The Reader's Romantic Sentiments

The Omaeda Family's connections?

Yan Si's mind flashed with Shihoin Yoruichi's sly smile, but he immediately shook his head.

Using noble favors for something like this would be more troublesome than money.

Especially with that black cat. If he actually went to ask for help, she might drive him insane later.

"There really isn't."

Yamagane Tetsu calmly continued, "The factory is willing to reserve machines for us, the Soul Society Communication, because it's an official publication of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, representing the honor of the entire Soul Society."

"But if you want them to print for you personally..." He paused, stating the harsh reality.

"You have to convince them that your book is guaranteed to bring in substantial profits."

"Indeed, your 'Genius Boy' has a good reputation and has gained some popularity. But whether it can be a 'bestseller' is still unknown."

"For commercial giants like the Omaeda Clan, 'a small profit' is meaningless; it's just a waste of their precious time and machine capacity.

Instead of printing your novel, they'd rather continue printing those flashy art books and family genealogies for the nobles. The profits are more stable."

Yan Si's expression also turned serious. He understood that Yamagane Tetsu was right; business logic was just that realistic.

"It's not that I've been holding you back," Yamagane Tetsu put down his hand, his tone softening almost imperceptibly.

"It's that you need to present something that will make the printing factory's 'eyes light up,' something that makes them feel they 'must print it.'"

"Finally, there's the issue of distribution channels, but you don't need to worry too much about that. You're quite popular in Runlin An. The owners of those taverns and shops should be willing to do you a favor and sell it for you."

Yan Si took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, responding softly:

"Understood. Wait for me for a moment."

With that, he got up and returned to his room, taking out his manuscript from his embrace.

He didn't hand over the original manuscript directly. Instead, he spread out new paper and began to quickly transcribe it.

This original manuscript carried the function of collecting "Resonant Spiritual Power" and was the initial "Spiritual Guide." It couldn't be easily given away.

During the transcription process, he also made subtle adjustments and refinements to some words and phrases, making the rhythm and impact of the text stronger.

An hour passed. Yan Si returned to Yamagane Tetsu with two brand-new manuscript pages, the ink still wet.

"This is my new book, 'The Killer of Meteor City'." He placed one manuscript on the table.

"And," he placed another, thicker manuscript, a hint of determination in his eyes, "the reorganized and reimagined--'The Youth'."

"Oh?" Yamagane Tetsu's gaze was first drawn to 'The Youth.'

After all, he was a loyal reader of "Lan Chuan's" stories in private. He picked up the manuscript, opening the first page with scrutiny and anticipation.

However, when his eyes fell upon the brand-new preface poem at the beginning, the pupils of his eternally unchanging iron face suddenly widened!

Mirror Realm

Part One: False Mirror

The curvature of the lens Just happens to bend the sky into a cage I bow my head to all gods Only to hide the throne In the shadow of every humility

--Lan Chuan.

Yamagane Tetsu's hand holding the manuscript trembled slightly.

His lips moved a few times, as if wanting to utter words of praise, but in the end, he just took a deep breath, forcibly maintaining his composure with his iron mask. Yet, his slightly rapid breathing revealed the extraordinary excitement within him.

This... this artistic conception of hiding ambition in humility and rebellion in submission! It was more than a level higher than the straightforward "lonely genius" before!

He suppressed his excitement and eagerly picked up the other book, 'The Killer of Meteor City.'

When he saw the preface poem titled Blood Blossom at the beginning.

Part One: Blood Blossom

At the end of the river paved with bones I heard The sound of the first bud blooming It was the light crackle of a fractured throat

--Shu Hua.

"!!!"

Yamagane Tetsu's hand holding the manuscript trembled violently!

He suddenly looked up at Yan Si, his voice somewhat hoarse from suppressing his emotions, but the muscles on his face still rigidly maintained his iron mask:

"Good! What a 'river of bones'! What a 'Blood Blossom Shu Hua'! This extreme contrast of beauty born from destruction, art witnessed through slaughter... it's simply... it's simply!!!"

He slammed two manuscript pages onto the desk with a "snap." His chest heaved several times before he finally managed to calm down, speaking with an unprecedentedly solemn tone:

"Listen, Yan Si! We have to find a way to talk to the printing house and the Omaeda Family in person!"

"I believe these two works are completely qualified for publication! And they should be released as two separate volumes!"

He pointed at the manuscripts: "The Youth has a profound artistic conception, full of philosophy and metaphor. It can be made into a hardcover edition of over 200,000 characters, aimed at high-ranking Shinigami and nobles. Of course, if the price is right, I'm sure regular squad members will also buy it."

"The Killer of Meteor City has a sharp style and strong impact. We can release a trial version of about 50,000 characters first, with a reader-friendly price. It will definitely stir up a storm among regular squad members and Runlin An!"

Yan Si looked at Yamagane Tetsu, whose attitude had done a complete 180-degree turn, and felt a bit confused:

"Old Tetsu, didn't you always say publishing was difficult before? Why now..."

Yamagane Tetsu took a deep breath and looked at Yan Si. Even his stern face seemed to soften slightly:

"The difficulties I mentioned before were for 'ordinary' novels."

He pointed to the two introductory poems: "But what you've brought out this time is 'poetry,' works that possess 'soul'!"

"Remember, in the Soul Society, those who are willing to spend time savoring words, instead of just looking at picture books and illustrations, have a bit of romantic sentiment hidden in their bones."

"Your previous articles, though exciting in plot, were too straightforward. People read them, enjoyed them, and then forgot them.

But these current works, with the 'romance' contained within them.

Whether it's Lan Chuan's romantic forbearance, or the Killer of Meteor City's bloody romance.

It will make true connoisseurs willingly open their wallets to collect them!

And because 'poetry' is easier to spread, the possibility of a bestseller will also be higher."

He stood up and patted Yan Si on the shoulder:

"Rest well today and conserve your energy."

"Tomorrow morning, I'll go with you to the printing house! It's time to show the Omaeda Clan what truly marketable, good material looks like!"

Looking at the light in Yamagane Tetsu's eyes that almost seemed to break through his stern facade.

Siwei Yan suddenly felt that this publishing journey might... actually have a chance?

"Then we'll go tomorrow morning!"

"Old Tetsu, remember to wake me up!"

As he spoke, Yan Si slammed the door shut with a "snap."

Yamagane Tetsu was speechless and looked again at the "poetry" of the two books, studying them carefully.