She had proactively suggested gambling with Anna, only to lose completely.
If Anna had followed her suggestion and gambled on the ownership of this dormitory, Meari would have ended up paying two million for someone else's benefit...
When Meari won against Ruricho Nadeshiko with a "last-minute comeback," her self-confidence soared, and she even narcissistically thought her gambling skills were top-notch in this school.
One moment she was brimming with confidence, believing it would be hard for her to lose to anyone, but the next, she consecutively lost two important gambling matches, instantly being proven wrong.
It was like a kamen rider who just obtained a strengthened form, only to immediately break the record for the fastest defeat of a second rider, without even showing a moment of brilliance.
First, she lost to Miharu Taki Sakura, which could be rationalized by claiming the other party cheated and she was just a hair's breadth away from winning.
But then, the very next day, she lost to a "stranger" she had just met. How could she find an excuse for that?
Who else could she lose to next? Kurume? Hanatemari?
And then what? There would be no one left to lose to.
Meari reminded herself that gambling isn't purely about "idealism"; luck is important, but skill is equally important. She must never again be so conceited as to think she can gamble with anyone.
Just like Anna in this match, "rabbit and hound" is a very niche game, so niche that Meari had never even heard of it before, but Anna knew it and clearly remembered the "winning strategy."
This was a demonstration of solid skill.
Two consecutive failures poured cold water on Meari's heated head, calming her down.
She couldn't be impatient when it came to gambling.
She wasn't like Ayanokoji, who had enough funds to squander; if she lost just one game, all her previous accumulated victories would turn to dust.
She should calm down, first understand the philosophy of gambling, improve her hard skills, and not simply gamble with "quick wit" as she used to...
"Saotome, are you alright?" Ririka's worried inquiry brought Meari back to her senses.
"I'm fine, Anna is really amazing, I admit defeat," Meari smiled, stood up, and bid farewell.
After turning away, the smile on Meari's face disappeared, replaced by a helpless sigh as she muttered to herself.
"I originally wanted to buy a dormitory to live in the school, but I didn't even get the priority purchase right. Where will I live now? Do I have to stay in a hotel?"
"But staying in a hotel isn't bad; at least I can say goodnight to Ayanokoji..."
Wait, Ayanokoji?
Ririka keenly heard this crucial piece of information, and her heart stirred.
That's right, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka is currently staying in the school's hotel. It would be good if I also stayed in a hotel. I could even be closer to Ayanokoji. Why spend money to buy this dormitory?
Doesn't staying in a hotel also fit my identity?
If Meari were to stay in a hotel, they would actually spend more time together day and night...
Thinking of this, Ririka no longer hesitated. She stood up directly and decisively said, "Saotome, wait a moment! Didn't you want to buy a dormitory? I'll give you the priority right to purchase a room!"
Why did she suddenly say she wanted to give her the dormitory? Meari was confused.
Meari turned around in confusion: "Anna, you're the one who won, why would you give me the priority purchase right?"
Ririka cleared her throat and said seriously, "I suddenly realized that I don't actually need to buy a dormitory, so I changed my mind. You should buy this dormitory instead!"
She didn't expect such a turn of events; she had lost the gamble, but she could still get the priority purchase right for the dormitory.
Meari's joyful expression flashed across her face, but she quickly shook her head again, insisting, "I can't do that. You won this gamble, Anna. I can't take advantage of you."
Why is Meari so stubborn at a time like this!
Ririka was anxious, then a sudden idea struck her. She stepped forward and suddenly grabbed Meari's hand: "If you don't want to take advantage of me, Meari, I actually have a request."
"What request?"
"I hope to be friends with you, Saotome!"
Ririka held Meari's hands and lowered her head, whispering, "I was sick and rested for a long time, so I haven't been to school in a while. I don't have any friends now, and I feel very lonely..."
Ririka felt ashamed for lying, and her cheeks couldn't help but blush, but this expression actually increased the persuasiveness of her words, making Meari think she was just too shy, and she subconsciously believed her.
Who could blame her? The other party was a pitiful girl. In her, Meari felt the same quality as Hanatemari Kazura, which made her feel sympathetic.
Meari didn't hesitate and readily agreed to her request.
"Anna, then let me be your friend. I also have several friends, and I can introduce them to you. I believe you won't be lonely in this school anymore!"
This was exactly what Ririka wanted.
She had originally wanted to approach Ayanokoji with this new identity, and she was thinking about how to do it. She didn't expect Meari to proactively offer her a pillow, giving her an early channel to contact Ayanokoji.
Saotome, I'm sorry for deceiving you, but I'm truly grateful to you...
Ririka sincerely apologized to Meari in her heart.
At the same time, she secretly anticipated, wondering what expression Ayanokoji Kiyotaka would have when he saw her with this new identity?
He was the one who told her this name; he shouldn't have forgotten, right?
The "foolish" Meari had no idea that she had personally sent her biggest "competitor" to Ayanokoji's side.
She also wondered if she would regret it if she knew what Ririka was thinking.
Meari lost the game but inexplicably gained the priority right to the room. However, since both parties to the gamble reached a consensus, the staff member had no objections.
After Meari paid two million, the staff quickly processed the relevant procedures for her and handed her the dormitory room card, instructing her that she could re-apply for the card there if it was lost.
Meari had originally planned to go back and share the good news with Ayanokoji and Hanatemari after getting the dormitory card, but upon hearing that Ririka had just arrived at the school and was completely unfamiliar with the campus environment, her compassion overflowed.
She decided to take the entire afternoon today to show "Anna" around the campus.
This school's control over students is very lax; even if you leave early, skip class, gamble in class, or even don't come to school, no one will bother you.
Meari's action was a legitimate way to introduce the other party to the school's "customs," and it also happened to be a good opportunity to check out her newly acquired dormitory.
This was her first single dormitory living independently away from her parents, and Meari couldn't help but look forward to her future campus life.
-------------------------------
I've already uploaded 70 chapters of this story on Patreon!
If you enjoy it, come check out the latest chapters in advance.
Here's the link:
[patreon.com/Greyhounds]
Thank you so much for your support!!
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"