Chapter 13 5

The office was silent.Only the sound of Zhihui typing on the computer keyboard and the occasional sound of small raindrops being blown on the window glass by the wind can be heard. Masahiko is working at his desk with no urgency.The work here is almost never rushed, and the work that must be completed in the head office within 30 minutes, even if it takes half a day here, no one will speak. Masahiko suddenly stopped working, raised his head and silently looked at Zhihui who was concentrating on typing on the computer keyboard.She wears glasses to work, so her characteristic large eyes are unobtrusive.

Her grandmother had been dead for about two weeks.Zhihui, who returned to work after the funeral, was no different from before, still doing what she should do as if nothing had happened.If there is any change, it is that the attitude towards Masahiko is much more lively than before. Masahiko remembered the way Chie rolled up her hair on the day of the funeral.At that time, she was as beautiful as if she was standing on the most important stage of her life, completely different from when she was in the business office.At that time, Zhihui was filled with a coquettish temperament.They say women look best in mourning dress, and that's probably true.

Seeing Chie like that made me think of Ryoko for some reason. Masahiko doesn't know what happened to the person he had an affair with afterwards.I didn't take the initiative to contact, and the other party didn't even have a phone call or text message. That's fine, Masahiko thought, but I always feel a little lonely, no, I always feel a feeling of almost boredom in my heart.Ryoko's beautiful body has been owned by others (in fact, it has been so for a long time), thinking of this, I feel as miserable as chewing tobacco leaves by mistake. Masahiko doesn't want to see Ryoko again.I don't want to see each other, but I want to relive that sweet time again.Such contradictory feelings are really difficult to resolve.

Ryoko's naked body suddenly overlapped with Chie's face in front of her mind. (What the hell am I thinking!) But don't forget why you were transferred to this remote countryside! Masahiko hid his face behind the document while staring at Chie again.Zhihui didn't notice his gaze, but just concentrated on looking at the computer screen. (Isn't that killing people?) Chi-hye assists her grandmother in committing suicide. That morning, she was the one who helped grandmother tie the rope to the iron post.She must have reached out to help my grandmother when she was about to step on the bench. This is enough to constitute the crime of assisted suicide.

Yes, there is such a charge in law.That's what the head of the town council said on the night of the vigil for Ji-hye's grandmother.This law is really weird when you think about it.It's like an elderly person is about to cross the road, shouldn't we help? The president of the town council seemed confident and confident, Masahiko almost agreed with him that it was correct. In other words, people are not born according to their own will, and it is not known whether gods exist or not, but they must be born by someone's order.It is absolutely inappropriate to accomplish nothing or even waste your life.But if you are sure that you are satisfied with your life, you can end it yourself.I find this to be quite natural.

But suicide is absolutely unacceptable.Life is extremely precious, and it would be too stupid to destroy life with one's own hands. But Masahiko couldn't refute the chairman of the town council.Not because I agree with what he said. The reason is obvious: because I have never seriously considered the problems of life before.I have no understanding of life, and what I don't have in my heart can't be clearly expressed no matter how hard I try. vice director. Suddenly hearing someone calling him, Masahiko raised his head quickly.It was a middle-aged female employee who was the manager, and she was staring at herself with a sneer.

It’s fine to think about my wife during working hours, but I’m still thinking about it so preoccupied, what on earth is I thinking about? Her words made everyone laugh, Masahiko scratched his head in embarrassment.Chie also laughed together, but for some reason, her gaze stayed on Masahiko. That look is so attractive. On the way home that day, Masahiko stopped by the video rental store. Masahiko saw Zhihui's off-road motorcycle parked in the corner of the parking lot, and thought: Sure enough, because he always thought that as long as he came here, he could see Zhihui. After walking through the labyrinth of video tape display racks for a while, he found Chie holding a red hard hat.She was standing in front of a Hong Kong film display rack picking up films, without glasses and with her hair down, so she looked exactly the same as when she appeared in Jizang Nunnery.

Just as she was about to walk up to say hello, Zhihui just turned around, but she only glanced at him and immediately turned her gaze back to the shelf.Masahiko felt that she also guessed that he would come to her. Some people love to gossip.As soon as Masahiko approached, Chie started talking naturally.I like Hong Kong movies very much, because whether it is a comedy or a tragedy, the people who appear on the scene seem to have a very busy life. Really?I'm not sure about this. I hope you will check it out next time. As Zhihui said, he met Masahiko's eyes, and there seemed to be some kind of determination in his eyes.

What happened to grandma hit you hard, didn't it? Masahiko said the same thing when Ji Hye came to work on the first day after her bereavement leave.But speaking in front of everyone and privately speaking, the meaning of the words is completely different.Zhihui seemed to feel the subtle difference. Don't you like this town? No, but a little surprised. Openly set up iron pillars dedicated to hanging people.This town is really annoying, no matter how you look at it, it is not normal. I don't hate it.Zhihui said without emotion, not knowing how true or false it was.In this town, not having to hesitate or beat around the bush, as long as it's something you want to do and die contentedly, though sadly, is the best thing in this town.

Zhihui picked up a piece of Hong Kong movie, glanced at it and handed it to Masahiko.The title of that movie is Wanna Hug Tight Now. This movie is about playing an inexplicable hooligan who chose an inexplicable method of death.It's boring, but I cry no matter how many times I watch it. Masahiko didn't know why she handed this film to herself. The president said he already told you.Aren't you surprised that I helped grandma? Masahiko was noncommittal. Now that I can no longer hide it, let me tell you the truth.It's true, I helped grandma tie the rope to the post. The video rental store was playing an impassioned song by a girl group that didn't resonate at all, just loud.

Does everyone call that thing a pillar? This was the first time Masahiko heard townspeople address Tie Zhu.Isn't the counting unit of gods in Japanese also a column? Everyone calls it that, but it seems like it shouldn't be said casually. The image of the iron pillar appeared in Masahiko's mind, and the slippery sense of touch, like a park amusement facility, also revived in his palm at the same time. Not only that, but I also helped grandma put the noose around her neck.Because my grandma is a bit hunchbacked, I can't do it myself, but then I dare not watch it.Grandma saw that I was scared, so she said, "It's okay not to witness. Come back in thirty minutes." witness? Didn't you hear the president mention it?Anyone is free to use the pillars, but there must be witnesses on the spot, otherwise they may be used for other purposes and deviate from the original purpose. I see.I'm afraid it is, as long as you write a waka as usual, the people in the town will not be suspicious, and if you really want to, it can be used to kill people. Can anyone be a witness? Mostly there are no hard and fast rules.But for men, relatives cannot be witnesses.I don't know the reason, but I heard that this rule has existed since ancient times.For women, family members can serve as witnesses. Why is there such a difference? This question, deputy director, you once helped my grandmother cover the sports coat, you should guess the reason, right? When Zhihui said this, Masahiko remembered the face of the old grandmother after her death.That's right, this rule must be based on respect for women's psychology that they don't want to be seen by outsiders after death.From other perspectives, it can also be said that it is a regulation that sings against the idea that men are superior to women. So you are your grandma's witness? Formally, this is the case, but in fact, I have not witnessed it.I left when I was ready, and according to my grandmother's instructions, I didn't return to the scene until 30 minutes later. I see.So I got there about thirty minutes after you left. Yes, so I was scolded by the president later, saying why I didn't complete it according to the regulations. Masahiko suddenly remembered the smiling expression of the town council president.He pretended to be gentle on the surface, but he turned out to be an over-the-top guy who asked his grandson to watch his grandmother commit suicide. I am very grateful to the deputy director.Do you remember the day we first met?When you and your wife were walking together in front of Jizo Temple. Masahiko tried hard to recall the scene of that day, and the amiable smile of Grandma Zhihui under the spring sunshine gradually appeared in his mind. In fact, grandma had planned to leave that day, but she changed her plan because she met the deputy director and his wife who had just moved to the town.She said that she didn't want you two to have strange feelings about this place. At that time, I really didn't know how to thank the deputy director. Zhihui's grandmother did take a look at herself and Akiko that day, and then said: Forget about today, now I finally understand the meaning of this sentence. You don't want your grandma to die either, do you?Yahiko said cautiously. Zhihui didn't answer, maybe answering violated the rules of the town. Borrow this film today.Masahiko couldn't stand the solemn atmosphere, so he had to pretend to be cheerful. Chie whispered as if trying to get rid of this rashness: I'm so scared I'm so scared to live. Eyes with beautiful double eyelids were filled with tears at some point.Masahiko couldn't help but hold his breath at the beauty of those eyes. At this time, if Zhihui hadn't taken the initiative to reach out and grab Masahiko's arm, maybe nothing would have happened.However, at the moment of being touched by her, a white hot feeling like steam gradually rushed into Masahiko's heart. As if driven by that heat, Masahiko's body took action involuntarily.He quickly hugged Zhihui tightly, and put his lips on hers. Zhihui's body stiffened immediately, but it was only for the first moment.Two seconds later, Chie and Masahiko's bodies were tightly entangled. So happy, it's great to move to this small town. After the children went back, Akiko cleared the table and said so.It's the first Sunday in July. It seems that being with children will also become very energetic. It seems so.Masahiko replied, helping to pack the electric toys. I didn't expect that the word "children" could be used freely in this family. I really didn't expect such a day.Ever since it was known that Akiko was infertile, the use of this word was completely forbidden. Even if a baby appeared on TV and accidentally boasted that she was cute, even such a trivial word would still hurt Akiko. But today the situation is very different, and it is Akiko herself who uses the term naturally. Children nowadays are really good at video games.But I used to be pretty good. How can you compete with children in that kind of game?Akiko couldn't help laughing. Akiko has been helping her children with English tutoring at home for a month.Usually they use the weekday afternoon tutoring, but today is special, everyone seems to come here specially.After noon, six children came.Because of the bad weather, I had to play at home.Masahiko also played video games with the kids, and a smart kid brought a newest fighting game, and everyone took turns to play.Masahiko boasted that he used to play games a lot, but after all, he was no match for the children. How is that going? After cleaning up, the two drank coffee in the restaurant, and Masahiko asked Akiko this.That aspect refers to the work of translation. Almost, because it is for teenagers, there are almost no difficult words, it is very simple. Akiko Muto will be marked on the opposite side. of course.The parts sent before are all OK, so it should be completed smoothly within a week.next The book is out! That's right! Akiko was very happy, and Masahiko was also happy. If Akiko's dream can be realized in this way, it will be a happy thing for Masahiko.Because Akiko was in a cheerful mood, she also became cheerful.I really hope that Akiko will become more and more cheerful, and will not find out that this weird town has iron pillars for hanging himself. By the way, it's an exaggeration, Akiko said after a while. What is exaggerated? How should I say it is very bold or very avant-garde?Akiko deliberately lowered her voice even though she was alone.The lady next door seems to be having an affair. No way? The kind smile of the wife next door appeared in Masahiko's mind.She is about the same age as her own mother, and she fits perfectly in a white long-sleeved apron. She is a standard Japanese mother no matter how you look at it. She has two children, both of whom appear to be grown up and who work elsewhere.Mr. is quite muscular, and I heard that he opened a housing agency in the city. Occasionally a man with a white car would visit.I saw that person once. She was the exact opposite of her husband, very thin and tall, and wore glasses. Maybe someone from the bank. Maybe it is.However, every time that person came, she would close the curtains, right? Masahiko couldn't help laughing, that was a bit too much. Jingjing has been spying on the neighbor next door? How can there be.Akiko shook her head.Do you know who Mrs. Dai Yue is?She's a good friend of the lady next door, well, the one with the big eyes. He still couldn't confirm the name, but he remembered a few possible candidates.It should be the middle-aged woman whose outline looks a bit like an Indian. A long time ago, one day when I was shopping for vegetables, I ran into Mrs. Da Yue. She said that she happened to be looking for the wife next door, so she dropped by and drove me back.Unexpectedly, as soon as she saw the white car parked next door, she said: Come again next time.Just turned around and went home. That alone doesn't prove it. Wait a minute, Xiao Yan, there is a sequel.Akiko grabbed the biscuits on the table and said with a smile.I also asked Mrs. Ogoshi, but she smiled happily and said: Mrs. Muto, when you see this car parked here, you'd better not bother me, so as not to spoil his good deeds.That's what she said. Hearing such words, it is still hard to believe that such a kind wife would betray her husband, which sounds like malicious slander.When Masahiko said this, Akiko nodded sharply. Yes, how could such a good person have an affair?And it's still in my own home, it's too much. Masahiko felt a sudden pain in his heart.There is no distinction between good and bad people in having an affair, only the difference between those who dare to do it and those who dare not. Xiao Yan, you will not have any problems, will you? Akiko suddenly turned her finger on Masahiko.Masahiko was momentarily guilty and flustered, but it didn't show on his face. What kind of silly words are you talking about? How dare I betray Jingjing. Masahiko replied with a smile, but was actually restless because of the faint burning sensation under the stomach. Sorry, I was joking. It's rude to ask such a question, so stop asking. Masahiko tapped Akiko's head with her fingertips, and Akiko stuck out her tongue.Although she is over 30 years old, she is still very suitable for such a cute expression. However, as if summoned by Akiko, a woman's face appeared in Masahiko's mind, not Ryoko, but Chie. Why is this so?Masahiko remembered what happened that day at the video rental shop. After their lips parted, Zhihui rushed out of the store without looking back, as if fleeing for her life.The situation just now was probably completely unexpected to her. (In the end, I'm afraid it will turn into an affair.) If someone asked, he could only answer in this way.I really don't know why I still do this kind of thing, I have clearly made up my mind to just guard Akiko for the rest of my life. Masahiko racked his brains, trying to find an excuse to offend himself, but he couldn't find a reason that could fool him, so he had to admit that he was that kind of person. I don't know if I should call it lucky.Zhihui's attitude did not change the next day, she behaved very normal when they met in the company, even when the two were alone, she never mentioned what happened that day, as if she just took it as the two were accidentally blown by a strange wind at the same time.From Masahiko's point of view, that's fine too. However, people really can't judge by their appearance.Masahiko said while drinking coffee. I really don't see her being that kind of person. He suddenly remembered Zhihui's words: Doing what you want to do is a commendable virtue in this small town.The lady next door probably thought so too.Betraying her husband and having an affair with another man, is this what she wants to do? Perhaps humans are just so unpredictable.Akiko glanced at Masahiko and said.Miss Mihashi's grandma couldn't tell that she was a suicidal person either.You can't really tell from the outside. Hearing Zhihui's name from Akiko's mouth, Masahiko couldn't help being surprised. This town seems to have a lot of incredible strange things.Akiko sighed. Maybe Akiko already knows the secret of this small town, Masahiko thought.Even if I don't tell her, the neighbors and wives who usually hang out with her will tell her.It's very possible. Akiko suddenly fell silent, Masahiko thought it was just because the topic had come to an end, and was about to reach for the newspaper next to her. Xiao Xiaoyan Akiko suddenly let out a strong gasp from her throat.She stared blankly at the air ten centimeters in front of her, with sweat constantly breaking out from her forehead.Hyperventilation strikes again. Yahiko quickly looked around.Some kind of bag must be found to cover her mouth and nose, so that she can breathe back the air she exhales, and it will naturally get better. Hold on a little longer. Akiko sat on the chair trembling unceasingly, her face turned pale and her hands slapped her chest in a panic. Masahiko took out a supermarket plastic bag that Akiko kept in it from the drawer of the tea table, he quickly opened the bag, and tightly covered Akiko's mouth and nose.Akiko exhaled forcefully into the bag, and immediately inhaled forcefully loudly. Although this has happened several times, it is by no means a habit.The thin and small Akiko trembled violently all over, fearing that she would not be able to breathe air.Just seeing her so terrified already made Yayan feel like a knife piercing his heart.Although the doctor said it was not a serious illness, Masahiko really wanted to yell at the doctor: If it is really so insignificant, you should find a way to make it stop happening again! After about five minutes, Akiko stabilized.Finally, he was able to straighten his body, but his breathing was still disordered, and his eyes were filled with tears. It hasn't happened for a long time.This is the first time it happened when I moved to this small town. Yes, that's right. Moved to such a quiet place, but still can't get rid of this problem.Akiko said helplessly.