Chapter 514

The three editors were completely immersed in the literary world of "Snow Country."

They lowered their heads, their gazes locked on the manuscript paper, as if the connection with the outside world had been completely cut off by that demonic opening sentence.

Xia Xia Xia Mujun knew deeply that this novel "Snow Country" could not be read in a moment, nor could its essence be appreciated by casual browsing.

Being able to personally confirm the hot sales of "The Devotion of Suspect X" on the first day today, and successfully delivering the manuscript of "Snow Country," can be considered as having completed the scheduled goal.

With these three professional editors as the first batch of readers and future recommenders, he already had some confidence in the prospects of "Snow Country" in his heart.

Although there was slight regret that the publication of this pure literary work could not be finalized today, everything depends on the right time and place.

Waiting for them to finish reading, evaluating, and recommending it to the veteran editors of Xinying Publishing House headquarters through their connections might be a safer path that is more likely to obtain generous conditions.

As for now, Xia Xia Xia Mujun did not intend to stay in the editorial department and wait.

He looked at the time and found it was still early.

He planned to look for a skilled craftsman to try to repair that "damaged Oden Immortal's soup spoon."

This is an important experiment on whether "special equipment" can be repaired by conventional means.

He was prepared for the worst, which is that this piece of equipment might be completely destroyed due to repair failure.

But if successful, it will open up new ideas for subsequent collection and use of special equipment.

In any case, this is an attempt worth taking a risk.

Sorting out his thoughts, Xia Xia Xia Mujun coughed lightly, breaking the silence.

"Three editors,"

"Thank you very much for telling me the sales situation of the books today and helping to process the new manuscript."

"I have learned a lot and gained a lot."

He bowed slightly.

"I have other things to deal with later, so I'll take my leave first."

This sound pulled Gao Gao Qiaochun, Xin Xin Yuanxiangzhi, and Uda Ayaka back to reality from that snowy country built of words.

All three raised their heads somewhat trance-like, their focus slowly aligning with Xia Xia Xia Mujun, as if waking up from a distant dream.

In that short reading time just now, they had been deeply captured by the refined-to-the-extreme yet infinitely imagery-filled words at the beginning of "Snow Country."

The ability to outline boundless loneliness and cold beauty with highly restrained strokes was completely different from the meticulous and impassioned reasoning style in "The Devotion of Suspect X," but it was equally—no, even more—shocking.

If Xia Xia Xia Mujun hadn't said goodbye, they would probably have continued to read like that, letting themselves be swept away by the delicate and beautiful torrent of words.

After finally coming back to their senses, the three of them felt turbulent waves in their hearts.

They originally thought that "The Devotion of Suspect X" was Xia Xia Xia Mujun's peak at the start.

After all, most authors are like this.

The first novel that exploded is the one with the best results.

And the subsequent novels are one worse than the other.

Finally, they fade into the crowd.

But this Xia Xia Xia Mujun is a rare super literary genius.

Can flexibly switch writing styles.

From the original simple writing style that was easily recognized by the public, suddenly converted to the current super writing power and aesthetic realm, it is simply terrifying!

Gao Gao Qiaochun was the first to react and stood up hurriedly, his face still remaining with the moving expression brought by reading.

"Teacher Xia, please wait a moment!"

His tone was urgent, carrying retention.

"Your novel's first-day sales are so hot today, this is definitely a great happy event!"

"How about... we go have a meal together and celebrate a little?"

Xin Xin Yuanxiangzhi also immediately put down the manuscript, stood up, and nodded in agreement:

"Yes, yes! Senior Gao is right!"

"This is indeed worth celebrating!"

Uda Ayaka's beautiful eyes also shone with anticipation, and she walked lightly to Xia Xia Xia Mujun's side, her voice sweet:

"Hmm, I also think this proposal is very good~"

"I know a good restaurant nearby, and the environment is very quiet."

Facing the warm invitation of the three, Xia Xia Xia Mujun showed a grateful but firm smile and politely declined:

"Thank you all for your kindness, I appreciate it."

"But I really have other important things arranged today, so it's really inconvenient to stay for long."

"As for celebrating... next time, okay?"

"When there is a clue about 'Snow Country', we will gather together properly."

Seeing that he was determined to leave, the three looked at each other, and their faces showed obvious disappointment, but they couldn't force it anymore.

"Okay... since Teacher Xia has something to do, let's forget it this time."

Gao Gao Qiaochun rubbed his hands with some regret.

Uda Ayaka blinked, carrying a hint of playfulness and persistence:

"Then it's a deal, next time for sure! Xia Xia Xia Mujun, I've remembered it!"

Xin Xin Yuanxiangzhi also bowed respectfully:

"Teacher Xia, please take care on your way."

Just as Xia Xia Xia Mujun turned to leave, Gao Gao Qiaochun seemed to suddenly remember something and added hurriedly, his tone full of solemnity:

"Teacher Xia! This 'Snow Country' of yours..."

He looked at the stack of manuscripts on the table, his eyes shining brightly.

"Although I only read the beginning, just by that stunning opening and the beauty of the words flowing between the lines, I can already feel its extraordinary!"

"I guarantee you, no matter what, I will finish reading it today!"

"After I finish reading, I will immediately and solemnly report to our group leader and recommend it to the head office with all my strength!"

"I will definitely fight for the most matching and veteran editor for you!"

Xia Xia Xia Mujun turned back and nodded sincerely:

"Thank you very much, Editor Gao."

"Then, I will wait for the good news."

After speaking, he nodded to the three editors again and turned to leave the literary editorial department.

With his departure, the editorial department seemed to be briefly quiet for a moment.

But soon, those three pairs of eyes fell back on the manuscript on the table impatiently.

Although there were other editorial tasks waiting to be processed, the literary world named "Snow Country" that had just been opened a corner emitted an irresistible attraction.

The three of them sat down without any hesitation.

Fingers brushed over the paper.

Their gazes dived back into the cold and beautiful country built by words.

The more they read, the more their minds sank.

Those beautiful and mournful sentences, like having magic, automatically transformed into moving pictures in their minds.

Snowy fields, hot spring inns, hazy lights, alienated characters...

Everything seemed to happen vaguely before their eyes, carrying a slightly cool touch and ethereal lingering charm.

Tokyo.

Taito Ward.

Near Kappabashi Tool Street.

Xia Xia Xia Mujun found a famous century-old shop hidden in the depths of a small alley according to online searches and reviews.

The shop sign was simple, written "Ando Cutlery Repair Workshop."

This place specializes in the customization, repair, and maintenance of handmade kitchenware and knives, and is especially famous for repairing traditional ironware and high-quality knives.

Xia Xia Xia Mujun, carrying the "Oden Immortal's soup spoon" broken into two pieces, pushed open the door.

The bell on the door made a crisp "ding-a-ling" sound.

The scene inside the shop came into view.

The space was more spacious than imagined, but it was full of the atmosphere of time precipitation.

The wooden shelves and glass counters were wiped shiny, but the patina on the edges and the subtle wear marks silently told the passage of time.

The air was filled with a faint smell of iron, grease, and wood.

On the walls and in the glass cabinets were all kinds of kitchen knives, pots, and planers, from modern refined steel products to traditional handmade knives.

Several customers were browsing in the shop, mostly housewives carrying vegetable baskets, or professionals like chefs who looked focused.

And just as Xia Xia Xia Mujun stepped into the shop, the moment his gaze habitually swept around—

His gaze was sharply attracted by a kitchen knife quietly lying on an old knife rack in the deepest part of the shop!

It was not because its shape was exaggerated; on the contrary, its shape was simple and smooth, and the scabbard was simple.

But in Xia Xia Xia Mujun's eyes, the edge of the knife's contour was faintly emitting a circle of pale blue luster that only he could see!