Hikigaya Hachiman is still in the dark

"I have something to do tomorrow, so you don't have to prepare lunch."

"Oh, I see."

"Komachi will help with Sister Yukino's affairs, so don't worry too much, brother."

Yukinoshita, I still don't know how to solve this problem. It gives me a headache just thinking about it. Let's just forget it...

"Well, please."

"Well, I'm the super awesome sister of a super awesome brother, that's Komachi, so don't worry!" Komachi made a salute-like gesture, closed one eye, and said playfully.

"What is that, so many suffixes like an idiot."

"Brother, really..."

The next morning, when I got up, Komachi was still not awake. Although I'm not good at cooking, I can still manage something as simple as breakfast.

That being said, to be honest, it’s just a matter of getting out some milk and baking some bread.

After writing a note for Komachi, I straightened my clothes. Since the itinerary was basically formal, I wore formal clothes. I looked at myself in the mirror.

Feeling good, let’s go out!

Editor Kunihara, every time I meet him, something bad always happens. This time, I have a stronger feeling...

Chapter 68 Why Are You Calling So Early?

First, let's confirm the time and place. When I talked to editor Kunihara yesterday, I didn't confirm the time and place carefully. Maybe I'm used to it. Our meetings were always at a certain place and time, so basically we just need to agree on a day of the week, the location is a coffee shop in the central shopping street of Chiba, and the time is around 10 am.

Habits are really scary. Naturally, I treated the situation as similar to before. However, unlike before, Kunihara seemed to be even busier than before, so I called to confirm.

"Hello, is this Editor Kunihara?"

"Eh? Hikigaya? Why are you calling so early?"

Doesn't this person realize that we haven't set a time and place?

"The time and place haven't been confirmed yet. How insane can you be!"

"You're really ruthless when you speak... But never mind, the time and place can be the same as before."

"That's really casual. Never mind. See you later."

"Okay." After confirming the time and place, I hung up the phone. Since it was my first time leaving the new apartment, I had no idea how the surrounding trams operated. It would be too troublesome to confirm the route, so I decided to just take a taxi. It seemed that it was not as far from Chiba as I imagined, and it shouldn't cost too much money.

If we really want to save money, I think it would be better for Yukinoshita and I to live together... No, what am I saying, but it is true that this can actually reduce expenses, but I feel that if I really do this, my life will be in danger in many ways.

Now I have to maintain the expenses of two apartments. I feel so tired. I'd better put this issue aside for now and think about the novel idea I'll mention later. With this thought in mind, I got into a taxi.

It was already 15: AM when I arrived at the coffee shop, which was about the same as expected. If my guess was right, Editor Kunihara would arrive minutes earlier, so I had about minutes to think about what I should do to please Editor Kunihara.

I put my briefcase on a chair beside me and sat down. After ordering a cup of coffee, I took out a notebook from my bag, put on my glasses, and then picked up a pen and kept turning it in my hand. Now I look like a student preparing for an exam.

The decoration style of this coffee shop is different from the warm colors chosen by ordinary coffee shops. This coffee shop emphasizes the feeling of loneliness, dim lighting, and retro wallpaper like a medieval castle. The Zhenzuo Coffee Shop gives people a feeling of comfort, like a castle for one person.

Since this shop focuses on efficiency, my coffee was served very quickly. The reason I chose this coffee shop is mainly because it is the closest to MAX coffee among the coffee shops I know.

Having said that, it is only close. After all, MAX Coffee is not something that can be copied so easily. After all, it is one of the representatives of Chiba City. Wouldn't it be very undignified if it was copied so easily?

Looking around, there are still many couples here as before. Because the lighting is dim, no one will notice if they are secretly kissing in the corner. In addition to this atmosphere, this coffee shop is very popular with couples. Looking around, you can see many couples feeding each other.

Be more careful, don't you know that millions of germs will be spread among you? Didn't your parents teach you to pay attention to hygiene? You are all elementary school students, right?

I looked away and stared at the book in a daze. What should I write? I have no idea at all. Writing a novel requires a moment of inspiration, and of course it also requires a very high degree of concentration. Once the inspiration appears, I have to record it very quickly and turn it into words. It seems that I haven't written a novel for a long time, so now I have no idea if I have any idea to write a novel.

It seems that the shop assistant has not been replaced yet. My impression is that this shop has not changed a single clerk since the first time I came here. If you consider this, it should be a family-run organization. However, this has nothing to do with me.

Because I couldn't think of an idea for the novel, I looked around again. Looking carefully at the walls, I found that there were photographs on almost every wall. The content of the photographs was very diverse, whether it was streets, people, or nature. In short, there were many works displayed on the walls, waiting for people to appreciate them.

In the middle of the hall, there is a well-framed painting. Is it something so precious? From my perspective, there is nothing particularly outstanding about this painting. Maybe it has a meaning that I don’t know. I always feel stupid for worrying about such things, so forget it.

Just as I was admiring the surrounding photography, a familiar voice rang out from the store door.

"Hey, Hikigaya, you're here early."

My body shook unconsciously. This might be the natural reaction after being urged to update for so long. How terrible! People who urge for updates are terrible. Why did God create such a group as the "urging party"? Anyway, no matter how many updates are made, you will urge for updates. Are you idiots who expect cows to produce milk forever?

Adjusting my stiff facial muscles, I looked at Editor Kunihara and then tried my best to smile.

"Hikigaya, you're getting more and more disgusting."

With such emotion, Guoyuan sat down and naturally ordered a cup of mocha. Although we both like coffee, our preferences can be said to be completely opposite. Guoyuan likes bitter coffee. When this matter was mentioned before, he was very pretentious and said stupid things like the charm of a mature man.

How can a mature man behave like a child? Please, can you be consistent in your words and deeds? Do you still remember the self who never urged me to update? Dear all the people who urged me to update, do you still remember the self who never urged me to update? Touch your left breast and swear not to urge me to update anymore!

"Be patient, be patient." I whispered, persuading myself to endure Kunihara's disgusting remarks. After all, I am Hikigaya wearing glasses now, I am the ultimate form of Hikigaya. Saying that I am vicious or something is just a problem with your aesthetic taste!

"So, what about the inspiration for the novel you mentioned? Have you written it down as a manuscript? Let me see it if possible." After saying thank you to the waiter who served him coffee, Guoyuan pushed his glasses and immediately asked me.

It is the same professional inquiry as before. This person is still very serious when working. Of course, I really hope that some knowledgeable people can suggest that urging for updates is not the job of editing. At that time, I will definitely try my best to support it.

Although I haven't contacted Guoyuan for a long time, people's appearance doesn't change much when they get older. At most, they will have a few wrinkles that they care about but others don't notice. Guoyuan still has a crew cut, and his square face always has the same expression. With the stubble under his nose, I think Guoyuan looks like a soldier in the 1930s.

This unfunny face happened to meet a very humorous person, which makes people sigh. If Shakespeare had met Kunihara a few years earlier, perhaps one of the four great tragedies would have been edited by Kunihara.

But now I simply cannot say that I have no idea. I feel like I will be killed if I say that!

"Hikigaya, when did you become such a sissy? Did you open some new door without my knowledge?"

As always, people still want to play his lines when they meet him. This kind of humor sometimes makes people feel that it is a cold joke. I think it is entirely possible to compile all the jokes told by Guo Yuan and publish a book called One Hundred Thousand Cold Jokes. I think it will definitely be a big seller.

"Well, how about my post-youth romance story? It describes what life is like after graduating from university in the first part of the novel?" Due to my awkwardness in Mandarin, I looked around unnaturally and my voice also sounded very unnatural. Then, editor Kunihara sitting opposite me clenched his fists on the table and seemed to be very angry. Well, if it were me, I would probably just turn around and leave.

"Hikigaya, it's been a long time since we last met. Has your sense of humor evolved like a carp turning into a dragon? This joke is not funny at all. There is no inspiration. The only person who can deceive readers by adding the word "later" to the title of the previous novel and then releasing the new work is Ai Shang Shaojun!" Senior, you actually thought of such a method before me? You are worthy of being a senior. It seems that my practice is not enough. I still need to work hard in the future!

"Just kidding, of course I'm kidding. How could I do such a shameless thing!" Overwhelmed by Guo Yuan's aura, beads of sweat began to appear on my forehead.

Seeing my expression, Guo Yuan took a sip of mocha and sighed, "It seems that you called me out without any thought. Although I had expected it, it is still unacceptable. Forget it, you are so unreliable more than once or twice. To put it in an analogy, you are a cow. You will never work actively without someone squeezing you."

Another weird metaphor like this. Anyway, if it comes to cows, they should be set up like Yuigahama, Yui, or a bun-haired girl, right?

But since I couldn't deny or refute it, I could only smile awkwardly on the side.

Seeing that I didn't respond, Guoyuan took out his cell phone from his pocket and made a call.

"Yes, it was me. I called those two people over. Well, I told them that it was something that Hikigaya Hachiman asked me to do. That's it. Goodbye." After hanging up the phone, Kunihara looked up at me.

"Wait a moment."

"Ah."

After I agreed, Guoyuan took out a printed manuscript that looked like a novel draft from his briefcase and began to review it. As expected, this guy is a complete workaholic.

More than ten minutes later, I was drinking coffee and looking at the store door, wondering who Kunihara was going to call. Then, a fat figure came into my sight, and I almost spit out my coffee.

"My dear friend Hachiman, when I heard that you were in danger, I, the Sword Master General, immediately rushed to your aid!"

"Zaimokuza? Why are you here?" I didn't finish my words because I was about to push away Zaimokuza who was leaning against me.

"Woo gah gah, of course I came here in response to your request for help."

It seems that the setting is still the same. Never mind. I don’t want to complain about it at all.

At this time, another figure walked into the store.

"Senior, why are you here again?"

That’s right, the person who came in was the senior who gave me countless work inspirations - Ai Shang Shaojun.

The senior waved to me and said hello, "Hey, Hikigaya, long time no see. I'm here to help in response to a call from Deputy Editor-in-Chief Kunihara." After greeting me, the senior sat next to Editor Kunihara, and then Zaimokuza naturally sat next to me. Damn, this is such a vulgar punishment game!

"I'm sorry, I'm a little late."

"Yeah, that's okay. I didn't wait too long."

Chapter 69 A Cup of Black Tea

As expected of you, my senior. Your methods of handling relationships with superiors are amazing. I really need to practice.

"I want a cup of black tea." After greeting Guo Yuan, Senior Ai Shang said to the waiter.

"Then, I want a cup of bubble tea."

"understood."

The waiter went downstairs to prepare after he finished speaking. I looked at Zaimokuza and Senpai, feeling a little embarrassed.

"I understand what happened. Is it because you have no inspiration? This is indeed a serious problem."

"Well, I often fight against the Demon King of Inspiration as well."

Why do you call inspiration the devil? However, no matter how difficult the problem is, it can be perfectly solved by just saying that he is Zaimokuza.

"Well, that's basically it. Aishang, do you and Zaimokuza have any good proposals?"

"Yes!" Zaimokuza raised his hands excitedly. "The person over there, you don't have to raise your hand. I will never consider your opinion, so please just watch our discussion quietly and just pay when you check out.

"As expected, when it comes to novels, it's all about passion. I, General Jianhao, have defeated countless demons and enemies with passion. As long as there is passion, victory will belong to us, to my dear friend Hachiman!"

Blinking his eyes thinking he was being cool, Zaimokuza looked at the three of us expectantly.

"Then let's go back to the previous question, Ai Shang, do you have any good suggestions?"

"Hey, are you just ignoring me, the Swordsman General?"

What's so noisy? Is it mosquitoes or broken machines? Boss, the soundproofing in this store is not very good!

"Zaimokuza, hot-bloodedness is totally unsuitable for Hikigaya's style."

Being looked at by Senior Ai Shang with an almost accusatory expression, Zaimokuza quickly lost his energy. He lay on the table helplessly, drinking the milk tea that had just been served.

"I think Hikigaya's writing style is not suitable for works with themes such as passion and suspense. In this case, it is probably better to write daily light novels. Of course, if possible, I think themes such as mystery are also suitable."

"That's true." Guo Yuan nodded in agreement.

"I'm not very good at reasoning, because I'm not very good at setting up logical clues."

I calmly analyzed my own strengths and weaknesses. Although I am good at laying foreshadowing, I don't want to write a mystery novel at all. I think the plot is too complicated, so I'd better forget it.

"I see. In that case, it's basically daily life."

"But my confidant You Qiong said that it is difficult for daily life light novels to debut recently, because the settings are so easy to repeat."

Stroking his chin, the senior thought over and over again: "Indeed, without a good setting, it is difficult to open up the situation and it is impossible to become famous." As the three of us were lost in thought, we all frowned. As for the Zaimokuza on the side? Let's just ignore it.

"Wait, if possible, we can create two characters this time. One is a perfect heroine who is very popular in the class, and the other is a boy who is ostracized by the class but has a pure heart. How about the two of them accidentally exchanged identities due to something?" Kunihara said happily.

“Although it’s a good idea, I always feel that there are still a lot of works with this theme.”

"It is indeed as the senior said."

I agree with my predecessor's point of view. Identity swapping can be said to be a very old topic. Although it is not impossible to write about it now, it is still a bit difficult if you want to become famous.

"Yes, that's true." Agreeing with our point of view, Editor Kunihara closed his eyes and continued to think.

"I think this is the setting, but how about we add one more thing, that is, the protagonists will return to their original bodies every other day?" Zaimokuza said in a low voice after a while.

"Good idea." The senior even slapped the table in excitement. "This is more innovative. And since the two people have to exchange ideas frequently, they can better understand what the other person would do if they were in their position. It can also better highlight the contradictions between the two, and it will be easier to portray."

After saying a long string of words excitedly, Zaimokuza laughed triumphantly at the side, "Wuugaga, my swordsman general is invincible as expected!"

Still so chuunibyou, although his analysis is correct, but I don't know why, I don't want to thank Zaimokuza at all. But Zaimokuza is looking at me very eagerly, even to the point of scaring me, stop it, you are like a nymphomaniac now!

"Um, thank you, thank you." I said it with difficulty, and Zaimokuza patted his chest at the side.

"Easy to do."

Just ignore this guy.

"So this is the general theme. Let's discuss the specific characters."

As editor Kunihara started talking, we unconsciously started discussing again.

Time always passes quickly when people forget about it. By the time we came to our senses after the discussion, two hours had passed. During this period, we had an intense discussion, and only Senior Ai Shang went out to make a phone call.

"Well, that's basically it." I nodded, summarizing it.

"Well, it's about time."

Hey, what time is it? Just when I was confused by the words of Senior Ai Shang, a lively figure appeared in my sight with the sound of clattering footsteps.

She was wearing a black silk collarless sweater with a blue coat on the outside, and the essential black skirt and high heels of a professional suit. Maybe because of the cold weather, she was wearing long black tights. Her flaxen hair was swirling in the air particularly energetically. With her pretty facial features and bright eyes, there was no doubt that in front of me was a beauty with youthful vitality and the intellectual beauty unique to working women.

"Let me introduce you." The senior smiled and stood up, "This is your new editor, Hikigaya-kun, Isshi Iroha."