A newbie's anime life diary

"I know my body very well. I'll just need to rest at home tonight."

Yukino Yukinoshita tidied a strand of hair behind her ear and replied calmly.

Seeing this, Xuehui knew that his words wouldn't have much effect, so he stopped talking.

At that moment, the classroom door opened, and Yuihama, Hikigaya, and Zaimokuza walked in one after another.

Chapter 14 Service Department's Four-Hit Combo

When the three entered, Yukiteru and Yukino had already composed themselves, and apart from Hachiman, the other two didn't notice anything wrong at all.

Of course, Mr. Hikigaya had no intention of exposing it. Quietly participating in club activities and observing everything around him was his favorite thing to do at the moment.

After everyone sat down, Cai Muzuo couldn't wait to say, "Come on, tell us your opinions."

"So, who's going first?" Hachiman asked, looking at Zaimokuza with an expectant expression, and couldn't help but pray for him.

All eyes turned to Yukino Yukinoshita. Yukino frowned, holding up the manuscript covered in sticky notes, and said, "I've read it, but I'm sorry, I don't understand it very well."

"It's alright, it's alright. We should listen to the opinions of ordinary people sometimes." Zaimokuza was in much better spirits than yesterday and said without any concern.

“Well…” Yukinoshita paused for a moment, then said, “It was so boring, so incredibly boring. Even reading became a painful experience. I can’t imagine how I got through last night.”

At this point, Yukinoshita glanced at Yukiteru, a movement so subtle that no one noticed.

"Ugh..." Yukinoshita's words pierced Zaimokuza's heart like a sharp arrow, causing him to clutch his chest in pain. "Could you tell me, what's so boring about it?"

"First of all, your grammar is a complete mess. Why do you keep using inverted sentences? Is your expression really that weak? Did your Chinese language skills come from a PE teacher?"

Oh, the PE teacher got caught in the crossfire again? But isn't this something I complained about in a message I sent last night?

Yukiteru glanced at Yukinoshita, who was still flipping through the manuscript in her hands, and continued, "I won't go into the phonetics and English grammar, after all, you haven't even mastered Chinese, so I don't expect you to excel in English. But here, why does the female protagonist take off her clothes? Has taking off clothes at the drop of a hat become a fixed trope in light novels? What's the premise? What's the reason? What about the emotional description? Have you lost all your common sense in your delusions?"

"Ugh!!!!!" Under the relentless barrage of blows from Yukinoshita, Zaimokuza collapsed to his knees in agony.

"Um...isn't this a bit too much?" Hachiman looked at Yukino's calm face and Yukiteru's expression that said, "I don't know how to comfort him," and was a little unsure of what to do.

You mean Tuanzi? Didn't you see she's almost asleep?

"Although there are still many things to say, it doesn't matter anymore." With that, Yukinoshita looked at Yui Yuigahama, "Yuigahama-san, it's your turn to give your evaluation."

"Huh? Ah..." Miss Yuiko, who had almost fallen asleep while looking at the stack of manuscripts, woke up with a start. She looked at Yukinoshita, who was talking to her, and Zaimokuza, who looked expectant, and smiled foolishly. After thinking hard, she said, "Um, you know so many rare kanji!"

Tsk, sometimes a naturally clueless idiot can hurt people without leaving a trace.

Seeing the girl's embarrassed expression, Zaimokuza looked at Hikigaya beside him and choked up, "Hachiman, you must understand me, right?"

With a rare smile on his face, Hachiman looked at Zaimokuza and said, "Well, as long as the illustrations are good enough, the content of the novel doesn't really matter, right?"

"While some light novels do indeed behave this way, it does have a slight tendency to generalize," Xuehui said, but there was no blame in his tone. There's no way around it; the light novel industry nowadays has too many works that rely on illustrations to attract attention, leading many people to have this kind of understanding of light novels.

"Even your partner, Hachiman, is like this? Hiratsuka-kun, you're my last lifeline!" Zaimokuza was still somewhat unwilling and looked at Yukiteru.

"Are you sure you want me to say it?" Xuehui narrowed his eyes, revealing a dangerous glint.

"Ugh... at least let me die a quick and painless death!"

"Well then, having said all that, let me summarize briefly," Xuehui said, slowly uttering two words, "utter rubbish."

"Pfft!" Timber almost spat out a mouthful of blood.

But that wasn't all. Xuehui continued, "I won't even talk about grammar. Putting aside the clichéd titles, did you even write a proper outline before you started? Are you the type to just write whatever comes to mind? While those kinds of people do exist, I don't think you're up to that level right now. Also, there are way too many cringeworthy, nonsensical words—too many, too many! I'll say it three times. While these words are common in light novels, you've used way too much! Have you considered the readers' feelings? You say you're going to submit it? I think you're just indulging yourself. Reading a manuscript like this is a waste of time and life. If you submit it, a patient editor might read three chapters, but an impatient editor probably won't even finish a page. Grand prize? Awards? Sorry, those don't exist."

"Just as I thought, the seemingly most harmless is actually the most terrifying?" Mr. Hikigaya had gained a new understanding of Yukiteru, but fortunately, knowing that the other party had more to say, he did not interfere.

Before the others could speak, Xuehui asked, "So? Faced with such criticism, do you still have the courage to continue writing?"

To everyone's surprise, Zaimokuza suddenly stood up, put his hands on his hips, and laughed loudly: "Hmph, although the comments did hurt me, as a swordsman general, how can I give up so easily because of this setback! Besides, isn't it great that my novel can be seen by others and that they can hear their thoughts? I've decided, I'm going to start writing again when I get back!"

"Are you actually a masochist?" Yui Yuigahama looked at the other person with a look of horror. Putting herself in her shoes, if she were described like that by someone else, she would probably have already hidden in Yukino's arms and cried.

Something seems off?

"Well, not bad." Yukiteru looked at Zaimokuza, his face no longer showing any displeasure. He took out the two printed sheets of paper from his bag and placed them in Zaimokuza's hands. "Although your abilities are still lacking, I can feel your persistence. This is a compilation of some methods and precautions for writing light novels. Take a good look at it; it should be of some help to you."

As a result, upon seeing the two pieces of paper and reading what was written on them, Zaimokuza was extremely excited, looking like a novice who had met a master and was about to beg for help. However, Yukiteru noticed this and pushed him away.

The commission for the wood base was successfully completed, which also provided this chubby, immature guy with a foundation to continue creating, which is truly a cause for celebration.

On the way back, after saying goodbye to Hikigaya, Yuihama, and Zaimokuza, only Yukino Yukinoshita and Yukiteru Yukinoshita were left to travel together. There was no other way, as Yukino Yukinoshita had moved out and was living alone, while Yukiteru, the younger one, had to take care of the older single female teacher in her family. The two of them had the same destination: the supermarket.

This was the first time Yukiteru had traveled with Yukinoshita since joining the Service Club. Yukinoshita was naturally aloof, and Yukiteru was at a loss for words, so the air seemed to freeze for a moment.

After walking for a while, Yukino Yukinoshita finally spoke first: "I didn't expect you to have prepared something like that."

"After all, you've taken this so seriously, I can't just do nothing all the time, can I? To be honest, if Zaimokuza had said he didn't want to write light novels anymore, I wouldn't have produced this. In the end, it's because that guy has ambition. I'm just helping him avoid some detours," Yukiteru said, shaking his head.

Although Zaimokuza is a chuunibyou (a person with delusions of grandeur), he is a chuunibyou with ideals. Even someone like Hachiman Hikigaya admires him, so it's no big deal for me to help him out.

Although Yukiteru said that, Yukinoshita did not think so. She lowered her head and said calmly, "Although it was the same request, I did not think of these things. After pointing out the other party's shortcomings, I did not have corresponding countermeasures. This is my dereliction of duty."

“You can’t say that. After all, Zaimokuza’s request was for us to share our thoughts on his novel. What you did was simply your job. Compared to the content of the request, what I did was actually a bit of a lapse in attention. You’ve done a great job, much better than most people, and no one can deny that.” Yukiteru stood in front of Yukino Yukinoshita, looking at her raised face, and said, “The Yukino Yukinoshita I remember is always calm, composed, and confident, not like this little girl who gets upset over the slightest thing.”

"..." Yukinoshita looked at Yukiteru's eyes, which reflected her own image, and after a few seconds of silence, said, "You're in my way."

She took a step forward and, from an angle where the other person couldn't see her, the corners of Yukinoshita's mouth curled up slightly.

It's so hot and I'm so sleepy. I feel like I've lost all motivation in life.

P.S.: Please add this to your favorites~

Chapter 15 The Weekend Arrives

After that, nothing like the typical youth novel plot where the male and female protagonists go together and are then discovered and misunderstood by their classmates or schoolmates happened. The two bought the ingredients they needed, paid their respective bills, and parted ways at the supermarket entrance.

The only difference is that Yukiteru bought more meat and less vegetables, while Yukino bought more vegetables and less meat.

After another day of doing nothing at school, Yukiteru finally looked forward to the weekend and the day he would meet with the editors from Kadokawa Bunko.

Because it was the weekend, and since the person was an acquaintance of Hiratsuka Shizuka, the time chosen was rather casually set for the afternoon.

After having lunch at home, Yukiteru was forced by Hiratsuka Shizuka to change into a fitted shirt that accentuated his figure, and then he was forced to sit down in a chair while she did his hair.

"I mean, is this really necessary? Isn't the other person someone you know, Shizuka-nee?" Yukiteru said, looking uncomfortable as Hiratsuka Shizuka's long, strong fingers kept playing with his hair.

"If it were just her alone, that would be fine, but she said she'd be bringing one of her authors along, and apparently, that author was the winner of last year's Kadokawa Newcomer Award. I don't know exactly who it is, but you'd better make sure you're dressed nicely. You can't embarrass me, you know?"

"Yes, yes, I understand..." Yukiteru nodded helplessly, but was immediately stopped by Hiratsuka Shizuka.

'The last Newcomer Award...it can't be such a coincidence...'

After getting ready, Xuehui looked at his hairstyle, which hadn't changed much, and wondered why Hiratsuka Shizuka had taken so much time. Then he was dragged into the car and the clutch and accelerator were started in one smooth motion.

Although Kadokawa's headquarters are in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, the meeting will be held in downtown Chiba because it is a private meeting.

Driving to the commercial district, the two went to a coffee shop on the street, having already been informed that the other party was already there.

“I made an appointment with Ms. Machida, and she should have arrived by now,” Hiratsuka Shizuka said to the waiter as they entered the shop.

'Tsk, I knew it.'

Hearing Hiratsuka Shizuka mention the editor's name, and considering what he had already researched, Yukiteru felt that he was pretty close to the truth.

Led by a waiter, the two arrived at a four-person table further inside, where one side was already occupied by a figure.

"Oh my, you're finally here. I have to say, it's so great to have such a good classmate like you, Jing. You even remembered to help me find potential authors. Is this the handsome young man? Or is he your cousin? Please sit down." The short-haired beauty in a black dress looked at Xuehui with surprise on her face.

"I remember you said you'd treat me to dinner." After sitting down, Hiratsuka Shizuka bluntly stated her conditions to the other party, and then said to Yukiteru, "Look, this unreliable woman is my college classmate. She's now an editor at Kadokawa Bunko. I showed her the first three chapters of your novel, and she's very interested in signing a contract with you."

"Hello, I'm Machida Sonoko, an editor at Kadokawa," the woman introduced herself.

"Hello, Editor Machida, I'm Yukiteru Hiratsuka," Yukiteru introduced himself calmly.

After observing Yukiteru from head to toe, Machida Sonoko exclaimed, "I understand this world less and less. Are all high school students these days monsters? I never imagined that such an excellent and original novel would be written by you, Yukiteru-kun."

"You flatter me, Editor Machida." Yukiteru smiled slightly. He had done his research before bringing up Sword Art Online, so he could be said to have ensured that everything was foolproof.

"No need to be so formal. Your cousin and I are classmates and good friends. Just call me Sister Yuanzi from now on."

"Sister Yuanzi." Xuehui didn't refuse and called out directly.

Hiratsuka Shizuka felt a chill run down her spine as she looked at Machida Sonoko's eyes, which were fixed on Yukiteru and gleaming. She immediately said, "Sonoko, didn't you say you were going to bring one of your authors with you? Where is she?"

"Oh, that? I called earlier, it should be here soon. There's no way around it, girls take a lot of time to get ready," Machida Sonoko replied, realizing what was going on.

"A girl?" Hiratsuka Shizuka was somewhat surprised. Judging from the other person's tone, she seemed quite young.

“Yeah, she’s a high school student too, and happens to be from Soubu High School. But she asked us to keep her identity a secret, so not many people know.” Machida Sonoko said, looking around excitedly, then raised her hand, “Ah, Shi~ over here~~”

Following Machida Sonoko's gaze, Yukiteru met the author she had mentioned.

Wearing a white spaghetti strap dress, her fair arms were exposed, and she had long, beautiful black hair, exquisite makeup, and swaying legs encased in black semi-transparent stockings, which attracted the attention of the male customers in the store.

A woman who knows how to showcase her charm.

Xuehui's assessment showed that he had truly recognized the person's identity.

Kasumigaoka Utaha is one of the main heroines in Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend. In this world, she is a third-year student at Soubu High School and is a girl who shares some of the same attributes as Yukino Yukinoshita.

If we really have to compare, in Yukiteru's eyes, Yukinoshita is prettier, but Kasumigaoka Utaha has a better figure, or rather, much better.

Fortunately, this woman wasn't a second-year student like Yukino Yukinoshita, otherwise, things definitely wouldn't have turned out well if the two of them had met.

The war between the poor and the rich has existed since ancient times.

"Sister Sonoko, could you please not be so loud? Do you think I can't see you?" Under the gaze of the group, Kasumigaoka Utaha sat down next to Machida Sonoko, right across from Yukiteru.

"Hello, Hiratsuka-sensei, I'm Kasumigaoka Utaha." Kasumigaoka Utaha was very polite. Machida Sonoko had told her who the person who came was, and she knew that this teacher was a well-known figure in the school.

As for why he became famous?

Last year, after school, Hiratsuka Shizuka witnessed some thugs harassing a girl from the school and even touching her inappropriately. Being the kind of person who couldn't stand such things, she calmly stepped in and used her fighting skills to beat the thugs into the hospital, and immediately became famous among the students of those grades.

Haven't you noticed that there aren't any delinquents or thugs around Zongwu High School these days?

Hiratsuka Shizuka's name is far more useful than any security guard.

Ah, I feel a bit sad about it.

"Kasumigaoka Utaha?" Hiratsuka Shizuka looked at the beautiful girl with some surprise. Kasumigaoka Utaha was very popular in Soubu High School, and her grades were also top-notch. Although Soubu High School did not publicly disclose its rankings, everyone still knew more or less about the top students.

She hadn't met Hiratsuka Shizuka, a student in Kasumigaoka Utaha's year, but she had heard some teachers mention how excellent Shizuka was. The only problem was that Shizuka often slept in class, which was a bit of a headache, but she didn't mind because of Shizuka's excellent grades. After all, geniuses have certain privileges, don't they?

"I've told you before, Shiho, I really think highly of Yukiteru's novels. If the awards weren't still a while away, I think he would definitely have won the gold medal like you did last time!" Machida Sonoko said to Kasumigaoka Shiho, making the girl look at Yukiteru with some surprise.