miura Yumiko and Ebina Hina entered Kawasaki's kitchen, while Yui played games with Kawasaki Keika.
In the kitchen, the girls quickly finished prepping ingredients.
Ebina Hina then glanced at her best friend.
"Yumiko, leave the rest to me. Go upstairs and see Su Yu-kun."
"Eh? Hina, I—"
Miura Yumiko blushed immediately.
"Be bold. Even Sensei already knows—what are you afraid of?"
"…But I'm the latecomer. If I get too close to Su Yu-kun, Yui might…" Yumiko's expression was torn.
"Yui isn't jealous. She's already accepted it. The only reason you're hesitating is because you feel guilty."
"…But…"
"Trust me—if you don't take this opportunity, you might never get another one."
That last line hit hard.
Miura Yumiko hesitated for a moment, then clenched her fists slightly.
"…I'll try."
Ebina Hina gave her a reassuring smile.
As Yumiko stepped out of the kitchen, she saw Yuigahama Yui smiling while playing games with Keika.
A complex emotion crossed her face.
"Yumiko, can you go call Su Yu-kun? It's almost dinnertime," Yui suddenly said, looking up.
"…Mm."
Yumiko nodded and walked upstairs.
Meanwhile, Hiratsuka Shizuka watched everything unfold and sighed internally.
If it had been her in Yui's position…Su Yu would already be in the emergency room.
(t/n: that's why you are single af and Yui isn't…)
Notes-You can read advanced chapters in patreon.com/Shadow_D_X