There is nothing wrong with the training method of the Justice Messenger

"Then it's time to sign the contract and go through the publishing process, right?" An Yi was even more excited than Li Nian: "When will it be officially published and put on the shelves? I will definitely get three copies as soon as possible!"

"He said he would come talk to me after school this afternoon." Li Nian turned to him: "So I won't go to the activity room today."

"That's it..."

"I heard from Kasumigaoka-senpai that you seem to have almost completed the project?"

"You know? That's right, just wait, I'll give you a beautiful answer sheet soon!" An Yi said this with pretended confidence, but finally restrained her smile: "--But before that, it does take some time to perfect it, and I can't hand it in today."

"Then I'll wait."

Chapter 209: Too Quick Reunion

After school.

"...Hello again, Senior."

"...Yeah, are you surprised? Are you surprised?"

"A little bit... no, I should say that when we actually met, it seemed like a natural development."

"That's what I feel as well...Ms. Machida has always been an unconventional type, and it seems like you've also felt that to some extent."

"Well, I had a feeling about it when we were talking on the phone."

Li Nian was sitting in the back seat of the moving black sedan. Kasumigaoka, with whom she had just talked during lunch break, was sitting next to her. She was already there when Li Nian got in the car, and was obviously called over by Miss Machida.

Because Li Nian had just been asked to "speak frankly", a few hours was a bit too short a buffer period, so the atmosphere was a bit awkward. While sitting together and talking, the two of them deliberately avoided looking at each other.

"Ms. Machida, is it really okay to call me here at this time? This is your first meeting with a new author?"

"What's the connection? You both happen to be the authors of this article, and you both happen to be in the same school. I also happen to have something to say to both of you, so I called you all here for the sake of convenience."

"Even if they are authors who work for the same editor, this is a great moment for a newcomer to sign a contract with the library. Is it really okay not to treat it seriously and not give them a chance to spend time alone?"

"Just because you're new, you don't have the right to put on airs. People here are even more lazy about sticking to etiquette."

Ms. Machida, who was driving in front, was a beautiful woman wearing a tight suit, shoulder-length hair, and light makeup, exuding a sense of capability - but her attitude towards the author, as I had sensed on the phone before, was a little too casual.

Li Nian looked at the flowing street scenes outside the window and said weakly.

"Yes, yes, I am just a newbie with no name, no status and no weight."

"Ah? Are you angry? Sorry~ Sorry~ I'll treat you to something delicious later so please forgive me now."

"Speaking of which, where are we going?" Li Nian asked.

"I saw a new dessert shop opened in Chiba online. It seems to have good reviews, so I've always wanted to try it."

"Did you hear that, classmate Li Nian? What I meant to say is that this woman came here to travel and enjoy delicious food, and she called you and me here to discuss the matter just as a side topic." Kasumigaoka said with a mischievous smile.

"It's a heinous crime, but I won't mind it for the sake of food."

Li Nian didn't actually feel like she was being neglected. Although she said she was a little angry, she was just chatting with the two of them.

It's better to say that he can understand that signing a contract is just a matter of going through the motions. A newcomer might take it too seriously for the first time, thinking it is the beginning of a meteoric rise. But in fact, this is a step that every author has to go through. The contract format for newcomers is unified, and all they have to do is sign it. As Machida said, to the library he is just a new author who has won the Rookie Award. His actual value needs to be proven by whether his works sell well. He has no right to bargain, and it would be strange to be treated seriously. It's better to say that a casual attitude makes people feel more comfortable and convenient for discussing things.

So at this moment Li Nian was thinking more seriously.

——"Dessert, what should I prepare?"

"Come to think of it, I still don't know what the final award Li Nian won is?"

Come, I'll give you a chance to show off—Kasumigaoka said this with a smile.

These two are really "sensible" aren't they? They pick on people's wounds to poke?

Li Nian sighed.

“It’s an award for excellence.”

Kasumigaoka was stunned.

“…Not a big reward?”

"It is said that a big guy who suddenly appeared stepped on my foot."

"..."

Kasumigaoka subconsciously cast an inquiring look towards the front seat. Ms. Machida, who was driving, was paying attention to the traffic ahead and driving seriously. She was also paying attention to the movements in the back seat and said at the right time: "Just as Mr. Muzi said... the works for this grand prize are very strong. Well, we can't deny that without this person, Mr. Muzi's winning the grand prize would be a foregone conclusion..."

"You guys are really enough. I lose every time I make a move. You guys make it sound like I can't afford to lose. Can we stop talking about it?"

"That's impossible, because later on I'll be comparing myself to you two as much as I want."

"Ah, two?" Li Nian was stunned and turned to look at Xia Zhiqiu. She also gave him a puzzled look.

Li Nian thought about it and said, "Ms. Machida said on the phone before that she saw the problem with my manuscript from the manuscript of the grand prize winner. Does that mean that you also have the same problem?"

"What do you mean?" asked Kasumigaoka?

"The grand prize-winning work is of a very similar type to my poem... No, in a sense, it is a far better work than my poem in a similar genre."

"... Oh, really? That sounds really interesting."

Li Nian knew from the obvious smile on Xia Zhiqiu's face that this person was easily provoked and took the bait.

No matter how much she likes to make fun of her grades, this senior is actually quite proud and confident. When she was told that her work "is completely blown away by other works of similar genres", she must have been really excited.

"Then what about me? Am I also defeated in a similar way?" Li Nian asked curiously.

"Your situation is the exact opposite... Let's talk about it later at the table. We're already here."

The destination is not far from Sobu High School, only a five or six-minute drive away. It is a well-decorated dessert shop that seems to be doing very good business.

However, Miss Machida had a reservation, so after entering the store, everyone found a quiet corner and the editor directly picked up the menu on the table and ordered a lot of things. After thinking that she had ordered everyone's portion, she threw the menu over again, indicating that the two could start ordering.

Kasumigaoka glanced at the menu and looked at the prices instead of the names of the dishes first. It didn't take long for him to choose his target.

“I want the most expensive one.”

Li Nian glanced at her sideways. Kasumigaoka had a blank expression on her face and seemed to be still angry about the ridicule.

"Okay." Ms. Machida nodded with a gentle smile, not taking her temper seriously at all. She even called Kasumigaoka "Xiao Shi", and was obviously used to her temper. She also said to Li Nian: "You're welcome. Just order whatever you like. Eat whatever you like. I'm also an adult with a little money~~"

Taking Li Nian's status as a student into consideration and thinking that he didn't have much spare money, they specifically reminded him to order more.

Kasumigaoka noticed this and sneered, thinking, if this guy knew that the boy in front of him was an exorcist who earned two to three million per month, would he have the nerve to say such things in front of him?

Li Nian didn't think too much about it, she just looked at the menu carefully and ordered some things that looked very filling.

After the waiter left with the order, Kasumigaoka couldn't wait to get straight to the point.

"Can we continue with the previous topic?"

Chapter 210 Undoubted Result

"Don't be in a hurry. First of all, here is the contract prepared for you, Teacher Muzi." Miss Machida took out a folder from her briefcase and handed it to Li Nian.

"Let me take a closer look."

Li Nian took the document and began to look through it carefully.

Even if it is just a formality, things like contracts must of course be carefully examined. Once signed, they will be legally binding.

It was also necessary to give him time to quietly and carefully examine the contract at this time. So even though Kasumigaoka had been aroused by Miss Machida and was eager to know "where on earth he was completely defeated", he still suppressed his emotions and waited for Li Nian to finish reading it.

Li Nian looked through the contract line by line quickly and carefully, and most of them were acceptable - or had to be accepted.

A newcomer with no reputation had no right to question the contents of the contract.

In fact, the rules and regulations stipulated in this contract cannot be regarded as ruthless exploitation of the authors. Instead, they have obviously been revised many times, and the balance of interests between the library and the authors is very steady. They are given to all newcomers, not to exploit anyone, but to maintain a healthy development of the interests of both parties. It is quite generous.

As I read through each item, I became more and more certain that I could sign the contract.

If nothing unexpected happens, Li Nian will probably sign the contract after reading it...until he saw the part about copyright, then he suddenly frowned and thought of something.

That is, right now, Kamiigusa and Mitaka Jin are planning to make an animation based on his manuscript.

Once the contract is signed, the copyright does not completely belong to Li Nian herself. Simply put, the most basic rule is that "outsiders cannot use it for commercial purposes at will."

Although Kamiigusa's original intention obviously had no commercial intent, the only thought in that guy's mind was "I want to make something I like into an animation!" But since Li Nian has agreed to authorize her, she should not be able to hand over the copyright of her original work so easily.

Then the contract cannot be signed now.

Even so, Li Nian continued to read through all the terms in the contract.

During this period, Kasumigaoka and Ms. Machida did not say a word and did not disturb Li Nian at all.

Li Nian closed the contract and said to Miss Machida.

"I need some time to think about it. Can I give you an answer tomorrow?"

Kasumigaoka was a little surprised, but soon understood. Although she didn't know Li Nian's specific concerns, it was a business contract to sign after all, and it did take time to think before signing.

Ms. Machida still smiled, not surprised: "It's okay, Mr. Muzi, you can take a copy back and give me an answer after careful consideration."

"I'm sorry."

"That's serious."

"Then the conversation afterwards..."

Ms. Machida blinked.

"Of course you have to keep going, but don't think you can escape being lectured!"

If the contract is not signed, Li Nian will not be considered an author belonging to the Phoenix Library, let alone the editor Machida's responsible author. Then Machida will have no obligation to help him improve his work. Even if there is something hidden in the following conversation, it is not her fault - but it is obvious that Miss Machida does not seem to intend to change the plan because of this matter.

"Don't take it to heart. It's more strange that someone would sign a contract on impulse."

Machida glanced at someone next to Li Nian.

Kasumigaoka tapped the table in dissatisfaction: "Although I signed the contract directly at the beginning, I have read the contents carefully anyway."

"How can a high school student understand a contract?"

"Hmm..." Kasumigaoka was a little speechless.

Li Nian felt the same way. Although she was over 16 years old and had the legal right to sign such a contract... Kasumigaoka should have consulted her parents anyway.

"Did this junior just pretend to understand the contract?" Xia Zhiqiu noticed Li Nian's eyes that seemed to be unable to bear to look at him, and glared back at him unhappily.

"Of course I understand."

"That's better." Xia Zhiqiu obviously didn't believe Li Nian, who was planning to "escape from the battlefield."

Li Nian, whose mental age is at least 23 or 24, was too lazy to argue with an underage girl over such a trivial matter.

"Now let's get straight to the point."

After Machida said this, Li Nian and Kasumigaoka quickly focused their attention and looked at her.

"You've been bragging for so long, but who is the grand prize winner?" Kasumigaoka immediately asked.

Obviously she cares a lot about the author who is better than her in the same genre.

"Oh, that's quite interesting. I might as well tell you that his true identity is a first-year high school girl who is even younger than you."

The leaked personal information made Li Nian and Xia Zhiqiu's eyes widen.

"It's really amazing. In such a short period of time, our library has had two more light novel writers who debuted as high school students, including Xiao Shini, the winner of last year's essay contest. That's three high school students."

Kasumigaoka came back to his senses, his brows furrowed.

Li Nian, on his part, narrowed his eyes and was genuinely a little angry.

"You mean, I was stepped on by a tall girl?"

"Huh? What's wrong? Are you really angry this time?" Miss Machida did not expect Li Nian's reaction.

"..." After a moment of loss of composure, Li Nian calmed down a lot and said calmly, "I can't help it. After all, I am older. When I think about being beaten by a girl in the first year of high school, I feel like I have lived like a dog all these years."

Ms. Machida thought Li Nian's idea was too exaggerated and said with a smile, "Boys should be more generous. She is just a little girl who is one grade lower than you."

Li Nian didn't answer.

It's not just one session or one year, but many years.

Being defeated by a girl in the first year of high school, does that mean that all my experience, understanding, ideas, and writing skills accumulated over the years are all in vain?