Chapter 75

Chapter 75: Tsk, How Could My Summer End So Easily?

After handing all matters related to the Wildcat Group over to Yoshimura Daitomo, that afternoon, Nagayama Naoki was at Shogakukan in Chiyoda, reviewing the proof copy of his novel.

The cover was filled with fresh green grass. Three cartoon children stood together with a white-haired old man. The author name printed on it was “Niwa Ki.” It was the name of a protagonist from a novel he had read in his previous life. Feeling that the atmosphere matched the book perfectly, Nagayama Naoki decided to use it as his pen name from now on.

Morikawa Kuniharu stood nearby.

“Naoki-san, are there any problems with the proof copy?”

“No problems. The design style fits very well, and as for the content, I trust the editor and proofreaders completely,” Nagayama Naoki said while casually flipping through it. After all, Shogakukan was a publisher with an outstanding reputation; the overall production quality of the novel was unquestionably first-class.

“Then, Kuniharu-san, when will the novel be released?”

“If there are no issues with the design, then only the printing process remains. It should be available in bookstores sometime next week.”

Morikawa Kuniharu roughly estimated the schedule, then suddenly remembered something.

He took out a large kraft envelope, stood up, and handed it over respectfully with both hands.

“Naoki-san, this is the first batch of royalties. Future payments will depend on sales reprints, but settlements will generally be made once every quarter.”

Nagayama Naoki also stood, accepted it with both hands, and bowed.

“Thank you, Kuniharu-san. I appreciate your continued support.”

The intense summer heat made even the cicadas’ cries in the distance sound weak.

After chatting for a while, Nagayama Naoki left the publishing house carrying the proof copy.

He walked along Chiyoda’s tree-lined streets toward his parking spot.

Receiving a payment immediately lifted his mood. Judging by the thickness of the envelope, it was about the same as when he sold his first song.

To be honest, being handed cash directly felt far more real than numbers quietly appearing in a salary account every month.

After getting into the car, Nagayama Naoki did not head to his Chiyoda residence.

Because the owner was overseas, the procedures were complicated, and the property had not yet been officially handed over.

Meanwhile, the Akihabara shop had already completed its ownership transfer and, together with the Shibuya property, had been entrusted to Keiko Fujita’s real estate agency for rental management.

Sitting in his beloved car, enjoying the air conditioning, he considered where to go.

He had been visiting the studio rather frequently lately. Somehow, he had worked seriously throughout the entire summer. It seemed the ingrained mindset of a salaryman would not disappear so quickly.

Since Ito Shuichi had joined another production crew, there probably would not be any acquaintances at the studio for the time being. Better not go there today.

It was only around three in the afternoon. Going home this early felt like a waste of the rare opportunity to be out.

Thinking about it, aside from that earlier road trip, he had not truly enjoyed Tokyo’s scenery at all this summer.

“Could this summer really end just like this? Absolutely not.”

With that thought, Nagayama Naoki drove aimlessly through the streets, considering whether to visit a sightseeing spot or perhaps treat himself to a luxurious restaurant.

Just as his car passed alongside a river channel, a yakatabune slowly glided across the water. Several tourists stood along the edge of the boat looking around, clearly enjoying themselves.

A yakatabune — food, drinks, and scenic views all at once. It looked quite appealing.

Nagayama Naoki suddenly felt inspired and decided to try it today.

To ride a yakatabune, the docks along the Sumida River were the obvious destination. Several well-known hotels nearby offered yakatabune packages, and there were even companies specializing exclusively in such cruises.

He drove all the way to the area near Sumida Park, parked his car, chose a hotel that looked fairly upscale, and went straight to the front desk.

“Good afternoon, sir. How may I assist you?”

The receptionist greeted him warmly. It was hard to tell whether she treated all customers this enthusiastically.

“Hello. I’d like to ask about your yakatabune cruise schedule. What’s the earliest departure available?”

“For the yakatabune, the next available trip will still take some time — approximately one hour from now.”

“I see. What special features does today’s cruise have?”

“Our yakatabune is offering fresh tuna sashimi today, along with a tempura meal set.”

The receptionist first introduced the special dinner menu, then continued explaining other activities.

“For tonight’s evening cruise, there will also be a fireworks display along the riverbanks.”

“A fireworks festival?” Nagayama Naoki asked curiously. “Why is there still a fireworks event? Isn’t it already September?”

Tokyo’s fireworks festivals usually began in April and continued intermittently until August, with July and August being the peak season.

The famous Sumida River Fireworks Festival had already ended about half a month earlier. This August, however, Nagayama Naoki had been so busy working that he missed it entirely — truly a pity.

“This one is a farewell-to-summer fireworks event sponsored by local businesses along the Sumida River.

It’s basically the last fireworks show of the year. Sir, your timing is perfect.”

“I see. Then please reserve a seat for me. Do you have small yakatabune available?”

“Yes, we do. The type accommodating four groups of guests. The price is relatively higher. How many seats would you like to reserve?”

“One person.”

“…One person?”

“Is that not allowed?”

“No, it’s allowed…”

Yakatabune cruises were already expensive, and the smaller boats cost significantly more than the larger ones — similar to the difference between a VIP private room and the main hall.

They were usually booked for business entertainment, couples’ dates, or family gatherings. A single person making such a reservation was extremely rare.

The receptionist looked at the handsome young man in front of her.

Watching fireworks alone?

Was he actually single?

Then… did that mean she might have a chance?

She quickly completed the reservation procedures and handed over the ticket with a smile.

“Here is your boarding ticket, sir. Please remember to arrive on time.”

After paying, Nagayama Naoki felt that the receptionist seemed even more enthusiastic than before.

Was it just his imagination?

There was still more than an hour before departure. Waiting there would be rather pointless.

Since Sumida Park was right nearby, Nagayama Naoki decided to take a walk first.

The cherry blossoms along the Sumida River had long since fallen. Dense green leaves shaded the stubborn summer sun still hanging in the sky, giving pedestrians some relief.

A brief afternoon rain had left the park feeling fresh. The river’s flowing water seemed to wash away the summer heat, making the temperature noticeably cooler.

Looking out across the riverbank, the Tokyo Skytree — famous in his previous life — probably still existed only in some designer’s imagination. From Sumida Park, one could faintly see only the five-story pagoda of Senso-ji Temple.

He found a clean bench, sat down, and emptied his thoughts.

As the sun set, crimson clouds filled the sky.

The glowing sunset gradually dyed the rippling river surface rose-red, while the cherry trees along the bank were coated in golden light.

Like a scene from a painting,

Nagayama Naoki quietly enjoyed this moment of tranquility.