The Final Bow——

Su Cheng's voice wasn't loud, but it carried clearly throughout the auditorium.

"To be honest, my first encounter with Senior Hoshino was when I was late in the morning and she caught me, which led to a grudge between us."

Su Cheng's tone lightened again, laced with a hint of playful self-deprecation.

"At first, I couldn't help but wonder—was this senior targeting me because I was a scholarship student?"

Though his voice remained soft, every word was audible, and the crowd picked up on his humor. "So, after she wrote me up, I saw her as an enemy infringing on my freedom. I began quietly observing her, watching her every move."

Then his tone shifted abruptly, turning solemn. "But later, I realized that Senior Hoshino treated everyone equally. Whether it was upperclassmen or popular, high-achieving students, she enforced the rules without hesitation."

"She truly lived by the principle of 'judging actions, not backgrounds.' Her heart is pure and beautiful, and she’s more upright and hardworking than anyone else. If even I, a freshman of just one month, could see this, I’m sure the rest of you have noticed too, right?"

………………………………

Down below, Zhao Yan watched this dazzling spectacle, unable to resist being swept up in it.

Su Cheng’s handsome face seemed to shift with every subtle movement, as if possessed by a strange magnetism that drew everyone’s gaze.

His speech flowed effortlessly—infectious, engaging, and persuasive. It was as if he was born with this natural, irresistible charm.

"Is this the 'idiot' you were talking about?"

Zhao Yan muttered under her breath, glancing at Hoshino Mirai on the candidate platform.

She envied Hoshino Mirai, even wishing it were her standing there, receiving Su Cheng’s impassioned support. For a fleeting moment, a pang of jealousy pricked at her heart.

"I really wish I could be that kind of 'idiot.'"

And just like that, a seed was planted in her mind.

………………………………

"So this is Su Cheng? No wonder he’s Ji Qingyi’s only friend."

"Not only is he ridiculously good-looking and skilled at archery, but his speech is this amazing too? He’s practically perfect!"

"Even I couldn’t help but be moved by his words."

Whispers buzzed among the students in the audience. However, one representative from the manga club—Wang Qi—pulled out his phone and quickly messaged his friend, Liu Yi.

Wang Qi: "Su Cheng’s giving a speech in support of someone at the assembly. What should I do?"

Liu Yi: "What?!"

Liu Yi: "As soon as it ends, stand up and start clapping like crazy! Shout 'I support his candidate!' Got it?!"

Wang Qi hesitated. Doing this would definitely earn Su Cheng’s favor, but it would also be embarrassing—maybe even paint a target on his back. After all, one of the candidates was from his own class. Wouldn’t supporting a rival make him a traitor?

Liu Yi: "Did you hear me?! You have to do this! Don’t you want the Ji family’s resources?"

His friend’s impatient prodding left him no room for doubt. Gritting his teeth, he typed back:

"Fine, I got it."

………………

Meanwhile, Hoshino Yikui was on the verge of tears, his heart swelling with emotion beyond words.

He could barely sit still, itching to rush up and hug Su Cheng—maybe even plant a grateful kiss on him—for everything he was doing for his sister.

"Thank you..."

His voice cracked, tears spilling uncontrollably down his cheeks.

…………………………

Those who knew Su Cheng—like the archery club manager, the e-sports club president, and his class monitor—all gazed at him with admiration. Some even pulled out their phones early, ready to cast their votes.

For instance, the e-sports club president, who usually kept her headphones on, had now taken them off.

Watching Su Cheng stand before the entire student body with unmatched courage, speaking up for an awkward girl without even a prepared script—it was nothing short of dazzling in her eyes.

Now she understood why Su Cheng had earned the favor of both Ji Qingyi and Gu Ruoxue. His "heroic act" had just won her over too.

Backstage, a long-haired girl shrouded in shadows stood expressionless, her gaze flickering between the boy on stage and Hoshino Mirai, who kept her head bowed on the candidate platform.

Then she turned back to Su Cheng at the podium, her thoughts unreadable.

As for Hoshino Mirai, she trembled uncontrollably as she listened to him speak, to every word of support he voiced.

Now she knew—the unsigned letter left in her desk, the one who had been quietly watching over her all this time—it was him.

A storm of emotions surged inside her—shock, joy, gratitude, guilt—all twisting together until she could barely breathe. She kept her head down, hiding her face, but her trembling body betrayed her.

…………………………

The student council members sat in stunned silence, their eyes locked on the boy speaking so confidently on stage. They were struggling to process what was happening.

At first, they hadn’t understood why the council president wanted Su Cheng to join. Sure, he was outstanding, but what did that have to do with managing the school?

But after today, they had no choice but to admit it—Su Cheng’s charisma, influence, and sheer competence were undeniable.

"As voters, we must carefully consider our choices and elect the most capable and responsible student representatives. We should thoroughly evaluate each candidate’s strengths before making a decision."

…………

"Thank you all for listening. On behalf of the Social Practice Club, I humbly ask for your vote in support of Hoshino Mirai."

With those final words, Su Cheng raised a hand in salute—confident, elegant, impossible to look away from.

"Incredible."

"He didn’t even have a script..."

"That was all improvised?"

Among the other supporters in the candidate area, some broke into a cold sweat. His effortless poise was something they could never hope to match.

"Wait, Su Cheng joined the Social Practice Club?"

"He wouldn’t lie about that, right?"

"So he’s representing them?"

Students who had been helped by the club wore complicated expressions, reminded of the beautiful and principled Gu Ruoxue.

"Bravo!"

"Well said!"

At the same time, the voter section erupted in thunderous applause and uproar. Some even disregarded decorum, standing on their chairs and shouting over the teachers' attempts to quiet them: "I support Hoshino Mirai—she's the people's choice!"

The atmosphere in the venue reached an unprecedented fever pitch.

This scene left Hoshino Yikui, who had also stood up to applaud, utterly dumbfounded. He thought his own standing ovation was already pushing the boundaries of propriety, but now people were climbing onto chairs, acting even more unrestrained, as if cheering for an idol at a concert.

Were these secret admirers of his sister?

He couldn’t help but glare angrily at Wang Qi!

No way!

As her older brother, he refused to be outdone.

Under Zhao Yan’s stunned gaze, he climbed onto his chair, jumping and shouting: "Thank you, Su Cheng, for your support! And thank you to the Practical Affairs Department! On behalf of my sister, Hoshino Mirai, I appreciate your backing! Thank you all!!!"

No sooner had he finished than staff members pulled him down and forced him back into his seat.

………………………………

Meanwhile…

At the Archery Club.

Ji Qingyi sat in the club office, sipping tea while gazing at a framed photo on her desk.

Knock, knock—

A sound at the door, accompanied by the glow of her phone screen lighting up.

"Come in," she said calmly after taking a leisurely sip of tea.

"Young Mistress, Su Cheng is currently giving a speech in support of someone at the assembly hall. The subject is second-year student Hoshino Mirai," a steward reported respectfully as he entered.

"Oh?"

Ji Qingyi set down her cup, narrowing her eyes slightly as if deep in thought. After a moment, she nodded in acknowledgment, and the steward bowed before withdrawing.

Picking up her phone, she saw that Ji Yuewu had indeed sent her a message—complete with high-definition, uncensored photos and even a video of Su Cheng mid-speech.

"Her intel network is still this sharp…"

This surprised Ji Qingyi. Despite not even being on campus, Ji Yuewu had managed to gather such detailed information, down to capturing Su Cheng’s every gesture during the speech.

It left Ji Qingyi both impressed and longing for her return. With Ji Yuewu around, things always unfolded exactly as she hoped.

As she examined the photos and video, Ji Qingyi unconsciously hit play. Watching Su Cheng’s confident and graceful demeanor, a faint, satisfied smile tugged at her lips.

…………………………

"Next, we invite Hoshino Mirai to deliver her campaign speech."

As Su Cheng stepped down from the podium, having won overwhelming applause, the host returned to announce Hoshino Mirai’s turn.

Hearing her name, Hoshino Mirai, seated among the candidates, froze for a moment before lowering her head and slowly making her way to the lectern.

But when she finally looked up, she was stunned. In the past, whenever she gave speeches, the audience would either whisper among themselves, wait impatiently, or scoff in disdain.

Now, however, countless eyes were fixed on her—burning with an intensity she’d never seen before.

Eager anticipation was the only phrase that fit.

A mix of discomfort, nervousness, and shyness surged in her chest.

She clenched her fists, anxiety creeping in.

Public speaking had never been her forte.

So, instinctively, she sought out the person responsible for this shift in atmosphere.

Su Cheng was just heading for the exit when she caught sight of his retreating figure. Her pupils constricted—the silhouette was eerily familiar…

So much so that it overlapped in her mind with the waddling gait of a penguin. Her heart skipped a beat as an image flashed before her: a penguin toddling clumsily along.

The bizarre thought left her dazed until his figure vanished entirely. Only then did she snap back to reality, but oddly, she felt a sudden lightness in her chest.

Turning back to the audience, her earlier tension melted away. She faced the microphone, steadying her voice as she began.

"Respected teachers and fellow students, good day. I am Hoshino Mirai, and it is my great honor to stand here today as a candidate for Vice President of the Disciplinary Committee.

First, let us ground ourselves in reality. As students of Flame City Private Academy, maintaining campus order is a shared responsibility. The Disciplinary Committee plays a vital role in upholding school regulations and ensuring a conducive environment for learning. I am acutely aware of the weight this position carries.

Second, drawing from personal experience—throughout my academic life, I have always held school discipline in high regard and adhered strictly to its rules. I believe many of you share this mindset. Yet we must also acknowledge that some among us still require guidance. As a Disciplinary Committee Member, I will dedicate myself to helping them recognize their missteps, correct their behavior, and uphold civility and order."

…………

Her speech—fluent, structured, and delivered without pause—gradually swayed even those who had once held biases against her. By the end, applause broke out among the voters.

As time wound down, the election speeches concluded.

Hoshino Mirai lost by a mere ten votes.

Second place.

Though she hadn’t won, this was no defeat.

Because—

"Mirai, you were amazing today!"

"What a shame—it was so close!"

"I’m sorry for misjudging you before. I shouldn’t have treated you that way."

"I never realized how much you cared about the school. I was ignorant. From now on, I’ll pay more attention and support you—I promise!"

"Mirai…"

Friends and classmates who had once kept their distance now crowded around, voicing their newfound admiration. Hoshino Mirai smiled warmly, thanking each one.

At last, they understood. At last, they stood with her.

This long-lost warmth and acceptance—

It felt wonderful.

Just then, a figure appeared behind her and yanked her aside.

Startled, she turned to see her brother, Hoshino Yikui, pointing excitedly at the results board where her name sat in second place. "Look! You were incredible—only ten votes short!"

Not far away, on the rooftop of a club building, Su Cheng watched the lively crowd with a faint smile.

"Figured out how you’ll explain this yet?"

Li Guanqi’s voice drifted into his ears, light as a breeze.

"Possession by a ghost, obviously."