Tokyo: I took in a homeless girl

Sawayama Haruno paused for a moment, then added, "Suguha probably wants to say a more formal goodbye. Although there were unpleasant memories in the past, she grew up in this place, and it's not something she can just sever ties with."

"Yeah."

Shiori Minami didn't say anything more, but leaned against Haruno Sawayama, gently feeling his breathing.

The sound of her breathing brought her immense peace, a novel feeling she hadn't experienced in the past twenty years, which made her unable to stop herself from immersing herself in it, unable to extricate herself.

Whether it's because petite people recover faster, or because Sawayama Haruno "went easy" yesterday, Mine Shiori, who had been resting against him for a while, suddenly felt an irresistible urge to rub against him again.

The girl's cheeks flushed slightly, and she was a little embarrassed to talk about the changes in her body, but Sawayama Haruno, who had been watching her out of the corner of his eye the whole time, could clearly see the changes in her body.

Even if you can't see it, you can still feel it. After all, you feel like there are two upright things pressing against your back. This strong feeling is all too familiar. Having touched it many times before, Sawayama Haruno immediately knew what was going on.

Is there still time?

He glanced at the clock hesitantly; there were still about forty minutes until midnight.

It's decided, let's do it in the bathroom!

Having made up his mind, Haruno Sawayama suddenly turned around and picked up Shiori Mine in one lap.

Amidst the petite girl's gasp, he smiled and said, "We still have some time, let's take a shower together before checking out."

After saying that, he ignored the shy girl's objections and carried her into the bathroom.

The romantic atmosphere lingered in the room once again. The two, who shared the same feelings, simply embraced each other until a hotel staff member came up to urge them to check out. Only then did they reluctantly come out of the bathroom and hurriedly pack their things to go downstairs to check out.

The driver responsible for picking them up was almost there. After having a quick lunch near the scenic area, Sawayama Haruno and Mine Shiori saw the driver arrive in his familiar minivan.

After playing all day, Shiori Minami quickly fell asleep again after getting on the bus, seemingly needing to replenish her energy.

Sawayama Haruno still had energy left, and after getting into the car, he started replying to the other girls' text messages one by one until he returned to the villa before he began to rest.

Needless to say, the next day and a half passed by. Apart from Shiori Mine being dragged out to play by Riho Morikawa, Haruno Sawayama basically stayed at home, discussing with the other girls in Japan what they needed to buy for their new home.

And just like that, the fifth day arrived, which was the day the annual meeting began.

Since the annual meeting was held from the afternoon to the evening, the group had played Monopoly all night the night before. When they woke up, they found that there was very little time left before they had to leave for the venue, so they hurriedly started packing.

However, unlike before, this time Haruno Sawayama was helped by Shiori Mine to fix her suit.

The petite girl stood on a chair, earnestly tying Sawayama Haruno's tie. This strange scene made onlookers murmur inwardly that the height difference was rather odd.

Regardless of how others perceive it, Sawayama Haruno, being the one treated with kindness, thoroughly enjoyed it.

"Isn't it a little too loose?"

“Well, since the annual party will last a long time, I’m worried that if I tie my tie too tightly, Haruno will feel uncomfortable.”

"Really? Then let's loosen it a bit."

"Uh-huh."

With a radiant smile, Shiori Mine gently straightened Haruno Sawayama's tie.

Only after noticing that the other person was so perfect that he looked like the star of the party that evening did she finally get up from her chair with some satisfaction.

"That solves the problem. Haruno is very handsome."

With a blush on her face, she spoke her mind.

However, this unintentional remark was overheard by Riho Morikawa, who was urging the two of them to hurry up from the doorway.

The mischievous, mature female editor immediately teased the adorable Shiori Mine, with Riho Morikawa mimicking her cheesy tone and saying, "That way there won't be any problems, Haruno. Hahahaha."

Before she could finish speaking, Riho Morikawa was amused by her own sarcastic tone.

Shiori Mine blushed furiously, looking at Riho Morikawa who was deliberately teasing her. In the end, Haruno Sawayama walked over and gave her a chop to the neck, which finally stopped Riho Morikawa from laughing so hard she was completely out of control.

"Alright, isn't it about time we set off?"

Sawayama Haruno touched his tie and laughed, "It's not good to be too late. It seems like they're going to invite some celebrities to the annual party. Someone in my family wants me to help them get a few autographs."

As one of the four major publishing houses in Japan, Otowa Group's involvement in film and television adaptations is naturally not to be underestimated. Many of its works have been adapted into TV dramas or movies, and it is inevitable that it will collaborate with many celebrities.

When the company holds its annual meeting, it will invite these artists it has worked with to attend, which can be seen as a fusion and exchange between two different circles, since there will be many opportunities to work together in the future.

Putting aside other things, just take Haruno Sawayama's "Norwegian Wood" as an example. Although the current lead cast has been finalized, the fact that filming has not yet officially started means that there are still many variables. In fact, many artists want to get along with him.

Ideally, they should have Haruno Sawayama tailor a novel specifically for them to be adapted into a film, which would greatly benefit their future development.

It can only be said that cultured people are sought after wherever they go. As the undisputed literary giant of the island nation, Haruno Sawayama's influence has already transcended different circles. Even people outside the literary circle can't help but want to get to know him.

Of course, whether he actually had that intention is another matter.

After packing their belongings, the group, led by the driver, quickly arrived at the venue for the annual meeting, the top floor of an understated yet undeniably luxurious office building with a very spacious exhibition area.

There were already quite a few guests present, but looking around, Zeshan Chunye saw that they were mostly people he didn't know very well. He didn't know much about the people in his own circle, so walking into such a crowded place was like walking in the dark.

Riho Morikawa and Shiori Mine have become very popular with people in the editorial circle. Having signed Haruno Sawayama, Riho Morikawa is already considered a senior in the industry, and many people even come over to greet her when they see her.

As the only intern editor currently being mentored by Riho Morikawa, and also someone with a close relationship with Haruno Sawayama, Shiori Mine naturally receives a lot of flattery from people in the industry.

Undoubtedly, they also need to expand their interpersonal connections.

Although the main purpose of editing is to discover more potential writers, you can't do it without connections in the industry. The people attending this annual meeting are all prominent figures, so it would be inappropriate not to say hello.

Thus, Haruno Sawayama became a "lonely man" for a short time. After accepting the champagne from the waiter, he looked at the lively environment and felt somewhat uncomfortable.

I was too hasty. I didn't expect to come here and not know a single person. What should I do now?

Sawayama Haruno hesitated, just then someone patted him on the shoulder from behind.

"Hey, Rookie King, we meet again."

A familiar, gentle voice sounded from behind. Sawayama Haruno turned around in surprise and found that it was Shibata Shinkai, the senior who had helped promote his new book.

The other person had the same kind smile on his face as always. He seemed to have noticed that Haruno was a little confused about communicating with people in the industry, so he took the initiative to invite Haruno to sit down and chat with him.

Having finally met a friend who could be considered an "acquaintance," Haruno Sawayama naturally wouldn't refuse, and readily accepted Shinkai Shibata's invitation.

Perhaps with the other party present, this year's annual meeting wouldn't seem too passive.

Chapter 376 The End of the Sweet Trip

With the help of Shibata Shinkai, a senior figure in the industry, Sawayama Haruno also got to know many fellow authors.

Given his established fame, many people's attitudes underwent a subtle change after learning that he was "Wushan Donghai".

The warm hospitality of others made Sawayama Haruno sigh with emotion. It really was true that once you become famous, you feel like you have friends everywhere you go.

Perhaps sensing that Sawayama Haruno wasn't very interested in talking about the industry, Shibata Shinkai eventually led him to a place to sit down and rest.

Looking at the young talent in front of him, Shibata Shinkai pushed up his glasses and said with a smile, "I heard you've been preparing your second book recently. How's it going?"

"Only a small part of the beginning has been changed."

Sawayama Haruno shrugged. "There's too much to do. I probably won't have time to write until January or February next year."

“Really? The nominations for the Akutagawa Prize will be announced in the next two weeks.” Shibata Shinkai paused and then smiled. “If nothing unexpected happens, we’ll both be nominated, and we’ll probably have to meet in Tokyo then.”

"Please let me know in advance if you're coming, Shibata-sensei. This time it's my treat," Haruno Sawayama said politely.

The other party had helped me promote my new book before, and I still haven't been able to repay the favor. As a host in Tokyo, it's only right that I treat Shibata Shinkai to a meal.

Moreover, both of them are prominent figures in the literary world, and they will inevitably have to interact with each other in the future. The last Kyoto competition and the upcoming Akutagawa nomination illustrate this point well: the top positions in the literary world are held by only a few people, so it's hard not to be familiar with them.

As competitors, it's normal for them to respect each other. Moreover, Shibata Shinkai is very approachable and easy to get along with, unlike others who speak arrogantly based on their seniority.

This alone was enough to make Sawayama Haruno have a much more friendly impression of him. However, it was clear that Sawayama Haruno did not realize that he was now a true senior in the industry, and almost none of his colleagues who arrived at the venue dared to speak to him in a pointing tone.

"The two great writers seem to be having a very pleasant conversation."

While they were still chatting, Riho Morikawa, who had gone to greet the other editors earlier, returned without anyone noticing.

Watching Haruno Sawayama and Shinkai Shibata chatting and laughing, she couldn't help but tease, "At least give the other little fans a space to chime in, right?"

"I noticed a lot of people talking about you when I walked over. I guess they wanted to go up and say hello but were too shy."

"Is there?"

Sawayama Haruno instinctively looked around, only to see Yazaki Miki secretly watching him.

He had a fairly deep impression of the girl who was traveling with him to Canada, because she was very enthusiastic in striking up a conversation with him, making it hard not to remember her.

This time, however, the other party did not rush forward. She probably noticed that there were too many seniors in the annual meeting venue, and even if she wanted to greet Sawayama Haruno, it wouldn't be her turn as a junior to take the initiative.

Sawayama Haruno shrugged noncommittally and nodded slightly to the girl who was secretly observing him from a distance, as if to greet her. This immediately made Yazaki Miki feel flattered.

This behavior displeased Riho Morikawa, who suddenly pulled Haruno Sawayama up with a smile.

"Excuse me, Shibata-sensei, could you please borrow my Kiriyama home for a moment?"

"Please go ahead."

Shibata Shinkai nodded and watched the two leave.

Riho Morikawa pulled Haruno Sawayama to a secluded corner before letting go of her hand.

"You."

Riho Morikawa said irritably, "I've been looking for you for ages, and you didn't even glance at the message I sent you?"

My phone is on silent.

Sawayama Haruno looked completely innocent. He had indeed silenced his phone. After all, he didn't know who he might run into at the venue, and it was better to keep his phone silent for these large events to avoid it suddenly ringing after the annual meeting officially started.

But more than whether the phone rings or not, he cares about where Shiori Mine went.

Seemingly noticing Haruno Sawayama's confusion, Riho Morikawa explained, "She went to the back to prepare for the opening ceremony later."

"I called you over to talk to you about the wedding photoshoot. The appointment has been made. Have you and your family chosen a location and such?" Riho Morikawa quickly added.

"So fast!"

Zeshan Chunye was slightly taken aback.

The appointment time was even faster than he had expected. He had told them to choose their preferred shooting location first, but in just over a week, the wedding photo shoot was booked.

"It seems that someone canceled their January booking, so the wedding company is thinking of making up the slot from later to earlier."

Riho Morikawa paused for a moment, then asked, puzzled, "Weren't you in a hurry to film? If you're not going to film, I'll call them again later to contact them again."

"no need."

Seeing that Riho Morikawa said this, Haruno Sawayama quickly interrupted, "Let's just go with the time we booked in advance. Anyway, we don't have anything else to do after the annual meeting tonight, so let's just take tomorrow's flight back."

Since they weren't returning with the company, they naturally had to pay for their own return tickets.

Of course, this small amount of money was nothing to Sawayama Haruno now. With a wave of his hand, he said he would also pay for the plane tickets for Morikawa Riho and her assistant. His generosity made the mature female editor click her tongue in amazement.

"By the way, you're in such a hurry to go back because you've finished taking care of other things in Canada, right?"

Riho Morikawa narrowed her eyes and smiled maliciously.

"So, it was with Shiori that day?"

"If you already know, then don't ask anymore." Sawayama Haruno was somewhat speechless. "Besides, you've already asked her privately, haven't you?"

"She kept stammering and wouldn't admit it, so I had no way of confirming the facts."

With her arms crossed, Riho Morikawa said with a smile, "How does it feel to have a woman on each arm?"

"Leaving aside the fact that I'm surrounded by women, I'm really exhausted."

Sawayama Haruno rubbed her temples and smiled helplessly, "You can see it too. After returning to Tokyo, I'll have to take them to other places to take wedding photos without stopping, not to mention the nomination and novel stuff later on."

"You don't know how lucky you are, do you?"

Riho Morikawa punched him hard and said angrily, "If I were a man, I don't know how excited I would be to be surrounded by so many beautiful women."

She genuinely envied Sawayama Haruno's life. He was young, rich, famous for his talent, and surrounded by a bunch of beautiful and gentle girls who always supported him. Even Morikawa Riho, a woman, couldn't help but feel a little jealous.

No wonder he's a great writer; his private life is so romantic.

"Great, this is exciting!"

After taking a punch from Riho Morikawa that barely hurt, Haruno Sawayama's attitude seemed somewhat perfunctory.

He briefly explained the wedding photo shoot to Riho Morikawa, and then, considering that the annual meeting was about to begin, the two returned to their respective seats.

Shiori Mine, who had been missing for a long time, also sneaked over from the side path, bending over. Upon seeing Haruno Sawayama, a bright smile immediately bloomed on her face.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

She quickly sat down in the seat closest to Zeshan Chunye, apologizing softly as she quietly reached out and pulled him aside.