[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-tokyo-you-call-this-normal-equipment":3,"chapter-tokyo-you-call-this-normal-equipment-tokyo-you-call-this-normal-equipment-chapter-135":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Tokyo: You Call This Normal Equipment?",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},1951699,2739,"Chapter 135","tokyo-you-call-this-normal-equipment-chapter-135",135,"\u003Cp>Therefore, facing the 25% offered by Hiiragi Kyoichiro, Natsume Chikage just shook his head quietly without saying a word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiiragi Kyoichiro cursed in his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He originally thought the other party was just a high school student who was easy to manipulate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now it seems that this calm judgment and the posture of keeping his cool are like an old fox who has been rolling in the shopping mall for many years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miyagi Kazuu saw this, glanced at Hiiragi Kyoichiro mockingly, then turned to Natsume Chikage, his tone solemn:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Our second group is different from the first group.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We are the ones who have truly read and are deeply conquered by the charm of your work.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We know better than anyone what an outstanding work *The Devotion of Suspect X* is.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Therefore, we are willing to give higher sincerity—a 27% royalty split.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Teacher Natsume, what do you think?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiiragi Kyoichiro didn't take over immediately this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He really hadn't read the manuscript and lacked confidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More importantly, he realized that if he continued to be led by the nose by Natsume Chikage and fell into endless bidding, it would do no good for either side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He decided to listen to Natsume Chikage's bottom line first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, Natsume Chikage shook his head again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, a clear disappointment appeared on his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I chose Midnight Publishing House with a sincere attitude of cooperation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice was still calm, but carried an invisible pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Before coming, I had already learned in detail about your publishing house, and even the royalty range given to new authors in the entire industry.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But now it seems... the two section chiefs still only treat me as a high school student who doesn't know the ways of the world and can be fooled at will.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sighed lightly and made a gesture of getting up:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Since that's the case, I don't think we need to talk anymore.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please return my manuscript to me as it is, I intend to go to Shinshu-sha to ask about the situation now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as this was said, the two old bird section chiefs who had been rolling in the publishing industry for many years froze at the same time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They calculated everything, but didn't calculate that Natsume Chikage didn't bother to play the game of \"tugging,\" but directly and simply flipped the table!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shinshu-sha!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That is the largest and most comprehensive publishing house in Japan today!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although it doesn't specialize in suspense mystery, its huge volume, powerful channels, and promotional capabilities are simply not comparable to Midnight Publishing House.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Natsume Chikage takes *The Devotion of Suspect X* and the story of \"Midnight Publishing House offered me a 27% split to fight for me\" to Shinshu-sha...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the quality of his work, plus the topicality brought by his own appearance and age, as long as the editor at Shinshu-sha is not stupid, they can immediately see his huge commercial value.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that time, Shinshu-sha could completely offer better conditions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of this possibility, the two section chiefs were suddenly panicked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wait! Teacher Natsume, don't be in a hurry!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miyagi Kazuu hurriedly stood up, almost half-pressing Natsume Chikage's shoulder to make him sit down again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, yes, yes, things can be discussed, everything can be discussed!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiiragi Kyoichiro also squeezed out the kindest smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Uta-san, what are you still stunned for? Hurry up and pour tea for Teacher Natsume! Use the best tea leaves!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Takahashi-kun, you go too! See what snacks there are, bring them immediately! Teacher Natsume came over early in the morning, he must not have had breakfast yet!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uta Ayaka and Takahashi Jun, who were named, looked at each other, both a bit confused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since they joined the job, when have they ever seen these two high-and-mighty section chiefs be so diligent to an author—and a high school student at that?\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Miyagi Kazuu tried hard to make his tone gentle and earnest:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Natsume-kun, regarding the specific ratio of the royalty split, I think we still have a lot of room for communication.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please don't be in a hurry, sit down, we can talk slowly until we find a plan that both sides are satisfied with.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiiragi Kyoichiro immediately nodded in agreement:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Exactly!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you are not satisfied with the ratio we just proposed, we can completely continue to negotiate.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Such an important decision, there is really no need to rush for a moment.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He tentatively asked carefully:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then... Natsume-kun, what is the ideal split ratio in your mind? Why don't you say a number as a starting point for our discussion.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, Natsume Chikage sat back in the chair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He raised his eyes to look at the two section chiefs with different expressions in front of him, a trace of \"confusion\" belonging to a teenager appeared on his face, and he began to play dumb:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This... I don't know the market very well, I don't know how much I should ask for.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"However, if I can get a higher one, of course that's the best.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as the two heard this, their expressions suddenly became subtle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were now absolutely convinced that the Natsume Chikage in front of them was by no means an ordinary high school student.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under normal circumstances, when asked about his psychological price, the other party would either give a specific number or make a request based on previous discussions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this Natsume Chikage, who clearly pointed out their price suppression a few minutes ago, suddenly \"didn't know\" now, putting on an innocent, let-others-name-the-price appearance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This acting, this psychological quality...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Simply a cunning little fox!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two exchanged a look, both reading trouble and helplessness in each other's eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This boy is really hard to deal with.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a suspense mystery novel with excellent expected sales, the highest approval authority they held as section chiefs was indeed a 30% royalty split.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The 25% to 27% offered just now was indeed a test, trying to leave more profit space for their own group while ensuring the author was signed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, the lower the split given to the author, the higher the profit left for the publishing house and their group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, the premise of all this was being able to sign the author.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Natsume Chikage really turned around and went to Shinshu-sha, then forget about profit, he wouldn't even be able to get a single hair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Natsume Chikage keenly captured their subtle changes in expression and decided to take the initiative.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His tone was gentle, but carried a clear logic that could not be questioned:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Two section chiefs, taking a step back, your publishing house is a publishing house that specializes in the field of suspense mystery after all.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Compared to other comprehensive publishing houses, in terms of professionalism, reader channels, and industry resources, I am indeed more inclined to publish here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So, I sincerely hope that in the next negotiation, the two can show real sincerity.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If we are honest with each other, the efficiency will be higher.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, the last bit of luck in Miyagi Kazuu's heart disappeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This Natsume Chikage's maturity far exceeded expectations; from entering the door to now, facing various pressures, temptations, and even chaotic scenes, he remained calm and could even move step by step, mastering the initiative.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is by no means a temperament that an ordinary family can cultivate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If not, then there must be an expert pointing him behind the scenes!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of this, he couldn't help but glare fiercely at Hiiragi Kyoichiro again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's all this idiot's fault for interfering, muddying the water, otherwise, how could he be so passive in front of a high school student!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, the arrow is on the string.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Given the impeccable, super-high quality of *The Devotion of Suspect X*, he, Miyagi Kazuu, absolutely cannot let it go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Taking a deep breath, Miyagi Kazuu decided to show his cards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Teacher Natsume, since you've put it this way, I'll be honest with you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In our publishing house, the highest split ratio for a new book within the authority of an editorial group section chief is 30%.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Exceeding this ratio, we are really powerless.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiiragi Kyoichiro on the side also nodded hurriedly, his tone carrying a bit of \"heart-to-heart\":\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, Teacher Natsume.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Anything above 30% is within the editor-in-chief's approval range.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And those who can get a royalty of more than 30% are usually established authors who already have best-selling representative works and whose market appeal has been verified.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1413,"2026-06-15T07:08:26.586Z","2026-06-15T07:45:38.736Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","ba626ed6269ed7d5e01a5122eacb479d2e92ba15e703d2b66a3a999f4c1cf067","tokyo-you-call-this-normal-equipment-chapter-136","tokyo-you-call-this-normal-equipment-chapter-134",624,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Ftokyo-you-call-this-normal-equipment-cover.jpg"]