The lonely Hikigaya Hachiman wants to become the king of mystery novels

Yukinoshita Yono said worriedly.She didn't think such a serious matter could be decided so easily.

"That's right, sister. I shouldn't have decided so easily. But I met someone there who you can't expect, sister. It was him who strengthened my determination to choose that apartment."

Yukinoshita Yukino deliberately let it slip. She liked to observe her sister's confused and puzzled look. She had been teased by Yangno in this way before, so it was time for her sister to fight back.

"Yukino, please stop talking about these irrelevant things. What does your choice of residence have to do with other people? Isn't it just you who will live in it in the end?"

Yangno didn't know why she felt nervous, and her tone became urgent.She was afraid that her sister would meet some unscrupulous person. After all, Yukino was only 16 years old, and perhaps her ability to distinguish had not yet developed very well.

"Don't worry so much, sister. What I met was actually the classmate Hikigaya Hachiman who persuaded me at last year's banquet. He had already bought an apartment next door to me. I will be living with him in the past three years of high school. Become neighbors and classmates.”

----

"Hikigaya Hachiman?!"

Mrs. Yukinoshita said in surprise.

"Yes, wife. What a coincidence. Our two daughters have become involved with this Mr. Hachiman, but this is not a bad thing, what do you think?"

Mr. Yukinoshita couldn't help but sigh.As a father, he is naturally very concerned about how his two daughters get along with the opposite sex, and Hikigaya Hachiman is undoubtedly a very safe friend in his opinion.

"Of course it's not a bad thing. Rather, it's an unexpected surprise."

Mrs. Yukinoshita said with a smile.This smile was a unique expression she only showed when she was alone with her husband.

"By the way, hubby. In this case, you don't have to give me the key to Yukino's place. You can just keep one for yourself. It wouldn't be good if I entered Yukino's apartment privately and was seen by Mr. Hachiman."

Mrs. Yukinoshita added.She didn't expect that a very vague idea she once had would unexpectedly take a big step forward today.

----

"That's the way it is, Yukino. I'm sorry for keeping this from you. I don't have anything to defend."

After learning that her sister and Mr. Hachiman were about to become neighbors, Yukinoshita Yuno thought that she had nothing to hide, so she told Yukino the truth about the matter. She had thought about it after the banquet last year. One day.

"I'm thinking, if my sister and I swap roles in this matter, I'm afraid I can't guarantee that I won't do this. Once this kind of thing starts, it will be very difficult to confess before it is exposed. Yes. So I won’t blame you, sister.”

Yukinoshita Yukino said this.Just kidding, she has already had such a wonderful start, why is there any need to get into trouble with her own sister?

"...Xiao Yukino, the more generous you are, the more you make my sister feel a little embarrassed."

Yangno said with a wry smile.Immediately afterwards, she and Yukino hugged each other gently. There were no sharp questions, no tit-for-tat, no sisterly antagonism, and there was even no conflict between the two parties.While Yangno was hugging her sister, she still felt a little weird.But she no longer thinks about these things. Harmony between relatives is the most important thing.

For Yukinoshita Yukino, Mr. Hachiman is a novelist she admires. Her feelings towards Mr. Hachiman are more of being untouchable and aloof.

As for Hikigaya Hachiman, she was a classmate who had a relationship with her. She once provided psychological counseling to her and made her think about many things. Now she has no special feelings for Hikigaya-san. The next neighbor Life was the beginning of her and Hikigaya Hachiman's mutual acquaintance.

"Please give me your guidance in the future, Hikigaya-san. To me, you will no longer be the distant teacher Hachiman, but the real Hachiman-san who is right next to me."

Yukinoshita Yukino rested her head on Harano's shoulder, thinking silently.

Chapter 72 Hikigaya Hachiman’s Honorable Life

It’s the end of December, and most people across Japan have begun to enjoy the New Year’s holiday.Hikigaya Hachiman's family also finished writing all New Year's cards before December 28th and handed them to the post office.These greeting cards will be sent to the blessed people on the first day of the new year.

For Hikigaya Hachiman, there are many big things happening at the end of the year.

In his field of literary creation, at the end of the year, the results of annual rankings from multiple heavyweight magazines and publishing houses will be announced.

Hikigaya Hachiman's "Malice" and "Confession" ranked first and second respectively in Shukan Bunshun's "Annual Mystery Novel Ranking". Although Shukan Bunshun is Bungeishun's own magazine, the quality of these two novels has made the publisher in no way Don’t worry about outsiders gossiping that Wenyi Chunqiu ranks the novels published by its own family at the top of the list.

"Whether it's "Confession" or "Malevolence", they are all well-deserved. I think there is no need for everyone to get entangled in who is first and who is second. The only one we really love is Mr. Hachiman, and I believe he can create more outstanding works for us. A work of reasoning.”

This is what a well-known mystery novel critic in the circle said on his homepage.He noticed that after Weekly Wenchun's ranking list was released, some fans of "Confession" were obviously unhappy, and there were some discordant voices on the daily tweets, so he decided to come out and say a few words to calm everyone's mood a little.

Just one day later, another famous annual ranking list of mystery novels in Japan, "This Mystery Novel is So Awesome!" organized by Takarashimasha also announced the winning results. "Malevolence" was clearly ranked No. 5 again, while "Confession" was only ranked No. [-].

As we all know, the reason Baodaosha’s list was established was to go against the weekly Wenchun’s list.However, this year, these two lists ranked "Malicious" at the first place, which also shows that everyone has very little disagreement about excellent works.

Now, fans of "Confession" on Twitter are completely angry.

"It doesn't matter if it's ranked second, what does it mean to be ranked fifth? The combined sales and fame of the second, third and fourth places are not as good as "Confession", not to mention "Confession" also crushes most of this year's novels in terms of reputation. This list Why do you look down on it?"

"It's just that "Confessions" even won the Mystery Writers Association Award. I can't even defeat these people. They are so tough."

Although the sales volume of "Malice" is not as good as that of "Confession", it is undoubtedly more popular on the mystery list. After all, "Confession" is not a mystery novel at all in the eyes of many people.

The third heavyweight list, the "Bookstore Award" organized by a joint group composed of representatives of bookstore clerks from all over Japan and selected through online voting, was won by "Confession" without any suspense. Down.The reason is also very simple. This book sells so well.

"Confession" was released at the end of January this year. In nearly a year, a total of 140 million copies of the single version and the library version were sold, which undoubtedly created a sales miracle.And new gimmicks often appear to continue the popularity of "Confession".

"Only when the tide recedes will we know who is swimming naked. Sales speak for themselves. This is the breaking strength of "Confession"!"

Fans of "Confession" excitedly show off that they believe that novels that are recognized by readers and bookstores are good novels that can stand the test of time.

Hikigaya Hachiman revealed to Bungeishunchu Publishing House that he will officially sell the film and television adaptation rights of "Confession" in the first half of next year.Therefore, Literary Spring and Autumn is extremely optimistic about the future sales of "Confession", with the most optimistic estimate even reaching 300 million copies in three years.

To sum up, in the past year, Japan’s mystery literary world has almost become a one-man show of Hikigaya Hachiman.Countless readers got into mystery literature because of him, and many newcomers were inspired by him to pick up a pen and decide to become writers.

Hikigaya Hachiman alone has increased the average monthly sales of "All Reading" magazine by more than 70.00%, and the increase in the turnover of Bungeishunqiu Publishing House has been astronomical.

Although the Internet is still quarreling over the rankings, the publishing house has begun printing new book covers for these two books. In less than a year, the honors and honors on the book covers of these two books have There is not enough space to print the slogans, and they are all real honors. It would feel inappropriate to delete any of them.

Of course, having received so many honors in a short period of time, Hikigaya Hachiman must have expressed it on Twitter.

"Thanks to Literary Spring and Autumn and Baodao Society for their recognition of my work, and also to readers for their strong support. At the beginning of the new year, the TV series "Malicious" adapted from my original work will be broadcast on NHK TV. Everyone is welcome to watch... "

Nearly three months have passed since NHK TV purchased the film and television rights to "Malicious" from Hikigaya Hachiman. NHK finally made the decision to start broadcasting "Malicious" on the first Saturday after the New Year, and the format will naturally remain weekly.

NHK also fully accepted some of the suggestions previously made by Hikigaya Hachiman regarding the casting of Detective Kaga and Osamu Nonoguchi, and also sent the actor's information to Hachiman when selecting roles, asking him to provide some opinions.

In the end, the roles of Detective Kaga and Osamu Nonoguchi were chosen so that Hachiman was very satisfied.The former is handsome and masculine, while the latter is wretched and stingy. They are both actors with rich experience in playing similar types of roles.

"Congratulations, Mr. Hachiman, it's only been more than a year since your debut, and the TV series adapted from your work is about to be aired on NHK's prime time."

Editor Imamura called and congratulated me.

"Editor Imamura, I always feel that NHK didn't choose the broadcasting time that well. Who likes to watch a TV series about murder and revenge on New Year's Eve?"

Hikigaya Hachiman always wanted to complain about this, but he couldn't tell the people at the TV station directly, so he had to tell Naho Imamura on the phone.

"Well, in fact, most of the people who will watch this TV series are fans of the book "Malevolence". Even those who are attracted by the publicity will probably buy a book first and then watch the TV series. So everyone knows the plot, they just want to see how it will be adapted, and it has nothing to do with the time of broadcast."

Naho Imamura explained.

In fact, neither the TV station nor the publishing house nor herself nor Hikigaya Hachiman believed that the TV series "Malevolence" could achieve high ratings, and of course it would certainly not be low.Because everyone basically knows the plot, and there are no scenes in the original work that would be very impactful after being adapted into a film, so the tepid ratings are normal.

After finishing these chores, Hikigaya took out an invitation. It was the same invitation to the banquet as last year, but this time his name was specifically added.

This shows that he has been listed among the most distinguished guests.

Chapter 73 Hikigaya Hachiman’s preparations

(After the launch, the explosive update volume reached 3 words in three days. Please support me with free tickets. From tomorrow onwards, we will return to the normal frequency of two updates a day, and there will still be three to four updates on weekends)

For this large-scale banquet held at the end of each year in Chiba Prefecture, the guests are invited by several host families who are responsible for sending invitations.The letter Hikigaya Hachiman received was undoubtedly sent by the Yukinoshita family.

It's just that the invitation from last year was his ticket.But this year's letter has become purely a formality.Because Hikigaya Hachiman will take the Yukinoshita family car directly to the venue this year, no one will check his invitation.

"Hikigaya-senpai, how about the family car pick you up at three o'clock in the afternoon?"

On the afternoon of December 29, Hikigaya Hachiman received a call from Haruno.

"Three o'clock in the afternoon...Senior, isn't this a bit too early? I remember, didn't last year's banquet officially start at six o'clock?"

Hikigaya Hachiman was puzzled. What was the reason why Haruno picked him up so early? Was he supposed to take him to decorate the venue?

"Yes, junior, the banquet does start at six o'clock as in previous years. But the place where I will pick you up in the afternoon is not the venue, but... my home."

Yukinoshita Harano seemed to have made up her mind before answering.

"...Senior, do you mean to go to Yukinoshita's house?"

This is indeed a bit beyond Hikigaya Hachiman's imagination.

"That's right, junior. My mother and father, they have always wanted to meet you. They also wanted to formally thank you for what you persuaded Yukino last year."

"Ah...it turns out that it was that incident. It's been so long. If you didn't tell me, I would have forgotten it. It's just a little effort."

The forgetting that Hikigaya Hachiman said was not that he really forgot, but that he would not take the initiative to think of it.If someone else brought it up, he could still recall every detail of that conversation.

"Of course, junior. You are now a real big shot in Chiba County. It is really not easy for our family to ask to see you. It is not until the end of the year that we plan to..."

Yukinoshita Yono's voice became lower and lower the more she spoke.

"Stop, stop, senior, I didn't say no. Your method is too clumsy, but it still works for me. I really can't listen to this."

Hikigaya Hachiman saw that the other party was about to start playing tricks and trying to elevate the other party, so he quickly stopped Yukinoshita Harano.

"Hmm, then it's settled, junior. Our car will arrive at your door on time at three o'clock in the afternoon. By the way, Yukino and I both have things to do and won't be in the car. You can be alone Enjoy the spacious back seat, we are waiting for you at home."

Yangno's voice suddenly became lively and she ended the call after saying a few more words.

"This is too urgent...I don't even have time to prepare gifts or anything."

Hikigaya Hachiman complained.Now he can't find any shops that are still open when he goes out.Although someone else invited him to visit, it really didn't fit with Hachiman's character to just go there empty-handed.

"A collector's edition of the novel..."

Hikigaya Hachiman previously received five commemorative editions of "Malevolence" from the publishing house that will be broadcast with the TV series "Malevolence" in limited quantities at the same time.This edition has a hard cover and is very thick. The Yukinoshita family does not need any expensive gifts. As a writer, it must be very reasonable for a writer to give away his own work.

"This should be sincere enough."

Hikigaya took out four of the five books and wrapped them up.

When it came to the most important part of dressing up, Hikigaya Hachiman didn't want to be as mature as last year. He just asked his mother to help him take care of his hair a little so it wouldn't look messy, and sprayed some hair wax to set it.

As for clothes, Hikigaya Hachiman is particularly particular about it. He chose a winter kimono. The outer robe is light brown with black stripes. The inner robe is red with black background and matched with silver chains. It has a golden waist and is tied around the neck. A black scarf with the front tucked into the underwear.Finally, there is the soul equipment of Hikigaya Hachiman’s transformation—glasses.

This outfit was learned by Hikigaya Hachiman from a famous monster mystery writer in his previous life. It is also a very traditional outfit.And because the kimono is looser, it is easier to move and sit, and it is not as restrictive as wearing a stiff suit.

(Kyogoku-sensei is a little fat, don’t worry too much)

"Wow, brother. Can I say that your outfit completely captivated Komachi? This is the first time I've seen my brother dressed like this."

Hikigaya Komachi walked around beside his well-dressed brother, looking at it carefully and fiddling with the parts of the kimono from time to time.

"That's great, Komachi. I completely believe in your aesthetic sense."

Hachiman said very proudly.

"Hachiman, the only problem with your outfit is that you are a bit thin. If you can exercise and hold up this outfit, your handsomeness will be even higher."

Mrs. Hikigaya pointedly pointed out.In fact, Hikigaya Hachiman had made a fitness plan a long time ago, but he gave up temporarily because he was too tired from studying (in his opinion), so he postponed the plan until after the entrance examination.

"Hachiman, you really have the temperament of a literary scholar in this way of dressing up. The suit you wore last year looks no different from an ordinary rich young man from behind. It doesn't reflect your specialness."

Mr. Hikigaya also praised Hachiman's new image, but what he said made his wife beside him unhappy. After all, she was the one who helped Hachiman dress up last year.

"I said, as a father who never pays attention to his son's image, what qualifications do you have to criticize the image I have designed for my son with all my heart? In that case, there is no problem with my plan at all."

Mrs. Hikigaya said fiercely to her husband.

"Our son is just a junior high school boy, why should he dress up so delicately and greasyly. Besides, Hachiman has inherited my excellent genes, and his foundation is already very good."

Although Mr. Hikigaya was a little timid, he still retorted forcefully.

"So you... Even if you have 100 billion yen, in the eyes of outsiders, you are still just an old hater and a nouveau riche."

Fashionista Mrs. Hikigaya is speechless about her husband.

"I think this is enough, Mom and Dad. They will pick me up early today and I should get ready to go out."

It was almost three o'clock in the afternoon, and Hikigaya Hachiman was ready to leave.

"Hachiman, listen to mom. If you fall in love with the daughter of any family on this occasion, you must be careful. Your current status as a writer is something that many families want to strive for. Don't be fooled. I got married."

Mrs. Hikigaya revealed what she was most worried about. She didn't want her son, who had already had a successful career, to marry into someone else's family.

"Don't worry, Mom, I will keep working hard until I become a rich man myself."

Hikigaya Hachiman said firmly.

Chapter 74 Hikigaya Hachiman comes to visit

Two and a half minutes before three o'clock in the afternoon, the Yukinoshita family's black luxury car parked in front of Hikigaya's house.

After Hikigaya Hachiman said goodbye to his family members who were standing at the door to see him off, he sat in the back seat with gifts.The Yukinoshita family has many high-end cars, but there is only one driver.Since Hikigaya Hachiman often used Yukinoshita Harano's car in the past, he and the driver also became familiar with each other.

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