My Cartoonist Girlfriend

"Come and have a look for yourself. Although the sales volume in the first few days was only average among the new novels in recent years, after more reviews on the Internet, and with Xiaofeng and Kashiwagi Eri promoting you, the sales volume has increased dramatically. The library estimates that the first batch of prints will be consumed within the next two months, and then an additional batch will be printed. Congratulations, Xiao Shiyu, you will soon become a wealthy woman!"

Looking at the statistics in the table in her hand, Kasumigaoka Utaha showed a happy expression. Becoming a rich woman is not the main thing. What Kasumigaoka Utaha wants most is that her novels are popular and read and liked by more people.

Asakura Feng came over to look at the statistics on the table, nodded and said, "Well, it's really good, especially since the subject matter of your novel is limited. Now it seems that as long as the writing is good and the plot is solid, it still has a bright future. And your novel has good potential for animation in the future. Editor Machida, have you ever thought about applying for your novel?"

"It's still early."

Waving her hands, Machida Sonoko said, "We have to wait until Xiao Shiyu's novel has three or four volumes published before we can make a final decision. Xiao Feng, wasn't your novel Su Qing only decided to be adapted into an anime after the fifth volume was released? However, as long as Xiao Shiyu's Love Metronome doesn't change its current outline, it really isn't that difficult to animate, and the main storyline is quite clear."

After hearing the conversation between the two, Kasumigaoka Utaha put down the form and said, "I can't even think about animating it right now. I haven't even finished writing the second volume yet."

"Take your time, Xiao Shiyu, you don't have to rush."

At this time, Editor Nakajima came back with coffee.

After handing it to Asakura Kaede and Kasumigaoka Utaha, Editor Nakajima sat down and asked with a smile, "Come to think of it, Xiaofeng, you haven't told me why you came here today."

While drinking coffee, Asakura Feng replied: "Nothing, I just came over to take a look when I was free. But Editor Nakajima, you are not busy either."

"Xian... Didn't you join a club? I remember it was the art club?"

Kasumigaoka Utaha joined the conversation and said with a smile, "It's not that I'm free, it's mainly because Eriri went to submit a comic to Jump today. Asakura-kun didn't say it, but he was worried and didn't feel like going to the club."

"Oh~~~I see." Editor Nakajima nodded immediately with an experienced look on his face, and looked at Asakura Feng with satisfaction, "Xiao Feng, this is youth, you must work hard and don't let yourself regret it!"

Machida Sonoko was the same, looking at Asakura Kaede with a gossipy smile on her face.

"..."

Asakura Feng turned her head stiffly, looked at Kasumigaoka Utaha and said, "Senior, please stop talking so much, okay? You are obviously not such a long-winded person."

"Ah, I'm so sorry. It's mainly because I heard Asakura-kun say so much in the car before, which made me feel like I was full and couldn't help but say something."

So is it my fault?

This guy really can’t be trusted. I have to be more careful when I speak next time.

Noticing Asakura Kaede's expression, Kasumigaoka Utaha immediately clasped her hands together and said, "Sorry, sorry, it's my fault. But I believe that Editor Nakajima and Editor Machida won't tell anyone, right?"

The two editors also nodded repeatedly. Editor Nakajima said, "Don't worry, uncle, I won't do anything to offend others. I will quietly cheer for you, Xiao Feng, from the back."

Machida Sonoko, on the other hand, showed a tangled expression after the initial gossip: "Why is Eriri so young and has people chasing her? I've graduated from college for several years and still don't have a boyfriend. I also want to have a sweet love!!!"

Sorry, we really can't help you with this matter.

The three of them looked at Machida Sonoko who was in a depressed mood and decided not to talk about this topic.

"But submitting a comic to Jump is not an easy task."

Editor Nakajima said with emotion, "I also know a few editors there. Jump is very strict in reviewing comics and doesn't care about the author's previous fame."

Asakura Feng nodded and said, "Eri knows all of this. Today she is just trying it out to understand her own shortcomings. Her mentality is still pretty good."

"Haha, it's good to have this mentality. Besides, the work of a cartoonist is also very tiring. I can take this opportunity to learn more about it and be mentally prepared. Just some interviews with cartoonists seen on the Internet are not enough to summarize everything."

After chatting with Editor Nakajima about the recent submissions to the library and telling him about the follow-up arrangements for my own novel, it was almost time.

After saying goodbye and walking out of the library building, and separating from Kasumigaoka Utaha and heading home alone, Asakura Kaede finally received a message from Eriri.

Ying Lili: [As expected, I didn’t pass, hehehe. ]

Although there was nothing wrong with her tone, Asakura Kaede wouldn't think that Eriri really had no mood swings at all.

After thinking about it, he decided to call Ying Lili.

Chapter 81 Saturday's Invitation

At this time, Eriri was sitting in the passenger seat of her car, and her mother, Sayuri Sawamura, was driving and saying comforting words to Eriri.

When Eriri sent a message to Asakura Kaede, although it was not revealed in the message, her mood was definitely up and down, just as Asakura Kaede had expected.

And every minute that a message was sent, the phone would ring.

Sayuri Sawamura, who was driving, took a moment to glance at her daughter's phone. After seeing the caller ID, she said to the hesitant Eriri, "Hurry up and answer the phone, Eriri. Don't worry, Mom won't eavesdrop."

"I won't let you listen!"

Having said that, Eriri quickly took out her headphones, connected them, and answered the call.

"Hello? Asakura?"

Asakura Kaede on the other end of the line heard Eriri's voice and asked, "Eriri, what did Jump say?"

"Ugh... What else can I do? I can't pass it."

She wanted to show off, but after hearing Asakura Kaede's voice, Eriri pouted and said with a hint of disappointment, "Although I was mentally prepared for failure, the editor over there really didn't give me face. After reading my draft, he talked about various deficiencies and shortcomings for nearly half an hour. He also said that I still have to switch from drawing fan fiction, and there are problems with the handling of many storyboards. It seems that I still have a lot to learn, and I only got some recognition for my drawing skills."

Hearing the depression and disappointment in Eriri's tone, Asakura said as he got on the bus: "In that case, then work harder. At least you are already very good at drawing, and this is what depends most on talent. Other things like storyboards can also be improved if you study hard. It's out now, right? Are you going back?"

"Well, we're going back by car. Mom is driving."

After nodding, Eriri also heard the sound of a car coming from her headphones and asked, "Is your club activity over?"

"No, I didn't go to the club today. I went to the library to meet the editor. Eriri, this is a big challenge for you today. It's impossible for me not to be worried at all, but I'm already on the bus back now. Fortunately, at least you're not in a bad mood."

Eriri, who was holding the cell phone, felt her ears turn red when she heard Asakura Kaede say that, and she couldn't help but feel a little secretly happy in her heart.

Sayuri Sawamura, who was driving nearby, noticed her daughter's expression and couldn't help but become curious. She wanted to know what the two were talking about, but her daughter was wearing headphones very cautiously and she couldn't hear anything.

"Hehe, I'm not that fragile. At worst, I can just show them better work next time to impress them."

"That's right. It's okay to fail once or twice. Besides, didn't you say that your painting skills are recognized by others, but the story is not good. You can just think of another one."

Listening to Eriri's silly voice, Asakura Feng smiled and said in a relaxed manner: "Since everything is fine, that's great. Do you want to continue thinking about the new comic after you go home today?"

"Well... I don't feel like painting today. If you have time, why don't we play games to change our mood!"

"OK, I'll call you when I'm ready tonight." As he spoke, Asakura Feng looked at the weather outside through the car window. "The weather has been pretty good these past two days. If you have nothing to do tomorrow, do you want to go out and play?"

Going out to play?

The word "date" immediately popped up in Ying Lili's mind. Her face became more rosy and her voice became a little softer: "Tomorrow... OK."

Eriri didn't refuse, which was the best outcome for Asakura Kaede, and it was different from the last time. Seriously speaking, this was only their second time officially hanging out together.

"Okay then, let's make a specific appointment tonight. I'm also on the bus here, so I won't say any more for now."

"Yeah, let's talk tonight."

After hanging up the phone, Ying Lili looked at the phone screen and gave a silly smile.

The car slowed down, and Sayuri Sawamura looked at her daughter and said, "Did I ask you to go out and play tomorrow?"

Ying Lili nodded slightly, and the smile in her eyes could not be hidden.

"That's great." Sayuri Sawamura was also very happy and said with a smile, "I just don't know when Xiaofeng-kun confessed to my Eriri."

"Wu...what...what confession?"

"Why, don't you want the other person to confess?"

"No, that's not what I meant! It's just..." Eriri blushed and whispered, "I just think, isn't this too fast?"

Sayuri Sawamura said directly, "What's the big deal? In my opinion, relationships are only about suitability. As long as you meet the right person, the so-called length of time is not a problem at all. Anyone with a discerning eye can probably see that Xiao Feng likes you, Eriri. And the content of his phone call to you, directly inviting you out to play, doesn't seem to be much of a cover-up, and it's probably not far from a confession. Eriri, be prepared!"

Sayuri Sawamura spoke so bluntly that Eriri had no way of responding. She could only lower her head, blushing, not knowing what she was thinking.

Seeing her daughter like this, Sayuri Sawamura couldn't help but sigh. She didn't want to say more at first, but she couldn't help it in the end. This girl just likes to hesitate, and she had to give her a push from behind. If you like her, just go for it. Why is she so different from herself in this aspect?

Sayuri Sawamura is very satisfied with Asakura Kaede. She handles her daily interpersonal relationships and her hobbies with Eriri very well. He is also very capable in all aspects. He ranked fifth in the grade in the previous midterm exam. It is a student's duty to study.

In the past, Sayuri Sawamura was quite optimistic about Eriri's childhood sweetheart, Tomoya Aki. But now thinking back, after comparing the two of them, there is really no harm without comparison.

Although it may not be appropriate to say this, Sayuri Sawamura sincerely hopes that Tomoya Aki will not suddenly come in and disturb Eriri's absolutely perfect relationship.

..........

The next day, Saturday.

Asakura Kaede did not stay in bed, got up, changed his clothes, had breakfast, said goodbye to his family, and went out directly.

On the other hand, Eriri was in much more trouble.

Once again, all the clothes in Eriri's closet were taken out and spread on the bed, and this time, most of the clothes taken out were dresses.

Sayuri Sawamura also stood beside Eriri and gave her advice.

"Eri, we won't be doing much exercise at the place we're going to today, so let's go with this skirt. As for the stockings, do you think white or black is better?"

"Hmm...white, please."

As she spoke, Eriri also picked up a pair of white over-the-knee socks.

Chapter 82: Concerns about height? (Please collect!!)

After going out, Asakura Kaede rode his bike towards the station where he had an appointment with Eriri.

After arriving, he saw that Eriri had not come yet, so he started waiting.

But as he waited, Asakura Feng discovered something that made him feel a little uneasy.

That is, he originally wanted to confess his feelings, but how should he do it exactly?

"..."

Silently taking out his cell phone, Asakura Feng instinctively wanted to search the Internet, but stopped himself the next second.

As we all know, those netizens on the Internet are all idiots. Asakura Feng thinks it would be better to change direction.

After thinking about it, he dialed Kasumigaoka Utaha's number.

After waiting for more than ten seconds, the call was connected, and Kasumigaoka Utaha's somewhat confused voice came out.

"Asakura-kun, you will be punished by God for disturbing a beautiful girl's beauty sleep!"

"Sorry, Senior, I just want to consult you about something."

Asakura Kaede's tone was very sincere, which surprised Kasumigaoka Utaha and made her sober up a lot.

Still curled up in the bed, Kasumigaoka Utaha asked, "So, what's the matter?"

"I want to ask, Senior, in your novel, how do you plan to have the hero and heroine express their love?"

"..."

Kasumigaoka Utaha was silent for a moment, and her mind, which had just woken up, gradually began to work, and a playful smile appeared on her face: "Asakura-kun, are you going to confess your feelings today?"

"I just had this idea, but suddenly I realized that I don't know much about this aspect. Since you write youth romance novels, you must have gained experience from many works, so I want to ask you for help."

Asakura Feng would not ask about his own parents. Asakura Feng himself had already heard them talk about it a long time ago. It was really... relatively ordinary and simple. Moreover, they were a little different back then than they are now, so Asakura Feng still thought it would be better to find a girl of the same age to ask.

Kasumigaoka Utaha, who didn't expect Asakura Kaede to ask this question, sat up, straightened her hair and said, "Regarding this...it's hard for me to say, after all, I only have theoretical knowledge. Asakura-kun, keep a normal mind. I think for this kind of thing, just express your feelings!"

"Emm~~"

Asakura Feng thought about it and it seemed to be true. Deliberately making some messy preparations was not in line with his style.

Exhaling, Asakura Feng said, "I understand. Thank you for your advice, senior."

"Are you okay? If you're okay, I'll go take a nap." Lying down again, Kasumigaoka Utaha said, "After you succeed, Asakura-kun, remember to treat me to a meal!"

"No problem. I won't bother you anymore. See you at school next week."

After hanging up the phone, Asakura Feng scratched his head, began to adjust his mindset, and thought about what to do in today's schedule.

After waiting for about ten minutes, the bus stopped in front of her and Eriri, wearing a dress and white stockings, got off the bus.

Seeing Asakura Kaede already waiting here, Eriri hurried over to him and said, "Sorry I'm late."

"It's okay. There are still fifteen minutes until the agreed time. Besides, it's reasonable for the man to come and wait in advance." After appreciating Eriri's outfit today, Asakura Feng said with a smile: "Let's go. You decided the morning schedule."

"Uh-huh!"

With a slightly blushing face, Eriri smiled and nodded, then walked towards her destination with Asakura Kaede.

After walking a few steps, Asakura Feng noticed that Eriri would glance at him from time to time, and then immediately turn back.

"...Is there something on my face?"

Thinking that there was something on his face, Asakura Feng almost took out his cell phone to take a picture of himself.