So many geniuses in anime! What's wrong with me joining?

"You just said you are Teacher Yukimi Sakura, correct?"

"That's right."

"...May I ask, what is your gender and age?" Machida Enko chose her words carefully, afraid of provoking him.

This was her first time meeting Sakurakoji Talent in person. They had only exchanged a few emails today, and before this, she hadn't known anything about Sakurakoji Talent's name, gender, or other details. She never expected the author she was meeting would be such an unusual person!

How could she have guessed that even after meeting him, she still couldn't determine his gender or age?

All one could say was that people see all sorts of things in their lifetime.

"Male, and my age is roughly around high school level." Sakurakoji Talent picked up his teacup and took a careful sip of the warm tea. He felt no ripple of emotion after being questioned; he was used to it.

It was his own fault for having such long, suspicious white hair and an even more perplexing androgynous face.

Image: "I really need to educate you properly", Location: "Images/1755749302-100446961-113719147.jpg"

Author: By the way, which female characters do you all want to see? Leave a comment and let me know. I'll take it into consideration. If many people like them, I will definitely add them and write about them later.

Volume 1: A Daily Life of Attracting Bees and Butterflies : Chapter 44: Scheduled Meeting with Kasumigaoka Utaha

Male? And a high school student?

Machida Enko mused inwardly. A handsome face, elegant demeanor, and overflowing talent—wasn't this just a copy of Little Shi? And if one only looked at talent, he seemed to be even above Little Shi...

Could it be that heaven pitied her hard work and sent her another star author?

Moreover, they were both handsome and beautiful high school students. If she could put these two together and hold a live press conference, how much of a sensation would it create! The book sales would definitely explode! A sharp glint flashed in her eyes, as if she could already see the day she would overthrow the chief editor and take his place.

Of course, this was just a fleeting thought. At least one of them would definitely not agree.

"I didn't expect Teacher Yukimi Sakura to not only possess such talent but also such good looks. You've truly surprised me." Machida Enko said with genuine admiration.

"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Machida Enko, the deputy chief editor of Fumikage Bunko, and I will be your responsible editor from now on. I look forward to working with you."

"You flatter me." Sakurakoji Talent put down his teacup, met her gaze directly, and introduced himself: "My real name is Sakurakoji Talent. You can call me Sakurakoji or Talent from now on."

"This is my first time entering this industry, so I hope you'll guide me well in the future."

His manners were also impeccable. Such a serious and good kid, she thought. He probably won't be too much trouble in the future. Machida Enko nodded inwardly.

"Then I'll call you Talent-chan from now on, okay?"

"By the way, Talent-chan, why did you decide to write Light Novels? Is it for the money?" she asked, voicing her curiosity.

Talent-chan? It's acceptable, Sakurakoji Talent's expression was helpless as he reluctantly accepted.

"No, I'm just interested in it. I enjoy watching anime and reading manga," Sakurakoji Talent said, scratching his cheek with his index finger, his expression a little shy.

"So I'm also interested in some Light Novels. After reading a lot, I gradually wanted to try it myself, and then I asked a friend to help me submit it."

"I see." Machida Enko suddenly understood. This reason was within her expectations. Many young people nowadays were interested in the second dimension.

She only knew that DanMachi was being rushed for publication by higher-ups, but she didn't know the specific details, nor did she know Sakurakoji Talent's relationship with them. It seemed now that he had some connection with Fumikage's higher management. And since it wasn't for money, perhaps his family wasn't lacking in wealth?

Lost in another aspect, Shi-chan, Machida Enko sighed inwardly.

For some reason, since a moment ago, she had been subconsciously comparing the two young people, perhaps because they had many similarities.

Time gradually passed, and after half an hour of conversation, both had gained a deeper understanding of each other.

Of course, although Machida Enko believed she had mastered the art of interacting with young people, being adept and approachable, the credibility of the information Sakurakoji Talent had revealed was unknown.

"Um, one more question," Machida Enko was unusually shy, her fingers fidgeting, "Did you really draw the illustrations for DanMachi yourself, Talent-chan?"

"Yes, I did. Because of my family circumstances, I learned a lot of drawing when I was young. Is there a problem?" Sakurakoji Talent admitted generously, looking at her with some confusion.

"No, it's nothing..." Machida Enko pursed her lips, her expression finally resolute, as if she had made a decision. She pulled out several books from the nearby bookshelf and, bowing, handed them to Sakurakoji Talent.

"Actually, I'm also your fan! Could you please sign these books for me? Pretty please!"

Although it was a bit unexpected, it was within reason. Sakurakoji Talent put away his surprised expression and replied with a smile, "Thank you for your support. Of course, there's no problem."

Taking the rather weighty books, Sakurakoji Talent glanced at them. They were hardcover editions. He then signed his pen name on the blank space of each cover.

"Ah, yes!" Machida Enko exclaimed excitedly, her elbow resting on her arm. Her face was flushed with excitement.

Getting an autograph from one's favorite author was a stroke of luck for any fan. As for why she needed to sign several copies, that's a story for another time.

Carefully holding the several hardcover books with still-wet ink, Machida Enko looked completely satisfied.

"Ah, right, Talent-chan. Because the first volume of DanMachi sold exceptionally well, the editorial department is planning to hold a celebration party for you. Are you interested in attending?" she suddenly remembered and asked Sakurakoji Talent.

A celebration party? There was no need for just a meal, he shook his head.

"A celebration party isn't necessary. However, if it were a peer exchange meeting, I might be interested..." Sakurakoji Talent glanced sideways at Machida Enko, revealing his true objective.

"An exchange meeting?" Machida Enko pondered for a few seconds, resting her chin on her hand, then replied with a smile, "Then you've come at just the right time. Next week, Fumikage will be holding its annual Spring Gathering for authors. Are you interested?"

"An author gathering?" A light flashed in Sakurakoji Talent's eyes. He probed, "Will all authors be attending?"

"Not all of them... but most mid-tier and above authors will be invited."

"Oh, right. I also have a bestselling author around your age here. I'll introduce you two then!"

You've said it all, what else can I say? Sakurakoji Talent agreed without a moment's hesitation, "Okay, I'll attend."

"You're quite decisive," Machida Enko said, slightly surprised by the speed of his decision.

"Because I want to get to know more industry colleagues," Sakurakoji Talent said with a light chuckle, brushing it off.

"That's true, the party itself has that purpose," Machida Enko agreed, nodding without any suspicion.

After chatting for another half hour, the two got along very well. Thanks to his broad knowledge and answers that were specifically tailored to the other person's perspective, Machida Enko almost considered him a confidant!

Finally, Sakurakoji Talent spoke up to end the conversation.

"Then that's all for today. If anything comes up later, feel free to contact me through my online account. Here's my contact information."

The two exchanged contact information on their phones, and Sakurakoji Talent quickly got up to leave.

It wasn't until he walked out of the Fumikage building and felt the increased healing points that Sakurakoji Talent finally showed a relieved smile.

It wasn't a wasted trip. Today's gains were quite substantial: not only did he gain healing points through Machida Enko, but he also secured a promise to meet another important figure next time.

At this rate, his future was limitless!

With a slightly lighter step, he glanced at the time and embarked on his journey home for the night.

Volume 1: The Butterfly-Attracting Daily Life: Chapter 45: Who Wants to Cross-Dress?

Two days later, Ten no Yashiro.

Aoyama Nanami ran up to Sakurakoji Talent and slammed her palm on the table, her flushed face filled with panic.

"Talent Young Master! The closet, the closet..."

Sakurakoji Talent looked at her, who had suddenly lost control and was behaving completely differently from her usual self, and was also bewildered. What happened?

What could have possibly happened to make her, who was always calm and decisive, become like this? Did Ultraman attack?

"Calm down, Nanami," Sakurakoji Talent gestured with his hand. "What happened?"

After a period of intense trembling, Aoyama Nanami took a deep breath and gradually calmed down. After a moment, she looked at him deeply with a complex expression:

"Young Master, what are those clothes in the closet?"

"?" Sakurakoji Talent was confused. "They're my clothes. Is there a question about that?"

"While I admit, the quantity is a bit much, there's no need to be so shocked."

"It's not just a bit much! The clothes in one closet are more than all the clothes in my hometown! And there are more than a dozen such closets!" Aoyama Nanami couldn't help but complain.

"There's nothing I can do about it. You know, my family are designers, so it's only natural to have a lot of clothes. It's understandable, right?" Sakurakoji Talent calmly took a sip of tea and explained himself.

Tsk, it's just a few more clothes. Is there a need to get so worked up? Your psychological resilience still needs improvement.

"I know that, so there's nothing I can do... Wait!" Aoyama Nanami was about to agree, but then she quickly remembered that the key point wasn't there at all.

"I can understand having a lot of clothes, but why are the clothes...?"

"?" It's not this problem? Then what is it? Sakurakoji Talent thought for a moment, then continued, "I admit, the styles are indeed a bit varied."

"But you also know that my family are designers, and I'm also a nearly first-class designer. I occasionally use my family's studio to release my works."

"In order to pursue trends and understand the philosophical and aesthetic connotations of different styles, it's understandable to purchase more diverse clothing combinations, right?"

"That's true, I can understand... No, no, that's not the problem either!" Aoyama Nanami's emotions were still agitated, and she clenched her fists, arguing loudly.

"It's not the problem?" Sakurakoji Talent frowned, truly unable to figure out what she wanted to say.

"Could it be the price? Although each piece is indeed a bit expensive for an ordinary person, you also know that my family is quite wealthy, and we have our own clothing factory."

"Many of the clothes are designed by me, and they're sent over after being made. So even if some clothes are a bit pricey, there's no problem, right?"

"...Talent Young Master, do you really not know what I'm trying to say?" Aoyama Nanami's eyes gradually lost their warmth, and she looked at him as if he were a stranger.

"Cough, cough, just kidding," Sakurakoji Talent coughed lightly, no longer teasing her.

In reality, he had long known Aoyama Nanami's intention. If it were the previous questions, given her personality, she would have at most expressed surprise, but not this much agitation. The reason she became like this was obviously something more unusual.

And when it came to the closet, the answer was obvious.

It was clear that Aoyama Nanami realized Sakurakoji Talent was deliberately changing the subject, so she directly called him out.

So perceptive, Sakurakoji Talent clicked his tongue. As expected of a diligent top student.

"Alright, I admit, those are all mine too," Sakurakoji Talent said frankly.

"What?!" Aoyama Nanami was shocked. Although she had suspected it, she hadn't expected it to actually be the case.

"Young Master, why are you..."

"Stop, stop!" Sakurakoji Talent quickly raised his hand to stop her, retorting, "On the contrary, I want to ask, what's so strange about this? As an aesthete, what's wrong with me openly embracing and contemplating all the beautiful things in the world?"

"Moreover, my sister, Ashiri, actually highly approves of it, and her level of liking even surpasses my own!"

"From this, you can see that this matter is not strange and not worth making a fuss about! Thinking there's a problem is just a result of your subjective illusion!"

"Your sister has seen it with her own eyes... If I may be so bold, your sister--the young lady--also seems a bit abnormal." Aoyama Nanami was completely speechless and could only express this thought.

"Don't say that. You just haven't seen it yet. Once you see it, you'll change your mind."

"Don't assume I'm like that. I absolutely--don't want to see it!"

"This is where I must criticize you, Nanami," seeing her resistance, Sakurakoji Talent advised earnestly, "It's not good to be so resistant to something you haven't tried. You only have the right to speak after you've truly experienced it."

"Besides, you're doing this kind of thing every day, so why are you saying this about me!"

"How can that be the same?" Aoyama Nanami looked at him as if he were an insect.

"It's perfectly normal for women to wear women's clothing, but why do you own hundreds of outfits?"

"..." Sakurakoji Talent fell silent. "That's sexism. Who says only women can wear women's clothes?"

"Don't you know that in the art world, it's perfectly normal for men to wear women's clothes and women to wear men's clothes?"

"Forget freedom of dress. At the awards ceremonies there every year, I could hit two or three famous world-class cross-dressers with a single brick!"

"... It would be better to just destroy this art world." Aoyama Nanami's eyes lost their sparkle.

It was foreseeable that she wouldn't change her mind based on Sakurakoji Talent's simple explanation.

Sakurakoji Talent also felt a headache coming on, unable to do anything about her. He just wanted to create better works, so he decided to personally experience the beauty contained within different things in the world. Wearing women's clothes was just to understand delicate beauty. What was wrong with him!

Just as the two were at an impasse, his phone rang.

Glancing at the name, he pressed to answer.

"Hello, Ichiyo?"

"What did you say? Is it true?"

"I understand. Wait for me downstairs, get some sweets from the underground cafe, I'll be down shortly."

Putting down his phone, Sakurakoji Talent nimbly stood up and walked into the inner room.