I, Aki Tomoya, will not be a simp.

How much time will it take to review all seven subjects for the national exams, and how much time will be left to review the exam scope for science subjects at Tokyo University...?

Guided by Sayuri Sawamura, Eriri's mind was filled with many such questions.

Eriri was already exhaling white breath, as if frozen in time, and her whole body seemed to be ascending to heaven.

"Watch your step, Eriri!"

Sayuri Sawamura sighed, rubbing her forehead.

"...Please teach me, Master!"

Master, mentor?!

Sawamura Sayuri chuckled, speechless. "Am I really your mother?!"

However, as a mother, she is also her children's first teacher, so there's nothing wrong with that statement.

=

Chapter 32 Please take care.

The preliminary exam at Qingfeng Academy in early May was, to be more specific, a two-day exam held at the academy during the Golden Week holiday.

Aki Tomoya's placement test was slightly more complicated than those of other students in the academy who were preparing for private universities, because the goal was to prepare for national universities, so he had to make a summary of seven subjects.

If we were to summarize Aki Tomoya's efforts in April, we would describe it as neither bad nor good.

"The diagnostic tests for Math A and Math B, Science ① and Science ② were all reviewed by An Yi last month. These can be moved to the next stage. The study plan for May can be slightly modified. We need to strengthen the humanities, because I found that An Yi still has a lot of problems in classical Chinese. We can't waste too much time on this and let it hold you back."

At 10 a.m. on May 5th, before starting the review phase, Mr. Tsubota called Aki Tomoya over to discuss the previous diagnostic test.

"Regarding Japanese history, we have made considerable progress in the Nara and Heian periods, which we reviewed before, but there are still problems. Whether it is reading classical or modern texts, the historical context is a very good reference. Last time I recommended your book, 'Komachi Collection,' by Ono no Komachi, a female poet from the early Heian period."

Japanese literature has always been a weak point for Aki Tomoya, which Mr. Tsubota can understand, since he knows that Aki Tomoya's grades were average before his second year of high school.

However, what surprised Mr. Tsubota was that Aki Tomoya had a good foundation in mathematics and science. Mr. Tsubota felt that Aki Tomoya was not only learning, but also searching for things he had forgotten in the past. This was an interesting aspect that Mr. Tsubota felt during his interactions with Aki Tomoya.

"In fact, reading more classical Chinese texts can also help us understand the historical context of that time. There is a connection between reading classical Chinese texts and history."

Mr. Tsubota didn't mention much about math, science, or English. For Aki Tomoya, those subjects simply required more practice and exposure to a wider variety of question types.

Strengths can be further improved, but weaknesses cannot be ignored. Mr. Tsubota felt it was necessary to constantly remind Aki Tomoya that his goal was a national university, not a private university!

"Finally, geography and social studies—that's a real leap forward! Compared to when you first arrived, you've made tremendous progress!"

Mr. Tsubota adjusted his glasses, and as he finished speaking, the serious look on his face disappeared, replaced by eyes full of satisfaction.

After all, these are his students. Seeing students grow is a very gratifying thing for a teacher.

Supervision and encouragement are essential for a student preparing for exams.

Compared to other students who were "abandoned" and not favored, Mr. Tsubota did not want to give Aki Tomoya too much confidence.

Sufficient self-confidence is necessary, but excessive self-confidence can create unnecessary pressure.

There are also people who usually do well in exams, shine brightly in national exams, but then fail the school exams.

With a calm mindset, Mr. Tsubota hopes to be able to regulate the emotions in Aki Tomoya's heart.

"Thank you, Mr. Tsubota."

Aki Tomoya smiled slightly and sincerely thanked Mr. Tsubota for his advice.

He licked his lips, keeping in mind what the other person had just said.

Japanese literature, Japanese history...

If Professor Tsubota were a little more ruthless, he could have also talked about his short paper.

As for writing, he writes every day, but whether he has made progress or should take a break is something that Aki Tomoya himself is a little confused about.

Because when you can't see any progress, you always feel like you've reached your limit.

Since Mr. Tsubota mentioned that he had hit a bottleneck in his writing, Aki Tomoya has been quite concerned about it.

Having such a wonderful teacher, how can I possibly hold myself back? Isn't that incredibly heartless?

"Oh right, the short essay, the short essay!"

Suddenly, Mr. Tsubota shouted out, a little louder than usual.

"I have to apologize to An Yi for this. You've been using classical Japanese terms to elaborate on things lately, haven't you? Using unfamiliar terms for elaboration has definitely been a bit of a drag!"

Mr. Tsubota slapped his thigh as he spoke, looking somewhat annoyed.

He pulled out Aki Tomoya's latest article, pointed to a paragraph and said: "There is no need to force yourself to extend things you are not familiar with. Use your strengths, learn from others' strengths and make up for your weaknesses, use ancient Chinese texts to explain concepts, and put yourself in others' shoes. This is also a way to show your vision!"

Mr. Tsubota realized something crucial: anyone can misunderstand, especially when his students trust him. Therefore, his words would have a significant impact on Aki Tomoya.

"I didn't explain it clearly last time either. Actually, when I mentioned classical Chinese, I hoped that when Aki-kun used classical Chinese to refer to it, he would understand the historical context of that time, which would be helpful for his understanding of Japanese history. Last time, I didn't explain it clearly because I was only focused on the beginning and not the end. It was indeed my dereliction of duty. I'm sorry!"

Mr. Tsubota chuckled and pointed out the reason why Aki Tomoya was having trouble with his writing.

Upon hearing what he said, Aki Tomoya suddenly understood, and then bowed and said, "No, no, no, that's not true. I'm being too hard on myself!"

"No, no, no, it was my fault!"

Regardless of who is in the wrong, such polite formalities are simply a waste of time.

To be honest, Aki Tomoya also dislikes the superficial politeness of the Japanese, but now he feels that the politeness between him and Mr. Tsubota is not hypocritical, but rather a kind of mutual trust.

"Stop for a second, or this will never end. In short, history and classical Chinese reading can be connected, but when it comes to writing, An Yi, you can use your own methods when expressing your views. Don't be too influenced by external factors. What you need is not imitation, but improvement! If your writing becomes a poor imitation, I really don't know how to apologize!"

Mr. Tsubota, as the teacher, interrupted the formalities first, and then spoke with utmost seriousness.

"Moreover, writing is something that requires accumulation over time. Compared to others, An Yi doesn't need to rush. With the remaining time, read and write more, and An Yi will definitely be able to write excellent articles!"

Finally, Mr. Tsubota adopted a slightly more relaxed tone.

The above is a summary of the preliminary test conducted during the Golden Week holiday in early May.

In his final self-evaluation in April, Mr. Tsubota served as a stark reminder to himself—

Time waits for no one, please take care!

Not only were the students at the academy battling against time, but he couldn't stop either. While providing them with help, his own studies continued.

It is very dangerous for a teacher not to be aware of their own shortcomings; in short, it harms both themselves and others!

Chapter 33 I have my two-dimensional waifu, that's enough!

The Golden Week holiday ended on May 8th.

After a period of respite, or even several consecutive days of rest, many people are unable to immediately adjust to the state of mind that came with the Golden Week holiday, and this is especially true among students.

"Haaa~!"

During the break, a long, lazy yawn came from behind Aki Tomoya on his right.

To the right and behind, Yoshihiko Uego was slumped over his desk, a look of weariness slowly creeping into his eyes, as if he had been completely drained.

However, Aki Tomoya could imagine how excited he must have been during the Golden Week holiday, as if he had been injected with adrenaline.

This kind of thing happens often; it's quite common.

It's normal to have a blast during holidays, even partying on the last day, and then feel listless when it's time to go to work or school the next day. Everyone has experienced this to some extent.

"Rinya, are you a monster? How can you still be so energetic!"

Yoshihiko Uego looked enviously at Tomoya Aki ahead.

Compared to playing, studying is definitely more mentally taxing. Just thinking about all that knowledge would kill a lot of Yoshihiko Kamigo's brain cells.

After relaxing during Golden Week, Yoshihiko Uego returned to school feeling completely drained. He was curious about how Tomoya Aki managed to maintain his energy.

"You probably stayed up all night every day during the Golden Week holiday."

Aki Tomoya sighed.

For guys who stay at home on holiday nights, you know what I mean – they can play a game all night without getting bored.

Even on holidays, you need to be moderate. If you stay up all morning playing games and ruin your liver, and then you still look energetic when you return to a normal routine, you're definitely a monster!

"Don't talk about me, you must have slept a lot during Golden Week too. You, once you decide to do something, you bury yourself in it and work hard. I really envy you, unlike me..."

Yoshihiko Uego seemed to perk up a bit and started making jokes.

Although his ambition wasn't to pursue higher education, he spent his Golden Week holidays partying and indeed stayed up late playing games every day.

Even so, it doesn't necessarily mean that those preparing for exams go to bed early.

"Me? I'm alright, I went to bed pretty early during the Golden Week holiday."

Aki Tomoya replied casually.

How early?

"We usually study until 1 or 2 a.m.

"For most people, it's already quite late!"

Yoshihiko Uego was instantly revived at full strength, but judging from what happened later, it was just a brief resurgence.

After making his rant, Yoshihiko Uego couldn't help but exclaim, "I really can't figure out how you can still be so energetic..."