Chapter 265: It Depends on Who Wrote It

9: 0 AM, Setagaya Ward, Shimoda Bookstore.

"This batch of books doesn't require an advance payment?"

Takeda Masaaki wore an expression of utter astonishment upon hearing this.

Last week, at the preview meeting organized by Angutsu Goichi, he had stated he did not intend to order any of Akiwara Yuto's works.

Yet unexpectedly, the other party had immediately delivered a batch of books in the blink of an eye, and they didn't even want his advance payment.

"Yes, that is what President Angutsu said. If there are no issues, please sign this delivery note for the 500 copies."

The young man in a peaked cap said politely, then handed over the invoice.

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

After the young man left, he looked at the pile of books on the floor, grabbed a utility knife, and began to cut open the paper packaging.

Upon opening them and seeing the finished books, he was somewhat surprised to find they were completely different from what he had seen at the last preview meeting.

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

Seeing this, he was thoroughly convinced.

Although Akiwara Yuto had not changed his pen name, having done this much, it could no longer be called fraud against the readers.

"Miyako, Shimazu, you two come move these books to the literary section."

Under his urging, two female employees in bookstore uniforms quickly ran over and used a cart to push the books to the literary section.

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

The other girl replied, "Duh, the bookshelf, of course. These are pure literature works; who would buy them?"

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

Hearing this name, the other girl also choked on her words.

The two looked at each other and simultaneously raised their heads to look at Takeda Masaaki.

Takeda Masaaki felt troubled upon hearing this question.

Both of them had a point.

Because according to custom, pure literature works are usually placed on bookshelves due to low sales.

But as a bestselling author, it stood to reason that Akiwara Yuto's books should be 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 put the rest in the middle of the bookshelf."

Among the many positions on the display stand, the bottom left corner was the least conspicuous.

But this was also the result of his careful consideration.

After all, if they really could sell, he would move them to a higher position later.

What truly determines a book's status is, in the end, the market!

10: 0 AM, after Shimoda Bookstore officially opened for business, some customers finally walked into the store.

In the literary journal section, they were greeted by a young man wearing a shirt.

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

The young man glanced at the display stand in the literary section, his gaze shifted to the bottom left, and he became surprised.

*Snow Country*, by Akiwara Yuto?

Could it be that Teacher Akiwara has released a new mystery novel?!

As a mystery fan, he was somewhat excited and immediately picked it up, but after picking it up, he noticed another label on the cover: "Pure Literature Work."

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

Pure literature?

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

I remember Teacher Akiwara is a mystery writer, right? Could it just be the same name?

He was a bit confused and decided to seek help from someone else; after all, bookstore clerks often have the duty of answering customer questions.

He politely asked Takeda Masaaki, who was standing nearby:

"Hello, is the author of this book the mystery writer, Teacher Akiwara Yuto?"

Takeda Masaaki looked at him in confusion and said truthfully, "It is that Teacher Akiwara."

Akiwara is not a common surname in Japan; there aren't that many duplicates.

The young man was a bit disappointed and struggled for a long time.

But in the end, he still held the book and prepared to head to the checkout counter.

Just as he was leaving, Takeda Masaaki called out to him: "This customer, could you wait a moment?"

"Is something the matter?"

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

Takeda Masaaki was very skeptical inside; according to past experience, pure literature works never sell more than a few copies.

The young man smiled and replied, "I'm not interested in pure literature, but the author of this book is Teacher Akiwara Yuto! He has never let me down!"

After finishing this sentence, he went straight to pay.

Watching the other's back, Takeda Masaaki wore a hesitant expression.

He felt he had been too reliant on experience; although this book is a pure literature work, it depends on who wrote it.

Akiwara Yuto has so many loyal readers now that even if only a few people buy it, they can drive the sales of a book.

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

Let me see just how well this book can sell!

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

"Teacher Ochi, this is the work we hope you will write a review for, and the deposit is in this envelope."

A beautiful woman in professional attire said to him with a smile, while handing over an envelope.

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

This morning, he was approached by her and invited to write a book review.

However, unlike before, this book review came with a fee.

If it were normal times, he would naturally have accepted without a second word.

After all, traditional literature is currently in a slump, and even *Neon Traditional Literature* has a circulation of less than a few thousand copies; it can be said that business is bleak.

But the problem is, the book he was asked to review was by a writer currently "boycotted" by the Neon traditional literature circle—the mystery writer, Akiwara Yuto.

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

He didn't look at the envelope, intending to refuse directly.

But just then, Asano Aiko continued: "I heard your son has always wanted to go to France for advanced art studies, is that right?"

Ochi Masaki glanced at her and said bluntly, "So what if he does?"

Studying abroad costs a lot of money, and the little bit of money Akiwara Yuto was giving him wouldn't be enough.

Asano Aiko didn't mind his attitude and said with a smile, "The French translation of Teacher Akiwara's work was recently released in France and has received critical acclaim in the literary world."

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

Hearing this suggestion, Ochi Masaki hesitated; he hadn't expected her to say this.

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

And wanting a letter of recommendation often meant owing a favor.

After struggling in thought for a long time, he sighed and took the envelope from the table.

Asano Aiko watched his actions and revealed a satisfied smile.

Good, this is the third traditional literature critic persuaded today!