All the people who like me are other people’s girlfriends! ?

The girl blushed instantly. She shouldn't have accepted the money, but she couldn't bear to part with the beautiful memory of planning their future together.

Clutching her bankbook, her watery eyes sparkled. Suddenly, she ran back to her little apartment, grabbed a slightly old but quiet wallet, and placed it on the table in front of her without hesitation.

Xiangzi opened her wallet. Compared to Qingye's neatly stored banknotes, hers looked much more messy, containing coins, small bills, and coupons...

Looking at the "property" on the table that represented all of their belongings, Xiangzi had a strange feeling, as if everything about them was connected.

The two looked at each other and smiled. Then, they put their heads together and, like any couple you see in this city, began to carefully count and record.

Xiangzi took out a small notebook and wrote down the date and amount in neat handwriting, while Qingye offered suggestions from the side:

"This part serves as a fixed living expense, and this part can be saved as an emergency fund..."

Xiangzi's slender fingers carefully counted the coins, while Qingye rested his chin on his hand, gazing intently at her focused profile. A grounded and sweet atmosphere filled the air, devoid of any dramatic events, only the little things in life and the anticipation for the future.

"Hmm... let's leave it at that for now." Xiangzi closed his notebook, let out a long sigh of relief, as if he had accomplished something of great importance.

She looked up and met Qingye Chunshui's gentle expression, the faint warmth of his presence almost making her want to throw herself into his arms and act coquettishly.

"Thank you for your hard work, Mr. Xiangzi."

Xiangzi pressed down on the little rabbit that was throbbing in his chest and gently shook his head.

At this moment, Qingye smiled and said, "Looking at it this way, even if we eat fish and meat every day, we can still save a lot of money. We can use that money to help you form a band..."

Toyokawa Shoko remained silent for a long time, then finally looked up into Kiyono's eyes and said softly:

"It will cost a lot of money, and I don't want Kiyono-kun to go through so much trouble..."

To be honest, the money that Qingye had saved up couldn't support a commercial band for long, but she was too embarrassed to hurt the boy's pride, so she tried to use a more tactful approach. At the same time, the thought of going to her grandfather flashed through her mind... She would rather bow her head than let Qingye sacrifice himself.

Qingye raised an eyebrow.

"Don't you believe me, Xiangzi?"

"Of course I believe you! After all, Kiyono-kun is mine... mine..."

"Then leave it to me with confidence."

...

late at night.

Kiyono sat in front of the computer, a blank document displayed on the screen.

He leaned back in his chair, his fingertips lightly tapping the edge of the keyboard, but his thoughts drifted far away.

For this simulation, he originally only planned to submit a short story, casually collect some prize money, and get through the three months. In fact, he did just that. His short story was shortlisted and won first place, but the prize money was only so-so, since he could only choose the fastest award.

He hadn't cared about the money before, but now he decided to support Toyokawa Shoko.

In the original story, how did Toyokawa Shoko manage to secure investment from his family? He didn't know, but now he was certain that the girl would compromise and give in.

—But he didn't want to see that scene.

As a man, he wouldn't make the girl beside him do things she didn't want to do.

Even though this simulation will end in a few days, and even though the new band may not be able to be formed, he still wants to do it.

The answer is quite simple.

Kiyono slightly curled the corners of his mouth, stretched, and hovered his fingers above the keyboard for a second before letting them fall.

"Let's write something serious."

*

the next day.

Xiangzi followed Qingye and pushed open the glass door. He was greeted by the unique smell of old paper, ink and coffee, as well as a calm yet slightly anxious atmosphere. The editors were either making phone calls, frowning at the screen, or discussing the manuscripts in hushed tones.

The blue-haired girl stopped and stared at the scene before her, her eyes wide with confusion.

"A literary magazine...?"

Is this... the place Kiyono-kun was talking about where the problem could be solved?

What should Kiyono-kun do?

?035. The special simulation that is about to end?

In Toyokawa Shoko's memory, Kiyono-kun did have dazzling literary talent, but her understanding of him was still limited to writing essays and short stories. Moreover, given his boyish personality, he was more likely to write light novels.

Now that Kiyono-kun has brought me to such a famous literary magazine, could it be that...

Kiyono took Xiangzi's hand and greeted the receptionist familiarly. Then he went straight to the innermost room with a sign that read "Editor-in-Chief's Office." Normally, he didn't need to bring Xiangzi along, as it would seem like he was showing off, but he still brought the girl along.

Because if the girl doesn't see the truth with her own eyes, she'll definitely overthink things and even doubt whether she did something dangerous for her—at the same time, it's also a way to show off her earning power and get a little revenge for her previous doubts.

Kiyono stopped in front of the door, knocked, and after hearing a response, pushed the door open and entered.

Xiangzi looked around curiously. In the modern society where mobile phones and the Internet are prevalent, literature has actually declined for a long time, but this literary magazine called "Spring and Autumn" is still the place of origin for many creators. It should be filled with heavy paper books and documents, and the walls are covered with black and white photos with a sense of age.

Indeed, things were much as the girl had imagined, and the atmosphere was even more somber than she had expected—in the office, besides the editor-in-chief, there were other editors and staff members, who seemed to be discussing something serious.

At this moment, the gray-haired editor-in-chief, Mr. Fujita, looked up and saw the young man in front of him. This man was extraordinary in appearance, handsome and dignified. Anyone who saw him would praise him as a very handsome young man.

Mr. Fujita's eyes immediately lit up.

It was like seeing my dream lover—that's a perfect description.

But it wasn't his looks that captivated her, but rather...

Kiyono, a newcomer who won a literary award with the fewest words, clearly only participated in the magazine's annual official short story award, yet he gave people the illusion that Akutagawa Akutagawa had been reincarnated and was frying fish, impeccable in every aspect.

Unfortunately, this person never came to the publishing house except to collect money. He was also elusive and would always claim to be engrossed in his spiritual practice when asked. He even had the skill to delay manuscripts for at least fifty years.

However, today, he, who shouldn't have come, still came.

That is to say...

"Mr. Kiyono, do you have a new manuscript?" Editor-in-Chief Fujita stood up abruptly, his eyes shining. As far as the new talent he was going to cultivate was concerned, this guy's purity was SSS level!

"I guess so," Kiyono smiled.

"But didn't you say you'd get inspiration in the summer? Why now..."

The bespectacled old man suddenly stopped talking, his gaze falling on the beautiful young woman with blue hair beside him, a knowing smile appearing on his face.

Great! Excellent! Only with hardships and obstacles, and with unyielding desires, can one write a good article!

Xiangzi felt somewhat embarrassed by the stares.

However, Editor-in-Chief Fujiwara no longer had the energy to pay attention to her; his literary soul was burning brightly within him.

"Mr. Kiyono, did you bring the manuscript? Or did you send it via email?"

"Brought it."

The boy nodded, and then, under everyone's gaze, he took out a... A4 sheet of paper from Xiangzi's bag.

When the paper floated lightly onto the table, everyone was stunned.

How many words can be written on this one sheet of paper? Eight hundred? Or a thousand? It's not even enough for a short story, let alone an introduction! You're already thinking about publication after writing so little?

The expressions of the other industry professionals were somewhat subtle, and even Editor-in-Chief Fujiwara was surprised.

"Does Professor Kiyono have a good idea and want to discuss the follow-up content of the book? If it can be like the content of the last submission, publication will be a piece of cake."

He offered the boy a way out, acknowledging that such behavior was indeed a bit too arrogant. It wouldn't be a problem if a real literary giant were alive, but Kiyono was, after all, just a newcomer.

"No."

Kiyono shook his head, his smile hearty.

"I'm here to buy out the sequel to this book from Mr. Fujiwara."

The office suddenly fell into a deathly silence, as if Kiyono had suddenly dropped a bomb. The editor frowned, looking displeased, and even the old man looked worried.

Buyout, as the name suggests, means that the publisher spends a large sum of money to buy the copyright of the entire book. All the money earned from subsequent publication belongs to the company. It is a kind of investment gamble, betting that the book will generate enough profit in the future. Generally, only a few established authors can get them to make a buyout.

Publishing was practically impossible before, and now they've jumped straight to a buyout?

The crowd's expressions shifted from skepticism to bewilderment, wondering where the young man got his confidence from—you don't actually think you're a literary giant just because you won an award!

Xiangzi also quietly covered her face. Of course, she believed Qingye unconditionally, but could such a thing really be done?

"Let's take a look first," Kiyono said calmly.

Editor-in-Chief Fujiwara scratched his head, but based on his basic trust in the boy's hexagonal attribute panel, he still carefully read through it from the beginning.

Quiet……

asphyxia……

Xiangzi felt herself getting nervous and grabbed Qingye's sleeve. As time passed, she saw the old man's expression change constantly. Finally, he sat blankly in the chair, remaining silent for a long time, and handed the A4 paper to the others around him.

Then the above process was repeated.

Does this mean she's received approval? Toyokawa Shoko blinked and covered her mouth with one hand.

"Mr. Kiyono, when do you think this manuscript will be ready for publication?" Mr. Fujiwara slammed his hand on the table.

"Buyout".

"Teacher Kiyono, the profit sharing is quite good. You'll definitely earn a lot of money in the future."

"I want this number."

"Qingye..."

Kiyono said no more. He did something that no one expected—he borrowed the pen and paper that the old man had placed on the table, leaned slightly forward, rested his left hand on the edge of the table, held the pen in his right hand, and hovered it above the snow-white paper.

It wasn't writing, but rather splashing ink. The pen tip grazed the paper, making a rustling, almost sharp sound. His movements were astonishingly fast, without the slightest pause. The pen moved like dragons and snakes, leaving the ink dripping.

Xiangzi's eyes widened; she had never seen Qingye so...handsome.

The once bright and gentle Kiyono seemed like a completely different person, radiating a dazzling confidence. His gaze was focused, as if the whole world consisted only of him and the words about to be born from his pen.

It was a poem of only four lines.

Qingye's pen stopped at the fifth line and abruptly ceased.

He put down his pen and gently pushed the paper in front of Editor-in-Chief Fujiwara.

The old man carefully picked up the paper, and this time he remained silent for an even longer period of time.

After a long while, he sighed.

The master's skill is breathtaking.

..........

In the evening, the streets were bustling with traffic.

The small restaurants along the street lit up their vermilion lanterns, and the hustle and bustle of the day gradually subsided. The shadows in the twilight were real and clear, and the interlacing shadows revealed peace, liveliness and vitality.

When Xiangzi and Qingye walked out of the building, the girl still felt a sense of unreality and disorientation.

The funding for forming a band... made her hesitate about whether to ask her grandfather for help... but Kiyono solved the problem with just a pen? Kiyono-kun even earned more money! This is truly a case of a single word being worth a thousand pieces of gold!

At this moment, the earlier scene kept replaying in her mind: the boy's posture as he picked up the pen, the changes in the other editors' attitudes, and the contract she had signed with complete conviction...

Kiyono-kun, you're that amazing?

Toyokawa Shoko felt a little dizzy. She had grown up in the Toyokawa family and attended a prestigious girls' school since she was a child. She had seen many amazing people and amazing things, but even so, she still felt that the boy was the most dazzling star among all her peers.

She couldn't help but press her hand to her chest.

She was overjoyed because Kiyono-kun had done it for her sake.

She was also worried because Kiyono-kun was a rare and incredibly reliable man, and she could already see the fierce competition ahead, which put a lot of pressure on her.

I must improve myself!

"Xiangzi, our family is rich now." Qingye stopped and a teasing smile curved his lips.

"...What if I fail? What if I lose Kiyono-kun's money?"

Xiangzi looked up at him, her amber eyes sparkling with starlight. Her tone was somewhat hesitant, but it sounded more like a simple act of coquetry.

She would no longer display meaningless arrogance and pride in front of boys.

She vowed to stay with Kiyono, so she was willing to accept anything, whether it was wealth or help. In addition, she would repay Kiyono many times over in the future, and she would give him as much money as she earned.

"This is an investment; it's normal to make a profit or a loss," Kiyono said seriously.