My anime/manga fandom can't be that lazy.

【Here I am】

[Hello, I'm the editor at Dengeki Bunko. This book has tremendous potential and could be a huge hit. I'd love to meet with you if possible! Of course, I can also come to your home. Is it convenient for you to call?]

At this moment, Dongfang Bai, who was at home, looked at the message sent by his editor with a blank expression.

He only checked the author backend occasionally today to see if there were any messages, but he didn't expect that the editor would ask "Are you there?" every few hours.

Feeling a little embarrassed, I replied immediately and even started dialing the editor's number. The call was answered in less than a second.

So fast!

Hello, is this Mr. Yakumo Shiro? Are you interested in signing a contract with us for this book? I personally guarantee the best possible treatment!

The voice was a woman's voice, and it sounded very mature. If there were no problems, this person might become my editor in the future.

But that...

[Have you already reached an agreement with other publishing houses?! If you haven't signed a contract yet, be sure to hear about our terms! They're definitely no worse than theirs!]

【But……】

[If you're worried about not getting enough publicity, don't worry! Dengeki Bunko boasts the largest promotional reach and platform for Japanese ACG light novels! It's guaranteed to be a hit!]

Dongfang Bai was truly helpless. He had barely opened his mouth when the editor shut him down with a series of remarks, and he really didn't know what to say.

He simply wanted to say that he didn't have much time and that it would be best to talk in person on Saturdays or weekends.

And I only have time this afternoon, otherwise I'll have to wait until next week if classes start tomorrow, Monday.

[If we're going to talk, is this afternoon okay?]

Absolutely no problem!

After exchanging a few more words with the editor and confirming the location as a maid café near Akihabara, the call ended.

"I never expected...! I never expected that this teacher hadn't even signed a contract yet!"

Kagurazaka Ayame was overjoyed. After spending so much time searching for new talents, she was finally getting the reward she deserved.

"However! We can't relax so soon. The real battle is this afternoon. They might have also met with the editors of other libraries, and it could very well develop into a three-way standoff!"

"At that point, it might turn into three parties simultaneously extending olive branches to this teacher, and if we're not careful, we could lose this teacher!"

Kagurazaka took a deep breath, secretly making up her mind, and prepared herself for a heated debate with the feudal lords that afternoon.

Chapter Thirty-Four: My First Job [Seeking Flowers and Reviews]

"Editor Kagurazaka~ There's a girl outside looking for you who calls herself Yamada Elf."

"what?"

Kagurazaka Ayame looked extremely troubled. Why was this guy here again?

"Heh heh, it's finally here. Be grateful! As the greatest light novel author, I can make an exception and write a series for your paperback."

The girl with the golden curly hair had such a proud and smug look on her face that Kagurazaka Ayame was really annoyed with her. She didn't have time to play along with her antics right now.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Yamada Elf, I have to go for a meeting with another teacher next, so I don't have time to keep you company."

"What!? What author is more important than me, the 'No. 1 in light novel sales'?!"

"Anyway... I already told you I don't have time to spend with you."

……

"Alright, it seems that Fate is a pretty good book in this parallel world. The editor seems very enthusiastic."

Dongfang Bai hung up the phone, got dressed, and prepared to leave. The interview was scheduled for 4 o'clock, and it wasn't even 1 o'clock yet, so he could finish his first job first before going over.

Yes, it's that 'strange job' he applied for, which pays 20,000 per hour. His next assignment is to go out and be someone's boyfriend for two hours...

Although I don't know why the other party would spend tens of thousands of Japanese yen to make such a request, why not go if there's money to be made?

"But these wagashi are still quite delicious."

Dongfang Bai held a small, cyan-colored glutinous rice ball in his hand, which resembled a bun. He gently put it into his mouth, and it melted easily as soon as it entered his mouth, the sweet filling inside spreading out immediately.

"It's just that the auntie at that shop is really too..."

The thought of this made him feel a little upset. He had been dragged into a conversation for over an hour. The other person was really asking all sorts of questions. If he hadn't run away at the end, the other person might have kept talking to him for a long time.

I carefully placed several beautifully packaged wagashi (Japanese sweets) into a bag, delivered it to Sagiri's room upstairs, and then gently knocked on the door.

"Sagiri, here are the snacks you ordered. They're ready. I have to go out to work now, and then I need to talk to my editor. If I can't get back in time, you'll have to take care of your own dinner..."

bang bang.

The floor was stomped on a few times, which seemed to be Sagiri's response. However, I was really worried about her being home alone for so long, especially about whether she could manage to have dinner.

To be honest, I originally wanted to live a carefree life, just eating and waiting to die, but life forced me to work hard. I had no money, no computer, and a younger sister who was forced into my life.

Unfortunately, Dongfang Bai didn't know that Sagiri was actually quite wealthy. She had earned money from her artwork over the years, and her bank card had accumulated a considerable sum.

Furthermore, knowing that Sagiri herself has a strong affection for Dongfang Bai, and that the two are childhood sweethearts, she might be a hidden 'granddaughter-in-law,' which is also one of the reasons why her grandfather entrusted her to Dongfang Bai's care.

"If I'm not mistaken, we'll meet here..."

Dongfang Bai is now standing under the bus stop sign at the most prominent central fountain on the street. He has already confirmed the location with his employer, and he is dressed very conspicuously so that he should be easily recognized.

"The other person requested the 'handsome and young' boyfriend attribute, so there shouldn't be anything wrong with that, right?"

Dongfang Bai took a close look at his clothes. He was wearing a black trench coat that suited him well, light blue sweatpants, and a white shirt underneath.

With medium-length hair and slightly long bangs covering her forehead, she was quite tall, if not universally loved, as evidenced by the fact that people started talking to her as soon as she stood there.

Moreover, the two versions of myself from parallel worlds... are completely identical in every way except for physical attributes, which is quite unbelievable.

"Hello, are you... Mr. 'Hakurei'? I'm the one who requested the rental service..."

A very pleasant voice came from behind him. Dongfang Bai was startled, but he immediately took a deep breath. He needed to adjust his state of mind because his employer had arrived!

The purpose of the rental service is to satisfy the employer. If the employer gives a low score, they may deduct money from his pay. In order to receive all his salary in full, Dongfang Bai will try his best!

After all, I can't rely on my grandfather and father; I have to work hard myself.

Alright! Let's meet the challenge with our best selves!

A bright smile appeared on Dongfang Bai's face. He turned to his employer, already in a pose, and spoke cheerfully with a slight upturn at the corners of his mouth.

"That's right, I'm 'Hakurei Byakuran' from the personnel rental service. Nice to meet you!"

The next second, his expression became very stiff, and his smile seemed to be stuck in place.

"...Huh?"

The person in front of me had beautiful, waist-length cherry blossom-colored hair, straight bangs, and braided sideburns. She was very pretty, and her emerald green eyes were staring at me.

The smile on the other person's face seemed to freeze, because both of them recognized each other at a glance.

No way...?

Chapter Thirty-Five: Nothing Could Be More Awkward Than This! [Requesting Flowers and Reviews]

The air seemed to freeze, and time seemed to stand still for both of them, their faces frozen in stiff smiles.

Grass!

All of Dongfang Bai's thoughts were condensed into a single word stuck in his mind, and now he really didn't know what to do.

Who knew I'd run into an acquaintance on my very first day of work? And not only that, but this acquaintance turned out to be a teacher from my own school! My homeroom teacher!

Kirisu Mafuyu! ! !

Moreover, Kirisu Mafuyu looked quite good today, carrying a simple yet stylish shoulder bag, wearing a patterned dress, high heels, and black stockings!

This guy is actually my homeroom teacher?!

At this moment, Kirisu Mafuyu on the opposite side also looked utterly hopeless. If she could, she really wanted to dig a hole and bury herself in it.

Personality rental services allow you to pay a hefty sum to have someone who matches your personality spend a few hours with you, and do anything within limits.

Of course, this is a very legitimate service. You can play games, go shopping, watch movies, or anything else. Basically, you can have a companion who can keep you company for several hours.

Kirisu Mafuyu had her head down, her bangs covering her eyes. She was muttering something under her breath, but you could vaguely make out what she was saying from her lip movements.

It seemed like they were saying things like "It's all over, it's all over, it's all over" and "What a disgrace," which made me see another side of this teacher.

Unlike the aloof and strict Kirisu-sensei I remembered, the current Kirisu-sensei is actually quite adorable with a touch of unexpected charm.

Is this person really Kirisu-sensei, known as the 'cold, aloof beauty'?

Dongfang Bai's feet wouldn't obey him at all! He reflexively turned around and walked away!

But just as she was about to leave, she felt a pull from behind. It was Ms. Kirisu Mafuyu who had grabbed her trench coat, her face slightly flushed.

She dared not look directly at herself, her cheeks flushed red to her ears, and she slowly uttered a few words.

"Don't leave me, I'll do anything for you!"

What on earth is this person saying?!?!?

Dongfang Bai's heart was like a raging storm. There were too many things to complain about, so he didn't know where to begin. He could only choke on his words and couldn't utter a single one.

"Um... if you're not satisfied, you can apply for a refund."

Although I won't be getting the tens of thousands of yen in salary, spending several hours with Kirisu-sensei, especially as her 'boyfriend,' is just...

I can't even imagine...!

"No, it's too late!"

Ms. Kirisu raised her head. She had no other choice but to accept it for now. After all, Dongfang Bai was quite handsome; she just needed to get through this ordeal…

If my annoying mom finds out I don't have a boyfriend but insists I do... I'm absolutely doomed!

"Huh? Huh!?"

Dongfang Bai watched as Kirisu Mafuyu-sensei approached him directly, looking at him with a very serious expression.

"Anyway, I'll need you to spend a few hours with me from now on, and I'll still pay you as usual! Please take care of me."