How to raise a random guy's wife

"I'll tidy up later," Kobayashi Sora said. "Let's go to the bedroom first."

Chapter 21 A Chance Encounter at the Bookstore

"Hmm?" Kato Megumi put down the clutter on the coffee table and followed Kobayashi Sora into the bedroom.

Kobayashi Sora closed the bedroom door behind her and moved the chair next to the desk to the door, saying, "Put the chair here like this."

As he spoke, he demonstrated by using the upper edge of the chair back to brace against the door handle.

“If you want to open the door from the outside, the doorknob will be blocked by the chair,” Kobayashi Sora said, flicking the doorknob so that it made a soft sound as it hit the top edge of the chair back. “That way you can sleep more soundly.”

"Huh?" Kato Megumi tilted her head. "Can't we just lock the door?"

“I have the key.”

"Kobayashi is very experienced."

“When I was working, I stayed in hotels all the time, and my colleagues taught me how to do that.”

"Can boys also be attacked at night?"

"It's always good to be careful." Kobayashi Sora moved the chair away, took the pillow and blanket, and left. "Well then, sweet dreams."

"Goodnight," Kato Megumi waved.

-

In the early morning, Kobayashi Sora was awakened by a fragrance lingering at the tip of her nose. "Hmm...hmm?"

He made a questioning sound.

"Did I wake you up?" Kato Megumi's voice came from the kitchen.

"No." Kobayashi Sora glanced at the time. "I woke up naturally."

Stretching and yawning, I walked into the kitchen. Kato Megumi was wearing his apron and making breakfast.

"It smells so good." Kobayashi Sora's nostrils twitched. "What are you doing?"

“There was bacon and eggs in the fridge,” Kato Megumi said, shoveling bacon and eggs into the pan, “so I used them for breakfast.”

"Speaking of which, I originally wanted to do this," Kobayashi Sora sighed, "but I rarely eat breakfast, so I forgot about it."

"Make sure you eat a proper breakfast," Kato Megumi reminded her as she sprinkled the seasonings. "It's almost ready, go wash your hands."

"Okay." Kobayashi Sora replied, and after washing up, she had breakfast with Kato Megumi.

"Do I have to work today too?"

"Yes, I need to check out a few bookstores." Kobayashi Sora nodded. "There are some follow-up collaborations I need to discuss with them. What about you?"

"I don't have a job," Kato Megumi replied, "but I need to go home early. It's the first time I've stayed out all night, and my parents are a little worried."

"Let me take you home," Kobayashi Sora suggested. "You can explain it to your parents."

"That would be more troublesome," Kato Megumi warned.

“...That makes sense.” Kobayashi Sora realized.

If Kato Megumi goes back by herself, she can just tell her parents that she's staying at her best friend's house for one night.

If Kobayashi Sora went with him...

The nature of it then changes.

"If you want to go, you can do it in a few days."

"Eh?"

"Didn't I stay at your house for a long time?" Kato Megumi looked up. "You can come to my house if you want."

Is it acceptable to reciprocate gifts?

After breakfast, Kato Megumi wanted to help wash the dishes, but Kobayashi Sora refused and went home.

Kato Megumi has such a good temper.

Kobayashi Sora sighed for what felt like the umpteenth time.

Not only do they help make breakfast, but they also help wash the dishes.

Speaking of which...

Kobayashi Sora walked into the bedroom and, as expected, saw neatly folded blankets and pajamas.

Composing herself, Kobayashi Sora changed into appropriate clothes to appear more mature before heading out to work.

Contacting various bookstores was also part of the job. Carrying business cards, Kobayashi Sora visited each bookstore one by one according to the planned route.

Although she was in charge of editing for Kasumi Shiko, she was actually preparing for a series of light novels that he would be publishing later.

"Nice to meet you. I am Ms. Kasumi Shiko's new editor," Kobayashi Sora presented her business card with both hands. "I am Kobayashi Sora from the Fantastic Editorial Department of Shinazugawa Bunko. We plan to have some collaborations with your bookstore. We look forward to your support."

Repeating the same polite phrases many times, Kobayashi Sora chatted with the shop manager while observing the situation.

Many people marvel at his intelligence-gathering abilities, but overlook the time he spends on intelligence gathering.

The small-world phenomenon, also known as the small-world effect, is related to the six degrees of separation theory.

The theory states that there are no more than 6 intermediaries between a person and any other stranger. In other words, one can get to know any stranger through a maximum of 6 intermediaries.

With enough patience, or to put it more bluntly, if you have the time, it's not difficult to learn about people in the same industry.

Categorize this information, identify key targets, and then use others to gather more information. This process inevitably involves some transactions of money and goods, but ultimately, you will gain something.

What enabled Kobayashi Sora to accomplish all this was Akane Akasaka's financial resources.

Kobayashi Sora also used the information she had acquired to help Akane Akasaka find a more suitable partner, enabling her to better convert the copyrights she held into financial resources.

Initially, things didn't go smoothly. Perhaps it was due to the relationship between the two souls; Kobayashi Sora was able to notice more details and clues, and her memory was far superior to that of ordinary people. The more information she obtained, the easier it was for her to obtain even more information.

It's like a circle; the larger it is, the more it touches.

The store manager was dressed simply and cleanly. Although the bookstore was not large, it had many obscure works as well as many classic masterpieces. Judging from the decoration, it must have been a store that had been in business for a long time. There was also an area for adults only, which was covered by curtains.

These bookstores usually have some loyal customers who are likely to help them purchase small quantities of goods, and customers will also buy products based on the store manager's recommendations.

If you build a good relationship with the shop manager and your work is of acceptable quality, you'll receive a lot of praise from those who are into staying at home.

Kobayashi Sora secretly memorized this information. While chatting with the shopkeeper, a blond man walked out from behind the 18+ curtain, carrying a box in his hands.

This person… Kobayashi Sora’s eyes flickered slightly, and she voluntarily stepped aside from the counter, saying, “Please.”

"Thank you." The man, clearly a foreigner, thanked him in fluent Japanese, with a Mario-like tone, and placed the game and notebook on the counter. "That's all for now."

The game is a cute visual novel, and the doujinshi is...

Two handsome young men gaze deeply into each other's eyes on the cover, the background flashing with light, giving off a completely serene and unassuming vibe.

"Oh, Leonard," the store manager said with a smile as he calculated the price, "I'll give you a 10% discount!"

"Thank you so much!" Leonard smiled broadly. "Speaking of which, hasn't that arrived yet?"

"The PS3 special edition of 'The Amber Concerto' is in high demand," the shop manager said, spreading his hands helplessly. "The price has been driven sky-high, and you still can't buy it. How about the consumer version?"

“The consumer version means that special scenes have been cut,” Leonard sighed. “For a work like Amber Concerto, where the story and special plot are closely intertwined, even if the plot is well done, the appeal will be halved.”

Chapter 22 has a clear purpose.

The store manager scratched his head, "How about we play the original PC version then?"

“I’m afraid that won’t work,” Kobayashi Sora said. “The ○ student girl, who didn’t even have any bonus special scenes in the original PC version, has become a romanceable character in the PS3 bonus edition of Amber Concerto in order to increase sales. She has additional scenes and special special scenes. Mr. Leonard probably wanted the PS3 bonus edition for that reason, right?”

“Exactly!” Leonard sighed. “After all, in the PC version, the younger sister always hates the male protagonist. How will things develop to that point? It’s something that really keeps us wondering.”

"Even if you say that," the shopkeeper shrugged, "if you can't buy it, you can't buy it. Do you think I can conjure up a living person who has it in stock?"

“I’ve been looking forward to this for so long…” Leonard said with an expression like an abandoned blond hair, “but I had to work when it was released, and I wanted to get it as soon as possible, so I missed it—who would have thought it would be so popular.”

“Um,” Kobayashi Sora pointed to herself, “I have one.”

"Huh?!" Leonard gave a husky-like expression. "Really?"

“I’m here to talk about work,” Kobayashi Sora chuckled. “If I were to lie to you, I wouldn’t do it in front of my business partners.”

"Can you sell it to me?" Leonard grabbed Kobayashi Sora's shoulder. "I'll pay any price!"

"I'm very sorry," Kobayashi Sora shook her head, "I can't sell it to you."

"Ah... then don't tell me."

"I am still a minor, so buying or selling this kind of work is illegal."

“Underage?! Do kids grow up this fast these days?” Leonard gestured. “My kid is only this size now.”

“Some grow early, some grow late, that’s normal,” Kobayashi Sora suggested. “However, since you’re a regular customer of the boss, although we can’t buy or sell it, lending it to you is no problem.”

"Hahahaha!" the shopkeeper laughed. "Mr. Leonard Spencer has been in Japan for twenty years and got married here. He is indeed a regular customer of mine, Kobayashi. You can rest assured."

“That’s right! That’s right!” Leonard nodded vigorously. “Thank you so much!”

“I’ve almost finished my work for today,” Kobayashi Sora said with a smile. “Mr. Leonard, would you like to wait here for a while, or come home with me to get it?”

“Waiting is always agonizing,” Leonard said, putting his arm around Kobayashi Sora’s shoulder. “If you don’t mind, let me come with you!”

The two walked together, chatting idly.

"I don't think I've seen you before. Did you move here recently?"

"Yes, because of my family's work, I left here three years ago and only recently came back."

"Where did you transfer to?"

"A second-year student at Toyosaki School."

“Perfect timing! I… cough cough, I know that place, it’s a really good school.” Leonard changed the subject. “I didn’t expect you to have a PS3 bonus edition of Amber Concerto, was it a gift from your family?”

"A friend gave it to me." Kobayashi Sora said without changing his expression. How could he speculate if he didn't have any goods? "Because of my work, I often come into contact with friends in the doujinshi community."

"Work?"

"Yes, I do odd jobs in the club." Kobayashi Sora opened the door. "Please come in."

"Sorry to bother you."