Chapter 265: It Depends on Who Wrote It

9:00 AM, Setagaya Ward, Shimoda Bookstore.

"This batch of books doesn't need advance payment?"

Takeda Masaaki revealed a surprised expression upon hearing this claim.

Last week, at the trial reading meeting organized by Ankyu Tsugaoichi, he had stated that he didn't intend to order any of Akiwara Yuto's works.

But unexpectedly, the other party sent a batch of books over again in the blink of an eye, and actually didn't want his advance payment.

"Yes, that's what President Ankyu said; if there's no problem, please sign on this delivery note for 500 copies."

The delivery person wearing a duck-billed cap said politely, then handed over the delivery note.

Takeda Masaaki hesitated for a moment, signed it, and handed it to him.

After the delivery person left, he looked at the pile of books on the ground, took a utility knife, and started to tear open the paper packaging.

After tearing it open and seeing the ready-made books, he was a bit surprised, finding that they were completely different from what he had seen at the trial reading meeting last time.

On this cover, the words "Pure Literature Work" were specially noted, allowing all readers to see the specific problem at a glance.

Seeing this, he was completely convinced.

Although Akiwara Yuto didn't change his pen name, doing this step couldn't be called fraud against readers.

"Miyako, Shimazu, you two come and move the books, to the literary book area."

Under his urging, soon two female employees wearing bookstore uniforms ran over and pushed the books to the literary area with a cart.

When tearing the books, one girl asked, "Manager, should we put them on the display stand or the bookshelf?"

Another girl answered, "Nonsense, of course on the bookshelf, this is a pure literature work, who would buy it?"

"But isn't the author Akiwara Yuto? He's a bestselling writer, right?"

Hearing this name, the other girl was also choked.

The two looked at each other and raised their heads to look at Takeda Masaaki at the same time.

Takeda Masaaki also became troubled upon hearing this question.

Both of them had their points.

Because according to convention, pure literature works are usually inserted into the bookshelf because sales are not high.

But Akiwara Yuto, as a bestselling writer, logically should have his books on the display stand.

After thinking for a while, he made a decision.

"Leave a spot in the bottom left corner of the display stand, and insert the rest in the middle of the bookshelf."

Among the many positions on the display stand, the bottom left corner is the most inconspicuous condition.

But this was also the result of his careful consideration.

After all, if it could really be sold, he would raise its position.

What truly determines the status of a book is ultimately the market!

10:00 AM, after Shimoda Bookstore officially opened for business, some guests finally walked into the bookstore.

In the literary journal area, a young man wearing a shirt walked in.

According to Takeda Masaaki's observation, the other party was very likely a college student studying nearby.

The young man scanned the display stand in the literary area, his eyes moved to the bottom left, and he became surprised.

*Snow Country*, by Akiwara Yuto?

Could it be that Akiwara-sensei has released new detective fiction again?!

As a detective fiction fan, he was a bit excited, so he immediately picked it up, but after picking it up, he noticed another marked word on the cover: "Pure Literature Work."

Seeing this line of words, the young man's hand paused.

Pure literature?

Isn't that the traditional stuff that makes people want to sleep when they read it?

I remember Akiwara-sensei isn't a detective fiction writer? Could it be just the same name and surname?

He was a bit puzzled and decided to find someone else to help, after all, bookstore clerks often have the duty to answer customer questions.

He politely inquired of Takeda Masaaki who was standing nearby:

"Hello, is the author of this book the detective fiction writer Akiwara Yuto-sensei?"

Takeda Masaaki looked at him puzzled and told the truth, "It is that Akiwara-sensei."

Akiwara is not a big surname in Japan, how could there be so many repetitions.

The young man was a bit disappointed and struggled for half a day.

But in the end, he still took the book and prepared to walk toward the checkout counter.

Just when he was leaving, Takeda Masaaki called him, "This guest, can you wait a moment."

"Is there anything?"

"Although this is Akiwara-sensei's book, it is a pure literature work. Are you interested in pure literature works?"

Takeda Masaaki was very suspicious in his heart; according to past experience, pure literature works don't sell a few copies at all.

The young man laughed and answered, "I'm not interested in pure literature, but the author of this book is Akiwara Yuto-sensei! He has never disappointed me!"

After saying this, he went directly to checkout.

Looking at the other party's back, Takeda Masaaki revealed a hesitant expression.

He felt that he was too experienced; although this book was a pure literature work, it also depended on who wrote it.

Akiwara Yuto now had so many loyal readers that even if only a few people bought it, it could drive the sales of a book.

Thinking of this conclusion, he quietly changed the position of the display stand and added three good positions on the display stand for *Snow Country*.

Let me see how well this book can sell!

At the same time, the editor-in-chief of *Japanese Traditional Literature*, Ochi Masaki, faced a problem in his life.

"Ochi-sensei, this is the work we hope you will write a book review for, and the one in this letter is the deposit."

A beautiful woman wearing professional attire smiled at him and handed over an envelope at the same time.

Ochi Masaki looked at this woman named Asano Aiko and revealed a hesitant expression.

This morning, he was approached by the other party and invited to write a book review.

However, unlike before, this book review had a manuscript fee.

If it were normal, he would naturally accept it without saying a word.

After all, traditional literature is not prosperous now, and even *Japanese Traditional Literature* has less than a few thousand copies in sales, which can be described as bleak.

But the problem is, the book review he was asked to write was for the writer currently "boycotted" by the Japanese traditional literary circle, that is, the detective fiction writer Akiwara Yuto.

If he really wrote a book review for him, or even some good words, he might be looked down upon by many peers!

He didn't look at the envelope and intended to refuse directly.

But just at this time, Asano Aiko continued, "I heard your son has always wanted to go to France for advanced art studies, right?"

Ochi Masaki glanced at her and said impolitely, "So what,"

Studying abroad costs a lot of money, but it's not enough for the little money Akiwara Yuto gave him.

Asano Aiko didn't care about his attitude and smiled, "The French translation of Akiwara-sensei's works was recently listed in France and received good reviews from the literary world."

She raised her head and looked at Ochi Masaki seriously, "If needed, perhaps your child needs a recommendation letter."

Hearing this opinion, Ochi Masaki hesitated; he hadn't expected the other party to say this.

Although he knew some famous people in traditional literature, if it came to fame abroad, not one or two could compare to Akiwara Yuto.

And wanting a recommendation letter often meant that he owed a favor.

After struggling for half a day, he sighed and took the envelope on the table.

Asano Aiko looked at his actions and revealed a satisfied smile.

Good, this is the third traditional literature book reviewer persuaded today! ===== CHAPTER 266 =====