"Riko has indeed done something sensational. She'll now always be by Arya's side. If Arya abandons Riko, she'll truly have nowhere to go," Riko said, her face displaying a pitiable expression, yet a hint of pride in her eyes revealed to Zhang Fan that her 'sensational' deed was no small matter.
"Wait, Riko, did you really defect from E.Yuu and surrender voluntarily, as we discussed? Did you come back after negotiating a judicial deal?" Zhang Fan whispered in astonishment, bending to speak softly into Riko's ear.
"Very astute, Arya. I'm truly impressed," Riko said, admiringly gazing at Zhang Fan. Silently, she had orchestrated such a significant move, leaving Zhang Fan astonished.
"Hadn't we agreed to deal with Vellard first and then negotiate? Why did you advance the plan, Riko?" Despite his surprise, Zhang Fan kept his voice low due to the presence of many classmates around them.
"It tickles, Arya. Isn't it better this way? At least I'm now free and I've helped Arya's mother, haven't I?" Riko chuckled coquettishly. Regardless of the reason, her return was Zhang Fan's greatest delight.
"Look at you two, so intimate early in the morning, stirring up envy in us," Motegi and other boys couldn't help but express their displeasure, envious of Zhang Fan's closeness with the petite and adorable Riko.
"Envious, aren't you? But I'll only hug Arya," Riko pouted cutely, her adorable expression capable of melting hearts.
"Don't overdo it, Riko. And maybe it's time to let go? Holding on so tightly can be suffocating," Zhang Fan gently patted Riko's head, finding the prolonged embrace somewhat improper.
"I understand. I always listen to Arya," Riko complied.
"Damn, this guy's living the dream. Is he flaunting his romance in front of us?" The boys lamented, their hearts aching at the sight of Zhang Fan's luck with girls.
"Allow me to introduce a special guest today. He's the incredibly handsome exchange student from Manchester Martial Detective High School—El Watson!" The second period teacher, Takemoto Yuri, introduced the new student with a beaming smile. El Watson! He had followed Arya all the way to Tokyo Martial Detective High. Wasn't he from London Martial Detective High? How did he end up in Manchester?
Watson elegantly wrote his name on the blackboard, eliciting screams from the girls. Was it really that big a deal? Seeing most of the girls turn into smitten kittens, Zhang Fan couldn't help feeling uncomfortable. Watson was too good at attracting attention. Simultaneously, most boys shared Zhang Fan's sentiment.
After a brief introduction, the class resumed. As soon as it ended, the girls swarmed Watson, bombarding him with questions, to which he responded with ease, as if accustomed to being the center of attention.
"What's wrong, Arya? Jealous? I'm here to comfort you," Riko teased Arya, then provocatively sat on Zhang Fan's lap.
"Riko, this is a classroom," Zhang Fan admonished her boldness but understood Riko's signal to Arya. With Watson's arrival, Arya needed to be cautious, or she might lose her partner—Zhang Fan.
"What does it matter? Riko belongs to Arya, forever," Riko said, caressing Zhang Fan's cheek. Before she could continue, a gunshot rang out. Arya couldn't take it anymore and fired her 1911 at the ceiling.
"Watch your behavior! Or else, I'll make holes in both of you!"
"You too, what are you doing?" To everyone's surprise, Watson also stood up, his face flushed and agitated, seemingly more dramatic than Arya. Those slender eyebrows raised... wait, was he mistaken for a girl?
"You... how can you be so..." Zhang Fan expected Watson to be adept at interacting with girls, but it seemed he was utterly inexperienced in romance. Riko's mere sitting on Zhang Fan's lap turned Watson red. That was an overreaction, wasn't it?
As the class bell rang, the commotion finally settled. But to Zhang Fan's surprise, the third period brought yet another new student. What kind of day was it? Not only did Riko return, but now more transfer students were joining. What was the school planning?
"Hello everyone, my name is Jeanne D'Arc. Nice to meet you all." Despite not being surprised by Jeanne's arrival, Zhang Fan was puzzled. Why was she in his class? According to the original plot, she was supposed to be in another class. This was unexpectedly inconvenient!
Nevertheless, Jeanne, tall and composed, immediately captured the attention of most boys and even some girls.