Chapter 423 - Being taught by him is good. (Patreon)

I left the bookstore with Luan through the front door. As soon as we stepped outside, many readers began approaching us to ask Luan for an autograph. His face is much more recognizable than I expected.

It took us several minutes to finally get away from the crowd. Then, Luan started walking toward a famous restaurant in the city. It was a restaurant located near the bookstore and was almost always packed.

“Will we be able to have lunch there without a reservation?”

“Did you forget who I am?” Luan said, smiling at me.

As soon as we arrived at the restaurant, Luan was greeted with a smile. After exchanging a few words with someone who seemed to be the manager, we were guided to an empty table.

As soon as we sat down, the menu was handed to us.

“Would you like something to drink while you decide what to eat?” the waiter asked.

“Oh, an orange juice, please.”

“I’ll have a beer,” Luan said with a smile.

“I’ll be right back.” The waiter walked away.

I looked at Luan and asked, “Do you know the owner of this place?”

“I don’t know the owner, but I know the manager and almost all of the waiters and waitresses. But even if I didn’t know them, I could probably still get a table. It’s good to be famous in situations like this.”

“You’re right,” I said, my hand a little sweaty.

“You seem nervous. Don’t be so nervous.”

“It’s just that it’s been a long time since we last talked, so I’m a little nervous.”

“And why would you be nervous around me? Aren’t we friends and coworkers? I thought you were already used to having me around.” Luan held back a laugh.

I couldn’t tell him exactly why I was so nervous, so I decided to make up a lie.

“Well, I’m a big fan of yours. Besides, you attract a lot of attention. I’m not used to something like that.”

“I understand. Take a deep breath, and let’s talk about manga. Is there anything you want to know about it?”

After Luan’s question, I took a deep breath and started to calm down a little.

Then I asked, “Will the story also be published in volumes? How many pages will each volume have?”

“Yes, I plan to publish it in volumes. I was thinking about releasing it in chapters, but that wouldn’t work.”

“Chapters?”

“Yes, one chapter a week or every two weeks. But that wouldn’t work. It’s better to publish entire volumes. As for the page count, I’m thinking about making the volumes an average of 200 to 250 pages.”

Hearing Luan’s words, I was shocked.

I thought he would say 100 pages at most, but 200 to 250??? That’s way too much!

“You look scared. But don’t worry, we’ll have a very long deadline. Besides, I’ll help you every week, just like I promised.”

“Well, if that’s the case, then okay.”

Even if he says that, it will definitely be difficult work.

Then, our drinks arrived, and we placed our orders.

While we waited for the food, we talked a little more about the manga. I also took the opportunity to show Luan the artwork I had made for the ninth volume of Re:Zero, which would be published soon.

Just as I expected, Luan wasn’t satisfied with the artwork.

However, he gave me a lot of advice and, right there at the table, helped me make a sketch for a new piece of artwork.

I have to admit, being “taught” by him is really great.

Besides, watching him draw is mesmerizing. His hand moves with such confidence that it’s almost frightening.

Then, our food finally arrived.

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POV: Luan

After my lunch with Bella was over, I made sure to walk her home. On the way, we continued talking about the manga. I told her that we would start working on it together next week.

When we arrived at Bella’s front door, she suddenly asked, “Would you like to come in for some tea? My mother misses you.”

I couldn’t refuse the invitation.

I accepted and entered her house. I’ve been here before, but it feels like years since I last came here. It’s even a little strange.

“You can sit at the table. I’ll go get my mother.”

“Okay.”

Some time later, Bella’s mother appeared. She was a beautiful woman who looked a lot like her daughter.

“Oh my, it’s been so long since I’ve seen you, Luan. It’s so good to see you! I couldn’t believe it when Bella told me you were here.”

She approached me and gave me a tight hug.

Then, she placed her hands on my shoulders and looked into my eyes.

“Hey, listen, my daughter didn’t do anything strange, did she?”

“Hm? Why do you ask?”

“When she left the house, she was very nervous. When she’s nervous, she starts saying strange things and acting strangely. She didn’t do anything strange, did she?”

Luan thought carefully before answering.

“Don’t worry. She acted normally.”

Gasp!

She was very surprised.

Actually, Bella had been very nervous, and I could tell. However, she acted surprisingly normally. I didn’t know Bella acted strangely when she was nervous… Now I’m a little curious.

Then, Bella appeared.

“Mom, what are you telling him!? You’re saying strange things, aren’t you?”

“Of course not. I was just greeting him.”

“Okay, now back away from him a little. You’re too close.”

“What is this? Are you jealous of your own mother?”

“Don’t say unnecessary things! Let’s make the tea! Luan, can you stay here and wait for a little while?”

“Sure, no problem.”

Bella then grabbed her mother’s hand and pulled her into the kitchen.

I couldn’t hold back and laughed.

‘Their relationship is really good.’

I started remembering the pictures I had seen of my sister, my mother, and the other members of my family.

Our relationship definitely wasn’t good, but even so, I miss them.

“Argh, stop thinking about these things. This isn’t the time for all this drama.” I lightly slapped my cheeks a few times.

Everything is in the past… the past. There’s no point in thinking about it.