Only excellent and capable people have confidence; this was a truth Machida Sonoko had long understood.
A novice author, whose first work became a hit and became a bestselling author, it was precisely because of her ability that Machida Sonoko could put down her dignity.
Enduring the pressure, the result didn't disappoint. Machida Sonoko could now be said to have recovered half of the half-life she lost.
There is still a quarter of her life left, and it is still uncertain whether she can keep it.
"If it were Aki-kun, after reading her work, you should also notice it, the fatal flaw."
After a series of complaints, Machida Sonoko said somewhat mockingly again. She shook the wine glass in her hand, a trace of worry flashing in her eyes.
Things like this should not have been said, but now talking about them in front of Aki Tomoya, even she herself felt a little surprised.
"Let's not talk about work, Machida-san."
Aki Tomoya gave a wry smile.
After finishing her complaints, he thought she would finally blend into the New Year atmosphere, but her workaholic nature was still clearly evident at this moment.
Asking him for his opinion on Kasumi Shiko's new work, he was quite embarrassed. He had done it once, and now he didn't have time to do it a second time.
"Besides, I'm not interested in light novels right now."
Aki Tomoya looked at Machida Sonoko seriously.
Machida Sonoko smiled sheepishly. After her little trick was seen through, she officially confirmed that the young man in front of her was not as easy to talk to as before.
However, after the unpleasantness last year, being able to gather together and chat and laugh now was already unexpected.
"Hashima-kun, although I really want to help you, you've come to the wrong person."
Just then, Machida Sonoko turned and said regretfully to Hashima Iori.
She knew what Hashima Iori wanted, but she trusted Hongzaka Akane more than Hashima Iori.
Agreeing to attend this party, Machida Sonoko actually wanted to understand Hongzaka Akane's thoughts through Hashima Iori.
If it were Hongzaka Akane, her University friend, she could definitely help Kasumi Shiko, who was under her.
"As expected. Thanks to a certain person's reminder, I haven't considered such things anymore, and I've already suffered before."
Kasumi Shiko and Kashiwagi Eri were no longer within Hashima Iori's scope; he was just routinely building connections.
Speaking of this, Hashima Iori smiled at Aki Tomoya with a hidden meaning.
Aki Tomoya pretended not to see it and said, holding his chopsticks, "As expected, for kaiseki cuisine, you still have to go to Kyoto, right?"
"Then will you treat me to authentic kaiseki cuisine in Kyoto someday, Tomoya?"
"My wallet can't afford it."
"Someday, I mean someday."
On New Year's Day night, there were many New Year's parties like this.
Thanks to Hashima Iori's care, Aki Tomoya had a good start to the New Year in Japan.
And being able to resolve some conflicts with Machida Sonoko was also an unexpected matter.
"After a year of hard work, there's finally a day to rest... Sorry, I'll be right back..."
Machida Sonoko put down her wine glass, sighing with emotion, and planned to go to the restroom.
Not long after she left, the door was pulled open.
Just as everyone thought she had returned and silently thought "That was fast," Aki Tomoya was the first to notice that the woman who opened the door was someone he didn't know.
"Did you take a wrong turn?"
It was a woman holding a wine glass, her long hair tied in a ponytail, tall with a perfect figure, and a beautiful face with a smile that was somewhat intriguing.
Perhaps she was someone from next door who came to the wrong door?
Aki Tomoya frowned, thinking, while already reminding the other party verbally.
In contrast to him, Hashima Iori, who noticed the woman at this moment, had an excited and surprised expression.
"Why are you here?"
Hashima Iori asked in surprise.
He knew the woman at the door.
After noticing his respectful tone, Aki Tomoya pushed up his glasses and then began to carefully examine the woman.
"Hongzaka Akane?"
Aki Tomoya whispered softly, his voice only audible to himself.
At this moment, he already had a guess about the other party's identity.
Someone who could make Hashima Iori so surprised and respectful could only be Hongzaka Akane.
"Hashima-kun, I didn't expect you to be here too. Can we join?"
Hongzaka Akane smiled and then looked at Aki Tomoya with interest.
If she hadn't seen Machida Sonoko, she wouldn't have realized that her subordinate from next door and her friend from University were both here.
Truly, the world is full of surprises!
"Do we need to leave?"
Aki Tomoya asked Hashima Iori, then gestured with his eyes towards Hyodo Michiru, who hadn't put down her chopsticks yet.
However, Hyodo Michiru didn't understand Aki Tomoya's gaze and probably still thought it would be livelier with more people.
"If I'm not mistaken, you're Aki Tomoya, right?"
"What can I do for you, President Hongzaka Akane."
Whether she guessed or knew him beforehand, Aki Tomoya didn't care.
He was more concerned about whether this New Year's Day gathering could continue.
He hadn't anticipated Machida Sonoko's arrival, and even less expected to see the famous Hongzaka Akane here.
He had once greatly admired this Senior, but now seeing her in person, he felt troubled.
After knowing that Hongzaka Akane was such a mature and beautiful woman, Aki Tomoya didn't feel any surprise at all; instead, he felt that meeting Hongzaka Akane here was troublesome.
"Can't I just get to know you? You're really cautious."
Hongzaka Akane examined Aki Tomoya.
As if she had found something interesting, Hongzaka Akane's eyes flickered.
"Sorry to keep you waiting!"
Machida Sonoko quickly walked into the room, her face flushed with alcohol still carrying a relaxed smile, as if wanting to continue enjoying the comfort of the New Year's Day.
But when she noticed an extra person in the room, her smile instantly froze, and then she backed away half a step in shock and exclaimed, "Akane, Akane... No, Hongzaka Akane?!"
At first, she stammered the other person's real name, but after realizing, Machida Sonoko immediately corrected herself.
Machida Sonoko truly hadn't expected Hongzaka Akane to appear here.
And when she looked at Hashima Iori with a puzzled gaze, she received a similarly troubled look from his eyes.
"Sonoko is here too, what a coincidence. Cheers to this New Year's Day!"
Hongzaka Akane took the initiative, handing the wine glass to Machida Sonoko.
At this moment, however, Machida Sonoko didn't have time to notice Hongzaka Akane's actions, but instead turned to look in the direction of the footsteps.
The familiar voice nearby made Machida Sonoko's expression even more subtle.
"Why is Machida-san here?"
"That's what I want to ask too, Xia Shizi Teacher!"
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