Chapter 13 13. Information

one At around 2:00 the next day, Yuki was called again by Doi.He happened to be in the office of the building when he hung up the phone. Are you Mr. Yuuki?At first it was a woman's voice. As soon as he said yes, the woman said: Please wait a moment. This time it was replaced by a rough voice.The other party said: I am Doi.Faux pas last night. No, I'm being rude.Yuuki's first feeling was that Doi was calling from a tavern somewhere.This can be known from the woman's voice that came out from the beginning.There is no wrong guess on this point. Suddenly something wants to contact you.It's a little inconvenient to talk on the phone.Excuse me, can you come right now?

where? Doi immediately mentioned the name of a tavern in Tsukiji that was exclusively for courting prostitutes. knew. can you come right away Doi was in a hurry.According to Yuki's understanding, this is very rare for Doi. I will go right away. After hanging up the phone, Yuuki took out a cigarette.What's the point of asking yourself to go? That was the first thing that came to mind.He thought that there must have been a sudden situation, otherwise, Doi would not call himself in such a hurry. Suddenly, Yuki thought of the woman in Doi. She has been seducing Yuuki in various ways for a long time.Originally a geisha from Liuqiao, she was once the concubine of an industrialist; after the industrialist's downfall, he broke up with her and was picked up by Doi again.This woman is used to being in the romantic field, how can she be satisfied with just an old man Doi!

Although the matter of the little wife flashed through his mind, he believed that it was not for this reason that Doi asked him to go. A clerk brought the file over.He stamped it without even looking at the content.Anyway, what you are doing now is superficial business, which is not important at all.Profit or loss, it doesn't matter at all.The facade of this business was maintained only out of the necessity of having an office in the building. Yuuki stood up.The clerk immediately took the coat and helped him put it on from behind. I am going out.Yuuki said to the clerks. Are you still back today?asked the female clerk worriedly.She is still very young.

May not come back.When the clerks bowed to salute, Yuuki pushed open the door and walked into the corridor.He took the elevator downstairs, walked through the aisles lined with bustling shops, and walked outside the building.Electric lights are also on in the building during the day, so when we go outside, the bright sunlight blinds our eyes. Seeing the master's figure, the car on the parking lot slid over. Go to Tsukiji.Yuuki told the driver the name of the hotel that Doi had mentioned.The area around Tsukiji is lined with bars of this style, and the one Doi talked about is at a corner of it.There are almost no pedestrians on the street, no matter which house's fence looks inexplicably decayed during the day.

Yuki came to the gate of the designated tavern.In broad daylight, this kind of tavern that recruits prostitutes is always somewhat uninteresting, and has a feeling of illusory and impermanent. A young girl came out from the inside, strangely enough, she also showed loose hair on her temples and a faded blouse.Hearing Yuki's name, he turned around and walked in.Then came her voice calling for mother. The proprietress stepped in instead.This hotel is not the place where Yuuki and Doi met last night.It seems that Doi came to this house after changing places later in the night.So it has been until now.

Welcome! The fat proprietress bowed, making one feel that she was a woman unique to this industry. Compared with her radiant face at night, she was a different person.Her swollen eyeballs looked like she had just taken a midday nap. I have been waiting for you for a long time. Yuuki walked in with her.It is now around two o'clock in the afternoon, and there is nothing more deserted and lonely than this kind of tavern at this moment.It even makes people feel that there is dust everywhere.When passing through the corridor, the atrium inside and outside the house seems to be a quiet ruin.

Before coming to the innermost room, the proprietress knelt down on the ground and said: The guest has arrived. There was only an oh.Yuuki thought his woman would be there too.However, when the sliding door was opened, only Doi was seen drinking.The place is ready to receive guests: a cotton cushion is laid out in front of the alcove pillars; a brazier with charcoal fire is placed in the middle.Doi also wore a kimono on his obese body, giving the impression that a mountain stood there. Come in quickly.Doi stretched out his fat palm to give way to the guest.Faux pas last night. As soon as Yuki sat down, Doi apologized again for calling him: I'm sorry!It would be impolite to invite you here.

The proprietress closed the sliding door, and as soon as she left the corridor, Doi immediately said: I think it would be better to have a face-to-face meeting than to make a phone call. Doi first asked Yuki to pick up the wine glass, poured the wine for him himself, and then bent over towards Yuki. Actually, something went wrong.Ah, it's the same thing.The voice of the bald boss became very low. In the xx class in xx province, a boy was finally arrested by the prosecutor's office. who?Yuuki stared motionlessly at the face of the big man opposite. No, not yet a great figure.Is a chief.It seems that there has been no formal arrest, formally arraigned.However, it is estimated that an arrest warrant will be issued soon.Doi said calmly.

Who is that chief?Yuuki inquired about famous characters. Nakajima.By the way, you know it too, right? Yuki nodded, and said in his mouth: Ah, it's that person. Not a great character.However, the goal of the procuratorate is to get more convincing circumstantial evidence from this place!The next one will probably be Sugiura. Doi mentioned the name of an assistant to the section chief.Next, he put on a string of names of section chiefs and ministers.Then say: The purpose of the Prosecutor's Office is to try to gradually get Director Tian Ze from this line.It seems that the ultimate goal of the other party is probably to get to this point!

As soon as Director Tian Ze was found, wouldn't the matter become a big mess? right.That would get out of hand.Once this field is obtained, the political circle will be involved.Even ministers are in danger! Was the allowance in that regard taken out later? Much bigger than you know.This time, it was to allow that party to make up enough of the money scattered by banknotes. To what extent has the prosecutorial department grasped it? Probably even know these things!All in all, the content of the enemy's report must be very detailed. Now it's tricky! Yuuki cast his gaze into the distance.Hanging in the alcove is a landscape painting with strangely shaped mountain boulders, which has the flavor of traditional Chinese painting of the Southern School of China.He stared at the painting absently.

What about the prosecutors?Yuuki looked back at Doi. Well, yes.They seem pretty tough.It is for this question that I have invited you here.Let me show you this first. Doi took out a piece of paper from Yuanyuan's arms.That is a list: Yoshio Ishii passed the high civil service examination in 1943; in 1945, he was appointed as a prosecutor and was attached to the Nagoya District Prosecutor's Office; in 1948, the Gifu District Prosecutor's Office; Xinhong District Prosecutor; 55 years, Tsu City Prosecutor; 56 years, Tokyo District Prosecutor. Yokota Tadaichi passed the judicial officer examination in 1952; Urawa prefecture in 1954; Kumamoto prefecture in 1957; Tokyo prefecture in 1959. Onogi Qiaofu passed the judicial officer examination in 1957; These people are members of the special search team of the Tokyo prefectural police.Doi explained, because it is necessary to understand the enemy first. right.Yuuki copied the name written on the note to his notepad.I wrote down Ishii, Yokota, and Onogi, and copied their resumes according to the main points of the record.Ishii and Onogi were names he had heard before. This director named Ishii is quite a tough guy. It can be seen from his resume that the road he has traveled so far is a bit underappreciated after all.This kind of guy always has a bit of awe and prestige when things happen, and he doesn't show affection. Because he was underappreciated in the past, he has an abnormal resistance in nature.Therefore, the attitude towards this incident is also particularly tough. After making the above explanation, Doi went on to say: The next one is the guy named Yokota.This kid is generally not far from Ishii.Since it's been a long time since I came back to Tokyo, I'm eager to try it.As the current prosecutor on the front line, he is in high spirits.These guys are the most dangerous. Doi finally introduced: This person named Onogi, he is still a novice, probably everything should be under the command of the two superiors, and he is only responsible for the search work.It seemed that he was insignificant.The situation I sent people to investigate is roughly to this extent.As for the personalities and hobbies of these guys, I will send someone to investigate now, and they will find out soon.If I figure it out, I'll get in touch with you right away. Understood.Yuki replied.He understood Doi's usual approach, which was to take necessary countermeasures according to the opponent's specific situation. This is the case, you have to think of a way beforehand.The boss said, I am going to find these people right away. Doi wrote a few names on the edge of the paper with a pencil.These people are all powerful factions of a certain political party. However, relying on them alone is a bit unsafe.Therefore, I would like to invite you to do some activities on that side as well.You still have a connection with that person. let me try.Yuuki said.This refers to a certain congressman, and Yuki often goes his way when things happen. You must look for him.The boss said, it seems that there is probably nothing worth worrying about.Especially the people I entrust can put pressure on the prosecutor's office. I know that.Yuki agrees. However, relying on these alone is not very sure.In short, if there is a flaw this time, things will get out of hand.No, it's not about fear of those guys getting caught or going to jail, that's no big deal.The main thing is that our business can't be done, and that's terrible.It is best to take a safe bet. Having said that, Doi grinned with thick lips.He said to Yuki: So, I would like to ask you to be active anyway. Understood.I do my best. Please do help. This concludes the conversation.However, the boss suddenly remembered and added: By the way, if the investigation of the prosecutor's office has any results, I will send them to you immediately.At that time I will send someone to send it. About when? The reason why Yuki asked this was because he was often away from the office. Yes, I'm afraid tomorrow afternoon will be more secure. Yuki said he was waiting at the office.Then I asked again: But, Mr. Doi, what did you do?immediately What Yuki asked was why Doi stayed in this tavern in broad daylight. nothing.Just for a small reason.Doi smiled.Then he talked about his mistress and said, that bitch won't let me go, and it has finally dragged on until now.However, I will call someone else tonight. The next day, exactly as Doi had said in advance, Yuuki Yongxiong received his contact.It was past two o'clock in the afternoon, and the shadow of the building cast a long distance on the adjacent low roof. The manager, Mr. Iwamura is calling. The female clerk answered the phone.Iwamura is Doi's pseudonym.As soon as Yuki took the receiver, a young and lively female voice came: Mr. Yuki, it's me, did you hear that? Yuki immediately recognized that it was the woman from Doi. Know. I was so happy the other day!I'm right under this building right now.Doi asked me to deliver the letter to you, so I came here as a messenger.The woman's voice was a little excited. I'm going down right away.There is a tea shop there, please wait for me there.Yuuki replied in a dull tone. OK, come down quickly. Yuuki immediately started to prepare to go home, but changed her mind and went to the corridor without preparing anything.Because if you put on the clothes you went out, you will be entangled by that woman. The tea shop is in the basement of the building.When Yuki entered, there were very few guests.Due to the location, this tea shop has never been very prosperous. Doi's woman sat right at the entrance, so she could see him coming in at a glance.This woman came here in full dress today.From the hem to the top, the white ground clothes are covered with gorgeous and eye-catching patterns.The obi of the kimono is also very colorful and gorgeous.On the chair next to her, the high-end scarf woven from pink angora goat hair that she took off was bulging and laying there. As soon as Yuuki sat down on the chair opposite the woman, she immediately smiled cheerfully. It was really rude last night.She lowered her head slightly and smiled sweetly. No, I'm sorry. Yuki deliberately looked at the woman's face from the front, making a look of admiration.Today she dressed up with special care, with heavy makeup, and even a heavy face paint on her eyelids.It was clearly broad daylight, but she was dressed as if she was going to a party. From this, one could imagine the level of upbringing of this woman.Because of what she came to do, as long as she saw her, everything would be fine. you are so beautiful! The woman didn't take Yuuki's words as a sarcasm, but instead had a charming smile on her face.There was a thin layer of lipstick on the exposed white teeth.Hair also looks like it has just been conditioned from a salon. Does it fit, this?A woman refers to the clothes she wears. It fits so well!This will make it look more beautiful.Mr. Doi is satisfied, right? Really annoying.The woman frowned forcefully on purpose, not wanting to show the old man. But Mr. Doi picked them all for you, right? No, the old man doesn't understand these things.All are chosen by me.Women are showing off their hobbies, but I'm so happy to get Mr. Yuuki's approval. She didn't look up, but rolled her eyes upwards, staring at Yuki closely. Where, I don't quite understand. You still say that!You know everything about women. That's not necessarily the case!Especially in the recent period.Yuuki smiled wryly. No one will take your word for it.Heard quite a few rumors about you! It's all rumors!If you want to believe that, I'm in trouble. it does not matter.The woman said bluntly that men still have to have a good friend outside, otherwise it would be boring.Like me, if you don't even have someone you like outside, it's no fun. This woman is still in her old habits.From this we can see why Doi is obsessed with her. However, Yuuki brought up the topic just right, so please give me Mr. Doi's letter! Yuuki stretched out his hand on purpose. Oops, sorry.The woman took the bag to her side.This handbag is very fancy, and it seems to indicate her hobby.She opened the exquisite metal card and took out a letter. Thanks.Yuuki took the letter, opened it, and took out the letter paper inside.It is full of characters, hobbies, etc. of the three prosecutors. Doi holds a considerable intelligence network.Being able to ascertain these situations at once can also remind people of the breadth of his net. Yuuki just glanced at it roughly, and read it slowly after preparing for it.Besides, reading it over and over again in front of this woman is also hurtful.He put the letter back in the envelope as it was. Please tell Mr. Doi that I have indeed received it.When Yuuki looked at the woman's face again, she was staring at him intently.Ever since Yuuki read the letter, he has been staring at him like this. Hey, Mr. Yuki.She said, your work is not over yet? Well, there's a little left. Yuki thought to himself, it was right that he didn't prepare to go out when he came down. Can't come out right away?If time is short, I will wait for you. what? Shall we go over there together?Half the fun of coming here is to play with you.Otherwise it's a shame. Yuuki declined politely.He said: There is still work to be done.Definitely next time. A look of disappointment was evident on the woman's face. It's so boring.What a disappointment.The woman was a little disappointed, but immediately raised her head again, and said in a low whisper, hey, Mr. Yuki, to be honest, I want you to take me to a far away place.The old man, I'll try to coax him down. The woman stared at Yuuki again, her red eyes filled with tears. two Yuki returned to her home around eight o'clock that night.Recently, he often comes home early.He himself was aware of this phenomenon.Usually, the earliest time is twelve o'clock in the night.It is almost impossible to go home before ten o'clock.But recently came back at eight o'clock.Yuki has already noticed this change, and he can't explain the reason. You are back! The maid greeted him at the door.Lai Zi did not show up.He still abided by the usual routine, took off his leather shoes without a word, and went straight inside with an unhappy face. Today the maid came in afterward, so she knew that Lai Zi was not at home. Do you change your clothes?Walking into the living room, the maid asked hesitantly. Um.He thought for a while with a sullen face, and replied unhappily, no, that's it! Are you not at home?This is asking Lai Zi. Yes.The maid lowered her head slightly and replied in a low voice, the wife had left around six o'clock. This is because the master's unhappiness is clearly related to his wife's absence. Said where did you go?Yuki looked away and asked. The wife said that the alumni had a party to attend. Where? Things are really strange.Before this, he had never asked the maid so stubbornly about his wife's whereabouts. My wife said to go to Shinagawa, but I didn't hear the specific place to go. Well, Yuki snorted like this.Reaching into his pocket, he took out a cigarette and smoked it.Blue smoke was slowly ejected from the mouth. The maid next to her was in a dilemma, standing there at a loss. alright.Yuuki asked the maid to back out. He sat down on the wicker chair on the wide porch under the eaves.Outside the glass window, you can have a panoramic view of the dark roofs in the night.Due to the condescending position, the location can overlook the surrounding area.There seemed to be a wind blowing outside, and the dark bushes were swaying constantly. The maid came in gently and brought black tea.Yuuki sat motionless.The maid put the tea bowl in front of him in fear, and was about to step back. Hello.Yuki stopped the maid. yes.The maid knelt down on the spot. My wife goes out a lot these days, doesn't she? Because he hadn't bothered to ask about such things in the past, the maid was a little uneasy. no.She answered like this, looking very nervous. Yuuki stopped talking and said nothing.The maid was at a loss, but since the master didn't speak anymore, she retreated quietly.Yuki was thinking about what the maid said. Lai Zi said he was going to a friend's place.Lai Zi once said this, when he went to Ueno Station early in the morning, he also said that it was to send a friend off.However, ever since he knew it was a lie, Yuki lost his peace of mind. Who is that man on the other side?It's still a mystery. Not long ago, in order to find out the train arriving at Ueno Station at 5:00 in the morning, Yuuki checked the train timetable of Hokuriku once, because he thought that the person Lai Zi was going to meet was really from that area.However, now he suddenly thought of one thing, that is, Lai Zi once went out for two whole days when he was not at home. Where has she gone? In terms of Yuuki's personality, he is not a man who is willing to ask his wife such a question, but a husband who never shows weakness to his wife.The attitude he adopts is that he treats his wife indifferently no matter what. Such as directly saying to the wife: where have you been?Why prolong the estimated time by one day?He is unwilling to say such similar cross-examination words.This has always been the way it has been done in the past. Yuki knew that Lai Zi had betrayed her heart.He is highly vigilant not to bow down to his wife. He is his wife's husband, and he insists on not taking the initiative to talk to his wife on weekdays. Yuuki leaned on the rattan chair, still circling in his mind. That time Laizi left home because she planned to stay out for the night.Her stay dragged on for two days.So, where did she spend the night that was extended from the original plan?No, it should be said, what was the situation that forced her to prolong the night? A few days ago, Yuki heard from the maid that when Lai Zi came back, the clothes in the suitcase were drenched in the rain. Yuuki remembered this.Lai Zi got wet in the rain at the destination of the trip.In other words, the rain dragged her down.And it's not just any rain.She walks in the wind and rain. At that time, it was the time when the typhoon came.Yuuki still remembered that when she was not at home, she felt a little relieved, and spent the night with another woman.So where did Lai Zi encounter the typhoon? correct!Because of the typhoon, Lai Zi extended the scheduled return trip by one day. Why did the typhoon make her a day longer than scheduled?Judging from Lai Zi's personality, she is not the kind of woman who extends one day's plan into two days.You can come back even in a typhoon.And her failure to do this is to say that it was probably caused by an irresistible force. Irresistible force?Yuki muttered to himself.He remembered that at that time, the railway had been damaged by a typhoon.Yes, that's what happened!The reason why her return to Tokyo was delayed was that the train was not available. Yuuki lit a cigarette again.He seemed a little tired, leaning back on the rattan chair, putting his fingers to his forehead. After that typhoon passed, it caused considerable damage.Although the weather in Tokyo also became quite bad due to its aftermath, it was not to the extent that the trains were out of service. Yuuki was recalling the news reports at that time.Where has the railway been cut off due to the typhoon? At that time, the typhoon blew from the ocean surface of Cape Shiogeno, took the direction of due north and east, crossed the Tokaido from Sagami Beach, headed for Koshu, and swept straight towards the northeast waters of the Sea of ​​Japan.Yamanashi and Nagano prefectures suffered the most. The railways on the Chuo Line and the Shin-Etsu Line were indeed destroyed in pieces. So, was Lai Zi traveling in that area at that time?So, Yuuki thought of the guest from the Hokuriku side that Laiko had greeted at Ueno Station. However, if it is Hokuriku, it is a bit too far away.The trip Lai Zi made was to stay outside for one night. If you go to Shinshu or Hokuriku, it is impossible to come back after staying overnight.Must be somewhere nearer. The railway is severely damaged, and it is a place where you can return to Tokyo after staying overnight. Where will it be? In Yuuki's mind, a map of the Kanto region emerged. She wouldn't linger if it was a one-night trip, a country house, and a place for no reason.Maybe he will stay in a place with hot springs like ordinary city people.Moreover, logically, Lai Zi would not be alone.On the map in his mind, Yuuki searched for places with hot springs. A hot spring that you can return to after staying overnight in Tokyo.If you take the Chuo Line, there are hot springs such as Yumura and Suwa in Kofu, and Asama in Matsumoto.Among them, Asama is a little farther away; and on the Minoen line separated from Kofu, there are two hot springs in Xishan and Xiabu.Along the Joshin-Etsu line, there are three places including Ikaho, Shiman and Mizusami.In addition, there are Kinugawa, Shiobara, Iizaka in Fukushima Prefecture, etc.; but because it is located in the northeast, the damage from the typhoon is not very serious, so the line will not be blocked. Yuuki has memories of each of these hot springs, that is to say, they are all places where he has played with women before. However, there are several hot springs that he doesn't know about.Naturally, it is even more unheard of for those small hot springs. Although I thought hard about the hot springs on the Chuo Line and the Shin-Etsu Line, I couldn't come to a definite judgment.Are there no reliable clues? Yuki had a lot of worries at the moment.What Doi told him quietly was an example.If the situation escalates, he himself may be put in a dangerous situation.However, the issue of Lai Zi's whereabouts took up all his thoughts, so that he lost his sense of urgency on other worries. Maybe there is any information that can be the basis for inference at this moment! Yuki straightened up and called the maid. What are your orders?This maid has been at his house for a long time and is always responsible for taking care of Laizi's daily life. The maid originally thought she was doing ordinary business, but Yuuki smiled uncharacteristically. Ah, please sit down there.Yuki pointed at the mat. yes.The maid looked bewildered.She had never heard this kind of resignation from Yucheng's mouth. It's okay, sit down. Yuuki persuaded again.I also consciously made the corners of my eyes smile.In the past, the master who always had a cold face, now showed an unusually amiable expression. Yuuki also stood up from the rattan chair and sat cross-legged on the mat.This is to relax the maid's mind. I have something to tell you.You better sit down! yes.The maid barely sat down there upright.She was nearly thirty years old, with a narrow forehead and narrow eyes, and she was a kind-looking woman. Did you say that when my wife came back from a trip, the clothes in the suitcase were all wet? Yuuki's voice is very kind.The maid didn't know what he was going to ask, so she glanced at Yuuki carefully. Is there such a thing?Yuuki repeated. Yes, it is.The maid replied with a bit of restraint. Ah, that's right.Anyway, the clothes were wet from the rain, right?Did you arrange those clothes? yes. Needless to say, you did it before sending it to the laundry room.Who actually picked it up? it's me. oh. Asked here, Yuki was silent for a while.Lighted a cigarette and smoked.Then he asked: At that time, didn't you find anything on those clothes? ah?The maid turned her surprised eyes to Yuuki. It doesn't matter, and I mean the abnormal situation, but it's not a big deal.Just asking if you found any problems!For example, those clothes are stained with mud, or hung with something unusual. Yuuki's tone was flat.The tone gives the impression that he neither intends to seek the root cause, nor does he have any doubts about Lai Zi. The maid just kept silent. It's okay!Even if you hear it from here, it's nothing special.I just thought of something and asked.If you find something, just say so. His words were always gentle and kind.The expression is also unprecedentedly amiable. yes!The maid was thinking.Then, he raised his head suddenly, but didn't speak right away.It's a look of hesitation indeed. There is nothing to worry about.I just want to know.Moreover, just heard it! yes.The maid responded, and finally opened her unwilling mouth. According to what you said, the wife's suit was once glued to the leaves.Perhaps because of getting wet, the leaves stuck to an inconspicuous place on the collar of the wife's suit. Hey!Yuki's eyes lit up.What kind of leaf is it? It is a pear tree leaf. What, pear leaves? Under normal circumstances, laymen cannot tell whether a leaf is from a pear tree or not.Strangely enough, the maid recognized it immediately. Did you immediately recognize that it was a pear tree leaf?Or did your wife say that? Ah, I knew it when I saw it. How do you know? yes.My hometown is Shizuoka Prefecture.Because there are pear trees in the countryside, I am used to seeing them. Ah, so it is!Only then did Yuki understand, well, you are from Shizuoka. Yuuki lit up the cigarette again.Think for a moment, then say: I know.you can go now. After dismissing the maid from the room, Yuuki sat still for a while.The problem of pear leaves has been lingering in my mind.Hot springs, pear leaves, and typhoon-stricken areas, he is trying to combine these three.His brain was always pondering this question. Yuuki sat there for almost an hour.Keep your eyes fixed on the sky.He smoked several cigarettes, but they were all tasteless. Yuuki stood up.He put on his coat and stepped out of the corridor. Hearing his footsteps, the maid came out. Ah, are you going out? In this regard, Yuki only hummed in his mouth as an answer.The maid ran to the front and arranged the leather shoes at the door.Yuuki stuck her foot in and put on the shoe with a shoehorn without saying a word.The maid landed on her knees, and asked cautiously: "If the wife comes back, does the master have any orders?" Yuki finished using the shoehorn and was tying the shoelaces very carefully.There was only one answer in my mouth: nothing. He went outside through the door opened by the maid.Go down the stone steps in front of your house and come to the road.I thought nothing would happen again, so I sent the driver back.Inside the stone wall is the garage. Yuki took out the key from his pocket and opened the door; he used another key to open the car. Before driving onto the main road, Yuki encountered two cars.He slowed down the car he was sitting in and watched the two cars pass by.Lai Zi was not sitting in either car. He didn't understand why he only thought of Lai Zi blindly tonight. The car drove into the main street, galloping down the busy street.As he turned the steering wheel, he thought about where he was going.Two or three women's faces appeared in my mind, but I didn't want to see them. Halfway through the car, he saw a public phone booth.The face of the woman I met in the tea shop in the basement of the building during the day flashed in my mind. He parked the car next to the phone booth and walked in.Take out the notepad and find the phone number. When he picked up the receiver, he suddenly thought of Doi, but he knew that Doi would not be at this house tonight.After dialing the number, a woman's voice came out.However, this is not that woman. where are youIt seemed to be a maid's voice asking. Please tell me, I am Yuuki. If Doi is at home, just adapt to the situation when the time comes.However, it can also be heard from the receiver that it is the footsteps of a woman running over.There is absolutely no way to go wrong.There was only a click, and then came the woman's excited voice: Hello, hello! Akiko?Yuuki called Doi woman's name. it's me.Oh, Mr. Yuki?What are you doing now?The woman's voice was urgent. Daytime faux pas.Yuuki first talked about the daily greetings. nothing.Still, it's a pleasure to meet you.The woman spoke loudly, and it seemed that her old man, Doi, was not at home. I said, is what you said during the day true?Yuuki's tone couldn't help becoming rude.Because this woman turned out to be a geisha. It's true!Mr. Yuuki.I am not lying.If you take me anywhere, I'll be happy to go with you. What a sensitive woman.Yuki's intention to call is clear.Yuki was silent for a while, and the woman urged her to leave, hello, hello!Mr. Yuki? Um. Oops, what a nuisance.Did you hear that?Are you really going to take me somewhere? What I mean by calling is, if you want to, but please feel a little bad for Mr. Doi. Ah, take it easy!On Doi's side, let me figure it out. Yuki didn't speak again. Hey, hey, hey!The woman kept calling. Hear it!He replied, well, I'll call later.I will let you know the specific arrangements then. Well, sure!Don't lie?The woman's voice is full of joy, which direction is it going to take me? Where is the central line!By the way, it is in the direction of Koshu. three The train for Nagano departing from Shinjuku Station at 12:25 was an ordinary express train called Hakuba. When Yuuki walked into the second-class compartment, the woman was leaning forward from her seat and staring at the direction of the entrance.Seeing Yuuki's figure, he stood up suddenly.Knowing from this scene, the woman has been waiting anxiously just now. Come here!I thought Yuuki-san couldn't keep up and was worried.The woman said with a long breath. Yuuki slowly sat down opposite the woman.It was the window seat reserved for the woman, and it was covered with a beautiful white handkerchief.Yuuki nodded to the neighbors and sat there. It's about five minutes to go.Do you know, I went down to the platform several times, looking forward to your coming! The woman changed her hairstyle today.Usually her hair is always puffy and puffy, but today she specially combed it into a simple style that is not a geisha style.The clothes on her body are not as extravagant and gorgeous as the ones she likes to wear every day, but she chooses elegant and dignified clothes. You got up so early?Yuki asked listlessly. Oh, I hardly slept last night!In this way, I went to perm or something early this morning, and I was tossing for a long time. This is too much work. However, I still came earlier than Yuuki-san.How is it, is it suitable? The woman turned her face away.Although deliberately plain and unpretentious, the attire and the belt around her waist undoubtedly still reflect her romantic taste.This kind of charm is wonderfully mixed with the simplicity of the clothes, making it seem neither fish nor fowl. You are talking about S Hot Springs.This name is so awkward, so after listening to your call, in order not to mistake the ticket, I immediately wrote it on paper.How many hours will it take to get there? About three hours.Yuuki took out a folded newspaper from his pocket. Yo?Want to read a newspaper?It was with great difficulty that they waited for you here.Let's talk for a while! Um.Yuki put down the newspaper.He looked at the woman's face and asked, but, is it easy for you to come out? Ah, never mind, not a problem at all.Even if you stay for three or four days, you can sit back and relax!I came with this idea. You speak so boldly, is Mr. Doi reliable? I told you on the phone a few days ago, I have a way to deal with it! If he found out, it would be amazing! Oops, you are scaring people.Well, even if I found out, I just broke up with Doi.Next, you probably already have an idea? The woman stared at Yuuki intently.After all, he is a character who can't help but have a thin layer of eyeshadow on his eyelids.Although he was only twenty-four or five years old, there were already fine wrinkles on his eyelids, and he looked as if he was overtired. 結城做出一副若無其事的面孔看著窗外。剛好火車慢慢地開動起來了。 還是旅行好呀！ 女人興致勃勃，樂不可支。車窗外面，街道消逝，布滿雜樹林的高地開始呈現在眼前。 能和結城先生一塊兒去旅行，簡直連做夢也沒想到呀。而且，出去做這樣的旅行，已經時隔好些年了。 好些年前，是和誰去旅行的呢？ 是結城先生素昧平生的人。她用含笑的目光看著結城，忌妒嗎？ 這事與我無關嘛。 靠不住吧。這若是土井的話，可就不得了啦。 嚄!土井先生竟是那樣的人嗎？ 上了年歲的都那樣呢！對我從前的事刨根問底，哎呀，煩死人。 結城沒有吭聲，把煙噴到窗玻璃上。淡藍色的煙霧貼著玻璃朝上爬去。 女人靠近結城的臉，以忒低的聲音說：害怕了？ 旁邊的兩位乘客正在閱讀週刊雜誌，不過，從那樣子可以看出，兩人似乎都在暗中側耳細聽著她和結城的對話。 nothing.結城懶懶地答道。 真是好膽量呀。女人嗤嗤地笑了。 在列車到甲府的兩個多小時裡，女人向結城貢獻了各種食品。首先，從旅行皮箱裡拿出了威士忌。 How about it?她遞過一個小酒杯來。 呵，把這種東西都帶來啦！結城看著老酒店的黑色瓶子。 Um?中意吧。我也喝哪。 結城喝起來以後，女人也把小酒杯遞到口邊。她連這些東西都準備齊了。 喝過酒，她又胡亂地掏出來一大堆水果和點心之類。 真帶來不少東西啊。 exactly!不過，火車裡也太悶得慌了。而且，和結城先生這麼吃著各種東西，太令人愉快啦！ 女人似乎全都如此，為自己喜歡的男子可以獻出各式各樣可吃的東西。 他們在甲府換乘了身延線的列車。女人興沖沖地跟在身邊。 結城斷然選定Ｓ溫泉作為他和名叫昭子的土井小老婆去旅行的目的地，這是有緣故的。颱風那天，中央線也遭了災，火車停止運行。以結城現在要去的山梨縣和長野縣為中心，另外還有幾處線路出了故障。但結城根據兩點理由決定了Ｓ溫泉。一個是，要在賴子最初預計的住一夜便可返回東京的範圍之內；另一個是她淋溼的西裝上粘貼的梨樹葉。 結城以中央線為中心查找了附近種植梨樹的地區，於是斷定，有上述兩種可能的，乃是從甲府到身延的鐵路沿線。再把有溫泉這個條件加上去，Ｓ溫泉便自然地成了焦點。 這一判斷是否準確，現在還不清楚。如果撲空的話，便準備再詳細調查其他地方。在賴子的事情上，結城還從來沒有如此全力以赴過。現在正發生著各種令人傷腦筋的問題，而結城是把那些事置諸腦後到這一帶來的。 喔喲！盡是葡萄呀！ 從中央線的鹽山直到甲府和身延線的鰍澤口，兩側全是連綿不絕的葡萄園。口稱第一次來這一帶的昭子，頗為好奇地從車窗向外張望著。 結城的兩眼在留心梨樹園，卻沒有看到它。富士山雖然被三阪山地遮去了三千公尺左右，卻仍有七百多公尺的頂端君臨在山地之上，彷彿近在咫尺，不禁令人毛骨悚然。列車開進峽谷，不一會便到了Ｓ車站。車站上冷冷清清。 三、四名旅館的夥計已經來到車站前。 找個最好的旅館吧。昭子跟在結城的身後說。 兩人被領去的旅館在一條緩坡街道的半路上。這一帶全是一家挨一家的旅館。旅館背後有一條溪流。 結城和昭子被引進一間臨著那條小河的日本式房間。 旅館雖然不潔淨，景色還滿不錯嘛。昭子探頭瞧著小河說。隔河的緊對面，便是山勢很陡的懸崖。 掌櫃的，昭子扭回頭來，朝搬行李進來的夥計說，這是最好的房間嗎？ yes!I'm so sorry.夥計搔著頭頂，這座溫泉，許多先生都是來進行溫泉療養的，因此還是這般模樣。打算在不久的將來，建成可以與箱根媲美的現代化的建築。 趕快建吧！否則，房間這麼髒，溫泉水再好，東京的客人也不會來的呀。昭子不留情面地說。夥計苦笑著逃開了。周圍已經開始垂下夜的帷幕。蒼茫的靄霧之中，透出其他旅館的柔和燈光。女招待員拿來了旅館的和服棉袍。 我給二位帶路去洗澡，請吧！ Um.昭子立即站起身來，我說，您準備一下吧！ 結城正倚坐東房廊的藤椅上，眺望著暮色開始降臨的山巒。 我過一會再洗。 哎呀，為什麼？ 現在有點不大想去。你先去洗吧！ 我不嘛！好容易才到這地方來的，要不是兩人一塊洗，多沒趣呀！ 女招待員看這話一時半會兒說不完，就退到房廊外面去了。 Um?為什麼不去洗呢？昭子已經解開衣帶，湊過身子說。 tired.結城兩眼仍舊瞧著前面的山脈。身體沉在椅子裡，雙腿長長地伸到地板上。 一洗澡，疲勞就恢復了嘛！Um?快點去吧！昭子把手搭在結城的肩頭上。 好了，你去洗吧！結城口裡銜著香菸，身體紋絲不動。他的肩膀，在女人看來，冷漠得宛如一塊石頭。 昭子走進浴室以後，結城叫來了旅館的夥計。 What do you want?夥計雙膝跪在門檻旁邊。 nothing.我和你談點事。please come here. yes. 夥計面色驚異地把身子挪進來，並且跪坐在結城坐的椅子旁邊。 在那兒不好說話。來，坐到這邊吧！ 結城指了指對面的椅子。夥計躊躇了一番，終於還是照結城說的坐了下來。他毛衣外面穿了一件寫有旅館名字的工作服，看樣子有三十歲的光景。 頭一次到這裡，地方蠻不錯嘛。結城開口稱讚了幾句。 Yes, thank you!我們這裡是偏僻的小山溝，連可看的地方都沒有。 不，很好的地方嘛。結城遞給夥計一支香菸，怎麼樣，東京的客人也常到這兒來嗎？ 夥計認為是聊一些閒話，臉色輕鬆了。 是，東京的客人常常光臨。 我在報紙上見過，這一帶曾因颱風造成很大災害吧？結城開始轉入正題了。 Ah yes.我們這兒也鬧得很凶呢！ 這家旅館也遭災了？ 不，敝店倒沒那麼嚴重。正如您所看到的，因為地勢高，水沒有淹上來。不過，這前面有一家大旅館，它緊挨著河邊，地勢很低，所以讓客人們到我們這兒避難來了。 Um.結城稍微動了動身子，後來怎樣了？ 啊，不巧得很，這一帶的旅館都住滿了團體客人，所以暫時請那些避難的客人到旅館工會辦事處二樓去住了一夜。這地方旅館很少，一旦發生那樣的事故，簡直就應付不過來。 那家旅館的客人有幾位？ 大約是七位。不過，不會再輕易發生那種事了。我也是第一次經歷。總算萬幸，客人先生裡並沒人受傷，我們都鬆了一口氣。 轉移客人的那家旅館叫什麼名字呀？ 叫八代屋，是一家規模比較大的旅館。就在鐵路的對面。 八代屋。結城自語了一句。又對夥計說，就是說，在火車站的對面囉。 是的，正是那樣。 提起鐵路線來了，這一帶的火車大概也不通了吧。 Yes.這前邊有一個Ｈ村，那地方正好有富士川從鐵路旁邊流過。河水在那兒溢出河床，地基塌陷，有一部分鐵路被沖垮了。 那可就麻煩了。那麼，當天沒有恢復交通吧？ 啊，還是到第二天傍晚才恢復的。 恢復之前，客人們全部留下了吧？ right.甲府方面雖然沒有受災，但中央線卻被沖得一塌糊塗。所以，要回東京的客人也都被困在這兒了。 那可為難他們了。結城表示同情地說，恐怕也會有急著回東京的客人吧？ 啊，那是誰也不例外的。其中就曾有一對兒，沒等火車通行就出發了。 oh? 結城飛快地朝夥計臉上看了一眼，然後才這麼應了一聲。但馬上又把眼皮垂下，重新點燃一支香菸 掌櫃的，你講的那一對兒是怎麼回事呢？這聲音也是普普通通的。 剛才提到的那二位，是颱風到來的當天晚上才到八代屋的。是一對夫婦。要說年紀嗎，男方有二十七、八的樣子。那位婦人出奇地漂亮，大約也和男方的歲數差不多吧。哎呀，真是一位高貴的夫人。夥計熱心地說。 身材怎麼樣？對了，我問的是那個女人。 結城把藤椅弄得吱吱作響。不過，夥計好像認為結城只是出於興趣才這樣問的。 身材細高，很苗條。總之，在到這種偏僻地方來的客人當中，我們很少見到那樣漂亮的女性。 結城沉默片刻，又問：那男的呢？ 那位也長得很帥。啊，可以說是一對很相稱的夫婦吧，男方也是高高的個頭，模樣長得很好看。因為是這樣的兩位客人一塊兒沿山路走去了，所以大家都很吃驚。儘管我們拚命勸阻，但看來他們相當急迫，斷然不顧大家的勸告，終於出發了。 結城把身體動了動，藤椅跟著又吱吱地響了起來。客人的表情是什麼樣子，夥計當然不會去觀察的。 他們朝哪個方向去了呢？ 就是沿著眼前的那座山。夥計朝後面指了指，從那兒一直走，就會到身延方面。山裡沒有像樣的路，我看他倆都要吃苦頭呢！而且，當時還在下雨，風也沒有停。頂風冒雨，翻山越嶺，那可不是好玩的。他們本人大概是想走到能去東海道線的地方吧。 結城又不做聲了。過了一會兒，他用平靜的聲音問道： 可是，掌櫃的，怎麼說好呢？那一帶有梨樹園嗎？ 梨樹園？啊，那當然有哇。夥計當即答道，這地區水果多著呢。甲府產葡萄，我們這一帶種的有梨、李子、白蘭瓜等。 有梨樹園嗎？結城盯住這個細節不放。啊，有的。剛巧那二位經過的半路上就有梨樹園。 再問你一下，那兩人很親密吧？ 嗯，那是不成問題的。我們仔細觀察過，那是一對新婚燕爾的夫婦。其實，就是我從八代屋旅館把他們接來的。當時，那位先生就十分小心地保護著太太。他們臨走的時候，也是很親密和睦的樣子，甚至旁邊的人看了都覺得很羨慕。 Yeah?是新婚燕爾的夫婦嗎？結城說到這裡，放聲大笑起來，掌櫃的，你是說，他們一開始住的旅館是八代屋嗎？ 結城把那位女性的服裝問清楚之後，又這樣叮問了一句。 昭子洗過澡回來的時候，結城不見了。 她以為結城在浴室，等了一會兒，卻始終不見回來。 女人臉上突然現出不安的神色。飛快地掃視一下房間，旅行皮箱還和她的並排放在一起。打開西服櫥櫃，結城的西裝也在裡面整齊地掛著。 昭子坐到梳妝鏡前，動手打扮起來。可是，一切停當之後，結城仍然沒有返回房間。她有些沉不住氣了。 昭子按了按蜂鳴器。不一會兒便傳來了腳步聲，女招待員出現了。 Did you call me? 女招待員半拉房門，雙膝併攏跪在門外。 do you know?我家那位，他去哪兒啦？ ah.女招待員表情有些茫然，您的先生剛才說去散散步，從正門出去了。 Yeah?知道他去哪兒了？ 啊，這個因為昭子表情很凶，所以女招待員有點支支吾吾，我們什麼也沒有問。不過，這附近地面不大，我想先生馬上就會回來的。 Um.昭子考慮了一下說，當時你該問明去向嘛！ yes.女招待員剛要離去，又衝昭子說：那個用餐要等先生回來以後再 of course!他一回來，就請馬上送過來！ 女服務員走開以後，昭子探身朝小河那邊張望過去。不巧得很，河邊沒有路。只在對面的陡坡上有一條小徑，而且正逐漸隱沒在夜色之中。