Chapter 68: Situations in Various Places
After browsing the bookstore for half an hour and paying for their books, the three left the bookstore.
Walking towards the next bookstore, Kaede asked, "Senpai, did you get any results from your observation earlier?"
Nodding, Utaha said, "In half an hour, out of 32 customers, 21 bought my book, and among those 21, 7 were women. Overall, it's pretty much in line with my expectations. And before leaving, I also saw many people who didn't know my light novel stopping at the shelf, wanting to buy it after being introduced by a staff member."
"For half an hour, that's pretty good, considering it's a newcomer's new book."
Eriri said, also smiling, "Actually, there are other ways if you want to boost sales."
"Don't say it, I know what you're thinking."
Utaha immediately raised her hand to stop her: "I don't want to be labeled as some 'beautiful girl author.' I clearly have writing skills; there's no need to resort to that method."
"Tch, calling yourself a beautiful girl, how shameless."
"Oh my, isn't it true?" Utaha crossed her arms and looked at Kaede beside her. "Asakura-kun, you be the judge. Do you think I count as a beautiful girl?"
Kaede glanced at the charmingly smiling Utaha, then noticed Eriri also pouting at him.
You two can argue all you want, but why do you have to drag me into it?
Sighing, Kaede could only say, "You are both beautiful girls, both of you."
Although they were only sixteen or seventeen years old, both Utaha and Eriri, if they stood out, would definitely not be inferior to so-called idols in terms of looks alone.
Thinking of this, Kaede couldn't help but ask, "By the way, Eriri and Senpai, have you ever been scouted by talent agents when you were walking around?"
"Talent agents?"
Eriri was stunned for a moment, then shook her head: "No, and I'm not interested in the entertainment industry. My family wouldn't let me go into it either."
Utaha also said, "I've encountered it twice, but I refused both times. The entertainment industry isn't a good place. I can rely on my talent; there's no need to rely on my looks."
Although that sounded a bit narcissistic, both Kaede and Eriri knew that Utaha wasn't wrong. Even if she hadn't chosen to be a light novel author now, with her learning ability, she could essentially succeed in any company after graduating from university.
As for Eriri, there was even less to say. Her family background was already affluent, so she had nothing to worry about in the future.
"But, you really did encounter it, huh."
Eriri said, looking at Utaha's figure, and couldn't help but click her tongue, "How did you grow like that?"
"What, jealous? It's just individual genetic differences."
Utaha smiled, even puffing out her chest again.
"Tch, what's there to be proud of? They'll still sag when you get old."
Although it was just a whisper, the street wasn't very noisy at the moment, so Utaha naturally heard it.
She was still a young girl, but hearing Eriri say that, Utaha couldn't help but imagine that scene, feeling a bit of a chill.
"If that happens, I'll accept it. But at least it's better than not even having the qualifications to sag."
"Ugh!!!"
Eriri looked at Utaha angrily but couldn't retort.
So annoying!!!
And Kaede... at this moment, he was looking straight ahead, afraid that he might lose control and his gaze would be drawn. While normal appreciation was fine, Eriri was also there, and it would truly be awkward if she noticed.
Sigh... troublesome.
After two bus stops, the three finally arrived at another bookstore.
The situation here was similar to the previous store; there were still many customers buying love metronome, and compared to the previous store, there seemed to be even more female customers here.
After browsing this store, Kaede said, "We've seen two stores now, and in Tokyo alone, there are countless such bookstores. Even if we take an average, love metronome's sales performance today is still very good. Of course, it probably also has to do with the fact that no other new books were released today."
As if hearing Kaede's words, Utaha's phone rang at the opportune moment.
Picking it up, she said, "It's Editor Machida."
Connecting the call and putting it on speaker, Machida Sonoko's voice came through: "Utaha-chan, where are you right now?"
"Out, with Asakura-kun and Eriri, checking out the situation at bookstores today."
"Oh? You're out too?" Machida Sonoko said in surprise, "I'm out too. I've been checking several bookstores since this morning, and the response is very good! I'm in Bunkyo Ward now. Where are you?"
After Utaha reported their location, Machida Sonoko immediately said, "Don't leave yet, I'll be right there, fifteen minutes!"
After hanging up, Utaha looked at the two and said, "So, what do we do now?"
Kaede pointed to the convenience store across the street and said, "Let's buy some drinks and sit there for a bit. The sun is getting quite strong now."
So, the three went to the convenience store, bought drinks, and sat inside to rest, waiting for Machida Sonoko to arrive.
In less than fifteen minutes, a red car pulled up on the street outside the convenience store. Seeing it, the three walked out.
"Utaha-chan~~~"
As soon as she saw Utaha, Machida Sonoko hugged her and said happily, "It's a great start today! And some people who bought the book have already posted pictures online. There should be a lot of discussion about your light novel this afternoon and evening. The first step has been successful!"
With even Machida Sonoko saying so, Utaha finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Releasing her young author, Machida Sonoko also thanked Kaede and Eriri for their help, then said, "Today is a good day. Although it's still early, let's find a place to sit for a bit, and then we'll have a big lunch. My treat!"
Utaha was one of the authors Machida Sonoko admired most and had the best results since she came to Fushikawa Bunko, so she was naturally extremely happy at this moment.
With someone offering to treat, Kaede and Eriri naturally had no objections. After agreeing, they got into Machida Sonoko's car.
Utaha sat in the passenger seat, while Kaede and Eriri naturally sat together in the back.