Chapter 239

Niigaki Shoji responded immediately:

"I'll go!"

However, Takahashi Jun took a deep breath and raised his hand to stop him.

His eyes, although still remaining with tear light, had a bit more of something different from before.

"No,"

He shook his head, his voice still a bit hoarse, but unusually firm.

"Let me do it, this is what I should do."

Niigaki Shoji was stunned for a moment, then showed an understanding smile:

"Okay."

Very soon, two copies of the manuscript of "The Devotion of Suspect X," still carrying the residual heat of the copier, were handed to Miyagi Kazuu and Niigaki Shoji respectively.

The night grew deeper, the publishing house building was almost empty, leaving only the lights in this meeting room still on.

Takahashi Jun was like sitting on pins and needles, the cold sweat on his forehead wiped and then appearing, his legs trembling slightly uncontrollably, nervously waiting for the "judgment" of the two editors.

Time passed second by second, only the rustling sound of turning pages.

Finally, almost at the same time, Miyagi Kazuu put down the last page of the manuscript, while Niigaki Shoji stood up abruptly, his face full of shock.

Niigaki Shoji stood up "thump," looking at Takahashi Jun excitedly:

"Takahashi-senior! You were absolutely right! This... this is truly too amazing!"

"The logic is seamless, the reversal is shocking, and the ending is even more abrupt, with long-lasting aftertaste, making people unable to help but repeatedly savor the fate and choices of every character!"

"This is absolutely the most outstanding suspense mystery novel I have read in recent years, no one!"

His praise was without any exaggeration, completely from the bottom of his heart.

He finally understood why Takahashi Jun was rarely dancing with joy when talking to that high school student author downstairs yesterday—this work was completely worthy of any editor's ecstasy!

Even a trace of subtle jealousy flashed in his heart: Takahashi-senior was actually able to dig up such a genius author!

Midnight Publishing House was a specialized publishing house in the field of suspense mystery in Japan, and those who could sit in the position of group leader here were all industry leaders with sharp eyes and rich experience.

Miyagi Kazuu had been immersed in this line for over twenty years, and almost every suspense mystery novel with a bit of standard on the Japanese market had passed through his eyes.

And at this moment, he could conclude without hesitation.

The standard of this "The Devotion of Suspect X" was enough to rank in the top three in the history of Japanese mystery novels!

Whether it was the grand story architecture, exquisite writing, tight rhythm, three-dimensional characters, or the deep emotional impact, it could be called perfect!

Fortunately...

Miyagi Kazuu felt a lingering fear in his heart.

Fortunately, Takahashi Jun risked everything today, fortunately, he didn't receive interference from that guy Yoshida Tomohito.

Otherwise, if such a work destined to shine brightly slipped through his fingers and flowed into the hands of competitors...

Once it spread, Midnight Publishing House would definitely become the laughing stock of the entire industry!

This was definitely not alarmist.

As for Yoshida Tomohito...

This oily old slicker, he had long wanted to knock him, just never found a suitable opportunity.

Now, the opportunity had come.

Miyagi Kazuu didn't change his expression, first sending a message in the internal contact group of the editorial group, stating that he would personally review and pass "The Devotion of Suspect X" recommended by Takahashi Jun, and asking if any group members were willing to share the "joint performance" and related follow-up work of this novel as usual.

Sure enough, there were few responders, and most of them declined.

Yoshida Tomohito's reaction was the most intense, almost openly opposing it in the group.

Miyagi Kazuu looked at the screen, the corners of his mouth hooking up a trace of imperceptible curve.

He didn't reply anymore, having already made a decision in his heart.

The performance of this project would be shared by him, Takahashi Jun, and Niigaki Shoji.

Those who shrank back naturally had no right to share the future results.

He turned to Takahashi Jun, his tone being solemn as never before:

"Takahashi-kun, this time, your vision is indeed sharp."

"The quality of this 'The Devotion of Suspect X' is extremely high, possessing all the potential to sell well. Even if all other editors oppose it, I will use my authority to let it pass!"

"Precisely because it is too excellent and might bring unprecedented performance, so listen—you must, immediately, right away, contact your author Natsume Chikage and complete the signing at the fastest speed!"

"If because of any negligence on your part, this work falls into the hands of other publishing houses... you should know the consequences very clearly!"

Takahashi Jun listened to this stern yet affirmative words, tears rushing out of his eyes again, but this time they were tears of joy and excitement.

He bowed deeply, almost burying his head to his knees:

"Yes! Thank you very much, Leader!"

"I... I will definitely not let down your trust and guidance! I will definitely complete the signing with Natsume-teacher as soon as possible!"

"Not 'as soon as possible'," Miyagi Kazuu's tone was solemn to the point of being cold, "It's 'immediately'! If he hasn't rested yet, it's best to call and make an appointment now! I don't allow any mistakes in this matter!"

"Yes!!!" Takahashi Jun nodded forcefully, as if using all his strength.

Niigaki Shoji had been in the job for half a year and had never seen the leader show such high importance and urgency for any work.

This undoubtedly confirmed that the value of "The Devotion of Suspect X" was likely far beyond his imagination.

Who on earth was that "Natsume Chikage" who could write such a masterpiece?

In Japan.

Compared to pure money, the weight of reputation was even heavier; it was the kind that would truly be respected by ten thousand people!

The status of excellent writers, needless to say.

Among all professions worthy of respect, the status of writers was one of the best!

For a time.

Even Niigaki Shoji, who had a wealthy family background, couldn't help but look forward to whether he could get to know this Natsume Chikage then.

Takahashi Jun glanced at the time, just past nine o'clock in the evening.

Remembering that Natsume Chikage hadn't rested when he contacted him around ten o'clock last night, it should be fine now.

He dialed the phone without hesitation.

Very soon, the phone was connected.

【Takahashi Jun: Natsume-teacher, good evening! Sorry to disturb you so late. May I ask if you are free now?】

【Natsume Chikage:... It's okay, is something wrong?】

【Takahashi Jun: It's like this! Your masterpiece 'The Devotion of Suspect X' has been officially reviewed and passed by the editorial department! I wonder when you will be free to come to the house to sign tomorrow?】

【Natsume Chikage: Around eight o'clock tomorrow morning.】

【Takahashi Jun: Okay, okay! No problem! No matter what time you arrive, I will be waiting for you at the house!】

Hanging up the phone, Takahashi Jun let out a long breath, as if unloading a heavy burden, and finally a relieved smile appeared on his face.

And at the other end of the city, Natsume Chikage, who had just finished a mysterious "physical examination," was sitting in the back seat of that black luxury car.

The street view outside the window retreated rapidly, and the destination remained a mystery.

"Konoe-senior."

He looked at the expressionless side profile in the driver's seat.

"Didn't we agree that I could leave after the physical examination was completed?"

"Where are you taking me now?"

Konoe Hitomi didn't answer, not even looking at him.

Just driving the car silently. ===== CHAPTER 240 =====