The first day of the competition concluded perfectly, with a total of 90 contestants advancing to the semi-finals, and over twenty people caught cheating.
The rules for the second day's semi-finals were similar to the first round, both being point-based. After five matches, the top thirty in points would enter the finals.
The semi-finals were still held in the Chemistry Preparation Room, but the finals would take place in the Cooking Room.
Ayanokoji had spent these past few days renovating the Cooking Room precisely because he wanted it to make a fresh appearance for the finals, hoping that the final contestants would help him promote it.
The semi-finals and finals were held consecutively on Sunday. Ayanokoji Kiyotaka and Hanatemari arrived early at the venue to begin preparations.
Yomotsuki Runa and Miharu Taki Sakura had served as guests yesterday, showcasing the "official" stance of the competition, so they did not come today.
However, Yumemi Yumemite still reported in.
After briefly introducing the rules for the semi-finals as the host, she retreated backstage and came to the Cooking Room.
"Yesterday I invited you here, but you refused. Why are you here today?" Ayanokoji teased with a smile.
Yesterday, after she finished her hosting duties, Ayanokoji invited her to rest in the Cooking Room, but she refused and continued to help out at the venue, being very diligent.
Yumemi Yumemite smiled shyly and said, "Yesterday Senpai Miharu Taki and Senpai Huangquan were here, and I'm not yet a Student Council member. I don't have much in common with them, so it was better to stay and help at the venue. Maybe I could even leave a good impression on them."
Yumemite's words were honest, and Ayanokoji laughed wryly.
"Try this," Ayanokoji mixed a cocktail for her and pushed it in front of her.
"This drink was specially made for me!? Thank you!"
Yumemi Yumemite's face showed surprise and she looked very tempted, but after a moment of hesitation, she sighed and pushed the glass back: "Sorry, I'm an idol. According to my agency's rules, idols can't drink alcohol privately."
"Don't worry, this is a non-alcoholic fruit-flavored drink," Ayanokoji chuckled teasingly. "You've come to this gambling school, and yet you still follow idol rules, I didn't expect that."
"Of course! I'm very proud of my idol identity," Yumemite proudly lifted her head and took the drink. "Since it's non-alcoholic, there's no harm in having a glass."
She picked up the glass, took a small sip, and her eyes lit up. She quickly began to savor the drink in small sips, but after a few sips, she put it down with reluctance.
"This much is enough. Drinking more will make me gain weight..."
She's so strict with herself, Ayanokoji laughed wryly.
In the idol industry, who knows how many people say one thing and do another, but Yumemite strictly adhered to these standards, no wonder she could stand out in the idol industry.
"Since you're so proud of your idol identity, why do you wear a butterfly mask? Maybe there are fans of yours in this school?" Ayanokoji couldn't help but ask her.
This was something Ayanokoji Kiyotaka had wanted to ask since he first learned of her idol identity. "Being an idol isn't something to hide, showing your face shouldn't be a bad thing for you, right?"
Yumemite was silent for a moment and lowered her head.
"...Tsk."
Ayanokoji suddenly seemed to hear her click her tongue in disdain. He looked up in surprise, but saw Yumemi Yumemite's sweet smile.
Ayanokoji looked at her with some doubt.
...Was the disdainful click he just heard an illusion?
"It's precisely because I'm an idol that I can't just show my face. My face is a famous symbol; if my fans saw me gambling, my idol career would be a mess.
It's like voice actors; if they're going to voice something for the adult industry, they'll definitely use a different name. Otherwise, how embarrassing would it be to be discovered?"
She explained with a giggle.
"Once I become a Student Council member, I'll definitely show my face. Until then, I still have to keep my identity a secret!"
Not to mention idols, even normal people are prohibited from gambling. She didn't want her gambling to be exposed; once it was, she would be ruined.
Ayanokoji Kiyotaka could understand her feelings.
Ayanokoji continued to ask, treating it as casual conversation, "If that's the case, then why did you come to this school? You know this school is gambling-centric. It's impossible for you not to gamble here, and even if you disguise yourself, your identity could easily be exposed."
She was a new student, just like him, who had arrived this year. Since she had to follow idol rules, there was no need for her to come to this school, right?
"Before coming, who knew this school was like this...?"
Yumemi Yumemite mumbled softly with her head down, then quickly showed her sweet smile again: "This was my own choice!
My manager told me that this school has many challenges. As long as I make a name for myself here, I might not only secure a place in the idol industry but even in the entertainment industry! I love challenges, which is why I came to this school!"
"You have quite big ambitions," Ayanokoji remarked.
"Heh heh... My ambition is Oscar!" Yumemi Yumemite said proudly, hands on her hips.
"That's amazing, good luck..." Ayanokoji clapped cooperatively.
"I know you didn't take my words seriously, and I don't care. By helping you this time, I might gain the Student Council's favor. I believe I'll become a Student Council member soon!"
Yumemi Yumemite smiled and leaned closer to Ayanokoji: "Ayanokoji, I've diligently helped you for two days. You must put in a good word for me in front of Yomotsuki Runa!"
"I will, but I feel Yomotsuki Runa has little influence; her words probably won't be very useful," Ayanokoji shrugged.
Because she secretly drank alcohol yesterday, when Miharu Taki Sakura found out this morning, she even called Ayanokoji specifically to say she would teach Luna a good lesson and not let her secretly drink again.
A girl whose drinking was controlled probably didn't have much say.
Yumemi Yumemite nodded in agreement: "That's true... However, I haven't placed all my hopes on Senpai Huangquan. As long as she doesn't openly object, it'll be fine."
Even Yumemi Yumemite didn't take Luna seriously.
Ayanokoji mourned for Luna for one second.
The two continued to chat. Yumemi Yumemite was lively and cheerful, good at leading conversations, and told Ayanokoji about her experiences in the idol industry. Their conversation was quite pleasant.
As they chatted, time gradually passed, and the thirty finalists finally emerged.
Ayanokoji Kiyotaka took the score sheet handed to him by Hanatemari Kazura. Saotome Meari and Ikishima Midari both advanced to the semi-finals, and their scores were among the top ten.
Meari is really putting all her effort into winning this championship...
Ayanokoji Kiyotaka sighed inwardly and said, "Alright, let's call over the members who advanced to the finals."
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