"The reason I know you is because I'm looking for a suitable math teacher." Sarada explained, with a hint of seriousness and expectation in her tone, "Yamada said you teach very well, so I plan to try your class another day." There was a hint of playfulness in her words, but more of it was a desire for knowledge and a yearning for a good teacher.
Shiraishi was a bit surprised when he heard this. He hadn't expected his teaching to spread so much word-of-mouth among students. "Yamada-san, you actually said that? I'm flattered," he replied modestly, but he secretly wondered if Kenta had some hidden agenda behind this. After all, he had seen Kenta's pure love and dedication for Sara.
"Can I choose a teacher by name?" Sarada suddenly asked, her eyes fixed on Shiraishi, as if she wanted to take in every nuance of his expression. She had been taught the etiquette of "looking the other person in the eye when speaking" since she was a child, and now she was applying this principle to the fullest.
Shiraishi felt a little embarrassed by her direct gaze, but still gave serious advice: "If you want to gain a deeper understanding of mathematics, I recommend you to find Teacher Futaba. Although she mainly teaches physics, she also has deep attainments in mathematics. But if you just want to get good grades in the exam, then you can find me." His answer was both professional and considerate, which made Sarada smile softly.
"Teacher Shiraishi is really funny!" Sarada turned to Tomoe and said, as if seeking her approval. Tomoe ruthlessly pointed out: "Rather than saying you're funny, it's better to say you're a bit strange." Her bluntness made Shiraishi smile bitterly.
"Koga, could you please stop trying to sabotage me?" Shiraishi complained half-jokingly. Tomoe retorted bluntly, "You're not doing serious business, so why are you afraid of sabotage?" The bickering between the two lightened the atmosphere.
However, Sara seemed to feel that she was redundant. She observed the scene silently, and then suddenly said, "I'm sorry, it seems that I am a redundant light bulb. I'll leave first." After that, she trotted away from the scene, leaving Tomoe and Shiraishi looking at each other in bewilderment.
"Eh? Ah! Wait a minute..." Tomoe wanted to call out to Sara, but it was too late. Sara quickly blended into the bustling crowd and disappeared without a trace.
"You misunderstood!" Shiraishi anxiously tried to explain, but his voice only echoed in the air. He shook his head helplessly and turned to look at Penghui, "Now it's hard to explain."
Tomoe glared at him fiercely and said, "If you see Himeji-san at the cram school, remember to help me clear up this misunderstanding, Mr. Shiraishi." There was a hint of helplessness and pleading in her tone.
"I'll try my best to remember it." Bai Shi responded with a wry smile.
Chapter 254 What gift do you want?
He pondered in his mind the relationship between Sarada and Tomoe, and the role he played in it.
"Come to think of it, Tomoe-senpai is really admired by everyone." Shiraishi suddenly changed the subject. "Are you two going to be executive committee members of the sports meet together this year?"
"Yes." Peng Hui nodded, "But it's just a small matter."
"I see..." Shiraishi nodded thoughtfully, "But then again, you don't seem to be very good at dealing with her." He was referring to Sarada.
When Peng Hui heard this, a hint of unnaturalness flashed across her face. "Should I say that I'm not good at dealing with it... Maybe it's because I only started trying to change myself after high school." There was a hint of unconfidence in her voice.
Shiraishi patted her shoulder gently and said, "Don't say that. I feel like she's been very popular since junior high school. Maybe she's been the hottest girl in the class since elementary school." His words were full of affirmation and encouragement, which made Penghui feel warm in her heart.
A hint of sullenness crossed Tomoe's face, and she took slightly heavy steps, as if bidding farewell to her past self. "Anyway, until junior high, I was a complete country bumpkin," she said, a touch of self-mockery, yet also revealing a sense of relief at growing up.
At the same time, not far away, the male singer who was playing and singing by himself quietly ended his performance, gently put the guitar into the case, and packed up the stall, as if to put an end to the day.
Shiraishi's eyes followed Peng Hui's figure, and then he quickened his pace to catch up. His voice was gentle and concerned: "Senior, you should be considered a good and responsible teacher now, right?"
Peng Hui tilted her head, a faint smile playing on her lips, and responded with a hint of pride: "Of course, my whole year of studying hard and memorizing the lessons was not wasted."
"Yes, I remember that you even used your break time at work to read books all the time." Bai Shi added, his eyes full of approval.
Changing the subject, Bai Shi asked curiously, "Speaking of which, what are your future plans? Have you decided on a career path?"
Tomoe nodded slightly, her eyes sparkling with longing for the future. "Well, I got a recommendation for a famous women's university in Tokyo and submitted my application last week."
Upon hearing this, Bai Shi immediately offered his sincere congratulations: "That's wonderful! Congratulations! This is the best reward for your hard work."
Peng Hui, however, appeared modest and cautious: "Thank you, but it cannot be considered as an official admission yet. Everything is still unknown."
Bai Shi smiled and consoled him, "But since it's a recommendation from a designated school, that means you've already got one foot in the door of university, right? Don't worry too much. Good things come to those who wait. I'm sure you'll be able to enroll successfully."
"Senior, you really know all about these things." Peng Hui walked beside Shiraishi with a hint of admiration in her tone.
Shiraishi smiled slightly and explained, "I can thank my part-time job at a cram school for this. Although none of my students are taking the exams this year, I'm surrounded by this topic all day long, so it's hard not to know."
Peng Hui nodded, her eyes sparkling with anticipation: "Then I'm really looking forward to how the senior will celebrate my admission."
Bai Shi pretended to smile mysteriously: "Oh? Then what gift do you want? Tell me."
Peng Hui stopped, her eyes lit up, and she pointed to a nearby electronics store: "Huh? You want to give it to me? Then I want that one!"
Bai Shi looked in the direction of her finger and saw a pair of wireless headphones endorsed by Yueyue. He couldn't help but feel a little surprised: "Those headphones? They are not cheap, right?"
"Will it be 20,000 yen?" Peng Hui seemed to have anticipated the price, but there was still a hint of anticipation in her tone.
Bai Shi shook his head slightly: "Maybe it's more expensive than you think..."
Peng Hui winked mischievously: "It's okay, just consider it as compensation for the sexual harassment you've been giving me."
Hearing this, Bai Shi sighed in mock frustration, "Well, if this can even things out, then it's a good deal. But, are you sure you don't want to consider a more expensive gift, Qin?"
Peng Hui chuckled: "No need, Yueyue's headphones are fine, please let go of your wallet."
Shiraishi was also amused by her humor: "Okay, since you insist. But you also know about Yukino, she was able to adapt to the work so quickly thanks to your help."
Peng Hui restrained her smile and said seriously: "Yes, Yukino is very independent now, and I am very happy for her. But, speaking of which, you have known Yueyue for a long time, right?"
Bai Shi nodded: "Yes, she and I are from the same school and the same department. She is kind of my friend, a very interesting girl."
There seemed to be a hint of jealousy in Peng Hui's tone: "Senior, many girls you know are very cute."
Shiraishi immediately noticed her emotions and quickly clarified: "Of course that includes you, Tomoe. Each of you has your own unique charm."
Chapter 255 Morning Raid
Peng Hui's cheeks flushed slightly, but she kept insisting, "That's not what I meant!"
Shiraishi smiled and shook his head, not continuing the topic. The two continued walking forward. Along the way, Tomoe asked Shiraishi about school from time to time, and Shiraishi patiently answered them one by one.
"Is school fun?" Peng Hui asked curiously.
"Well, it's fun. You'll make new friends soon." Shiraishi encouraged.
"What about you? Have you encountered anything interesting?" Peng Hui asked.
Shiraishi thought about it and shared some interesting stories about his school life. The two laughed from time to time and the atmosphere was very harmonious.
The next morning, Shiraishi stepped out of the apartment building, only to be startled by the sight before him. Kazuka was standing quietly in front of the apartment building, wearing a simple hat and with her head slightly lowered. Her figure, pressed tightly against the wall of the apartment entrance, looked particularly lonely and resilient.
Noticing Shiraishi's presence, Hexiang quickly looked up. A flicker of relief, a "finally here" in her bright eyes, was then immediately covered by a layer of melancholy. There was a subtle heaviness in her tone: "Where's Miss Mai?"
Shiraishi guessed secretly in his heart, but still maintained a gentle tone and replied: "Yesterday Mai said that because her photography work was delayed, she decided to temporarily stay in a hotel in Tokyo, and will go directly to school from there today." He paused, as if trying to grasp more information from Kazuka's reaction.
"I know. She called me last night and told me." There was a hint of subtle fatigue in Hexiang's voice, as if she had carried too many unknown emotions overnight.
Shiraishi didn't ask further questions, but silently walked ahead, leading Kazuka towards Fujisawa Station. For them, this journey was both a part of daily life and, at this moment, seemed to have taken on special meaning. There were few people around, and the morning streets seemed unusually quiet, with only the sound of their footsteps echoing in the air.
Shiraishi couldn't help but slow down as he passed that nostalgic park. He had once spent happy hours there with a group of energetic high school girls, and memories of youth, dreams, and friendship flooded back like a tide. But now, Waka was unusually silent, as if her mind had drifted far away.
"I want to ask you a favor." Just when Shiraishi thought they would remain silent, Hexiang suddenly broke the silence. Her tone was firm, yet also mixed with a hint of helplessness. "Regarding Miss Mai's matter, I will do my best. I hope we can both find our own happiness."
Bai Shi felt a surge of mixed emotions upon hearing this. He understood the deeper meaning behind He Xiang's words and felt the heavy responsibility she carried. But he also knew that some things were irreplaceable and could only be faced and resolved on his own.
"Don't even think about asking me to do something like this." Bai Shi shook his head slightly, trying to ease the heavy burden with humor. "However, if it's about Yueyue, I'm willing to listen."
Kazuka was stunned for a moment, then a complex emotion flashed across her eyes. She took a deep breath, as if making up her mind. "Yes, it's about Uzuki. Yesterday, we had a dance rehearsal..."
As Waka narrated, Shiraishi gradually learned the whole story. It turned out that Uzuki had been performing poorly during rehearsal for some reason, earning criticism from the dance teacher. Waka, as a friend and teammate, was naturally concerned about Uzuki's condition. She tried to comfort Uzuki in her own way, but found that Uzuki was just forcing a smile, burying all her pain deep inside.
"I see... She's really seriously ill," Shiraishi sighed. He understood the inner struggle and pain, and also understood Kazuka's current depression and helplessness. He reached out and gently patted Kazuka's shoulder, trying to offer her some comfort and support. "Don't worry, we'll get through this together."
"Lately, I've felt like I'm in a fog, and my understanding of Uzuki has become extremely vague," Kazuka sighed softly, her heart filled with confusion and bewilderment.
"Oh? Did you really know her that well before?" There was a hint of amusement in the other person's voice, as if challenging her past confidence.
He Xiang shook her head and smiled bitterly: No, I never really understood her before, but that feeling of uncertainty is completely different from now.
I understand what you mean.
Once, Mao Yue's words and actions were like summer clouds, unpredictable yet always possessing a touch of spontaneity and spontaneity. Now, it's as if she's deliberately built a high wall, her will tightly enveloping her innermost thoughts, making them impossible to peek into. This change isn't simply a matter of being unpredictable; it's a profound shift, a chasm between two worlds.
Have you heard? Rumors are circulating online that Uzuki might be leaving Sweet Bullet, with some even speculating she'll debut solo. Shiraishi tried to deflect the conversation, but couldn't help but be drawn into the rumors.
Chapter 256 Catch You
Upon hearing this, Kazuka pulled her phone from her bag and quickly searched through it, then held the screen out to Shiraishi. On the screen were carefully choreographed news reports, each one enough to strike a chord with fans. She sighed softly, "Yes, the agency is also overwhelmed by these rumors. I asked the head manager, but he was vague, telling us to focus on preparing for the next concert."
There are indeed many unspeakable secrets hidden behind this. Shiraishi nodded thoughtfully, but he was even more worried about Uzuki's current situation.
During rehearsals, she's always absent-minded, as if her mind has already drifted far away. He Xiang continued, a flicker of worry in her eyes. I wonder where her heart lies? Is it lingering at the crossroads of graduation, or soaring towards her dream of a solo debut? Or perhaps, somewhere completely beyond our reach?
Shiraishi looked at Kazuka, who was staring intently at Uzuki under the red light. Her eyes not only showed concern for Uzuki, but also a subtle sense of loneliness. I understood that what she longed for was Uzuki's honesty, not those deliberately disguised smiles.
So, what do you want me to do? Bai Shi finally asked.
If Uzuki is having trouble, I hope you can lend a hand. Kazuka's voice was firm and direct, but I wouldn't ask you to ask her every detail, because that would only make her more closed off.
Bai Shi smiled, and had already made up his mind: Don't worry, I will do my best to help her, but I won't force her to share her secret. After all, everyone has their own moments that they need to face alone.
The light turned green, and we were on the road again. Kazuka's tense shoulders finally relaxed, and a warm smile returned to her face. "Thank you, Shiraishi. Having you here makes me feel more at ease."
As the train slowly pulled into Fujisawa Station, Shiraishi and Kazuka embarked on their journey to Yokohama. The hustle and bustle of the Tokaido Line continued unabated into the closing hours of the morning. The train was thronged with people, and the two could only cling to the hanging rings, maintaining a subtle tacit understanding and avoiding conversation in the hustle and bustle. However, this tranquility was short-lived. At Yokohama Station, they transferred to the more stable Keikyu Line. The express train, like an arrow from a bow, darted through the city's veins, adding a touch of speed and excitement to the journey.
Outside the car window, the scenery flashed by like scenes from a movie. Shiraishi and Kazuka used this rare moment of leisure to chat about the upcoming school anniversary, particularly the eye-catching contest for the most popular school beauties. Shiraishi half-jokingly remarked, "With someone like Mai, choosing the school beauty is just asking for trouble." Kazuka playfully retorted, "Then why don't you try the contest? You might even be more popular." Shiraishi smiled and shook his head, expressing his unwillingness to get caught up in such a hassle.
As they chatted, the train quietly arrived at Kanazawa Hakkei Station, home to their school. As they prepared to disembark, Shiraishi's gaze stumbled upon a familiar figure: Uzuki. She stood quietly by the unopened door of the preceding carriage, staring blankly out the window, as if cut off from the world. The platform bell suddenly rang, and without a second thought, Shiraishi dashed back to the departing train, leaving Kazuka bewildered.
As the train doors closed, Shiraishi could only anxiously point in the direction of Uzuki, hoping Kazuka would understand his intentions. However, as the train slowly began to move, all explanations vanished into thin air. Shiraishi could only sit helplessly in his seat, silently praying that Kazuka would find Uzuki and take care of herself.
As the train moved along, Shiraishi's heart trembled. He carefully examined the route map above the door, silently calculating Uzuki's possible destination. From Kanazawa Hakkei Station to Misakiguchi Station, every stop could have been a choice for Uzuki to get off, but she never moved. When the train finally arrived at Misakiguchi, the terminal, Shiraishi realized that Uzuki seemed to have her own destination, or rather, she was looking for something.
0........
After getting off the bus, Shiraishi followed Uzuki from a distance, his heart filled with mixed emotions. Knowing he couldn't just follow her silently, he mustered up the courage to approach her and say, "Uzuki, are you skipping class today?" Uzuki was clearly startled by Shiraishi's appearance, but then she gave him a complex smile and said, half-jokingly, "Today, I want to find myself."
Shiraishi looked into Uzuki's confused eyes, and a strange pang of heartache welled up in his heart. He understood that Uzuki was at a crossroads in her life and needed time to reflect and explore. So, he suggested, "In that case, why don't we stay here at Misakiguchi, savoring the local famous tuna while you search for your answers?"
At this time, lunch time was quietly approaching, and the two of them strolled through the alleys near the station, looking for a restaurant where they could taste fresh tuna.
Chapter 257 The beach!
In the hour and a half after getting off the train at Misakiguchi Station, Shiraishi and Uzuki's itinerary took an unexpected turn. What had initially been thought of as a leisurely afternoon of food and melodrama unexpectedly turned into a cycling adventure, with the train never reaching their desired destination. Fortunately, Uzuki was in absolutely stunning shape, and having such a companion on this trip was definitely worth it.
Sunlight dappled the two of them, and a gentle autumn breeze brought a slight chill, but it couldn't dispel the sudden sense of adventure. Uzuki rode his bicycle, a childlike smile on his face, as if he had found a new way to release himself. Shiraishi followed closely behind, feeling both helpless and curious. Where would this sudden "chase" lead them?
Cycling along country roads, you might initially see a sparse array of vehicles and houses, but as time passes, the surrounding landscape gradually becomes empty and tranquil, with only the greenery of farmland and the outline of distant mountains coming into view. The air is filled with the fresh scent of earth and crops, inviting you to slow down and savor this rare moment of tranquility and freedom.
"What kind of leaves are these?" Uzuki suddenly asked, pointing to a patch of emerald green by the roadside. Shiraishi smiled and replied, "They're radishes, Miura radishes." This casual chat about the radish fields unexpectedly brought back Shiraishi's own elementary school hiking experiences, and that innocence and joy seemed to return.
"Speaking of which, Yueyue," Shiraishi said, trying to bring the conversation back to reality. "Where are we riding to now?" "I don't know," Uzuki replied with a casual and uninhibited air. "Where are we going?" Shiraishi pressed. "The beach!" She answered without hesitation, her simple yet resolute tone revealing a yearning for the unknown.
"Why aren't you looking at a map?" Shiraishi asked helplessly. Uzuki replied seriously, "The guide said you can't look at a map while riding. It's dangerous." This reason left Shiraishi speechless, and he could only nod in agreement.
And so, the two continued to ride their bicycles. Uzuki's laughter echoed in his ears, making Shiraishi feel a long-lost sense of relief and joy.
The smartphone in Maoyue's hand, that small GPS navigator, was like a guardian angel during their journey, quickly pointing them in the right direction even in the most unintentional moments of getting lost, giving them peace of mind. The power of the electric bicycle made every pedal stroke effortless and pleasant, and even the winding uphill sections only added to the joy of adventure rather than a burden of fatigue.
"Xiao Qian, it's really comfortable, isn't it?" Mao Yue's clear laughter drifted on the wind, like the most pleasant melody in autumn. Her smile shone even brighter in the sun, as if it could dispel all the haze. Shiraishi looked at her, and an inexplicable warmth welled up in his heart. This simple happiness was the most precious gain of their trip.
The surrounding scenery is picturesque, with fields of emerald green radishes swaying gently in the breeze, like nature's most rustic welcome. The sky is a clear, deep blue, awash with a few white clouds drifting leisurely across it, adding a touch of spirit and reverie to the scene.
"So leisurely!" Uzuki's words were languid yet lively. Shiraishi smiled in response, their conversation resonating across the empty fields with a particularly heartwarming warmth. "What's wrong with Fengbin?" Shiraishi teased, while Uzuki quickly clarified. Her laughter, like a silver bell, ringing and melodious, added a touch of energy to the quiet afternoon.
While riding, Shiraishi finally couldn't resist asking, "Yueyue, why did you choose my department?" His words were tinged with earnestness and curiosity. Maoyue, hearing this, gave a sly smile and asked, "Xiaoqian, then why did you choose Statistics?" Shiraishi replied, half-jokingly, "Because the competition is lower." Maoyue's response was equally witty, "So, me too..." The two exchanged a smile, a perfect rapport, yet each harbored a secret.
Suddenly, Uzuki excitedly pointed ahead, "Ah, the sea!" Her eyes gleamed with a glint of yearning for the unknown. Shiraishi followed her finger and saw a vast expanse of azure water. In that moment, all his worries seemed to vanish with the wind, leaving only a sense of peace and freedom.
They parked their bikes and found a comfortable spot on the grass to sit down and enjoy this rare quiet moment. Uzuki skillfully did her stretching exercises, each movement appearing so natural and smooth, her figure framing a moving picture in the sunlight.
"Did Kazuka say anything?" Uzuki suddenly broke the silence, her gaze still fixed on the boundless ocean in the distance. Shiraishi was stunned for a moment, then smiled and shook his head. He knew that Uzuki was testing him, and also caring for him in her own way.
Chapter 258 My goal is!
"Xiao Qian..." Mao Yue's voice was soft and slightly hesitant, as if carrying a hint of imperceptible worry.
"Hmm?" Bai Shi tilted his head, his eyes filled with concern. He gently set the plastic bottle down, the cap spinning with a subtle sound before closing securely. His movements revealed an unintentional gentleness, as if he was creating a comfortable atmosphere for the conversation to follow.
"How old do you think one can be an idol?" Mao Yue finally asked the question in her heart. Her gaze passed through the scenery in front of her and looked to a more distant place, where the boundary between dreams and reality was intertwined.
Shiraishi smiled, a smile that held a hint of understanding and encouragement. "Yueyue, didn't you say you wanted to be an idol for life?" His words were a touch teasing, but more than that, they expressed support and affirmation for Uzuki's dream.
"I did say that before." Mao Yue nodded slightly, but then changed the subject, "But now, I don't know." There was a hint of confusion in her tone, as if she was having a conversation with a corner of her heart.
"Why are you asking this suddenly?" Shiraishi noticed the change in Mao Yue's mood. He restrained his smile and asked seriously.
"A friend from school asked me yesterday," Uzuki explained, a barely perceptible bitterness laced in her voice. "She asked me, 'How long do you plan to continue being an idol?'"
"So that's why you thought of this question?" Shiraishi asked, trying to understand the confusion in Mao Yue's heart.
"No, I'm thinking of something else." Mao Yue shook her head, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes, "I hope she doesn't take her anger out on me because of a quarrel with her boyfriend." This sentence sounds a bit sharp, but behind it lies Mao Yue's delicate perception of interpersonal relationships and persistence in self-worth.
"You are really cruel." Bai Shi was amused by Mao Yue's directness. He knew that this was Mao Yue's unique way, using seemingly vicious words to protect himself from harm.
"Even though we don't usually say it out loud, everyone must be thinking this," Uzuki continued, her tone becoming more serious. "Everyone is wondering why there are people who work as idols."
You'll Also Like
-
Magical Studies at Hogwarts.
Chapter 354 1 hours ago -
I sign a pact with the system, and all scumbags become cuckolds
Chapter 130 1 hours ago -
Traveling through ancient times to farm and build infrastructure
Chapter 357 1 hours ago -
The villain heroine only wants to seize the kingdom at the beginning
Chapter 119 1 hours ago -
After I Transmigrated into the Book, I Pampered the Powerful Official
Chapter 446 1 hours ago -
The daily life of a science genius who travels through the book group
Chapter 546 1 hours ago -
I have a broken game board
Chapter 742 1 hours ago -
Quick Transmigration: The protagonist panicked after she became cannon fodder
Chapter 453 1 hours ago -
Cute little peasant girl: Traveling through time and space, my family all loves me!
Chapter 401 1 hours ago -
Tower Defense Game: My Eternal Kingdom
Chapter 392 1 hours ago