Miss Witch Doesn't Want to be a Diva

"What you're worried about is just the public's misunderstanding, fearing that others will believe that 'Hot Lizard Power's' product quality is subpar, that there are hidden safety hazards, and that sales will plummet drastically, even to the point where the company slowly spirals toward its end."

"In the end, you're anxious, and not as unconcerned as you appear on the surface." At that moment, Kinsenke was leaning back in his chair, eyes closed, savoring his drink, while the dialogue between the two gradually drew the attention of everyone in the restaurant, bringing a hush over the surroundings.

"If that's the case, then let's just crash ten more hover cars." The girl's words caused a stir in the restaurant; what did she mean by crashing ten more—it seemed as if she thought the situation wasn't big enough already.

"Not only do we need to crash them, but each crash must be more disastrous than the last. We'll observe with full panoramic cameras, record every deformation, every break, and how the passengers inside the car are protected from fatal injuries, and capture their survival scenes."

"I think such videos would be far more exciting and entertaining than the accident during last night's hover car race, and they'll quickly draw everyone's attention. I believe that through such a performance, 'Hot Lizard Power's' reputation will climb to a new level."

While the response seemed perfect, it came with an implicit condition: that 'Hot Lizard Power's' product quality truly was that good. Otherwise, it would be a bigger exposure of weakness, leading to a plummeting reputation.

However, the girl didn't need to say this; Kinsenke understood, and Deloris was aware too. But Kinsenke certainly would not use this point to refute her because that would be tantamount to admitting in front of so many people that their products were junk, unworthy of such a good suggestion.

Just now, he mocked Tilan with image and reputation, and now the girl used it against him, making him suffer a stealthy blow.

The challenge was tossed back to Kinsenke; now it was his turn to make a difficult choice. If he went through with it and his company's product quality wasn't up to par, or if it became known that they used special products to masquerade as standard ones, their reputation would suffer even more.

But if he ignored such a great suggestion, it would be tantamount to a tacit admission before his classmates and the public that his product wasn't up to snuff. This would be a huge blow to his confidence and image. He could strut around inside and outside the Academy because he was the big shot of 'Hot Lizard Power.' If the 'Hot Lizard Power' brand wasn't good, his prestige would no longer inspire fear as in the past.

"Clap, clap, clap—" Abrupt, crisp applause rang out in the quiet restaurant, drawing the eyes of those present. It was then that they realized the clapping came from Kinsenke himself.

"Impressive, truly impressive. Tilan's suggestion has been enlightening." A smile crossed his face, though it was unclear whether he was angry or genuinely happy.

He then turned his head and instructed the people behind him, "You all heard it, didn't you? Get me the best photography team, and find the newest different models of hover cars from the factory. Crash ten tonight, another ten tomorrow, and keep crashing until a week later, when the public grows accustomed to such videos and doesn't want to see them anymore. During this time, pair it up with detailed explanations, compare them with other brands' products at the same price point. You know how to handle it without me teaching you further, right?"

"Understood." Following this, several men in suits stood up and immediately headed towards the restaurant's elevator, springing into action.

Having addressed the first issue, it was time for the second one. Compared to a problem involving the reputation of a large enterprise and affecting millions of people's employment, the next issue was a minor one. But it was actually closer to everyone present since they were all students of Edith Academy.

"Regarding the students involved last night, what does Tilan think is the best course of action?" Kinsenke spoke again, seemingly hoping to save face on the second question.

"Does our Academy prohibit students from going out to bars and parties?" The girl questioned.

"No."

"Is there a rule against watching the excitement?"

"No."

"So why should the Academy punish those students?"

"But things aren't that simple. Others won't care about these regulations; they just think that the people from Edith Academy are of poor quality. This is like smearing dirt on my polished image. I'm sure everyone here is also upset, right? Why should I pay the price for others' mistakes." Kinsenke looked around, more serious now than before.

"Yes, matters of image are not about laws and rules," the girl nodded.

"But if we punish students for such matters, it will only make Edith Academy seem weak, easily bowing to public opinion, punishing our own students based on public sentiment without any actual regulation. Then, step by step, we fall into passivity."

"Once there's a first apology, there will be a second, a third... because people will constantly criticize you using your prior apologies, even if later you do the right thing, many will turn a blind eye, because you 'apologized' and acknowledged the existence of a blemish, never able to refute it again."

"People can't go through life without making mistakes, and apologizing is not always the best response after making a mistake. What's important is to correct oneself afterward."

"Instead of punishing those students, the school should learn from this, issue new regulations to prevent such events, which both addresses public opinion and avoids passivity."

Tilan spoke at a measured pace, thinking while answering. The second question also held potential traps; if she said those students should be heavily punished, she would be alienating herself from everyone, but if she suggested ignoring the issue entirely, it would paint her as foolish and arrogant.