Jiang Xia pondered for a moment, then continued, "I heard every one of his books sells very well, yet he has no fixed publishing house partner. So whenever a new book comes out, countless publishing houses scramble for it... You came to me because Mr. Kiku has another new work to publish, and his criterion for choosing a publishing house is 'deciphering the code he provides'?"
"...Y-yes." Editor Yamashita froze for a moment, then became even more delighted. Earlier, "Gin" had said he knew a reliable High School Detective. Yamashita had worried that someone so young might be unreliable, but now it seemed that this young Detective was exceptionally dependable.
He hurriedly explained in detail, "Mr. Tachibana's birthday is coming up soon. He'll be holding a birthday party at his Villa in Karuizawa, where the code will be announced. Whoever deciphers it first will get the chance to cooperate with him... Our publishing house truly needs those publishing rights!"
The High School Detective did not refuse the commission.
On the day of the famous writer's gathering, the four people in the dining room—"Jiang Xia," "Vermouth," "Gin," and Editor Yamashita—drove to Karuizawa together.
The sedan wound through the mountains. After an unknown length of time, an imposing Villa gradually came into view. Rows upon rows of different vehicles were parked before the sprawling Villa. Clearly, aside from the editors and reporters drawn by the news, some important figures had also come to show their support.
The party was held in the evening. Dozens of dining tables had been arranged in the courtyard, laden with all kinds of exquisite food.
As the guests chatted, each with their own thoughts, the Master of Ceremonies stepped onto the temporary stage at the front. "Mr. Tachibana Goryu's birthday celebration is about to begin! Thank