Chapter 69

Chapter 69: As Expected, Girls with Glasses All Have a Wild Heart!

“Alright, just wait for my news.”

After hanging up the phone, Yoshimura Daitomo still looked somewhat dazed.

Ito Shuichi asked from the side, “What’s wrong? You look absent-minded.”

“Shuichi-san, did something happen these past few days? Did I miss anything?”

“Nani? Haven’t we just been filming ‘World’s Strange Stories’?” Ito Shuichi looked puzzled. “Did something happen to Naoki-san?”

Yoshimura Daitomo laughed and tapped his head. “For a moment, I thought I was living inside ‘World’s Strange Stories’ myself.”

“Just tell me already, kono yarou!” Ito Shuichi was completely drawn in.

“Naoki-san… he…”

Yoshimura Daitomo paused.

“He said he wrote a novel and wants to find someone to publish it.”

“Nani?!”

This time Ito Shuichi was genuinely shocked.

“Naoki-san is always unpredictable, but quietly writing a novel without anyone noticing? That’s too exaggerated!”

Yoshimura Daitomo was equally confused. “He’s been with us almost the whole time lately. He even planned ‘World’s Strange Stories.’ Where did he find the time?”

“Could it be something like the short stories from Strange Stories?” Ito Shuichi guessed. “If it’s a suspense or fantasy short story, that would make sense for Naoki-san.”

“Not sure. He said it’s a realistic novel aimed at children. Since he’s thinking about publishing it, the quality should be good.”

“Then we’ll just have to read the manuscript.”

Naturally, their attempt to read it early failed.

The original manuscript was kept by Nagayama Naoki himself as a personal keepsake.

Naoki first revised parts of the story that didn’t match the period setting, then carefully recopied the entire work onto official manuscript paper. In Japan, submissions to publishers followed strict formatting standards; editors simply wouldn’t accept manuscripts that didn’t comply.

These steps alone took him two full days, leaving his hand sore from writing.

Yoshimura Daitomo arranged a meeting with a senior editor from Shogakukan Co., Ltd., named Morikawa Kuniharu.

The appointed day arrived under a blazing sun.

Naoki pulled up the convertible roof of his sports car to gain a bit of shade before arriving at the publisher’s office located in Hitotsubashi, Chiyoda Ward. It belonged to the famous Hitotsubashi publishing group.

The company itself wasn’t especially large, yet surrounded by greenery it seemed filled with the scent of ink and books. An air of scholarship drifted from the unassuming building, giving the entire place a faintly sacred atmosphere.

Shaking off those fanciful thoughts, Nagayama Naoki walked inside.

The receptionist was an intellectual-looking woman wearing glasses. She had been reading with her head lowered, but when she looked up and saw Naoki, her eyes brightened and she quickly put the book down.

“Good morning. Welcome to Shogakukan. I’m Nozawa Reiki at reception. How may I help you?”

“Good morning. I’m Nagayama Naoki. I have an appointment with Editor Morikawa Kuniharu.”

“Yes, we have your reservation. Please follow me.”

She led him toward a meeting room.

As Naoki passed the desk, he glanced at the book title lying there: “Confessions of a Mask.”

As expected, girls with glasses really do have a wild side.

After serving tea, Nozawa Reiki went to notify Morikawa Kuniharu.

Naoki looked around the meeting room. Shelves displayed books and magazines published by Shogakukan, along with weekly manga magazines.

Judging from the covers, most were clearly aimed at elementary and middle school readers. Yoshimura Daitomo truly had good judgment.

While he was thinking, the meeting room door was knocked.

A gentle middle-aged man wearing glasses entered.

“Nice to meet you. I am Morikawa Kuniharu, senior editor at Shogakukan.”

His manner was warm and courteous. Perhaps people who worked with words naturally developed such a temperament.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Nagayama Naoki.”

Standing and bowing had already become second nature to him.

After exchanging greetings, they both sat down.

“After receiving Daitomo-san’s call, I expected someone older,” Morikawa said. “I didn’t expect Nagayama-san to be so young.”

“Haha, I met Daitomo-san by chance. Thanks to him, I was able to arrange this meeting.”

“Yes, chance encounters—fate, you might say.”

After a few pleasantries, Morikawa asked, “I heard you’ve already completed the novel. What kind of story is it?”

“Yes. It’s a realistic novella.”

Naoki handed over the document envelope containing the manuscript.

“It tells the story of interactions between an elderly man and three elementary school students.”

“Then allow me to read it first. Please wait a moment.”

Morikawa Kuniharu immediately began reading.

Writers really were straightforward people—he simply left Naoki sitting there.

Naoki chuckled quietly and picked up a nearby magazine to read.

Outside, cicadas continued their chorus. A gentle breeze drifted through the room, occasionally stirring the tea leaves in the cups. The two men reading silently created an atmosphere more like a relaxed tea room than a business meeting.

The novel wasn’t long and shouldn’t have taken much time.

Yet Morikawa read carefully, sometimes flipping back pages. What was meant to be a brief look turned into more than an hour.

Only when Nozawa Reiki knocked and entered to refill the water did Morikawa finally lift his head from the manuscript. Glancing at the wall clock, he immediately said:

“Sumimasen, Nagayama-san. I became completely absorbed in the novel.”

“It’s alright, Morikawa-san. I’ve been reading your company’s publications as well.”

After apologizing again, Morikawa spoke seriously.

“Nagayama-san, I can say without exaggeration that your novel is the best work I’ve read in recent years.”

“You praise it too highly.”

“Not at all. The fact that you chose our publishing house—and me as your editor—is something I am truly grateful for.”

Morikawa stood up and bowed deeply.

Although Naoki knew the novel would become popular in the future, he hadn’t expected such admiration from a professional editor.

He stood as well.

“Morikawa-san, you’re making me unsure how to respond. Since you believe it’s suitable, let’s discuss publication.”

Returning to business, Morikawa composed himself.

“We absolutely want to publish this novel. I’ll speak frankly. Industry standards usually offer royalties between five and ten percent. High-quality books can negotiate higher rates.”

He paused.

“Your novel’s quality is unquestionable. However, as a newcomer, obtaining a higher percentage may be difficult.”

Naoki nodded. “I understand. But I also trust your company’s judgment. I’m sure this novel won’t be overlooked.”

The implication was clear: if the royalty were too low, it would mean the publisher lacked vision.

Morikawa considered quietly.

“Nagayama-san, I will discuss this with my superiors and do my best to secure a satisfactory offer.”

“Thank you for your efforts, Morikawa-san.”

After finishing the business discussion, they talked about creative philosophy and future plans. Even when escorting Naoki out, Morikawa remained exceptionally enthusiastic.

The manuscript naturally stayed at Shogakukan.

As for worrying that someone inside might plagiarize and publish it first?

If such a thing ever happened, half a century of Shogakukan’s reputation would collapse instantly. There was nothing to fear.