That night, Sakurajima Mai naturally chose to go home. How could she possibly stay overnight?
Right?
However, Mochizuki also said that she could come over for dinner when it was mealtime, so Sakurajima Mai wouldn't starve.
Shiina Mahiru, in the next room, who should have been organizing test papers and notes, was uncharacteristically using the computer. Her caramel-colored eyes were fixed on the screen, reflecting the blue light. She didn't even notice her hair was a bit messy.
She was searching for the game "Sword Art Online." After roughly understanding what kind of game it was, Shiina Mahiru couldn't help but marvel at the advancement of technology in today's society. Such a game could actually be created.
The only regret was that she needed a game helmet to play it. Moreover, game helmets were expensive and priceless on the market. If she took out her lifelong savings, it would be enough. However, the thrifty Shiina Mahiru was still a little reluctant. Thinking of this, Shiina Mahiru's expression fell into a dilemma.
...Chiba Villa Area. Yamada Elf had already obtained the second game helmet she bought at an increased price. At this moment, she was lying on her bed, her eyelids looking relatively normal, not showing signs of sleep deprivation.
However, her face was still a little pale. It seemed her routine and diet were not normal. This was because she had been grinding continuously in the game for several days.
This allowed her to catch up with others' login progress. She had also become somewhat famous in the game.
Unfortunately, this game didn't allow for microtransactions; otherwise, she would definitely be even stronger. However, she had also been "out of contact" for several days because of this.
One of her works had long since passed the submission deadline. And her editor was already on her way to her house in a rage.
However, Yamada Elf was completely unaware of all this. Similar to her was Eri Ri. She was also a small grinding master. Even her doujinshi career was temporarily put aside.
However, Eri Ri was still constrained by her mother, unlike Yamada Elf, who was so free. She would be interrupted by her mother every so often. This caused her to frequently disconnect mid-game and then not participate in the distribution of rewards. This led many players who had teamed up with her to call her a freebie. While these two were immersed in the game, the light novel industry had already stirred up a wave.
...After Sakurajima Mai left, Mochizuki received a phone call. Looking at the number on the screen, Mochizuki knew it was Machida Sonoko.
Calling so late meant it must be urgent. Unless it was something very important, Machida Sonoko usually contacted Mochizuki on LINE and waited for a reply.
"Good evening, Machida Editor."
"Good evening, Teacher Wangyue, is it convenient to talk now?"
"Mm-hmm..."
Machida Sonoko took a deep breath and said, "One piece of good news, one piece of bad news."
"Let's hear..."
"The bad news is you have a competitor, and they are coming on strong. The 'rouge en rouge' publishing house in Tokyo has specifically challenged us by name."
"Challenge?"
"Their new work's release date will be the same day as your lie in april." "When?"
Mochizuki asked calmly. Nothing else, because he had absolute confidence in your lie in april. What threat could a publishing house he had never even heard of pose?
"The day after tomorrow."
Seemingly sensing that Mochizuki wasn't too concerned, Machida Sonoko added, "The opponent is a veteran author in the industry who has won many awards, big and small."
"This work is said to be a result of his long period of accumulation."
"Okay, I'll be careful."
Mochizuki nodded, indicating he wouldn't take it lightly. "What is the opponent's work called?"
"Sun in the Campus."
Mochizuki: "... ..."
"Hello? Teacher Wangyue? Are you still there?"
"Yes, I'm just a little surprised by the name..." Could it be the School Days from his memory?
If so, that's a strong opponent.
It's really hard to say who will win! Wait... Could it be a Waterloo?
"Hmm... Regarding the name, I think the advantage is on our side."
"What's popular now are short book titles; titles need to be appealing and clickbaity."
"Their book title is an old-generation style."
Machida Sonoko comforted him, then began to analyze logically. "Also, looking at the promotion, the opponent's work is also a youth campus romance, also claiming to be a healing work."
It's practically a targeted strike against your lie in april! In fact, this time, the opponent isn't just targeting Undead River Publishing and Mochizuki.
The provocation is probably also aimed at her. Machida Sonoko. Because the editor of this book, Sun in the Campus—Akane Kousaka—is her university classmate.
The two used to be inseparable close friends. However, they eventually chose to go their separate ways due to differing philosophies. Thinking of this, Machida Sonoko on the other end of the phone recalled their beautiful university days together.
"Like that... Ah, so what's the good news?"
"Hello? Machida Editor?"
"Oh, yes, I'm here. Sorry, the signal wasn't very good just now."
"The good news is that due to the opponent's declaration of war, your account has gained a lot of followers, but whether they will eventually turn into anti-fans is hard to say."
"Furthermore, we expect the initial sales won't be bad. Due to the need to compare the two works, many readers will choose to buy both books simultaneously."
Hearing about the increase in followers, Mochizuki's face showed a satisfied expression.
The more followers he had, the more conducive it was to the implementation of his plan. As for what kind of followers they were, he didn't care at all at this stage; anti-fans are also fans!
"However, we also need to be vigilant. If the quality of the work isn't up to par, it's easy to fall harder the higher you stand."
Machida Sonoko first spoke seriously, then her tone turned to a smile. "But I believe in your ability, Teacher Wangyue."
"Okay, thank you, Machida Editor."
After hanging up the phone, Mochizuki inwardly sighed at Machida Sonoko's dedicated work attitude. He then logged into his "Special Tweet" account.
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