Chapter 11 11. Shadow

one There is a phone call to find Lun Xiangzi. The maid picked up the call, and when she reported that it was Mr. Bian Jian from the newspaper office, Lun Xiangzi thought that Bian Jian must have brought an echo of the matter she asked him to inquire about last time. As soon as Lun Xiangzi picked up the phone, Bian Jian's slightly hurried voice came: I'm seeing you, long time no see. What a shame.Because you haven't come since then, I thought something was wrong.Lu Xiangzi said. Ah, it's been a long time since I came to the house to say hello.Bianjian said: Didn't Miss Lunxiangzi ask me to do something a few days ago?It's also for this matter that I want to see you.

Hearing that Bian Jian really brought the echo of that incident, Lun Xiangzi couldn't help feeling a little excited, and said, I really want to see you soon. How about it?Bian Jian hesitated for a moment and said, I can go to your residence, but I'm afraid the director is not here now.You have the right to go out for a walk and drop by me? For Bianjian, this is a rare invitation for him to send out. Where are you now? Yurakucho.But it doesn't matter if I pick you up halfway. It's too much trouble. No, it's the newspaper's car, and it'll be there soon. However, Lu Xiangzi still declined: No, I will go to your place by myself.Because I have to buy something, it's so convenient.

Yeah?Bian Jian didn't make any further persuasion.Well, next to Yurakucho, there is a tea shop called Qi Luoer, you know, I will wait for you there.About an hour or so, right? OK. Well, see you Qi Luoer!Bian Jian's voice was excited. Lun Xiangzi hung up the phone.It's been a long time since I've been to Ginza, and this time is my chance.Naturally, the most important thing is to hear the echo of the matter of asking to meet. Mom was at home, so Lun Xiangzi went to the living room and told her to see her. OK, let's go!Mom said briskly.In fact, it should be said that when Lun Xiangzi went to meet him, his mother was completely happy.

Which suit are you wearing? Even this kind of heart has been troubled.Lun Xiangzi was not happy that her mother was so troublesome. Just wear your normal clothes. That's too ugly.Mom frowned. Didn't I make a new set a few days ago?How about just putting on that suit? Mother probably wanted to persuade Lun Xiangzi that she should dress up a little bit when meeting with Bian Jian outside.However, her mother's intentions made Lun Xiangzi feel a certain melancholy. I don't!I'm not happy to go shopping in Ginza in new clothes.It's not a special situation, so it's awkward!

Lun Xiangzi went back to her room and changed into the clothes she usually wears when meeting friends.Mom sent the Lun Xiangzi to the door, and said a little bit unwillingly: "What a strange child, it would be great to wear that suit!" It seems that mother unreservedly welcomes Lun Xiangzi to meet Bian Jian.When Lun Xiangzi was about to leave, she even said: Say hello to Mr. Hejian for me.Play for a while, don't rush back. Lu Xiangzi felt disgusted and said, "I'll be right back!" When she came to the second floor of Qi Luoer's tea shop, Bian Jian was sitting by the window.

Ya, welcome!Bian Jian quickly stood up and greeted Lun Xiangzi.With a smile on his face, he looked very happy. please!He gave Lun Xiangzi the seat opposite, and immediately ordered coffee. It's been a while, how are you?Bian Jian sat opposite Lu Xiangzi and greeted him solemnly. Compared with when he usually came to play at home, he seemed to be a different person.Lu Xiangzi felt a little unnatural. Well, it's okay.Mr. Hisami doesn't come to my house very often these days, our whole family is thinking of you. This is the truth. A few days ago, my mother mentioned that I couldn't come to see you.Bianjian scratched his head, and said in an apologetic way: Once the work of the newspaper office is started, there is no free time for it.Also, rest is irregular.

That's good.Still should focus on work. Sorry to call you out.Seeing that he had apologized, he hurriedly got to the point.I have finally investigated what you asked me to do a while ago. Although Lun Xiangzi looked as if nothing had happened, her heart was very disturbed. Sorry to trouble you while you were busy. You are Welcome.This matter has not progressed far enough to deserve your thanks!I was a little embarrassed when I saw it. Since it was not within the scope of my division of labor, I couldn't investigate it myself. I entrusted an acquaintance to do it, so the result was not ideal.However, the general picture finally seems to be clear.

Yeah, I really want to hear it soon.Lun Xiangzi's mood was very conflicted, she wanted to hear the results of the investigation while seeing it, but she was afraid to hear it. The place in Tsunokawa, Hemi said, is a place where members of Congress meet to discuss issues, as is widely spread in the society.It is a first-class hotel in Akasaka.Those who came in and out there were all people of considerable status.Needless to say, strangers cannot go. Bian Jian took out the notepad and opened it: The Mr. Yuki you mentioned, I asked someone to investigate it, it seems that he is quite a complicated person!The person I knew also said that he didn't know Mr. Yuki's background very well.He seems to have more face in the bureaucracy than politicians.However, the general perception seems to be that he is some kind of intelligence broker.

Hisami used the term intelligence broker.Lun Xiangzi didn't understand much, so he asked, "Information broker, what do you do?" Speaking of it, this industry is based on all kinds of intelligence from officialdom or political circles, and then sells this information everywhere.This kind of activity is also varied, from high-level to low-level, everything is available, so it cannot be generalized.However, from the point of view of being able to enter and exit Tsunogawa, Yuki probably belongs to the advanced category! Lun Xiangzi recalled the appearance and figure of Yuki she had seen before.Tall, with a dejected and indifferent expression on his face.This impression was obtained in front of Yuki's sunny house and the moment he left by car.

Of course, Lun Xiangzi is putting Laizi next to Yuki for consideration at this moment.She felt a lonely sadness in Laizi.This is what Lai Zi looked like when he was standing high in his courtyard; it was also like this when he met him at Jindaiji Temple. The gentleman named Yuki, Lu Xiangzi asked, where is there an office? have.Bian Jian looked at the notepad and said, I don't know if the name on the surface is called Chaoyang Commercial Co., Ltd. in this way.In short, there is still a formal occupation.The office is in the L Building, just around here. Seeing that the words "near here" touched Lun Xiangzi, she came up with an idea to go there, I really want to visit Mr. Yuki's office!

Bianjian raised his head in surprise, looked at Lun Xiangzi, and felt that Lun Xiangzi's request was weird. What are you doing there? Just look at it from the outside. Lun Xiangzi intentionally showed a mischievous look in his eyes, and repeated: "It must be very interesting."How are you, Mr. Hemi?I want to go to that place, why don't you take me there? Lun Xiangzi and Bian Jian came to the L Building. The ground floor of this building is full of shops.There are many shops with a special flavor, and there are even shops that sell gifts to foreigners, so everything is very luxurious.Suit stores, cosmetics dealers, seem to be branches of Ginza's first-class stores. The ceiling is so high that it reaches the second floor.Walking in the marble vestibule, this antique but magnificently designed building even makes people feel like they are in a foreign country. The two walked up the wide staircase. This building was a product before World War II and was very luxuriously built.The floors are all marble.Although there is also an office on the second floor, because the shops below are all around, the middle is like a big hollow, so looking down from the second floor is like overlooking the stage, and the beauty of the scene is breathtaking. So lovely! Lun Xiangzi couldn't help saying something softly. Go up to the third floor.On both sides of the corridor are all rented offices, and the rooms are neatly separated.On each door of the entrance, the name of the company is written in lacquered gold or black letters. The two of them went up to the fourth floor as if they were going to visit a certain office.This is also the same as the third floor.The office of Chaoyang Commercial Co., Ltd. is located at the end of the corridor on the fourth floor. As the two walked, they kept looking at both sides.The doors of the offices were constantly opening and closing, and company employees or clerks were constantly coming and going. Only then did Lun Xiangzi realize that among the many offices, none of the company names was familiar to her.Because Yuki's office has not been found yet, Lun Xiangzi carefully read the names of each company while walking. The office of Chaoyang Commercial Company is in a retracted room at the corner of the corridor on the fourth floor, which is much narrower than other offices. The set of rental offices may be divided into two parts, one part is an office with two rooms, and the other part is an office with only one room.And Chaoyang Commercial rented the part with only one room. Lun Xiangzi stopped in front of this office.Because there was nothing to do, it was not easy to go in, and I didn't have the courage, so I just subconsciously stared at the frosted glass door with Chaoyang Commercial Co., Ltd. written on it. However, Lun Xiangzi was still a little uneasy, as if she felt that the door might open at any time, and Yuki's figure would appear in front of her right away.As soon as she thought about the moment when she met face to face, Lun Xiangzi wanted to leave here as soon as possible.It is true that Yuki would not know Lun Xiangzi, but if she finds someone she has never met standing here, Yuuki will naturally pay attention to her. Lu Xiangzi had a vague feeling in her heart, as if the time to meet Yuki directly would come one day.It would be insecure to leave Yuki with a memory of Rinkako standing outside his office before that. let's go back.Lun Xiangzi whispered to Bianjian.At the same time, it happened that a figure was reflected on the frosted glass door from inside.Lun Xiangzi hastily touched the elbow of the side. The two walked along the long corridor in the direction they came from. Lun Xiangzi was worried, and looked back on the way, a female clerk in her twenties came out of the Chaoyang commercial room and was standing there watching their backs. When Lun Xiangzi came to the elevator in the middle of the building, she realized that the sight had been chasing herself. At the same time, the young employees who got into the elevator compared Lunxiangzi with Himami with their eyes, and then looked at Lunxiangzi unceremoniously.They seem to regard Lun Xiangzi and Bian Jian as a couple. Lu XiangZi thinks that in this building it is possible to meet Yuki unexpectedly.In fact, the other party didn't know what Lun Xiangzi looked like, so she didn't seem to mind at all. Even so, she was still afraid of meeting Yuuki in this building. Walking out of this hall, which is also brightly lit during the day, the outdoor air immediately rushes towards you.This feeling helped Lun Xiangzi get out of the state of mind just now; However, Bian Jian, who was walking aside, asked, why is Miss Lun Xiangzi interested in Yuki? It is completely understandable for Bian Jian, who knows nothing about the inside story, to ask such questions. This is something a friend asked me to do. Lun Xiangzi repeated the reason he had told Bianjian earlier.In order to convince Bian Jian, Lu Xiangzi painstakingly lied again: it was about the object of introduction.It is said that Mr. Yuki and the other party are brothers. Oh, that's what happened.Bianjian was walking beside, the leather shoes creaking.Hearing Lun Xiangzi's explanation, he lowered his eyelids. Lun Xiangzi felt that Bianjian seemed to see through that she was lying.But Bian Jian didn't mention this matter again, but stopped, looked up at Lun Xiangzi and said, what should we do now? Before they knew it, the two had come to the crossroads in front of the Japanese theater.People on the road are like tides, coming and going; cars are like a long dragon, flowing continuously. Lun Xiangzi still couldn't make up his mind for a while, but he didn't want to hold off on seeing him anymore. Although it was Saturday afternoon, he still had official duties for the newspaper office. I am going to visit a friend.Lun Xiangzi suddenly thought of Sasaki Kazuko, she thanked and said: I'm sorry, Mr. Bianjian.Thank you very much.Come and play at home if you have time! OKHemi stood upright and said, with a look of unfinished regret on his face.The bright sun was shining on half of his face. Lun Xiangzi used the public phone to call Sasaki Kazuko's house.She wanted to find out whether Kazuko had returned, but the maid called him over as soon as she heard Lun Xiangzi's name. Ah, where are you?Hezi asked excitedly. Yurakucho.I originally thought that if you were at home, I would drag you outside.Lu Xiangzi said. Why not come to my house!It's no fun to go there!Kazuko replied.Indeed, for her who lives in Kyobashi, even coming to Ginza is almost out of helplessness. Lun Xiangzi came to Hezi's house by taxi.There is an ordinary entrance with a lattice door next to the silk and satin house. As soon as you enter from here, you can see that the main entrance is also hung with a dark blue curtain with the shop name printed on it. It is really a commercial-style residence worthy of the name. Kazuko was waiting at the door. Ah, long time no see!Come on, please. As soon as Hezi saw Lun Xiangzi, he smiled all over his face and let her go to the second floor.The back of the stairs is full of packing boxes filled with silk and satin materials, and the name of the shop is printed on the boxes. These satin boxes were even placed in the corridor on the second floor. The store has invaded me step by step!That's how business people are, it's really annoying. Kazuko made a complaint.As a businesswoman, she is very envious of a house like Lu Xiangzi's house. Kazuko's room is as big as seven mats.Guqin and sanxian are placed on the bed, all wrapped in floral cloth; high and low shelves are full of Kyoto dolls.The room had the vibe of a downtown girls' room. My shop gradually became narrow, and I even proposed to put the goods in this room.I'm fighting with all my might. Kazuko always had a smile on his face.After sitting face to face with Lun Xiangzi, Sasaki Kazuko said: It's so fresh, Xiaoxiangzi will fall from the sky!Where have you been, are you passing by? Lun Xiangzi shook her head: No, I just took a look.I'm here to do some shopping, and I have to leave soon. However, answering this way is because Lun Xiangzi suddenly changed his mind after coming here.In fact, she wanted to see Kazuko for another purpose. Lun Xiangzi planned to tell Kazuko that the situation of the husband of the woman she met at Jindaiji Temple had been clarified.In fact, she wanted to tell Onogi about it.However, she didn't have the courage to tell Onogi alone, Lu Xiangzi vaguely felt that there was some kind of disgraceful inside story about that woman. All of this, she couldn't tell Onogi alone. Lu Xiangzi originally wanted to gain this kind of courage by acting together with Hezi, but when she saw Hezi, she couldn't even bring up this topic.She felt that doing so would be her betrayal of Onogi. Onogi, who was walking on the platform of Kami-Suwa Station, had such a lonely expression on his face, and Rinkako didn't want to make him fall deeper into this state of mind for no reason. In this way, the purpose of Lun Xiangzi's visit to Kazuko became unexpectedly ambiguous. two Lun Xiangzi gave up the purpose of coming here.When talking with Kazuko Sasaki, he naturally seemed distracted. Before coming here, I planned to tell Kazuko about the woman who was with Onogi at Jindaiji Temple, but her courage was deprived by Onogi's image.Therefore, the content of the discussion with Hezi is just some rambling and unremarkable topics. Xiao Xiangzi, you are not in a good mood today.Hezi looked at Lun Xiangzi's expression and said.During the conversation, Lun Xiangzi often spoke out of context.In the words of Hezi, the answer is often not the question. It seems that you are absent-minded.Hezi stared at Lunxiangzi and said, what's on your mind? no nothing.Although Lun Xiangzi denied it, her tone was not as straightforward as usual. Didn't you say you came to buy something, haven't you bought it yet?Hezi understood Lu Xiangzi's expression in this way, and then asked: Are you thinking about this? For Lun Xiangzi, Hezi's explanation was exactly what he wished for.It is more convenient to admit this than to be perfunctory on some empty topics because it is inconvenient to talk about Onogi's problem at this moment. Well, haven't bought anything yet.Lun Xiangzi echoed.So, hurry up and buy it!Judging by your face, you seem to be a little restless. Yeah?Lun Xiangzi looked at the small watch on his wrist, and it was almost an hour since he arrived at Hezi's house. Or, let me go with you too.Kazuko volunteered to say. All right. In this case, instead of walking back alone in a state of anxiety like now, it would be better for Hezi to go to the street and chat for a while to relieve depression. If it is convenient, I would like to ask you to go with me.Lun Xiangzi replied. Good! Hezi dragged his voice and stood up abruptly.She went into another room and immediately began to make preparations to go out. Lun Xiangzi still had hope in her heart, thinking that after going out with Hezi, she seemed to be able to tell her the purpose of her trip on the way, maybe because of some accidental thought, it would suddenly come out naturally and automatically.At that time, Kazuko would definitely discuss this matter earnestly and enthusiastically.There is only one thing that worries Lun Xiangzi, and that is that Kazuko may have to condemn Onogi at that time. What is the nature of Onogi's relationship with that woman, Lu Xiangzi is still not very clear.However, judging from the fact that the two of them walked alone in the shade of the Jindaiji Temple, it seemed that they were more than ordinary friends.That woman has a husband named Yuki whose face is not clear, does Onogi understand this? Lun Xiangzi believes that it is for this reason that Onogi can't help showing a certain shadow of loneliness.Even if Onogi knew that the woman was married, he probably didn't know her husband's true identity.No, maybe he did.If this were the case, it would be nondescript for her to go to Onogi to give advice now. However, this is just a consideration.In addition, it can also be considered that Onogi probably knew nothing about it.If this is the case, for Onogi's sake, Lun Xiangzi would like to tell him the situation of the woman clearly.Lu Xiangzi felt that, no matter for Onogi or the woman, doing so seemed to bring a happy ending. As to which of the above two considerations is realistic, Lu Xiangzi finds it hard to predict.If she told Hezi, she would simply identify one of the possibilities.Her eyes would twinkle and she would immediately come up with a bewildering proposal.It was this premonition that made Lun Xiangzi undecided. However, if this situation continues, there will be no peace of mind anyway.It is precisely because of this factor that when Lun Xiangzi talked with Hezi, he lost his usual brilliant features, and the content of the conversation fell on deaf ears.She felt that once she was on the street, the way of talking seemed to become more natural and more skillful. Lun Xiangzi was holding this kind of anticipation, waiting for Hezi to get ready. Sorry for the long wait!Kazuko changed out of her kimono and came out in a suit. What are you buying?Kazuko asked innocently.Lun Xiangzi said that he came to buy things, which is not out of thin air. Buy a sweater!As soon as Lun Xiangzi said the words, Kazuko immediately mentioned the name of a store and said: If you want to buy sweaters, this store in Ginza is the best. The two came outside.The sun dimmed at some point.The sky was not cloudy, but filled with crimson mist.The sun is looming, emitting a halo.The high-rise buildings in the distance are like shadows and shadows covered by clouds and fog. This kind of weather has sometimes appeared in Tokyo in recent days.The sun was shining brightly, but the light passing through the mist was very weak, as if there was a reddish film hanging, and the whole sky looked dark and hazy. The two of them walked into a road on the back of the tramway from the fourth side street of Ginza.There are row upon row of shops here, and they are also top-notch in the entire Ginza.The items in these stores are quite expensive, and because of this, most of them are elegant and high-end products. The sun is also very dark in this area.Everything was blurred, even the figures falling on the pavement were faint. The two walked into a shop around the corner.Kazuko seems to be a regular customer of this store, and all the clerks greet her cordially. Let me help you choose.Kazuko stood in front, choosing from the exhibits and the varieties brought out by the clerk. This year's popular styles seem to be divided into two categories, one is extremely bright and eye-catching patterns, and the other is extremely monotonous, only simple colors, bright and eye-catching, just like ski sweaters, colorful and dazzling. These styles are not suitable for Xiao Xiangzi.Kazuko made a conclusion in one sentence.Judging from Lun Xiangzi's personality, Kazuko wanted to choose a simpler and more elegant color.In the recent fashionable styles, dark gray and light brown are overwhelmingly dominant, no matter which color, the style is almost comfortable. They had a hard time choosing one of them. At this moment, a woman in a kimono was standing facing the display window, but she hadn't seen it just now because of the obstruction of the central merchandise shelf in the store.Only the back of the woman can be seen from here.When the clerk was packing the goods for the two of them, Lun Xiangzi noticed the figure sensitively.Although she had never seen the pattern of the clothes or the belt, her hairstyle and slender figure were undoubtedly the woman who had occupied her heart until now. Lun Xiangzi suddenly felt a commotion in his chest.She moved her body position a little bit and took a closer look. This time, she saw the woman's face clearly from the side.That's right, it was the woman who walked beside Onogi at Jindaiji Temple. Hezi probably also noticed Lun Xiangzi's gaze, and turned to look at the woman, faster than Lun Xiangzi, and she first whispered: "It's her!" Hezi's voice was low, but excited.Afterwards, the two silently stared at the woman opposite, feeling a little nervous for no reason. The woman didn't know that someone was watching her from here, and she still stood where she was, looking at the products displayed in the window with fascination.There were women's handbags, gloves, ornaments, etc.; but men's ties and scarves were also placed there.Judging from where she was standing, the woman's eyes seemed to be fixed on the tie. Xiao Xiangzi.Hezi whispered, this is a good opportunity!How about we go up to her and say hello? How embarrassing.Lu Xiangzi really didn't have the courage. It doesn't matter, you go talk about it! However, Lun Xiangzi pushed and said to Zi, you may be able to speak.You are still suitable. However, you are the first to meet Onogi.Therefore, it is reasonable for you to speak first! I don't. The two pushed each other.Hezi actually sneered and laughed. Thank you for your frequent visits!The clerk packed the items Lun Xiangzi bought and thanked him loudly. The woman opposite suddenly turned her head to this side.It was like looking inside the store when he heard the voice of the clerk. Her gaze happened to meet the gazes of the two young girls standing directly opposite her.Looking at it, a slightly surprised expression appeared on the woman's face, and then a slight smile broke out. Seeing the change in her expression, the two young girls here bowed involuntarily.The other party approached calmly. Is that the time you two met at Jindaiji Temple?With a smile on the corner of the woman's eyes, she asked while tilting her head slightly. Hello.It was Kazuko who spoke first.Lun Xiangzi silently moved closer to Hezi. Do you want to buy something?The woman glanced at the paper bag in Lun Xiangzi's hand and asked. Yes.Lun Xiangzi blushed involuntarily and lowered her head.Today, the woman I was going to tell Kazuko unexpectedly appeared in front of me.The woman was looking at the two young men peacefully. What a coincidence!She looked at Hezi and Lunxiangzi separately and said, if you two are not in a hurry, why don't you go over there and have some tea together? Thanks!This answer was also Kazuko's cheerful voice.What a hit-and-miss guy.Then bother you. and you?This time, the woman spoke to Lun Xiangzi who didn't say a word. Is it convenient? Um. The woman seemed to have stopped her purchases, calmly waiting for the two to approach, and walked out of the store one step ahead. Where is your favorite restaurant?After reaching the road, the woman asked. No, nothing I particularly like.Kazuko replied. Um.The woman thought about it for a while, and made her own choice. There is a house close by, let's go there. What they went to was not a tea shop, but a restaurant.This hotel seems to be slightly lower than the average second floor, and the second floor is very spacious.The woman walked upstairs first.In the peaceful and quiet store, the guests are also eating quietly. After the table was set and the three of us were seated, the woman took the initiative to introduce the topic with a smile and said: We once met by chance in an unexpected place! Lun Xiangzi still retains the memory of that time.It was next to a stream formed by underground water.Onogi was wearing a suit, and appeared from the bamboo bushes on the parting path.Behind him was the woman.The image of her clean white dress engraved in my mind is still fresh in my memory. Do you often go to Jindaiji Temple?the woman asked them both.From the tone of the question, the woman didn't realize that they were so familiar with Onogi. No, that was the first time. As soon as Lun Xiangzi finished answering, Hezi took over the conversation: I still invited Xiao Xiangzi to go. After listening to Hezi's happy answer, the woman still had a smile on her beautiful eyes. Yeah?She turned her eyes to Lun Xiangzi and asked: She calls you Xiao Xiangzi, right? It was only then that Lun Xiangzi realized that she hadn't reported her name yet. My name is Tazawa Rinkoko.She sat upright and bowed to salute. My name is Kazuko Sasaki.Hezi also reported his name after Lunxiangzi. I'm late.I'm Yuuki Riko.The lady also bowed her head slightly to express her respect. This is the first time I heard her name.It is clear from Yuki's surname that this lady is indeed that man's wife.Before that, as the conjecture of the two of them, they had had this kind of imagination, and now that they have reported their names, it is certain. Is a college classmate?Lai Zi asked affectionately. Well, I have graduated.Kazuko answered. oh.That said, everything is still just beginning! Lun Xiangzi could hear that there was some envy in Lai Zi's tone. Everything is just beginning This sentence contains Lai Zi's expectation of the young Lun Xiangzi and Kazuko's youth and future married life.In fact, when Lai Zi looked at the two young girls, his expression did carry the grace and calmness of the elders. I heard that Ms. Rinkako and Mr. Onogi met once in Kamisuwa? Lai Zi's gaze was still on He Zi, with a smile on his face. Hearing this question, Lun Xiangzi nodded, and immediately flashed in his mind the scene of Onoki walking in the Jindaiji oak forest, and the scene of him talking quietly with Laizi.At that time, after meeting Lun Xiangzi, Onogi must have told Lai Zi about Lun Xiangzi's situation while walking. Lun Xiangzi could completely imagine what Onogi was talking about.Most of it is a general introduction to the encounter with a young Tokyo girl in the ancient ruins of Shinshu. The bright spring sky, the wheat field with rolling green waves, the white flowers on the branches of the pear tree, the rippling lake water, and the scenery seen while walking on the path in the field, surely Onogi will not talk about them.These scenes are only hidden in Lun Xiangzi's memory.There is also the lonely figure of Onogi walking on the platform of the station that he saw, which of course he himself does not know. Do you often go there?Lai Zi asked Lun Xiangzi while drinking his coffee. No, that was the first time. oops!Madam showed a slightly surprised expression. I heard that it was in that kind of place. I thought that Miss Lun Xiangzi also had this hobby. It seems that Lai Zi is very aware of Onogi's interest, and he also heard about the place of the accidental meeting from Onogi. That time, I arrived at the Kamisuwa Hotel by detouring Kiso Road.Heard from the waitress that there is an ancient ruin, just went to see it out of curiosity. Um.Madam nodded like a big sister, do you often do this kind of travel alone? No, it's rare to go out once. As for Xiao Xiangzi, Hezi told Laizi from the side, she is not such a character.Her father is a staid government official. Lun Xiangzi thinks that Kazuko has gone too far.She felt that her family environment did not influence her personality.But Kazuko always held this view. Is your father a government official?Lai Zi seemed to want to ask something more, but he hesitated to say anything more. Judging from this situation, it seems that Onogi has not talked to Lai Zi about meeting Lu Xiangzi's father at a friend's wedding ceremony.That is to say, about the situation of Lu Xiangzi, Onogi probably only gave her a brief introduction when he met her at Jindaiji Temple.This seems to indicate that between Onogi and Laizi, the existence of Lunxiangzi is not that important. Did your father also work there?Laizi turned to Hezi. No, it is not.is a businessman. oh. This time was the same as before, Yuuki Laizi seemed to deliberately avoid asking further questions.Therefore, Lun Xiangzi took over the conversation, and she said: Hezi's house is a silk shop in Jingqiao, and its name is Fangjianzhuang. ah!Lai Zi let out a low cry, because she knew the name of the shop, it was there! Both Lun Xiangzi and Hezi knew that Laizi's husband had brought other women to Hezi's store to buy things.Not only that, but Lun Xiangzi even heard that Kazuko personally went to the woman's house for a reconnaissance visit.However, the look in Lai Zi's eyes only showed that she knew the name of the store, and there was no abnormal change. It seemed obvious that Yuuki Laiko didn't understand what her husband was up to. Lun Xiangzi stared at Lai Zi, feeling nervous for a while, as if she couldn't even breathe.However, Lai Zi remained calm as usual. I want to ask.Lai Zi asked Lu Xiangzi with a cheerful expression, I know your name is Lun Xiangzi, what are the two characters for Lun Xiang? The wheel is the wheel of Sanlun Mountain; the incense is the incense of Xiangjiu Mountain. Oh, Lai Zi opened his eyes wide and said, your name is so beautiful, there is an allusion in "Manyoshu"!Did your mother give it to you?Certainly. No, it was from Dad.When I was born, my father was working in Nara Prefecture. Yeah?Laizi lowered his eyes. three The three of them finished their tea. Lun Xiangzi and Hezi exchanged glances quietly, they agreed that it was time to get up. Sorry to bother you, thank you!Kazuko first opened his mouth to thank.Lun Xiangzi also lowered his head. oh?Lai Zi looked at the exquisite watch on his wrist, I am so sorry for stopping you two on the way.What a joy! She looked at the two young men with a smile in her eyes.Lun Xiangzi was still somewhat reluctant to leave like this.I feel that I still have a lot to say to Lai Zi.Although there is no specific topic in mind, I really want to keep this state. I would like to meet you two often in the future.Lai Zi said proactively. Please give us the opportunity.Hezi said with his head bowed deeply. Next time we go to another place to have a meal together!Lai Zi looked at the two girls in front of him and invited them. Well, I'd like to talk to you calmly again. This time it was also Kazuko's answer.Lun Xiangzi knew in her heart that Kazuko's mood was exactly the same as her own. It was only the short time they spent together for the first time, and the two young people were attracted by Lai Zi. Let me tell you my home address.Lai Zi opened the handbag and took out a small notebook. First write down the address and phone number, and then kindly draw a simple schematic diagram.Hezi and Lunxiangzi avoided Laizi who was drawing with his head down, and glanced at each other.Looking from the opposite direction, the map drawn was exactly the house on the high slope that the two of them had seen. When Lai Zi finished drawing, he tore off the page. Yo!This sound is very low.If she found out, she looked at the two girls in turn and said: I only wrote one piece.Write another one? No need.Please leave it to me to save.Hezi said, Xiaoxiangzi and I often keep in touch.Get this one, it means we have both! What a pair of good friends!Laizi smiled and handed the page to Hezi, if I call, I will try my best to arrange time to be with you.In addition, please come to my house to play often. so happy!Hezi said, is it convenient for us to disturb you? It's okay, you are welcome to go.I would also be very happy if I could invite young people to my home. Do you have a baby? It was Kazuko who asked the question.This question made Lu Xiangzi stare closely at Lai Zi. No.Lai Zi was not straightforward enough to answer, and I was the only one at home during the day.So, please come to my house to play, both of you. We'll call you first and then we'll visit.Hearing Hezi's tone, it seemed that she was going to play the next day. Just do it!Yes, it would be even better if you could call me before you come.Because I often have something to go out. Lun Xiangzi made a subjective assumption about where Lai Zi went out in an instant.The figures of Onogi and Raiko walking around Jindaiji reappeared in front of her eyes. sorry.As soon as Lai Zi moved the chair, the two young girls stood up quickly. Lai Zi walked towards the counter in his head.Her beautiful appearance and slim figure made the female customers around her feel ashamed by comparison.Indeed, the eyes of the guests sitting around the table followed Lai Zi secretly. Once outside the door, Lai Zi stopped in her tracks.With a smile still on his face, he politely said to the two young girls: Sorry. 哪裡，是我們失禮啦。不過我們前去拜訪，您當真方便嗎？和子不放心地叮問了一句。 請來吧！賴子的眸子做了肯定的答覆。 goodbye!輪香子和和子並排著鞠了一躬。 goodbye!There will be a period later. 賴子說完便朝排著一列列汽車的停車場走去。路上，碰到的男人們中間，也仍然有人向賴子投去毫不掩飾的目光。 賴子的背影使輪香子感到有一種特別的風度，這種風度很高雅，是迄今所見過的女人身上所沒有的。 輪香子與和子沿著人行道朝相反方向走去。路邊那些各具特色的櫥窗，一個接一個地向後移去。她倆自然而然地便來到了十字路口。 兩人失去了前進的方向。從轉角轉彎朝前走去，輪香子心裡覺得好像有一個巨大的東西突然從自己身邊消逝了，這感覺就好比自己身邊形成了一個偌大的空洞，而原來充塞於其中的那個溫暖的東西被撤走了。她甚至覺得吹到肩上的風都涼颼颼的。 走在身旁的和子也一言不發。兩人都陷入了某種近於虛無狀態的心理，只有兩眼無意識地掃視著不斷向後移去的櫥窗，而這也只是路過的時候，順便看一眼漂亮的商品而已。她倆現在根本沒有心思去觀賞櫥窗裡陳列的那些東西。 她太好了！和子說，沒想到竟是那樣一個人呢。 這只是和子直率的表達方式，輪香子也有同樣的感想。以前從遠處看到的賴子的形象，絲毫沒有受到損害，反而更充實了。這種情況在與人實地接觸以後是極少見的。 真想和她多交往交往呢！和子自言自語地說。自己這一代人身上所沒有的東西，在結城賴子的言談舉止中統統都具備了。賴子的聰穎正寓於她那深沉的落落大方之中。 話語自然而有韻味。 對兩位年輕姑娘的情緒很敏感，看來這也表明她是一位頭腦敏捷的人。 輪香子驀地感到與賴子並排站在一起的小野木高大了起來。站在自己面前的小野木，與站在賴子面前的小野木，簡直判若兩人了。輪香子內心裡覺得小野木早已大大地成熟了。 站在諏訪湖畔開滿花梨花麥田裡的那個小野木，臉上帶著青年人的爽朗表情。若把那張臉放到賴子旁邊，輪香子心目中的小野木馬上便起了變化。輪香子感到與小野木之間產生了某種距離。 兩人不知不覺地來到電車路上。輪香子也拿不準下一步要去的方向。只想隨著和子信步而行。 小香子！和子從一旁望著輪香子的臉說，你怎麼了，怎麼突然沒精神了呢？ 馬路上，電車慢吞吞地行駛著，汽車川流不息。這情景宛如幻境一般。 No!輪香子故作精神地搖搖頭。 見到剛才那位結城夫人以後，你也被她迷住了吧。和子又繼續說道，我方才考慮了許多。我覺得，經常與那位夫人會面的小野木先生和我們從前認識的那位小野木先生大不一樣了。不錯，那位夫人我們以前就見到過，但那只是見過而已。然而，如今面對面一交談，連對小野木先生的感覺都變樣了。 和子一面漫無目的地朝十字路口走去，一面這樣談著感想。聽到和子的這番話，輪香子心想，她果然也和自己的心情一樣。 和子身上也失去了以往常見的那種快活勁頭。她倆還從來沒有像此時此刻這樣對自己的年輕感到懊喪過。 小香子。和子叫了一聲，你不是對小野木先生很有好感嗎？ 雖然這是一句無意中說出的話，卻在輪香子心中掀起了波瀾。 根本沒那碼事！ 這話說得並不流暢。她自己都能覺出臉上的表情很不自然。 Yeah? 輪香子以為和子還會進一步說下去，思想上已經做好了準備，可是和子卻沒有吭聲。 直到後來，輪香子仍記得此時的情景：她倆的身邊，有兩對青年男女走了過去。甚至連那女方所拿紙包的圖案都記得一清二楚。 結成庸雄坐在汽車裡茫然地望著外面。 車子正行駛在銀座寬闊的馬路上。他心不在焉地把目光投向馬路的一側。在一片昏黃的混沌之中，秋日陽光無力地照在人行道上。儘管街面上熱熱鬧鬧，所有商店卻都寂寞蕭條。唯獨那些毫無目的閒逛的行人，數也數不清。 結城對眼前的一切，全然無動於衷。因為辦事處就在近前，這條馬路也只不過是他始終要經過的一段市區而已。對於他來說，繁華的銀座和荒郊的馬路並沒有什麼兩樣。 馬路上的行人中間，有兩個年輕的女性正並肩走著。結城的視線突然被吸了過去。因為她倆年輕，反映到結城的眼裡，比其他中年男女顯得更加鮮豔。 兩個年輕姑娘似乎還是剛出大學校門的年紀。從她們的服飾上能看得出都是富貴家庭的女孩子。可是，不知什麼緣故，兩個人的情緒都不夠振作，邊走邊低聲耳語著。 這只是在迎面錯過的那一瞬間結城所觀察到的情景。雖然從汽車所處的位置無法看清臉孔，但她們身上確實有一種年輕人的純潔感，這是結城與之交往的那些女人所不具備的。這或許仍然是年齡所起的作用。 不過，他正坐在行駛的汽車裡，不可能把目光始終投到那兩個年輕姑娘的身上。他的眼神再次變得鬱鬱寡歡，把視線茫然地投向車窗外面。從側面看去，臉上毫無表情。 平淡無奇的街頭景象，使他的精神陷入弛緩狀態。人們常常會在這種時候突然想起意料不到的事情。如果是發明家，大概就會產生某種靈感吧。結城此刻所想到的，正是不久前的那個晚上，見到吉岡時從他那裡聽來的一句話：我一大早在上野車站看到你太太啦！ 這件事確實聽賴子說過了。所以，自己當時回答吉岡說：我老婆說是去送一位朋友。可是，吉岡臉上卻現出一副奇怪的模樣，突然把話頭打住了。結城這會兒想起來的，正是那個場面。 當時和事後根本都沒在意的事，現在一下子從腦海裡冒了出來，就像魚的脊背突然露出海面一樣。直到前一秒鐘，他連想都沒想過這件事。 結城把目光從車窗移開，朝前面望去。前方的景物越過司機的肩頭不斷地撲進視野。車子駛過日比穀，警視廳的大樓正朝眼前靠近。 結城在想，吉岡當時為什麼現出一副奇怪的神情呢？若在平時，吉岡會就這個話題談得更多的。平日裡，一提到賴子，吉岡就異常地關心。結城知道，吉岡老早就對賴子感興趣。儘管如此，唯獨那一次，他卻像自己關上大門一樣，突然把話題岔開了。 女佣人說，賴子是在早晨五點鐘到上野車站去送人的。剛聽說時，自己也覺將有點反常：這在以前是不曾有過的。當時他就感到心裡有個東西一動，現在突然想起吉岡那時的表情，這種感覺更擴大了。 賴子去送誰呢？聽說是朋友，但沒有問姓名。不過，吉岡臉上露出微妙表情，是因為當時自己說：噢，她說是去送朋友的。而且，現在想來，那正是自己說出去送二字時，吉岡眼裡才突然現出詫異神色的。 難道說，她不是去送人嗎？ 結城忽然想到了這一點。吉岡講的只是在上野車站看到賴子了，並沒有特別說明去送行。是結城自己說出她是去車站送朋友的。正是對這句話，吉岡做出了微妙的反應。 這樣一來，事情就清楚了：一般人去車站有事，不是接人，就是送人。好哇，難道賴子不是去送人，而是去接誰的嗎？ 汽車一直沿著右側的護城河畔向前行駛著。皇宮的石牆和城門樓的白壁都為蔥綠的草坪簇擁著，籠罩著一片凝重的氣氛。 草坪映著混沌的陽光，顏色有些晦暗。 千鳥淵一帶，一對對情侶正緩步而行。 停一下！ 結城對司機說。司機事前問明的去處本是番町的某議員家。 接到命令，司機急忙把車停下。結城自己下了車。跟前有一座公共電話亭。他走進去，把錢投入以後，撥動了號碼盤。 吉岡產業。 貼在耳朵上的聽筒裡，傳來一個女人的聲音。 經理在嗎？ Who are you? 我是結城。 啊，是您呀！please wait for a moment. 吉岡好像在場。 ah!前幾天失禮了。聽得出是吉岡的聲音。 Sorry!結城也回敬道，今天晚上想見見你，能抽開身嗎？ how?還是那件事嗎？吉岡稍微壓低了聲音問。 嗯，也有那方面的情況要報告。不過，那件事的資料還沒湊齊，還不到非得特意見你的程度。結城坦白地說，只是想和你喝一杯。 對方似乎察覺出結城的心思，知道他好像有什麼話要說。 All right!我安排一下。Where are you? ｘ可以吧。結城講了一家酒館的名字，八點鐘，行嗎。 對方回答說行。結城走出電話亭，坐進汽車。 結城叼上香菸。火柴劃著了，卻沒有順利地點燃。第二次用力過猛，火柴桿斷了。對於結城來說，這種現象是極其少見的。 他照舊把視線投向汽車外面。安靜的住宅區，對於他此刻思考問題正是再好不過的場所。車子從外國大使館前駛了過去。四、五輛顏色漂亮的汽車正停在喜馬拉雅杉樹下。從那裡通過以後，結城的汽車拐進一條幽靜豪華的街道。 汽車到達的地點，是某議員的私邸。議員立即把結城請了進去。儘管有來客，他卻提前會見了後到的結城。身穿和服的議員和結城悄聲說了一會兒。那聲音好像距離很遠，結城根本沒聽進去。完全是心不在焉。 說完話，議員兩手揣在懷裡把他送到門口。衝著正在穿皮鞋的結城，議員又簡短地講了幾句有關旅行之類的事。結城含含糊糊地附和著。 入夜，結城到了ｘ夜總會。 結城是這裡大受歡迎的老主顧。一下汽車，男服務員就跑了過來，滿嘴恭維話。走進昏暗的過道，女服務員替他脫下大衣。 就在這工夫，經理出來問候了一番，然後又說：吉岡先生已經等您好一會兒了。 結城對他默默地點了點頭。經理一遞眼神，男服務員便走在前面把結城帶了進去。 音樂響處，客人們正在翩翩起舞。桌子上，燭光在紅筒中搖曳。服務員把結城領到圍攏著許多女人的座席上。 吉岡正跟女人們閒聊天。結城一來，他立即站起身揚起一隻手。 ah!一個女人把椅子朝後拉開，站了起來。即使在這裡，結城也很受女人們的歡迎。 結城剛在桌邊坐下，女人們便一齊朝他搭起話來。結城要了酒，和女人們周旋了一會兒。然後對女人們說：我和吉岡談一點內部問題。你們迴避一下好嗎？ 好，好，知道啦！和吉岡先生講完悄悄話，下一個該對我說了吧！一個女人邊笑邊從椅子上站起來。 哎呀，真滑頭！該我了嘛！ Hello, hello!不要只央求和結城講悄悄話嘛！難道把我忘了不成？吉岡從旁說道。 Yo!吉岡先生不是已經說過了嗎？昨天晚上給你講夠了呀。女人們哄笑起來。 這群娘們，真能說！看到女人們離開了，吉岡咋了一下舌頭。只有女人們飲過的杯子還雜亂地留在桌子上。椅子上只剩下結城和吉岡了。吉岡點起香菸，做好細耳聆聽的準備。 關於我老婆的事，結城說，前幾天你講過的吧？你說一大早在上野車站見到我老婆了？ 吉岡眨著眼睛，好像嚇了一跳。 你不會看錯吧？結城的語調很平淡，彷彿是在談論一個不相干的人。 ah.吉岡把眼睛轉向客人跳舞的方向答道。 當時，我老婆不是去送人，而是去接人，對吧？她接的那個男人，是個什麼傢伙？