A Single Person's Infinite Wonderful Life

Kawada Yuichiro took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing his craving for a cigarette, and said, "This is a masterpiece that is enough to change the entire market, I'm so sure of it. Li Wei, you are the most talented light novel author I have ever seen, without a doubt. As an editor, I don't even know how to offer suggestions for improvement to your work. This is both my dereliction of duty and a testament to how mature your work has become, to the point that there is no room for further improvement. If every subsequent volume can maintain this level, this work will leave a significant mark on the history of light novels!"

Kawada Yuichiro was secretly thrilled. Ever since he took over this mess from his senior, he had been trying to find a way to restore Shinazugawa Bunko to its former glory. But such a thing was easier said than done. Despite his efforts year after year, Shinazugawa Bunko had only barely managed to avoid falling to the level of a third-tier paperback. As other paperbacks developed faster and faster, Shinazugawa Bunko, which had been standing still, was essentially regressing.

Faced with this dire situation, Yuichiro Kawada was deeply concerned. He didn't want to retire with shame like his predecessors, so he worked tirelessly to win over top light novel authors. However, those top authors already had stable partnerships with top-tier publishing houses, and they wouldn't consider second-tier, bottom-tier publishers like Shinazugawa Bunko even if they were to create new works.

Now that a work capable of changing the fate of the entire library has appeared, how could he not be excited?

Kawada Yuichiro grabbed Li Wei's hand and said excitedly, "Please be sure to submit this work to our paperback publication. We can discuss the royalties!"

Li Wei was startled by the other person's enthusiasm and quickly withdrew his hand; his orientation was perfectly normal.

Chapter 32. Finalizing the Cooperation

Li Wei also has some understanding of the royalties of Japanese light novel authors. Generally speaking, most light novel authors' royalties fluctuate around 10%, which is considered the industry's unspoken rule. Of course, there may be cases of dual contracts, but on the surface, the vast majority of light novel authors' royalties are 10%.

Kawamura Yuichiro said, "Our Shinazugawa Bunko is willing to offer you, Professor Li Wei, a 15% royalty!"

Authors' royalties are calculated automatically for each book sold. Therefore, the higher the royalties that a light novel publisher pays to its authors, the lower its own profit. Light novels are already sold very cheaply, and after deducting various intermediaries, the net profit is not much. This is why the royalties paid by publishers to the vast majority of light novel authors are 10%, whether it is a top-tier publisher or a third-tier publisher.

Although both offer a 10% royalty rate, most light novel authors still prefer to submit their manuscripts to top-tier publishing houses. This is because top-tier publishing houses have extremely powerful promotional channels. With the same 10% royalty, the strong promotion from a top-tier publishing house can help a good volume of a work sell 10 copies. However, if submitted to a second- or third-tier publishing house with insufficient promotional channels, the same quality work will sell at least 30% less. It is precisely for this reason that, in reality, light novel authors will choose to collaborate with more powerful publishing houses based on their own interests.

"A 15% royalty rate is an irresistible offer. I'll take it then," Li Wei said with a smile.

"Thank you very much! I will go back and prepare the contract now, and try to complete the signing today!" Kawada Yuichiro stood up and bowed to Li Wei.

Kawada Yuichiro dared not let a "big shot" like Li Wei go, so he planned to act quickly and decisively to stabilize Li Wei first. He didn't care if the paperback's profits were affected a little. As long as he could restore the paperback's reputation, he was willing to grit his teeth and hold on even if it was 20%, let alone 15% royalties.

Li Wei said, "It's already so late, there's no need to be in such a hurry. I've already decided to publish the work through Shinazugawa Bunko, and I definitely won't change my mind. Editor Kawada, you can bring the contract over tomorrow."

Kawada Yuichiro calmed down and said, "I apologize for my impetuousness. It's getting late, so how about I treat Professor Li Wei and Professor Kasumi Shiko to dinner?"

“There’s no need for the dinner party. I have some inspiration in my head right now, and I want to go back to my apartment to turn it into content. The idea for the second volume is already complete; all that’s left is to bring it to life,” Li Wei said.

If it were him before he got the cheat code, and the editor-in-chief of a literary library invited him to a nice meal, he definitely wouldn't refuse. After all, in order to save money, he had never engaged in any high-end consumption. He would just look at those fancy restaurants when he passed by, but never thought of going in to spend money. It wasn't that he was simply poor, but rather that he was saving money for a house.

Now, Li Wei no longer cares about such things. With the means he now possesses, buying a house in a good location in Tokyo is no longer a difficult task. Now, he pays more attention to his inner feelings.

Li Wei has a slightly withdrawn personality, somewhat like Inogashira Goro from "The Solitary Gourmet". He can talk business and cooperate with strangers, but when it comes to eating, he feels a little uncomfortable even when eating with acquaintances, let alone a complete stranger like Kawada Yuichiro.

Machida Sonoko exclaimed in surprise, "Are we going to start writing the second volume now?"

Li Wei laughed and said, "My efficiency is a little faster than that of ordinary light novels. Writing stories is also a kind of entertainment for me, so I am more motivated to write."

Machida Sonoko was incredibly surprised, because Li Wei's writing efficiency was truly terrifying. Generally speaking, it takes a light novel author about two months to complete a volume, and with meticulous polishing, it might even take three months.

There are relatively prolific light novel authors in the industry, but even the most prolific ones can only manage one volume every month and a half.

She learned from her phone conversation with Kasumigaoka Utaha that Li Wei had only officially started writing this work a few days prior, taking less than a week in total – an astonishingly fast pace that is utterly overwhelming for other light novel authors. What's even more impressive is that despite Li Wei's high writing efficiency, the content remains high-quality; the rapid writing speed hasn't resulted in any compromises in quality – that's the most remarkable aspect.

If Li Wei can release the second volume soon, it will be like giving the paperback a trump card. After the first volume has gained popularity, they can press their advantage and release the second volume as quickly as possible. At the same time, they can promote Li Wei's identity as a genius high school student writer and create a little hype. If handled well, it's a sure thing that the first two volumes will sell over 50 copies each.

Kawada Yuichiro clapped his hands lightly and said, "Teacher Li Wei is really amazing. Such creative efficiency is enough to make all the writers in the industry ashamed."

Li Wei laughed and said, "Not at all, I just type a little faster than others on the computer."

Li Wei was a seasoned writer who had been in the Chinese online literature scene for several years. Although his achievements weren't great, he had still managed to improve his typing speed.

After all, the online literature circle in China is incredibly competitive, and updating 10,000 words a day is not uncommon. Due to other matters, Li Wei can only maintain a pace of updating twice a day, which is considered relatively slow among professional online writers. However, since he is not a professional online writer, updating two times a day with 4,000 words is not too slow.

After saying goodbye to Machida Sonoko and Kawada Yuichiro, Li Wei and Kasumigaoka Utaha walked towards the station.

"I really have to thank you for this, senior. I didn't expect the publishing company to be so generous, offering 15% royalties," Li Wei said with a smile. No one ever thinks they have too much money. When he leaves this world, he will exchange all his cash for precious metals like gold; the more cash he has, the better.

Kasumigaoka Utaha stood with her hands behind her back, her steps light and her face warm with a smile: "This is not my achievement, but Li Weijun, your work is too excellent. Moreover, Shinazugawa Bunko is in great need of fantasy adventure works that can carry the banner. Being able to get 15% royalties is all thanks to your own ability, Li Weijun."

Chapter 33. A Small Gathering

It was getting late, and the two were strolling aimlessly through the streets, heading towards the station. Neither of them lived in an apartment in Bunkyo Ward, and it would take them at least twenty minutes by train to get back to their place.

"Want to find a place to grab a drink? Of course, something like juice," Li Wei said.

Kasumigaoka Utaha was taken aback. She hadn't expected that Li Wei would invite her for a drink right after rejecting Kawada Yuichiro's invitation. Even though it was just a fruit juice, it still puzzled her.

“I don’t like eating at the same table with strangers. In fact, I’m not good at interacting with strangers. I’m a lonely ghost in the crowd, an observer rather than a participant. Eating with unfamiliar strangers only makes me feel uncomfortable,” Li Wei said with a smile.

Kasumigaoka Utaha nodded. She could understand such feelings. It should be said that people who make a living from words all have some strange quirks that seem odd to ordinary people, and she was no exception.

Just like when she moved out of her parents' house, it was because she didn't know how to get along with them, which is why she made that choice. It's only now that she has income from light novels that she can speak with more confidence and say "no" to her parents who want to treat her like a puppet.

Li Wei's words resonated with Kasumigaoka Utaha. In this world, everyone is like a lonely little boat on the sea. Bustle and prosperity are temporary, and being alone with oneself is the most common situation.

Kasumigaoka Utaha smiled, slung her backpack over her shoulder with a slightly masculine gesture, exuding an indescribable nonchalance. "I know a good yakitori restaurant nearby, not too far from here, what do you think?"

Li Wei nodded. "I'm not very familiar with Tokyo, so I'll leave it to you, senior."

Kasumigaoka Utaha turned around to face Li Wei, taking a step back. "Will you still call me senpai?"

"So you call me senior?" Li Wei was a little surprised. Kasumigaoka Utaha's emotions had changed. Could it be that his words had made her take him seriously?

"It's alright. Although it's not the answer I was looking for, it's still much better than that unfamiliar address like 'senpai'." Kasumigaoka Utaha turned around and came to Li Wei's side, walking alongside him.

The two hadn't walked far when they stopped in front of a family restaurant in a small alley. The slightly old-fashioned restaurant had a unique sense of the times. From the moment they entered the alley, Li Wei had the illusion that he had traveled through time, as if he had returned to the 1980s, the end of the Showa era.

Kasumigaoka Utaha opened the paper door of the shop with practiced ease and led Li Wei inside.

The owner of this small yakitori shop is an elderly woman in her sixties. She is a plump woman who is very well-groomed and wears round-framed glasses on her nose, making her look quite kind and approachable.

"Oh, it's Shiyu! Long time no see! Did you bring your boyfriend with you?" The old lady looked at Kasumigaoka Shiyu, then at Li Wei, with a smile on her face.

"No, this is my junior. He's a light novel author, just like me," Kasumigaoka Utaha retorted, blushing slightly.

At school, Kasumigaoka Utaha has a very aloof and unapproachable demeanor, but Li Wei discovers that she is quite an interesting person when he spends time with her in private.

However, writing an interesting work like "Love Metronome" requires considerable skill. Without sufficient literary knowledge and a dry sense of humor, one cannot write such a work.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, but this young man and Xiao Shiyu are quite a good match. Young man, are you sure you don't want to give it a try?" the old lady said with a smile.

There are only two customers in the shop right now, Li Wei and Kasumigaoka Utaha, so the old lady can speak more casually. Moreover, judging from her tone, the fact that she can joke with Kasumigaoka Utaha like this shows that the two have a good relationship.

When Japanese people are facing unfamiliar people, they instinctively maintain a polite attitude, which can give people a rigid feeling. However, this old lady's words were full of warmth, and she seemed to be concerned about the marriage of her younger generation, just like an old lady in Japan.

Kasumigaoka Utaha and Li Wei sat down at the bar. The retro-style yakitori restaurant was decorated with old posters from the Showa era, and the walls were covered with wooden signs listing all kinds of dishes, all of which were grilled chicken skewers and grilled offal. In Japan, grilled chicken is called yakitori. It took Li Wei a while to get used to the local terminology after he had been in Japan for some time.

Li Wei checked the prices; most were a few hundred Japanese yen per string, which was quite affordable considering the current prices in Japan.

Li Wei and Kasumigaoka Utaha ordered a bunch of things, and each of them got a mango juice. Li Wei was actually old enough to drink alcohol, but he didn't like the stimulation that alcohol had on his body, so he didn't touch any strong alcohol except for low-alcohol drinks.

Kasumigaoka Utaha raised her glass and said, "Congratulations, Li Wei-kun, welcome to the battlefield of the light novel world."

Li Wei raised his glass and gently clinked it against Kasumigaoka Utaha's glass, saying, "Yes, this is a battlefield. Although this battlefield is cruel, there are still many people who are desperate to squeeze in."

Kasumigaoka Utaha laughed, "Because writing light novels is really lucrative! Even a complete failure like me, with just one series, 'Love Metronome,' has earned what an office worker earns in several years. I don't have to deal with complicated workplace relationships, I don't have to be dragged out drinking by my boss until I throw up, and I don't have to bow and scrape to people I don't like. I can work quietly every day and do things I enjoy in my spare time. That's the kind of life that most Japanese people aspire to."

Li Wei picked up a skewer and put it in his mouth. The old lady's cooking skills were excellent. The chicken was grilled to perfection without becoming dry. It has to be said that such an old shop has quite a skill to have been able to stay open for so many years.

Li Wei sighed, "Yes, I think so too. The biggest advantage of a job that can be done from home is that you don't have to deal with people you dislike. To be honest, complicated interpersonal relationships are really tiring. The reason I decided to write light novels is to avoid making my social circle too complicated, so that I don't always have to do things I don't like."

Li Wei gazed at Kasumigaoka Utaha's profile. She gently brushed a strand of long hair behind her ear; she was undeniably alluring. It had to be said that the beauties of the two-dimensional world far surpassed those so-called beauties of the three-dimensional world. Their beauty was simply dreamlike; the average attractiveness of the two-dimensional world utterly crushed that of the three-dimensional world. For someone like Li Wei, a sucker for good looks, the two-dimensional world was truly wonderful.

Chapter 34. An Interesting Soul

Everywhere, there is a hierarchy of professions. Apart from a few special professions, at the top of the hierarchy in Japan are lawyers and doctors. Not only do they have high incomes, but their social status is also unquestionable. Men in these two professions never lack female admirers.

However, there is one very special profession that is extremely polarized: the light novel writer.

A skilled light novel author can earn in a single volume the equivalent of several years' salary for an average person, making their income comparable to that of doctors and lawyers. Top-tier light novel authors earn even more, second only to capitalists.

It is precisely for this reason that so many people are eager to get into this industry. However, the competition in the light novel industry is extremely fierce. Only a very few successful people can make a fortune. The vast majority of people come with enthusiasm but leave full of disappointment.

Take Kazuma Kamachi, the author of "A Certain Magical Index" in the real world, as an example. The main series of "A Certain Magical Index" alone, without counting the spin-offs, has sold more than 2500 million copies. This is based on sales figures from a few years ago. After these years, it is estimated that the total sales of "A Certain Magical Index" have exceeded 3000 million copies.

A simple calculation shows that paperback light novels are generally priced between 500 and 700 Japanese yen. Taking the median of 600 yen, and using the basic 10% royalty rate, Kazuma Kamachi would receive 60 yen for each book sold. Multiplying this number by 30 million yen yields a staggering 2 billion yen, which translates to over 100 million RMB – still a huge sum, and what Wang Jianlin calls "a small goal."

Compared to capitalists, this level of income is indeed nothing, but when calculated based on the ceiling of ordinary professions, it is already a terrifying figure.

Take Kasumigaoka Utaha as an example. Her novel "Love Metronome" has sold 500,000 copies to date. The paperback version of "Love Metronome" is priced at over 600 yen. Rounding up to 60 yen, that's 30 million yen in revenue.

It's fair to say that Kasumigaoka Utaha is now a well-off young woman who doesn't have to worry about food or clothing. This shows just how lucrative the income of outstanding light novel authors is. Not to mention the very top few, even a second-tier author like Kasumigaoka Utaha earns an income that ordinary people can't compare to.

Li Wei and Kasumigaoka Utaha chatted casually, learning from each other's strengths and weaknesses, and acquiring the knowledge they needed.

"I never imagined that you, senior, had such a high level of expertise in pure literature. It's such a pity that you don't write literary works," Li Wei said with admiration. The acceptance of pure literature in Japan is much higher than in South Korea, so pure literature is also flourishing, with all kinds of writers.

While Japan may seem a bit peculiar, it is, after all, a developed country with a high level of education per capita. Coupled with an atmosphere that reveres culture, this allows literary writers to thrive. In contrast, in South Korea, literary writers who refuse to compromise are often frustrated and unsuccessful. This has nothing to do with their literary talent; it's a consequence of their surrounding environment, not a fault of the country itself.

“I should be the one thanking you, Li Weijun. You have such extensive knowledge that it doesn’t match your age. I can only marvel at the vast differences between people. I really don’t know how your brain is structured; it’s practically a human library,” Kasumigaoka Utaha exclaimed.

Li Wei simply smiled. After the cheat system enhanced his overall abilities, his brain was like a biological computer with its limitations unlocked. Not only did it possess enormous real-time computing power, but its storage capacity and rapid memory capabilities had also reached terrifying levels, much like a slow-running supercomputer.

It is precisely because of this that Li Wei possesses the ability to remember everything he sees, and at the same time, his ability to understand and learn various kinds of knowledge has been greatly enhanced. Now, when it comes to learning ability, he is already cheating in a way that is a dimensional reduction.

It was precisely because of this trump card that Li Wei was able to transform from a third-rate, struggling writer into a first-rate light novel author in a very short time.

Moreover, with Li Wei's current abilities, he could quickly rise to prominence even if he went into the traditional literary circle, something he never dared to dream of before.

"I just read a wide variety of books on a regular basis. The more books I read, the more naturally I learn," Li Wei said.

Li Wei was able to write about that incredibly dark and fantastical world so vividly because he stitched together various contents from the history books he had read. The background of his new work is a combination of the Dark Ages of Europe, the Five Barbarian Invasions in China, the late Ming Dynasty, and a small part of the history of war in Egypt and Rome.

However, Li Wei uses relatively humorous language to write these dark stories, thus creating a huge contrast. While possessing humor, it can also make people feel chilling upon closer examination.

Those who are very knowledgeable about history will have a strong sense of déjà vu when they see Li Wei's new works. It's a real treat for Paradox Interactive players, as each piece contains many inside jokes that only Paradox Interactive players would understand.

Before I knew it, the clock on the wall had already pointed to past ten o'clock.

"It's already this late without me realizing it. I've enjoyed spending time with you, Li Wei-kun." Kasumigaoka Utaha originally thought that Li Wei only had talent in light novels and a handsome face that attracted many admirers, but now she knows that what's truly amazing about Li Wei is his inner qualities. He's like a bottle of fine wine that has been aged for an unknown amount of time, the more you smell it, the better it becomes.

“Then I’ll escort you back, senior,” Li Wei said.