Homura received the manuscript from Nayuta with anticipation.
"So it's 'Silver Scenery'?" he read aloud, understanding in his heart. It was indeed part of the 'Scenery' series.
Moreover, it seemed to be a tragic kind of love story, not the type that Utaha excelled at. He grew even more excited.
He casually flipped through the pages. Although he could read faster, doing so in front of Nayuta might give her the impression that her own novel lacked appeal.
He savored the novel, realizing that it didn't feel like something written by someone of her age.
There were many reasons why one could write such a story, but two were unavoidable: talent and the mindset of being bullied and thereafter rescued.
If either of these elements were missing, would this 'Silver Scenery' even exist?
He quietly read the novel, while others quietly observed him. After a few minutes, he finished reading some sections of the novel.
He looked up, gazing at the slightly anxious Nayuta, and asked a question, "Nayu, can I let others read your novel?"
"Eh?" Nayuta was momentarily stunned, then nodded. "Absolutely no problem, Senpai!"
Homura smiled. Indeed, he should let Utaha read it first... It would be best if she felt immense pressure. That way... she could continue to evolve!
With this in mind, he handed the novel to the calmly composed Utaha and beckoned Elf to take a look as well.
Both of them understood that his actions meant that he was extremely satisfied with the work, no, in fact, he was beyond satisfied. So, they should definitely read it!
"Um... Minamiya-senpai, what do you think?"
"It's a work that people won't regret reading. For certain people, it's a work they would definitely regret not reading." Homura responded without hesitation, offering the highest level of praise he believed it deserved.
Such words were the highest form of praise for creators! Much better than empty flattery like 'the world's best' or 'a score of 100 out of 100, but it deserves a million!'
"I can say with certainty that once your work is published, it will undoubtedly become a pinnacle in the industry. So... keep up the good work! Try not to develop a habit of procrastination."
Well, that last sentence made Editor Shimano look at him gratefully. Only she knew how many times she had to push her for the manuscript!
"Ehehehe~" Nayuta shyly touched the back of her head.
For her, receiving such praise from him was truly blissful. Of course, she ignored the latter part of his statement, let's spare a silent prayer for the hardworking editor...
Homura watched her and felt that she had become more relaxed compared to when they first met. It seemed she hadn't completely closed her heart after experiencing the recent bullying incident.
For him, this was really good news.
"I'll go to the kitchen first, wait a moment," Homura said, getting up and heading towards the kitchen.
Haru, that little one, appeared from somewhere and jumped beside Nayuta, keeping an eye on her.
'Another person that makes me worry!' Haru thought to herself.
Perhaps cats perceive things differently from humans, as the little one always seemed to sense people's emotions. Eventually, Nayuta's aura had drawn her over.
"Huh? This cat is the logo of Another Dimension, right? It really exists!" Nayuta's gaze was captivated by the newly appeared cat. With just one glance, she recognized Haru as a part of Another Dimension.
Eriri was astonished. How much did this girl know about Another Dimension?
"The cat's name is Haru. Homura and I have always treated her as a family member."
Listening to Eriri's explanation, Nayuta's eyes lit up, and she cautiously reached out her hand.
Haru, observing the hand getting closer and sensing Nayuta's nervousness, took a couple of steps closer, making it more convenient for her to pet her.
"Huh? Why is she approaching me?" Nayuta was slightly puzzled by Haru's actions. Feeling the soft and fluffy touch, her mood improved considerably.
Eriri felt envious once again. Another person whom Haru immediately grows fond of on first meeting!
"Maybe it's because your hairstyle looks like cat ears?" Eriri joked.
"Is that so?!" Nayuta actually believed it!
"Don't listen to Eriri's nonsense." Homura walked over and said irritably, "When Haru gets close to someone right away, there are only two possibilities."
"What are those two?" Eriri asked curiously. She also wanted to know why she wasn't initially favored by the cat.
Everyone, except for Utaha and Elf who were reading a novel, looked over.
Homura explained, "Because the little one used to be a stray, the type of person she gets close to right away is someone who can take care of others, including those who are good at cooking."
Eriri, Sagiri, and Mashiro felt an arrow piercing their hearts.
"Of course, the more gentle the person's temperament, the easier it is for her to get close."
Speaking of this, the girls glanced silently at Elf... Well, she takes care of people and is good at cooking. But, is the reason Haru did not get close to her at first because of her personality?
They also understood why Megumi and Nanami got along so well with Haru, with their relationship developing rapidly. It was because they had strong feminine qualities, and their temperaments were nice, especially Nanami.
But what about Haru getting close to Nayuta now? Is she also someone with high feminine qualities? Can cook and gentle temperament?
"The second type is someone who always makes others worry."
Nayuta: "..."
Was she seen through by the cat?
"I didn't quite understand, Homura-kun. Please be more specific." Nanami said, appearing somewhat puzzled. "Mashiro also makes people worry right? But it seems like Haru-chan didn't get close to her at first."
Mashiro: "..."
Homura secretly complained in his mind, 'Isn't it because Mashiro is too mischievous recently? That's why the sensitive little one avoided her at first; she can sense Mashiro's future of becoming Makuro.'
Of course, this was just a joke!
He thought for a moment, realizing that he hadn't explained it in detail. He organized his words a bit.
"To be more specific, it's about those who, if left alone, might have some difficulties and hardships."
After saying that, he looked at Mashiro again and smirked, "In Mashiro's case, if left alone, it's probably others who would have difficulties and hardships, right?"
"Mwahaha!" Eriri burst into laughter. She had the most say in this matter. On the second day when Mashiro arrived, she almost screamed herself hoarse when saw her naked so nonchalantly and couldn't even dress herself!
Nanami was also embarrassed. Every time they left Mashiro alone, she would create some headaches for others.
Ayano laughed even harder. This place was always interesting and fun!
Mashiro glared at everyone with a pouty expression, as if saying, "You're all meanies!"
Under Mashiro's 'angry gaze', everyone had no choice but to stop.
Only then did she let them off the hook...
===
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