Chapter 39 Chapter Thirty-Nine
There were quarreling roars from the closed door.
Yuri shrank her neck.Holding a lot of materials in her hands, she happened to pass by the office of the "News Quest" program group.get out of here quickly...
But the feet stopped talking to themselves.Yuri looked around to make sure that the hallway full of cardboard boxes and cabinets full of equipment was empty, she moved half a step, her body approached the door, held her breath, and listened.
"How can we stop the interview now!"
It really is Mogi.The voice is loud and aggressive, but still manages to remain calm.This guy has always been like this, good at provoking the opponent and finding out the flaws.
"What kind of interview is this? Think about it, what have you done! You have to turn the place without Mars into a mess, and a junior high school student has already died for it!"
Yuri was relatively unfamiliar with this excited high voice.Is it the head of the editorial department or the director of the reporting bureau?It's not like Sugiura, the chief producer of "News Quest", but he talked to Motegi yesterday with a livid face.
"No Mars? It's already there. Can't you all see it?"
"Are you talking about the report letter? How can such a thing that is difficult to distinguish between true and false be used as evidence!"
They were talking about the suicide incident of the first two boys in Chengdong No. 3 Middle School at the end of last year.The Motegi reporter went to the interview and found that the incident was extremely suspected of murder. Not only were there suspects, but the school was also trying to cover up the truth with the knowledge of it.As a result, an informative program came into being. It was broadcast on TV when school started in April, and it still maintains an aggressive attitude of "will make follow-up reports in the future" and "hope those in the know to provide information".
However, after the show was broadcast, the gang of delinquent teenagers mentioned as suspects—even if the names were not named, people related to Chengdong No. 3 Middle School could immediately guess who it was—the father of the student who took the lead immediately sent A letter came claiming that a defamation suit was underway.
As a dispatched temporary worker in charge of general affairs, Yuri felt that the situation was already very serious.But Motegi reporter snorted and sneered a few times after receiving the guarantee email.Even if he doesn't like Motegi, Yuri has to admire his courage.It can be seen that he is quite confident in the conclusions obtained from the interview.
The last time Motegi used the excuse of lack of manpower to force Yuri to interview the troubled father. Yuri was terrified to death when he saw the other party swearing and beating him.Reporter Mogi was also beaten.Like a father, like a son, that son was a delinquent boy, and it would not be surprising to kill one or two cowardly classmates.Yuri knew that this kind of thinking came from personal likes and dislikes and was irrational, but he still couldn't help thinking this way.
Maybe Mogi is right.Even if he was unwilling, Yuri had thought so.
However, a big event happened last week.Another girl died in Chengdong No. 3 Middle School, and she was also a classmate of Takuya Kashiwagi who "suicided".This time there was no doubt that it was an accident or a suicide because there were witnesses.
And the person who wrote the report letter seems to be the dead girl.It was this report letter containing witness testimony at the murder scene that made Motegi come to the conclusion that Takuya Kashiwagi did not commit suicide.
It is said that in Chengdong No. 3 Middle School, similar sayings are widely spread now.Not only the students, but even the teachers began to panic.
Of course, the school has not publicly stated its position.It was unclear whether the deaths of the two students were connected, or who the whistleblower was.As for the latter, the school sometimes said it was malicious slander by people outside the school, and sometimes it was a prank by the students. The words were erratic, which showed that they were also quite confused.They claimed that before the program aired, there had been neither murders nor suspects on campus, and that it was "News Quest" that had sparked the panic.
Therefore, it is completely understandable that the boss will curse loudly with a livid face.It was an out-and-out reporting accident.
Yuli also has a deep understanding of this.Sorting emails is part of her job. Immediately after the show aired, there was a strong response. Supporters of Motegi reporter sent letters and faxes of support, but there were also some voices who expressed doubts about the way the show was reported.
"Isn't that a little too much?"
"It is extremely inappropriate to treat junior high school students as suspects in the murder without clear physical evidence."
Yuri also knew that compared with the real incident of the school's concealment of the facts revealed by the Motegi reporter before, the reaction of other TV stations to this report was quite cold.
Did you screw it up this time?
Chattering here, whispering there, everyone is worried about the development of things.It is better not to make follow-up reports, but to pretend to be dead and wait for the situation to subside naturally...
"If you give up at this time, the dead child will be too wronged." Motegi reporter continued to speak eloquently, "I will continue to interview, but I can't prove that Matsuko Asai committed suicide. Maybe she was silenced."
"What on earth are you trying to do!" The other party's voice changed, "Open your eyes and see the reality! Do you think this is a mystery drama?"
Mystery drama?Yuri smiled wryly.Reporter Motegi's speculation is indeed dramatic.Even if the school's teachers are afraid of getting into trouble, they will not block the students' mouths in order to avoid responsibility.Maybe Motegi thinks that Oide Shunji and the others killed Kashiwagi Takuya and then killed Asai Matsuko?Those people's conduct is indeed problematic, but does he really believe that junior high school students will do this?
Motegi is planted this time.There is no conclusive evidence, and only imagination is used to explain the situation, so it has suffered retribution.
He still wants to save face and refuses to admit defeat.
Yuri hugged the documents again, and tiptoed away from the door where the roar came from.
I do not want to put my daughter on public display.Out of the strong will of Matsuko Asai's parents, relevant personnel from Joto No. 3 Middle School did not attend her wake and funeral.The only exception is the music club that Asai Matsuko is passionate about.The members performed a farewell performance in front of Songzi's funeral. It is said that all the members were crying, but everyone worked hard and the melody did not stop.The tunes they played were Songzi's favorite. On the third day after the funeral, Principal Tsuzaki went to Asai's house and joined hands in silence in front of Matsuko's spirit.Prior to this, Principal Tsuzaki had contacted the Asai family many times, but was always rejected. Today, he finally got permission, provided that the principal could only come alone. Next to the urn wrapped in a white cloth is a portrait of Songzi with a bright smile.The picture seems to have been taken in a music club, and she is holding a clarinet in her hand. Principal Tsuzaki couldn't face the photo. Songzi's parents described Qiao as haggard. "My parents are also very fat." Principal Tsuzaki recalled what Matsuko said with a smile.The two people in front of them are indeed relatively large in size, but today they seem to have shrunk by a circle.Their bodies seemed to be hollowed out.Song Zi's death cut out the most important part of his parents' life, which could never be restored. Everything seemed empty and pale, and nothing could be redeemed. Principal Tsuzaki could only apologize to the Asai couple.He knew his words wouldn't get anywhere, but he still stammered and apologized and apologized and kept on apologizing. After listening to the lengthy apology, Song Zi's mother raised her eyelids swollen from crying and whispered, "Mr. Principal." "Ah..." Principal Tsuzaki raised his head. "Do you also think that Song Zi wrote the report letter?" "Is that what everyone is talking about in school?" said the father who was sitting next to Songzi's mother.Neither of them looked at Principal Tsuzaki, the father stared at the portrait of Matsuko, and the mother's eyes fell on her lap. Principal Tsuzaki didn't know how to answer.He knew that he would be asked such a question, but now he couldn't speak decently, even his voice. Same as Juri Miyake. Yesterday, Principal Tsuzaki went to Miyake's house.Juli's mother was in a state of confusion, and could hardly say a few decent words; I didn't see Juli either, so I only knew that she really couldn't speak. Knowing that Juli has fallen into this state, the teachers' reactions can be divided into two types.One is pure shock, why did such a strange thing happen again?This school and the students here seem to be cursed. What can I do to get out of this predicament? The other response was one of unabashed disgust and suspicion. "Now Miyake doesn't have to open his mouth, and he can also gain sympathy, killing two birds with one stone." Teacher Nanshan even uttered malicious words, directly accusing Shuli of pretending to be ill, which attracted the attention of other people present to him.Teacher Nanshan was unmoved, but the people who watched him felt guilty first, and turned their eyes elsewhere. Principal Tsuzaki also failed to seriously criticize Mr. Kusuyama's rash remarks.He should have admonished loudly: Since he has stated that no informant has been found, as a teacher, he should not say such things based on rumors and subjective impressions.But he failed to do so. To the outside world, he can still insist on his caliber: I don't know who the whistleblower is, and Matsuko Asai died in a traffic accident, which has nothing to do with the whistleblowing letter.This is also the bottom line that must be adhered to.But in school, Principal Tsuzaki has lost this courage. Nobody believes me anymore. I'm already useless. Where did I make a mistake, and at what point did I lose my plan?Principal Tsuzaki thought about it many times.When Kashiwagi Takuya died?When you just received the report letter?After discussing with Police Officer Sasaki, it was time to conduct an interrogation and investigation of the students?When reporter Motegi from HBS called?Was it when Da Chusheng, who was irritated by his interview, rushed to the principal's office and made a scene? have no idea.Only one thing is certain: time cannot be turned back, and lost lives will not return. "I..." Sitting in front of the poor head of Tsuzaki who couldn't speak, Mrs. Asai began to talk to herself, as if she had forgotten the existence of Headmaster Tsuzaki, "I don't think Songzi has nothing to do with that report letter." Principal Tsuzaki opened his eyes slightly.Songzi's father stroked his wife's back, weeping silently. "Isn't it? If it didn't matter at all, how could she die?" The corners of the stiff mouth loosened somewhat.Principal Tsuzaki said: "Have you noticed anything?" Mrs. Asai stared blankly at Principal Tsuzaki: "After that TV show..." "Oh?" "I watched it with pine nuts..." After watching that episode of the program, Songzi was shocked and seemed a little panicked. "She became listless all of a sudden. I thought..." Mrs. Asai's red and swollen eyes poured out new tears.She wiped it with her hands, staring blankly at the tears on the back of her hands, as if wondering why she still had tears. "I only thought that she would be surprised if the program reported on her school. I advised her that this has nothing to do with you, so cheer up. I'm so stupid." Mrs. Asai suppressed her voice and sobbed. "Later she couldn't eat anymore." Songzi's father said, raising his head and facing Principal Tsuzaki, "I also told my wife that this incident touched her a lot. But we didn't connect our daughter with the report letter at all. Pass." Principal Tsuzaki pursed his lips tightly, trying to hold back the choked up sobs.He nodded: "I also don't think Asai is that kind of student." He couldn't restrain the trembling of his voice and the inflection of the ending.Mrs. Asai glanced at her husband, and they held hands tightly. "Mr. Principal, is it Miyake?" Mrs. Asai asked, "Is it Miyake Juri who wrote the report letter? Matsuko...she helped Miyake..." Hearing this straightforward question, Principal Tsuzaki was shocked: "Is there any basis for judgment?" "Songzi and her are friends." Pine nuts often refer to tree theory.Juli has also come to play many times, so Mrs. Asai knows Juli very well. "Honestly, I don't like Juri very much. But if I show this idea, Matsuko will get angry. She thinks I don't understand Juri at all." This is exactly what Songzi is.Principal Tsuzaki held back his sobs again. "On the day of the accident," Mrs. Asai deliberately emphasized the word "accident", "Matsuko said she was going to Juli's house, so she went out." Seeing her daughter's preoccupied appearance, Mrs. Asai thought she had quarreled with Juri. "I think her expression is so serious, she must go to Shuli to reconcile. I asked her what's wrong, Songzi said it was nothing, and said that she might have something to discuss with her mother when she came back." Mrs. Asai covered her face with her fat hands, but she couldn't cover her weeping face. "That's why I... didn't ask anything, and let her go out. I think it's better. Because the child...is not young anymore, and parents can't always stop in front..." However, Song Zi never came back. "Her look is so distressed..." the madam burst into tears, and her husband hugged her shoulders, "but I didn't stop her. I should have asked her carefully, but I just said 'be careful' and sent her out. I'm done. Even if I'm worried, I don't think there's anything wrong now..." Both husband and wife began to cry, and Principal Tsuzaki also sobbed with his head down.The pain of Mrs. Asai's remorse really penetrated into Principal Tsuzaki's body.In order not to escape the pain, or even let the pain punish him, Principal Tsuzaki recounted the report letter from beginning to end. "Earlier, we thought that Juri Miyake might be the whistleblower, and we think so now. We also think that Matsuko Asai helped her at the request of Juri Miyake." "Pine nuts won't do this丨" roared the tearful father. His wife put her hand on his knee: "The child's father..." "Say it too! Pine nuts, she won't do that. Even if a friend asks her to help, she won't do bad things!" "That's why," Mrs. Asai shook her husband's knee, "that child, she didn't think it was a bad thing. She didn't think the report letter was fake. She believed it was true, so she was willing to help Shuli." Principal Tsuzaki thinks so too.Moreover, at that time, no one expected that the situation would develop to such an unmanageable point.It is estimated that they think that as long as the report letter is sent, the teachers will take care of the rest. They are still junior high school students after all.What's more, Songzi believes in the teacher very much. Taking out a handkerchief from her trousers pocket and wiping her face vigorously, Mrs. Asai let out a trembling breath: "Mr. Principal, it's a bit strange to think about it now. I attended the parent meeting held after the program was broadcast, and I heard from the police that the report There was a problem with the letter, so I told Songzi when I came back. Songzi was quite shocked, as if he had heard a great event, and said that the police were really powerful.” Matsuko should never have thought like Officer Sasaki before.It's no wonder that Principal Tsuzaki himself didn't think of it before the police pointed it out. Matsuko probably noticed it at this time: Did Shuli lie to herself?She was very distressed, thought about it, and finally decided to go to Juli himself to confirm, and after knowing the truth, she would tell her mother the whole story. "She is a kind-hearted child," Mrs. Asai's voice seemed to be moaning, "and she is very generous, so she will be less considerate when things happen. This is very similar to me. As long as it is said by someone I trust, I will believe it without thinking .” "This happens," said Principal Tsuzaki, "and it happens to adults too." What's more, Songzi values friendship more than anything else. Her friends ask her to keep it a secret, and even her parents will keep it secret.She is at such an age. "It's all because of my mishandling." Principal Tsuzaki touched the ground with his hands and bowed in front of Matsuko's portrait. "I should talk to Miyake earlier. If measures were taken as soon as possible, the situation would not have developed to such a degree." Mrs. Asai clenched her handkerchief tightly, approached Principal Tsuzaki, and asked, "Mr. Principal, what would happen if Juri confessed to Matsuko about the report letter at that time? Will they suspend classes or drop out?" Just as Principal Tsuzaki was about to say, "How can such a thing happen?" Mrs. Asai couldn't wait to continue: "Even if she is not allowed to go to school, or even face the police, I don't care. As long as Songzi lives, I don't care about anything!" After speaking, Mrs. Asai couldn't sit still, and fell to the ground.The husband picked her up and took her away.Only Principal Tsuzaki is left in Songzi's mourning hall.He stood there motionless, as if frozen. After Songzi's father came back, he sat down between Principal Tsuzaki and the portrait of Songzi: "What will happen to Miyake?" The implication seems to be: Do you still want to protect her now? "Mr. Asai..." Principal Tsuzaki had to remind him, but he didn't want to hear it.He put his head in his hands and said, "I know. We all know. The pine nuts jumped towards the car by themselves. Someone saw it, so it must be true. I know. I know!" His voice was hoarse, as if wailing, "Songzi must have been very sad and terrified at the time, so he forgot that it would be dangerous to suddenly go on the road. Probably all he wanted was to escape home as soon as possible." It wasn't a suicide, it was an accident. "But what's the difference from being killed! Is that the truth, teacher?" Principal Tsuzaki was speechless. "It's not just us, and it's not just pine nuts. Teacher, that driver is also a victim. Isn't that the case?" He once came to Asai's house and knelt down crying.He is about the same age as the Asai couple, and there are children at home who are the same age as Matsuko. "I said 'I'm sorry, I'm sorry' and kowtowed countless times. We couldn't bear it and said 'it's not your fault'. But even if we forgive him, the driver will still have a lifelong grudge for killing the pine nut .” The kind-hearted Asai Matsuko would not hope for such a result.Principal Tsuzaki looked at the portrait of Matsuko and thought to himself.He seemed to hear Song Zi saying: Teacher, that driver is so pitiful. "I heard that Miyake was bullied by her classmates. It's not just the three delinquent boys, everyone hates her. I heard from my wife." Asai's face was flushed red with anger. "But teacher, you can't allow her to do anything wrong because of this, right? What kind of place is the school, can you tolerate that kind of fallacy? Being bullied and hated, will she be a victim no matter what? Songzi has also been bullied, But she survived. When people call her a fat girl, she can smile at each other. Everyone grows up like this, and so do my wife and I. So, we...we..." Can't cry, really can't cry. "So we encouraged Songzi not to lose to those silly taunts and pranks. Is this wrong? How should I put it? Teacher, please teach us." Asai burst into tears, not knowing how many times it was. Principal Tsuzaki recounted the past again—the conversation with Ryoko Fujino's father, and the conversation with Police Officer Sasaki. Even if it is known that Miyake Juri is the whistleblower, he cannot be easily pursued.She knows better than anyone the seriousness of her actions, and reckless pressure will only drive her to a dangerous end. After Kashiwagi Takuya, there can no longer be a second suicide in this school. Is this judgment wrong?At that time, didn't President Tsuzaki have any idea of "being wise and safe" in his mind?It is not "no more suicides", but "it will be troublesome if there are any more suicides".Haven't you ever had such an idea? Yes, there have been.So he chose to stand by and take Officer Sasaki's suggestion to leave everything to her so that he could relax a bit. The death of Asai Songzi was caused by Tsuzaki's timidity. I killed Matsuko Asai—Principal Tsuzaki kept repeating this sentence in his mind. In the end, a second student died. "For some reason, a reporter from a TV station keeps calling," said Asai, who was still panting and tearful. "Is it a reporter named Motegi?" "I don't know. Because we don't want to talk to him. He also wants to make Songzi's death into a TV show. What a mess!" Reporter Motegi also called Principal Tsuzaki.He really wanted to inquire about the connection between Asai Matsuko's death and the report letter. "I won't let TV stations use pine nuts as their props. So, teacher." Asai's gaze shot towards Principal Tsuzaki like a needle.Although Principal Tsuzaki was numb with anger and grief, he still felt a sting under Asai's gaze. "If the school wants to push everything to Song Zi, we will have our own considerations. No matter what, we have to find out. Miyake is alive, but Song Zi is dead. Since the dead can't speak, let's push everything to her Get well. If you want to do this, we will never agree!" Principal Tsuzaki raised his head sharply, looked into Mr. Asai's eyes and said, "I assure you. We will never do this!"
When he came outside, Principal Tsuzaki felt dizzy and his body shook.He hastened to his feet.Maybe it's because I haven't eaten and slept well recently. He put his hand over his heart.The inside slip pocket of his jacket contained his resignation report. Principal Tsuzaki has long received advice from the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education, saying that the vice-principal Okano will act as the principal for the time being, and a new principal will be appointed after the situation subsides. Vice-principal Okano is more popular in the education committee.Compared with Principal Tsuzaki, who often confides the truth in front of the students, they agreed that Okano is more suitable to be the principal. So far, on a series of issues caused by Kashiwagi Takuya's death, Okano has shown an attitude of never participating, and everything follows the principal's judgment and instructions.On the surface, he looks like a trustworthy assistant, but in fact he just wants to watch the fire from the other side, right? When I spoke to him alone yesterday, he made it very clear.Restoring peace on campus as soon as possible is the principal's most important task. So what about the truth?To President Tsuzaki's rhetorical question, he gave the following answer. "Will this kind of thing still happen now? To tell the truth, we have already mastered it. Bai Muzhuo was not used to school life, couldn't think about it, and committed suicide; he realized that they had nothing to do with his death; the content of the report letter was not true; If you can’t find it, it doesn’t matter if you don’t know it.” Asai Matsuko died in a traffic accident.What disturbed her and prevented her from coming to school in a normal state of mind was the TV show "News Quest" which made out of nothing to promote the possibility of murder and caused panic.In fact, among the parents of third-grade students, some people are already worried that the show will have a negative impact on the school, making it impossible for students to enter the high school of their choice by way of recommendation.That's the really big problem... As Vice President Okano said, Chengdong No. 3 Middle School was framed insidiously, and the TV program based on misunderstanding amplified the damage. We are all victims. We can't continue to hurt each other, we must stop the behavior of hurting each other.If the school makes an appeal in this regard, students, parents, and society will all understand. everything is over.President Tsuzaki just needs to accept the responsibility for his dereliction of duty and resign. Principal Tsuzaki exerted strength on the palm pressing on his chest.Through the envelope containing the resignation report, he felt his own heartbeat. A heartbeat that was so weak that it seemed to stop at any moment.
Notes:
I do not want to put my daughter on public display.Out of the strong will of Matsuko Asai's parents, relevant personnel from Joto No. 3 Middle School did not attend her wake and funeral.The only exception is the music club that Asai Matsuko is passionate about.The members performed a farewell performance in front of Songzi's funeral. It is said that all the members were crying, but everyone worked hard and the melody did not stop.The tunes they played were Songzi's favorite. On the third day after the funeral, Principal Tsuzaki went to Asai's house and joined hands in silence in front of Matsuko's spirit.Prior to this, Principal Tsuzaki had contacted the Asai family many times, but was always rejected. Today, he finally got permission, provided that the principal could only come alone. Next to the urn wrapped in a white cloth is a portrait of Songzi with a bright smile.The picture seems to have been taken in a music club, and she is holding a clarinet in her hand. Principal Tsuzaki couldn't face the photo. Songzi's parents described Qiao as haggard. "My parents are also very fat." Principal Tsuzaki recalled what Matsuko said with a smile.The two people in front of them are indeed relatively large in size, but today they seem to have shrunk by a circle.Their bodies seemed to be hollowed out.Song Zi's death cut out the most important part of his parents' life, which could never be restored. Everything seemed empty and pale, and nothing could be redeemed. Principal Tsuzaki could only apologize to the Asai couple.He knew his words wouldn't get anywhere, but he still stammered and apologized and apologized and kept on apologizing. After listening to the lengthy apology, Song Zi's mother raised her eyelids swollen from crying and whispered, "Mr. Principal." "Ah..." Principal Tsuzaki raised his head. "Do you also think that Song Zi wrote the report letter?" "Is that what everyone is talking about in school?" said the father who was sitting next to Songzi's mother.Neither of them looked at Principal Tsuzaki, the father stared at the portrait of Matsuko, and the mother's eyes fell on her lap. Principal Tsuzaki didn't know how to answer.He knew that he would be asked such a question, but now he couldn't speak decently, even his voice. Same as Juri Miyake. Yesterday, Principal Tsuzaki went to Miyake's house.Juli's mother was in a state of confusion, and could hardly say a few decent words; I didn't see Juli either, so I only knew that she really couldn't speak. Knowing that Juli has fallen into this state, the teachers' reactions can be divided into two types.One is pure shock, why did such a strange thing happen again?This school and the students here seem to be cursed. What can I do to get out of this predicament? The other response was one of unabashed disgust and suspicion. "Now Miyake doesn't have to open his mouth, and he can also gain sympathy, killing two birds with one stone." Teacher Nanshan even uttered malicious words, directly accusing Shuli of pretending to be ill, which attracted the attention of other people present to him.Teacher Nanshan was unmoved, but the people who watched him felt guilty first, and turned their eyes elsewhere. Principal Tsuzaki also failed to seriously criticize Mr. Kusuyama's rash remarks.He should have admonished loudly: Since he has stated that no informant has been found, as a teacher, he should not say such things based on rumors and subjective impressions.But he failed to do so. To the outside world, he can still insist on his caliber: I don't know who the whistleblower is, and Matsuko Asai died in a traffic accident, which has nothing to do with the whistleblowing letter.This is also the bottom line that must be adhered to.But in school, Principal Tsuzaki has lost this courage. Nobody believes me anymore. I'm already useless. Where did I make a mistake, and at what point did I lose my plan?Principal Tsuzaki thought about it many times.When Kashiwagi Takuya died?When you just received the report letter?After discussing with Police Officer Sasaki, it was time to conduct an interrogation and investigation of the students?When reporter Motegi from HBS called?Was it when Da Chusheng, who was irritated by his interview, rushed to the principal's office and made a scene? have no idea.Only one thing is certain: time cannot be turned back, and lost lives will not return. "I..." Sitting in front of the poor head of Tsuzaki who couldn't speak, Mrs. Asai began to talk to herself, as if she had forgotten the existence of Headmaster Tsuzaki, "I don't think Songzi has nothing to do with that report letter." Principal Tsuzaki opened his eyes slightly.Songzi's father stroked his wife's back, weeping silently. "Isn't it? If it didn't matter at all, how could she die?" The corners of the stiff mouth loosened somewhat.Principal Tsuzaki said: "Have you noticed anything?" Mrs. Asai stared blankly at Principal Tsuzaki: "After that TV show..." "Oh?" "I watched it with pine nuts..." After watching that episode of the program, Songzi was shocked and seemed a little panicked. "She became listless all of a sudden. I thought..." Mrs. Asai's red and swollen eyes poured out new tears.She wiped it with her hands, staring blankly at the tears on the back of her hands, as if wondering why she still had tears. "I only thought that she would be surprised if the program reported on her school. I advised her that this has nothing to do with you, so cheer up. I'm so stupid." Mrs. Asai suppressed her voice and sobbed. "Later she couldn't eat anymore." Songzi's father said, raising his head and facing Principal Tsuzaki, "I also told my wife that this incident touched her a lot. But we didn't connect our daughter with the report letter at all. Pass." Principal Tsuzaki pursed his lips tightly, trying to hold back the choked up sobs.He nodded: "I also don't think Asai is that kind of student." He couldn't restrain the trembling of his voice and the inflection of the ending.Mrs. Asai glanced at her husband, and they held hands tightly. "Mr. Principal, is it Miyake?" Mrs. Asai asked, "Is it Miyake Juri who wrote the report letter? Matsuko...she helped Miyake..." Hearing this straightforward question, Principal Tsuzaki was shocked: "Is there any basis for judgment?" "Songzi and her are friends." Pine nuts often refer to tree theory.Juli has also come to play many times, so Mrs. Asai knows Juli very well. "Honestly, I don't like Juri very much. But if I show this idea, Matsuko will get angry. She thinks I don't understand Juri at all." This is exactly what Songzi is.Principal Tsuzaki held back his sobs again. "On the day of the accident," Mrs. Asai deliberately emphasized the word "accident", "Matsuko said she was going to Juli's house, so she went out." Seeing her daughter's preoccupied appearance, Mrs. Asai thought she had quarreled with Juri. "I think her expression is so serious, she must go to Shuli to reconcile. I asked her what's wrong, Songzi said it was nothing, and said that she might have something to discuss with her mother when she came back." Mrs. Asai covered her face with her fat hands, but she couldn't cover her weeping face. "That's why I... didn't ask anything, and let her go out. I think it's better. Because the child...is not young anymore, and parents can't always stop in front..." However, Song Zi never came back. "Her look is so distressed..." the madam burst into tears, and her husband hugged her shoulders, "but I didn't stop her. I should have asked her carefully, but I just said 'be careful' and sent her out. I'm done. Even if I'm worried, I don't think there's anything wrong now..." Both husband and wife began to cry, and Principal Tsuzaki also sobbed with his head down.The pain of Mrs. Asai's remorse really penetrated into Principal Tsuzaki's body.In order not to escape the pain, or even let the pain punish him, Principal Tsuzaki recounted the report letter from beginning to end. "Earlier, we thought that Juri Miyake might be the whistleblower, and we think so now. We also think that Matsuko Asai helped her at the request of Juri Miyake." "Pine nuts won't do this丨" roared the tearful father. His wife put her hand on his knee: "The child's father..." "Say it too! Pine nuts, she won't do that. Even if a friend asks her to help, she won't do bad things!" "That's why," Mrs. Asai shook her husband's knee, "that child, she didn't think it was a bad thing. She didn't think the report letter was fake. She believed it was true, so she was willing to help Shuli." Principal Tsuzaki thinks so too.Moreover, at that time, no one expected that the situation would develop to such an unmanageable point.It is estimated that they think that as long as the report letter is sent, the teachers will take care of the rest. They are still junior high school students after all.What's more, Songzi believes in the teacher very much. Taking out a handkerchief from her trousers pocket and wiping her face vigorously, Mrs. Asai let out a trembling breath: "Mr. Principal, it's a bit strange to think about it now. I attended the parent meeting held after the program was broadcast, and I heard from the police that the report There was a problem with the letter, so I told Songzi when I came back. Songzi was quite shocked, as if he had heard a great event, and said that the police were really powerful.” Matsuko should never have thought like Officer Sasaki before.It's no wonder that Principal Tsuzaki himself didn't think of it before the police pointed it out. Matsuko probably noticed it at this time: Did Shuli lie to herself?She was very distressed, thought about it, and finally decided to go to Juli himself to confirm, and after knowing the truth, she would tell her mother the whole story. "She is a kind-hearted child," Mrs. Asai's voice seemed to be moaning, "and she is very generous, so she will be less considerate when things happen. This is very similar to me. As long as it is said by someone I trust, I will believe it without thinking .” "This happens," said Principal Tsuzaki, "and it happens to adults too." What's more, Songzi values friendship more than anything else. Her friends ask her to keep it a secret, and even her parents will keep it secret.She is at such an age. "It's all because of my mishandling." Principal Tsuzaki touched the ground with his hands and bowed in front of Matsuko's portrait. "I should talk to Miyake earlier. If measures were taken as soon as possible, the situation would not have developed to such a degree." Mrs. Asai clenched her handkerchief tightly, approached Principal Tsuzaki, and asked, "Mr. Principal, what would happen if Juri confessed to Matsuko about the report letter at that time? Will they suspend classes or drop out?" Just as Principal Tsuzaki was about to say, "How can such a thing happen?" Mrs. Asai couldn't wait to continue: "Even if she is not allowed to go to school, or even face the police, I don't care. As long as Songzi lives, I don't care about anything!" After speaking, Mrs. Asai couldn't sit still, and fell to the ground.The husband picked her up and took her away.Only Principal Tsuzaki is left in Songzi's mourning hall.He stood there motionless, as if frozen. After Songzi's father came back, he sat down between Principal Tsuzaki and the portrait of Songzi: "What will happen to Miyake?" The implication seems to be: Do you still want to protect her now? "Mr. Asai..." Principal Tsuzaki had to remind him, but he didn't want to hear it.He put his head in his hands and said, "I know. We all know. The pine nuts jumped towards the car by themselves. Someone saw it, so it must be true. I know. I know!" His voice was hoarse, as if wailing, "Songzi must have been very sad and terrified at the time, so he forgot that it would be dangerous to suddenly go on the road. Probably all he wanted was to escape home as soon as possible." It wasn't a suicide, it was an accident. "But what's the difference from being killed! Is that the truth, teacher?" Principal Tsuzaki was speechless. "It's not just us, and it's not just pine nuts. Teacher, that driver is also a victim. Isn't that the case?" He once came to Asai's house and knelt down crying.He is about the same age as the Asai couple, and there are children at home who are the same age as Matsuko. "I said 'I'm sorry, I'm sorry' and kowtowed countless times. We couldn't bear it and said 'it's not your fault'. But even if we forgive him, the driver will still have a lifelong grudge for killing the pine nut .” The kind-hearted Asai Matsuko would not hope for such a result.Principal Tsuzaki looked at the portrait of Matsuko and thought to himself.He seemed to hear Song Zi saying: Teacher, that driver is so pitiful. "I heard that Miyake was bullied by her classmates. It's not just the three delinquent boys, everyone hates her. I heard from my wife." Asai's face was flushed red with anger. "But teacher, you can't allow her to do anything wrong because of this, right? What kind of place is the school, can you tolerate that kind of fallacy? Being bullied and hated, will she be a victim no matter what? Songzi has also been bullied, But she survived. When people call her a fat girl, she can smile at each other. Everyone grows up like this, and so do my wife and I. So, we...we..." Can't cry, really can't cry. "So we encouraged Songzi not to lose to those silly taunts and pranks. Is this wrong? How should I put it? Teacher, please teach us." Asai burst into tears, not knowing how many times it was. Principal Tsuzaki recounted the past again—the conversation with Ryoko Fujino's father, and the conversation with Police Officer Sasaki. Even if it is known that Miyake Juri is the whistleblower, he cannot be easily pursued.She knows better than anyone the seriousness of her actions, and reckless pressure will only drive her to a dangerous end. After Kashiwagi Takuya, there can no longer be a second suicide in this school. Is this judgment wrong?At that time, didn't President Tsuzaki have any idea of "being wise and safe" in his mind?It is not "no more suicides", but "it will be troublesome if there are any more suicides".Haven't you ever had such an idea? Yes, there have been.So he chose to stand by and take Officer Sasaki's suggestion to leave everything to her so that he could relax a bit. The death of Asai Songzi was caused by Tsuzaki's timidity. I killed Matsuko Asai—Principal Tsuzaki kept repeating this sentence in his mind. In the end, a second student died. "For some reason, a reporter from a TV station keeps calling," said Asai, who was still panting and tearful. "Is it a reporter named Motegi?" "I don't know. Because we don't want to talk to him. He also wants to make Songzi's death into a TV show. What a mess!" Reporter Motegi also called Principal Tsuzaki.He really wanted to inquire about the connection between Asai Matsuko's death and the report letter. "I won't let TV stations use pine nuts as their props. So, teacher." Asai's gaze shot towards Principal Tsuzaki like a needle.Although Principal Tsuzaki was numb with anger and grief, he still felt a sting under Asai's gaze. "If the school wants to push everything to Song Zi, we will have our own considerations. No matter what, we have to find out. Miyake is alive, but Song Zi is dead. Since the dead can't speak, let's push everything to her Get well. If you want to do this, we will never agree!" Principal Tsuzaki raised his head sharply, looked into Mr. Asai's eyes and said, "I assure you. We will never do this!"
When he came outside, Principal Tsuzaki felt dizzy and his body shook.He hastened to his feet.Maybe it's because I haven't eaten and slept well recently. He put his hand over his heart.The inside slip pocket of his jacket contained his resignation report. Principal Tsuzaki has long received advice from the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education, saying that the vice-principal Okano will act as the principal for the time being, and a new principal will be appointed after the situation subsides. Vice-principal Okano is more popular in the education committee.Compared with Principal Tsuzaki, who often confides the truth in front of the students, they agreed that Okano is more suitable to be the principal. So far, on a series of issues caused by Kashiwagi Takuya's death, Okano has shown an attitude of never participating, and everything follows the principal's judgment and instructions.On the surface, he looks like a trustworthy assistant, but in fact he just wants to watch the fire from the other side, right? When I spoke to him alone yesterday, he made it very clear.Restoring peace on campus as soon as possible is the principal's most important task. So what about the truth?To President Tsuzaki's rhetorical question, he gave the following answer. "Will this kind of thing still happen now? To tell the truth, we have already mastered it. Bai Muzhuo was not used to school life, couldn't think about it, and committed suicide; he realized that they had nothing to do with his death; the content of the report letter was not true; If you can’t find it, it doesn’t matter if you don’t know it.” Asai Matsuko died in a traffic accident.What disturbed her and prevented her from coming to school in a normal state of mind was the TV show "News Quest" which made out of nothing to promote the possibility of murder and caused panic.In fact, among the parents of third-grade students, some people are already worried that the show will have a negative impact on the school, making it impossible for students to enter the high school of their choice by way of recommendation.That's the really big problem... As Vice President Okano said, Chengdong No. 3 Middle School was framed insidiously, and the TV program based on misunderstanding amplified the damage. We are all victims. We can't continue to hurt each other, we must stop the behavior of hurting each other.If the school makes an appeal in this regard, students, parents, and society will all understand. everything is over.President Tsuzaki just needs to accept the responsibility for his dereliction of duty and resign. Principal Tsuzaki exerted strength on the palm pressing on his chest.Through the envelope containing the resignation report, he felt his own heartbeat. A heartbeat that was so weak that it seemed to stop at any moment.
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