Chapter 4 Chapter Four

On this day, Miyako Konno went to the purchase department of Chuo Publishing Company.Said that the director was receiving the guests who came first, and asked her to wait in the reception room. There are already four or five guests waiting in the reception room.They all peeked at Miyako in kimono curiously.Miyako sat down in the corner, and with her slender fingers, pulled out a cigarette from the cigarette case.Today, her hair is rolled up at the back, revealing her tender neck.He was wearing black cloth with a Shiozawa pattern of broken white dots, tightly tied with a white belt.The neck, as if painted with white beard powder, is extraordinarily white and tender.The pattern of the obi is rouge-colored cabbage.

Most of the people waiting in the reception room kept their black briefcases beside them, flipping through weekly magazines, newspapers, etc. boredly.Some people are checking the document that records the content of the preparation and negotiation with the purchase department. These people are all small presses.People from big publishing houses don’t need to wait here, they can directly go to the director of the purchase department, the section chief or the cadre in charge, and the deal can be negotiated quickly, and they spend most of their time drinking tea and chatting there. In the reception room, a man and a gray-haired old man were talking quietly.

A fat man with white hair was once the president of a famous publishing house.The publishing house he ran closed down two or three times, and now it is just a name.In the past, he could freely and directly approach the director and section chief of the purchasing department.However, now that it has come to this point, it has to be treated the same as the newly established small publishing house. Miyako recognized this man's face.He was stocky and well-looking, but his clothes were worn, probably imported from the heyday and out of shape.However, the traces of the time when his publishing house was famous all over the world still remained in his expression, although he was downcast, he was still dignified.

As soon as this person's name is mentioned, anyone familiar with the publishing industry will know it.In its heyday, his publishing house had more than one hundred members.It's been downhill since then because a massive project failed.The more anxious the worse, this is no exception for any industry, especially publishing houses.Publishing is no different than gambling.Even if you succeed, you can't forget the sweetness.Even if it doesn't work, I still don't forget it, borrow money everywhere, and raise funds by scraping together. When I reached the end of my life, I didn’t give up my publishing work, probably not only because I was very interested in this industry, but also because I was fascinated by "books", which may have something to do with the phenomenon of poisoning.

"I've come here for the third time today," said the middle-aged man to the old publisher's president. "I've been rejected every time. I believe we have a good plan. But, unfortunately, we have no actual results." , so they resolutely refused. Today is the last time, if we can accept half of our request, we will be saved." Mr. White Hair smiled. He had no choice but to stay here and wait, perhaps his request was also repeatedly rejected by the young staff of the purchase department. Miyako is sure to ask the purchase department staff to nod today.When they heard that a novel by the popular author Tejiro Aonuma was going to be published in one go, they would definitely agree on the number of publications immediately.In the past, Miyako planned to compile the works of young new writers and publish four or five volumes as an avant-garde series, but it was over by the second volume.Of course, this company didn't accept it, and finally begged a third-rate dealership to sell it.

Those who were called left the reception room in silence one by one.Looking at their backs, one can see that there is a kind of sadness that is not sure of success.They just came with a glimmer of hope. After the person who was talking to Mr. Shirai-hair walked out, the old man glanced at Miyako, as if he wanted to talk a little bit.Miyako has been sitting alone in the corner, ignoring others, and seeing that only the old man is left, she greeted with her eyes. "Ah," said an amiable smile on the old man's ruddy childlike face, "come over and have a chat, we won't be here yet."

There was a tone of self-mockery in the old man's words.It takes at least half an hour for one person to deal with the staff of the purchase department, so you have to wait.The president of the old publishing house, in his heyday, didn't pay attention to these little people at all, and went directly to their superiors, always talking and laughing.However, now they have to abandon the pride of previous years. Konno Miyako knew that the old man was called Ogawa Tsuguo.When his company was at its most prosperous, he published a very distinctive collection of Japanese literature, which caused a sensation.

Seeing that the other party was an old man, Miyako sat down beside him in peace, thinking that it would be beneficial to listen to the old man's words, "I feel a little familiar, and I have been looking at you, madam." The old man narrowed his eyes and looked at Miyako and said. "Ah, really?" Miyako deliberately pretended to be confused.In fact, she once served the old man at a banquet. "Excuse me, which publishing house are you from?" Xiao Chuan pondered and asked. "An anonymous publishing house." Miyako replied with a smile. "So you haven't been in this business for too long?"

"It just started recently. So, I often come here to beg them to sell our books, but very rarely..." "Of course," Xiao Chuan nodded, "They don't want to pay attention to the new publishing house. But it's very strange..." Mr. White Hair tilted his head again and said. "What's wrong?" Miyako asked. "The last time I saw you, Madame, it seemed to be in a place that had nothing to do with publishing..." "Ah! Have we met before?" "I think, I did meet, but I can't remember... It seems like five or six years ago, I did meet... You walked into this room, and I immediately thought so. I tried to remember, Look at you again and again. Yes, yes, I have an impression of your profile."

"Hehe..." Miyako covered her mouth with a smile and said, "It's not uncommon for me to have such an ordinary face. I'm afraid you have misunderstood the person." "No, no, you are so beautiful, you are a rare woman. Besides, I didn't see you from afar, but I saw you in a relaxed atmosphere." "I have no recollection at all. However, I saw your picture a long time ago in a newspaper advertisement or something." "No, it's really embarrassing." Ogawa said with a wry smile.He was still desperately recalling the meeting with Miyako, with a disturbed expression on his face.Just then:

"Mr. Ogawa." A young clerk with his shirt sleeves rolled up appeared at the door and called out to the old publishing house president. Soon, Miyako was also called in, and walked up to Muraoka, the director of the purchase department.At this time, Ogawa walked out leisurely.However, his pace was weak. It can be seen that his request for consignment sales was rejected by the Central Book Publishing Company today. Muraoka, the director of the purchase department, looked at Miyako with some embarrassment and asked: "What did you bring today?" Muraoka's tone was bold and forthright. "Last time, I'm sorry." Miyako bowed, sat down with a smile, and said, "The plan I brought today will definitely make Mr. Muraoka happy." "Really? But if it's another dull collection of essays like last time, there's no need to talk about it at all." Muraoka shyly avoided Miyako's gaze from the front. "Recently, novels are not selling well." Nevertheless, Muraoka said in a pre-emptive tone, "It can be said that the entire army has been wiped out. Recently, reportage is better than novels, unless it is a novel written by a popular author. Otherwise, it will definitely be unsalable... Are you also bringing novels?" "yes." "Is that all right?...Before you came in, Mr. Ogawa...Here, he is Mr. Ogawa from the famous Ogawa Bookstore. He is an old expert and has contacts with most writers. However, when people are in adversity,... It is very difficult to get a best-selling manuscript. No matter which publishing house first uses the magazine to control the writer, and then publishes the booklet. Therefore, it is difficult for the publishing house that does not publish the magazine. Just now Mr. Ogawa cannot ask the first-rate writers he is familiar with. I had no choice but to discuss the plan to publish new works of young writers that had not been published in magazines, and I had no choice but to refuse." "That's true," Miyako nodded frequently, "I know that very well. Especially for a small publishing house like ours, it's even more difficult." "You clearly know, why are you still looking for us?" "So, didn't I say it, it's a little different this time. Please take a look." She handed Muraoka the materials written on two sticky notes. Muraoka took it, glanced at it, felt very surprised, looked at Miyako and asked: "You asked Aonuma Tejiro to write a manuscript?" "yes." Miyako took out the cigarette case from her handbag, took out a cigarette, and put it in her mouth. "Is this a reprint of a book that was published by another publishing house long ago?" "No, this is the first publication, the title, isn't it also written?" "Yes, it is written. At present, which magazine is it serialized in?" Muraoka had no impression of this topic, so he asked again with doubts. "It's not a serial novel, it's something the author wants to write in one go and give it to us." "What, was it written in one go?" Muraoka's eyes widened.It's about a deal, so he can't always look shyly at Miyako's face and say, "Really?" "I believe that Mr. Muraoka will agree to come." "I didn't expect that," Muraoka re-read the main points of the publication plan written on the note, "Is this correct?" He couldn't believe it, and asked again. "How dare I cheat and negotiate a deal with you?" "That's true. However, why would Aonuma-san agree to write a novel in one go?" Muraoka said with his eyes still wide open. "Yes, he agreed after I begged in every possible way. It took a lot of thought." "My wife's skills are really amazing. I heard that other major publishing houses are also vying for Aonuma to write a novel in one go, but they were rejected." "yes." "What is his relationship with his wife?" "Hey, it's not the general relationship between the author and the publisher!" "Hmph!" Muraoka looked at Miyako suspiciously. "I said, Mr. Muraoka, can you accept this plan?" "Then, of course, we can accept such a plan." "Thank you so much. In this way, I can also make my mark." "It's not your fault. The point is whether the book will sell. So when do you plan to publish it?" After thinking for a while, Miyako said decisively: "The draft will be finished in two months." Although Muraoka didn't realize it, a tragic look crossed Miyako's face at this moment. "Two months? Can it be finished so soon? Have you already started writing?" "Yes, quite a lot has been written." "Amazing." Muraoka stared blankly at Miyako's face again. "Mr. Muraoka, can you sell 20,000 copies of the first edition?" "No problem, we can sell on consignment." "How much can I get?" "Yeah, sixty-eight percent, how about it?" "Sixty-eight percent, it's too pitiful. If it's other books, as long as you are willing to accept them, I will be grateful. But Mr. Aonuma's works, I have to covet a little bit. This is a long novel written in one go. .” "You suddenly assumed the posture of a strong man." Only then did Muraoka smile. "It took me a lot of effort to get it. Besides, I don't know how much it will cost before the manuscript is finished." "That's right. Did you lock Mr. Aonuma somewhere and ask him to write the manuscript?" "Well, it's close," Miyako said with a slight smile, "But, Mr. Muraoka, you can't disclose it to other publishers, otherwise, you will cause trouble for Mr. Aonuma." "Of course, we are also in this business, and we won't let it out." "Then, seventy percent, it's settled." "Since it is a long story written in one go, it has to be like this." Muraoka finally backed down. Konno Miyako walked out of "Chufa" (Central Book Publishing Co., Ltd.) and walked along the wide road.The bus stop is just around the corner. There were four or five people waiting for the bus at the stop, and there was a chunky Tsuguo Ogawa standing in the crowd with a black leather bag.The early spring sunshine shone on Xiao Chuan's white-haired head, and shot on the wall of the imperial palace far away. Xiao Chuan quietly stood still. Miyako was embarrassed to approach him, and wanted to go around quietly behind him.Unexpectedly, Ogawa turned his head and met his eyes. "Yeah," said Ogawa, narrowing his eyes, "you're going home too?...Come here," he called Miyako to his side, and asked: "Are you ready?" "Ok." "what's the result?" Miyako found it difficult to answer, and said: "Finally got them to agree to sell a little." "Hey," Xiao Chuan opened his squinted eyes and said with a joyful smile on his face, "that's great. If the company is willing to sell as a consignment, you will have success, and it will be easier to ask them to sell as a consignment in the future. That's great. ,Great." Ogawa regards Miyako's affairs as his own, and looks elated.Meiyako thought, Ogawa people are so nice, no wonder doing business is not smooth. When Ogawa's publishing house was booming, he probably wouldn't come to the purchase department of the consignment store in person.All such specific work is handed over to the staff of the sales department under his subordinates, and he only needs to chat with the head of the consignment store. Miyako saw the ups and downs of a businessman in Ogawa. The bus doesn't come for a long time. "So, this time, what are you going to publish?" Ogawa asked. Miyako couldn't tell, so she had to tell him honestly.I feel ashamed to bully such a good person. "A novel by Mr. Aonuma Tejiro." "Hey," Ogawa said with his wide and small eyes fixed on Miyako, "how could he give it?" "I begged in every possible way." "Could he be your relative or something?" "No, it doesn't matter at all." "Well," he said, deep in thought, "I'm still out of luck." "What does that say?" "I've been to his place four or five times. But, I'm so poor, of course he doesn't pay attention to me. I begged a bit stubbornly. Now after hearing what you said, I think I'm too unlucky to do business. " "Don't be so discouraged. Soon, you will restore Xiaochuan Bookstore." "Thank you," the old man thanked me. "Nowadays, no one pays attention to me. The presidents and directors of big publishing houses who used to be friends, now avoid me when they see me. It's very embarrassing. Now I I had no choice but to stand on the front line, and there were only three subordinates left." "However, there is still hope. You are different from me. You have rich experience and strength." "I think so myself, so I'm still working hard. However, I have more energy than I want, and I'm dying. Together with my wife, I barely get by." The bus finally came. However, the direction was wrong, and Xiao Chuan didn't get in the car.Only Miyako got into the car first. "I'm leaving first, see you another day." Miyako got into the car, grabbed the ring, and looked out through the glass window, only to see a surprised expression on the face of Ogawa who was watching this side.Ogawa may have remembered where he met Miyako. Miyako got off the car in Maruchi. This area is lined with high-rise buildings.Miyako walked into the gate of a modern building that was particularly conspicuous on this building street.That is the head office of Bank R. The whole first floor is the window of this bank.The business department of the head office is located on the second floor, and instead of going through this part of the first floor, you have to go up through the door next to it. Miyako went to the second floor and saw the desk of the sender in the spacious corridor.The two girls in blue uniforms with white collars bowed at the same time when they saw Miyako, and said: "Hello!" Miyako smiled and asked: "Is Mr. General Manager here?" "Please wait a moment," a girl said, grabbing the phone, "I'm the receptionist at the front of the second floor. Ms. Konno wants to see Mr. General Manager." Possibly she spoke to the secretary on the phone. The girl kept her ear on the receiver, and after a while she said, "Understood." Then she hung up the phone, then turned her head, and said to Miyako, "Please go to the second reception room on the fourth floor and wait for a while." "Really? Thanks." Miyako walked towards the elevator.The two girls turned their heads to look at her back.In such a place, it is rare to see such a pretty woman. The female elevator operator pressed the button on the fourth floor without waiting for Miyako to open her mouth. On the fourth floor are the general manager's office, deputy general manager's office, executive director's office and other cadre offices.Miyako stepped out of the elevator and walked along the marble corridor with a crimson carpet. In such a place, first-time visitors are bound to lose their way.But Miyako was very familiar with it. She walked to the room with the sign of "Second Reception Room" and pushed open the luxurious door. The reception room, like the lounge of a first-class hotel, is richly decorated. Miyako sat on the leather upholstery, took out a cigarette from her handbag, and smoked alone, when suddenly another door creaked open. "Yeah," came a steady voice. The general manager, Shigehisa Imura, sat down on the chair in front of Miyako with a straight body. His half-white hair was combed meticulously.A plump, ruddy face.The rimless glasses fit perfectly.From the looks of it, he likes to dress up, and his suits are impeccable like foreigners. Shigehisa Imura of R Bank has recently made his mark in the financial world. He is considered to be the next-generation mainstream figure who will replace the current veterans in various financial circles. He is often mentioned in newspapers and magazines. "How is it, President?" The general manager asked with a bold smile. "Thanks to you, it's okay." Miyako squinted at Imura, and snuffed out the shortened cigarette butt on the ashtray.Whether she is sitting or moving, her posture is always stable. "Not bad," Imura said, drawing a cigar from his breast pocket, "what's the matter today?" "I have something to ask you, Mr. General Manager." "Here it goes again...it's always a loss. Forget it, don't do it." "Didn't you instigate this?" Miyako tried to widen her dark eyes, and smiled. "That's true, but I never expected that you would really do it." "You are so strange. At that time, you tried to encourage me..." "That's how I admire your loyalty to your husband. However, the way of admiration is too much." "It's too late to regret. At this point, please think of a way." "Last time, how much did I pay?" "A total of five million yen... I remember it clearly." "Well," Imura said slowly, smoking a cigar, "you always come to me directly, the people below seem not very happy." Miyako smiled and said in a pleasant voice: "Yeah, do you think the same about Mr. General Manager?" "A little bit. First of all, the procedures are wrong. When borrowing money from the bank, you should submit a formal application form, and the investigation department will investigate the guarantee, mortgage, etc., and also investigate the usual grades and creditworthiness. Then, It will be reviewed by the board of directors meeting to decide whether the loan is allowed. From the loan department to the investigation department, from the director, section chief, to the minister..." "Understood, Mr. General Manager," Miyako stopped him with a smiling face, "The people below are not happy, and I know that. The general manager forced the order, of course, the people below are not convinced." "Now that you know it, don't make unreasonable demands." "No, it's all right this time. I'm sure of it." "You say that every time." "That's why I said 'this time'. You are not very familiar with books, so I'm not going to explain. But the book to be published this time must sell well. I'm sorry, but please lend me two million yen." "Well, then, what about the guarantee?" "It has already been handed over to your bank." "That won't work. Such a low-priced guarantee is too inappropriate. Moreover, borrow money twice or three times with one collateral." "What a horrible face," Miyako said with a smile. "So, when will you come to get the money?" "I really can't do anything about you. Another week, okay." "Can." "I'll take care of it for you." "Thank you," Miyako nodded respectfully. "How about it, is your husband still writing poetry?" "Yes," Miyako said with a smile on the corner of her mouth, staring at Imura's face, "next time, when will we meet?" "Yes, just tonight, let's have dinner together!" "Wait a while, I'll call again to ask if it's convenient for you." "Well," Imura Shigehisa looked a little embarrassed. "Just now, I met Mr. Xiaochuan. Here, it is the president of Xiaochuan Bookstore." "Oh...how is he?" "What a pitiful look. He keeps staring at me and talking, as if he met me somewhere and keeps remembering." "Once, I went to Tsukiji to hold a banquet. At that time, because Mr. Ogawa's friend was also my server friend, everyone gathered together. Is it true that he saw you and was desperately trying to remember?" "Well, he never expected that I, who used to work in such a place, would actually start a publishing house." "Oh," the general manager snickered to himself.