"So that's how it is? It seems the real culprit of the time is this British exchange student. But is there something she needs here, risking being recognized by the protagonist?" After finishing the last page, Ayaka still felt a lingering desire for more.
The current ACG market is full of hot-blooded manga; there aren't any high-quality mystery manga like this yet.
In other words, no one has yet claimed this big slice of the mystery manga pie.
More importantly, Yoshino is only a teenager now.
If she can create such an excellent manga now, then her future achievements will be even more remarkable.
"An excellent mystery manga. The quality of this manga exceeds my imagination, and your drawing skills are superb. I'm very happy to collaborate with you."
Ayaka's praise was not insignificant. Although there are many new manga artists, many have had their ideas limited by the current market. Most of them, for this reason, would deliberately plagiarize settings from other manga or lack drawing skills, submitting their work here out of a momentary burst of passion, but everyone who did so only returned disappointed.
"Th-thank you!" Yoshino bowed deeply to Ayaka, her nervous mood instantly relaxing.
Her excited little face was flushed, exceptionally cute.
"Gosick" is undoubtedly an excellent work, but without much understanding of this world's requirements for mystery manga, Yoshino wasn't overly confident.
Now it seems that no matter which world, excellent works always remain excellent works, unchanged.
"Hehe, you're welcome." Looking at the cute Yoshino, Ayaka also showed a satisfied smile.
She had been in this society for several years, seeing a lot of darkness every day. This was the first time she had seen such a pure existence. She was as innocent as a newborn child.
"However, your work still needs to be submitted to the editor-in-chief for review. It shouldn't be a big problem; I'm very optimistic about this work. Ultimately, the editor-in-chief will make the final decision on whether it can be serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump. Since it hasn't been decided yet, you can't relax."
Ayaka explained the next steps in the manga process to Yoshino.
These were the same procedures as in her previous life: the editor contacting the manga artist, commissioning manuscripts, and reviewing them.
The editor-in-chief conducts a second review of the manga. Finally, the editor-in-chief and all the editors-in-charge hold a meeting to find the best manga among many for serialization.
Therefore, Weekly Shonen Jump's success is inseparable from this diligent work attitude.
Moreover, manga works that pass such strict reviews certainly won't be of low quality.
However, Yoshino wasn't worried about any of this. She was confident in her drawing skills, knowing they wouldn't be bad, and the work "Gosick" was definitely excellent, unless there was some foul play. Excellent drawing skills combined with an excellent plot—Yoshino felt this was a sure win.
"Aren't you afraid your work won't pass?"
Ayaka brought Shiina a glass of juice; Ayaka wouldn't let Yoshino drink coffee in this state.
How did the Yoshino who was just worried become so confident now?
"M-Mommy said that if you're afraid before doing something, you've already lost half the battle. Now that I've passed with Big Sister, Yoshino believes her work will definitely be fine."
She took a small sip of juice, and now Yoshino felt she had nothing to fear.
"You're so cute, child." Suppressing her urge to hug Yoshino, Ayaka thought, "The parent who raised such a cute child did a really nice job."
"So, are your parents available to discuss the contract now?"
While she herself could handle it, it was better for the parents to be involved.
Unexpectedly, upon hearing this, Yoshino immediately lowered her head, her eyes dimming, preventing Ayaka from seeing her expression.
"Um, did Big Sister say something wrong?"
Ayaka, still unaware of her mistake, asked confusedly. However, Yoshino didn't want to answer that topic.
"Oh! Big Sister, isn't it better not to ask people such private things? What you're doing is very impolite. Even if Yoshino can forgive you, Shiina will absolutely not forgive you."
Shiina indicated that just because she wasn't speaking, Ayaka shouldn't bully Yoshino.
Don't bully Yoshino, I'll play with you! Come on, let's solo if you dare.
"Ventriloquism..."
She had thought the rabbit doll on her left hand was just a hobby, but she actually knew ventriloquism. That was truly unexpected.
"Oh oh oh, I've seen you, Big Sister, looking at Yoshino with very rapid breathing many times since just now. Are you perhaps planning to do something bad to Yoshino?" Ayaka's body trembled. Was she found out?
"No, Big Sister. There are cameras in this room. If you do that, your unknown side will be exposed to the world, and then Big Sister will be branded a 'loli con' and scorned by society."
She waved her right hand, indicating that this was wrong, and she couldn't do that.
"..." This rabbit!
"Oh~ Don't look at me with such scary eyes. Shiina isn't worried about that much right now. If you want to bully Yoshino, I will absolutely not agree. You have to step over me first." After saying that, she struck a pose as if to say, "Bring it on."
"That's not it at all! I just wanted to hug Yoshino. Every girl can't resist cute things, am I wrong?"
No, why did even she feel like she was bullying Yoshino again the more she spoke?
"Finally admitting your true thoughts? In the end, you're still a person full of desires. You want to hug someone you've only just met. Tsk tsk tsk." She said, looking disgusted.
"No, I won't give you a hug."
Without waiting for a response, Yoshino left. Anyway, she had already left her phone number with Ayaka, and Toujou Nozomi would notify her of any news.
Watching Yoshino's retreating figure, Ayaka was left in a daze.
Why was it like this? What's wrong with a hug?
In Western countries, they even kiss when they meet. I just wanted a hug.
"Yoshino, don't dwell on these things now. Let's go back and buy the materials, then prepare for school when Toujou Nozomi comes home tonight."
Thinking about Ayaka's earlier question regarding Yoshino's parents, Shiina comforted her.
"Nozomi-neechan..."
Yes, it's not a time for sadness, and it doesn't matter anymore.
"Hmm!?"
She still has a home now, and family members worth waiting for to return.