Uneasy daily life

Mai Sakurajima smiled and firmly placed her foot on the white shadow's foot.

Sitting in front of Chitanda Eru, Yukino Yukinoshita silently stuffed the paper and pen she had just taken out back into her schoolbag.

She does have a lot of thoughts and feelings, but writing them down is not enough. She should just go home and settle things with her unlucky boyfriend one by one!

Yukino Yukinoshita leaned against the car window, lost in thought, occasionally glancing up at the white figure in the other seat—people always have to rebel, huh… Hmph, you said it, you jerk.

Angelina didn't notice the little incident. Instead, she was thinking about the scene at Izu University, and occasionally she thought about her failure to urge the author to update the story. Then she thought about going home soon, and a subtle feeling came to her mind—"Oh well, I guess I should just stop thinking about life."

Feng Bin and Hua were scrolling through their phones, following the world's events of the past seven days. A report? What does writing a report have to do with me, an active idol? I wrote reports every few days when I was in school, my foot!

Yui Yuigahama and Hachiman Hikigaya sat together, experiencing the subtle emotions brought about by their changing relationship. Yumiko Miura's mind was racing; Yui's successful confession was causing her heart to sway wildly. Hayato Hayama gazed out the window, feeling a strange and unusual sense of unease at having "aided and abetted" his classmate's transgression—it wasn't something he was used to at all…

The tram, carrying the unspoken thoughts of several carriages, sped along the tracks, stirring up a tempo of wind and youth.

Chapter Sixty-One: The Political Ecology of the General Staff

Zongwu High School, Principal's Office.

The principal, with a knife-like smile, inquired in detail about the process of organizing the student council's first large-scale event and confirmed the event's results with the current student council president.

Generally speaking, if your boss starts to care about your work, it's most likely because they're looking for something to criticize.

Bai Ying quickly calculated with her fingers and had a clear idea of ​​what was going on.

How much of the budget is left?

"Just finished spending the money."

"What?" The principal frowned. "The budget for this event was quite large, how come it's all spent?"

"Can there be any leftover budget? Doesn't the principal know that the more budget you have, the more you have left over, and the more you have left over, the less budget you have?" Bai Ying said seriously. "So the budget is really spent, and there are records to prove it."

The principal changed his perspective: "Saving costs is a skill and a merit."

"Can merit be bought with money?" Bai Ying shook her head. "Isn't that a bit of a flawed formula?"

"Haha, just kidding, just kidding."

The principal changed the subject: "Speaking of which, the purpose of this special study trip is to go to a place with beautiful natural scenery to improve learning outcomes, right?"

“Of course.” Bai Ying’s eyebrows danced with excitement. “To let the seniors understand the do-or-die mentality and to instill in them the spirit of studying to the point of exhaustion, I used the radio to vigorously promote the importance of learning. This was intended to increase their anxiety about their grades and urge them to study with a more serious attitude…”

The principal's brow twitched, and he interrupted, "I heard you only have one or two hours of classes a day?"

"How is that possible?" Bai Ying immediately denied. "Everyone has twenty-four hours in a day, which means there are twenty-four hours to study! Of course, it's not just one or two hours a day!"

"I'm talking about class time." The principal revealed his hand directly and started picking a fight. "Student council president, it seems you haven't been putting any effort into urging them to study. Not only have you let them do whatever they want, but you've also been talking a lot of nonsense, affecting their focus—this is a crucial period for seniors..."

Bai Ying calmly replied, "Don't worry, Principal! I believe the senior students will definitely study diligently and conscientiously every day! The allotted study time is very short, so there are plenty of opportunities for them to study on their own!"

The principal laughed in exasperation: "Most students will study on their own?"

Bai Ying grinned: "Studying longer will improve your grades?"

The two stared at each other, exchanging glances several times.

Seeing that he couldn't intimidate the other party or gain the upper hand in the conversation, the principal composed himself: "The student council's event went smoothly this time, which is good, but please pay more attention to your words and actions in the future..."

“Principal, let’s skip the formalities. Everyone knows what’s going on. Zongwu High School is a college entrance exam preparation school. If we want all students to make a breakthrough in their grades, we’d have to do something that would draw criticism and complaints from society. Otherwise, it’s very difficult to change the overall level, not to mention the manpower and resources required, which are much more expensive than organizing a seven-day event.” Bai Ying leaned back in her chair. “In short, we don’t need the principal to comment on the student council’s activities. We know what we’re doing.”

The principal, head held high and chest puffed out, glared angrily and shouted, "I'm the principal! Why can't I give feedback?!"

The figure in white sat up straight and sneered, "You're the principal, I'm the student council president!"

headmaster:"?"

"Shouldn't you have listened to me?"

“Principal, the student council president is elected by all students. As a bridge between the school and the students, he has his own way of working, so of course he shouldn’t listen to you.” Bai Ying softened her tone and added, “Of course, you have the right to make suggestions, but whether to accept them requires democratic discussion.”

"#!" The principal's brow twitched. "You think you can control me?"

"As we all know, if you don't manage power, you will be managed by power."

"Reverse Tian Gang!"

"You can't say that. Take our previous collaboration as an example—you made the request, I brainstormed, and together we produced 'The Legend of the Martial Arts School' as a promotional video, which achieved considerable popularity on various platforms and programs, playing a vital role in the next academic year's enrollment efforts. Aren't we partners working together to get things done?" Bai Ying said with heartache. "And now? You're actually trying to betray us and act like a dictator! Principal, you've been corrupted by power!"

The principal, his face dark, said, "Your self-introduction was quite good, very apt! Don't forget who supported your rise to power at the crucial moment!"

Bai Ying frowned: "Of course, it's because all the students in the school recognized my abilities and contributions, and through democratic elections, I was elected as the student council president."

The two stared at each other, and began arguing again about the scope of their authority and the content of their actions.

After a less-than-friendly and frank exchange, with neither side showing much respect for the other's opinions, the situation failed to make any further progress.

Inside the brightly lit office, a dark and intense power struggle lingered.

After watching the white figure leave, the principal's expression was uncertain. What a treacherous and rebellious minister! This important minister, whom he had once helped rise to power, was now behaving like a powerful minister who did not bow when entering the court, did not use his name when being praised, and wore a sword and shoes in the palace. The next step would probably be to add the Nine Bestowments, first to the title of Duke, and then to the title of King!

Eliminate traitors and rebels?

Why didn't the Japanese emperors eliminate one shogunate after another throughout history? Was it because they didn't want to? Of course, it was because they couldn't!

The principal moved the mouse to turn on the computer and opened a minimized browser window.

While the student council was leading a group of students on a seven-day, seven-night trip to a deserted island, Jiuchongyun had already finished editing "The Legend of the Martial Arts" and broadcast it on a TV program. The school also obtained the video at the same time and promoted it on various platforms.

Zongwu High School is a prestigious high school for college entrance exams with a long history of excellence. To further improve its average grades, simply hiring more good teachers and giving students extra tutoring is no longer an option. Students who choose to attend Zongwu High School are aiming for university, and attending private tutoring outside of school is almost a standard practice. To significantly raise the average level, one would have to take the unorthodox path, as Bai Ying suggested.

Therefore, we changed our approach, increased our promotion, and attracted a better pool of students.

Putting everything else aside, if there were a graduate of Yukino Yukinoshita's caliber every year, the school's reputation would naturally rise year by year. To have students of that caliber, you have to cast a wide net and catch as many fish as possible, creating a positive cycle where better students lead to better grades, a better school leads to better students.

To keep up with the times, we must change our mindset.

The principal was very satisfied with the popularity and impact of "The Legend of the Condor Heroes"—it was open, lively, and interesting, making it very attractive to junior high school graduates. As a foundation and achievement for key high schools, it also dispelled parents' concerns...

It will definitely fool, cough cough, and attract more students to apply to Zongwu High School.

This year, Mai Sakurajima graduated; next year, Yukino Yukinoshita and Shirokage will be there; and with powerful and up-to-date promotional methods, the future looks bright—it should be several happy things, so why has it turned out like this?

The student council president is arrogant and dares to boss the principal around!

The principal pondered deeply. As an adult with decades of life experience, he couldn't treat the student council president like a child. A deadly struggle was out of the question; it would only result in mutual destruction. The student council president had already become a role model for the school, possessed excellent academic performance (aiming for second place or even first), and also had a job outside of school. A complete falling out with him wouldn't align with the school's expectations…

In other words: He is highly respected, has made outstanding contributions, has established his own government, has been granted a fiefdom, is a spiritual leader, and is the de facto second-in-command.

So the question is, how does the top leader manage the second-in-command?

The principal slowly revealed a cruel sneer, "Let me show you what adults do!"

……

Two cups of black tea and a plate of snacks were placed on the desk.

"Yukinoshita-san, how's the student council work going lately?"

The principal asked in a kind and approachable manner.

Yukino Yukinoshita was completely baffled by the principal's sudden concern, but... unusual things are always related to Haku-kun.

Yukino Yukinoshita said cautiously, "The student council's work is going smoothly."

"I'm glad everything went smoothly," the principal said with a smile. "No need to be so formal. Your father and I have been friends for many years."

Yukinoshita Yukino: "Oh."

Why is this kid so hard?

The principal coughed and took a sip of tea as an example: "Yukinoshita, what are your thoughts on the student council's event this time?"

Sure enough, Bai Jun has done something again.

Yukino Yukinoshita pondered for a moment before summarizing, “I think this event was quite successful and meaningful, providing everyone with seven extraordinary days of experience. In a novel environment away from school, home, and teachers, you experienced all sorts of things… Although the process was a bit chaotic and we didn’t have everyone summarize their thoughts as usual, you should have already experienced what we didn’t write down.”

The principal smiled and said, "Hmm, do you think there's anything else that needs improvement?"

“Improve?” Yukino Yukinoshita pondered. “I feel that Haku-kun lacks guidance and planning for the activities. He always comes up with his own ideas and doesn’t explain the significance of the activities to everyone in advance. Although he teaches everyone the meaning of ‘rebellion’ through his actions, his inconsistent behavior and lies damage the prestige of the student council. If no one believes what the student council president says, it will greatly affect the efficiency of the student council’s work.”

After Yukino Yukinoshita finished speaking, she emphasized, "However, I still think this event was very successful, and Haku-kun was not just acting recklessly."

“Yes, yes, that makes a lot of sense.” The principal nodded repeatedly. “But we can’t let him keep running wild. We need some proper and standardized arrangements. Yukinoshita, you participated in the student council election before, so you must have some ideas about what it would be like to be the student council president, right?”

Yukino Yukinoshita blinked and hesitated, then said, "I had thought about preparing a Christmas ball..."

The principal's smile remained unchanged, but a series of questions swirled in his mind—why couldn't it be made more educational?!

Never mind, that's not important.

"Very good, the desire to improve is a good idea."

The principal pretended to think for a moment and slowly said, "A dance party... Hmm, a very good idea. It can showcase the spirit of our students. But an idea is one thing, but how to execute it is another. You will be in charge of organizing this."

"no problem."

Yukino's eyes lit up, her spirits lifted, and she couldn't help but thank the principal for his tolerance and generosity.

I initially thought the principal was going to criticize Bai Jun, and I even started thinking about how to debate with the principal...

……

"You silly snow!"

Bai Ying's loud criticism immediately silenced the student council room.

"#!" Yukino Yukinoshita said irritably, "First of all, you're not allowed to give me weird nicknames, and then you have to explain things to me clearly."

Bai Ying's face was serious, and he said with a deep, cold laugh, "How does the top leader deal with the second-in-command? Of course, by winning over the third-in-command."

"If the principal wants to deal with the student council president, he has to win over the vice president and promise him some benefits—or he doesn't even need to promise benefits, he just needs to imply to the vice president that he can usurp the president's power, and the vice president will fight for the principal and keep attacking the president."

"Throughout history, there has always been an irreconcilable structural contradiction between power and the person above it; this is an open conspiracy."

Angelina gasped, terrified by the dark political struggles.

Bai Ying suddenly chuckled, "What a pity, what a pity. I laugh at that principal's narrow-mindedness, lack of wisdom and strategy. As the saying goes, two tigers cannot share one mountain, unless one is male and the other female! Xue Nai may seem to be my second-in-command, but in reality, she is my equal in command. We share the same stance and interests. My mere attempts to sow discord will be futile..."

"Shiraki-kun, don't interfere with the planning and arrangements for the Christmas ball." Yukino Yukinoshita said with a tense expression.

Bai Ying was stunned, then exclaimed in anguish, "You thin-browed, big-eyed fellow, you actually want to be a traitor?!"

"You and the principal are both quite inexplicable," Yukino Yukinoshita said calmly. "I can't be bothered to join your boring power games. If we're going to organize a Christmas ball, there's a lot more to do..."

“Brave one, you have already participated.” The white figure pointed and gestured. “Proposing the organization of the event, directing others to prepare for the event, and issuing announcements about the event—these are the sacred and inviolable powers of the student council president, which the vice president cannot overstep!”

Yukino Yukinoshita didn't care: "What you're saying is that we share the same stance and interests. Your mere attempts to sow discord are futile. You were calling me Yukino just now, and now you're calling me Vice President?"

Bai Ying: "You violated me!"

A tearful accusation, like an electromagnetic storm, swept through, instantly burning out countless minds.

"#!" Yukino Yukinoshita took a breath, her blood pressure rising rapidly. She gave a rare cold laugh. "Thanks to the conflict between Shiro and the principal, the principal is willing to support me in doing some things. Issues such as the school's budget can be given the green light and all the way through. I only need to think about how to do it."

"Student council president, thank you for your strong support."

"Well, so even you've become a traitor with a rebellious heart!"

The white figure clutched her chest and collapsed, pushing the documents on the table in one swift motion in front of Yukino Yukinoshita next to her, then remained motionless.

Yukino Yukinoshita gave this dramatic guy a sidelong glance, feeling a little annoyed... She had just said that Haku-kun and the principal were playing a boring little power game, and she had inadvertently gotten involved herself.

No, I was dragged into this for no reason.

Yukino Yukinoshita picked up a piece of grid paper to distract herself. After glancing at it for a couple of seconds, her expression suddenly turned strange: "...These are the activity reflections that those classmates wrote after being tricked by Shiro-kun?"

“Yes,” Chitanda Eru said hesitantly, “those classmates didn’t know where to hand in their activity reflections, so they all sent them to me… Uncle Bai, although you said we shouldn’t write them, I think since everyone has written them, we should still carefully review and correct them!”

"Oh dear! I was so busy chatting with you that I almost forgot about all these great materials!"

Bai Ying sat up abruptly, excitedly retrieved the grid papers, and pulled out her phone with a serious expression: "Don't worry, my niece Aru! I respect their spirit of learning and summarizing, and I will carefully review every activity reflection and provide professional feedback to each person!"

Chitanda Eru looked relieved upon hearing this.

Everyone felt that she had put her mind at ease too soon.

Yukino Yukinoshita glanced to the side and saw the comments and corrections written in red pen by the white figure.

This activity broadened my horizons and invigorated my spirit. Amidst the beauty of nature, I experienced the joy of labor...

[Comment: The emotions are fake, contrived, and lack any real ability to express oneself; the content is so soporific.]

Youth is like a song, filling us with joy; youth is like a fire, illuminating our lofty aspirations; youth is like a river, carrying us on our journeys...

[Note: I found this passage online.]