Chapter 113: Volume Sales

Chapter 113: Volume Sales

The initial serialization of *Chainsaw Man* generated significant anticipation due to the residual heat from *Edge Runners* and Lin Qingshan's popularity.

As expected, the first episode of *Chainsaw Man* achieved impressive results, climbing to the sixth position in overall popularity. This phenomenon is known as the classic work effect.

With *Edge Runners* setting a high bar, expectations for *Chainsaw Man* were elevated. Although the demon setting in *Chainsaw Man* was not unique, its concept of "concept demons" added a fresh twist.

The plot, particularly the scene where the protagonist Denji sells his organs to pay off debt, was both tragic and darkly comedic. The subsequent blood-soaked, action-packed scenes were immensely satisfying.

In contrast to *Edge Runners*, which introduced its setting and the background of "Sian Westin" in the first episode, *Chainsaw Man* provided a completely different sensory experience.

The first episode's reception was positive, with official posts and major forums praising it.

"Qingshan's unique style is evident as always; the plot twists were so unexpected it left me stunned."

"Being a cyberpunk work, it's understandable."

"This male lead might be the most unfortunate one I've seen, with no parents and having to sell his organs."

"It's truly grim, especially since his biggest dream is to eat bread with butter."

"Let's not forget the woman—quite straightforward indeed."

"Looking forward to more; the first episode was a blast."

"The female lead is also quite unique. All of Qingshan's female characters are so special—Lucy, Rebecca, and now this heroine are all strikingly unique!"

"Actually, isn't the heroine named Rebecca?"

"And don't forget Qi Wei and David's mother from *Edge Runners*!"

"Don't be surprised if we see a full-blown slaughterfest later on!"

...

While *Chainsaw Man* was generating buzz, the initial sales figures for *Edge Runners* were also revealed.

"Moses Moses, Step Beauty, what's up?"

The familiar voice of Lin Qingshan on the phone made Ito Ayumi's excitement hard to contain.

But she kept her excitement in check and said, "Qingshan-sensei, congratulations! The initial volume sales of *Edge Runners* have exceeded 1 million copies! It's a tremendous success!"

In this parallel world's Republic, where the economy is exceptionally strong and the population is vast, achieving 1 million copies is merely the entry-level standard for a hit manga.

This world's Republic, like the Western nations in Lin Qingshan's previous life, has accumulated significant wealth, enabling its citizens to enjoy good salaries and benefits. With ample resources, people are more willing to support genuine publications.

A saying goes, "When the granaries are full, etiquette is known; when food and clothing are sufficient, honor and disgrace are understood."

People support pirated content when they're struggling to make ends meet, but once they have the means, supporting official publications becomes a natural choice.

The Republic and surrounding areas have a population of 1.5 billion. Even a small percentage of people supporting official publications results in substantial sales.

[Translator: sauron]

Thus, 1 million copies is just the entry-level mark for a hit in this parallel world. Sales of 10 million or even 100 million copies represent truly explosive success.

Even so, reaching 1 million copies so quickly for *Edge Runners* was a major achievement.

The manga industry had conservatively printed 1 million copies for *Edge Runners*' initial run.

"That's great!"

Hearing Ito Ayumi's excited tone, Lin Qingshan smiled and said, "To celebrate, shall we go out for dinner at the Tire Three-Star restaurant tonight?"

Ito Ayumi felt a bit embarrassed, "You're spending so much again…"

"No worries! Celebrations are in order, don't worry about the money!" Lin Qingshan confidently replied. "I'm a billionaire now!"

With two properties in the capital city's second ring and several bank accounts, he was indeed a billionaire.

"Alright then."

Ito Ayumi didn't press further and agreed.

...

Meanwhile, in a computer lab in the capital city.

A middle-aged man in a white lab coat was operating a laptop, closely watching an experimental computer.

He had his fist pressed against his mouth, his expression serious. Although wearing headphones, it seemed he was meticulously recording experimental data or writing a report.

Unbeknownst to him, a man with streaks of gray in his hair had quietly appeared behind him.

Li Yubin looked at his disciple with satisfaction. Indeed, the new doctoral student was focused and diligent.

He planned to give him a verbal reward and suggest an early dinner tonight.

As he approached his disciple to pat him on the shoulder and offer some words of encouragement, Li Yubin glanced at the laptop screen and saw not experimental data or reports, but…

A manga website with a video playing!

At that moment, Zhang Haisheng felt a chill down his spine and shivered.

Turning around, he saw his mentor, Li Yubin.

He shivered again, forcing a painful smile. "Professor… what are you doing here…"

Li Yubin snorted, "Have you completed the IPC experimental data and report? What are you doing? Watching manga? You're so idle? Get this PPT and paper done for the academic report next week, and make sure it's ready!"

"...Yes."

Zhang Haisheng was on the verge of tears but had no way to refute, given he was caught slacking off.

"Humph."

As Li Yubin was about to leave the lab, he suddenly noticed a familiar figure on Zhang Haisheng's screen.

He turned back and stared intently at the screen, where a side profile of a tall, thin man was shown on a stage.

"What is this…"

Li Yubin's eyes widened.

**End of Chapter**