Chapter 313: The Woman with a 0% Success Rate in Matchmaking
Kaede only found out about Utaha's movements the next day when he arrived at the Bunko.
As soon as he entered the editorial department, Kaede hadn't even taken two steps before all the editors in the department stared at him in unison, making him feel a little flustered.
The authors who came to discuss matters with the editors looked at this scene, each with a puzzled expression, wondering if Kaede had somehow offended all the editors? That seemed unlikely.
Then, Machida Sonoko stood up, walked over, pulled Kaede aside, and looked at him, saying, "You're quite something, aren't you? You're already engaged?"
"Uh... how did you know?"
"Utaha told us yesterday when she came over." As Machida Sonoko spoke of Utaha, her expression also turned a bit sour. "That girl clearly said it on purpose to provoke me, and I was actually provoked, so I went to a matchmaking event after work yesterday."
"..."
Kaede's eyes widened as he looked at Machida Sonoko. This Editor-nee-san was truly decisive; she was provoked yesterday afternoon and immediately went to a matchmaking event?
"Then... how did the matchmaking go?"
When Kaede asked, the other editors in the department also perked up their ears.
As for the result... Machida Sonoko just rolled her eyes, leaned back in her chair, and said, "Isn't it the same as before? Why are good men so hard to find these days? Every single one of them has all sorts of problems!"
Saying this, Machida Sonoko glared at the surrounding editors, making them all immediately turn back to their work.
After her outburst, Machida Sonoko immediately slumped down, resting her head on the table, and said, "Sigh... when will I ever get a boyfriend?"
Kaede scratched his cheek and exchanged a glance with Editor Nakajima, who had remained silent. Editor Nakajima just spread his hands at Kaede, showing a helpless expression.
Looking at Editor Nakajima, who clearly didn't intend to help, Kaede understood. After all, as a senior in the publishing house, Kaede knew that Editor Nakajima had introduced Machida Sonoko to matchmaking or blind dates more than once, but it had never succeeded.
Machida Sonoko, how should one describe her? Of course, she was excellent; her work ability was beyond doubt, and no one in the publishing house would deny it.
However, when it came to blind dates and finding a partner, it was still somewhat difficult in this country. Or perhaps, the more outstanding a woman was, the more difficult it became in this regard. Even if the concepts in this area had changed a little now, it was still only a tiny bit; largely, it was no different from before.
So, for Machida Sonoko to find a suitable partner, she had a long and arduous journey ahead.
Actually, there was a good solution: as long as Machida Sonoko didn't show such a strong ambition for work, it would be fine. But this was unrealistic; this woman was aiming to become an editor-in-chief in the future.
Taking a breath, Kaede patted Machida Sonoko's shoulder, only able to comfort her, "Sonoko Editor, these things can't be rushed. In the future, when you meet more people, you will definitely find someone who understands you and is compatible with you. As for now, let's focus on work as the main goal. Aren't you aiming to be an editor-in-chief?"
"That's true, but I also want to have a sweet romance..."
Machida Sonoko ruffled her hair, then suddenly exclaimed, "Ah!!!" and picked up a stack of documents from the table: "Forget it, whatever happens, happens! I'm going to chase manuscripts!"
With that, she rushed out of the editorial department.
After watching Machida Sonoko leave, Kaede sat down next to Editor Nakajima and asked, "You're her senior, after all. Haven't you thought about introducing her to some reliable men?"
"Do you think this is easy?" Editor Nakajima took a sip of tea, saying helplessly, "It's true that there are many single men these days, but not all personalities are suitable for Machida. You know her personality; she might just run off if she gets a work call during a date. The few I introduced her to were already quite good in terms of personality and character, but either their views on work and life were different, or there were conflicts in their hobbies. In short, it's quite difficult."
Kaede listened to Editor Nakajima's account and knew that these were basically the reasons.
"A strong woman, it's not easy."
"Alright, alright, let's not talk about this anymore. Machida probably knows it herself; complaining a bit sometimes is just to vent her stress." Waving his hand, Editor Nakajima said with a smile, "Let's talk about your business first. I haven't congratulated you on your engagement yet."
"Oh~~~ Thank you. This matter was decided in a hurry, so many people weren't informed."
Kaede scratched his head with a smile, "Anyway, it's not like registering or anything, so there's no need for a big fanfare. But we did inform a small circle of family and friends from both sides and had a gathering. When we officially get married in a few years, we'll invite everyone in our social circles."
Although it was still early, Kaede had already thought about what he would do in the future.
Editor Nakajima nodded in satisfaction and said, "Hahaha, then I'll look forward to attending. Alright, now that we've chatted about personal matters, let's talk about work. The sooner you finish, the sooner you can go home and accompany your fiancée."
"Uh... being told that so suddenly, even I'm a little shy."
Slightly shyly scratching his cheek, Kaede finally took out the USB drive he brought and began discussing the light novel with Editor Nakajima.
Kaede didn't leave the Bunko and return home until after five o'clock. He didn't attend club activities today, but he was still busy until this time, which Kaede himself hadn't expected.
"Next week, I need to confirm the production progress of the second season, and also various promotional signings for the new volume... Ahh, I feel like there's so much work."
Muttering to himself, Kaede opened the apartment door and walked in.
Upon entering, Kaede saw Eriri in an apron seriously preparing dinner in the kitchen, and a smile couldn't help but appear on his face.
"I'm home!"
Eriri, who had just been focused on the cooking in front of her, heard Kaede's voice, immediately turned around, and ran over with a smile.
"Kaede-kun, you're finally home!"
Then she accelerated and clung to Kaede.
"I cooked chicken soup for dinner tonight, it'll be ready soon!"
"Mmm, I can smell it already, it's very fragrant. Thank you for your hard work, Eriri." Holding Eriri, who was slightly heavier than before but still no burden to him, Kaede smiled and kissed the girl's forehead.
"Sorry, I'm a bit late coming home today."
Eriri smiled and shook her head: "It's okay! Is there a lot of work?"
"Yes, there's a lot to do these two months, so we discussed everything."
Holding Eriri as he walked towards the kitchen, Kaede also spoke about his work.