Tokyo Mystery Writers

Chapter 88 The Disappearance of "Detective"

Jiang Liumei parked her car in front of "Tatara Antique Bookstore".

After not seeing the manuscript of "Mr. Ultraman's Hands" for more than ten minutes, Kyosuke Maijo excitedly headed towards "Tatara Used Bookstore," fearing that his "treasure" would be taken away by someone else.

But to my surprise, Gonda Manji, who was over forty years old, was even more childish than me!

Just moments ago, he was in the car, giving me a long talk about the ups and downs and cutthroat competition in the Japanese publishing industry, teaching me how to maximize my profits by leveraging my own strengths, and how to ensure that my creative work wouldn't be disturbed.

Now... he ran faster than a rabbit and rushed straight into "Tatara Used Bookstore"!

Maijo Kyosuke and Eri Miri exchanged a smile and walked into "Tatara Used Bookstore" together.

"Mr. Tatara, I brought the manuscript!"

Jiang Liumei smiled and took the manuscript of "A Bellflower" out of her bag.

But then he noticed that Tatara Katsuyuki's gaze was not on Eri Mimi's manuscript, but instead was entirely focused on Gonda Manji.

Maishiro Kyosuke looked at Tatara Katsuyuki with eyes full of admiration, clearly having long admired Gonda Manji.

"Gonda...Mr. Gonda Manji!"

"What brings you here?"

Tatara Yoshikatsu put down his work, moved closer to Gonda Manji, his face full of admiration, and stood ramrod straight like a ruler, excitedly extending his hand towards Gonda Manji:

"Mr. Gonda Manji, my name is Tatara Katsunori, the eldest son of Tatara En'o. Although you do not know me, you are a benefactor to our Tatara family."

Upon hearing Tatara Katsunori's words, Gonda Manji looked puzzled and glanced at Maishiro Kyosuke and Erika Eri beside him. But before the three could ask any questions, Tatara Katsunori continued:

"In 1946, because Japan regarded Western countries as enemies, detective novels were labeled as hostile literature. To prevent the public from continuing to indulge in hostile literature, Japan issued the famous edict abolishing certain writings!"

"The character '侦' (zhen) should be abolished and its use should be prohibited."

"In addition, the fierce competition among the three major publishing houses, Kodansha, Kobunsha, and Bungei Shunju, caused huge fluctuations in the circulation of the magazines 'Jewel' and 'New Youth,' and even Edogawa Ranpo could not turn the tide."

"In this terrible environment, my family's secondhand bookstore, which deals with detective novels, has fallen into a huge crisis. Because it sells detective novels, it's ridiculously been deemed a contraband store!"

"My father developed a pachinko addiction due to excessive stress, and coincidentally, he ran into Mr. Gonda Manji when he was young in a pachinko parlor."

"I remember my father saying that Mr. Gonda Manji was just a teenager at the time, but he knew all about mystery novels from home and abroad."

"He especially praised Mr. Kotaro Kiki. Since my father also liked Mr. Kotaro Kiki, he talked with Mr. Manji Gonda for several hours."

"Although Mr. Manji Gonda was just a child at the time, he accurately predicted that when Mr. Kotaro Kiki changed the name of 'detective novel' to 'mystery novel,' it would be a historic moment in the history of mystery novels, and from then on, Japan would be the best breeding ground for 'mystery novels'!"

"My father believed what you said at the time, Mr. Gonda Manji, and after returning home, he followed your advice and changed the 'Detective Novel' sign that had been hanging in the shop for many years to 'Mystery Novel'."

"Although policies changed frequently, and the word 'detective' was reinstated within a few years, 'mystery novel' became the most important term in everyone's mind!"

"It can be said that Mr. Manji Gonda's simple words saved the life of our Tatara Bookstore!"

Upon hearing Katsunori Tatara's words, Manji Gonda stroked his chin and pondered for a moment:

"That was indeed many years ago, but now that you mention it, I do remember that uncle from back then. That uncle's passion for mystery novels was no less than mine. Hmm? Where is he now?"

Upon hearing Manji Gonda's words, Yoshikatsu Tatara smiled and said:

"My father has wanted to meet you all these years to properly thank you for your suggestion back then. Unfortunately, after Mr. Gonda became a well-known mystery critic, he was probably too busy. We sent you countless letters, but we were unable to get a reply from you. He is getting old and now lives in his house in the countryside to enjoy his retirement."

"However, in just half a month, on February 1st, will be the 100th anniversary celebration of our 'Tatara Used Bookstore'. Mr. Gonda, I have a favor to ask. Could you also come to 'Tatara Used Bookstore' to help me out?"

Upon hearing Katsunori Tatara's words, Manji Gonda nodded heartily:

"Of course, but before that, let me see who actually wrote the manuscript that you're asking for 50 million yen, Mr. Tatara!"

When Tatara Yoshikatsu heard that Gonda Manji had readily agreed, an undisguised joy appeared on his already wrinkled face. He strode to the counter and took out the safe containing the manuscript of "Mr. Ultraman's Hands":

"Mr. Gonda, this is it! Ms. Maishiro must have told you about it, right?"

When Gonda Manji looked at the manuscript of "Mr. Ultraman's Hands" in the safe, his eyes widened. He reached out and held the safe containing the manuscript, his face showing the look of someone who had found food on a deserted island!

"This is! Mr. Thomas Burke's manuscript of 'Mr. Altmore's Hands'!!!"

Gonda Manji held the manuscript, examining it carefully for a long time. A look of both amazement and regret appeared on his face. He looked at Maijo Kyosuke standing to the side and said:

"Ms. Mai, you really make me jealous!"

"Not only is his writing excellent, but he's also younger and more handsome than me, his writing speed is unmatched, and even his luck is hundreds of times better than mine!"

"This...this is Thomas Burke's manuscript of 'Mr. Altmore's Hands'!"

"In 1929, fifty years ago, they pioneered the idea that investigators were the murderers—a truly groundbreaking concept!"

"It was precisely because of groundbreaking ideas like 'Mr. Altmore's Hands' that readers of subsequent mystery novels felt that no character in the story could believe such a challenging concept!"

"No wonder Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Stolen Letter' is so highly regarded; even Arthur Conan Doyle's 'The Red-Headed League' pales in comparison to this masterpiece, ranking only second or third!"

The envious look in Gonda Manji's eyes was genuine.

If Maishiro Kyosuke hadn't seen this manuscript first, Gonda Manji would have bought it without hesitation, even for 100 million yen, let alone 50 million yen!

Because getting your hands on the manuscript of "Mr. Ultraman's Hands" is something that almost every seasoned mystery enthusiast would dream of...