The Calculus of Victory and Secret Burdens

“The people who voiced their support on the forum aren’t the full extent of it; I’m unsure how many more have taken money but haven’t yet stepped forward.”

Aileen, seated in her chair, calmly propped her arms and began to lay out the current situation.

“The total votes for the student council president election are 305. Student Union officials account for 52 votes, class monitors across the entire school have 90 votes, and heads of various clubs contribute 63 votes. The remaining 100 votes are allocated proportionally to other students. I can’t say how many people she’s truly bought, but we absolutely shouldn’t rely on luck.”

Upon hearing these figures, a sense of foreboding immediately settled over Jiang Li.

“If she’s managed to buy off all the officials, class monitors, and club presidents, wouldn’t she simply win outright?”

“’There’s no need for that many; half would suffice,’ Aileen remarked coolly.

‘A little over 150 votes would guarantee a solid victory.’

“’Wouldn’t that be even worse then!’”

Jiang Li instinctively touched her flat chest, silently acknowledging the treacherous nature of human hearts.

Xi Yao, who had remained calm throughout, waited for them to finish before contemplating for a moment and then asking, “Is there any good news?”

“’While there’s no outright good news, there are certainly optimistic avenues,’ Aileen responded.

‘Firstly, not everyone will be swayed by her bribes; many students in our school aren’t short on money.’

After all, Wenlu Academy was a prestigious aristocratic school.

“’And secondly?’ Jiang Li prompted, speaking on Xi Yao’s behalf.

Since she had nothing else to do sitting there, she might as well act as Xi Yao’s external mouthpiece, a way to make up for not helping with the back-scrubbing these past few days.

“’Secondly, for those who have already been bought, I’ll brainstorm specific countermeasures. For instance, with club presidents, I’ll explore opportunities to oust them and replace them with someone else,’ Aileen stated nonchalantly.”

Jiang Li was stunned once again.

‘Wow, is it really that ruthless?’

At this point, Xi Yao spoke up, “What about those class monitors? Is there a chance to get them removed too?”

That harsh? Jiang Li was utterly shocked.

Even Aileen rolled her eyes in exasperation. “Class monitors are appointed and dismissed by their respective homeroom teachers, representing their entire class. Xi Yao, I’m merely a humble Student Union secretary-general, not the dean of students.”

“’I was just saying,’ Xi Yao mumbled, rubbing her small hands together sheepishly. ‘You were just listening.’

Aileen picked up her water cup, tested the temperature, and took a delicate sip before continuing.

“’It’s uncertain how many of these attempts will succeed, but I’ll continue to explore more avenues. Over the next few days, my priority will be to identify exactly who has been compromised. As for you, Xi Yao, please continue to expand your influence and rally more support.’

“’I understand,’ Xi Yao nodded her small head. ‘We must secure those 100 votes from the general student body as much as possible.’

Aileen’s lips curved into a slight smile. “’It’s not just about the votes… the overwhelming number of ordinary students can exert an influence that extends far beyond a mere 100 ballots.’

“’How so?’ Xi Yao inquired.

Jiang Li also looked over, curious, as she herself was one of those ordinary students, albeit one with a slightly larger reputation.

“’You’ll find out in due time, Xi Yao. Just focus on doing your part and don’t slack off,’ Aileen stated.”

Xi Yao leaned back, “’Listen to you! How could I possibly slack off? I’m the one vying for the Student Council President position!’

‘I haven’t missed a single poolside conversation, though there have only been two so far.’

Aileen quirked her lips. “’As long as you know that.’

‘To ensure Xi Yao secured the Student Council President position, she’d been constantly running around, even having to strategize while on leave, lying in bed at home, and personally engaging in arguments on the forum.’

‘Though she couldn’t claim to have poured out her heart and soul, it was certainly a strenuous effort.’

‘She hoped this white-haired, big-chested girl would also put in some effort, at least give her all. After all, Aileen had staked everything on this election.’

Yun Caiyi had offered a sky-high price of 200,000 (TL Note: 200,000 Chinese Yuan or equivalent currency, a common shorthand in web novels) in an attempt to buy her off. However, Aileen had already chosen Xi Yao and would not waver in her stance.

Aileen wished to be a princess, but decidedly not an Italian one; her chosen foreign language course this semester was French, not Italian.

‘Hmm, it didn’t seem to make much difference… but that wasn’t important. In any case, this was a war she couldn’t afford to lose.’

“’Aileen, you’re truly amazing,’ Xi Yao praised sincerely. ‘I saw your performance on the forum, battling against all odds!’”

‘Needless to say, did they even understand the true value of Jerusalem? (TL Note: A popular internet meme implying something is extremely valuable or significant, often used sarcastically or boastfully.)’

Aileen slowly rose to her feet, her expression calm. “’Rather than dwelling on such things, it would be better to focus your energy on the actual task and help alleviate some of my pressure.’

Yet, the moment she turned away, the corners of her mouth involuntarily lifted into a subtle smile.

‘A hint of pride still lingered.’

“’Rest assured, I’ve got this.’

Xi Yao patted her ‘snow mountains’ (TL Note: A euphemism for breasts), implying that she was as steady and reliable as her own Tuantuan.

It was getting late, so Aileen returned to her dorm to rest. Everything that needed to be said had been covered; she’d drunk Xi Yao’s water in room 520 and even had an unexpected gain at the gym. It had certainly been a fulfilling day.

Xi Yao also climbed into bed, pulled her small blanket over herself, and took out her phone.

Jiang Li had originally intended to continue reading, but upon turning her head and noticing Xi Yao’s familiar actions, something clicked. “’Wait, Xi Yao, you’re not thinking of…’”

Xi Yao blinked innocently. “’Is there a problem?’”

“’But you’re supposed to start running tomorrow.’

“’It’s fine, a small ‘reward’ (TL Note: A euphemism for masturbation) and a good night’s sleep will set me right. Besides, think about it: starting tomorrow, I’ll need to work extra hard, exercising and strategizing. With so much pressure, I need to relax sometimes.’

With her small mouth, Xi Yao spouted reasons one after another; even Aileen couldn’t out-argue her.

Jiang Li, realizing there was some logic to it, whispered, “’Then… conserve your energy.’

What method could help Xi Yao expend less effort? Jiang Li honestly didn’t know.

And she certainly didn’t dare ask.

However, a few seconds later, she watched as the smile slowly faded from Xi Yao’s adorable face. Xi Yao then sighed and pulled her small hands out from under the blanket.

“’I’ve thought about it,’ Xi Yao announced sadly. ‘No more ‘rewards’ for now. I should just get some early rest.’

‘She had just remembered that Xi Ruo had forbidden her from having ‘rewards’ and would even check on her during the weekend. This meant she would have to abstain for at least three to four days, from now until the weekend.’

‘Alright then, early to bed, healthy life.’

Unaware of the true reason, Jiang Li mistakenly believed her persuasion had worked. Feeling the weight of her influence in her roommate’s heart, she happily drifted off to sleep.

“’Goodnight, Xi Yao. I’ll wake you up for your run first thing tomorrow morning.’

“’Mm-hmm,’ Xi Yao replied with her eyes closed. ‘Run, run away.’

‘What needed to run, must run.’

‘Looking on the bright side, once her physical fitness improved, she could have her ‘rewards’ more often without worrying about her body giving out.’

‘It was all for the best.’

Zzzz

Meanwhile, Aileen had also returned to her own dorm room and lay down, though sleep didn’t come as quickly.

Despite having neatly combed her silky golden hair, she found herself unable to untangle the thoughts swirling in her mind.

A few minor questions plagued her, such as… what exactly was ‘Elemental Recharge Efficiency,’ what constituted an ‘Ultimate Skill,’ and what on earth were the Xi sisters planning to do this weekend?

‘Tomorrow, if she had time, she’d ask a friend.’