Chapter 110

She paused, casting out the bait.

"Or... shall I trade you for a stable, high-quality author? That author has been showing great momentum lately."

Takahashi Jun hesitated.

His gaze shifted between Uda Ayaka and Natsume Chikage in the distance for a moment.

Thinking of the mountain of manuscripts piled on his desk, the prospect of another long, fruitless interview, and then the "high-quality author" Uda Ayaka had mentioned...

He finally nodded, his voice so low it was almost inaudible.

"Since you say so... then, alright."

Uda Ayaka smiled happily:

"Great, it's a deal then."

"Come with me, let's go explain it to Xia Xia Xia Mujun together."

Although Takahashi Jun felt this maneuver was a bit awkward, the thought of Uda Ayaka promising to transfer a "capable author" to him—which might slightly improve his performance—lingered.

This month... perhaps he wouldn't have to be at the bottom again?

His wife and daughter at home would probably be a little happier if they knew.

Thinking this, a faint glimmer of joy welled up in his heart.

The two walked back to Natsume Chikage.

Uda Ayaka wore a sweet and appropriate smile.

"Xia Xia Xia Mujun, Editor Takahashi has some urgent matters to attend to."

"Would it be alright if I take over as your editor from here on?"

Takahashi Jun stood to the side, chiming in somewhat awkwardly:

"Yes... that is the case."

Natsume Chikage was silent for a moment, then calmly shook his head.

"No, since I made an appointment with Editor Takahashi, I don't want to change it casually."

"If Editor Takahashi truly has urgent business, I can wait here."

A flash of astonishment crossed Uda Ayaka's face.

"He... he might be busy for a long time, you know."

"Are you... really sure you want to wait?"

Natsume Chikage nodded, his tone unwavering.

"Yes."

Hearing this, Takahashi Jun was visibly stunned.

It was clearly the first time he had been chosen so explicitly and firmly, and for a moment, he was at a loss.

Natsume Chikage continued:

"However, could you tell me roughly how long I might have to wait?"

Uda Ayaka immediately signaled Takahashi Jun with her eyes, urging him to quickly find a decent excuse.

Takahashi Jun already had a weak presence; now, being watched by both Uda Ayaka and Natsume Chikage, he was even more flustered.

Yet, for some reason, Natsume Chikage’s presence was far stronger than Uda Ayaka’s.

Even though Uda Ayaka was a capable and beautiful editor, she was completely eclipsed by the boy before them.

Perhaps that was why.

The soft-natured Takahashi Jun instinctively leaned toward Natsume Chikage’s side.

He scratched his thinning hair and said with a dry laugh:

"I... I suddenly remembered, that matter doesn't seem... that urgent after all..."

"And, after all, Xia Xia Xia Mujun, you made the appointment with me first... making you wait the whole time, it just feels... not quite right."

Uda Ayaka clicked her tongue internally.

This Takahashi Jun, his stance was far too weak!

He had clearly agreed just a moment ago, and now he was changing his mind after just a few words from this boy?!

What a useless man!

However, she didn't give up entirely.

She first flashed an impeccable smile at Takahashi Jun.

"Oh, so it wasn't an urgent matter after all. It seems I was overthinking it; no help needed then."

She then turned to Natsume Chikage, her smile becoming even more radiant.

"Still, meeting is fate."

"Besides, different editors have different perspectives and focuses on works."

"If you have any questions about your writing in the future, Xia Xia Xia Mujun, feel free to contact me. My schedule is quite flexible, and I would be happy to answer them for you."

As she spoke, she handed over a sleekly designed business card.

Natsume Chikage thought for a moment, did not refuse, and politely accepted it.

"Alright, thank you."

"Then I shall take my leave, goodbye."

Ayaka Uda took her leave with a beaming smile, but the moment she turned to walk away, she shot Takahashi Jun a swift, sharp glare.

Takahashi Jun could only offer a sheepish, apologetic smile, and only after watching her leave did he let out an imperceptible sigh of relief.

"Then... Xia Xia Xia Mujun, please come with me."

Natsume Chikage nodded slightly.

"I'll be in your care."

The two arrived at the meeting room.

It was the same as before, with several groups of editors and authors already whispering or reviewing manuscripts.

Takahashi Jun found an empty seat and gestured for Natsume Chikage to sit opposite him.

"Xia Xia Xia Mujun, what is the genre of the work you've brought this time?"

"Suspense mystery."

"Oh, that is very suitable for our publishing house. Our main focus is on suspense mystery. I assume you knew that when you came to submit, right?"

"Yes."

"That's good. Please let me take a look at the manuscript."

"Alright."

Natsume Chikage handed over the thick kraft paper envelope.

Takahashi Jun took it with both hands, opened the envelope, took out the manuscript, and first glanced at the title printed on the front page, reading it aloud in a low voice.

"The Devotion of Suspect X...?"

He felt the title was somewhat unique, even a bit strange.

But upon closer reflection, it seemed to hold a hidden mystery, piquing one's curiosity.

He just didn't know what the content was like.

Although he thought this, Takahashi Jun was already starting to worry deep down.

Submissions from high school students... the level was usually very limited.

Their life experience and knowledge base were just what they were.

Moreover, many high school students wrote novels on a whim and didn't understand the basic elements and creative rules of suspense mystery novels.

In the world of mystery novels, the so-called "Ten Commandments of Mystery" had been passed down since ancient times.

1. The culprit must appear early in the story, but the reader must not be allowed to see directly into their mind.

2. Supernatural powers or strange, inexplicable phenomena are forbidden in the story.

3. There can be at most one secret room or secret passage.

4. No fictional poisons or devices requiring complex scientific explanations can be used.

5. No stereotypes of specific races or groups can be used to design tricks.

6. The detective cannot rely on coincidences or unexplained intuition to solve the case.

7. The detective themselves cannot be the culprit.