Chapter 17 My comic editor is a reliable uncle
"Hachoo!"
Kamiya Yu wiped his runny nose with a tissue, wondering who was cursing him; he'd been sneezing nonstop since a while ago, utterly uncivilized.
Seriously, don't they know I'm creating heartwarming manga for everyone?
Kamiya Yu's manga had already reached its seventh chapter, as manga requires a great deal of time for conceptualization and drawing.
Kamiya Yu put down his pencil and lay on the bed... Three days had passed since Kamiya Yu's manga was released.
Kamiya Yu was currently engaged in club activities, which essentially meant drawing manga.
"Beep beep beep"
The phone in his shoulder bag vibrated incessantly, breaking the silence of the classroom.
"Excuse me, I need to take this call."
Kamiya Yu put down his drawing pen, took out his phone, nodded to Yukinoshita Yukino, and walked outside.
"Hello, who is this?"
Kamiya Yu looked at the unfamiliar phone number but answered politely nonetheless.
"Is this Kamiya Kyo-sensei? I am Miyamae Ken from the Shueisha editorial department."
"Because your manga meets our company's requirements, we would like to discuss a contract for your manga. When would you be available?"
Kamiya Yu thought that it had been three days since the manga was published, so it was time for some news.
Regardless of whether a contract was offered, as a leader in the manga industry, Shueisha would at least notify the author.
"It is I, Editor Miyamae Ken. I am available anytime."
"Alright, Kamiya Kyo-sensei. If possible, I should arrive in about two hours. Would meeting at the Qinxin Cafe be suitable?"
Listening to Editor Miyamae Ken's mature tone on the phone, Kamiya Yu unconsciously agreed.
This reminded him of the reliable and mature editor from his previous life.
"Alright."
After hanging up, Kamiya Yu returned to the classroom and continued drawing.
About an hour later, Kamiya Yu spoke.
"Yukinoshita-san, I have something to attend to this afternoon, so I'll be leaving early. Sorry."
"It's fine, there haven't been many requests lately anyway."
Yukinoshita Yukino looked up at Kamiya Yu, her cool voice emerging from her lips.
Kamiya Yu packed his things and walked out.
He figured it would take about half an hour to get there, and he didn't want to arrive just on time, as that would seem impolite.
After all, having someone rush over and then arriving just on time or even late is considered very rude in Sakurajima Country.
Qinxin Cafe is a mid-to-high-end cafe in the city center, featuring a simple and comfortable style.
Kamiya Yu walked in, and it was exactly as advertised.
"Hello, just one person?"
A staff member approached, asking Kamiya Yu, who had just entered.
"No, two people. Another person will arrive in about half an hour." Kamiya Yu replied softly, waving his hand in negation.
"Understood, please follow me."
The staff member led Kamiya Yu to a two-person table inside the cafe.
This spot was relatively secluded, suitable for the upcoming manga contract discussion without disturbance.
Kamiya Yu casually ordered a recommended cappuccino from the menu and then sat idly.
"Hoo, hoo, hoo"
Kamiya Yu blew on his coffee, took a sip, and found it to be a delightful blend of bitterness and sweetness, even for him, a regular coffee drinker.
Before long, the doorbell at the entrance chimed, and a mature man in a tracksuit and black-rimmed glasses walked in, carrying a briefcase.
He took out his phone and made a call.
"Ding ding ding"
Kamiya Yu's phone rang, conspicuously loud in the spacious cafe.
Miyamae Ken looked in Kamiya Yu's direction and walked towards him.
Upon reaching him, he asked, "Is this Kamiya Kyo-sensei?"
"Yes, you must be Editor Miyamae Ken, right?"
After receiving an affirmative answer, Miyamae Ken sat down, took out a document from his briefcase, and handed it to Kamiya Yu.
"Please review it to see if it's reasonable. If there are any unreasonable points, feel free to bring them up at any time, and we will revise them."
Miyamae Ken's efficient manner gave Kamiya Yu a sense of reliability.
He quickly opened the document bag.
The contents roughly stated that Shueisha was willing to pay 6,000 yen per page for the serialization rights of Kamiya Yu's manga in Weekly Shonen Jump.
Of course, this did not include single volumes or derivative intellectual property.
[Derivative intellectual property: anime, games, film, television, merchandise, and the like.]
According to the current international exchange rate, 6,000 yen is approximately 300R.
The price offered by Miyamae Ken already exceeded that of many new manga artists.
"Yes, I am very satisfied."
"It's a pleasure to work with you."
After signing the contract, Kamiya Yu shook hands with Miyamae Ken, and they spent the rest of the time chatting.
"Kamiya Kyo-sensei, I will be your editor from now on. I hope for your continued guidance."
Miyamae Ken's expression was sincere and very serious.
"Alright, Editor Miyamae Ken." Kamiya Yu felt that this person was so serious, just like his editor in his previous life!
Time rewound to three days prior.
Inside the editorial department, Chief Editor Takeda Kazuki was looking at the sales records of Weekly Shonen Jump magazine.
The records were continuously rising, which made him somewhat puzzled.
"Why are sales so good today? Has a manga artist's storyline reached its climax?"
"Chief Editor Takeda, the author of 'Resolute Ninja Legend,' Sensei Matsushita, his manga has reached its climax for completion."
"In addition, Sensei Kamiya Kyo, who has been frequently discussed on forums, has also driven an increase in sales."
An editor beside him quickly spoke up.
"Kamiya Kyo-sensei? Oh, I remember now, he's that new manga artist who participated in the newcomer award, right? His manga is quite good; it was even rated as the best among the newcomers."
Takeda Kazuki's head turned, and he slapped his smooth forehead with his right hand, suddenly remembering.
"Yes, that manga artist is Sensei Kamiya Kyo." A few others chimed in.
Several popular manga series were nearing completion, leaving a void for excellent new manga.
It was essential to inject fresh blood into the current Weekly Shonen Jump.
Currently, Kamiya Yu's manga was extremely well-received in terms of popularity.
This was because, judging from reader comments, most were highly positive about the manga's quality but expressed extreme hatred for the author himself.
["True Fragrance" Warning]
Takeda Kazuki, standing still, pondered for a moment and then instructed an editor nearby to call Miyamae Ken.
"Chief Editor Takeda, did you call for me?"
Takeda Kazuki looked at Miyamae Ken in front of him, nodded, and then spoke.
"I hope you can serve as Kamiya Kyo-sensei's editor. After all, you discovered such an excellent sensei, so it's only right that you take charge."
Takeda Kazuki then shifted the topic, saying in a deep voice, "You only have one manga artist under you right now; you're so idle. Taking on another won't be a big deal."
Miyamae Ken in front of him felt somewhat speechless, thinking, wouldn't it have been better if Chief Editor Takeda had just omitted the first sentence?
He had to be vague, and now he still had to agree.
"I can do that, Chief Editor Takeda."
"I have high hopes for you, Editor Miyamae!"
Takeda Kazuki heavily patted Miyamae Ken's shoulder, causing him a sharp pain, but he could only manage a wry smile.