Tokyo Girlfriend Guide

Chapter 653 Crowned as King

The lights in the conference hall dimmed rhythmically, and the people who were talking shut their mouths tacitly.

People like Hojo Kyosuke who were sitting with their backs to the podium turned around, and even Michio Kotaro who was so excited that he couldn't help himself shut up. What Hojo Kyosuke didn't expect was that this fan was not really a fan, but had already created a work with a high degree of completion.

But when he offered to help the other party take a look, the boy said he didn't have it with him. It's unbelievable. It's already the electronic age. In a few years, someone will use AI to assist in winning the Akutagawa Prize. This guy is still saying "writing novels should use paper and a dip pen."

Fortunately, this guy had some self-awareness and knew that everyone present was his senior. He did not continue to keep the audience in suspense, but instead cleverly gave a brief summary of the contents of the novel.

The tentative name of the novel is "The Thumb of Crow". Hojo Kyosuke didn't know what the jargon was at first, but after explanation, he learned that crow means people in the industry, basically referring to liars, thieves and the like. The thumb represents an indispensable one of the five fingers, and the fingers represent blood relatives.

The content is about five desperate people gathered under the same roof, five of whom are not good people, and the whole novel is a story that happens between them.

After hearing the contents of the novel, Oosaka Tsuyoshi was so surprised that he was speechless.

"This... is definitely your follower of Hojo..." Misaki Megaku said in surprise.

"That's right! It was inspired by Mr. Hojo that I came up with this story!" Michio Kotaro said excitedly.

"It's exactly like your work, Hojo, it has a strange flavor that doesn't seem like a mystery novel." Oosaka Tsuyoshi smacked his lips.

"This can no longer be considered as new orthodox. Just like what Kotaro said before, you are walking on a new path." Wancheng Yaji also agreed.

"..."

Hojo Kyosuke was also very surprised. After all this time, it turned out that you are not a netizen but a professional player. After a moment of silence, he said:

"Do you want to submit your work for the Edogawa Ranpo Award?"

Unlike the Mystery Writers Association Award, it is a newcomer award, the best choice for newcomers to debut. Even if they cannot win the award in the end, as long as they can enter the first or second round, they can get the favor of the publisher. The reason why Hojo Kyosuke did not choose to submit his work was, firstly, because he was famous enough, and secondly, because he had a familiar publisher and did not want to let others take advantage of him. Newcomers cannot get as high a share as he does.

"No, my book will definitely not win a prize if I submit it there," replied Kotaro Michio.

"You are quite self-aware."

Oosaka Tsuyoshi laughed, then patted Michio's shoulder and whispered:

"But you can wait. Once Hojo wins the award, the new genre he created will be recognized by the mystery community. Maybe after you officially publish your work, he will be the judge. Then your road will be much smoother."

"Ok!"

Michio nodded heavily, his eyes sparkling as he looked at his idol. This was also the reason why he admired Hojo Kyosuke. Even though he had suffered so much criticism, Hojo teacher did not back down at all, but instead fought back fiercely with his works. He was so manly!

"This is what the masters of the school need to do. If possible, I would also like to stand with Mr. Hojo and provide a little bit of strength!"

he said sincerely.

At this time, the lights in the venue were almost all off, with only the podium and the ambient lights on, so when Hojo Kyosuke turned around, he could easily see Michio Kotaro's eyes, which were full of faith. His love for mystery novels and his admiration for him made him feel a little ashamed, but it disappeared in an instant.

He also patted the young man on the shoulder and whispered:

"Everything will be fine. The future of Japan belongs to you."

Although he is much younger, he acts very naturally when doing such actions, and no one thinks there is anything wrong with him saying such words.

Just as Kotaro Michio said, in everyone's eyes, Hojo Kyosuke is practicing the belief called courage with practical actions. He is creating a path, cutting through thorns, and resisting strong winds and huge waves.

After today, after crossing this mountain, no one will question him anymore.

The host had already walked onto the stage and was adjusting the microphone. Hojo Kyosuke suddenly turned around with a sense of realization. Although it was all dark behind him, he still instantly caught those concerned gazes. They were also looking at him.

Eriri's skirt was really shiny today. Even with just a little bit of shine, it was still very dazzling, and even Mitsuha and Sakura who were sitting next to her became very conspicuous. Although he was not sure if they could see it, Hojo Kyousuke still smiled brightly in that direction.

"Mina-san..."

The host on the stage held the microphone and began to speak. He first greeted the guests and introduced the celebrities in the literary world who were attending. The first person to be named was Seiichi Morimura. The old man stood up with a smile on his face and bowed slightly to the crowd behind him, which caused a warm applause. Although there are many controversies about him, this does not affect his huge influence and appeal in the Japanese literary world, especially in the mystery novel world.

However, Hojo Kyosuke clearly captured the reluctance in Mr. Morimura's smile. Haha, he is also a social phobic.

Several heavyweights were named later, and Tsuruta Masashi was no exception. When the old man stood up, he looked expressionless and dignified, and even his triangular eyebrows didn't seem so funny anymore.

After the celebrities in the cultural world, there were the big names in the publishing world. The president of Tantansha was there. This publishing house has a very close relationship with the Neon Mystery Writers Association. Another major award of the association, the Edogawa Ranpo Award, is published by Tantansha, which is the number one sponsor. In addition, Hojo Kyosuke's manga editor Shimomura Tetsuya was also lucky enough to be named. After all, he is already the editor-in-chief, and he is also a rare species here because he is from a manga magazine. Akamatsu next to him was envious.

The political guests were also called one by one, including Hojo Kyosuke's three future fathers-in-law, Mr. Spencer, Mr. Miyamizu, Mr. Yukinoshita, and his new friend Yamaguchi Daisuke.

Even the assistant of the big Hollywood director was called to stand up and bow. Although the original intention of the association was just to let all sectors of society see the influence and appeal of their association, it was still quite tough - no matter who came, they had to bow and say "Hi!" to me, although it was still not as impressive as standing up and bending over to toast.

After introducing a circle of people, Hojo Kyosuke didn't feel anything, but he knew that the association's purpose had been achieved, because Michio Kotaro, who was sitting next to him, kept his mouth open from beginning to end, and kept exclaiming and clapping. From his eyes, Hojo Kyosuke read the words "A real man should be like this."

So the Japanese people really have a strong sense of ritual. After introducing so many people, the atmosphere on the scene became visibly solemn. Hojo Kyosuke could even imagine what the people sitting in front of the TV looked like.

"Sikuni! Even xxxx and xxxx are here. I didn't expect that Yukinoshita's father is such a big shot!"

"Compared to Yukinoshita's father, I was more surprised that Sawamura was actually British. His English level is almost the same as mine..."

"Did you hear that? Big Sister Sanye's father is actually also a high-ranking bureaucrat..."

“嘤嘤嘤——(As expected of Aniki!)”

"Why didn't I hear the director's name? Does this host want to quit his job?"

"Yes, the protagonist today is obviously the eldest brother. Shouldn't I be the first one to call him up?"

"I'm so envious of Hatagoro and Kuroda for being able to go with them. I also want to meet those big shots."

"Yuigahama, did you see Nozomi just now?"

"Hmm, it seems to be next to Sakura? At the same table with the girl with shiny blonde hair."

"Nitro-chan seemed to have mentioned that the shiny girl is Hojo-san's exclusive artist. They have been working together since Hojo-kun debuted."

"Wow... isn't this a comrade?"

"嘤嘤嘤"

"..."

Various voices were heard in various places, including the subordinates who were almost drunk in the Rampage Angels Base Camp Dojo, the Hikigaya family, the chat group of Hojo Kyosuke's class, and the girls' own class chat groups and friends...

The cameras set up in front of and around the venue were diligently capturing anyone who was a hot topic. Hojo Kyosuke even noticed that there was an idiotic photographer from an unknown background who kept the camera pointed at his face and did not move even when the host's voice became hoarse.

As if noticing Hojo Kyosuke's gaze, the reporter next to the cameraman smiled at him.

Oh, it's from Weekly Bunshun, no wonder it's so eye-catching. You better take a good picture for me, or I won't give you the chance to interview you later!

Hojo Kyosuke also gave him a bright smile. He was already quite used to this kind of business. Although the paparazzi in Japan are annoying, it should be said that if you have a good relationship with them, their photography skills are really high. Obviously, they are just street shots taken at random, but in many cases, they are even better than specially taken photos. However, once the relationship is not good or they are picked on, looking at the magazine, they will wonder "Who is this idiot?"

After thanking the guests, the host began to introduce the process of today's press conference. First, there was the inevitable "speech by the organizer", that is, the speech by President Kenzo Chikano, followed by the book review award, the short story award, and finally the most important long story award.

Kenzo Chino took the stage and, as usual, began to thank the guests and thank everyone for their support for him and the association. After saying a lot of nonsense, he changed the subject:

"…What made me feel very stressed was that this year's awards not only had the youngest nominee in history, but also caused many twists and turns. Fortunately, with the support of seniors such as Kurokawa Toyomasa and Naganuma Hiroki, I was able to reform the association's selection system to keep up with the times and connect with contemporary young people."

Kurokawa Toyomasa and Naganuma Hiroki, who were in the audience, looked at the strange looks from their literary colleagues and smiled stiffly.

After talking about the difficulties he encountered, Kenzo Chino began to praise himself and the association. He first talked about the great success of the online voting, breaking three traditions, and getting four records, which attracted a lot of attention from the society. He also counted the achievements of the association last year, including how many novels were adapted into film and television dramas, how many countries reached cultural exchanges, and how many works were translated and disseminated...

These things are only appropriate to be said on days like this, so that the association's veterans and the audience in front of the TV can understand in detail how dedicated and great he is as the president.

At the end, Kenzo Chikano left a sentence with deep affection:

"The Neon Mystery Writers Association is the earliest and longest-standing mystery fiction association in Neon. The Mystery Writers Association Award is also one of the most authoritative awards in the mystery world... But this is not a reason for us to stand still. Anything that cannot adapt to the tide of the times will be abandoned by time. In the days to come, I will work hand in hand with everyone in the association to work hard to make the country a better place!"

As soon as he finished speaking, warm applause broke out. It has to be said that this man is indeed very capable to become the president. He could have succeeded even if he didn't bully those autistic writers.

Hojo Kyosuke in the audience breathed a sigh of relief. He was really afraid that Kenzo Chino would suddenly say, "The silicone lovers of literary masters are being passionately developed. Anyone interested should sign up as soon as possible!"

Then this press conference will really go down in history.

After the main speaker's speech, it was time for the Book Review Award. Hojo Kyosuke had never cared how the award was chosen, but the person who went on stage to receive the award was Kotaro Michio. After he came on stage, he held up the microphone and shouted at him with tears in his eyes, "Teacher Hojo, did you see that? I didn't let you down. I finally did it!"

Someone was instantly numb and thought to himself, I don’t have any expectations of you at all, okay? Ten minutes ago, I didn’t even know your name.

However, with more than a dozen cameras pointed at his face, even if he was cursing in his heart, Hojo Kyosuke could only show a motherly smile and give Michio Kotaro a warm applause. When the latter came down, he stood up and hugged him passionately.

Kenzo Chikano, who had already sat down, looked at the farce over there with a changing expression in his eyes.

How many arrangements has this guy Hojo made?

Could it be that he arranged it for me?

Next was the short story award. This award also had a certain value. The winner was an old author who had been shortlisted for a novel once. His acceptance speech was quite touching, and Hojo Kyosuke silently copied a few sentences into his own speech.

It is worth mentioning that the people who presented the awards were neither beautiful young ladies nor sponsors, but all well-known writers invited by the association.

Finally, it was the novel award, which was also the real Mystery Association Award.

The president of the association, Kenzo Chino, is back on stage again. (End of this chapter)