The strongest high school student in Japan

"Tolerance rate?" Sagihara Shion didn't quite understand the meaning of this word.

"Yes, although it's a pity to say this, some people in the world are destined to have more choices than others - for example, Jun has too many paths to choose from, and it doesn't matter if he chooses the wrong one. He can afford the cost of making the wrong choice and can withdraw at any time. After all, his parents can give him a lot of things so that he doesn't have to be afraid of failure." Mogami Sayuki said calmly, "But you are different. You can't afford the cost of making the wrong choice, and even one or two blows are unbearable for you. In other words, Jun and you are playing a game with different stakes on both sides -"

"I understand... How could I not understand?" Sagihara Shion replied with a wry smile. "We are indeed in different worlds."

"Please believe me, I don't mean to look down on you, nor am I blaming you as a mother. I'm just analyzing things with you calmly—" Mogami Sayuki gave her a slightly sympathetic look, "I wonder if you like reading foreign novels? When I was your age, I often spent time in the library reading them."

"I like reading—" Sagihara Shion nodded. "I've read a lot of novels."

In fact, she and Chun met in the library.

"I admire you more and more. There are really few female students who do this now." Mogami Sayuki smiled and then asked, "In this case, you should be familiar with Tolstoy, right? Have you read his book "Resurrection"? "

"I've seen it." Sagihara Shion nodded, and then her face suddenly turned pale.

Tolstoy is a master of Western literature, so she has naturally read every novel he wrote, and she remembers the plot of this book clearly.

To put it briefly, Nekhlyudov, the eldest son of an aristocratic family, seduced his aunt's adopted daughter and maid Maslova in his early years, made her pregnant and kicked her out of the house. Later, she was forced to fall into prostitution due to life pressures, and was tried in court for being accused of murder for money. The tragic hero who caused her downfall appeared in court as a juror to judge her "crimes".

Later, the hero found his conscience, confessed his sins, and voluntarily gave up his noble status and property for her, and accompanied her in exile to Siberia. The heroine was deeply moved and fell in love with him again, but in order not to damage his reputation and status, she did not marry him in the end but married another man.

Because the plot was quite tortuous and the writer's writing was indeed powerful, she was quite impressed. However, when it was brought up again at this moment, it seemed to pluck the strings in her heart and made her restless.

"That heroine, who obviously did not commit any mistakes, lost everything she had just because of the young master's wanton debauchery and fell into the most terrible abyss of society. The world is so unfair." Mogami Sayuki looked at Sagihara Shion and said quietly, "In my opinion, this is a direct manifestation of the 'tolerance rate'. The young master did such an excessive thing and no one could hold him accountable, while the girl could only bear all the bitter consequences. This is the evil consequence brought about by the difference in status - if she was really a duke's daughter, she would never be so miserable. Do you agree with my conclusion?"

"I agree." Sagihara Shion nodded.

It is indeed such an unmistakable fact.

"Technology is changing with each passing day, but society has always been the same. So the situation is similar here." Mogami Sayuki smiled bitterly. "Jun likes you now, but will he like you in the future? If he doesn't like you, it's just a matter of walking away. No one will blame him, and he won't suffer any losses. But what about you? Can you withstand such a blow? How much can you change? Your family can't help you at all. Instead, it will only cause you trouble."

Sagihara Shion breathed rapidly, but she didn't say anything because she knew that Mogami Sayuki was telling the truth.

This is also what she is most worried about. She did not agree to Chun's confession because she was afraid that Chun was just acting on impulse.

"Please don't think too much. I don't discriminate against you. I just mean that in this family environment, you can't control him at all. You can only pray silently that he won't change his mind. But even gods can't guess the mind of a young man." In order not to irritate Sagihara Shion, Mogami Sayuki lowered her voice, "Chun may have told you that I often quarreled with his father, and the couple was on the verge of a breakup. Although this is not something to boast about, it also proves that I can withdraw from him at any time. I have the confidence, I don't have to be afraid of losing anything, because I can have what I want myself - I hope you can do the same, no, I think you must do the same."

"What do you mean?" Sagihara Shion seemed to understand something.

"You should remember what I told you last time, right? I said I would not allow my son to stay with someone who has no ambition and no knowledge. That would actually be a tragedy for everyone, and the biggest tragedy for you, because he has a tolerance rate for mistakes and you don't." Mogami Sayuki nodded, "Instead of worrying about gains and losses, it's better to increase your chips so that you don't have to be afraid of failure."

Sagihara Shion understood.

"You're probably going to college next year, right? Now is definitely not the time to be distracted. Besides, even if you go to college it's not the end. You should find a place for yourself in society." Mogami Sayuki replied, "Since you and we are so destined, I will try my best to help you in this regard. Of course, the premise is that you must prove yourself that you are indeed suitable..."

"If necessary, I will fight to the death." replied Sagihara Shion.

"We'll talk about it later. Everyone can talk about it, but it's different to do it." Mogami Sayuki was unmoved, "Then please prove it to me--"

"Ok!"

"Children nowadays are such a worry for their parents." Mogami Sayuki wiped her forehead and complained. "Okay, I have nothing more to say."

"Jun Jun has a very good mother." Sagihara Shion said seriously, "I'm not trying to please you, I just think so in my heart."

"No, I'm a failed mother. I don't get along well with everyone in my family. Don't learn from me." Mogami Sayuki smiled bitterly. "But you must remember that only when you love yourself can others love you. Don't get the order wrong."

164, the road ahead

Jun Mogami stayed in the bathroom, waiting for his mother and Sagihara-senpai to finish their conversation.

Because his mother had just taken a shower, the temperature inside was a little high and filled with steam, causing him to sweat a lot.

He was also in a very nervous mood, not knowing how this farce that he had unintentionally created would end tonight.

He himself didn't care. He was already old enough and was not afraid of quarreling with his mother. However, he would feel too guilty if his mother scolded Senior Sagihara and made her sad.

But now that the senior asked to face it alone, he could only wait quietly for the result.

"Chun, come out!"

After an unknown amount of time, he finally heard his mother calling him.

Is it finally over... With a little relief, he walked out of the bathroom and returned to the room he had just been in, while his mother and Sagihara Shion were still sitting on the sofa.

As soon as he came back, he first paid attention to the expressions on the two people's faces. He found that although both of them looked quite serious, there was no sign of anger or quarrel. It seemed that the worst situation did not happen.

"Mom." He walked to his mother's side and called her. "Are you okay?"

"Of course it's okay. You're the one who caused me trouble. Even if I want to get angry, I should take it out on you. Why would I take it out on Miss Sagihara?" Mogami Sayuki glanced at him, "I just gave her some advice--"

"Suggestions? What suggestions?" Mogami Jun was confused.

"Some very inspiring suggestions for me." At this time, Sagihara Shion spoke, "I am very grateful to Auntie for being able to patiently give me such useful teachings under such circumstances..."

Huh? What's going on?

Why did it suddenly seem like they were on the same side? Then wouldn't all my previous worries be in vain...

But this is the best.

"Thank you for your generosity, Mom." Mogami Jun thanked his mother respectfully, "I will be more careful in the future and will not cause you any trouble—"

Although she said that, it was just a polite remark. If her mother told him not to get close to Senior Sagihara again, he would definitely not listen.

But unexpectedly, before Mogami Sayuki could speak, Sagihara Shion spoke first.

"Yes, Jun-kun, I have already apologized sincerely. I will be more self-disciplined in the future and will not embarrass everyone with my willfulness—"

"Huh?" Mogami Jun was greatly surprised. "What's wrong, senior?"

"I have always thought that I was taking you seriously, but now I realize that I was not. I am still too young, so I have many fantastic fantasies. These fantasies blinded me and I could not see the gap in reality... But whether I see it or not, the gap is always there, and I can't pretend that I didn't see it." Sagihara Shion looked at Mogami Jun seriously, as if she had just made up her mind. "Because I really want to be with you, I must make every effort to bridge the gap between us. Let's not be distracted by this kind of thing anymore. I will put all my energy into my studies and wait for you at Tokyo University."

"What's going on?" Mogami Jun was still completely confused. "It doesn't matter whether it's Tokyo University or not. It won't affect our relationship at all, right? It's not a necessity..."

"Yes, you said before that it doesn't matter whether your friends can go to Tokyo University or not. I believe that if that's the case, you really don't care, but for me it means something completely different. It means that I don't even have the chance to catch up with you. I can only stand at your shoulders and look up at you forever-" Sagihara Shion smiled bitterly, "Although you say that you won't discriminate against students who are not from Tokyo University, you still look down on them in your heart, right? Jun-kun is such a person. I realized it when we first met."

"If it were someone else, maybe I would, but even if you can't get into the University of Tokyo, I will never abandon you because of this." Mogami Jun answered seriously, "I am absolutely confident of this."

"No, even if you can accept it, I can't accept this... I can't accept that I can only survive by relying on the pity of others." Sagihara Shion shook her head, "So, this is not for you but for myself... I want to make myself a person who can rely on myself alone and stand in front of anyone with dignity. Only until that day will I be qualified to say with a smile, 'Junjun, please rely on me at least once', and then hold your hand and walk into any place of your dreams together."

Then, she suddenly smiled bitterly again, "It's funny, isn't it? I'm still dreaming at this age... But even so, I hope to be able to continue dreaming. What I want is too precious, so I need to pay a higher price, and I am willing to pay this price."

Mogami Jun was stunned.

"What exactly is the so-called dream?" he asked in a low voice after a long silence.

Sagihara Shion bit her lip, seeming embarrassed to say it in front of Mogami Sayuki.

"I'm going back now, we'll talk later."

"Go back? Where to?" Mogami Jun suddenly became anxious.

"Of course I'm going back to my place, at school," replied Sagihara Shion.

"It's already late! Isn't this outrageous?" Mogami Jun frowned, totally unable to understand her senior.

"It's very late now, but if I beg for mercy, the guard should open the door. After all, I'm a girl, so I should be easier to talk to." Sagihara Shion replied with a smile, "Besides, this place is not far from the school. It's just a few steps away, so it won't take much time."

Mogami Jun originally wanted to persuade the other party, but when he saw the look in the senior's eyes, he knew that it was pointless to persuade her anymore.

"Senior...then at least let me walk you there. It's too dangerous to walk alone at a night like this. If you don't even want to do this, then I'm sorry, I will leave you here even if I have to delay." In the end, he had no choice but to give in.

"Okay, thank you." Sagihara Shion thanked Mogami Jun.

"Chun, come back quickly after you send her off, and don't waste other people's time." Mogami Sayuki, who had been silent the whole time, suddenly spoke up, "Not everyone can make such an important decision easily, you should encourage her."

So, the two of them walked out of the room and apartment again and slowly walked towards the school.

Why did things turn out like this? He had no idea, and his mind was a little confused.

He was sure that something must have happened during the conversation between his mother and her just now, which caused the senior sister to suddenly become like this.

However, there didn't seem to be any unpleasantness between them. On the contrary, the senior sister's eyes were bright, as if she had solved some obstacle in her heart. That was the look that one has when he is no longer confused.

"Senior, can you tell me now? What exactly is the so-called dream?" On the way, Mogami Jun asked cautiously.

"Well, since there are only two of us here, I'll tell you. Please keep these words in your heart after listening." Sagihara Shion nodded. "I plan to enter the Faculty of Law at the University of Tokyo, and then take the national civil service exam. Everything I have to prepare for from now on will revolve around this."

"Huh?" Mogami Jun was shocked. "Why... do you suddenly think like this?!"

"Do you think it's too vulgar? It's not a romantic dream at all." Sagihara Shion smiled bitterly, "But, if you think about it carefully, this is the only way for me to quickly improve my social status. For someone like me who has no capital and no family background, the only one who can open the door to me unconditionally is probably the government. As long as I can meet its requirements, it will allow me to enter, and then enter the society you are about to enter. Isn't that great?"

Jun Mogami lowered his head and thought about it.

"Actually, this isn't a bad dream. After all, there's nothing shameful about wanting to stand out, let alone being vulgar. After all, that's how my grandfather and father came from..." Then, he spoke, "But, senior sister, if you're not doing this for yourself but for me, then I advise you not to do this."

"Why?" asked Sagihara Shion.

"Isn't it obvious? It's a place where men are superior to women. No matter how talented women are, they will only be assigned to help out. There have been no female vice-ministers in history, and even senior officials are very rare... You will only be suppressed and excluded there, and it will not be your turn to shine." Mogami Jun sighed, and then replied rather sadly, "Japan in the 21st century will be no different from the past."

"I know that even if my dream comes true, I won't be able to climb very high, but don't you think that compared to my current situation, my social class has been greatly improved? At least it's enough for your father to take me seriously... and I can help you." Sagihara Shion smiled bitterly and replied, "Compared to companies and other places, the government can give me more than enough."

After a pause, she continued, "One thing is quite lucky. I am two grades higher than you, so I will enter university two years earlier than you, graduate two years earlier, and then enter the government office two years earlier... So whether it is in university or other places, I can explore the way for you in advance. If there is anything you don't understand, please ask me directly. No matter what, as long as I can do it, I will do it."

"I... I'm not someone special, senior sister. You really don't have to sacrifice yourself for me." Mogami Jun sighed. "There's no need to explore the way. If you want to talk about experience, my father and my grandfather have plenty. I can ask them myself."

"Haven't I already said it? I'm not just doing this for you, but for myself." Sagihara Shion replied with a smile, "When I was chatting with your mother just now, she also mentioned that your father had a capable subordinate who resigned last year and joined a law firm with a very high income. So no matter whether I can have any future in the government, at least I will have a place to go when I leave, right?"

[There really is such a person. Her name is Mayu Yamaguchi. She is from Sapporo, Hokkaido. She was born in 1983. After graduating from the Faculty of Law of the University of Tokyo, she entered the government. After working in the Ministry of Finance for a few years, she resigned in 2015 and joined a law firm. I found this by checking the list...]

Sagihara Shion closed her eyes slightly.

"So...what is there to worry about now? Now we just need to charge forward with all our strength, charge into the University of East China and charge into the government office."

"Did your mother just tell you these things?" Mogami Jun couldn't help but ask again.

"Part of it was inspired by her, and part of it was actually that I had been thinking about what I should do in the future." Sagihara Shion replied, "In fact, I didn't care at all at the beginning, because no one cared whether I was dead or alive, but now it's different, you exist in this world... So I have to work hard, so that I can drag you along."

Mogami Jun was no longer able to speak.

He had already agreed in his heart that what the senior said was actually right.

For a woman with no family background, the place in Japan that can open the door to them the most is probably the government office - although the government office is still patriarchal, it is still enough for them to gain entry.

If you think about it carefully, if the senior can really get to this point, even if there is no future between the two of them, she will be able to rely on herself and live uprightly.

Senior Sagihara is walking on the road to reality. Although every step will surely be difficult, if she really keeps going, it will be enough for her to gain a foothold in society.

And at that time, I will follow in her footsteps and the two of us will join forces?

It sounds pretty good, a future worth looking forward to.

"So, do we still meet in the library?" he asked finally.

"If possible, let's meet. It's good to relax once a week..." Sagihara Shion replied with a smile, "This is just my little willfulness. I hope you can satisfy Junjun. Is that okay?"

"Of course, I'd love to!" Mogami Jun immediately waved his hand and agreed without hesitation.

At this time, the two of them arrived at the school gate together.

Sure enough, the gate was closed and there was only one guard on duty.

Sagihara Shion called Teacher Chunchi, who lived with her, and asked her to say a lot of nice things, and finally persuaded the guard to open the door.

It's time to say goodbye.

Sagihara Shion looked back at Mogami Jun, then suddenly lowered her head shyly.

"After saying so many great things, I am still very nervous because I don't know if I can make it. But I will try my best because I want to hold my future...my future and yours, Chunjun, are you willing to give me the courage?"

"If courage could be transferred through blood injection, I could give you 700CC right now," replied Jun Mogami.

Then, he hugged the senior sister directly.

"Senior, you will definitely win. If a person is willing to live so seriously, I believe she will be able to find a way."

It was always at times like this that he admired his senior the most.

The light that shines from a strong soul is dazzling.

When she was hugged just now, Sagihara Shion was a little surprised, but she soon smiled and closed her eyes, enjoying the last moment of the night.

"I can't even bear to take 1cc."

165, Warm Embrace

At the school gate late at night, the young man saw off his senior, then returned to his rented house along the same path he came from.

When he came back, his mother, Mogami Sayuki, had not yet gone to bed. She was still sitting on the sofa, continuing to watch TV programs.

She was still wearing the same bathrobe, but because her hair was almost dry, she no longer wrapped it in a towel, but let it hang loosely on her shoulders.

Jun Mogami was in a bad mood, so he didn't talk to his mother and prepared to wash up and go to bed.