Tokyo Sound

"Forget it, let's just stop here and go eat."

The editor went on to say.

"Finally, Mr. 'Be Yourself in the Flames', congratulations on your work being published."

……

"Most people do something because they like it. You should be familiar with the otaku circle, but before entering the industry, you read more orthodox works that are taken from school textbooks, right?"

"Then why did you choose the otaku circle instead of mainstream literary magazines? Now that I think about it, with your stubborn temper and persistence, you would be better off submitting to a more orthodox magazine. Why did you choose the light novel literary world at that time?"

The editor's voice was gentle and thin, but it was like a small paper cutter, slowly peeling the girl apart.

"You like words, so you want to write, which is understandable. So why did you choose the light novel industry when you took that first step?"

The young girl pursed her lips and did not answer.

The editor watched in silence, then finally moved his lips and spoke out the answer.

"Because... you think the light novel industry is easier, right?"

The girl's shoulders trembled.

"You like great writers who have left their names in history, and you read works that record the times. But when you finally became dissatisfied with being just a reader and wanted to join the creative community, you chose a completely different field. Why?"

The editor's voice grew stern.

"You are afraid, and feel that you cannot challenge, you cannot challenge Ozaki Kouyo, Izumi Kyoka, Natsume Soseki, Akutagawa Ryunosuke. They were originally your idols, but when their positions changed and they became your goals, you suddenly felt at a loss. You are extremely afraid!"

"No, no..." said the girl.

"…It is said that writers look down on each other. It must have been a little funny when you first came into contact with the industry. You must have been wondering what those plots were? What kind of articles were full of grammatical errors? What kind of fantasies without any basis in reality?" the editor said, "It's like you found a low-level, training ground. You plan to try your hand here, receive a lot of praise and gain confidence, and then leave with a proud heart."

"I didn't," the girl said, but her voice was weak and faint, more like panic as if her weakness had been caught.

"Unfortunately, the ending is not what you expected. You did not succeed, but failed instead. You failed miserably, so miserably that there are not many readers who are willing to read your works carefully. It is clearly a serialized work, but you were told that it would be cut short. The first work in your life was beheaded—"

The editor sighed.

"You didn't listen to my advice and just insisted on doing what you wanted. You underestimate this industry."

……

Sit on a lounge chair in the corridor.

Takehara Yuyumi lowered her head in a daze. She stared blankly at the warm coffee in her hand, watching the white sugar in the cup melt into many white threads, swirling and tearing in the dark and turbid coffee.

She started reading at a young age, ahead of her peers, and saw unfamiliar words and fancy phrases earlier.

Her essays in primary and secondary school were always praised by teachers and envied by classmates. She was always the top student who stood on the podium and read aloud her essays.

Being affirmed, recognized, praised, and regarded as an honor, the feeling of burning talent is delightful.

But now my fingers are shaking.

The girl's eyes were confused.

It turns out that it was so overwhelming to see the criticism and indifferent comments for the first time. It turns out that there is no excuse for failure unless you try your best. "

I only realized now that I am not a genius.

It turns out that creation is so lonely and so powerless.

I'm so angry, but... I can't break out of the cage called talent.

So you want to give up?

give up.

What a sweet word! Once this thought comes into your mind, it emits an intoxicating fragrance like a bottle of poison, forcing you to drink it happily. It means relaxation and no more pain, and you don’t have to understand the fact that you are weak and terrible every moment.

but.

but--

But I'm not willing to give up.

Giving up, walking on the road paved with sweat and obsession, but going back to the past, what a humiliation, what a blasphemy to yourself.

I don’t want to give up just like that.

Squeezing that meager talent, waving it with all my might to face the wind and rain.

That was really, really painful.

"I thought you would be happier, but you look so calm. Isn't your plan to overtake others by making your novel a big hit?"

"I'm very happy now, can't you see? My first masterpiece has been published as a physical book."

Two people came over while chatting. They each held a lunch box and ate happily with great relish.

"I mean, I thought you would be happier. After all, based on the impression I have of you, you should have been reciting poems in ecstasy a long time ago..." said the clear voice.

"The image of me in your mind is biased." The salty voice answered helplessly.

"But the competition in light novels is really fierce. Don't feel pressured. Just take your time."

"It's okay. The worst that can happen is being cut in half, right?"

"How can you be so careless? You came up with this idea after staying up all night. Don't come crying to me when you get killed."

"So you guys think too much. My plan to overtake others is just talk. I haven't really thought about it. Besides, it's a great thing that I can create this work with you. Even if it is really cancelled, it will be a rare memory. Just imagine, when we are both gray-haired, we can take out the yellowed novel we created together. That would be a romantic thing."

The man laughed.

“Be troubled by this, be anxious by this, be uneasy by this. Then I will surpass my yesterday self, and when I am old, I will chat with geniuses like you, and I will not feel any regrets. That is the path I have set for myself.”

"You are so beautiful, Shimazaki Nobunaga-nii. I never thought that our friendship was so deep... Then can you share this chicken steak with me?"

"climb."

The two people were fighting for food and walking past each other.

Takehara Yuyumi raised her head slightly and looked in the direction the two people left.

The girl remembered the cup of hot drink and the words of comfort she had been given before.

Is that person also a novelist?

Chapter 100: The Battle of the Road

"The Mushroom and Bamboo Shoot War. It specifically refers to the largest civil war in Japan that has been going on since 1980, between the Mushroom Mountain camp, which is centered around chocolate separatism, the Hammer Clan, and the Cookie Clan, and the Bamboo Shoot Village camp, which is centered around chocolate fusionism, the Drill Clan, and the Cookie Clan—"

Yin Ze crossed his hands, holding up his delicate chin, and spoke slowly in a heavy voice like a staff officer.

"Since the launch of Takesamura in 1979, it sparked small-scale factional wars across Japan in the 80s. With the popularization of the Internet in the 21st century, the flames of war spread across Japan in an instant. Mushroom Pie and Bamboo Shoot Pie argued endlessly over which of the two snacks was better, using different words and sentences, criticizing each other, and getting angry!"

Kashiwa Ippei was holding a box of Takenatsu-chan, which is considered a national snack in Japan. It is a combination of chocolate and biscuits, which is very suitable for inadvertently taking in excess energy and gaining weight. He was a little hesitant at this time and hesitated to tear open the package because he was not sure what someone wanted to do by suddenly saying this.

Could it be that the other party was from the Mushroom Mountain faction? Was he angry that he had eaten the Bamboo Shoot Village?

"Dongda will also hold a mushroom and bamboo shoot war. Simply put, it is to see which of the two boxes of snacks has higher sales within a certain period of time. After the war starts, if you go to Dongda canteen to buy things, you will find that both sides are on the verge of a war, and there will even be bloodshed caused by ketchup." Yin Ze said alarmistly.

"It's just a marketing trick of Meiji. Although I don't know whether the initial debate about which one tastes better was a spontaneous behavior of the buyers, there is no doubt that Meiji perfectly grasped the business opportunity..."

Kashiwa Ippei found this childish fight amusing and said lightly.

"Of course I don't mind. But I didn't expect you to be so fussy about it, haha. I always felt that their emphasis was not on taste. If we don't consider the appearance design, it is obvious that the taste of the two ingredients in Bamboo Shoot Village is more integrated. I wonder what you, a mushroom party scoundrel, have to say about it?"

"The advantage is that pinching the mushroom stem won't dirty my fingers." Yin Ze is sure, "but you have to wash your hands after eating these pieces, wasting precious time."

"..."

This guy's way of thinking is still as clear and realistic as ever.

Kashiwa Ippei took a deep breath and asked, "What do you want to say?"

"Hmph, doesn't the agent think that this huge agency is due for an update?" Yin Ze said indifferently, with deep shadows in his three-dimensional facial features.

"What?" Kashiwai Ippei was confused and surprised.

"If we stick to old dogmas and fail to learn about new things in a timely manner, we will end up being ignored and eliminated in the long run. We must change, starting now, starting today!" Yin Ze's expression was serious. His words were deafening, like a wise man who used his voice to awaken the confused and numb masses, "Let the tiny flame burn away the staleness!"

Oh my god.

Kashiwa Ippei's blood immediately surged with excitement. He knew that a golden fish would never stay in a pond! Some people have been dormant for a long time, and finally realized the fate that has befallen them, revealing their original sin desires and ambitions!

"I'm really stupid, Xiaobailong, why don't you explain it more clearly." The agent took over the conversation with dignity and patiently persuaded him.

"First of all, there is the company's lobby, which has a lot of people coming and going, including employees and guests from all walks of life. As the saying goes, clothes make the man, and gold makes the Buddha. We must take this facade seriously and not be petty. Have you ever seen a big factory with a cheap environment? No matter what, it must be all show and no substance, right?" Yin Ze spoke like a leader.

"…Although it sounds strange, please continue to teach me, sir." Kashiwai Ippei said modestly.

"I don't make those castles in the air ideas and plans. A successful person depends on his thinking and execution. I value practice more than planning." Yin Ze said with a fist as confident as a genius investor. "Bai Jing-san has more experience than me, and he also has the merit of blocking vodka for the general manager at the cocktail party. I think his words carry more weight than mine. I am not talented, but I want to change the status quo through you!"

"Humph, since you know that I have blocked three unparalleled challenges launched by drunkards against our manager, then you should know my loyalty. You actually want me, your hero, to be your white glove? Aren't you afraid that I will directly expose your treachery?" Kashiwai Ippei pretended to be indignant.

"Everything I do is for a brighter future for the firm. What crime have I committed?" Yin Ze said earnestly, "My actions and my heart are as clear as a mirror."

"Well, that's more like it. As a person, you should be open and honest like this." Kashiwa Ippei praised immediately, "Sure enough, our pursuits are the same. We both work for the glory of the firm and don't care about ourselves. Over the years, the department manager has been good at defense but lacks offense. I have long wanted to replace him, grab that leather swivel chair, and play the game of the industry myself! I am very pleased that you have the same idea today."

Yin Ze suddenly fell silent, carefully examining his agent's lustful face, and after a few seconds he continued, "...then let's take the crucial first step."

"Tell me all the strategies quickly. After all, you are a highly educated man, well-read in history books, and your hardware strength is so impressive. You are the fusion of Kong Ming and Feng Xian. With your help, I can't wait to carry out the plan of possessing another's body." Kashiwa Ippei was very sincere.

"For the first step, please ask Mr. Kashiwa Jing to open up the connection between the Ministry of Commerce and the administrative department," Yin Ze emphasized.

"Grasp such a strategic point right from the start? I'll try it." Kashiwai Ippei frowned.

"Then we established an all-weather strategic partnership with the company's front desk lady and equipment purchasing staff." Yin Ze said.

"Okay, leave it to me." Kashiwa Ippei agreed readily.

"Then ask them to purchase the following strategic materials." Yin Ze took out a piece of paper and handed it over.

The agent took the "magic trick" in his hand, looked at it carefully, and muttered to himself.

"Glico Pocky sticks, slim version, Alphford chocolate biscuits, Jiyagariko vegetable sticks, 711 premium pudding, Kishiri Chocolate, UHA Mikado, Calbee potato chips, LeTAO cheese egg, Hokkaido Sapporo Agricultural School milk shortbread biscuits..."

What's this? ? ?

Kashiwai Ippei fell into deep thought.

Want to win people's hearts with a genuine sugar-coated bullet offensive?

Is this the list of snacks that a primary school student who is about to go on a spring outing makes for his mother in order to share his joy with his female classmates under the cherry blossom tree?

"We will follow the plan. When the situation is ripe, I will make follow-up arrangements." Master Yin said confidently, "In addition, the wireless LAN technology used by the office is a bit outdated. The impact on smartphones, tablets, and printers is immeasurable. It is urgent to accelerate the iteration."

"Are you saying the WiFi here isn't fast enough?" Kashiwa said expressionlessly.

"That's right. There is a bug when I participate in the activities. I have clearly passed the levels, but the settlement is not made. How can this be acceptable? If it is applied to work, this is a communication accident." Yin Ze slapped his thigh.

"Do you want me to find you another WiFe?" the agent said quietly.

"Let's take a long-term view on this. Let's deal with the current issues first, and then we can talk about it later." Yin Ze waved his hand and said.

sizzle-

Kashiwa Ippei coldly shattered the golden trick.

"I worked so hard to compile a list of 30 cost-effective snacks that can be purchased for less than 100 yuan!" the man exclaimed.

"I shouldn't have had any illusions about you. I clearly knew your true nature. Last time, the receptionist told me that someone had used a laptop to connect to the wireless network in the company for three days and three nights, and downloaded dozens of GB of games. What's more, he used my name as his username. That person must be you!" The agent stretched out his hand and pointed a fatal finger. "Every time the snack area is restocked, you eat the most happily. Look at those new juniors who come in every day to punch in, being humble and polite, waiting for a rare opportunity! And you just eat all the potato chips!"

"So I often invite them to have some free afternoon tea together." Yin Ze paused.

"It's a pity that you are one of the rare and knowledgeable voice actors here, no, in the entire industry, but you only know how to ask for things and don't know how to give back!" Kashiwai Ippei felt heartbroken.

"Why? Are there so few people in the industry who studied at Tokyo University?" Yin Ze was puzzled.

"Nonsense, your school has a quota for enrollment every year, and there are very few in the country." Kashiwa Ippei was speechless.

"What I mean is that there is actually no good case in the industry." Yin Ze said, "Then in the absence of any comparison reference, everything I do is groundbreaking. How dare you characterize me? How dare you?"

"You are so presumptuous. It's just that it's rare, not that it doesn't happen. IM is a well-established firm. How can you be so arrogant here? In the distant past, there are also your alumni and seniors. In the recent past, there is even a young lady from Waseda University in the company..." Kashiwai Ippei gave an example with difficulty.

"By the way, where did Brother Bai Jing graduate from?" Yin Ze remembered something.

"Humph, I resigned from Dentsu that year."

"Where did you study, Kashiwayo?"

"Don't talk about other things. Your current behavior must be corrected!" Kashiwa Ippei said sternly, "Before, I asked Hikasa Yoko-san to take care of you and Matsuoka. Now Yoko-san spends most of her time with Matsuoka instead of you. It must be your laziness that makes her unhappy."

"We have a very good relationship and often chat with Nakajima-senpai together..."