The lonely Hikigaya Hachiman wants to become the king of mystery novels

"I understand, Mr. Yagami. If that's the case, I really don't need to be polite to NHK. I'll leave this matter to you on Sunday, and I won't make any comments on the side. What do you think? "

"No problem! I think that Minister Fukunaga probably doesn't like me, and I just don't like him, so I have to let him bleed some blood."

Yagami Takayuki said with some joy.

"By the way, Editor Yagami, I have observed a phenomenon that you may want to pay a little attention to. Recently, there have been quite a few derivative works based on my two "Kan" series of novels on the Internet. Those are just published online and noted. There is nothing wrong with the works that are obviously adapted, but the ones that are blatantly plagiarized or imitated are problematic. Do you have any opinion on this matter?"

Hikigaya Hachiman mentioned this matter that concerned him very much.

In fact, although Hachiman's two earliest novels, "Confession" and "Malice", were popular, few people imitated them. After all, the most important thing about this kind of social reasoning is the plot, and few people would be stupid enough to directly plagiarize the plot.

However, since the original reasoning series "The Causes of Disintegration" began to be serialized, some less honest authors gradually became interested in the tricks and story structures in the book, and carried them out through what they considered to be clever means.

Immediately afterwards, two "Pavilion" series of works came out one after another, and the wave of imitation also began.

For example, if Hachiman describes a "clock house" in the book, someone will write a "pocket watch house" or an "alarm clock house". As for the layout and tricks in the house, they are all based on the "Clock House Incident" Making some changes doesn’t require much brainpower at all.

Some authors were inspired by the Ten-Gakuen Pavilion, and then "designed" something like a Twelve-Gakuen Pavilion or an Octagonal Pavilion, and then stuffed a group of people into it to play a killing game.

"Well... the current legal world is very difficult to define plagiarism between literary works, and there is no protection at all for trickery. So if Mr. Hachiman sees this kind of work, if the other party's plagiarism traces are not It’s so blatant that it’s difficult to solve the problem through legal means.”

"Moreover, most of the writers who do this kind of thing are unknown scraps. They may be eager for you to take them to court so as to increase their reputation. Moreover, as long as this kind of lawsuit is fought, it will definitely be A protracted tug-of-war, it’s really not worth it considering that the countless efforts put into it will not get much reward in the end.”

Yagami Takayuki analyzed.

"Is that so... Then Mr. Yagami, do you have any other ideas?"

"Uh... I do have some ideas. But Teacher Hachiman, as a lawyer, I shouldn't give you this kind of advice, so I'll just say it briefly. I believe that Teacher Hachiman, your mind will be able to understand what I meant."

"Given your current status in the literary world, Mr. Hachiman, and the director position of the Writers Association that you just took office, if you want to deal with an unknown person, it is really... too simple. You understand I mean, it would be disrespectful to say any more, Hachiman-sensei.”

Yagami Takayuki lowered his voice very low. After all, his suggestions had nothing to do with the law, so he felt a little guilty.

"Well...I understand, Mr. Yagami. This idea came to me myself and has nothing to do with you."

Hikigaya Hachiman's eyes gradually became sharp.Only now did he finally realize that he had always followed the rules too much, which would only complicate things that were originally simple.

After ending the call with Lawyer Yagami, Hikigaya Hachiman found several names he had memorized on his cell phone, and then dialed the number of Toshiro Konno, the current president of the Mystery Writers Association.

----

October [-]th is another Saturday, and it is also the day when "Furuhata Shinsaburo" starts airing. This week's title is "Smiling Corpse". The artist invited to play the murderer is an actor who has been popular for more than ten years. Famous actress.

"Did you see that the thermos cup on the table in the shot just now didn't even have the trademark torn off?"

"Well, is there a possibility that they didn't tear it up on purpose?"

"How much money does it cost to implement advertising placement in a TV series with such high ratings? It's too expensive."

"Look! That laptop is also an embedded advertisement. Let me tell you, this model is difficult to use..."

Shortly after the third episode aired, viewers started discussing the product placement online, which pleased the manufacturers who had spent a lot of money.

In order to consider the viewing experience, NHK has set up a maximum of three advertising spots in each episode. If you want to get this spot, you need to win through bidding.

With this operation, NHK can obtain a guaranteed advertising revenue of [-] million yen in each episode of "Furuhata Jinsaburo".

"Oh, all this money has gone to those people at NHK, but I can only drink some soup. I feel really unhappy..."

Hikigaya Hachiman said angrily while sitting on the sofa.

"I remember, weren't you paid very well for writing the script of this drama? My sister also said that she was shocked by the money you paid."

Yukino, who was sitting on Hachiman's lap, asked a little strangely.

"It's not that high. The total cost for one season is only 9000 million yen before tax. These advertisers have to pay more than this amount to place an advertisement."

"What did you say? 'Only' 9000 million? Is there something wrong with your view of money, Hachiman..."

Yukino was a little surprised. Even for a rich girl like her, 9000 million is not an amount that can be modified by "talent".

"Uh... is there any? I think it's okay. By the way, Yukino, let me tell you something secretly. My guaranteed remuneration for the second season of "Furuhata Jinsaburo" is 500 million yen per episode."

Hachiman said to Yukino as if he was showing off.

"Okay, okay, my great writer, I know you are very profitable. After all, I usually benefit from you."

Yukino said fondly.She turned around, straddled Hachiman's lap, and wrapped her arms around Hachiman's neck.

Ever since the sports festival, the intimacy between Yukino and Hachiman has reached a new level.Especially Yukino, she seems to have always wanted to pierce the window paper and achieve a real leap in the relationship between the two.Hachiman, on the other hand, has been struggling to tighten the last string in his mind.

"Yukino... If you act like this, I won't be able to watch TV properly..."

"It doesn't matter, we all know the plot anyway, right?"

Yukino's face slowly moved closer to Hachiman...

"You forced me..."

Hikigaya Hachiman stood up on the sofa in an instant, and Yukino was unprepared and was hung directly on him.

The girl's scream instantly spread throughout the room.

The next day was the day when Hachiman and NHK made an appointment to negotiate the script contract for the second season of "Furuhata Jinsaburo".At around seven o'clock in the morning, shortly after Hikigaya Hachiman finished breakfast, Yagami Takayuki's car arrived downstairs at his apartment.

"It's so early, Mr. Yagami. It won't be the agreed time by the time we get there. Is NHK ready?"

Hachiman asked as he buckled his seatbelt.

"I know Director Fukunaga. He almost never leaves the company on weekdays. He is a pure workaholic, so we will definitely find him when we go there. And there is no need to greet him in advance. A surprise attack is the most interesting Yes. I have a case that I really can’t get rid of this afternoon, so I can only go there early in the morning."

Yagami Takayuki explained.

After more than an hour's drive, the two arrived in front of the familiar NHK TV drama production department building.While the two were waiting at the front desk for the service staff to contact Minister Fukunaga, Hachiman could clearly hear the sound of things being thrown from the phone at the front desk.

"Hahaha, Teacher Hachiman, why did you come here early without saying a word? We didn't even have time to prepare tea for you, hahaha."

After Minister Fukunaga welcomed the two into the office, he kept laughing.

"Forget those cliche things, Minister Fukunaga. Anyway, this is not the first time we have discussed this contract. Let's finish it quickly. I have to go back to review my homework. By the way, today I am still in charge of my work. Lawyer Mr. Yagami will take the lead, and I have entrusted all my wishes to him, and I will not speak any more during the negotiation process."

Hikigaya Hachiman said very directly, and then pointed at Yagami Takayuki who was standing behind him with an expression full of disdain and ridicule.

"We meet again, Minister Fukunaga. Before we negotiate, I want to say something. Mr. Hachiman and I are not bringing ready-made scripts when we come to negotiate this time like last time, so you don't have to make this idea."

Yagami Takayuki said in a very strong tone.

"I understand, I understand. After all, Mr. Hachiman has proven his strength, and I know it."

Minister Fukunaga still had a smile on his face and his attitude was very low.After all, even if he was 1 unhappy with Yagami Takayuki, he would not dare to show it in front of Hachiman.

......

After about an hour of bickering (unilateral crushing), both parties finally stamped their seals on a contract worth up to 2.16 million yen.

The second season of "Furuhata Jinsaburo" will be broadcast in July next year, and Hikigaya Hachiman's script remuneration has soared from 750 million yen per episode in the first season to 800 million yen per episode.This number has far exceeded the total investment in the filming of a situational unit drama such as "Furuhata Shinsaburo".And his income from a single episode is more than the male lead Sho Sorimachi's appearance fee for an entire season.

"If this number is announced, I'm afraid it will directly cause a major earthquake in the industry."

Yagami Takayuki said very proudly.

"Then be shocked. We content creators deserve the best treatment. I hope that after me, Japanese screenwriters will receive higher remuneration, so that our literary and art world will have hope."

Chapter 179 It’s better to eat soft food

In the next half month, Hikigaya Hachiman also temporarily put aside writing and began to devote himself to review.As the top student in Class F, he is often left in the class to explain difficult problems to his classmates.Considering that giving lectures is also a good way to improve oneself, Hikigaya Hachiman also enjoys it, but it is easy for Yukino to come to his door at certain times.

In the service department, the study class run by Yukino was still very effective. Even in the last few days before the exam, the class's end time was extended from the school's prescribed dismissal time of [-] pm to [-] pm.By the time they were disbanded, it was already dark at the end of October.

Hikigaya Hachiman thought from the bottom of his heart that walking home with Yukino on the street lights was a very comfortable time.Only at this time would he regret choosing an apartment so close to the school.

"How about we walk a little longer? I've been studying very hard recently, so it's time to relax a little. After all, there's an exam tomorrow."

As if there was a connection, Yukino suddenly suggested.

In the days before the exam, the two of them continued to review even when they went home, and they would not stick together all day as usual.

"Well, sure, let's go to the seaside park. It should be quite lively at this point."

"...Can't we go to a less busy place?"

"It's almost night, and a quiet place on the street generally means it's unsafe. It would be irresponsible of me to take you to that kind of place."

Hikigaya Hachiman persuaded with some sincerity.

In Chiba at the end of October, it’s already quite cool after the sun sets.

Hikigaya Hachiman is currently wearing a white windbreaker he bought this year. It is the same style as the one he bought two years ago, but the size is a bit larger.

"Time flies so fast... Don't you think so, Yukino?"

Thinking of this, Hikigaya Hachiman suddenly sighed.

"Why did you suddenly become artistic? Are you in love with the scene?"

Yukino asked with a smile.At this time, she was wearing a women's windbreaker of the same style as Hachiman, and she fastened the belt tightly, highlighting her graceful figure.

Hikigaya Hachiman just smiled and said nothing.He stretched out his right hand and gently hugged Yukino's shoulder.

When the two strolled to Inage Kaihama Park, they found that the place was not as lively as usual tonight. It seemed as if there were some activities going on here. There were groups of men and women everywhere, and even bonfires were lit.

"What's going on? There aren't so many people here on weekdays."

Hikigaya Hachiman was a little dumbfounded. He felt as if he had entered some ritual by mistake, so he hugged Yukino tighter.

"Let me tell you! Are you two really planning to kill me?"

A voice that was very familiar to them came from behind the two of them, but the tone was a little unfriendly.

"Teacher Hiratsuka?!"×2

Hachiman and Yukino shouted in unison.

The source of the voice was Shizuka Hiratsuka, who was still wearing her iconic white lab coat and holding a lollipop in her mouth instead of a cigarette.

"How long will you two continue to hug each other?"

Hiratsuka asked calmly.

"Ah, I'm sorry Mr. Hiratsuka, we just planned to take a walk in the park to relax."

Hikigaya Hachiman let go of Yukino's shoulders and explained.

"Would you like to relax? That's fine. You have been under too much study pressure recently. Considering that you have an exam tomorrow, if you continue to work hard tonight, I'm afraid it will be counterproductive."

Teacher Hiratsuka nodded. Although she usually has very strict learning requirements for students, she also agrees with the proper balance of work and rest.

"But, you two are really in the wrong place. You saw it in Kaihama Park today. It's full of people. This is a sorority for unmarried teachers organized by the Chiba City School Alliance. To put it bluntly, it's a blind date meeting, and it's The kind where participation is compulsory..."

The resentment around Shizuka Hiratsuka seems to have become visible.

"Then Mr. Hiratsuka, didn't you have a good chat with the other male teachers?"

Yukino asked with concern.

"Oh, many people came to talk to me, but no one could chat with me for a few words. Many people even took one look at my car keys and were frightened away. They are a bunch of worthless guys. "

Hiratsuka Shizuka said viciously while playing with her Aston Martin keys.

"This shows that those male teachers are still more ambitious. If I were them, I would definitely have a good talk with Mr. Hiratsuka."

Hikigu Hachiman said.

"Huh? How do you say this?"

Hiratsuka Shizu was a little curious.

"It's very simple, because eating soft food is the most enjoyable thing! I still think so until now. There is no need to work hard at all, and the woman only needs to support him. Alas, it is a pity that I have no chance to live with this kind of life."

Hikigaya Hachiman looked regretful and shook his head.

Teacher Hiratsuka and Yukino on the side were both shocked by his remarks. The boy in front of him could earn [-] million yen a year, but the life he most wanted to live was to eat soft food?

"Hikigaya-san, just think about this kind of thing, but don't write it in your article. The impact on Japanese teenagers is really immeasurable..."

Hiratsuka Shizu hurriedly advised.If a writer with such a huge influence like Hachiman publicly expresses this soft talk in his works and is believed by teenagers to be true, then the future of Japan will be really doomed.

"Eh? Isn't Japanese society talking about improving women's status now? Let me tell you, if a man can eat soft food with peace of mind, isn't this a reflection of a woman's complete dominance?"

Hachiman continued his violent remarks. He also knew that these thoughts could not be expressed to the outside world, so he could only output them to the people around him.

"Although I know you are making sophistry, I can't seem to find any angle to refute it, Hikigaya-kun."

Yukinoshita Yukino was distracted by Hachiman's repeated remarks.

Moreover, she herself seemed to have told Hachiman when school started that he could come to her to ask for money if he ran out of money, which meant that Yukino herself also supported Hachiman's soft rice theory in disguise.