Chapter 22: Sales Figures Released

While Akiwara Yuto was struggling with his thoughts, Asano Aiko was preparing to attend the editorial department's weekly meeting.

She set up the chairs she had brought over and then went to the pantry to make tea—as the only woman in the editorial department, this task was naturally assigned to her, and she couldn't refuse it.

In the Japanese workplace, women are always in a subordinate position; cleaning, pouring tea, and the like are always assumed to be women's work, and in many companies, they are even expected to wash their male colleagues' lunch boxes.

Although she wanted to escape this situation, it seemed that only by having another female junior join could she hand over this work; however, doing so would weigh on her conscience.

She finished making the tea, carried the tray back to the conference room, and by then, people had arrived one after another. She placed the tea in front of everyone and returned to her seat closest to the door.

At 3:00 PM, the meeting started on time.

This meeting was again chaired by Kikuchi Tai. He wore a happy expression and announced to everyone in a slightly excited tone: "Everyone, I have some good news. The statistics department just brought over the sales data from Monday to Friday. Based on the current trend, our sales this week will exceed 33,000 copies, a full 20% higher than last week!"

He was indeed quite excited because although *New Novel* claimed to have sales of 30,000 copies, it actually fluctuated around 27,000, and there was even a faint downward trend.

If the performance were to decline significantly, the possibility of someone else coming to replace him as editor-in-chief could not be ruled out.

The people below also broke into a slight commotion—this was indeed good news. As magazine sales increase, the editorial department's profits and status rise, and everyone can receive higher performance bonuses.

Asano Aiko watched her colleagues' excitement but fell into deep thought. Why would the magazine's sales increase? It seemed that apart from adding Akiwara Yuto's new column last week, the only other thing done was using the budget to write two related book reviews in newspapers.

She was a bit puzzled...

Kikuchi Tai looked around the conference room and, noticing some people still whispering, gestured for everyone to be quiet. He smiled and said: "According to the statistics department, this increase in sales is mainly due to the influence of the book review in the *Tokyo Daily News* on readers. Although it still needs to be confirmed by reader feedback, generally speaking, there shouldn't be any surprises."

He turned to the side, facing Matsushima Kazuhiro, "Matsushima, please convey my thanks to Mr. Kadokami for me. Also, please continue to work well with him; we must ensure the quantity and quality of the manuscripts."

A very smug smile appeared on Matsushima Kazuhiro's face as well. He nodded and replied that he would continue to do his job well.

After finishing this topic, everyone began to discuss the cover for the next issue and subsequent promotions.

Asano Aiko, however, remained somewhat puzzled. She had read that book review of *Searching Footsteps*, and although she felt it was written at great length, she had no desire to buy it after reading it for a long time.

At this moment, a thought popped into her mind: could it be Akiwara Yuto's book review?

She pondered it carefully, but felt it wasn't very feasible and laughed at herself. After all, it was only 500 words; readers might have subconsciously ignored it. It couldn't possibly have driven sales just because of that.

Still, it really is strange...

After the meeting ended, Asano Aiko immediately called Akiwara Yuto's residence to report the good news, but she called three times and no one answered. She was a bit puzzled; why hadn't she been able to reach him lately?

No, understanding the situation of the writers is also an important responsibility of an editor. I must investigate this clearly, she silently made a decision.

But the Akiwara Yuto she was worried about was currently sitting in a cafe, asking a pretty female college student "three questions of the soul."

"Ms. Ikawa, may I ask if you have any experience in writing scripts or similar texts?"

"Besides movies and television dramas, have you read any mystery works?"

"Since you have neither written a stage play script nor read mystery novels, how can you guarantee that you will write a suitable mystery stage play?"

After experiencing a "stern" lecture, Ikawa Akemi could not hold up. Her eyes became teary, and she said in a slightly choked voice: "I... I'm sorry, I will work hard, but we are short on people right now..."

Hearing the crying tone, Akiwara Yuto felt a bit embarrassed instead. He had originally thought that since the other party dared to invite him proactively, she should be relatively outgoing; he hadn't expected...

However, he had his own reasons for saying these things.

After the conversation just now, he weighed the pros and cons and decided to participate in this stage play project.

As a writer, if one wants to climb higher, the adaptation of works into film and television is an unavoidable topic.

If one does not want to just be a "bystander," the writer must possess a certain ability to adapt. And this ability is also helpful for him to adapt foreign works into ones suitable for the local Japanese market.

Therefore, to him, the stage play script in front of him provided a very good opportunity; not only could he get some remuneration, but it also allowed him to practice.

He pondered for a moment, softened his attitude, and said in a polite tone: "Ms. Ikawa, I understand your proposal. I can participate in your club's stage play."

Ikawa Akemi suddenly perked up. She had just thought she was being politely rejected, but she hadn't expected him to agree immediately.

But isn't Akiwara-san not optimistic about our stage play? Why did he still agree? Could it be because of me?

Thinking of this, a blush appeared on her face.

Akiwara Yuto noticed the strange expression on her face, but he didn't pay it any mind and continued to state his plans, "Before that, I have a request."

He prepared to have a showdown with her and make his requirements clear.

A strange expression appeared on Ikawa Akemi's face, and her mind was running wild—what other conditions could he possibly have? Is he going to pursue me? What should I do?

Thinking of this, she couldn't help but size up Akiwara Yuto.

He was about the same age as her, had short, jet-black, shiny hair, fair skin, and bright eyes. He looked refined and had a scholarly temperament, though his gaze was always unfocused, as if he were thinking about something.

How should she put it? If he were thrown into a school club, presumably many junior female students would take the initiative to pursue him.

However, if he only helps on the condition of asking for a date, should I agree, or agree, or agree?

Thinking of this, her face felt hot again.

Seeing her absent-mindedness, Akiwara Yuto felt a bit dissatisfied. After all, he had already agreed to participate in the script creation, yet he wasn't being taken seriously by the other party.

He pretended to cough twice, tapped the table with his knuckles, and said sternly: "Ms. Ikawa, I hope to serve as the lead writer for the script, and that I will create it independently."

He had decided that rather than being held back by this unreliable girl, it would be better to take over the entire script creation himself and use this opportunity to get more practice.

Ikawa Akemi was stunned. She had been considering what dress to wear on a date, and hadn't expected this answer.

But she quickly reacted: if Akiwara Yuto were to serve as the lead writer, then what would she do? Perform on stage?

She looked at Akiwara Yuto with a puzzled expression, preparing to ask him in detail. After all, the quality of the stage play performance was related to the image of their women's university and could not be entrusted to others casually.

Akiwara Yuto saw the confusion in her eyes. He picked up his coffee, took a sip, and then said solemnly: "Let me introduce myself. I am a novelist, and I am currently [writing] in *New Novel*, which is published every Monday..."

Listening to Akiwara Yuto's self-introduction, Ikawa Akemi felt exceptionally surprised, and her small mouth couldn't help but open a few times.

She had originally just wanted to find a mystery fan, but ended up finding a mystery writer. The probability of this was just too low.

But is what he said true?

She was a bit skeptical...