Detective Conan: The Literary Genius is Actually a Great Scientist

Thursday, Yomiuri Shimbun building.

10 o'clock in the morning.

Normally this time of day is the busiest time for the newspaper, but today employees from all departments have noticed something strange: their department heads and editors seem to have collectively "disappeared".

"What's going on? Where have all the bosses gone?"

"I don't know, I heard they all went to a meeting."

"What kind of meeting is this? Such a high-level one? All the leaders are there?"

"It seems... to be because of Teacher Xia Mo's new book."

The news that editor-in-chief Yuichi Matsumoto had personally visited a few days ago instantly ignited everyone's curiosity and anticipation.

"So it's Teacher Xia Mo's new work! No wonder!"

"Is it finally coming? We've waited so long since 'The Devotion of Suspect X'!"

"Looks like the newspaper is about to make a big move!"

Although the bigwigs were absent, the enthusiasm of the grassroots employees in the newspaper building was unprecedented, with "late summer" and "new book" becoming the hottest topics of the day.

Meanwhile, in the conference room on the top floor, the oval mahogany conference table was almost full of people.

Yuichi Matsumoto, the newspaper's president, vice president, and editor-in-chief.

Besides these three bigwigs, the heads of all the core departments, including editing, publishing, printing, distribution, publicity, marketing, and legal affairs, were also basically all present.

As the editor directly responsible for "Snow Country," Endo was also exceptionally granted a seat in the audience. Sitting in the corner at the back of the long table, he felt both excited and apprehensive, like a primary school student being led into an adult's conference room.

He used to not even have the right to sit in on meetings of this level; he rarely saw many of the big shots sitting in the front.

The clock on the wall points to 10:10.

The president, a middle-aged man with meticulously combed hair and a serious expression, who sat in the main seat, cleared his throat, looked around, and began to speak:

"Everyone, everyone's here. So, let's begin the meeting regarding the publication and promotional planning for Xia Mo's new work, 'Snow Country'."

No one was surprised.

This is the sole topic of today's meeting, a major conference specifically convened for Xia Wei's new book.

The president continued, "I'm sure everyone has received a copy of 'Snow Country' and has looked at it in the last couple of days. Before we formally discuss the distribution plan, I'd like to hear your opinions, especially from the editorial department."

As soon as he finished speaking, Yuichi Matsumoto sat up straight.

As the talent scout who discovered and single-handedly propelled "Summer's End" to fame, and also the most steadfast endorser of the quality of "Snow Country," he is undoubtedly the one to speak out.

"President, colleagues."

Under everyone's gaze, Editor-in-Chief Matsumoto's voice, slightly different from his usual calm, sounded incredibly passionate: "Regarding *Snow Country*, my opinion is simple: it's a masterpiece! A masterpiece that would make any writer famous throughout history!"

A resounding statement!

As he spoke, Editor-in-Chief Matsumoto picked up the photocopy in front of him:

"Summer's new book not only inherits the essence of our Japanese aesthetic of 'mono no aware', but also pushes it to a purer, deeper, and more universal realm. It explores love, futility, and the glimmer and disillusionment of humanity under the weight of fate..."

...The conciseness of its writing, the profoundness of its imagery, and the coexistence of restraint and surging emotion are things I have never heard of or seen in my decades of editing experience!

He delivered a passionate speech that lasted more than ten minutes, praising Snow Country as a literary gem that is "rare in the heavens and unparalleled on earth" from multiple perspectives, including its literary, artistic, and ideological aspects.

Finally, Editor-in-Chief Matsumoto slammed his hand on the table, his gaze sweeping over everyone present, and solemnly gave his conclusion:

"Personally, I believe that *Snow Country* is not just an excellent bestseller; it is a work that has the qualifications and potential to compete for the Nobel Prize in Literature!"

"hiss--"

A collective gasp filled the meeting room.

Nobel Prize in Literature!

Although many people present had already read "Snow Country" in private and were deeply moved by it, Matsumoto's direct and assertive linking of it to the Nobel Prize still exceeded many people's expectations.

This evaluation is too high! It's almost frighteningly high!

But it is precisely because of Matsumoto Yuichi's high prestige and sharp insight in the industry that this statement carries immense weight.

No one immediately spoke up to refute it.

Upon closer examination, Snow Country's profound literary qualities truly possess the characteristics of a top-tier literary classic.

A Nobel Prize in mind? Perhaps... it's not just wishful thinking?

Editor Endo was so excited in the corner that his face turned red.

Editor-in-Chief Matsumoto! Well said! That's so inspiring!

However, wherever there are people, there will inevitably be factions, interests, and differing opinions.

The Yomiuri Shimbun is a large and powerful organization, and its internal structure is not monolithic. Its full support for "Snow Country" means that its limited top-tier resources will be significantly tilted towards it.

This will inevitably affect other works that were originally planned to be promoted, as well as the interests of the editors and departments behind them.

After a brief silence, a deputy editor-in-chief in charge of other sections adjusted his glasses and spoke slowly and cautiously:

"I personally agree with Editor-in-Chief Matsumoto's assessment. The artistic achievement of 'Snow Country' is beyond doubt."

He changed the subject:

"But shouldn't we also consider a...practical issue?"

All eyes were on him.

"Teacher Xia Mo... he's not from Japan after all."

Upon hearing this, many people in the meeting room showed slight changes in their expressions.

This is indeed an issue they tacitly agree on, but rarely bring up in public.

Lin Ran, born in late summer, is exceptionally talented and achieved fame at a young age.

It is the newspaper's "cash cow" and "golden brand".

But unfortunately... the other party's nationality is Chinese.

A work created by a Chinese author that could very well become a representative masterpiece of Japanese literary aesthetics?

This is somewhat... awkward.

It's like slapping countless self-proclaimed "literary orthodox" Japanese writers across the face with a shoe sole!

When Lin Ran's identity is exposed, it will be easy for some people with cultural centrism, or certain conservatives or people with strong nationalistic sentiments to use it against her.

While everyone in the meeting room was preoccupied with their own thoughts and weighing the pros and cons,

A middle-aged man who had barely spoken before, sitting not far to the right of the president, suddenly put down his pen.

The other party was a director representative of the Suzuki Foundation stationed at the newspaper.

He rarely participates directly in specific business discussions, but his very existence represents the attitude of the newspaper's largest shareholder.

"Regarding the issue of nationality..."

The middle-aged man spoke calmly and unhurriedly: "The opinion of the Suzuki Foundation Board of Directors is that the value of a truly excellent literary work lies in the work itself. Excellent cultural achievements are the common wealth of all mankind and should not be bound by national borders, much less be subject to unfair scrutiny or restrictions because of the author's background."

After saying this...

He then fell silent and picked up his pen again.

However, everyone in the meeting room understood.

The biggest backer has spoken, with a clear attitude and firm stance, making it clear that they will protect "Xia Mo" or the young genius Lin Ran behind her and clear away any obstacles.

The deputy editor-in-chief who had raised the question immediately shut his mouth, looking somewhat embarrassed.

Others who might have had some ulterior motives also completely gave up at this moment.

Are you kidding me? The largest shareholder representative has clearly expressed their support, who would dare to argue about this? Don't want to work here anymore? If you don't want to work here, there are plenty of people who will!

The influence of the Suzuki Group is no joke.

Seeing this, the president tapped on the table to bring the topic back on track:

"Alright, I think we've had a sufficient discussion about the value of the work and the author. Now, let's vote."

His gaze swept over each attendee:

"Do you agree to mobilize all available resources of the newspaper to provide the highest-level, multi-channel, and global publicity, promotion, and distribution support for 'Snow Country' at the end of summer? If you agree, please raise your hand."

As soon as he finished speaking, Editor-in-Chief Matsumoto was the first to raise his hand.

Immediately afterwards, the representative of the Suzuki Foundation also raised his hand.

The president himself also raised his hand.

With the three bigwigs all agreeing, what else was there to say? The vice president, the other editors-in-chief, and the heads of the major departments followed suit and raised their hands.

Even the deputy editor-in-chief who had just spoken hesitated for a moment before slowly raising his hand; a wise person knows when to yield.

It passed unanimously!

"good!"

The president nodded in satisfaction and pressed his hands together lightly.

"Since it has been unanimously approved, from this moment forward, 'Snow Country' will be our Yomiuri Shimbun's most important core project for the second half of the year—no, for the foreseeable future! Without exception!"

"All departments must cooperate fully and work together to ensure the greatest success in the publication and distribution of 'Snow Country'! Meeting adjourned!"

Applause erupted in the conference room.

Editor Endo clapped the most enthusiastically, his hands turning red from clapping.

Compared to the others, as the direct editor and primary person in charge of "Summer's End," he was arguably the most nervous and expectant person among everyone present.

After all, taking off in "Summer's End" is equivalent to him taking off; the success of "Snow Country" will put his career on the fast track!

How could I not be nervous or excited!

End of the meeting.

After everyone who participated came out of the meeting room, the entire Yomiuri Shimbun was mobilized.

Various departments cooperated with each other, carrying out publicity, printing, and distribution as needed...

All resources were poured into the "Snow Country"!

It is essential to ensure that before the book is released, the entire country and even overseas know the name of "Summer's End" and generate the greatest anticipation for it.

……

In the following days, a strange wind swept through.

The entire Japanese media circle has gone "crazy".

Newspapers, magazines, television stations, radio stations, and even emerging online forums across the country are all reporting on Xia Mo's new book.

Summer's new book, *Snow Country*, is back with a bang!

The Ultimate Form of "Mono no Awareness" Aesthetics? Summer's "Snow Country" Opens Up a New Literary Realm!

A timeless and aloof poem: Snow Country may well define the next literary classic.

From *The Devotion of Suspect X* to *Snow Country*: Xia Mo's Miracle of Reaching the Pinnacle of Literature with Just Two Works.

To grab attention, a tabloid ran an even more sensational headline: "King of Deduction? No, King of Literature! Xia Mo declares to his predecessors with 'Snow Country': Deduction is merely a minor art."

"Tsk tsk tsk~"

Inside the villa, looking at these exaggerated and over-the-top headlines, Lin Ran felt extremely comfortable and pleased, her smile stretching almost to the back of her ears.

Look, look, these intellectuals really know how to boast.

These compliments are so loud and sophisticated, each one more impressive than the last!

He was getting a little carried away by the praise.

Lin Ran knew that the Yomiuri Shimbun was creating a huge buzz for his new book before its publication, but he accepted it all without any modesty and even welcomed it.

Because he is confident enough in his work.

Snow Country deserves these praises.

That was the Snow Country that he had meticulously polished, repeatedly revised, and incorporated his own insights and transcendent understanding into. It had long surpassed the original work and reached a new height.

He doesn't need to feel guilty about any criticism; he has the confidence to accept all the praise.

Lin Ran, holding a thick stack of newspapers, sat leisurely on the living room sofa with her legs crossed, chuckling as she looked at the increasingly exaggerated headlines.

He felt he would be letting himself down if he didn't share this happy occasion with someone after writing it for so long.

With a smug look on his face, he waved a newspaper with the most outrageous headline in front of the tea-haired loli who was quietly reading it beside him, his tone smug:

"Look, look, Ai, look at this title! Look at these comments! Isn't your Onii-chan impressive? Did he make you proud?"

Ai was sitting next to him, holding another newspaper that also reported on the new book at the end of summer.

Lin Ran continued to gloat: "Ai-chan, are you also stunned by your Onii-chan's talent? Speechless? It's okay, you can make your admiring gaze even more obvious, I don't mind."

Ignoring the guy who was like a peacock spreading its tail, Ai maintained a cool expression and flipped through the mountain of newspapers on the table.

With each copy she read, her shock grew.

Have to admit.

This guy certainly has reason to be proud.

A Chinese man, with just two books, conquered the notoriously closed and xenophobic Japanese literary world, earning praise from those arrogant critics.

This kind of talent can no longer be described as "genius".

Ai's gaze shifted from the effusive praise in the newspaper to the boy beside her, who was lounging with his legs crossed, wearing a "come on, praise me" expression and waiting for her reaction.

The tea-haired loli silently gave her evaluation in her mind:

Exceptionally talented and brilliant.

According to their Chinese tradition, this is called the descent of the God of Literature.

Just ...

"Stop rubbing!"

Ai-chan finally lost her temper and slapped away the hand that was messing with her head. Her icy blue eyes were filled with embarrassment and annoyance. "Your hair is all messed up!"

"Oh, a little rubbing is good for your health," Lin Ran said with a grin, withdrawing his outstretched hand and pinching her puffed-up cheeks. "Look how cute she is."

Ai: "..."

If she could beat him, she really wanted to punch him in the face and show him what "loli's rage" was all about.

She just read the comments in the newspaper carefully.

Every word and phrase is a high praise for Snow Country, even subtly elevating it to the level of a "contemporary literary classic".

The person who wrote this book was sitting right next to her, looking nonchalant and irresponsible, ruffling her hair, pinching her cheeks, and saying things that were just asking for a beating.

You call yourself a great writer, a rising star in the literary world, a future master, yet all you do is bully a little girl all day long. Aren't you afraid people will laugh at you if word gets out?

However, Lin Ran didn't care what others said.

While the haughty little girl was looking down at the newspaper, the evil hand began to stir again, reaching towards her fluffy brown head.

"Snap!"

Press gently on and start kneading!

With skillful technique, perform three clockwise circles and three counterclockwise circles.

Lin Ran closed her eyes contentedly.

Yes, indeed, rubbing a little girl's head is a great way to relieve stress and bring joy, especially rubbing the head of a tsundere little girl who usually has a cool and aloof expression; the sense of accomplishment is doubled.

Ai: "..."

This guy, besides being a romantic scholar at heart...

She strongly suspected that this guy was a hidden, seasoned, and hopeless individual—

Lolicon!

Ai-chan mentally labeled Lin Ran with a new tag.