Yuriko had already prepared a plan for her self-introduction.
She cleared her throat, ensuring she wouldn’t stumble over her words, and began to speak.
“Good afternoon, fellow students. I am Ruri Yuriko, a new student in the Fifth Grade. I have lived here in Pilgrim City my entire life. I will be attending Shengxiu Academy alongside all of you from now on, so I hope we can all get along.”
Her voice was different than usual—softer and more soothing.
Anyone who heard her speak couldn’t help but feel a natural sense of goodwill toward her because of that pleasant sound.
As she spoke, the entire Academy fell silent.
Everyone listened quietly to Yuriko’s self-introduction.
It wasn’t until she finished that a wave of intense discussion erupted among the students.
Watching Yuriko’s calm and natural delivery, the News Club President felt a sense of bewilderment.
How did this girl not seem nervous at all?
She was even more composed than a veteran like the President, who had been on stage many times.
“Next, I’m going to ask Senior Ruri a few questions. I hope you’ll be willing to answer them.”
“Of course. Please, go ahead.”
The News Club President picked up her prepared list of questions.
She had originally included some tricky, pointed ones, but now she found herself reluctant to use them. Instead, she chose a lighter topic to start with.
“I’ve heard that your performance since enrollment has been quite remarkable. Do you have any insights to share regarding your studies?”
“It’s really nothing that impressive. I just didn’t want to fall behind my classmates, so I’ve been working hard to catch up. I simply put in more effort and sweat than others.”
‘What did you work hard on, meow? And why is the sweat on my head?’
‘Working hard to suppress the urge to punch people counts as effort.’
“It seems Senior Ruri is a very diligent student,” the News Club President continued.
“I also heard that during yesterday afternoon’s classes, an accident occurred in your classroom. You disregarded your own safety to protect your classmates and prevented a serious tragedy. What was the reason behind your selfless actions?”
“There was no specific reason. I simply charged forward on instinct. If I had to give a reason, it’s that I don’t want to see anyone get hurt right in front of me. Whenever I see someone in pain, I feel as if I am hurting too.”
The two continued to chat casually.
After discussing Yuriko’s recent performance for a while, the conversation finally reached the core topic.
The News Club President paused for a moment, took a deep breath, and looked at Yuriko.
“How do you feel about being a transfer student?”
There it was.
Yuriko knew this question was coming.
She had rehearsed her answer in her mind countless times.
“Actually, I thought about this even before I enrolled,” Yuriko began.
“When I was very young, I lost my memory in an accident. When I woke up, I was all alone. At the time, I wasn’t even 10 years old, and I had no choice but to wander the streets of Pilgrim City by myself.”
“Life without anyone to rely on was difficult. I was abducted by the Mafia. A group of children around my age and I were used as tools to make money. We had to beg on the streets every day. If we didn’t bring back enough money, we were beaten.”
“Many children didn’t make it because they didn’t have enough to eat. During that time, a thought gradually formed in my mind. I wanted to protect them. I wanted to lead them so we could survive together.”
“By pure chance, I managed to lead them in an escape. We were hunted by the Mafia for a while, but we survived. We’ve lived together, relying on each other ever since.”
“Over the years, I’ve looked back on those dark days more than once. And more than once, I’ve hoped… hoped that such things would disappear from this world.”
“After my sister found me, she sent me to Shengxiu Academy. I know this isn’t ideal. My presence is an insult to the students who have worked hard and passed every test to get where they are today.”
“But my sister told me that as long as I work hard here, I can change the status quo. I can use my own strength to save the children who are still suffering.”
“No matter how anyone looks at me—whether you curse me or despise me—I will not regret my decision. This is a burden I must bear.”
“I will use my hard work and my actions to prove that I am qualified to be a student of Shengxiu Academy. Sooner or later, I will earn everyone’s recognition.”
When she finished, the broadcasting room fell into a two-second silence.
Even the News Club President, who was supposed to follow up, was stunned.
She hadn’t expected Senior Ruri to have such a hidden past.
Not only was she beautiful with a sweet voice and a gentle personality, but she was also incredibly mature and kind-hearted.
To have the desire to protect others before the age of 10… it was enough to bring tears to one’s eyes.
It wasn’t until Yuriko winked at her, signaling her to continue, that the President snapped out of it.
“That is truly a touching story. I believe your kindness will surely move the hearts of your fellow students.”
“Thank you. I will work hard to earn everyone’s approval.”
The News Club President rubbed her nose, feeling a bit choked up.
She decided to switch to a more cheerful topic.
“I’m sorry for making you recall such heavy memories, Senior Ruri. Let’s talk about something else. For example, since you’re so beautiful, I’m sure many people have confessed to you in the past. Among them, was there anyone who caught your interest?”
The topic had shifted to romance.
Yuriko hadn’t expected that question, but it wasn’t difficult to answer.
She could just improvise.
“Actually, no one has ever confessed to me.”
This was true. Back when she went by the name Latia, Yuriko always wore heavy, exaggerated makeup to hide her face.
During fights, she would even wear a hideous demon mask, laughing maniacally while beating people up. To any outsider, she had looked like a complete lunatic.
No sane person would have developed feelings for someone like that.
“That can’t be true! In my opinion, you’re a top contender for this year’s School Beauty. For no one to notice your charm… are all the men out there blind?”
‘No, I think they’d be more likely to take an interest in me if they actually were blind.’
“But it’s true. I’m still very much single.”
“Then, have you ever fantasized about the scene of someone confessing to you?”
Of course she had.
Yuriko had fantasized about beautiful girls confessing to her many times in her dreams.
“Well… this is a bit embarrassing to talk about.”
“It’s perfectly normal for a teenage girl to dream about confessions! You don’t have to be shy, Senior. Just say it!”
“Well, there have been times. But I never imagined anything grand. I only fantasized about a very simple, honest confession.”
“Oho~ Would you mind sharing what your type is?”
“Hmm… probably someone gentle. I feel like being with someone like that would be very relaxing.”
“I see. Well then, if your partner was incompatible with you in certain ways—for instance, if they had some niche hobbies or enjoyed certain… special ways of playing—how would you feel about that?”
‘Did something strange just get mixed into your questions?’