Chapter 37: The Editor-in-Chief Treats

The next day, Asano Aiko called Akiwara Yuto to bring him the first-day sales figures for the third issue of *New Novel* this month—a full 15,000 copies, significantly higher than the previous second issue.

One must know that this was only the first day's data!

Following this trend, it is not impossible for the circulation of the third issue of *New Novel* to exceed 60,000 copies.

Asano Aiko discussed this with Akiwara Yuto over the phone for a while, and both were quite amazed by this phenomenon.

After all, generally speaking, it is not a rare occurrence for a magazine to be reprinted once or twice due to a certain book review.

But if the sales continue to improve and require reprints one after another, that is a bit surprising.

It seems that many of the readers brought in by the little boy incident have been converted into fans of *New Novel*.

Asano Aiko remarked with emotion: "Although the statistics department's projected data hasn't been submitted to the editorial department yet, exceeding 60,000 copies shouldn't be much of a problem."

In fact, she herself was also very surprised.

Before July, that is, before Akiwara Yuto's manuscript was published, the sales of *New Novel* had been at the bottom among several publishing houses for years.

Sales hovered between 25,000 and 27,000, and there was even a downward trend.

Therefore, if sales could break through 30,000 during that period, the entire editorial department would breathe a sigh of relief.

Unexpectedly, after publishing Akiwara Yuto's articles, the sales of every issue of *New Novel* have been increasing at an incredible speed.

The first issue sold about 30,000 copies, the second issue sold 50,000 copies, and now the third issue is expected to reach 60,000 copies; the scale is very astonishing, making even the colleagues in the statistics department unable to help but be surprised.

So much so that by now, everyone in the editorial department is full of energy.

Not only is everyone constantly pushing their contracted authors, but some have even taken the initiative to take over the duty of receiving manuscripts—trying to unearth a genius like Akiwara Yuto.

Editor-in-Chief Kikuchi Tai has even formulated a plan for an initial print run of 50,000 copies, preparing to submit it to his superiors for review.

As it stands, the possibility of it passing is very high!

And because of the surge in sales, Asano Aiko feels that everyone's attitude toward her has also changed.

When at work, colleagues take the initiative to greet her one after another, and many even have smiles on their faces.

The miscellaneous tasks she was responsible for, such as serving coffee and pouring tea, have all been assigned to other male colleagues.

Even her own work, such as submitting proposals, has progressed smoothly for no apparent reason.

"Akiwara, thank you!"

Asano Aiko said through the receiver, but her gratitude was very sincere.

If it weren't for Akiwara Yuto's help, she wouldn't know how long she would have had to wait to change her status as an outsider in the editorial department.

Who would have thought it would be so fast; it really feels like a dream...

Akiwara Yuto sensed Asano Aiko's gratitude, but he did not accept it, instead responding: "Asano, this is all what you deserve."

If it weren't for her digging him out of the rejected manuscripts back then, he would likely be wandering the streets now, forced to work odd jobs while looking for opportunities.

How could he be like he is now, able to steadily pursue his writing career?

Although his qualifications and fame still lag behind those of the older generation of writers with more influence, among the new generation, he can already be considered among the best.

Seeing that Akiwara Yuto did not take credit, Asano Aiko's gratitude toward him deepened even further.

She prepared to continue doing her job well and help him secure more benefits within her duties.

She was just about to end the call when she suddenly remembered something else, so she continued: "Akiwara, do you know? Your work is also very popular over in Yokohama, having sold over 1,000 copies."

Although this number is small, because *New Novel* does not have many sales outlets in Yokohama, previous sales were only around a hundred copies.

Akiwara Yuto was a bit puzzled; he remembered that the main market for *New Novel* was in Tokyo, and he suspected whether the editorial department had done promotional work in Yokohama.

Asano Aiko explained further.

She stated that the sales mainly came from bookstores near Yokohama National University, and many students seemed to have learned about Akiwara Yuto's work through an on-campus BBS.

Akiwara Yuto vaguely guessed if it was the merit of the *Detective Taxi* piece he had posted online back then, and he prepared to find time to go check it out.

But what was the account name again?

Ichijo Chitoge? Ichijo Onodera? Kirisaki Marika?

Never mind, it's unimportant; at worst, he'll just register a new one and call it Yuki Shino.

Asano Aiko didn't hear a reply from the other side for a long time; she guessed that he might have thought of something, but she didn't intend to probe and continued speaking on her own.

"By the way, Akiwara, are you free tonight?"

"Is it to discuss work?" Akiwara Yuto was a bit puzzled.

However, after finishing the script, he had much more free time.

"No, the Editor-in-Chief wants to treat you to dinner, and I will be going along as well."

Akiwara Yuto suddenly understood; it seems Editor-in-Chief Kikuchi saw that the results had improved and is now here to build rapport.

However, the way to build rapport seems to be the same everywhere: eating and drinking.

He also understands the importance of social graces; if he were to decline, it would be inevitable that the other party would become suspicious that he was planning to jump to another magazine.

Forget it, he'll just go attend this kind of social engagement.

Thinking of this, Akiwara Yuto said with a smile: "I'm completely free. Tell me the time and place, and I'll go there myself."

Asano Aiko originally wanted to drive over to pick him up, but seeing Akiwara Yuto insist, she had no choice but to give up.

She picked up a sticky note, glanced at it, and read it out: "7:00 PM, at the 'Asakusa' restaurant in 3-chome, Kasuga, Bunkyo Ward."

"Understood, I will definitely arrive on time."

After saying this, Akiwara Yuto took the initiative to end the call.

Alright, let's see what clothes to wear today?

It's better not to dress too simply for this kind of formal dinner.

At 6:50 PM, Akiwara Yuto arrived early at the Asakusa restaurant that Asano Aiko had mentioned.

He only discovered at the bus stop that there was no direct route, so he had to take a taxi; the high cost made his heart ache a little, and he regretted not letting Asano Aiko come specifically to pick him up.

There was no help for it; between moving and donating, he didn't have much money in his pockets now.

Moreover, he received a fixed manuscript fee, so even if sales doubled a few times, it had nothing to do with him; it would be the same amount regardless.

He walked to the restaurant entrance, looked up at the lanterns hanging at the door, stopped, tidied himself up to ensure there were no issues with his appearance, and then walked in with a serious expression.

A waitress wearing a kimono took the initiative to greet him, and after the greeting, led him to a private room.

Kikuchi Tai and Asano Aiko were already waiting, and upon seeing him, they took the initiative to step forward to welcome him.

Kikuchi Tai's attitude was even more amiable, as if he were a different person from before, and he even arranged for him to sit in the seat of honor—the position furthest from the door.

Akiwara Yuto hurriedly tried to decline, but he was still pushed into the seat, and for a moment, he could only show a helpless, bitter smile.

Kikuchi Tai revealed a satisfied smile and signaled for Asano Aiko to call the waiter.

This meal today must be used to build rapport well!