Chapter 98: Royalty Fees Arrive
Hoshihara Ai’s memories of Sakamoto Ken were very vivid.
At the time, she considered Sakamoto Ken her soulmate, as they had a lot in common regarding science fiction.
Moreover, she could clearly feel that Sakamoto Ken was special.
It wasn’t just because he was quite passionate, making her cherish their time together.
More importantly, Sakamoto Ken gave her a very unique sensation.
His attitude towards life felt like he was playing a game, as if he didn’t really care about many things that were disadvantageous to him.
For example, his family situation was poor, only improving slightly later thanks to his manga.
She searched for that manga; it didn’t seem to be Sakamoto Ken’s work, which was a point that needed further investigation.
In that memory, she didn’t really like the manga titled 《Young Lady, Sniper Rifle, and Pantyhose!》, she had only flipped through it casually, so she didn’t remember any particularly specific illustrations.
This time, both 《Chainsaw Man》 and 《Look Back》 by Sakamoto Ken were very unique manga, especially the latter, which truly moved her.
Back when his financial situation was dire, he never felt timid about being poor; he maintained a confident and self-assured attitude when facing her.
Furthermore, she was technically his elder sister, several years older than him, but he didn’t act like a younger brother. Instead, he always had the upper hand, not just in bed, but in their daily interactions as well.
These things made Hoshihara Ai wonder if Sakamoto Ken had a particularly rich romantic history and was a seasoned player in love…
Of course, the final conclusion was that Sakamoto Ken was, in fact, a damned scumbag.
Dating three people simultaneously, he treated each one the same way until things were exposed.
Although only the scenes involving Sakamoto Ken were clear in that memory, and she couldn’t see the faces of the other two women, she was still incredibly angry.
But this time is different. It’s now 2015, and I know in advance that he will be dating two other women in the future, so… I’ll just make him mine beforehand.
The last time they were together, they actually behaved like a normal couple.
If I can get my hands on him this time, I must thoroughly “study” him.
…
Ever since submitting his manuscript in mid-February, Sakamoto Ken had been eagerly awaiting the day, March 25th, when he would receive his royalty fees.
Upon waking up this morning, he kept picking up his mobile phone to check the balance on his bank app.
He really needed this money.
Although the payment was bound to arrive eventually, he always wished to see that number appear in his account sooner.
After all, his current total deposit was less than 50,000 yen, enough to cover only one month’s rent, and not even enough for living expenses next month.
Moreover, his experience in the previous life had made him particularly sensitive to a lack of money. While spending their money was pleasant, it came with risks and was not ideal.
Initially, he worked part-time with Natsume Mio, and because he needed to draw manga, Natsume Mio worked even longer hours, earning more than him.
Later, he met Mikazuki Haruna through a reader group, and he was stunned by the amount of money she sent him.
The financial issues were never resolved until the very end of his previous life.
Therefore, after Sakamoto Ken’s rebirth, his first thought was to draw and sell best-selling manga from later generations to earn money.
Finally, as noon approached, his mobile phone screen lit up, and a bank notification message popped up.
MUFG Bank:
「You have received a transfer remittance.
Time: 03/25, 11:02
Amount: 3,015,000 yen
Remitter: （Kabushiki Kaisha Shueisha
Remark: Original manuscript fee
Balance after transaction: 3,051,145.14 yen」
It’s here!
Over three million yen!
This amount, even considering the whole of Tokyo, was undoubtedly an exceptionally high salary.
After all, for the vast majority of manga artists, this royalty fee would be used to pay the salaries of three to four assistants, rent a space for a small studio, and cover various related expenses, likely deducting over 1.5 million yen for these.
And he, alone, was taking it all, with a high volume of work.
Sakamoto Ken let out a long sigh, feeling as if some pressure had suddenly lifted.
Soon, Kaji Keiko’s LINE message also arrived.
Kaji Keiko: 「Sakamoto Sensei, did you receive your royalties?」
Sakamoto Ken immediately replied: 「Just received it! Thank you, Editor-san~」
Kaji Keiko: 「Your future royalties will be even greater. Once the volumes sell well, Sakamoto Sensei will earn even more~ So, what are Sakamoto Sensei’s plans now?」
Sakamoto Ken: 「I’m going to Akihabara to purchase some equipment.」
Kaji Keiko: 「Sakamoto Sensei should get a computer. Many tasks are inconvenient on a mobile phone. By the way, do you plan to continue living in that apartment?」
This question made Sakamoto Ken think carefully.
He looked around his small 1 Room apartment…
The environment was truly terrible, the furniture was old and worn, the soundproofing was practically non-existent, and there wasn’t even a separate bathroom.
More importantly, the space was too small. Once he acquired professional drawing tools, a computer, a scanner, and a bookshelf, he probably wouldn’t even have room for his bedding to sleep.
Since he was buying new equipment, he might as well get a larger place.
Sakamoto Ken replied to Kaji Keiko’s message: 「I also think it’s time to move. I should find a suitable place first before buying equipment.」
Kaji Keiko: 「Yes, yes~ If you need any help, feel free to ask me anytime!」
As for the conditions of the new house?
At least three bedrooms, right?
If it were just one large bedroom with one big bed, it would be somewhat inconvenient. Everyone sleeping together every day would cause conflicts.
In the previous life, he could only see one person at a time and had to hide it from the other two.
He hadn’t experienced living together with everyone…
The first time the four of them met was on that rooftop, and it was also the last.
No, no…
Sakamoto Ken rubbed his temples, feeling his thoughts starting to stray into dangerous territory again.
Although he felt he would absolutely not repeat his mistakes this time, he couldn’t be too rash.
Everything must be done step by step, so let’s start by renting a suitable place.
