My dear wife, I still love you more.

It's like they've just gotten used to each other. Any passionate feelings are long gone.

However, Sayuri Sawamura seems to be a good woman. She looks young, and although she is a housewife, she is very loyal to her family and has no other intentions.

Then, as Sawamura Sayuri was talking, she steered the conversation back to Kashiwagi Eri's doujinshi, and then she started excitedly discussing some of the plot points with Hasegawa.

This made Hasegawa extremely embarrassed. Really embarrassed.

At this point, Hasegawa would usually change the subject, shifting the conversation back to everyday life.

When Sawamura Sayuri complained about something, Hasegawa would often agree with her, which made Sawamura Sayuri feel even better about Hasegawa, as if Hasegawa was someone who understood her very well. This made Sawamura Sayuri even more unable to control her mouth. And then she started telling everyone everything.

Sawamura Sayuri even told Hasegawa that she and her husband now only talk about it once or twice a month on average. This made Hasegawa extremely embarrassed.

"Everything is for the sake of creation. I'm just gathering material right now. Yes, that's right, just gathering material," Hasegawa comforted himself.

……

"It's getting late, I should head back. Let's call it a day," Hasegawa said to Sawamura Sayuri.

"Huh? Is it already this late? Well, Kenichi, why don't you stay for dinner? You can go back after dinner. Hmm, it's okay if you don't go back. I have plenty of rooms, you can stay here all night." Sayuri Sawamura invited Hasegawa.

"No, no, no, that won't be necessary. Besides, I've already made an appointment with someone, and it wouldn't be good to suddenly not go back," Hasegawa quickly refused.

Hasegawa mainly didn't want Mrs. Yuihama to overthink things. It wouldn't be good if Mrs. Yuihama misunderstood.

"You've already made plans with him? That's not good. Okay. Eriri, come down quickly, Kenichi is leaving, come see him off." Sawamura Sayuri called upstairs.

"No need, no need. There's no need to make Sawamura come down." Hasegawa quickly waved his hand: "She's busy drawing manga right now. Don't disturb her."

“Kenichi is such a gentle boy. Alright, in that case, I won’t call Eriri down. Let me, as her mother, see you off in her place,” Sawamura Sayuri said with a smile.

"Actually, there's no need. Besides, it's getting late. Mrs. Sawamura, you should be making dinner now."

"It's okay, it doesn't matter if it's early or late. Besides, I had a great chat with Kenichi today. I was able to say everything that was on my mind that I didn't know who to talk to, and I feel so relaxed." Sayuri Sawamura smiled, and even blushed, making her seem even younger.

"So Kenichi, you have to come often in the future. There are still many things I haven't told you yet," Sawamura Sayuri invited Hasegawa.

"Okay, but it might not be possible for now, because I have to participate in the Jade Dragon Flag Kendo Competition, so I can only do it after the Jade Dragon Flag Competition ends."

"Huh? The Jade Dragon Flag? Kenichi is going to participate in the Jade Dragon Flag? I didn't know Kenichi was such a kendo master." Sawamura Sayuri looked at Hasegawa in surprise.

"It's alright. I have some talent in kendo, so I was lucky enough to qualify for the Jade Dragon Flag competition," Hasegawa said with a smile.

"Kenichi is only a first-year high school student, and the fact that he qualified for the Jade Dragon Flag competition is enough to show his kendo skills. Hmm, it's decided, Eriri and I will go and cheer him on!"

"Isn't that unnecessary?"

Chapter 121 Love Metronome (Bonus Chapter for Monthly Tickets)

Holding a bamboo sword in both hands, wearing black armor and a black mask, Hasegawa stood before Saeko Busujima.

Saeko Busujima was dressed similarly to Hasegawa. The two faced each other, then suddenly shouted, "Hands!"

He swung his bamboo sword at the opponent's hand.

Sounds like "hand" and "face" kept coming from Hasegawa or Saeko Busujima.

Because Hasegawa is about to participate in a kendo competition, but he is completely unfamiliar with the procedures and rules of such competitions, Saeko Busujima is now acting as his sparring partner to help him familiarize himself with the competition rules before the competition.

To be honest, Hasegawa regrets participating in this competition; the feeling is completely different.

Hasegawa initially learned kendo purely for physical fitness and practical combat. However, the numerous rules of kendo competitions made Hasegawa very uncomfortable.

However, since he had already promised Saeko Busujima, Hasegawa couldn't go back on his word.

However, Hasegawa has already decided that he will only participate in this one time, and he will not participate in any more kendo competitions or other competitions.

"Hasegawa-kun, you've pretty much mastered the rules of the competition. You just need to pay a little attention during the match. Actually, with your kendo skills, you're sure to win the championship if you just pay a little attention." Saeko Busujima put down her bamboo sword, took off her mask, tossed her long hair, and said to Hasegawa with a smile.

"Yeah. But these rules are still quite troublesome." Hasegawa nodded with a smile, while complaining slightly.

"There's nothing we can do about it; after all, every competition has its own rules."

"Yes, so I've decided to participate in this kind of competition just once, and then I won't participate anymore." Hasegawa said what was on his mind.

"Is that so? Well then, you can make your own decisions. Besides, this is my last year at Soubu High School. It won't concern me much anymore. And I've decided that after the Jade Dragon Flag competition, I'll resign as the captain of the kendo club. It's time to hand it over to the newcomers." Saeko Busujima smiled, seemingly nonchalantly.

"You're resigning from your ministerial position so soon?"

"Well. After all, you're already a senior in high school, so you need to focus on your studies from now on, since you still have to take the college entrance exam. So, Hasegawa-kun, are you interested in the position of captain of the kendo club?" Saeko Busujima asked Hasegawa again.

"Kendo club president? Forget it, I'm not really interested in that, and I'm only a first-year high school student, so there's no way I'll get the position."

"No, Hasegawa-kun, your kendo skills have already surpassed mine. You can say you're the best in the kendo club. And after you participate in the Tamakyuu Flag competition and win the championship, you're fully qualified to become the kendo club president. Just like me, I became the kendo club president after winning the Tamakyuu Flag competition in my first year of high school."

"Let's forget about it. I'm really not interested in the position of Kendo Club President." Hasegawa shook his head again.

"Alright, if that's the case, then forget it."

……

After leaving the Busujima Kendo Dojo, Hasegawa was about to check on Yui Yuigahama's progress when a phone call came in.

"Mr. Hasegawa, do you have a moment?"

"Machida, editor? You're free. It's summer vacation now, so I have plenty of time. Is there anything I can help you with? Is it about Tokyo Ghoul?" Hasegawa was a little curious as to why Machida Sonoko would call at this time.

"No, it's not about Tokyo Ghoul, but a personal matter I'd like to trouble you with, Mr. Hasegawa."

"Private matters?" Hasegawa frowned slightly.

Generally speaking, Hasegawa is reluctant to get involved in personal matters, as he doesn't know what kind of trouble it might cause. However, Machida Sonoko is, after all, his editor, so he has to give her some face. Of course, this also depends on the extent to which the so-called personal matter is considered.

"That's right. Besides Hasegawa-sensei, I also have a new author under my wing. She's very talented, and her works are quite excellent. However, due to market conditions and issues with promotion, her works aren't selling well. In fact, the publisher is even considering canceling her work because of the sales problems."

Hasegawa's brow remained furrowed: "Editor Machida, it seems there's nothing I can do to help with this kind of thing, is there?"

"No, no, no, actually I just wanted you, Mr. Hasegawa, to take some time to read her work. If you think her work is good, you could just help promote it on Twitter," Machida Sonoko said a little shyly.

Is that so?

"That's right, that's exactly it. And if Hasegawa-sensei thinks her work is not good, there's no need to promote it. I just hope that Hasegawa-sensei can sacrifice a little of her time to read her work."

Hearing Machida Sonoko's words, Hasegawa's furrowed brows relaxed. Although Hasegawa felt that even though Machida Sonoko said those words, if he genuinely didn't feel it was a good idea and didn't help, it would still make Machida Sonoko unhappy. After all, Machida Sonoko was his editor, and he had to consider her feelings no matter what.

So Hasegawa had already decided that as long as the novels Machida Sonoko made him read weren't too bad in terms of quality, Hasegawa would promote them, even if it was just to appease her.

Of course, if the quality of the work that Machida Sonoko mentioned is good, Hasegawa wouldn't hesitate to promote it properly, which wouldn't be a problem.

"So, Editor Machida, which work are you referring to?"

"Love Metronome. That's the name of her novel. It's a really good youth/campus novel."

"Love Metronome? Okay, I got it. I'll go to the bookstore and buy that book later," Hasegawa nodded.

"Mr. Hasegawa can ask me to reimburse him for the cost of the books."

Hearing Machida Sonoko say that, Hasegawa couldn't help but roll his eyes. Did he really need to get reimbursed for a light novel?

"No need for that. Is there anything else, Editor Machida?"

"That's all. I just hope that Mr. Hasegawa can read 'Love Metronome' carefully. If you think it's good, please help promote it."

"I will."

I almost forgot about the bounty.

Chapter 122 Recommendation: Elderly People? (Bonus Chapter for Recommendation Votes)

He flipped through the newly bought love metronome in his hand.

Hasegawa was surprised to find that this book was actually quite good. The writing was beautiful and elegant. The handling of emotions was also just right.

Moreover, the plot is quite well arranged. Although the story of the male and female protagonists meeting is ordinary, it is heartwarming. When you read this book, you can't help but have a faint smile on your face.

Judging from the writing style of this teacher named Kasumi Shiko, her writing ability should be very strong. Although it doesn't reach the level of a Level 4 writer, it's still much better than what Hasegawa wrote when he was only at Level 3.

At this point, Hasegawa also began to understand why the Love Metronome wasn't performing very well.

Although this book is very well written and heartwarming, it's best read quietly and at a calm pace.

Most light novels are also considered fast food; you can skim through them and be done with them if you find them interesting. There's no need to get into a serious reading experience.

It can be said that "Love Metronome" and mainstream light novels are two completely opposite extremes.

Most light novels are harem stories. But Love Metronome has only one female protagonist and one male protagonist. The entire plot revolves around the two of them, with no third party involved, and their relationship is so close that there's absolutely no room for anyone else to interfere.

It is completely different from mainstream light novels, even those of the same genre, such as youth and school light novels.

Very good, no, I should say an excellent work.

Hasegawa thought to himself, "This is how I would rate the novel 'Love Metronome'."

After thinking about it, Hasegawa decided to recommend this novel.

After all, the quality of this novel speaks for itself. If it were to be canceled due to poor sales, it would inevitably be a pity.

Hasegawa immediately opened his Twitter account. Although Hasegawa doesn't usually use Twitter, he's a bestselling light novel author, so he has a considerable number of followers, probably tens of thousands. While not a huge number, it's still quite good within the light novel community.

Hasegawa pondered for a moment, then quickly wrote down a passage.

He recommends the novel "Love Metronome," and discusses its readability from his own perspective, emphasizing that it requires a calm and focused reading experience.

After checking the wording and finding no issues, Hasegawa uploaded it directly to Twitter.

Immediately after Hasegawa uploaded the video, comments started appearing below. Clearly, Hasegawa's tens of thousands of followers are very active and not just so-called "zombie" followers.

"Hasegawa-sensei actually tweeted? Has the sun risen in the west?"

"Mr. Hasegawa, you're an elderly gentleman, you still remember you have a Twitter account?"

"It's a book recommendation? Love Metronome? A teen campus novel? I don't really like this type of novel, but since it's recommended by Hasegawa-sensei, I'll check it out. If it's not good, I'll come back and give him a piece of my mind."

"I will definitely support anything recommended by Hasegawa-sensei."

"Mr. Hasegawa, I heard you did a major revision of the first two volumes of Tokyo Ghoul? Is that true?"

"Yeah, Hasegawa-sensei, how's the revised Tokyo Ghoul?"

"Are they trying to scam money? They'll just arbitrarily modify the original content, call it a modified version, and then re-release it?"

"Hehehe, a guy who's obsessed with money, he reeks of money."

"Get lost. If you want to watch it, then don't. Hasegawa-sensei didn't expect you to have to buy it."