"Actually, I am the author of this book called 'love metronome'."
Kasumigaoka Utaha's response was also very simple: reveal her identity.
She was a novelist who intentionally placed her own book in a popular spot. Although her actions were somewhat improper, they were excusable.
After all, most people hope their work can be seen by more people.
Even if it were exposed, she would only gain a reputation for being competitive.
If that were the case, Kasumigaoka Utaha wouldn't care, because it was better than having Tanaka Masao spread rumors.
As for her identity as a writer being exposed, Kasumigaoka Utaha didn't care at all.
She was even willing to hold a signing event, so naturally, she wasn't afraid of her identity being exposed. Rather, she quite enjoyed the sense of accomplishment.
Moreover, she wrote campus romance novels, and pure love at that, with a rich literary atmosphere, not some unspeakable evil doujinshi.
This was a bonus for her, wasn't it?
"I just want more people to see my work. You should understand that feeling, right?"
Tanaka Masao nodded. He wasn't surprised by this outcome and believed what she said.
"I am a best-selling author. Many people read my books, so I completely don't understand your feelings, and…
How do you prove you're the author? You don't look like it at all.
Madam, if you think you can gain my sympathy and trust by casually claiming to be an author, then you are greatly mistaken.
I am not some brainless, inexperienced little boy who believes whatever people say and is easily deceived."
Kasumigaoka Utaha: …
Why did those words sound so familiar? She suddenly felt a sense of powerlessness, as if she had been hit by a bullet she herself had fired.
Kasumigaoka Utaha exhaled. At this moment, she was utterly convinced that the boy in front of her could absolutely not be a novelist.
Because how could such an annoying fellow say such romantic words?
"Alright, I believe you are the author of this best-selling novel."
Kasumigaoka Utaha no longer cared whether Tanaka Masao was lying or not; at this moment, she just wanted to get rid of him.
Seeing Kasumigaoka Utaha actually compromise, Tanaka Masao nodded.
"Alright, then I also believe you are the author of this flop of a novel."
Anger.
Kasumigaoka Utaha clenched her fists.
"My novel just came out! It hasn't flopped!"
Facing an angry Kasumigaoka Utaha, Tanaka Masao remained unperturbed. He calmly pointed to the corner.
"Not a single book sold, what's the difference from a flop?"
Unable to refute.
Kasumigaoka Utaha clenched her fists. She was very angry. She was usually a very strong person who always took the initiative in any interaction, and she was always the one to tease others.
Today, however, she was repeatedly put in an awkward position by Tanaka Masao, which led her to a conclusion.
[This guy definitely counters me.]
Her instinct told her not to have too much contact with this man; the sooner she escaped him, the safer she would be.
However…
It wasn't her character to run away after suffering so many losses at his hands without retaliating.
Kasumigaoka Utaha revealed a faint smile.
"Best-seller, you might not know, but I just held a signing event this morning.
My fans are all very enthusiastic. Everyone who has read my book has given it rave reviews without exception.
If a book only has promotion and sales, but its quality is worrying and it fails to resonate with readers, then it's nothing more than adding more waste paper to the world."
Tanaka Masao's eye twitched. How did 'Best-seller' sound so strange? It made it seem like he was selling himself.
"Flop-chan, you can't say that. Everyone's tastes are different. There are a thousand and one Hamlets in a thousand people's eyes.
No author can guarantee that their work will be liked by everyone.
What an author can do is write the best story in their heart."
Although he was a little annoyed by the nickname 'Flop-chan', Tanaka Masao was right. There couldn't be a book that everyone liked, but…
Why were there a thousand and one Hamlets?
Kasumigaoka Utaha began to reflect, feeling that she had been carried away by the sales data of her novel and was too concerned about others' opinions of her work.
Through Tanaka Masao's baptism and purification, she felt as if she had rediscovered her original intention for Writing.
"You're right. What an author needs to do is write the best story in their heart.
To be able to say something so insightful, I'm starting to believe you are a true writer.
Allow me to introduce myself, I am Kasumigaoka Utaha, a second-year student at Private Toyogasaki University, pen name Kasumi Shiko."
Tanaka Masao gently shook Kasumigaoka Utaha's outstretched hand and replied.
"Tanaka Masao, a first-year student at Sobu University, pen name Wu… Lao Xu."
Kasumigaoka Utaha withdrew her hand in surprise, saying unexpectedly.
"I didn't expect Fei Zhai Jun to be so polite. I was prepared for you to hold my hand and do all sorts of things to her."
"Hey, don't make me sound so perverted, alright? And you're quite bold too, daring to extend your hand even though you guessed I might do that.
If I really were a pervert, wouldn't you be in danger?"
"If a small sacrifice can rid the world of one pervert, I think it's worth it. This is called a strategist entering the game…"
"Being completely taken advantage of?"
Tanaka Masao nodded thoughtfully and said.
"Kasumigaoka, I think you should extend your hand again. This time, I definitely won't let you down."
As he spoke, he Gentlemanly extended his hand.
The more gentlemanly he was, the more terrifying he seemed.
Kasumigaoka Utaha looked disgusted.
"No way! And I'm older than you. According to the rules, you should call me senior."
"It seems there is such a rule. One must respect seniors and not disobey their commands."