Tokyo Mystery Writers

Chapter 11 Slamming the Table and Rising Up

"Mr. Yushan? Could I make the copies?"

"You've been copying for so long, it's time for you to take a break."

Jiang Liumei spoke to Yushan Richuchen in a tactful manner.

But the implication was clear: he felt that Hideomi Uyama was too slow in making copies of the manuscript.

It wasn't that Jiang Liu Meili had any opinion about Yu Shan Hideomi, but rather that she was too eager to know the sequel to "The Tokyo Zodiac Murders".

This was the only suggestion I could make, as I wanted to find out about Asod's scheme as quickly as possible.

As someone who was able to become the deputy editor-in-chief of the third publishing department of the Literature and Art Museum, Uyama Hideomi must have been quite adept at interpersonal relationships.

Seeing the eagerness filling Jiang Liumei's almond-shaped eyes, he naturally understood what Jiang Liumei was thinking.

"Alright, Miss Jiang Liu, I'm a little thirsty, so I'll leave the task of copying the manuscript to you."

"What would you like to drink? I'll bring it up to you."

Jiang Liumei reached out and took the manuscript paper, but instead of making a copy immediately, she examined it with great interest:

"Blueberry-flavored Ramune, thank you, Mr. Yushan."

Seeing that Jiang Liu Meili liked "The Tokyo Zodiac Murders" so much, Uyama Hideomi didn't mind Jiang Liu Meili's rudeness and walked towards the vending machine downstairs.

Two unfamiliar men were sitting on chairs next to the vending machine downstairs.

The older one was a little girl wearing a red bread-like outfit and a red cotton hat.

The little girl had a round, plump chin, a very high nose bridge, and big eyes.

Just by getting close, you can smell the sweet aroma emanating from her.

The smaller one was a yellow and white Akita Inu. Although the Akita Inu was not small for a dog, it lay peacefully asleep on the little girl's body, like a harmless rag doll.

"Little girl, why are you sitting here all alone?"

"Where are your family members?"

Hideomi Uyama inserted a few coins into the vending machine and pressed the button for blueberry-flavored Ramune soda.

As the soda dripped down.

The little girl looked at Uyama Hideomi with a puzzled expression and said:

"I'm waiting for my sister; she also likes blueberry Ramune soda."

Upon hearing the little girl's words, Uyama Hideomi felt as if the little girl's face and Jiang Liu's beautiful face were gradually merging together:

"Jiang Liumei?"

"Hmm, you know my sister?"

Uyama Hideomi smiled and nodded, shaking the soda in his hand:

"What flavor do you like? Uncle will give you a bottle."

-

Meeting room of the Third Publishing Department, Kodansha Literature Museum.

The nine editors in charge of the Edogawa Ranpo Award arrived one after another and began to look through the already reproduced copy of "The Tokyo Zodiac Murder Mystery".

Jiang Liumei was clearly shocked by the astonishing plot of "The Astrological Murder Magic".

After finishing the book, I took out a notebook from my bag and started organizing my notes.

He had the expression of someone who had discovered a new continent.

On the contrary, after reading "The Tokyo Zodiac Murders," editor-in-chief Naoki Akimoto had an unpredictable expression on his face.

Based on Hideomi Uyama's understanding of Naoki Akimoto, it is clear that Naoki Akimoto, as a staunch supporter of the social realism genre, has some reservations about "The Tokyo Zodiac Murders".

But he was unable to speak or make any comments.

Because Kodansha, or rather the Edogawa Ranpo Award, has clear internal regulations.

Before other editors have read the book, no one can evaluate it based on their personal taste or influence the editors' thinking.

This is also the fairest and most impartial rule of the Edogawa Ranpo Award.

Four hours passed in the blink of an eye.

The nine editors quickly finished reading "The Astrological Murder Mystery".

Naoki Akimoto was finally able to ask questions:

"Has everyone finished reading this book? What are your thoughts?"

Upon hearing Naoki Akimoto's words, the nine editors exchanged bewildered glances, completely unsure how to evaluate the book.

Because the stories and tricks in the book are far too audacious, far exceeding the scope of their ability to evaluate them!

Seeing that everyone was silent, Naoki Akimoto spoke up:

"Since no one is offering an opinion, I'll speak up."

"My opinion is that it should not be approved."

Naoki Akimoto's words surprised Hideomi Uyama, who had expected Akimoto to have reservations about "The Tokyo Zodiac Murders".

But I never expected that Naoki Akimoto would have such a strong aversion to this book!

They actually gave a direct "not approved" rating!

Uyama Hideomi was clearly unable to accept this outcome, and naturally stood up and spoke:

"Editor-in-Chief Akimoto, I know you are a fan of the social realism school and have always looked down on the orthodox mystery school."

"But the Edogawa Ranpo Prize wasn't specifically established for social realism mystery novels. You can't just dismiss it based on your personal preference!"

"This is unfair, unjust, and irresponsible!"

Several editors who heard Hideomi Uyama's words also felt that Naoki Akimoto's remarks were somewhat inappropriate:

"Associate Editor Yu Shan is right. We cannot hastily decide whether a book should be shortlisted based on personal preferences."

"After all, the tricks presented in this book are truly unprecedented and unparalleled!"

The editors at Kodansha Bungeikan Third Publishing House, who were in charge of the Edogawa Ranpo Award, were all outstanding talents selected from within the company.

Most of them are striving to contribute masterpieces of mystery to the world, and naturally they are not intimidated by the fact that Akimoto Naoki is the editor-in-chief.

They immediately began to argue their case in the meeting room!

For a moment, the entire conference room felt like a frying pan of oil that was smoking!

"The Astrological Murder Mystery" is like a pot of water poured into a frying pan, causing it to explode!

Including Naoki Akimoto and Hideomi Uyama, there were a total of eleven editors present.

They quickly split into two camps, with five people, led by Hideomi Uyama, supporting the inclusion of "The Tokyo Zodiac Murders" in the Edogawa Ranpo Award.

The other five people joined Naoki Akimoto's camp and strongly opposed the inclusion of "The Tokyo Zodiac Murders".

The two sides argued back and forth, starting with whether or not to include "The Tokyo Zodiac Murders" in the shortlist, and escalating into a factional dispute between the social realism and traditional mystery schools.

Just as the two sides were arguing to the point of no return, Jiang Liumei suddenly put down her pen, slammed her hand on the table, and stood up!

The loud, forceful slam of the table drew the attention of all eleven editors to Jiang Liumei.

No one had any idea what this girl, who was writing furiously at the table, was trying to do.

"Miss Jiang Liu? What's going on here?"

Naoki Akimoto looked at Miri Eri and asked with some curiosity.

Jiang Liumei didn't rush to speak; she simply calmly organized her notes.

Then, with her captivating almond-shaped eyes, she looked at Akimoto Naoki and said:

"Editor-in-Chief Akimoto, since you've given the conclusion that this book is unacceptable, I'd like to ask, what are your complaints about this book?"

"Because in my opinion, *The Tokyo Zodiac Murders* is truly a mystery novel that deserves the title of a masterpiece!"