Living in the bubble economy of Tokyo, I became a literary giant through lotteries.

Every word Guan Gufeng said on the show was transmitted through the radio waves to the neon-lit Tokyo night sky and throughout Japan.

Some people raised their arms and shouted in front of the television, their blood boiling with passion for the statement that "literature has no high or low status, noble or base."

Some people, with a mix of belief and skepticism, opened the novel that had been criticized as "second-rate" to see what magic it possessed.

Some people gritted their teeth while staring at the screen, yet couldn't help but wonder if the "literary orthodoxy" they had believed in for most of their lives had truly become an antiquated relic.

But whatever people's thoughts, the scenes outside bookstores across Japan the following morning gave the most honest answer.

Early in the morning, long lines formed outside major bookstores, with people of all ages and from all walks of life waiting to buy a brand new copy of "Sword Art Online".

Many people are not fans of fantasy literature, but they were all moved by last night's wonderful live broadcast and the statement "Literature belongs to everyone".

Their motivation for purchasing was less a thirst for content and more a support for the simple ideal of "literary equality."

Shincho-sha, Sales Department.

The phone rang incessantly in the office area, with bookstores calling to urge reprints. The salespeople's voices were already hoarse, but they still shouted excitedly into the microphone, and everyone's face was filled with an almost fanatical joy.

However, in the deputy editor-in-chief's office, which was separated from this bustling scene by only one wall, the atmosphere was as cold as an ice cave.

"So..." Sakamoto Tadao, sitting on the sofa, spoke with some difficulty, "Really... we can't keep Sekiya-sensei?"

Kurokawa Akuta calmly shook his head.

Tadao Sakamoto took off his glasses, rubbed his temples, and sighed. Those short-sighted executives only saw the infighting and handed over a gold mine waiting to be mined.

"That's enough..." He leaned back on the sofa. "Those foolish directors, they won't even have a chance to regret it anymore."

Office on the third floor of the Bungei Shunju Building, Chiyoda Ward.

Shigeru Ishida could never have imagined that sitting before him was the man who would stir up a storm—Kaze Sekiya. Even more unexpectedly…

"Mr. Guan Gu, am I dreaming? Are you really going to publish 'The Twelve Kingdoms' here?"

"Not necessarily." Guan Gufeng put down his coffee cup. "Although it's to thank Editor Ishida for his previous help, it still depends on your sincerity."

"Okay! I'll go find Editor-in-Chief Yamamoto right now!" Before the words were even finished, he had already rushed out of the office like a gust of wind.

Less than three minutes later, a series of hurried and chaotic footsteps echoed down the corridor.

The door was pushed open again, and Shigeru Ishida stood in the doorway, panting. He stepped aside and led the editors in one after another.

In the center is Kenichi Yamamoto, a man in his fifties. Upon seeing Kaze Sekiya, his serious face instantly broke into a warm smile, and he strode forward with great speed.

"Professor Guan Gu! I've long admired your name! Your presence today truly honors our humble abode, Wenyi Chunqiu!"

Guan Gufeng also stood up at the right time and extended his hand to shake hands with the other party.

"Editor-in-Chief Yamamoto, you're too kind. It's an honor to have you come all this way."

The two sat down on the sofa, exchanged pleasantries, and then got down to business.

"Mr. Guan Gu, as you know about the Weekly Bunshun incident, these magazines are all interconnected..."

"understand."

"That's wonderful! Your willingness to entrust us with 'The Twelve Kingdoms,' a work of epoch-making significance, is the greatest trust you can place in Bungei Shunju."

He presented a contract with a sincere attitude: "Royalties are 15%, and our only requirement regarding copyright is to retain the 'publishing rights'."

"All other forms of copyright belong to you personally."

"also……"

Guan Gufeng listened quietly. Wenyi Chunqiu had a deep foundation, and its subsidiary, Wenxuejie, was a major center for pure literature.

Their appreciation for the literary value of "The Twelve Kingdoms" far outweighs mere commercial interests; this contract is sincere and its terms are clean.

Using the business entry as a reference, he signed his name after confirming that there were no issues.

"It's a pleasure working with you, Mr. Guan Gu!"

"It's a pleasure working with you."

After politely declining Shigeru Ishida's invitation to dinner, Kaze Sekiya went to his next destination.

Kadokawa Shoten headquarters building, Chiyoda Ward.

This modern building symbolizes another cultural force—younger, more commercial, and more contemporary.

When Guan Gu Feng placed the manuscript of Sword Art Online Volume 2 on the table in the literary editor's office.

"Mr. Guan Gu!" The literary editor, Genichiro Takahashi, was so excited that his voice trembled as he quickly flipped through the manuscript.

"If you decide to publish your book with Kadokawa Shoten, we will still sign the contract we previously contacted you with! 15% royalties!"

"Fujimi Fantasia Bunko will promote you with the highest standards! I guarantee that Sword Art Online will become the cornerstone of this series!"

Guan Gufeng was not surprised by this enthusiasm. After confirming that the contract was correct, he signed his name.

After signing the contract, Guan Gufeng had just stepped out of the office when he heard a commotion at the end of the corridor.

Like stars surrounding the moon, a group of people in suits escorted a person as they walked around the corner.

The man at the head of the group, dressed in a white suit and floral shirt, entered the office surrounded by others.

Haruki Kadokawa, president of Kadokawa Shoten, is a man hailed as the "Napoleon of Japanese culture."

As he walked, he gave instructions to his subordinates, and everyone bowed their heads in agreement.

Suddenly, he saw Guan Gufeng, stopped in his tracks, took off his sunglasses, and strode over.

"Hey, isn't this Mr. Sekiya?" Haruki Kadokawa patted Sekiya Kaze on the shoulder with a hearty smile.

"What's wrong? Are those old fogies from the Shincho-sha refusing to feed you?"

These words are somewhat offensive, but coming from Haruki Kadokawa, they carry a sense of humor that makes it impossible to get angry.

Guan Gu Feng laughed, shrugged, and followed the other person's words, replying frankly, "Haha, what can I do? I just came here to ask President Kadokawa for a meal."

Upon hearing this, Haruki Kadokawa was slightly taken aback, then threw his head back and burst into a hearty laugh.

Interestingly, he had seen too many writers who pretended to be aloof, but this was the first time he had seen someone like Guan Gufeng who spoke so frankly about utilitarian matters.

This "down-to-earth" approach unexpectedly suited his taste.

"Mr. Guan Gu, would you do me the honor of having lunch with me today?"

"It would be my great honor."

At noon, in a secluded private room at the Kumagawa Izakaya in Akasaka, Kaze Sekiya and Haruki Kadokawa sat facing each other.

Soon, the waiters brought out one exquisite dish after another, filling the low table.

Kadokawa Haruki personally introduced the dishes to Sekiya Kaze, his tone tinged with pride: "Sekiya-kun, try this natural monkfish hot pot and the sashimi delivered directly from Tsukiji. I reserved this several days in advance; it's not something everyone can get."

Guan Gufeng picked up a piece of sashimi and put it in his mouth. It was delicious, but he felt it was just so-so. He couldn't say what was so special about it, so he just said the truth.

"Thank you for your hospitality, President Kadokawa. It was delicious."

This reaction surprised Kadokawa Haruki once again. In the past, when he brought people, especially literary figures, here, they would always take the opportunity to show off their knowledge of ingredients and cooking in order to demonstrate their erudition.

Guan Gufeng was the first person to say directly that it was delicious, and this frankness made Kadokawa Haruki, who was used to hypocrisy, feel extremely comfortable.

He enjoys dealing with such "down-to-earth" people.