Chapter 31 Section 29

The car radio started playing the seven o'clock news. I always feel that I have to wait a long time for the red light, and the building that looks like a cram school emits dazzling lights from the windows.Crowds poured out of the gate.Dark blue horn button coat, Scottish plaid scarf, pink woolen gloves.A group of female high school students dressed exactly like Ayumi's winter outfit rode their bicycles briskly past the vehicle one by one. It feels like Ayumi is saying goodbye... Mikami is on his way home.When he entrusted his mother with the message for Hiji, he had deluded himself into thinking that this time the home phone would finally come in handy.

Minako prepared boiled fish and pickled side dishes. "Thank you for your hard work. Today is earlier than I imagined. I will heat up the dishes right away..." Minako's voice was full of energy, and she talked more. It could be seen that she was trying to appear cheerful.Mikami's stomach is not hungry, and other undigested problems are still weighing heavily on his stomach together with the spiced rice, but he still naturally replied in a brisk tone: "Oh! It smells so good!" To him, The appearance of Minazi rushing in and out was like sunlight shining through the gaps in the clouds.

Of course he knew why. "I heard that you went to Sister Ruixi's house today?" Just as Mikami started to move his chopsticks, Mina couldn't help but speak. "You called her?" "Sister Ruixi called in the evening." Mikami was a little displeased, this big mouth... "I just had something to ask her, so I went there." "She said you seemed to work very hard." Mikami smiled. "She's exaggerating! It's just because the media's approach is different from before." "Is it better to go to the criminal department?"

"Both sides have their own difficulties. However, this side is easier physically." "But it takes more energy!" "That's why I say that both sides have their own difficulties. As long as you stay in this industry for a day, you can't go anywhere easily." Mikami always had a smile on his face, but Minako still let out a soft sigh. "But I didn't expect that even the police department would have to deal with the murder of Xiangzi's little sister..." "Did you hear what Murakami said?" "Why, it was you who said it. You said that the big shots from the police department were coming, so you went to Mr. Yugong's house."

Mikami moved his chopsticks.I talk every day just for the sake of talking, so when I turn around, I forget what I said. "Isn't it going well?" "Well, Yugong refuses to accept the condolences of the chief, and he can't say anything." "Does the big man mean the chief?" Minako opened her eyes wide, making Mikami flustered. "It's just a whim, and I came out to visit the mountains and rivers." "But why?" "Ok?" "Why did Mr. Amamiya refuse the condolences of the chief..." "Maybe it's because the murderer hasn't been caught so far. Otherwise, everyone would blame the police."

"Do you have to convince him?" Minako looked serious.As a policewoman, she knows the weight of the title of Chief of the Police Agency. "Just try to convince me! If it really doesn't work, there's nothing you can do. Just ask the chief to inspect the scene at that time. It's not a big deal." "But……" "Don't worry!" "Sister Ruixi told me." Minako's tone seemed like the suspect was about to confess. "What did she say?" "She said that although you look like you are working hard, the only person who can know whether you are really working hard is me."

"That eighth woman thinks she knows everything." Mikami could only use foul language to cover up his embarrassment. He understood Ruixi's intention, which was to wake up Mina who was always staring at the bottomless abyss.She may think that turning Minako's attention to her husband is a kind of redemption for her!Although I am not very happy that she sees through the rift between the couple, if I can have a good talk tonight with Mina, who no longer looks down and is no longer always blank, I will naturally feel grateful in my heart Affection. So Mikami decided to talk to her in a vigorous manner.

"I heard from Cun Chuan today that their family seems to have received a call." "what phone?" "Silent phone." Minako's cheek twitched. "……Really?" "Well, it's the same period as our family." Mikami's tone was without cadence.This instead made the scene tense. "several times?" "once." "Yes." Mina fell silent, unable to figure out what she was thinking.Are you insisting that it has nothing to do with your family?Or are you disturbed by doubts about the connection?According to Minako's reaction, Mikami also planned to tell her that Meiyun's hometown also received two silent calls, but felt that it was too cruel.

"But it was Ayumi who called our house because she called three times." Mikami couldn't bear to pour cold water on Mina.But as soon as the words came out of his mouth, he started to get angry with himself.is this okay?If everything goes back to the original point, won't it lose the meaning of raising this topic in the first place? "only……" Or it could just be a simple prank call... A word was stuck in his throat, and he couldn't say it after all.Thinking of Minazi's expression just now, he couldn't say anything.Because even Mikami himself had a hard time accepting the possibility of a prank call.Others also received silent calls.That's all.Why do we have to choose sides?Whether it was Ayumi's call or a prank call, that's just speculation.Since it's just a guess, why not think on the bright side?If even this point of belief is gone, what is left between the couple?

But…… In order to get rid of bad imagination, we have to discuss why Ayumi didn't speak on the phone.That doesn't mean "goodbye", there must be some other reason.There needs to be another story for Minako to understand that wordless words aren't just one of the worst imaginings out there. "Ayumi, she was most afraid of me yelling at her. That's why I didn't even dare to say what I wanted to say, so I hung up the phone." This passage is very unnatural, so Minako's expression is still very complicated.It must be at the same time thinking about the meaning behind the silent phone call, and the reason why Mikami swallowed the words back.

"But... her goal has been half achieved. The reason why Ayumi called back must be to hear from you and me." "I think it's your voice..." Minako murmured. "What's the meaning?" "I answered the first two calls, so she called a third time. I think Ayumi wants to hear your voice." "Don't be silly, she must be satisfied after hearing your voice twice." "not like this." The corners of Minako's mouth trembled slightly. "Ayumi doesn't want to hear my voice at all, and she doesn't have anything to say to me, even if she has..." "Stop talking." Mikami was at a loss for his impatient tone. "Stop talking about it, if you always think about the bad, it will be endless, okay?" Mina nodded, but it seemed that she was going to be depressed like this. "That's a call from Ayumi. It might not be the case, but at least there's a possibility. No matter what, Ayumi will be fine. As long as she's fine, it doesn't matter who called." Mikami came to a strong conclusion. "That's right." Mina raised her head, trying to force a smile. "That's right!" Just as Mikami said these words forcefully, the phone rang.Minako's body seemed to tremble at that moment.Because if it was the phone at work, it should be the police phone in the hallway that rang. "You stay here, I'll pick you up." Mikami comforted her softly.He leaned his upper body over the coffee table and looked at the caller ID.It was a number in the city, but he had no memory of it at all.In order not to let Minako notice his nervousness, he slowly picked up the microphone.At this moment, an all-too-familiar voice came. It was Secretary Ishii, Section Chief.Why not call the police?Mikami resisted the urge to curse. "What's up?" Mikami replied angrily. "Following up." The tone is full of irony.Ishii, who knelt and kowtowed in front of Akama yesterday, threw a word to him before leaving.I don't want to die with you... "Wait a minute." Mikami whispered to Minako, "It's the secretary and section chief." Then he took the handset and walked to the corridor.I always feel that the thorn stuck in my throat has not been spit out.What was Mina thinking in her heart?Did my words make her feel a little easier? The air in the bedroom is so cold. "I kept you waiting for a long time... Regarding the matter of Yugong, I have found Huairou's entry point, and I will go to his house to try again tomorrow." ...Didn't you say it at the beginning? "I'll do my best." Misaka had a hunch that he might not be able to return to the living room in a short while, so he turned on the electric heater in the bedroom and sat down.In any case, I have to make a phone call to the official residence of the Director of Department Q tonight.As much as he wanted to end the call quickly, it seemed that Ishii wasn't just calling to trouble him. "It's not an explanation, the explanation from above can only explain the process." Ishii's tone was different from usual, very tough. "What specific sincerity?" Mikami sighed helplessly.He had heard that other police headquarters had already started to provide quick report service, but that was only possible with a well-established publicity department, and a mere four-person publicity room couldn't handle it at all.And having said that... "Is this the headmaster's idea?" It is impossible for Minister Akama to come up with such a bad idea, because providing such services under such circumstances is tantamount to admitting mistakes and apologizing to the Press Club. "The chief of the police department?" Mikami was quite surprised.Although Bai Tian is the biggest section chief of the police department, he has no right to be in charge of the secretary section. "The problem is, even if it is such an obvious gesture of favor, the other party may not accept it!" "Isn't holding a media meeting in advance a sign of the importance we attach to the issue of anonymity?" Mikami held back a sigh. "This kind of service is too thoughtful. Once emails are sent, the reporter will only become more and more depraved. In the future, let alone going to the scene to verify in person, I am afraid that even incidents and accidents will not be confirmed. beated." "If you want to include nights and holidays, you will have to increase the number of people. The current establishment will definitely not be able to handle it." Mikami thought that everything was over, but Ishii said bitterly again: ——This is which pot is not opened and which pot is lifted. "Does the minister know about this?" Ishii's arrogance suddenly disappeared by more than half.It seems that he hasn't told Akama yet. "It is impossible for him to agree to this negotiation method of land cession and compensation." Mikami used Akama for the final blow.It's like talking about your parents and relatives in the interrogation room, it's inevitable that you feel a little guilty.However…… "Pretending to be?" Is it just talking with your mouth but not putting it into practice? It seems that even Baitian Police Section Chief has been dragged into the water.This must be a side effect of kneeling and kowtowing yesterday.Driven to nowhere by the fear of losing Akama's trust, he turned his brains to Chief of Police Shirata.Or did he set his sights even further?Akama is someone who will return to this department sooner or later, but Bai Tian, ​​who has climbed up from the grassroots, will sit in the high position of D County Police until his retirement. Mikami was too lazy to reply.Tonight, I will discuss matters with Ishii at the same table.Self-deprecation can't help rushing through the layers of anger welling up in my heart. "..." "..." "May I ask you a question?" Mikami had made up his mind, and decided to ask clearly.In fact, the core of this predicament is a hundred and eight thousand miles away from the media symposium! "Er Du of the Police Department is acting suspiciously, have you thought of anything?" "He seems to be investigating the murder of Xiangzi's little sister." That's why I ask you! "Does it have nothing to do with us?" "I mean, could it be that Minister Chijian ordered Erdu to do it?" "But in fact, he just made some moves! It's because the trump card of police affairs is probing about 64 everywhere, so the attitude of the criminal department has become so tough." Is this trying to stay out of it? "Where's Section Chief Bai Tian? Is there any movement different from usual?" "I just want to see if I can connect the lines of Chijian, Baitian, and Erdu." I really don't know what qualifications Ishii has to say about others. "I'm going to do that." After Mikami hung up the phone, he couldn't calm down the restlessness in his heart for a while.Ishii's empty and dishonest words made him angry. But I'm so happy because it's the first time I've had someone say thank you to me since I've worked here... That statement sounds like it was a long, long time ago.Language can convey emotion.He deeply felt that he was so stupid to have such an idea in a flash.The same goes for the letter to Hiji.For a man who had closed all channels of communication and imprisoned himself for fourteen years, there was nothing more to say to his heart. Mikami pulled himself together and stood up, walking to the corridor.He picked up the police phone and returned to the bedroom with his other hand on the phone line. The police phone number of Director Q's official residence appeared in his mind, and at the same time he thought that this is not a job that can be handled by phone, but it is a job that can only be handled by phone.He wanted to pounce on Urushihara's ear, shake him, and trick him out of his words.Although he has been sitting on the throne of director for a long time, but after all, he used to be a shrewd and capable criminal policeman, and his intuition should not be underestimated.If he attacked face to face, nine out of ten he would see through the intelligence level he held in his hand.But if it's a phone call... Mikami looked at the time on the alarm clock, it was 8:15.Just the right time.After bathing and eating, it must be the most relaxing time.Mikami picked up the receiver, dialed the number of the director's mansion, and swallowed a mouthful of saliva at the same time. On the third ring, Urushihara answered the phone himself.When San reported his name, Urushihara's voice suddenly rose an octave. "haven't seen you for a long time." Defensive provocation.On the one hand, he wants Mikami to think that Urushihara hasn't changed at all, and on the other hand, he wants to guess the purpose of Mikami's call. "How are you doing?" "It's really enviable, why don't you pull me over to be a criminal officer!" "No, I called to ask you something." "Actually, I went to find Riji today." After Mikami finished speaking lightly, he pricked up his ears. "It's Hiyoshi Koichiro who worked in Kesouyan before, the one who resigned after causing disaster in the 64 case." Urushihara paused for a moment, then replied in a nonchalant tone: "Oh, from what you said, it seems that there really is such a number one person! Has he caused any serious trouble?" This time Mikami was silent for a few seconds.He used the trap set by "Go to Hiji", but the other party didn't take the hook.Moreover, he hasn't forgotten to ask Riji what "big disaster" he caused.Urushihara's sword is indeed not old. Then let’s get straight to the point! "It's what happened when the home team sneaked into Yugong's house! He was in charge of recording at the time." "Then Hiyoshi made a fatal mistake." "Then you called me trash, so I quit my job." Urushihara led her away by the nose.Not giving any response at all, and prompting the other party to speak is a special skill of the criminal police. "Hiji was hit hard. During the fourteen years since he left Kesouyan, he kept himself locked at home. You know that?" "I told him, whether he confesses or complains, he can tell me anything." Urushihara is testing the bottom line of Mikami's information.It's getting more and more tricky. If you are too aggressive at this time and accidentally make a mistake in the ratio of reality and reality, Urushihara will treat it as a joke. "Hiyoshi used to cry while hugging the tape recorder, right? It doesn't matter that the Amamiya couple are around." Still unable to change the position of offense and defense.Urushihara took a breath, the voice sounded as if it was close at hand. Mikami was speechless.Can you tell?Although he secretly buried several traps in his words, he avoided them all. Realizing that he had the upper hand, Urushihara changed his tone. "I don't think it's bullshit disinformation." "I learned about it from Koda's manuscript." Don't care about him, fight it. Urushihara's tone was a little hesitant, and finally there was a clearer reaction.However…… Mikami felt as if he had been punched hard on the bridge of the nose. Another step ahead. His whole body seemed to be on fire.It was obviously a one-shot surprise attack, but I didn't expect that the winner had already been decided long before he called.Urushihara was mentally prepared for Nito's visit, so the moment he received Mikami's call, the defense switch in his mind was already turned on.Don't ask any questions, master the content of the dialogue, and even the decisive lines against the generals have been prepared.You and Erdu are in the same group... "It has nothing to do with him." Urushihara seemed to take pleasure in teasing him.But what is the real situation?If Erdu really rushed into the police station to look for him, would Urushihara be able to talk and laugh like this now? "I can only say that Koda's handbook records the mistakes made by his home class, which is enough for you to go home and eat yourself." The rhetorical question that didn't allow time made Mikami speechless. Urushihara's laughter shook his eardrums. Urushihara's proud voice came from next to his ear.Not without this possibility.The Koda Codex does not exist at all, or once existed, but is no longer there.Is that why Urushihara is so calm? Mikami was almost unable to step down. "I'm asking directly from the population I've seen." "Names can't tell you." Mikami bit his lip, this was the last question he wanted to be asked. "Can't say at this stage." Urushihara laughed again. Mikami took the opportunity to catch the tail of this sentence. "Have you become a dog too?" "I don't know the reason for the password, so obey it obediently." After a pause for a while, there was a tongue-smacking sound. "I'm asking you, if you know anything, please tell me." That statement sounds insincere. Even if it is the top secret of the criminal department, if it is the party involved, it should have been known for a long time.However, not even Urushihara knows the top secret of the D prefectural police.If even he is shut out... "What will happen if Koda's Letter is handed over to the chief?" loose. "You know the officer will come to inspect next week!" "If the chief didn't come to inspect it, there wouldn't be a gag order. The criminal department hopes that Koda's letter can disappear without a trace, right?" "You must understand! The other party is the National Police Agency! If something goes wrong, Minister Arakida won't be able to protect you." "He will push all the responsibilities to the head of his own house team. That person is such a person. I have personally experienced it." Urushihara's silence made Mikami look forward to it, but... --What's the meaning? Attack is the best defense.Mikami knew it clearly, but he couldn't pretend that he didn't hear it. "not like this." "I don't." "that is because……" "No." His decisive answer shook his skull. He avoided the vital point and failed to kill him with a single blow.So Mikami also changed the direction of the problem. "Did you not attend the farewell ceremony because of an explanation from above?" "Toshiko Amamiya. You know she's dead, right?" "Why didn't you go? Aren't you the monitor of your home class?" "As long as you are a criminal police officer, you will definitely go!" Mikami waited to hear his excuse, but Urushihara just kept silent.Maybe it's finally a taste of bitterness.After all, in the eyes of everyone at the time, Urushihara in the Amamiya family was the best. "You are ordered not to go, so as not to irritate the family members, right?" Mikami was a little startled by the sound of heavy panting. "Where is Koda's notebook?" "Are you going to throw away your job for that man who loves to give orders?" Urushihara hung up the phone involuntarily. Mikami hurriedly reached for the dial key, but did not redial.He could no longer be as nervous as before.When the surroundings returned to silence again, the existence of Urushihara had disappeared like an old friend. The feeling of fatigue surged up in one brain.A sense of futility surrounds the whole body.His probing couldn't shake Urushihara's anti-shock system at all.All he knew was that no matter whether he was mentally prepared or not, the result should be the same.Although he knew it in his heart, he was still very angry at Erdu's bravery and foolishness.Why would you want to attack a seasoned detective face to face?You should first test the other party's reaction and weigh the probability of success.Or did he think everything too simply?Because I had a few fluke successes in the police department, I thought I had the inside story of the criminal department.What was the outcome?Urushihara knew exactly what cards were in his hand.This is not the first time.The result of publicizing Koda's Letters everywhere is to arouse the anger and unnecessary vigilance of the Criminal Department.Shooting wildly at birds without even knowing who to aim at, do you really think you can hit with a few more shots?Mikami couldn't help but wonder, is this man Erdu really an excellent investigator? No wonder Urushihara could dodge the attack so easily.He intends to bury everything in his heart and take it to the grave.On the other hand, it can also be seen that he thinks that as long as this matter is not made public, it is nothing special.Although he was uneasy about Mikami moving out the chief, but with Urushihara as an opponent, the possibility of expecting him to show his feet was almost zero. Mikami's mind was already thinking about the next step.Kakinuma is left, but there is no chance of winning.Kakinuma is still in the special class, and his age and class are younger than Mikami's. Even if he calls him, it seems that he will hang up with "Please forgive me!".The only thing that can be counted on is his manliness.In order to accurately cut on his seven inches, I still have to go directly to him and have a face-to-face talk! —tomorrow. Mikami propped up the heavy chassis, put the police phone back on the phone stand in the corridor, cleaned up the expression on his face, and returned to the living room. Minako is watching TV.What a nostalgic picture.Is it a subtle change in my heart?Or did she do it on purpose? "Is it tricky?" "It's okay, it's no big deal." "Do you want to take a shower?" "You wash first!" "I have a cold..." "Then go and rest! I won't be calling again tonight." The appearance of five or ten years later suddenly appeared in my mind.Still repeating the same conversation as today, caring for each other, pretending to be nonchalant and living as usual. Mikami stayed in the bathroom for a long time, and drank some wine in the living room before entering the bedroom. Minako was already nestled under the quilt, and put the handset of the phone next to the pillow as usual.The bulb of the standing lamp dyed her slender neck orange. Mikami knew she was still asleep, so let's enjoy the boudoir tonight... Whether soaking in the bathtub or drinking in the living room, Urushihara's unintentional words always linger in Mikami's ears. It's been a long time since he hugged that child.Since the two gave birth to Ayumi and watched Ayumi gradually destroying herself together, they could no longer enjoy the joy of fish and water, and they dared not hope to give birth to a new life. Mikami crawled into his quilt and sighed silently. It is not necessary to have two children, but this is originally a mutual understanding between the couple.It's just that this tacit understanding disappeared long ago unconsciously during the process of giving birth to Ayumi and raising her.Needless to say, he also knew that Minako did not want a second child.Ayumi looks too much like Mikami.Maybe Minazi was afraid, afraid that the second child would be a daughter, and if she looked like herself... Mikami closed his eyes. Both were too young at the time.Mikami belongs to the Criminal Special Investigation Unit of the First Investigation Section.Minako works as a back office in the traffic regulation section of the annex.At that time, valuables in the car were often looted in the staff parking lot on the embankment. Because this incident hurt the face of the police, a special search was launched.Minako's car was also damaged, so she was invited to ask some questions.But Mikami didn't dare to look directly at her face, so he only remembered the voice.The following year, the two were assigned to the same jurisdiction.If you meet in the office, at most you say hello, it's just a friendship like this.For Mikami, the existence of Minako is too dazzling, she is the goddess he can only look up to all his life.However, one day, without any warning, Minako suddenly gave him a traffic safety amulet. "If you don't dislike it, please accept it..." Minazi said with a smile.Because it was too unexpected, Mikami couldn't even say a word of thanks. Minazi's shallow breathing sounded in his ears, and she was within his reach. - Don't you regret it?This unspoken question was also whispering in Mikami's heart tonight.

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