Chapter 5 fourth quarter
Only three days after lawyer Maekawa visited, the commotion started.At that time, Mom hadn't officially replied whether she wanted to accept the 500 million won bequest, nor had she gone through the necessary procedures.
Even so, here it comes.
Shimazaki said: "Since an earthquake has occurred, a tsunami will naturally occur. It is useless to wait for the tsunami to strike and then panic to find a life buoy or an escape vest. You can only find a way to escape. If you cannot escape, you will give up. Before the rescue arrives , If you can catch anything, just hold on to it."
The first one to publish this story was the Bagua Evening News, which was specially sold at the station.Dad bought a copy when he got off work, and when I saw the headline in the newspaper, I just really hoped that people thought it was something ridiculous like "Eiji Banto is going to be the head coach of Hanshin"; prayed that the neighbors wouldn't see the headline; Pray that even if they see it, they won't find out that the "Ogata family" in the newspaper is our home; pray that there is something wrong with the ink formula used to print this newspaper, and all the reports will disappear in an hour.
On the surface, God seems to have heard my prayer.That night, not half of the neighbors came up with the evening paper and said, "Hey, is this talking about your family?" When the third year I went to school, no classmates shouted across the road, "Hey, billionaires." !" The people in Dad's company didn't say anything, and he looked relieved when he got home.
(Fortunately, it’s okay...) We still think so for a while.
Then look back and compare later, this is the stage when the fire just started.The scale of the burning is inconspicuous, so weak that people mistakenly ignore it, and it will naturally go out.But as long as you look carefully, you will find that those fires are not ordinary small flames, but wolf smoke; and things like wolf smoke can be seen more clearly the farther away they are.
What our family should really be afraid of is not the small community around us, but all the strangers who can see the smoke.Strangers flock to us, and those around us who should know us well are drawn to strangers.The neighbors, who hadn't noticed anything before that, discovered that the wolf smoke had already ignited at their feet after being informed by outsiders.
After the evening paper's report, the weekly magazine continued to report after two days.Since then, my home phone has been ringing non-stop.Some reporters called to interview us, some relatives called to express their surprise, some impatient acquaintances called to borrow money, some called to raise funds, and many strange psychopaths called to intimidate us.Especially the last one, which has the largest number, makes people very uncomfortable.
Then people began to come to the door, and the TV station also came.At this point, it is considered terminal cancer.We seem to have let the media, which are immune to gossip (are they?) contagious, and the variety of outward self-conscious symptoms it creates is astounding.
The level of commotion skyrocketed, and it was not enough to describe it as a snowball. It was just like the broom in the movie that was cursed by the magician's apprentice and could move by itself.In order to stop the broom, the apprentice magician who didn't know how to unravel the spell had to split it in half from the beginning.Yes, exactly the same situation as that.
It's just that we are different from Mickey Mouse who played the sorcerer's apprentice in the movie. We were not the ones who chanted the spell at the beginning; and when the broom was about to lose control, we didn't have a master to undo the spell for us.
Intellectually, we certainly understand that for an office worker family like ours who live in an old apartment in an old Tokyo street and are overwhelmed by housing loans, it is certainly worth making a fuss about someone suddenly offering a gift of 500 million yen.After all, Japan is also a country that, in the name of the "Rich List", is used to digging through people's wallets every year. How could we let us get a lot of money for nothing?What's more, this money is five times the lottery prize limit.
Of course, I can't pretend to be arrogant and say that I was not interested in other people's gossip before, so this may be a natural retribution.But, if our family just watched the divorce news of the artist, the tragedy of the disaster victims, the scene of a serious car accident, and other kinds of news with great interest, then a hammer of 500 million won will be dropped from the sky to punish us ;Then pressed the button of our walkie-talkie until it broke, removed the soundproof and waterproof windows of our house, broke into the neighbor's house without taking off his shoes and asked "what kind of people are the Ogata family?" They protested and beat and cursed people, even ran to Dad's company and followed me into the toilet, hid behind the school gate to intercept me who was going to school, and chased my mother who was going shopping, and those people who caused her to fall in the supermarket should be damned in the sky What to hit them with?Enough to open a second De Beers diamond mine?
At first, we all avoided the media as much as possible and did not give any interviews, but the news leaked out from other places in large numbers.The so-called "other places" are our relatives.It is impossible for us to completely hide it from our relatives, so we will naturally explain to them what is going on, and in the end all those words leaked out.The most serious is the relatives on Dad's side.
Mom's grandparents are all there, so you can keep an eye on them; but dad's grandparents passed away very early, and dad is an only child, so there are only uncles, cousins, cousin's sons, etc. People who are directly related, so you can't stop them.
In this way, instead of letting them spread the word, it is better for us to speak clearly.So later, we made up our minds to change our policy and started accepting interviews.
The media, especially the gossip programs, were overjoyed, saying that this was a rare and precious story, extolling my mother, and asking us about the purpose of the money without warning.
Lawyer Maekawa was besieged by the media just like us.He insisted that lawyers must abide by the obligation of confidentiality and keep those people out of the door.But being followed all day in front of the office also troubled him very much.
"Mr. Sawamura is very famous in certain fields," the lawyer explained to us with a tired expression. "When he was hospitalized due to terminal cancer and entrusted me to realize his property and prepare his will, he has been received by some people. Attention. This turmoil is something everyone must go through, and it’s only for a while, and you’ll be fine if you get through it.”
As the unrest intensified, our contact with the law firm became more and more difficult.Having lost the channel to vent, Dad seemed the most anxious.
The three of us have been exhausted quickly since being drawn into this unprecedented storm.Everyone may think that you don’t have to do anything to get 500 million won, and it’s fine to be patient, but even though you have the money to get it, the banknotes are not right in front of you, and my house did not suddenly become a luxurious mansion.Life obviously hasn't changed, but the surrounding environment has changed all of a sudden. Of course, it's unbearable.We are tired and annoyed, talk less and less, quarrel once in a while, become irritable and irritable, and we will go crazy immediately for a little thing.
Especially my parents, they would go off without a trace.It started with little things like missing toothpaste and forgetting to take out the garbage, and then fell into a cold war.They had never quarreled over little things like this before, so they must be tired.Like when Dad came back from the company every night, his cheeks seemed to be a little sunken again.
At this time, we are like three shipwrecks with their bows tied together, floating in the vast sea with no islands in sight.Although they can see each other and hear each other's voices, they cannot help each other.To make matters worse, the radio was only audible.
It's a shame to say that at the time I didn't realize that these little quarrels were not just emotional catharsis, but that there was a deeper meaning behind them; I also didn't realize that the only way to find someone to treat the external noise as ordinary noise was to forget it.
At that time, I was just a "happy kid".
Just like the revolving stage is turning and turning, things are finally about to meet a new situation.July 14th—I was literally counting my fingers for the summer holidays, so I never miss the date.
At that time, I had to avoid the reporters who suddenly appeared on the way to school every morning, and rushed into the school gate desperately; after I went in, I had to endure the days when even the teachers called me "500 million yuan".The only legal way out of this life is the summer vacation, and I can't wait for the summer vacation to come soon.
When I was practicing in the football club, when I went to pick up the ball, the ball would be kicked in my face, and when I was practicing heading the ball, someone would stretch out their legs and trip me.It’s not that I have persecution paranoia, the so-called school is a place where all kinds of grievances are forced to be covered with a cover and then fastened with screws. If there is a crack somewhere, the anger, dissatisfaction and resentment accumulated inside will burst out.Everyone wore a "joking" mask and laughed and attacked, even the teacher got involved.No way, teachers are human too.
Of course, there are also teachers who come forward to stop these pranks, but they are outnumbered after all.Although the shield of "the school has autonomy" can resist the intrusion of the media, but when the commotion in the school became louder and louder, the instructor called home and suggested that my mother ask me to ask for leave for the time being and not to go to school, saying that the final exam is over, no What will happen.
Mom seems to agree, but I don't want to die.Maybe everyone will think that I am obviously eager to take summer vacation as soon as possible. This attitude is contradictory, but I just want to fight for it.Do you understand?
Anyway, at that time, I was like a goalkeeper who found out that all his teammates had defected to the opposing team and attacked our goal as soon as the kick-off of a football match.And, even the referees had their backs to me.
Only when I'm with Shimazaki can I catch my breath.Because he opened his eyes wide and pricked up his ears, trying to be the anchor of my wrecked ship, and prevent me from being led to more dangerous reefs.
Also, he was the first to notify me of the change.
That was when school was over and club activities were over, around 5:30 in the evening.I went around to Shimazaki's house, and in order not to interfere with the business in the store, I climbed through the back door to his small study with a ceiling as low as an attic, and drank the Coke he invited.Their home is on my way home. I used to go there often. After this incident, in order to avoid the paparazzi who were predicting when I would go home, and to avoid being the target of nearby Obasan gossip, I became more often go to his house.
"What I saw in the store downstairs just now is from this issue."
Saying that, Shimazaki threw me a weekly gossip magazine.
"Things have a new development, and photos of Sawamura are published in it."
I was taken aback and picked up the weekly magazine. "Really?!"
There's a reason I'm so surprised.Because before that, I had no idea what Naoki Sawamura looked like.
Attorney Maekawa said Mr. Sawamura did not have a photo.Mom knows him so it's okay, but my dad and I really want to know what he looks like, but no matter how we ask the lawyer, he always insists that there is no picture.
On this point, the magazines and the television media are just as insatiable as we are.When it comes to talking about a person, photos are more convincing than words.In desperation, the media had no choice but to use illustrations of middle-aged gentlemen to make up the number.
"I think, either he asked others to dispose of the photos for him before he died, or he cleaned them up first. However, he probably didn't have much opportunity to take pictures. He is not an artist, and most people are not likely to stay if they don't have a family. It's a photo." Shimazaki said the same thing.
So before that, "Naoki Sawamura" was just a literal person to me—he was dead, so it should be said that he was a literal ghost.Anyway, I only know his name, and I have no idea about the illustrations.
Now there is a picture of him!I quickly opened the magazine.
"Where did they find it?"
"This is a big exclusive." Shimazaki rarely showed melancholy eyes. "Things are not good now."
"How? It's bad enough now."
"You look at the photos before you talk."
I turned the page as he said, and saw a slightly blurred black and white photo, which took up the entire page.
Inside it was a tall, thin man who looked very intelligent.The photo is blurry because the person being photographed is moving—
He is crossing from the right to the left of the picture with hurried steps.
The black suit was paired with a plain tie, and because the coat was unbuttoned, the hem turned up slightly with the movement.He looks sideways, so only about three-quarters of his face is captured.
He was not holding anything in his left hand, and his right elbow on the other side was slightly bent, probably stuck in the pocket of his coat or trousers.This gesture looks very familiar, very similar to the standard action of male drivers all over Japan when approaching the car.right!He must be picking out the car keys.Speaking of this, there is something similar to a bumper on the side of the screen.
The title does say "Sawamura", but I think "it's not him" because Sawamura is a fifty-five-year-old man.
Perhaps aware of my doubts, Shimazaki explained:
"It was taken in 1976. You see, the tailoring of the suit is not as loose as it is now. So, that is the appearance of Naoaki Sawamura at the age of 40 fifteen years ago. It is better than being saved by your mother." Yiming was five years older then."
Shimazaki leaned back on the chair and looked at me. In his usual flat tone, he said something that I will hear in many places and in various ways in the future: "I feel like a cool handsome man."
I didn't say anything because I also agreed.
"At least handsomer than your father."
Let me declare first that only Shimazaki dares to speak so directly.
"To be honest, he's much handsomer."
"Understood! You are very annoying." I made a motion to chase away the flies. "You don't talk yet."
Mom saves the guy, and it's like an over-the-top old action movie.
"When this photo was taken—he must have been middle-aged, right?"
"Well... the word middle age gives people a bad impression. A man is at his forties when he is at his most energetic. Why don't we call it 'mature age'?"
Although I asked it myself, it was impolite to respond like that, but I didn't listen to Shimazaki's answer at all.Because my attention is all attracted by the photos.
"He must be very feminine..."
"For sure, besides, he is very rich."
"I don't know if there are any women?"
"have it."
"Then this photo should be taken by that woman."
Shimazaki looked up at the ceiling and shook his head directly, and said: "If it is a woman, you should call him and tell him to face the camera and press the shutter. In this way, that Sawamura will grab the camera, pull out the film and directly Throw it into the trash can... This one was secretly filmed by the government."
"government?"
"It was written in the report. At that time, a scandal broke out in the stock purchase case of a certain auto parts manufacturer, which alarmed the police. However, the Lockheed case occurred that year, so they resolved it without taking any major actions. Since Naoki Sawamura and This incident is related and will be watched for a period of time. I don't know how this photo got out, but it has been fifteen years, and the statute of limitations for that case has probably passed."
"But," I said, looking at the photo, "what's so bad about it?"
Shimazaki sighed a lot: "Because all the actors are here."
"I don't understand."
"This photo is likely to become a fuse, because people around will definitely make a fuss. Who can stand it, maybe it will explode."
"Who will explode?"
Shimazaki shook his head like a child throwing a tantrum.
"At this time, it would be nice if Naoki Sawamura was the most ugly pig. Human beings are very simple and easily influenced by their appearance, but things backfire. Although there is nothing we can do about it, it is really bad. This big thing is not good gone."
After Shimazaki finished speaking in one breath, he snorted again, which confused me.
"What exactly are you trying to say?"
"You," Shimazaki knelt down in front of me, "Didn't I tell you last time? Although it's easy to forget, our parents were young too..."
"Yes indeed."
"Equally, we must not forget. Even now, they have a pure and vulnerable heart."
I blinked slowly several times. "Shimazaki...are you feeling unwell?"
"No, I just feel a little sad."
"Sad what?"
"Because I knew what was going to happen next, but I couldn't do anything about it."
After saying these mysterious words, Shimazaki looked down at me and said in a disgustingly gentle voice.
"Let me tell you, I won't lock the windows of this room; besides, there is an extra quilt here. By the way, the wood on the third step from the top of the laundry table in my house is rotten, you Be careful."
I began to worry that Shimazaki might be out of his wits: going home with a feeling of agitation.But in less than an hour, I knew that I was wrong; at the same time, I realized that it was not he who might go crazy, but me.
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