Chapter 573: Playing Tricks
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 573: Playing Tricks
“Hmm.”
I’m something of an expert when it comes to the Bamboo Forest, aren't I?
Starting with Anonymous 69, then Anonymous 90, Anonymous 407, and so on.
After hunting down all sorts of anonymous friends, you could say I’ve developed a certain level of know-how.
However, this case was a bit different.
“Now that I’m actually looking into it, there’s not much I can do, is there?”
The GHHG return student.
Senior HGM.
I couldn't do much with just those two pieces of information.
Usually, I dig through past Bamboo Forest records to call people out.
But in this case, it wasn't Senior HGM himself posting; it was just others gossiping about him.
Since the person in question wasn't actually using the Bamboo Forest, the information I could gather was limited.
“Tsk, what a shame.”
I smacked my lips in disappointment.
In truth, I had no real reason to be interested in Senior HGM.
If I had to give a reason, it was simply because I was bored.
University life has been far too dull lately, hasn't it?
Maybe it’s because I’ve been spending such stimulating time at home.
I’d just come from sucking breast milk since the moment I woke up; if university life were any more stimulating than that, my brain would probably explode from the dopamine.
Plus, there was one thing I wasn't sure about.
They said he was a GHHG return student, but I wasn't sure which department that was.
“I don’t know if it’s the Nursing Department or the Security Department.”
As I was thinking that while casually browsing the Bamboo Forest, a very familiar face—well, username—appeared.
Anonymous 11.
Back in our day, he was known as the "Troll" or the "Fighting Cock."
With his appearance, I realized that "GHHG" stood for the "Security Department."
Anonymous 11 had been associated with the Security Department back when he was handing out past papers, and he had even outed himself as a Security major in the past.
“He hasn't changed a bit.”
I wondered when he’d ever graduate.
Then again, I think I remember seeing a post where he told people not to become a teaching assistant.
Ah, there it is.
There was a post he wrote earlier this year. It seemed he really was serving as a TA for the Security Department.
I’m actually a bit curious about him, too.
What kind of person spends their entire day picking fights like this?
I imagine his personality isn't exactly sunshine and rainbows.
When is the professor coming?
I continued to scroll through the Bamboo Forest while waiting for the professor.
It had been a while, and it was actually quite entertaining.
Me: Yuki-chan, you’re wearing a skirt today?
Yuki-chan: Eh?! H-how do I look, Osamil-kun?
Me: Yuki-chan, your left leg is like spring, and your right leg is like autumn.
Yuki-chan: Oh my! Osamil-kun!
Me: And I am summer.
Yuki-chan: Osamil-kun, you’re always so hot and passionate, so summer fits you perfectly! Sugoi!
Me: There’s one more reason.
Yuki-chan: Nani?
Me: Because I’m right between your legs.
Yuki-chan: Oh my! Osamil-kuuuun! Pero-pero.
“God dammit.”
I really need to block this bastard.
I’d seen him once before.
A new star had risen in the Bamboo Forest, judging by the long string of comments.
Just then, the professor walked in, and I quickly closed the Bamboo Forest.
“Phew, my head hurts.”
I let out a sigh, wondering if all university communities felt this much like a descent into the abyss.
*
After the lecture, I was on my way to have lunch with Senior Ju-hee.
It wasn't that I particularly wanted to eat with her, but rather she had called me to manage my diet, making sure I didn't eat anything I shouldn't.
Even if it is for the sake of muscle...
I just got back from Japan yesterday, so starting a strict diet immediately felt incredibly awkward.
Anyway, I finished the boring lecture and was heading toward her.
“I’m telling you, getting into Nova is the dream for us. Even the professors tell us to apply to Nova first when they talk about good placements.”
“It’s insane. Seeing her come here every day, do you think the rumors are true? That the youngest son of Uju Group attends our school?”
“Sigh...”
Senior Ju-hee was letting out a deep sigh in front of the car, surrounded by chirping college students.
There were about four of them, and Ju-hee was answering them with an air of annoyance.
“I am currently on duty, so I cannot speak with you. Please leave.”
“Oh, please. We’ve been waiting for the Nova recruitment notice for the first half of next year.”
“It’s an Uju subsidiary. A major corporation! How did you get hired? What’s the work like?”
“Please help out some poor college students just this once. We’re just so curious.”
Ju-hee looked troubled.
Judging by their department jackets, they seemed to be from the Security Department.
Since Ju-hee often came as my bodyguard, they must have seen an opportunity and tried to strike up a conversation.
“...”
Just then, Ju-hee spotted me and strode over.
“Let us go, Young Master. I will escort you.”
“Hmm, let’s go eat Nak-gop-sae over there today.”
When I took the chance to suggest it, Ju-hee whispered with a smile.
“Don’t try your cheap tricks, Young Master.”
“...Yes, ma'am.”
Didn't work.
Feeling embarrassed, I walked toward the car, and the students immediately shut their mouths and went quiet when they saw me.
Seeing Ju-hee guarding me, they seemed to have realized that I was indeed the youngest son of Uju Group.
I was about to ignore them and get in the car, but then, thinking this was a good opportunity, I spoke up.
“You’re from the Security Department, right?”
“Uh, yes. That’s right.”
“Is there a return student in your department with the initials H, G, M?”
I just asked on a whim, but the answer came surprisingly quickly.
“Senior Han Gi-min?”
“Ah, right! Senior Han Gi-min.”
“That senior was mentioned in the Bamboo Forest too.”
They talked amongst themselves for a moment, then glanced at me before answering.
“Senior Han Gi-min... he’s a bit of a gloomy guy. Why do you ask?”
“Oh, just because. It’s nothing.”
I casually got into the passenger seat, and Ju-hee took the wheel.
“Han Gi-min? Who’s that?”
Ju-hee asked immediately as she started driving.
She seemed puzzled as to why I was suddenly interested in a random person.
“There are some people spreading weird rumors on the Bamboo Forest right now.”
“Hmm?”
When I gave her a brief explanation, Ju-hee tilted her head and asked.
“Is that so strange? There are always people sniping at others like that on the Bamboo Forest. You... were a victim too.”
“Ah, true.”
But I had a different reason for being interested in this particular case.
Resting my chin on my hand against the window, I let out a smirk.
“If you look closely, the anonymous numbers of the people pushing the same bait are all identical.”
“...”
In other words.
“It means someone is intentionally manipulating the narrative.”
It meant that someone was playing a cute little game using the anonymity of the Bamboo Forest.