Tokyo Mystery Writers

Chapter 224 The Terrifying Ambitious Man

After the "challenge group" finished expressing their opinions,

Maijo Kyosuke then prepared to start the meal.

But before she could even open her mouth, Jiang Liumei said apologetically, "Teacher Wucheng, I know you're hungry."

"But—could you give me a few more minutes?"

"I'd like to gather everyone's opinions to create a six-dimensional reasoning table."

"Because recently, in order to pave the way for The City Never Sleeps, our Top Hat magazine has increased the number of copies of the seventh issue of Top Hat magazine, which features The Ten-Year-Old Client and Hirayama Yumeaki's Messenger Cat, to 1.2 million."

"Because readers love 'The Ten-Year-Old's Client' and 'The Messenger Cat' so much, President Noma and Chika have decided to maintain the circulation of 'Top Hat' magazine at 1.2 million copies!"

"President Noma and Chika believe that although Top Hat magazine does not have much of a foundation and has only been published for less than two months, it is still a magazine that has only published seven issues."

"It has already surpassed Bungei Shunju's long-established magazine ALL Yomimono, which has a history of thirty years, and has become the second-ranked short story mystery magazine in Japan!"

"Therefore, our magazine department has received higher funding to completely upgrade Top Hat magazine!"

"In addition to the cover, binding, and illustrations, I plan to also include the 'Six-Dimensional Chart of Reasoning Skills for the Members of the New Orthodox Mystery Club'!"

"Ms. Mai, please imagine it!"

"If every story ended with a six-dimensional reasoning chart," it would not only make readers feel our sincerity, but also demonstrate Kodansha's authority and fairness!"

"Furthermore, I plan to save all of these statistics to deduce the six-dimensional table, and wait until the first anniversary of Top Hat magazine—"

"I want to publish a 'Top Hat Annual Edition,' collecting all the outstanding short stories published in Top Hat magazine throughout the year!"

Jiang Liumei counted on her fingers and continued, "There are fifty-two weeks in a year—"

"Besides the fifteen short mystery stories published in the first issue of *Top Hat* magazine, the second issue saw an increase to twenty stories due to the inclusion of the section 'Conclusion'—"

"Each of the remaining issues of Top Hat magazine published ten mystery stories."

"If we calculate it that way, there would be 535 short mystery stories a year."

"We'll then select the top 200 best-looking entries from these 535 and publish them as the 'Top Hat Annual Edition,' divided into two volumes!"

"Just thinking about it—two novel collections that are as thick as bricks—is intriguing!"

Jiang Liumei paused for a moment, then continued, "However, only members of the 'New Orthodox Mystery Club,' such as Ms. Maishiro, or Ms. Hirayama Yumeaki, or Ms. Kasai Kiyoshi, need us to work together on the 'Six-Dimensional Mystery Table.'"

"As for the other writers, our magazine editors will discuss it."

When Maijo Kyosuke heard about Eri's beautiful plan, a look of joy appeared on his face.

Jiang Liumei's "Six-Dimensional Reasoning Table" is indeed a rare find, as it is an evaluation table that can clearly express the style, strengths, and weaknesses of a work.

It is especially suitable for the diverse literary genre of detective novels.

"Alright, we'll do as Miss Jiang Liu says!"

Jiang Liu Meili smiled slightly when she heard that Wu Cheng Jingjie had agreed.

Then they started handing out slips of paper to everyone.

The opinions of the twelve people present were tallied.

It is written on them respectively:

"Writing style" refers to writing techniques and narrative style.

It represents emotional expression and whether there is "resonance" with a moving plot.

It represents the logical structure of the story, the "logic" of foreshadowing.

It represents the depth of the writing, and the charm of the characters or plot in the work.

"Trick" represents the ingenuity and difficulty of a scheme or plan.

And it represents whether the story is refreshing, whether it has an "enlightening" quality, and whether it leaves an unforgettable "aftertaste."

Koubu Shiro Kyosuke watched as Jiang Liu Meili finished distributing the statistics slips to everyone, only to discover that Jiang Liu Meili had also placed a copy in front of him.

This truly surprised Kyosuke Maijo.

Logically speaking, the work being evaluated this time was written by myself.

To ensure fairness, one should not have the right to participate in the evaluation.

Just as Maijo Kyosuke thought that Eri had sent the wrong message.

Maijo Kyosuke then realized that the note in front of him was from Hirayama Yumeaki's "The Messenger Cat".

Maishiro Kyosuke curiously looked at the note written by Uyama Hideomi to the side.

This time, Jiang Liumei directly compiled a "six-dimensional table of reasoning" for three short mystery stories.

These are "The Ten-Year-Old Client" from the previous series, "Nostalgia" from this series, and "The Messenger Cat" by Hirayama Yumeaki.

Based on this situation, it's unlikely that Hirayama Yumeaki's note contained any of his writings, such as "The Messenger Cat."

Seeing this, Maijo Kyosuke quickly filled in his score for "Messenger Cat".

It was handed over to Jiang Liumei.

Jiang Liumei had already compiled all the forms.

So apart from the two special cases, Kyosuke Maijo and Yumeaki Hirayama, everyone else only needs to fill in eighteen sets of numbers.

The note reached Jiang Liumei, who immediately used the computer she had prepared to calculate the overall score.

Three tables were quickly drawn up.

"The statistics are complete. The first table is from Hirayama Yumeaki's 'The Messenger Cat'."

"The six values ​​are: writing style 68, resonance 70, logic 52, temperament 73, cunning 72, and aftertaste 92."

Jiang Liumei paused for a moment, looked at Hirayama Yumeaki and said with a smile, "Overall, Hirayama-sensei's 'The Messenger Cat' can't be called a masterpiece of mystery."

"However, in any case, judging solely from its unique narrative tricks and the terrifying atmosphere that is quite characteristic of unconventional mystery novels, it is definitely a masterpiece of the unconventional mystery genre."

"Its depth and its use of narrative tricks are masterful."

"Especially the first half, which doesn't mention that Sachi is a cat, deliberately creates a loophole for the reader, leading them to believe that Sachi is definitely a cat."

Even if Chisa weren't a cat, but a dog, readers wouldn't feel cheated. However, Hirayama Yumeaki went too far by portraying the main character, Chisa, as a mentally deranged patient.

"In this situation, Sachi becomes a cat plush toy. Although the technique is somewhat rough, it's clear that Hirayama Yumeaki drew a lot of inspiration from 'Summer of the Ubume' and 'Dear S-kun'."

"Ms. Kaoru Takahashi, the deputy editor-in-chief of our magazine, and I both saw Mr. Yumeaki Hirayama's ingenuity in 'The Messenger Cat' and decided to publish your article!"

"If Mr. Hirayama Yumeaki works even harder to improve the storytelling and logical structure, he will definitely be able to go even further!"

"Our magazine department has a very high opinion of Professor Hirayama Yumeaki!"

"If Deputy Editor-in-Chief Kaoru Takahashi hadn't been busy today, she would definitely have told you to your face that she really hopes to see your future works."

Hirayama Yumeaki's face turned as red as fire after being praised by Jiang Liumei.

Seeing Hirayama Yumeaki's shyness, Maishiro Kyosuke spoke up for her, saying, "Hirayama-sensei, since Miss Eri has said so, shouldn't you thank her?"

Recognizing Maishiro Kyosuke's meaning, Hirayama Yumeaki quickly stood up and said to Jiang Liu Meili, "Thank you for your appreciation, Editor-in-Chief Jiang Liu, and thank you to Ms. Takahashi, whom I have never met. I, Hirayama Yumeaki, will definitely work hard to write better works and will never let you down!"

Jiang Liumei nodded and continued, "Next up is Teacher Wucheng's 'The Ten-Year-Old Client'."

"Writing style 82, resonance 95, logic 75, temperament 96, intrigue 75, aftertaste 95."

Jiang Liumei smiled as she looked at the "Six-Dimensional Reasoning Table" of "The Ten-Year-Old Client": "In 'The Ten-Year-Old Client,' Teacher Wucheng used very concise writing to depict a story that is both cold and warm, although the core trick is not particularly eye-catching."

"But because the detective Sawazaki in the story has a crystal-clear heart," coupled with the adorable little client "Muto Masashi," the trick and the story achieve a synergy greater than the sum of its parts!

"Especially in the realm of hard-boiled mystery fiction, short mystery stories are rare, making 'The Ten-Year-Old Client' all the more exceptional!"

"However, what's even more interesting is the six-dimensional reasoning table in 'The Ten-Year-Old Client'."

Jiang Liumei placed the "Six-Dimensional Reasoning Table" from "The Ten-Year-Old Client" on the table.

"Did everyone notice?"

"Due to the overall rating, 'The Ten-Year-Old Client' scores 95 points for resonance and lingering aftertaste, while its logic and intrigue both score 75 points."

"This makes the six-dimensional reasoning table in 'The Ten-Year-Old Client' like the detective Sawazaki in the story—a 'crystal-like mind'!"

Jiang Liumei paused for a moment, looking at the last "Six-Dimensional Reasoning Table," and said with a smile, "If it's a coincidence that Teacher Wucheng's 'Six-Dimensional Reasoning Table for the Ten-Year-Old Client' 'turned into crystal,' then..."

"Then the 'Six-Dimensional Reasoning Table' of 'Nostalgia' is exactly what everyone is looking forward to."

"Apart from myself and the other twelve members of the 'New Orthodox Mystery Club,' everyone present gave 'Nostalgia' a perfect score for its logic and plot twists!"

"As for the reason, I think everyone knows it perfectly well."

"The logical foreshadowing in 'Nostalgia' includes Mercator's list," "Uesugi Mitsuru's button," "The cat entering the secret room without opening the door," "The thunderclap of suicide," and "Kenxin's glove."

"The Strange Corpse of Kenshin," "The Clicking of the Door," "Uesugi Mitsuru's Mistake in Remembering the Time," "Uesugi Akira's Belief in the World," "The Truth That Five Minutes of Snow Could Cover Footprints."

"In Teacher Wu Cheng's 'Nostalgia,' there are at least ten foreshadowing threads that can form logical connections!"

"Add to that the double locked room mystery," "multiple narrative tricks," and the "timetable"—the fact that *Nostalgia* manages to achieve such a feat, with its flawless logic and intricate plot, makes it truly deserving of its reputation!

"As for the writing style, temperament, and aftertaste of 'Nostalgia', the scores are also quite high, at 86, 94, and 98 points respectively."

As for resonance, Jiang Liumei smiled and placed the "Six-Dimensional Reasoning Table" in front of everyone.

"I don't know whether to call it a regret or if everyone thought the same thing."

The twelve members of the "New Orthodox Mystery Club" gave "Nostalgia" a perfect score, just as they would give logical tricks a perfect score, but they all gave it a zero for its resonance.

Tatara Katsuyuki, who hadn't said much until now, said, "Ms. Eri, this—this isn't surprising at all, is it?"

"McCarto is a wicked man to the core."

"The last time 'Convergence' was when they knew someone was going to be killed, but they completely ignored it."

"This time, they brought out the three points of the 'Mei Dai San Tiao' during the Chinese New Year, and then used a single article to completely manipulate them."

"I really don't know what terrible things McCato will do if Ms. Mai Shiro goes next with the 'Macato Series'—"

"In some ways, McCarteau is worse than Liu Jianyi, Xiaolian, and Yang Weimin combined in 'Sleepless Town'."

"I think any normal person wouldn't be able to empathize with someone like that, right?"

Everyone nodded in agreement upon hearing Tatara Katsuyuki's words and burst into laughter.

Maishiro Kyosuke saw that the matter had been settled.

He clapped his hands loudly: "Dinner's ready!"

The group then began to clink glasses and exchange toasts.

During the meal.

Everyone toasted Maijo Kyosuke one by one.

Congratulations to "Never Sleeps" for surpassing 500,000 views!

After Maijo Kyosuke and the others had all had their drinks, they realized that Kenzaki Mitsuki, who had never been absent since the "New Authentic Mystery Club" was founded, was not there.

"Miss Jiang Liu, is there a reason why Miss Kenzaki didn't come? —"

Upon hearing Maishiro Kyosuke's words, Jiang Liu Meili's almond-shaped eyes narrowed into slits: "What? You miss me that much just because I missed you once?"

Seeing the indescribable "murderous intent" emanating from Eri's half-closed eyes, Maijo Kyosuke quickly shook his head and said, "It's not that I want to, it's just that I'm a little worried that Ms. Kenzaki, who always participates in the New Orthodox Mystery Club selection, isn't coming this time—"

Jiang Liu Meili heard a hint of unease in Mai Shiro Kyosuke's words.

Although she felt a little uncomfortable, she didn't want to put this kind of meaningless pressure on Maishiro Kyosuke: "When I called Kenzaki-san to inform her, she seemed to be about to go out."

She said she had a close friend from high school whom she had recently reconnected with, and the two had planned to go out for dinner, so she couldn't come here.

It's on the edge.

Sitting next to Eri, Mikoshiba Kyoko picked up the conversation: "Isama Uguisuke."

"He was a guy with a dream of making movies and a really talented actor."

"Not only is she tall, but she's also very good-looking, or rather, she has very distinctive features."

"It's that kind of cold and beautiful feeling."

"After we finished high school, she applied to Tokyo University of the Arts and studied acting."

Kyoko Mikoshiba pointed to Yasunori Mikoshiba, who looked exhausted, and said, "We originally thought that with her looks and figure, she would definitely become a sensation in the Tokyo entertainment industry."

"Even if I can't become a top star, becoming a third or fourth-tier star shouldn't be a problem."

"It's just a pity that Nishimura Juuki's 'Kimi, Cross the River of Wrath' was so popular that the film adaptation not only made Nakano Ryoko's 'Mayumi' a star."

"This further solidified the mainstream appeal of characters like 'Mayumi'."

"As a result, it's estimated that someone with Ying's aloof and cold style will have a hard time making it big in the industry again —"

Upon hearing Mikoshiba Kyoko's words, Maishiro Kyosuke exchanged a knowing glance with Eri Miri.

Then, at the same time, he turned his gaze to Mikoshiba Yasunori.

"Miss Mikoshiba, is your classmate named Isama Uguisuke?"

"Is that its name?"

Kyoko Mikoshiba scooped up a spoonful of cake and put it in her mouth: "That's right, it's Isama Uguisuke. Both the name and the surname are quite rare."

"What? Could it be that Teacher Wucheng and Miss Jiang Liu—you two know each other?"

Maijo Kyosuke nodded: "I remember the last time I held a book signing for 'The Tokyo Zodiac Murders' at Kinokuniya Bookstore in Ginza."

"A reader named Isama Uguisuke once came to me asking for an autograph."

Jiang Liumei nodded in agreement: "Indeed—she was a little taller than me, slender, and had a very aloof appearance. At the time, she was holding the second issue of 'Top Hat' magazine and said she really liked the story 'Conclusion'."

Upon hearing what Maishiba Kyoko and Eri Miyako said, she frowned in confusion: "Although they have the same name and look very similar in appearance and height, I find it hard to believe that the Isama Uguis you're talking about is the same person as the Isama Uguis I know."

"Ying is someone who never reads mystery novels, and even looks down on them."

"When we were in high school, Ying and Guangxi had a heated debate about mystery novels."

"She? Would she ask a dance instructor for an autograph?"

"It feels like the sun is rising in the west!"

"When Mitsuki comes back, I'm going to ask her if Uguisaki has also fallen for Maishiro-sensei, just like Mitsuki."

As soon as Mikoshiba Kyoko uttered her words...

Maishiro Kyosuke sensed danger emanating from Eri Ryumi beside him!

Thinking of this, Maishiro Kyosuke quickly changed the subject: "Ms. Mikoshiba, what about you?"

"Aren't you all classmates? Why don't you go see Ms. Isama with Ms. Kenzaki?"

"Could it be? You and Ms. Isama don't get along?"

Kyoko Mikoshiba sighed, pointed to the exhausted-looking Yasunori Mikoshiba beside her, and said helplessly, "That's not true at all. Mitsuki, Uguis, and I are very good friends."

"I heard that Ying got a chance to play a villainous supporting role at Fuji Television, and finally settled down in this industry."

9

"I originally planned to celebrate with Mitsuki."

"As it turns out—my dad's health hasn't been what it used to be, so I had to come here with him."

Kyoko Mikoshiba realized she had misspoke and quickly corrected herself, saying, "Mr. Maishiro, I'm sorry, I didn't mean you weren't important—"

"Actually, it's because I haven't seen Isama Uguisuke for too long —"

Kyoko Mikoshiba's wheat-colored face flushed a rare red, and she immediately turned her anger towards Genjiro Noma standing to the side: "It's all Uncle's fault!"

"You've exhausted Dad like this; you're practically treating him like he's not even human."

Mikoshiba Kyoko's words made Maishiro Kyosuke realize that Mikoshiba Yasunori hadn't said a word since entering the place.

"Huh? What's wrong, Minister Mikoshiba?"

Upon hearing Maishiba Yasunori's words, he opened his mouth, then spoke with great difficulty in a very hoarse voice: "Onion is a small piece of jade, the way is limited to transplanting blind people—"

Noma Genjiro interrupted Mikoshiba Yasunori: "Alright, stop talking like that with your lousy voice. It's like I'm the one who bullied you."

"Mr. Mai, since the 20th, which was the last time we held the New Classic Mystery Club meeting for the book 'Never Sleeping City'."

9

"It was because Mr. Maishiro suggested that Mr. Ryoichi Ikegami from over there should draw a manga version of 'Night City'."

"Taedeon started working on this matter."

"First, I discussed the plan with Professor Ryoichi Ikegami, and then I helped Professor Ryoichi Ikegami transfer from Shogakukan to Kodansha."

"At the same time, I'll help Mr. Ryoichi Ikegami and Shogakukan handle the issue of breach of contract penalties —"

"In short, from the 20th to now, a full nine days, Taiden has finally made arrangements for Professor Ikegami Ryoichi."

"But I'm exhausted."

"I originally planned to let him rest at home, but he insisted that Teacher Wu Cheng's 'Never Sleeps City' had broken the 500,000 mark and he had to attend this gathering."

Kyoko Mikoshiba picked up the thread: "So, in the end, they pulled me over here—Ouch! Dad, what are you doing! That hurts!"

Before Mikoshiba Kyoko could finish speaking, she was given a hard flick on the forehead by Mikoshiba Yasunori.

Everyone burst into laughter when they saw the father and daughter.

Noma Genjiro ate quite a bit and took a sip of wine: "By the way, Ms. Maishiro, that Cheng Yi—Mr. Cheng."

"What are you planning to do?"

"I have already discussed it with Ryoichi Ikegami. The manga version of 'Night City' will start next month, on March 3rd."

9

"It will be serialized in our Kodansha Weekly Magazine."

"In this way, it's like adding another layer of insurance for the original novel of 'Never Sleeps'."

"If we calculate based on one chapter per week, Ryoichi Ikegami will be able to draw four chapters by the time 'The Ultimate Showdown of Hard-Hard Mystery' ends."

"It's like helping 'Never Sleep' lose four times."

"Although—these four times are unlikely to cause the sales of Mai-sensei's 'Never Sleeping City' to skyrocket by hundreds of thousands of copies, since the majority of manga readers and mystery readers do not overlap."

"But if the comic book version of 'Never Sleeps' is very successful, it will still attract many readers to buy the original book."

"It could increase sales by at least 50,000 units."

Kyosuke Maishiro rarely saw Genjiro Noma speak so softly, so he naturally understood that Noma was hesitant: "President Noma, although we haven't met much in the past month, I am grateful for your help."

I have always kept it in mind.

"Even setting aside your status as President Noma, I acknowledge that you are my friend, so please just say what you want to say, President Noma."

Noma Genjiro's decision to favor and elevate Maishiro Kyosuke to godlike status stemmed from his admiration for Kyosuke's spirit.

So when she heard what Maishiro Kyosuke said, she didn't hold back and went straight to the point: "Mr. Maishiro, I know that you and Cheng Yi—Mr. Cheng—have a good relationship. You even promised Mr. Cheng that you would give him the film and television adaptation rights to 'Never Sleep' so that he could make a movie."

"I know you don't want to be a treacherous person, and I also know that we shouldn't interfere too much with your right to adapt your works."

"But Mr. Wu Cheng, you need to understand that 'Never Sleeps' might be your first major work to surpass one million in sales!"

"The success of a film or television adaptation will directly affect the sales of your work."

"If the film and television adaptation of 'Sleepless Town' is very well made, it will not only cause a surge in sales of the original 'Sleepless Town' novel, but also a surge in sales of the 'Sleepless Town' manga adaptation by Ryoichi Ikegami!"

"At the same time—it will also increase the price of the film and television adaptation rights for 'The Tokyo Zodiac Murders' and 'The Summer of the Ubume'!"

"Because 'Never Sleeps' is profitable, many directors will inevitably try to snatch up Teacher Wu's scripts."

"It's practically a single work, involving several major projects!"

Noma Genjiro paused for a moment before continuing, "But if the film version of 'Sleepless Town' is poorly made, makes people angry to watch, and is rated as a bad movie..."

"While it won't affect the sales of the original novel and the comic book version of 'Never Sleep,' it also won't increase them."

"But that's not the important point."

"Importantly, this is Ms. Mai's first work to be adapted into a film."

"If the filming is too bad, it will seriously damage your personal reputation, Mr. Wucheng."

"You wouldn't want your future works to go unnoticed by directors, thus losing out on film and television rights fees, would you?"

"You know, a good film adaptation might just propel you, Mr. Wu Cheng, to instant stardom! You could skip directly from 'bestselling author' to 'established author'!"

"After all, Nishimura Juuki achieved his current status precisely because of 'Kimi, Cross the River of Wrath'!"

Although Maijo Kyosuke didn't understand these very detailed things.

But in my previous life, I sold the copyrights to several of my own works.

Hearing Noma Genjiro say this, one would naturally understand that someone had spoken to Noma Genjiro.

"President Noma, which director or film company has approached Kodansha to discuss a collaboration?"

Noma Genjiro looked at Maishiro Kyosuke, a smile spreading across his chubby face: "Nothing can be hidden from Maishiro-sensei."

"Have you ever heard of the master Yoshitaro Nomura, Mr. Maishiro?"

"He was originally Akira Kurosawa's assistant director. Due to his collaboration with Seicho Matsumoto, he directed Matsumoto's social mystery masterpiece, *The Castle of Sand*, which won the Jury Prize at the Moscow International Film Festival."

"He's already a truly great director!"

In his previous life, Maijo Kyosuke was a mystery enthusiast. Although he didn't understand movies, he had seen all the movies adapted from mystery novels.

When Maijo Kyosuke first heard the name Yoshitaro Nomura, he naturally didn't know who this person was.

But when I heard that Yoshitaro Nomura was Akira Kurosawa's assistant director, I knew that this person must be quite good.

After all, Akira Kurosawa's film adaptation of Ryunosuke Akutagawa's short story "In a Grove" is a rare masterpiece!

Even though Kyosuke Maijo knew very little about film, he was familiar with the name "Rashomon": "Was it Yoshitaro Nomura who wanted to sell the adaptation rights to 'Sleepless Town'?"

Noma Genjiro shook his head: "No, it was another director who wanted to buy it, and Master Nomura Yoshitaro acted as the middleman."

"Although Yoshitaro Nomura also loves 'Sleepless Town,' he is currently filming Seicho Matsumoto's masterpiece 'Doubt' and cannot spare the time."

When Maishiro Kyosuke heard Noma Genjiro's words, he was somewhat disappointed, but the next second, the name Noma Genjiro mentioned rekindled his hope: "But Maishiro-sensei, you don't need to be too sad."

"The director who truly wanted to film your 'Nightless City', Mr. Mai, is not as famous as the master Yoshitaro Nomura."

"But his strength is no less than that of Master Yoshitaro Nomura."

"He directed the globally acclaimed martial arts film 'A War Without Honor' in 1974!"

"Furthermore, in 1977, he directed Seiichi Morimura's film 'Proof of Humanity,' which became the highest-grossing film in Japan that year!"

"He is Kinji Fukasaku, a director who will undoubtedly leave a glorious mark on the history of Japanese cinema!"

When Maishiro Kyosuke heard this name, he almost stood up in shock.

What shocked Kyosuke Maijo so much was not because Kinji Fukasaku wanted to film "Night City".

Because "Never Sleeps" is now a very well-known work, there must be countless directors who want to make a film based on it.

What truly shocked Kyosuke Maijo was that this director reminded him of a particular work.

A work that has influenced countless works and pioneered a completely new genre.

This work was directed by Kinji Fukasaku.

"Unconventional mystery" Battle Royale!

This work has influenced many directors, writers, and game companies.

It has been paid tribute to and referenced by countless screenwriters, such as the well-known "King's Game", "The Squid Game", "Alice in the Land of the Dying", "The Hunger Games", and even the video game "PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds".

They were all inspired by the movie "Battle Royale"!

If one successfully reaches the level of "master of reasoning".

They could totally write a "Battle Royale" movie to boost sales, build popularity, and maybe even use it as a stepping stone to open up the European and American markets.

"Teacher Maijo!"

"Teacher Maijo!"

Did you hear what I just said?

Maijo Kyosuke snapped out of his daze, though he hadn't quite understood what Noma Genjiro was saying.

However, Kinji Fukasaku's directing style is absolutely the most suitable for directing "Sleepless Town"!

"President Noma, you completely misunderstand the conditions I offered to Brother Cheng."

"The reason I let Brother Cheng into this is, in essence, to buy myself insurance so I won't be bothered in Tokyo."

"What I promised Brother Cheng was to give him a way to climb out of that quagmire of Shinjuku Kabukicho."

"You guys don't actually think I had Brother Cheng carry the camera to film 'The City That Never Sleeps,' do you?"

"I'm just arranging a film and television company for Brother Cheng, so that he can have a legal identity."

After a moment of contemplation, Maijo Kyosuke continued, "How about this, President Noma, you can agree to Director Fukasaku Kinji's request and let him direct the movie version of 'Sleepless Town'."

"Moreover, I'm willing to give him the copyright to film it for free!"

"However, they will film 'Never Sleep' at the company founded by Cheng Yi, and a portion of the profits from 'Never Sleep' will also be given to Cheng Yi."

To put it more simply...

"I gave the adaptation rights to 'Sleepless Town' to Kinji Fukasaku. Whether it can be adapted well depends on Kinji Fukasaku's own abilities."

"Cheng Yi, as my agent, took my share of the box office revenue from 'Never Sleeps'."

"In this way, Kodansha can obtain a share of 'Sleepless Town' and increase the sales of the original manga version of 'Sleepless Town'."

Kinji Fukasaku was able to finally film "Sleepless Town".

I kept my promise to Cheng Yi.

Cheng Yi naturally established a film and television company and became its chairman, thus escaping the quagmire of Shinjuku Kabukicho.

Achieving a win-win situation for all four parties.

Noma Genjiro fell into deep thought upon hearing Maijo Kyosuke's words.

Maruta Chika, who was standing to the side, said with some confusion, "Mr. Maishiro, what you said is a good idea."

"But, if we do that, will Director Kinji Fukasaku agree?"

Maijo Kyosuke smiled and said, "Unless Fukasaku Kinji lacks confidence in his abilities, he will definitely agree."

"Because if I set the price for the film and television adaptation rights of 'Never Sleep' very high, then after he buys it, he will face a shortage of funds."

"It's true that if the film is good, it will be a huge profit, but if it's bad, you'll have to take all the blame yourself."

"The current situation is that I'm giving him the opportunity to film for free. As long as I get a share of the box office profits, it's like I'm investing in him, so he can film with peace of mind."

"Under these circumstances, he will not be short of funds, which will not only allow the filming of 'Never Sleep' to be done better, but also allow me to take on some of the risks."

"Furthermore, if we film at Cheng Yi's film company, we can leverage Cheng Yi's connections and manpower."

"We could definitely use real locations in Shinjuku's Kabukicho district for filming, which would not only save a lot of trouble, but also allow us to use a lot of extras who are playing themselves."

"Otherwise—given the current chaotic state of Kabukicho in Shinjuku, even if Kinji Fukasaku wanted to film on location, it would be extremely difficult."

Upon hearing Maishiro Kyosuke's words, Noma Genjiro nodded in agreement: "What Maishiro-sensei said is indeed correct."

"If you're making a film like 'Sleepless Town,' which depicts the lives of people in Shinjuku, without someone like Cheng Yi pulling the strings behind the scenes, you might have to build a film set to shoot it."

"In that case, the production cost could increase more than tenfold."

"With the addition of extras who can play themselves, and Cheng Yi, a seasoned veteran of Shinjuku Kabukicho, as an advisor, Director Kinji Fukasaku should gladly accept Ms. Maishiro's suggestion."

"but----"

"Teacher Mai-shiro————"

Noma Genjiro sighed: "Mr. Maishiro, you're saying this is a win-win situation for all four sides?"

"But you don't seem to have gained anything from this?"

Upon hearing Genjiro Noma's words, Kyosuke Maijo shook his head with a smile, a sly glint in his eyes: "President Noma, how come I didn't get any benefits?"

"First, I met Cheng Yi, who can guarantee my personal safety throughout Tokyo. No matter how underhanded other publishing houses are, Cheng Yi can secretly help me take care of them."

"Secondly, I got to know director Kinji Fukasaku. If he can make a good film of 'Sleepless Town' this time, then I will have a connection with a director."

"As long as I write my work, he is willing to work with me to film it, which means I have a stable director to work with."

"Third, I only agreed to give Cheng Yi a share of the profits from one film, namely 'Never Sleeps.' For his subsequent works, I will have to take a share of the profits from Cheng Yi's film and television company."

"This means they used this opportunity to create a film and television company that doesn't require my management at all!"

Maijo Kyosuke's words made Noma Genjiro's eyes light up.

Because Maijo Kyosuke's idea was indeed quite good.

As long as you get involved with director Kinji Fukasaku.

He was able to continuously adapt Maijo Kyosuke's works into film and television adaptations.

Noma Genjiro was not concerned about the copyright of film and television adaptations.

However, as long as Kyosuke Maijo's works are shown on the big screen, it will boost Kyosuke Maijo's popularity and thus increase the sales of his works!

On this basis.

Perhaps—Maishiro Kyosuke really will be able to break through the "famous author" level and cross the "bestselling author" level within a year, becoming the youngest and fastest mystery genius in Japanese history to become a "powerful author"!

Thinking about all this, Noma Genjiro felt a little excited and thrilled!

Because if Maijo Kyosuke really becomes a "powerful writer" within a year!

That means Kodansha has cultivated a money-making behemoth!

Because Maijo Kyosuke's value and potential are limitless!

Kodansha can not only increase its exposure and brand awareness through Kyosuke Maishiro.

It can also enhance Kodansha's influence!

To attract more new writers to Kodansha!

At the same time, "Top Hat," which is now Kodansha's flagship short mystery magazine, will continue to increase its circulation!

To catch up with Kobunsha's short story mystery magazine, "Fiction Gem"!

Having defeated Takarajimasha, the next step is to leverage the influence of Top Hat magazine to target Bungei Shunju's All Reading Material.

Launch the attack!

Noma Genjiro looked at his chubby hands and secretly clenched his fists.

He almost got poisoned to death back then, and had to take hormone drugs for many years, which made him a very obese person with limited mobility.

It's all the fault of Sendou Kippei, the president of Bungei Shunju!

Even though the circulation of Top Hat magazine has exceeded that of Bungei Shunju's ALL Yomimono by 200,000 copies, Genjiro Noma has no intention of letting ALL Yomimono go!

Because Noma Genjiro's goal was never to surpass Bungei Shunju's "ALL Yomimono".

Noma Genjiro's goal has always been to crush Bungei Shunju's "ALL Yomimono"!

He wanted to make Chido Kippei, the president of the Bungei Shunju Society, experience pain!

He wanted to make Chido Kippei, the president of the Bungei Shunju Society, take responsibility for what happened fifteen years ago and experience all the pain he had endured over the past fifteen years!

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