A Single Person's Infinite Wonderful Life

“Li Weijun, you’re wrong. Inside the library, many people are afraid of me, let alone pursuing something like this.” Machida Sonoko said with a conflicted expression.

"Could it be... Sister Yuanzi, you're still single..." Li Wei decisively stopped speaking. There are some things that are one thing to know, but one that cannot be said.

As someone who has watched the anime, Li Wei naturally knows that Machida Sonoko has always been single. However, since they have only just met, if he acts as if he knows Machida Sonoko too well, it could easily arouse her suspicion.

"It's okay to know this, but don't tell anyone!" Machida Sonoko said with a helpless expression.

"Even though I heard it from you, Sister Yuanzi, it's still surprising no matter how many times it happens. It's truly...unbelievable," Li Wei exclaimed.

Because he hadn't finished reading the novel, Li Wei's understanding of (Nuo Haohao) Machida Sonoko was limited to her appearance in the anime, and he knew nothing more about her.

While Maruto has written a great work, to be honest, the overall setting is very small, and there aren't many characters involved. Furthermore, the depth of character development is limited. Apart from a few main characters, the information about other supporting characters is relatively brief. For example, Machida Sonoko is just a pure tool in the plot.

That is why, in both the novel and the anime, Machida Sonoko doesn't reveal much information. Moreover, this is a real world, and it even deviates somewhat from the novel and the anime. The information in the anime and the novel may not be completely accurate, let alone for a supporting character like Machida Sonoko who doesn't have much usable information.

Why Machida Sonoko remains single is, in Li Wei's view, an interesting question worth exploring.

Chapter 85. A Perfect Answer Sheet

Li Wei summoned a waiter and told him he could instruct the kitchen to serve the dishes.

Machida Sonoko looked at the handsome boy sitting across from her, and her breathing quickened. She couldn't believe that she would be attracted to a boy so much younger than her.

Li Wei has a tall stature and a mature, handsome face. The masculine aura he exudes is completely different from the slightly effeminate temperament of today's young people. He has a Showa era feel to him. Although his face is not similar at all, she feels that Li Wei has a temperament similar to that of Ken Takakura.

Neat and well-groomed, with thick, slightly upturned eyebrows that exude an air of authority, and eyes that convey a sense of unwavering resolve, seemingly holding countless stories within. His face, leaning towards a square shape, features sharply defined, chiseled lines. This face possesses maximum masculinity, completely different from the young people of today's Heisei era, exuding a pure, manly aura that seems capable of withstanding any storm.

Li Wei was exceptionally tall and strong, standing over 1.85 meters tall. He had broad shoulders and an inverted triangle-shaped physique, not as exaggerated as some fitness enthusiasts, but his muscle lines were clearly defined. When she saw Li Wei wearing a shirt before, his reassuring back view made her feel like a kitten was scratching at her heart.

Machida Sonoko repeatedly warned herself not to be captivated by Li Wei, especially since there was an unclear relationship between Li Wei and Kasumi 937 Oka Shiho. If she really got involved in this vortex, she might end up with nothing.

However, Machida Sonoko was still somewhat unwilling. She had finally met a boy she liked, but because of work and interpersonal relationships, she had to suppress her feelings, which was not a pleasant feeling.

However, she is already a mature adult and knows how to make choices. She is not one of those teenage girls who would give up everything for love.

Having experienced the harsh realities of society, Machida Sonoko understands the helplessness of the adult world. People you like may not end up together; this is a very common occurrence for adults. Perhaps this is the price of growing up: being able to endure things that were unbearable in adolescence, suppressing your desires and emotions, and forcing yourself to wear a smile.

Machida Sonoko banished those chaotic thoughts from her mind, rested her chin on her hands, and said with a smile, "I feel that Li Weijun, you are really mature. You don't seem like a high school student at all. In fact, most college students are not as composed as you (cgch)."

In Machida Sonoko's view, Li Wei possessed a strange "great man" aura. Even if he did nothing, just standing there was enough to make him stand out from the crowd and become the most dazzling person. He had a natural leader's temperament, like the lion king in a pride, noble and majestic.

"Who knows? Many people say I look much older than I actually am, which is really a bad thing. Maybe when I'm fifty, people will say I look like I'm seventy," Li Wei laughed.

Li Wei was just talking; he had already become a being beyond mortals. Although he dared not say that he was as old as heaven and earth, his lifespan far exceeded that of ordinary people. An ordinary person's life is only a short hundred years, but Li Wei had a feeling that his lifespan had now broken through the thousand-year limit.

Li Wei's only worry right now is how to ensure his partner also enjoys a long life. After all, he doesn't want to see the beautiful young woman beside him grow old. Maturity is fine, but maintaining her appearance at twenty or thirty years old is enough. "Perhaps some people will even envy your quality, Li Wei-kun. This time, your work is truly a hit. I've brought the latest sales statistics; would you like to see them?" Machida Sonoko changed the subject. She didn't want to dwell on Li Wei for too long, afraid she might lose control and say something awkward for both of them.

"You've really worked hard, Sister Yuanzi, compiling this data overtime," Li Wei said.

Machida Sonoko placed a paper document on the table and pushed it in front of Li Wei.

Machida Sonoko's current job isn't actually that tiring, because she has senior staff at the paperback station to take care of her, so the authors assigned to her are all quite talented. Moreover, due to Li Wei's sudden emergence, the paperback station underwent another round of adjustments in its editorial management. Now she only oversees two authors: Kasumigaoka Utaha and Li Wei.

This is something that other editors envy. Both Li Wei and Kasumigaoka Utaha are the new generation of mainstays of the paperback, and at the same time, they are the guarantee of the paperback's sales for the next ten years. By assigning these two up-and-coming writers, Machida Sonoko is under considerable external pressure within the paperback.

Li Wei opened the document. Machida Sonoko had a certain understanding of his personality, so when she made the document, she did not use the standard format of Japan, but directly listed all the important information, making it as concise and intuitive as possible so that the reader would not be confused.

Li Wei browsed through the document, which not only recorded sales data but also some market feedback. It contained long passages of reader reviews copied from various forums, but after being organized, it did not appear messy.

In just a few days, the recorded sales have reached 27 copies, a top-tier achievement in the industry. This time, he has delivered a perfect performance. In a few more days, when it's been a full week, sales might even surpass 35.

In fact, the sales of the first volume of "The Demon King" had already begun to decline. After all, the size of the light novel market is what it is, and not every reader will like the style of "The Demon King". Li Wei was already satisfied with the sales of 35 copies.

For a newcomer, even if they used some tricks, achieving this result is something to be proud of. As for the trolls and online trolls that suddenly appeared on the internet these past few days, Li Wei has dealt with them all. So far, no one dares to cause trouble. Sales have steadily exceeded 35 copies, so it's considered a success.

What Li Wei couldn't understand was the Japanese's intense jealousy. Anyone who achieved something significant or stood out was subject to their criticism; did they really think they were some kind of critics? Li Wei wasn't going to tolerate these little devils; he'd deal with them one by one.

In the past few days, there have been quite a few "netizens" who have suffered social death. A few of the most vocal ones were taught a lesson by Li Wei through the internet, and some were even crippled.

Don't say Li Wei is unreasonable; for these kinds of people, fists are the best education.

Chapter 86. Machida Enko’s anger

Machida Sonoko said with a smile, "This time, Shinazugawa Bunko really made a splash. The sales of 'The Demon King' surpassed all other light novels released during this period. And all of this is thanks to your talent, Li Wei-kun." The light novel industry is extremely dependent on "people," unlike other industries where simply throwing money at it can solve most problems.

To excel in the light novel industry, besides being willing to invest heavily, one also needs a keen eye to recognize hidden talents and help the company grow and thrive.

Talent is crucial in any industry, but this is especially true in the light novel industry.

It is precisely because of this that various paperback publishers are engaged in a brutal talent war. In order to win over those talented authors, all sorts of methods are used, and even those despicable underhanded tricks are used skillfully by some paperback publishers. Shinazugawa Paperback had suffered such a loss before. The genius that it had painstakingly discovered switched to Raiden Paperback under the lure of profit. This matter almost made the editor-in-chief, Yuichiro Murata, so angry that he vomited blood.

Not only did the editor-in-chief, Yuichiro Murata, give her orders, but even the major shareholders on the board of directors directly told her that as long as Li Wei was prevented from leaving, the paperback could give her whatever she wanted.

All she had to do was use every means to keep Li Wei in check, as long as she could ensure he wouldn't switch jobs. The library would reimburse all her expenses.

However, the idea of ​​satisfying all of Li Wei's needs also made Machida Sonoko somewhat embarrassed. This so-called "all needs" meant all of Li Wei's needs in the truest sense. No matter what Li Wei wanted to do to her, she had no room to refuse.

She knew perfectly well what those old fogies on the board were up to, but as an adult, she couldn't refuse. That's the tragedy of adulthood—some things you don't want to do, you're forced to do.

Fortunately, Li Wei is a tall, handsome young man with a refined demeanor, not the typical "fat otaku" in the industry. Even if you were to give yourself to Li Wei, it wouldn't seem like a bad thing.

Thinking of this, Machida Sonoko's face flushed slightly. She felt her cheeks burning and was even a little afraid to look at Li Wei.

Li Wei quickly scanned the entire document. Although the document's format had various problems by standard standards, it was the type most suitable for him to read quickly.

Li Wei said, "I've been paying attention to online comments lately. Works like 'The Demon King' are more likely to be attacked than other types of works, and I was mentally prepared for that. But so far, it seems I've been quite lucky."

Li Wei smiled. He didn't explain his hacking skills to Machida Sonoko. It wasn't that he was lucky; he had simply taken care of all the troublemakers behind the scenes.

Of course, those online trolls who are jumping around are easy to deal with, but those from other online libraries are much more difficult to handle. Li Wei isn't in a hurry; he'll be staying in this world for quite some time anyway, so he has plenty of time and energy to deal with the other side.

The waiter pushed in a food cart and began serving the dishes. Li Wei and Machida Sonoko stopped talking. After the waiter skillfully placed the various dishes on the table, he retreated to a short distance away.

“To be honest, I didn’t expect you to choose this location, Li Weijun. I thought someone like you who doesn’t like being constrained would choose an izakaya,” Machida Sonoko said with a smile.

“I thought choosing this place, with its more formal atmosphere, would show my respect for you, Sister Yuanzi. It seems I was wrong. How about we go to an izakaya next time?” Li Wei said with a smile.

“As for Shi, every time she asks me out, it’s at an izakaya,” Machida Sonoko said with a smile.

“Oh? I thought she would invite you to a coffee shop to enjoy snacks and drinks while discussing various aspects of the novel,” Li Wei said.

“She’s just like you, Li Weijun, a really interesting person. I thought she would do that too, but who knew she would just drag me to an izakaya.” Machida Sonoko picked up her wine glass, clinked glasses lightly, and then tasted the red wine that accompanied her meal.

Li Wei noticed that although Machida Sonoko was very skilled in Western dining etiquette, she had a sense of detachment, which indicated that she was not fond of Western food. However, Li Wei was the same as her and did not like the formalities of Western dining. In comparison, she preferred the atmosphere of izakayas, which was much freer than Western restaurants.

Li Wei also discovered other details: Machida Sonoko's alcohol tolerance was probably not very high. After a sip of red wine, her face already showed the flush characteristic of drunkenness, indicating that her liver's ability to metabolize alcohol was not very good, and even red wine could make her drunk.

This also puzzled him. Kasumigaoka Utaha invited Machida Sonoko to an izakaya, but one was underage and couldn't drink, and the other couldn't drink at all because she couldn't sober up. Were they just killing time with a cup of oolong tea each? ... Please give me some flowers.

Of course, the oolong tea here is very proper oolong tea, not the kind that can be lit on fire.

"Shiyu is indeed a very interesting person. You could say she has a fascinating and brilliant soul. However, she only shows her wicked side to people she doesn't know well," Li Wei said with a smile.

Having spent some time with Kasumigaoka Utaha, Li Wei has come to know quite a bit about her.

"It seems you know her very well, Li Weijun. She's just that kind of person; she's completely different in front of acquaintances and strangers. It's a good thing she's a beautiful girl; if she were a boy, her personality would be quite annoying, wouldn't it?" Machida Sonoko laughed.

Li Wei wanted to complain in his heart that this was not a problem unique to Kasumigaoka Utaha, but a problem that the entire otaku community had. They were silly and funny in front of familiar people, but they couldn't say a word in front of strangers.

Even he himself had this problem, though not as severe as Kasumigaoka Utaha. Li Wei was the type who could do something quite well if he forced himself to do it.

Just as Li Wei himself disliked complicated interpersonal relationships, this did not prevent him from learning about various interpersonal skills and using this knowledge to benefit himself.

The meal was quite pleasant. Both Li Wei and Machida Sonoko had a wide range of knowledge and talked about everything under the sun, from the Renaissance to the Industrial Revolution, from traditional mysticism to modern science fiction, from retro literature to light novels, and from sports to gardening.

Li Wei was amazed by Machida Sonoko's breadth of knowledge, while Machida Sonoko was even more surprised. She felt as if she were facing a mobile library. This exchange excited her, and she unknowingly drank a lot more wine than usual.

When Li Wei came to his senses, he found that he and Machida Sonoko had finished four bottles of red wine. Machida Sonoko's face was flushed red, and she seemed dizzy. "Hahahaha, those old guys, they told me to find a way to keep you calm, Li Wei. No matter what you ask for, I have to fulfill it. Those bastards! What do they take me for?!" Machida Sonoko was already a little drunk, and her words were incoherent, but through her words, Li Wei gained some information he didn't know before.

Chapter 87. The Drunken Cat

"Sister Yuanzi, you're drunk." Li Wei said in a low voice, looking at Machida Yuanzi's flushed face.

"What are you talking about? I can still drink!" Machida Sonoko tried to sit up, but she was already drunk and her body was limp, almost sliding off the table.

If Li Wei hadn't pulled her back in time and used his spiritual power to support her, Machida Sonoko would have been embarrassed at that moment.

"Sure enough, every drunkard refuses to admit he's drunk. Tsk, I'll have to take her back." Li Wei muttered to himself as he walked over to Machida Sonoko, put one of her hands on his shoulder, and helped her up.

Li Wei dialed Kasumigaoka Utaha's number.

Kasumigaoka Utaha, who was watching a TV drama, answered the phone and said, "Honey, what's up?"

“Shiyu, Sister Yuanzi is drunk. Do you know where she lives? I want to take her home. I don’t feel comfortable leaving her alone outside,” Li Wei said.

"That drunkard's drunk again. Looks like you won't be able to come back tonight, darling," Kasumigaoka Utaha laughed.

"Does Sister Yuanzi live alone?" Li Wei asked.

“Yes, she lives alone. If no one takes care of her, she might make a mess of the house. I’ve had to act as her babysitter more than once or twice after sending her home,” Kasumigaoka Utaha said with a smile.

Li Wei got an address from Kasumigaoka Utaha, and then took the already drunk Machida Sonoko into a taxi. After a half-hour drive, Li Wei took Machida Sonoko back to her apartment.

Unlike Li Wei, who was renting an apartment, Machida Sonoko owned her own place. Finding the key in Machida Sonoko's small handbag, Li Wei led her inside and temporarily settled her on the sofa.

After that, despite Machida Sonoko's incoherent ramblings, Li Wei began to try various methods to sober her up, but none of them worked very well.

Left with no other choice, Li Wei tried to channel his spiritual energy into Machida Sonoko's body. Machida Sonoko's condition quickly recovered, she gradually calmed down, and finally fell asleep with stable breathing.

"Phew... Taking care of a drunk person is indeed a troublesome thing. If I didn't have superhuman strength and the ability to take shortcuts, who knows what kind of mess I would have ended up in." Li Wei shook his head.

Machida Sonoko, who was already asleep, was in a very good state because Li Wei had transferred a certain amount of spiritual energy into her body. She didn't look like a drunk person at all.