Living in the bubble economy of Tokyo, I became a literary giant through lotteries.

Guan Gufeng didn't expect that the "critical moment" he wanted would come so quickly.

At that time, he was on the phone with Sachiko Kamachi.

"You want to see me draw comics?" Guan Gufeng's tone was a little flippant. "My dear book lover, I am a human being, not a printer."

"I just think it's a shame that you, Sekiya-kun, who draws so well, don't draw manga." Sachiko Kamachi's voice came through the receiver, sounding earnest.

Ever since that night in the park when they did the backflip on the little flower, their relationship has slowly warmed up.

They often call each other to chat about novels, music, and everyday life, but neither of them has ever crossed that final line.

She called today because she was worried that the recent public opinion would have a negative impact on Guan Gufeng.

After hearing Guan Gufeng's plan, she was no longer worried and instead started talking about her thoughts after reading the new book. As they talked, they ended up talking about comics.

"So what kind of comics do you like?" Guan Gufeng asked.

"Hmm... I guess it's a shoujo manga. But I don't like those that are just about romance; I prefer everyday school life, preferably with some music."

What was said without malice may have been taken seriously by the listener.

A work suddenly popped into Guan Gufeng's mind: K-On!, the first of the "Four Great Classics" of girl bands, a classic anime adapted from a manga.

This is his favorite anime featuring a girl band, and he listens to its songs over and over again.

"Okay," he said. "Then I'll draw a manga you like. It'll be called 'K-On!', about the daily lives of high school girls in the light music club. When it gets an anime adaptation, you can sing the ending theme for me."

"Okay." Sachiko Kamachi's voice carried a hint of laughter and anticipation. "I'll be waiting for that day."

The two chatted for a few more minutes before Sachiko Kamachi said she had to go to the agency for practice and then hung up the phone.

Guan Gufeng put down the receiver and had just sat down at his desk when the phone rang again.

"Hello, this is Guan Gufeng."

"Mr. Sekiya," Kurokawa Akuta said solemnly, "a producer from TV Asahi just called to invite you to participate in their program."

"On Kume Hiroshi's 'News Station,' Sakamoto Toru used his connections to try and confront you face-to-face on live television."

Guan Gufeng remained silent, waiting for him to continue.

"This is the highest-rated news program in all of Japan, and it's broadcast live, so the company's advice is not to go."

"Leaving an empty chair in front of the camera is far better than making a mistake on the show. Besides, this is a rude invitation in itself. We will issue a statement together with Nintendo's public relations department to refuse."

Guan Gufeng remained silent for a few seconds.

"Editor Kurokawa, besides me, did they invite anyone else?"

Kurokawa Akuta paused for a moment, then replied, "It seems there's a new writer, an accomplice of Sakamoto Toru, who recently published a short story in the literary world called something like 'The God of Sekigu'..."

He suddenly stopped.

"Mr. Guan Gu...you've already posted it?"

Guan Gufeng smiled.

"Yes, it was posted a few days ago. It seems that my flowery writing even fooled Editor Kurokawa for a short time."

Kurokawa Akuta gave a wry smile. "So... you're going to participate in a TV program?"

"Go or not, my plans will fall through."

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone. Kurokawa Akuta carefully considered his words before slowly speaking, "Mr. Sekiya, in that case, I won't stop you. But there are some things in the club that I need to tell you in advance."

"Several directors in the company have recently had a lot of complaints about you because of this incident, feeling that we've invested too much in the newcomers. Moreover, they rejected Editor-in-Chief Sakamoto's proposed 15% royalty rate."

Guan Gufeng frowned.

"So," Kurokawa Akuta's voice carried a hint of helplessness, "if you're at a disadvantage on the show, the company might... drop you."

"Even if you sign a contract for one book, you will be given the 8% royalty rate as a new author, and the first print run will be reduced."

"Of course, if you win the show, it's still 15%." He paused for a moment, "That way, no matter the outcome, the company won't suffer any losses."

Guan Gufeng remained silent for a long time.

"It's nothing," he finally spoke, his voice calm. "Thank you for informing me, Editor Kurokawa, but I have other things to attend to."

He hesitated for a moment.

"Uncle Kurokawa."

Kurokawa Akuta's heart skipped a beat; this was the first time Sekiya Kaze had addressed him using a personal name.

"Thank you for your care during this time, and for the company's recognition of Sword Art Online. I will never forget your help."

Kurokawa Akuta remained silent. He knew that the series of incidents had already created a crack in Sekiya Kaze's trust in Shinchosha.

This decision by the company became the final blow that severed the relationship.

"Alright, Uncle Kurokawa." Guan Gufeng's tone became relaxed again. "Remember to watch TV tomorrow night."

"I bet that old bastard Sakamoto Tetsu's expression will be quite interesting when he finds out that I am 'Guan Gu Mystery'."

"Okay, I'll watch it." Kurokawa Akuta's voice was a little hoarse.

"Keep it up, Xiao Feng!"

"Um."

After hanging up the phone, Guan Gufeng felt a little irritable. He put on his coat and prepared to go downstairs to find Xiaohua to clear his head.

Just as he reached the door, the phone rang again. This time, before he could speak, the voice on the other end answered first.

"Mr. Guan Gu!" This time, the voice on the other end was filled with barely suppressed excitement. "You're on the show tomorrow night, could you please promote the upcoming Game Boy?"

It's Yuta Ogawa.

"This is a movie that can be seen all over Japan, and people of all ages and genders will watch it. It doesn't need to be complicated; just mention it briefly or twice. And regardless of the outcome, we can give you an extra 0.5% commission on sales."

Guan Gufeng was stunned.

How did Nintendo know he was going to be on the show?

Just as he was about to ask, the person on the other end seemed to have guessed his thoughts and said directly, "Editor Ishida told us about this. What are your thoughts?"

"You guys..." Guan Gufeng asked, somewhat puzzled, "Aren't you afraid that if I go on the show and cause problems, it will have a negative impact on you?"

"No way," Yuta Ogawa said with unbelievable certainty. "We've all read Professor Sekiya's book and plan, and we've agreed to them. Besides, you wrote in the book..."

He paused, his voice carrying a touch of youthful, impulsive enthusiasm.

"Instead of regretting later that you didn't trust, it's better to trust first, and then it won't matter if you regret it later."

"We're partners."

Guan Gufeng held the receiver, standing still, the word "partner" echoing in his mind.

These somewhat melodramatic lines, reminiscent of those from a video game protagonist, are more inspiring than any sophisticated business rhetoric.

He took a deep breath.

"Okay, partner."

After hanging up the phone, Guan Gufeng still went out, bought some rice balls and a can of cola at a convenience store, walked to the park, and sat on the bench.

Little Flower appeared out of nowhere, jumped onto the bench, squatted down next to him, and tilted her head to look at him.

Guan Gufeng tore open a rice ball, broke off half of it, and placed it in front of it.

Xiao Hua lowered her head and ate, licking her lips, unusually showing no disgust.

He sat there for a long time, watching the sky change from light blue to dark blue. Then he stood up and began to walk aimlessly.

He walked down that familiar street, past the 7-Eleven where the night shift staff had changed, and past the capsule hotel where he had once stayed.

He stopped at the door of "Ishibashi Musical Instruments" and, as if possessed, pushed the door open and went inside.

The shop assistant was the same person, Naoki Matsumoto.

Upon seeing Guan Gufeng enter, he immediately greeted him warmly.

"Mr. Guan Gu! What would you like to buy today?"

Guan Gufeng was taken aback.

"……Um."

He didn't actually know why he came in.

Naoki Matsumoto noticed his absent-mindedness and smiled, saying, "How about I show you around? We just got a new piano, a Yamaha U3H. Would you like to try it out?"

"Hmm... okay."

Naoki Matsumoto led him to the display area near the store entrance, where a black piano stood quietly, its lid polished to a shine and gleaming softly under the lights.

Guan Gufeng sat down on the piano bench.

His fingers touched the piano keys, and the memories of his past life remained—those pieces he had taught himself in his rented room while studying in Tokyo.

His Theme

He raised his hand, then lowered it, and the melody flowed from his fingertips.

Naoki Matsumoto walked over with a beginner's guide, ready to explain, when he suddenly froze.

The music was melodious and warm, like a cup of hot tea under the lamplight late at night.

It's not the kind of complicated, showy technique, but a gentle touch that strikes right at the heart.

The song ended.

"Mr. Sekiya..." Naoki Matsumoto stepped forward, his tone filled with genuine surprise, "I didn't know you played the piano so well."

He paused, then said somewhat embarrassedly, "Could you please play another piece? To be honest, this piano in the shop has never been played, and business hasn't been very good..."

He looked at Guan Gufeng with anticipation in his eyes.

"Please help us promote this."

Guan Gufeng smiled.

"sure."

He adjusted his posture, thought for a moment, and decided which piece to play.

He played that song, the first piece he learned.

"Uchiage Hanabi" (Fireworks).

His fingers fell again, and the music began.

This time, the melody is brighter and more youthful, like summer fireworks, like the heartbeat of a teenager.

Other employees in the store put down their work and unconsciously came over.

Passersby stopped and peered through the glass window.

More and more people gathered at the store entrance.

Guan Gufeng was completely immersed in the music and did not notice the changes around him until the last note fell. He then looked up and found that the area around him was full of people.

After a few quiet seconds, someone started clapping, followed by a second and a third, and the applause came like a tidal wave.

Guan Gufeng's face flushed red. He stood up and bowed somewhat awkwardly to express his gratitude.

As the crowd gradually dispersed, one person remained and walked straight towards him.

He took off his hat, revealing a face that had appeared countless times in major media reports.

It was a face he knew all too well.

"Hello." The man extended his hand, his voice gentle. "I am Ryuichi Sakamoto."

Guan Gufeng's pupils dilated slightly, and he reached out his hand, somewhat flattered. "Hello, Mr. Sakamoto, I am Guan Gufeng."

Naoki Matsumoto stepped back tactfully, leaving enough space.

"I just heard you playing," Ryuichi Sakamoto's gaze fell on the piano, then returned to Kaze Sekiya's face.

"The music is full of hope, especially the second piece. I haven't heard this kind of youthful, uplifting energy in a long time."

He smiled slightly.

"Would it be convenient to leave your contact information? I'd like to chat with you about music sometime."

"sure."

The two exchanged contact information and chatted briefly.

When Ryuichi Sakamoto asked him what he did for a living, Kaze Sekiya said he wrote novels.

Ryuichi Sakamoto said he's been reading a very interesting book recently called Sword Art Online, written under the pen name "Guan Gu Shenqi".

Guan Gufeng was stunned for a moment.

That's me.

Ryuichi Sakamoto was also taken aback for a moment, then his smile deepened.

"What a small world."

The two shook hands and said goodbye.

Guan Gufeng was walking home. The cherry blossom trees along the street had not yet bloomed, but small buds were already swelling on the branches.

The distant sky was dyed orange-red by the setting sun, and the neon lights of Shinjuku lit up one after another.

He looked up at the sky.

"Memories flood back, and the road ahead is full of hope, which fills you with determination."