After the opening ceremony ended, everyone returned to their classrooms. Xia Chuan Yuan found his seat without effort. No need to memorize—every desk was carved with names. Besides, just be the last one to enter class, spot the empty seat, and there you go.

So Xia Chuan Yuan deliberately lagged behind, slipping into Class 1, Grade 11 last. Sure enough, once everyone else had filed in, one empty seat remained. No doubt about it—this had to be mine! He ambled over, glanced at the name carved on the desk’s edge, and sighed inwardly. *Just as expected.* He sat down.

Sitting in the back row felt natural. At 180 cm tall, Xia Chuan Yuan towered over most classmates—and even most students in the entire school. With girls making up the majority here, how could their heights possibly compete with boys’?

A young woman stood at the podium. Around twenty-four or twenty-five, she likely held a master’s or doctorate to teach at her age. A blend of youthful innocence and hard-won maturity clung to her—fresh out of graduation, newly transitioned from student to teacher. She seemed easygoing.

Having no prior memories, Xia Chuan Yuan didn’t recognize her as his homeroom teacher.

She wrote "Tsurumi Misuzu" on the blackboard in elegant characters. No surprise—a teacher’s handwriting revealed their foundation. Though her beauty probably added to the effect.

"We met yesterday, but not formally," she announced. "Let me introduce myself again. I’m Tsurumi Misuzu, twenty-six years old. I earned my doctorate from Todai University—my bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD were all completed there. I hope you’ll all work hard to join Todai and become my juniors!"

After her brief introduction, Xia Chuan Yuan studied her closely. Stunningly beautiful, genuinely eye-catching. Her figure curved in all the right places—comparable to Sakurano High’s principal, a mature beauty type. Though shorter than the principal, around 162 cm, she still stood tall for a woman.

A scholarly aura had begun settling over her. Her ear-length bob amplified a sharp, spirited charm that elevated her looks.

Her youth helped her bond quickly with students. After class, a cluster of girls surrounded Tsurumi, peppering her with questions about cosmetics, skincare, and how to become as beautiful as her.

The second period was homeroom, again led by their teacher.

"It’s a new semester. You’ve just been reshuffled into classes. You’ll spend the next two years together!" Tsurumi clapped her hands. "Time to elect new class officers! Any volunteers?"

The moment her words landed, the classroom erupted. Everyone clamored for positions like class monitor or study committee member.

Xia Chuan Yuan stayed calm. *I’m past those flashy days. Now I keep my head down—quiet actions, quiet life. That’s what a mature man does.*

Ignoring the chaos, he sat perfectly still. *Let the strong be strong; the breeze sweeps over mountain ridges. Let the reckless rage; the moon shines on the great river.* Unmoved by worldly noise, he closed his eyes to rest.

"Teacher! For labor committee member—I nominate Xia Chuan Yuan! I often see him picking up trash voluntarily. He says he wants to contribute to a harmonious society! He truly loves labor! He even sings ‘Labor Is Glorious’!"

*Damn it!* The moment Xia Chuan Yuan heard his name, his cool facade shattered. No more pretending—he’d been sold out.

He opened his eyes. Matsushima Ryo was making the suggestion.

After reshuffling, Xia Chuan Yuan, Tamaki Taichi, and Matsushima Ryo had ended up in the same class. *Bros stick together—forever in the bromance zone.*

Normally, labor committee was the most thankless role—no prestige, constant hands-on work, and always stuck staying late after school. No one ever volunteered. That’s why it remained empty.

Before Xia Chuan Yuan could refuse, Tsurumi spoke up:

"Since this classmate recommended Xia Chuan Yuan—and he’s clearly so caring and passionate about labor—this position belongs to him! Xia Chuan Yuan, please come to the podium. Introduce yourself to everyone!"

Eager to dump this hot potato, Tsurumi didn’t give him a chance to decline. The labor committee position was sealed.

Xia Chuan Yuan stood up, rubbed his nose, and shook his head with a bitter smile as he walked toward the podium. Passing Matsushima’s seat, he shot him a death glare. Matsushima just shrugged, whistling innocently with a smirk.

*I only wanted to be an ordinary citizen, letting leaders shine for the people. Now I’ve been thrust into leadership. My charisma’s just too overwhelming!* He sighed inwardly. *Well... at least it’s a position of authority. Better than being one of the masses.* Whether this thought truly soothed his wounded pride remained doubtful.

At the podium, he noticed the other class officers had already been chosen. Labor committee was the last—and most unwanted—role. Seeing someone "volunteer" (even if nominated) made Tsurumi visibly relieved.

"Hello everyone. I’m Xia Chuan Yuan. Male. Happy to meet you all. I’m honored to work alongside the other officers. I’ll do my best to build a harmonious, beautiful class—to contribute my share to our community. Thank you."

After his speech, Xia Chuan Yuan realized all other officers were girls. Probably because boys were lazier—or other reasons. Class monitor, study committee, sports committee, welfare committee, discipline committee, arts committee, and mental health committee—all female. Among the eight officers, he was the sole boy. *Seven blossoms and one weed.*

"Xia Chuan Yuan," Tsurumi said sweetly, a sly glint in her eyes. "Please introduce the other officers."

She’d noticed he hadn’t been paying attention earlier. While every other student gaped at the beautiful girls on stage, he’d been napping. *So boring? Not even glancing at your stunning homeroom teacher? No wonder you’re a loser.*

Women were strange creatures. Stare directly, and you’re a creep. Look away, and they doubt their charm. *Sigh.* That’s women for you.

"Sorry, Teacher," Xia Chuan Yuan said earnestly. "I was so focused on how to win the labor committee role—how to serve our class’s cleanliness with sincerity and passion—that I missed the introductions. My apologies!"

Less scheming, more sincerity. He choked down the shameless lie. Even he felt disgusted—but Tsurumi’s expression shifted instantly. Like a magician’s trick, her frown melted into a sunny smile, eyes crinkling warmly.

The other officers immediately fixed their gazes on Xia Chuan Yuan. Their eyes held a dangerous glint. He’d certainly made an impression. After all, these seven girls were a garden in full bloom. Even Xia Chuan Yuan—a certified beauty connoisseur and VIP member of the Looks Association—had to admit they embodied the term "bishōjo."