If it hadn't been for her father, getting into the editorial department wouldn't have been so easy.
Becoming an editor—even just an intern—was no simple matter.
First and foremost, you needed a good eye and a solid literary background.
You couldn't expect someone completely clueless to pick a gem out of a sea of submissions.
Fortunately, under the constant influence of her father, Nana had developed some decent experience in this area.
But as Lin Yu listened to her explanation, he started to feel a strange sense of déjà vu.
If his memory served him right, in his previous life, there was a character named Nana in the anime Crayon Shin-chan who also had a bestselling novelist for a father.
His name was Oohara Yotsuro—one of Shin-chan's classic frenemies who always ended up being driven half-mad by the kid.
Thinking about it this way, Lin Yu couldn't help but grow a bit curious. The coincidence was a little too uncanny.
Was he just overthinking it?
Or... was there something more to this world he had transmigrated into?
"Lin-kun, please have a seat for a moment. I'll go get the editor," Nana's voice interrupted his thoughts.
Unknowingly, the two of them had already arrived at Yuurou Publishing's headquarters.
Since this was a referred manuscript, Nana, as just an intern editor, obviously couldn't make the final call. It had to go through one of the official editors above her.
Lin Yu nodded and sat down in the reception room designated for visitors, sipping on the tea provided.
As for his earlier thoughts, he tucked them away for later—there'd be time to confirm them if an opportunity arose. Right now, the most important thing was Inuyasha.
With nothing else to do, Lin Yu began to observe his surroundings.
Yuurou Publishing, as one of the most prestigious publishers in all of Japan, was regarded by many mangaka as sacred ground.
The entire office buzzed with energy. People came and went in formal attire, all with a purposeful air. Everyone looked busy and efficient.
He didn't have to wait long. Before he knew it, Nana returned with a middle-aged man in tow.
"Lin-kun, let me introduce you. This is..."
After a brief round of polite introductions, they got straight to the evaluation of Inuyasha.
Even though it was his first time going through something like this, Lin Yu felt only a hint of nervousness.
But the moment he began speaking about Inuyasha, all his tension vanished like mist in the sun.
It wasn't because Lin Yu was overly confident in himself—but because he had faith in Inuyasha's proven legacy from his previous life.
A legendary series with over 40 million copies sold—this was his trump card.
When the editor began asking questions about the setting and future plotlines, Lin Yu cleared his throat and began speaking smoothly and confidently.
Nana, who stood nearby, listened attentively while sneaking glances at Lin Yu.
Counting from when she first met him, it had only been two days.
Most of that time had been spent on work. This was the first time she really looked at him properly.
Messy black hair, pale skin, a delicate face, and dark circles that gave him a slightly worn-out look.
But his posture was perfectly straight from the moment he sat down, not once slouching.
Every word and every movement radiated a quiet confidence.
Especially his eyes.
They said the eyes were the windows to the soul—and in Lin Yu's, she saw sincerity and unwavering focus.
Though young, he had an inexplicable aura about him.
He had the grace and warmth of a classic gentleman, like the kind described in old proverbs.
In an era marking the end of Japan's bubble economy, someone with such presence was rare—and genuinely likable.
For Nana, this entire conversation was like a valuable learning experience.
Though it didn't last long.
Not because Yuurou Publishing rejected Inuyasha—quite the opposite.
The work was simply too outstanding.
For editors who spent their days drowning in mediocre submissions, Inuyasha was like a spring in the desert, a lotus blooming from the mud—an exceptional masterpiece that was truly a breath of fresh air.
They say comparisons hurt—and compared to Lin Yu's work, the other submissions were downright painful to remember. Just thinking about them ruined your mood.
After about twenty minutes of discussion, Lin Yu successfully signed a contract with Yuurou Publishing.
The agreed-upon rate was 10,000 yen per page. If Inuyasha was later compiled into volume format, the royalty split would be 7%.
Of course, these terms were flexible and could be renegotiated depending on how well the series performed in the future.
To break it down: Inuyasha's first volume had eight chapters, totaling 94 pages. Barring any surprises, Lin Yu would receive a payment of 940,000 yen.
If he managed to serialize the entire Inuyasha story, it would come out to over 600 pages—at least six million yen, not including royalties from volumes.
For comparison, top-tier mangaka in JUMP's Weekly Shonen magazine usually earned about 40,000 yen per page.
For a debut work, Lin Yu's offer was already exceptionally generous.
It was rare—almost unheard of—for a newcomer to be valued this highly right out of the gate.
Yuurou Publishing wasn't trying to shortchange him just because he was new to the scene.
Of course, Nana's backing likely played a role. After all, she had brought both him and his manuscript to them, and her father was a renowned bestselling novelist—there was no way they'd treat her recommendation lightly.
Without hesitation, Lin Yu picked up the pen and signed his name.
The middle-aged editor stood up and offered his hand warmly.
"Professor Qingsong, here's to a successful collaboration."
"Likewise." Lin Yu smiled and shook his hand.
"Editor Oohara, since you and Professor Qingsong are already acquainted, I'll leave future communications with him in your hands," said a senior staff member.
"Understood, Chief Yamamoto. I'll handle everything directly from now on," the editor replied.
In the workplace, Nana remained professional and composed, nodding earnestly.
"Come on, Professor Qingsong. I'll walk you out."
Once outside Yuurou Publishing's headquarters, Lin Yu let out a quiet sigh of relief.
He hadn't been in this world long, but over the past few days, it was either grueling part-time jobs just to afford food or sleepless nights working on his manuscript.
Now, having successfully partnered with Yuurou Publishing, it finally felt like his hard work was paying off.
Compared to his original self—who had been constantly failing—this was a qualitative leap forward, a critical step taken.
Becoming a mangaka was harder than crossing the narrow bridge of college entrance exams—it was like walking a tightrope without a net.
It truly validated that old saying: before fame, you're starving in the cold; after fame, you're basking in luxury.