I really don't want to have a girlfriend.

"Yay! Now I can use my royalties to feed Qiong lavish meals every day..."

He wasn't gloating over winning the award; what pleased him was that the prize money alone would be enough to fatten up his stay-at-home sister, so she wouldn't have to worry about household expenses and secretly reduce her food intake anymore.

Not to mention the royalties from subsequent publications. With the prestigious brand of a grand prize winner, Shinazugawa Bunko will likely invest heavily in promoting him as a newly debuted bestselling author. As long as the quality remains stable, book signings, IP adaptations, and various events will follow one after another. It's not impossible for him to gradually become the flagship author of the Bunko.

In other words, within a year at the latest, he will be able to live a life of luxury based on his talent and hard work!

"Wait for me, Sora!" Yuu Tenkuji put away his phone, his eyes brimming with ambition. "I will make the entire light novel world resound with the pen name we two came up with together!"

Then, when other classmates noticed his unusual behavior, he casually lowered his head, took out a book from his bag, and started reading quietly. He was very similar to one of the few introverted, silent, and typical shut-in classmates in the class.

If he maintains this persona on the first day of school and secretly takes the self-study permit exam, he can stay home and focus on writing his novel without paying attention to anything else.

The reason why Yuu Tenkuji had the confidence to do this was naturally due to the cheat code that suddenly appeared on him during the summer vacation—that is, the so-called system.

The system was incredibly generous. Before he even had a chance to do anything after possessing the body, it gave him two perks: first, expert-level writing skills, and second, knowledge of all subjects within the high school curriculum, except for Japanese history and Japanese language, all of which were based on the educational standards of China!

Isn't this a sure thing? Not to mention crushing 99% of all high school students in Japan, getting first place nationwide is a piece of cake, right?

Wuhu, take off!

Although he didn't know what the system wanted him to do, the opportunity was right in front of him. Without much hesitation, in order to meet the deadline for the Shinazugawa Bunko Light Novel Award, he slept for only two hours in three days and wrote a complete novel to submit. He almost wrote himself to death on the spot.

As we just saw, the novel, written in three days, won the grand prize, which was beyond his expectations. After all, he had heard Qiong say that there seemed to be behind-the-scenes manipulation behind such awards. The grand prize was only given to the younger generation of certain powerful families to enhance their prestige. The highest a layman could get was the gold prize, which was also his original goal.

I didn't expect Shinazugawa Bunko to be so generous as to let such an unknown newcomer receive the grand prize... Well, perhaps this is related to the fact that his novel, which combines his masterful writing skills with the tropes of online novels from his previous life, is not only entertaining but also has great commercial value?

In any case, you've already obtained the first key to changing your life. The next step is to keep growing and continuously take the treasures behind the door into your own hands.

From this moment on, a new star in the world of light novels... no, in literature, will rise and illuminate the night sky!

"..."

No one knew that in some inconspicuous spot, an unassuming boy with his head down reading a book was actually seriously contemplating a plan to dominate the Japanese literary world.

Apart from……

he himself.

△

"What the hell? Is this really me?"

Floating in mid-air like a ghost, Yuu Tenkuji stared incredulously at the boy who looked exactly like him, except for some differences in his attire.

Dark, lacking presence, poor at socializing, and even seems a little withdrawn... none of these words have anything to do with his confidence and handsomeness!

"Is something wrong with this timeline...?"

Despite her deep reluctance to accept it, the facts were undeniable. Hearing his heartfelt words confirmed that his love for his sister was similar to her own. Soujou could only sigh, covering her forehead, and put this completely disliked version of herself out of her mind.

The important thing is my current situation.

"Is the so-called truth that I have to act as a ghost to witness their meeting?"

Yuu Tenkuji guessed, and having watched Sora's 'documentary' before, he quickly understood the current situation and remained calm and unhurried.

There are only two points that need attention right now—

First, there's the issue of time flow rate.

He was destined to die before graduation, so barring any unforeseen circumstances, he would have at most two years to act as his ghost, watching him and Kasumigaoka Utaha fall in love and do all sorts of things, and only after everything was over could he return.

Regardless of whether it would affect his real life, he didn't want to be a ghost who couldn't touch anything for two years.

Secondly, the whereabouts of Kasumigaoka Utaha.

The most likely scenario is that she is now in the same situation as herself, becoming the spirit behind "Kasumigaoka Utaha," and is crying out in confusion. It may take a long time before she can calmly examine this surreal development.

After pondering for a while, Yuu Tenkuji suddenly stretched out his fists and feet, and then slapped his own head without any hesitation. His semi-transparent palm passed right through it without causing any reaction from the other party.

Therefore, he made a very straightforward conclusion.

"There's nothing we can do but take it one step at a time."

Like a traveler standing on a suspension bridge, regardless of whether the bridge will break or not, he only has the option to keep moving forward. Worrying too much will only slow him down.

Besides, the twenty-year-old senior likes him, even if it's just the same person from a different time and space... Yuuya Tenkuji believes that she wouldn't do anything to harm him.

"It's just like a panoramic movie theater, I really hope it ends soon..."

With a sigh, just as Tenkuji Yu was complaining as if giving up, the scene before her suddenly blurred.

After a brief moment of surprise, he couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, feeling a strange sense of familiarity with this anomaly.

"Is this... the boss's Crimson King, or the priest's Heavenly Creation?"

The process was skipped, the time was deleted, or it was accelerated to reach the important point?

In any case, I shouldn't have to spend a long time here anymore.

Just like the edited videos of Qiong, this journey of memories aimed at revealing the truth will not waste too much of their time.

Yuu Tenkuji felt somewhat relieved by this.

In the blink of an eye, the scene changed from the school to a magnificent banquet hall.

Looking up, a banner hung on the stage at the very front, with the words "Fushigawa Novel Award Ceremony and Writers' Exchange Meeting" written in large characters.

All around were formally dressed people moving about, and long tables were filled with exquisite dishes for everyone to help themselves. As for myself, I was wearing a sharp and handsome suit, which was unusual for me, and I blended into the banquet atmosphere in a respectable manner.

The outfit of thick bangs and black-rimmed glasses has not changed much; it has a low profile but doesn't feel out of place.

...Is she determined to seal away her good looks?

Yuu Tenkuji shook his head speechlessly, watching him talk to the staff about receiving the award on stage later. After listening to their instructions, he went to the long table, picked up some food, and then went to a corner to eat quietly.

Meanwhile, the bright black eyes beneath the black-rimmed glasses subtly swept across the scene, scrutinizing certain individuals for a moment, with the majority being beautiful young women.

"That's Senju Muramasa...that's Aoyama Aoyama...that should be Kana Nayuta...oh, even a big shot like Natsuno Kirihime is here? And there are so many authors I've heard of before..."

He laughed with great interest, showing no intention of showing any timidity in front of these seniors: "The so-called 'Writers' Exchange Meeting' seems to be more than just a simple event... Are you planning a literary battle royale by bringing together so many famous writers of different types?"

As Tenkuji Yu listened to his murmur, he glanced subtly at the people whose names he had mentioned.

"Dude, before that, can't you wonder why there are so many female authors who are actually beautiful girls...?"

This doesn't make sense. One or two exceptions are one thing, but where do so many beautiful girls with looks comparable to Kasumigaoka Utaha come from to write novels?

Where are the greasy middle-aged men and nerdy guys we were promised? What's the fun in staying in this novel world where there's absolutely no sense of belonging?

And how did you know who was who? Isn't this kind of information supposed to be highly confidential? Did you cheat during the time acceleration period?

"Hmph, even so, I won't lose!"

Taking a bite of the crispy and tender chicken leg, amidst Ling's grumbling behind her, Yuu Tenkuji's eyes shone with confidence and excitement. She was already bursting with anticipation for the moment when she would go on stage to receive the award and make her official appearance in front of those people.

Just then, a beautiful young woman with a curvaceous figure and delicate, lovely face walked over. Her deep red eyes were calm as an abyss, yet seemed to burn with intense flames as she stared intently at him.

"Excuse me, you must be the grand prize winner this time, 'Yuan Zhi Qiong' teacher?"

"I wouldn't dare call myself a teacher, I'm just a new author." 'Tenkuji Yu' wiped her mouth, put the plate aside, and faced her directly.

After looking the other person up and down, he couldn't help but push up his glasses in surprise, and asked as if to confirm, "You are the winner of this year's gold prize, Xia Shizi?"

"You know me?" The girl was taken aback. "Did Ms. Machida leak my information? No, she's not that kind of person... You investigated me?"

Yuu Tenkuji countered, "And how do you know me?"

"I'm sorry, I can't say that."

"Then I won't tell you either."

Yuu Tenkuji smiled slightly, meeting the girl's slightly surprised gaze directly. Her eyes behind her glasses remained calm: "So, did you come here specifically to say hello, or to tell me to wash my neck and wait? Kasumi Shiko-sensei."

"...Think what you want, Mr. Yosuga no Sora." After a long silence, the girl with long black hair named Kasumi Utako snorted and turned around proudly and arrogantly, crossing her arms and saying, "Coming to see your 'opponent' is a duelist's basic etiquette... After all, if you lose to me in the later sales, you will never see yourself so spirited again."

Yuu Tenkuji wasn't angry; she just shook her head with amusement.

"I never said I wanted to have a duel with you... Oh well, whatever makes you happy."

Without intending to pay her any more attention, he picked up his tray and prepared to leave the corner: "In short, let's both keep up the good work. Although your 'Love Metronome' has many flaws and the writing is only so-so, its emotional depth is quite good. However, it is an excellent work that can touch the hearts of many readers and bring them to tears. Please keep it up."

"..."

Yuu Tenkuji had only taken a few steps when a voice called out to him from behind: "Wait a minute!"

"how?"

He had barely turned his head when a book was shoved right into his face.

The black-haired girl, whose pen name was Xia Shizi, shifted her gaze, blushed slightly with embarrassment, but spoke with an air of self-righteousness: "I also think your work is a rare masterpiece in recent years. Even with such an old-fashioned plot, the writing rhythm and lyrical passages are so good that one can't help but think that this is high-quality stuff that shouldn't appear in moe light novels... My editor even told me to learn more from you, which is really infuriating."

"so?"

"Tenkuji Yu" glanced at the book cover and realized it was his own "Brother Dies, Sister Becomes a God". After a moment's thought, he roughly understood her purpose. The corners of his mouth involuntarily turned up slightly, as if he was suppressing a laugh.

"Ahem!" Xia Shizi, who had almost lost her composure, quickly coughed twice to avoid his gaze and smile. She opened the book cover, blushed, pointed to the blank space inside, and said stiffly, "So, if it's convenient... could you please sign your name for me?"

"understood."

Without arguing with her any further, 'Tenkuji Yu' quickly signed her name, then helplessly spread her hands: "Sorry, I didn't bring your book."

Kasumigaoka Utaha carefully put the book away, then waved her hand casually: "It doesn't matter. I just wanted to get an autograph from an author I admire... so that when I'm stronger than him in the future, I can use it to commemorate my past weakness."

"That's quite an idea."

Yuu Tenkuji gave a noncommittal comment and turned to take the first step she was halfway through.

She suddenly spoke again: "Wait, what's your name?"

"Your real name?" Yuu Tenkuji asked doubtfully. "As an author, you usually don't tell others this kind of thing, right?"

"I just suddenly wanted to know... After all, you stood on my head and crushed 'Love Metronome' before you finally won this grand prize."

A warlike glint burned in her eyes, and Kasumigaoka Utaha curved her rosy lips into a smile as she looked at him and said, word by word:

"I, Kasumigaoka Utaha, will repay this humiliation tenfold! I will prove that my work, even without learning your writing style, can be more popular than yours!"

As if he couldn't do anything about her, the boy sighed lazily under that intense and provocative gaze.

"Then I, 'Tenkuji Yuu,' will be watching with bated breath!"

Kasumigaoka Utaha nodded in satisfaction, tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, and tilted her head with a charming smile: "Oh, actually you're quite interested too?"

"That's your imagination..."

Naturally, the spirit behind them witnessed everything that happened and saw all of their conversation.