Chapter 2 bullfight

In mid-December of the 21st Showa era, a notice was prominently published in the "Osaka New Evening News": "Starting from January 20 in the next spring, a three-day bullfight will be held at the Hanshin Stadium." On this day, as soon as the sample of the announcement was printed, the editor-in-chief Tsugami grabbed a copy and put it in his pocket. He went to the cold reception room and walked out of the newspaper office with Tashiro who had been waiting there alone for a long time. street.In the past two or three days, the sky has been freezing cold, which makes people appreciate the taste of the twelfth lunar month in the middle of winter.Bitter cold wind blew from the ground in an instant.

Tashiro took the newspaper from Tsugami, took a closer look, oh, it's finally published!A smile appeared on his face naturally, but in an instant, he restrained himself again. "From now on, it's time to do propaganda. We have to rely on propaganda to do nothing." Tashiro walked quickly, folded the newspapers that had been blown by the wind into four folds, and stuffed them casually into his pockets, "However, we still have to I have a new question to discuss with you." Tashiro seems to be tireless, whenever the work comes to an end, he has already started towards the new goal ahead.This time, it took a lot of effort to announce the announcement of the bullfight to the world. However, Tashiro did not leave a trace of fatigue.

"How about it? Shouldn't we just buy all the racing cattle? One head costs 50,000 yuan. I said, twenty-two cattle only cost 1.1 million yuan. No matter how you say it, it's cheap. If your newspaper wants to buy it, It's easy. I'm thinking, if you're willing to buy it, the City W Association will settle the deal." Tashiro chattered on and on alone, as if he had traveled a long distance from Shikoku just to get this deal done.Once the game is over, these twenty-two cows can be thrown away immediately.If it's okay to put the money aside for a while, of course it's better to hold the cow in your hands and watch for a while, and act with the camera.In any case, twenty-two oxen were dragged from far away Shikoku with great difficulty, and even if the game was over, they could not be sent back shamelessly.Buying a cow for 1.1 million yuan, as long as you bring it to Hanshin, it will be sold for 1.5 to 600,000 yuan in a blink of an eye.If the cattle were slaughtered and sold as meat, although it would be troublesome, about 2 million yuan would definitely be in the pocket.This was the wishful thinking in Tashiro's heart.

Tashiro is of medium build, with broad shoulders and a strong build, wrapped from top to bottom in a heavy and thick fur coat.He was carrying a rough crocodile leather handbag. Although the handbag was a bit worn out, it could be regarded as a valuable item right now. There was a ruined road stretching under his feet, and there were very few passers-by.The cold wind is hunting and rushing head-on.Tashiro feared that his voice would be swallowed by the wind, he stopped his pace from time to time while walking, raised his head, and danced his tongue towards the tall Tsugami's lips. Tsugami nodded submissively and listened, of course, his mood did not obey Tashiro at all.The property of the newspaper is only 195,000 yuan, and it is no exaggeration to say that hosting this bullfight is a gamble with the fate of the newspaper, and it is a major event beyond the capabilities of the newspaper.As far as raising competition expenses alone, the newspaper office has already endured hardships and is trapped in a tight situation.Since this is the case, it is an unrealistic luxury to buy all the racing cattle. "Osaka New Evening News" was founded in December last year, and it has been a year since then.Its backbone comes from B Newspaper, which is known as one of the two major newspapers in this country. From typesetting, printing, photography, and liaison, everything depends on the equipment and personnel of B Newspaper.Therefore, public opinion often says that the Osaka New Evening News and B Newspaper are operated by the same capital, that is to say, they are regarded as subsidiaries of B Newspaper.But regardless of the appearance, the two are completely separate in actual operation.

Tashiro, a treacherous performer, should have made repeated investigations into the economic situation of the Osaka New Evening News when signing the contract for this bullfight.Even so, he had to pour a huge amount of money because he overestimated the background of B Newspaper, and he estimated that even if it fell, he would not lose money.He overestimated the small newspaper that had just been established for a year. In addition to organizing this bullfight, he also solemnly proposed a large transaction of more than one million yuan.It can be seen from this that Tashiro, a country-style performer, is naive, childish and shameless. Once he cooperates with others, he immediately shows his true nature and exposes the true face of an entrepreneur.

However, Tsugami partnered with Tashiro in this business, and he didn't feel much fear or anxiety. From the day they first met, Tsugami had seen through Tashiro with certainty, the attributes of a show business in him, and Cunning, shameless, unscrupulous character for money.However, when dealing with him, Tsugami seldom thought of himself being fooled.Tsugami despises the other party, and all the characters in the other party that should be feared, as long as you study carefully, you will soon see them in detail.However, Tashiro's particularly innocent enthusiasm for his career made Tsugami suddenly feel that he was even more despicable.

"Bullfighting competitions must make money!" Tashiro said firmly.When he spoke, there was a dazed expression on his face, which was quite different from the sonorous tone of each word.Moreover, he seemed to be looking into the distance, his eyes fell on a certain point in the space, and in an instant, his eyes slowly moved up, as if there was a bunch of mysterious flowers that he could not see, calling his soul from afar.At this moment, the concept of money must have disappeared in Tashiro's mind.Tsugami watched the demented expression of the performer, who had forgotten his gains and losses, maliciously, as if he was looking at a decoration.Suddenly, Tsugami forgot about his intoxication, his heart became cold, and he said:

"If our company doesn't buy it..." "There's someone who wants to buy it," Tashiro said impatiently, as if waiting for Tsugami's words, "Actually, I'm going to trouble you now, that's why I'm asking you to meet him. I found someone because I was wary of your newspaper's refusal to buy it. You can also have a joint venture. Even if it has nothing to do with this matter, you can still ask him for help. His name is Yata Okabe, don't you know him? He is quite a character!" The word "quite" came from Tashiro's mouth, and Tsugami was full of suspicion.However, Tsugami wanted to give Tashiro face, so even if he went to Haijiao Tianya today, Tsugami would go with him.In any case, after a lot of effort, the announcement was finally made public, and Tsugami felt relieved and happy.

"He is a senior from his hometown. Although he is a senior, he is a few years younger than me. In any case, he is a great man. As the manager of Hanshin Industrial Company, he also holds three or four other companies. Anyway Said that he is a leading figure among his fellow countrymen." Tashiro said as much as he could, and with his body hunched like a screen, he walked with strides. It was two months ago that Tashiro Yasamatsu first appeared at Tsugami's home in Nishinomiya, holding a large business card with the unidentified title of "Meiraka Performance Company Manager" printed on it.Tsugami never received official visitors at home, but it happened that the night before, Koko came to the door. As usual, the two argued endlessly over the old issue of whether to break up completely or to stay together.In the morning, Sakiko's eyes shone with a silent, stern light, which could be understood as love or hatred.In order to avoid Sakiko's gaze, Tsugami longed for someone to visit.

Tashiro, who met for the first time, was nothing more than a country performer, just like the title on his business card.He has an energetic red face and a raspy voice. Compared with his age, he is indeed a bit ugly, but he is already over fifty years old.He was wearing a double-breasted button-up suit jacket made of hand-knitted wool, and a large patterned shirt inside. It was the fancy dress of a young man in his twenties.Two silver rings were exposed on the bony fingers.Only the thin black scarf looked shabby. For some reason, people refused to take it off even when they entered the house.

Tashiro came to lobby for the bullfight.He briefly explained the origin and history of the bullfight held in W City in Iyo, which is the only one in Japan, and then confessed that he would try to introduce this traditional rural competition to the whole country in the future, claiming that it was his long-cherished wish.He talked back and forth in the tone of an announcer. "Although I'm a nameless show business, I'm only doing this bullfight. I don't want to do business. The big money can be earned in other ways. For thirty years, I have taken care of little interesting country plays and, in Shikoku Traveling around. To put it bluntly, I want to put Iyo’s bullfighting on the stage of Tokyo or Osaka one day.” Tashiroguchi said that engaging in bullfighting competitions is not a business, but he also has something to say, repeatedly emphasizing that there is nothing more sure of making money than this. Tsugami was noncommittal, letting Tashiro wag his lips and tongue in front of him as if performing a show.With a pipe in his mouth, he stared at the stumped branches and leaves of the camellia in the corner of the small courtyard, his eyes were indifferent and indifferent.Tsugami had to deal with this passerby every day.On such occasions, he always listened absent-mindedly, and at the same time he only cared about indulging in completely irrelevant thoughts, and these thoughts were more often extremely lonely.For the speaker, it seems that several harpoons have been thrown into the sea one after another without any response.However, when Tsugami occasionally uttered a few words just to flatter the audience, but in the right way, the speaker thought that Tsugami was listening attentively, and fell into a wonderful illusion. The more indifferent Tsugami was, the more talkative Tashiro became. "When it comes to bullfighting, it is easy for laymen to think that it is out of taste, but it is by no means like this. Because the local people have always bet on winning or losing in bullfighting..." When Tashiro said this, Tsugami asked reflexively: "Win or lose the bet?" Tashiro said that the city of W holds bullfights three times a year, and even now, almost all spectators place bets on the bullfights.Tsugami had always ignored Tashiro's words, but this one suddenly, strangely, and tortuously rushed into his heart.Suddenly, Tsugami's mind was like a movie scene, and a scene emerged very naturally: a large modern grandstand like Hanshin Stadium or Kazuki Garden, where animals are fighting in the bamboo fence in the center of the field. Fascinated audience, tweeters, bundles of banknotes, surging crowds.It is like a charcoal-lead painting that is sluggish, indifferent, and condensed with a sense of weight.After that, Tsugami stopped listening carefully to what Tashiro said again.Tsugami thought: Gambling!Bullfighting is a gamble.Even if a bullfight is held in Hanshin City, it will be like W City, and all the spectators will come to gamble.For the Japanese after the war, if there is still life to scratch, I am afraid it will be like this.If they are given proper means of gambling, even if they don't make much noise, they might gather together and have a big gamble.On the stadium surrounded by ruins, tens of thousands of spectators bet on bullfights, and they might make money.Now, although baseball and football are beginning to rejuvenate, it will take two or three years before they reach the level of excitement of previous years.Now, at best, it is just an era of bullfighting.As a business for the newspaper, it wouldn't be bad to have the first bullfight in Hanshin.It is probably most appropriate to regard bullfighting as the cause of the Osaka New Evening News. At this time, Tsugami's eyes shined because of this, just like Sakiko's cold, yet passionate and indulgent, tear-filled eyes that refused to part ways with him. "Think about it, this matter may be worth trying." Tsugami stood up and said firmly, with a completely different tone from before. About half an hour later, Tashiro said goodbye and left, and the room suddenly fell silent.Tsugami found himself a little excited.He sat on the chair in the corridor for a long time, silent and motionless.This is his usual habit when he starts any new project.At this moment, Tsugami desperately wanted to spend time alone. "This seems to be a job you are passionate about." Sakiko said, suddenly breaking the silence in the room. Sakiko was the same as when Tashiro was present, sitting in the corner of the room, knitting with her head bowed, and the knitting needles gleamed coldly in her arms. "why?" "Why? I have such a feeling. You must be keen on it. You have such a thing." Sakiko said, raised her head, and cast a cold gaze at Tsugami, "You have such a bet A traitorous character." Listening to her tone, she couldn't tell whether it was a reproach or a sigh. In fact, in Tsugami's character, there is indeed an aspect that can be called a gambler. Tsugami, as an outstanding reporter from the social department of Newspaper B, has held the position of deputy minister of the department for three years, and has not suffered a major setback.This job is tricky, and anyone who does it will inevitably fail.He always wore crisp trousers, received visitors and handled affairs with such agility that he sometimes felt ruthless.No matter how vulgar incidents are, he can handle them skillfully and softly on the page.Of course, since he lives in the eventful press world, Tsugami will inevitably make enemies.Colleagues talked about him a lot, some said he used money improperly, some said he was putting on airs, and besides, he was selfish, well dressed, like a literary youth, and so on.These censures from colleagues do have a profound and pertinent aspect, but it is precisely because of his shortcomings that Tsugami has formed a rational atmosphere around him that is completely different from that of the past social department reporters. After the battle, B Newspaper had to adjust its huge surplus of personnel. Based on this reasonable adjustment policy, it established a printing factory and the Osaka Shin Evening News Agency, and transferred a considerable number of personnel to these two collateral units.At that time, Tsugami was first elected as the editor-in-chief of the Osaka New Evening News.Thirty-seven years old makes people feel a little inferior to the title of editor-in-chief.At that time, the "Osaka New Evening News" came out among many evening newspapers that were launched one after another. To make it win the first place in the competition, a completely new layout was found.With these talents, except for Tsugami, no other candidates have been found.Besides, Omoto, who is the president of the newspaper, was born in the film industry. Although he has a lot of courage, he is completely a layman in running a newspaper.In this case, it is necessary to have a person under the president who can not only display his editorial skills, but also become the core of the newspaper in terms of management, prudent and strong.In these respects, Tsugami's thoughtful and impeccable personality, which he cultivated at B Newspaper in the past, played a big role. After Li Shang took office as the editor-in-chief of "Osaka New Evening News", he first adopted a novel horizontal layout, clearly identified the readers as urban intellectuals and company employees, and played the banner of culture and entertainment. In all aspects, it highlights irony, wit and wit.It can be said that Tsugami’s method of founding the New Evening News is generally practical. As a unique newspaper, "Osaka New Evening News" was very popular among company employees and students in the area. When it was sold on the streets, it was sold out first.In the eyes of readers who were used to vulgar newspapers during the war, the "Osaka Shin Evening News" did have a fresh and provocative charm.A young law professor who returned to the lecture hall of Kyoto University after the war said in a short commentary in the university newspaper: "The Osaka Shin Evening News is the mouthpiece of intellectuals and gamblers." This comment may be to some extent The key to it.Indeed, a sensitive poet would certainly point out that this evening paper, popular among urban intellectuals, has an aura of frivolity, emptiness, and loneliness.And this invisibility is precisely the character of the newspaper's editorial chief, Tsugami.For more than three years since the war, Sakiko and Tsugami have sometimes lived in concubine, sometimes separated, until now they are still clamoring to part ways, and in the end they still maintain a nondescript relationship.It is such a Sakiko who can see Tsugami's character most thoroughly. "No one knows your character of cunning, depravity and gambler, only me, only I know in my heart." Sakiko always said that when she was happy.Whenever this happens, Sakiko's eyes shine brightly, as if these words are traces of her admiration for Tsugami.But at another time, it was a merciless criticism directed at the lover. Tsugami evacuated his wife and two children to his hometown in Tottori Prefecture, and has not returned yet.Sakiko's husband was a friend of Tsugami's college days, but he was killed in the war, and his remains have not yet returned home.Tsugami and Sakiko had a relationship during the war, and until today after the war, they are still procrastinating and lingering.Even the sharp-eyed colleagues of the newspaper did not see through the relationship between them.Sakiko sometimes felt that this was where Tsugami was cunning. Sakiko's first contact with Tsugami was a year after the news of her husband's death came internally.At that time, Sakiko was worried about her future and livelihood, and often went to Tsugami to discuss it.It was an evening in summer, when Tsugami came back from get off work at the newspaper office, he just happened to walk in the door one step ahead of Sakiko.Sakiko, who already knew the family like the back of her hand, came to the corridor.What caught her eyes was Tsugami's tired state after returning from going out.Tsugami pushed his hat back on his head and sank into the wicker chair, smacking his whiskey glass. The moment Tsugami saw Sakiko, he stood up straight, straightened his messy suit jacket, and returned to his usual solemn demeanor.Seeing this scene, Sakiko felt the long-forgotten blood boiling all over her body, Tsugami was physically and mentally exhausted, tired, and looked lonely, which wonderfully stimulated Sakiko's senses.Even after the two hang out, whenever she thinks back to this past, Sakiko still likes such a Tsugami, likes this lonely soul like a corroded and phosphorescent Tsugami, this Tsugami who no one understands. Tsugami's love didn't burn completely, there was always an impenetrable fire core.Sakiko realized that even though she cuddled her whole body tightly in Tsugami's arms, there was still a gulf between the two that filled the gap.Tsugami often shows guarded eyes, which makes it difficult for Sakiko, who is only 30 years old, to intoxicate her mind and body.It wasn't the look of admiration, but then again, it wasn't the look of abandoning Sakiko by the side of the road.Looking on like an outsider, with a pair of unbearable cold and ruthless eyes. Tsugami's heart is cold, even he can't control it.Whenever Sakiko touches this heart, a word often flashes in her mind, that is "wicked people".Yet the cruel eye of the villain sometimes strives to be intoxicated.Sakiko was very clear.There was a wild and unruly sadness in those eyes.It is because of these eyes that Sakiko loves Tsugami heartily.But when she knew she couldn't enchant the eyes, her love often turned to hatred that flickered with pain. The performer Tashiro cast a bullfighting bait, and Tsugami was seduced by it and would not let it go.To say that this was a news reporter's idea, Mo Ruo said it was the rebellion of Tsugami's eyes that cannot be intoxicated.In Sakiko's words, this is Tsugami's hidden "gambler" character. The Osaka New Evening News is located in Yotsubashi, an office building that was bombed and renovated.The day after Tashiro proposed a bullfight to Tsugami, a meeting of officers was held here.In addition to Tsugami, President Omoto, Director K of the Arranging Department, and Director S of the Reporting Department attended the meeting.Tashiro was also present at the meeting.President Omoto took the lead and agreed with the plan of the bullfighting competition. "Bullfighting is really interesting. Let's do it! It's sponsored by this newspaper, supported by City W and the Bullfighting Association. Calculated at 50,000 yuan a day, you can get 150,000 yuan in three days. Just like the Spanish bullfighting, do it with great fanfare. " Omoto was as fat as a weak pit bull.He yelled at the top of his voice, which was his happy temper.Omoto started his career as the owner of a rural movie theater, relying on his skill and strength made him rise to the top.It's no wonder that he has the courage and determination to start a business, and everything is handled by his first-rate inspiration.Since Omoto and Tsugami agreed with this plan, others have no particular objection to it. As a result, the bullfighting plan immediately passed a decision: move the bullfighting competition held at the S Shrine on January 1st to Hanshin, and choose one of the two major stadiums known for its modern stadiums; persuade W City and the Bullfighting Association , to provide support in both nominal and actual aspects; the date of the competition avoids the season of outdoor sports activities, and is scheduled to be held for three days in late January. The newspaper and Tashiro each bear half of the losses. However, the Meiruo Performance Company is acting behind the scenes, under the banner of the Osaka New Evening News on the outside, and the final settlement will be made after the competition. The cost of going to the stadium will be borne by Tashiro, and the cost of setting up the venue, preparations for the game and publicity after the cattle arrive at the stadium will be borne by the newspaper office.These are the main terms of the contract between the two parties. That night, Omoto and Tsugami hosted a banquet in honor of Tashiro at a restaurant in Kyoto.On the second night, Tashiro also invited several key cadres of the newspaper office to have a drink at a restaurant on the black market in Osaka. "It's not for the sake of good luck, it means that we have to rely on cattle for food. Although it's a bit shabby, I still invite everyone to have sukiyaki." Tashiro was very happy.After getting drunk, he said again, "Once the cattle are transported to Kobe, it is best to cover them with bright colors, and parade from Kobe to Nishinomiya. The next day, they will show up in Osaka. Just make it lively." He moved his palm back and forth. Wiping his flushed mouth, he bent down and poured wine for Omoto and Tsugami.At this moment, Tashiro's expression was that of a child. When Tashiro went to the restroom, Omoto, who was drunk with everyone just now, said to Tsugami very solemnly: "The problem is that the money that needs to be prepared before the entrance fee is received, according to my calculations, needs to be about one million yuan." "Yes, such a number is necessary." Tsugami replied. "How to do it?" "There's always a way." "yes?" "All publicity and advertisements are carried out together, and the money for renting the venue is negotiated, and it will be delivered after the competition. However, it costs two to three hundred thousand yuan to seal the venue and build a cowshed." "I can't even get together three hundred thousand yuan!" "Okay, leave this matter to me." Although Tsugami is not very sure, if something goes wrong, the tickets can be sold first.For the current Tsugami, Tashiro's proposal is more interesting than this matter.More than 20 cows are like the honor guards of the princes who walked through the streets in ancient times. Posting reports and posting photos must at least become a big topic of discussion in the streets.After drinking Japanese wine and whiskey, Tsugami's head was a little buzzing, and he solemnly and repeatedly described the strange scene in his mind. The next day, Li Shang hastily formed a bullfighting preparatory committee at the newspaper office. The committee members included T, who was not good at writing but brilliant at communication, and M, who was hardworking but resourceful, and appointed a member of the reporting department. Hands of several young people. There are just two months left until the scheduled race date in late January.The announcement must be made no later than mid-December, one month before the competition, so all matters must be prepared before then.The issue of the playing field is left for a later date.It has been two or three days since Tashiro returned to Shikoku, and Tsugami seems to follow suit, leading the young reporter T to W City.However, they rushed to W City to see that Tashiro had already settled all the negotiations with the local area and the association, and also negotiated the loan terms of borrowing a cow for 20,000 yuan, and selected 22 cows for the competition. , leaving no work for Tsugami and the others.I don't know how Tashiro publicized it. Needless to say, the association, even the cattle owners warmly entertained Tsugami and the others, as if welcoming the presence of the savior. The cattle owners here are all local wealthy families, and saving money to raise bullfighting bulls seems to be a long-cherished hope shared by the locals.In other places, rich people would build warehouses these days, but not here, where huge animals have been bred only for racing throughout the ages.Even the vice president of the Bullfighting Association, Harumiya Mosaburo, has a bull that will participate in the competition this time.Tsugami and the others stayed at the old man's house.The old man in the harem is more than seventy years old, and he is the most wealthy family in the village. He has a personality that is close to a bullfighting maniac. Suddenly, he looks as tough as an ancient warrior.His obsession with bullfighting was passed down from his parents.His father was a bullfighter, and when he was dying, he left his last words: "I have both money and real estate, and I have nothing else to think about. The only regret is that our cattle always lose to the cattle of the Tamura family. You must avenge me!" Father died, for he was such a bull-maniac with more fascinating anecdotes than stories.At that time, Harem Shigeru Saburo, who was still young, controlled the family business. It goes without saying that he inherited his father's will and devoted himself to training bullfighting.It is said that in the bullring in April of the third year after his father's death, Mosaburo Harem finally killed the Tamura family's bull with his well-fed cow.So, he put his father's tablet on the back of the bull and walked through the streets of W City.On the first night when Tsugami and the others were welcomed into the house, the old man sat upright in a skirt and coat as he had greeted the county governor, and told the story sporadically.It also has something to do with the fatigue of the journey, Tsugami listened, feeling very depressed.It wasn't just the old man. On this land, Tsugami was exposed to the unexpectedly high enthusiasm of bullfighting, but for some reason, his heart didn't stir up a trace of repercussions.Every morning, Tsugami stood in the corridor of the living room, his mood was suppressed by something, and he looked up at the bright green waves unique to the southern sea. During Tsugami's stay with them, Tashiro was extremely busy.He led Tsugami and the others to visit the S Shrine where the bullfighting competition is held every January, and visited the main cowsheds scattered on the outskirts of W City one by one. He got up in the mansion and said it was his brother's home.Tashiro always wore a thick and heavy fur coat, with sweat dripping from his nose, and walked fast like flying.Moreover, there was a banquet almost every night, and he would take the lead at that time, giving speeches, referring to Tsugami and reporter T as "sir", and saying "our newspaper" from time to time, as if he was a member of the Osaka New Evening News. As soon as Tsugami returned to Osaka, he immediately started working on the next stage.The situation in Osaka is completely different from that in W City, and unexpected obstacles appear one after another.First, he suffered setbacks over key playing field issues.Due to the date of the game, among the two major stadiums in Hanshin, Hanshin Stadium had to be chosen.It had been agreed to borrow three days from January 20th, but at the juncture of the contract exchange, the other party complained.According to Naniwa Electric Railway Company, which operates Hanshin Stadium, Hanshin Stadium is difficult to hold baseball activities compared with a stadium operated by another Dentetsu Corporation, an old rival, which has become a conclusive argument.After the war, in order to quell such rumors, the Naniwa Electric Railway Company did its best to renovate the stadium. Now it has to randomly bury wooden piles on the stadium, pile up bamboo fences, and let the cows kick the ground in a mess. It is intolerable.This statement is also justifiable.After repeated disputes, as a result, the stadium was finally borrowed.Xuan Xin had just let go, so the professional baseball team that was forced to stop activities complained.So, they talked about two or three prominent figures, and the matter was resolved somehow, but it cost an unexpected large sum of money.Then, another thorny problem followed.The county security department does not allow competitions, saying that in this land of Japan, there has never been any competition for bullfighting, so it is difficult to handle.A telegram was sent to Shikoku, and Tashiro was called back. After questioning, he found out that even in the birthplace of bullfighting, there is no precedent for bullfighting to be licensed.Omoto and Tsugami both went out and quarreled, but the problem was still not resolved.Tashiro traveled between Shikoku and Osaka, making three round trips, convincing prominent figures in Ehime Prefecture, and starting his activities from his hometown.Just after all these efforts failed, T, a reporter with a talent for communication, was dispatched. He entered and exited the county government three times and handed in a letter of guarantee, saying that if an accident occurred, the game would be stopped immediately.In any case, the head of the security section finally nodded in agreement.This happened just two or three days ago.Tsugami once gave up, thinking that the notice could not be changed into typeface.Today, the announcement of the bullfighting competition, the original manuscript was handed by the young people of the finishing department, accompanied by a photo of two bulls clashing horns, sandwiched between the two major news of the day's teacher strike and internal disputes in the socialist party, and then using eye-catching words. The frame was enclosed, and finally the newspaper came out.Both Omoto and Tsugami felt that this was like a hunting dog that had run loose. Tashiro was walking on the road through the middle of the ruins. He was pushed back and forth by the wind and walked two towns away. When he came to a half-collapsed building, he stopped unexpectedly, raised his right hand slightly, and pointed towards Tsugami He signaled, and then, as if he was going to escape if he didn't pay attention, he got into the open basement stairs. It was also because of Tashiro's deceptively mysterious actions that his figure suddenly disappeared from the ground.Tsugami followed Tashiro, stepping down the dark stairs step by step, barely able to squeeze through the corridor.After turning the corner of the >-shaped staircase, I found that the inside was unexpectedly spacious, brightly lit and brightly lit.It looks like a Japanese-style garden, with flowers and trees planted in the middle and lanterns installed, surrounded by four unfinished, independent, neat and beautiful small houses.Two of them seemed to be turned into bar rooms, with high chairs with narrow backs and green-painted beer barrels piled up in the corner.In front of it, four men were busy installing the tiled sink in the washroom without looking at Tashiro and Tsugami. They came to the end, a small house that was 90 percent finished.Yata Okabe was wearing a national uniform and a cotton robe, and was warming up inside, with a half bottle of whiskey left in front of him. "Ah, welcome, welcome." Just as Tsugami was about to sit down, Okabe took off his cotton robe and bowed boldly. He was short in stature, and his small face was covered with wrinkles when he spoke. The general impression was that he looked shabby. In his humble demeanor, on the contrary, he revealed a brazen spirit. "Mr. Tsugami, I'm waiting for you." Tsugami stared at Okabe's two thin lips that kept moving, and felt disgusted with his way of patting the other's shoulder if he didn't pay attention.Tsugami handed over his business card perfunctorily, with a much stiffer attitude than usual. So, Okabe also took out the business card holder from his pocket, groped in it, and clapped his hands to call a young man who looked like a secretary at first glance. "Write a business card to this gentleman, and fill in the company's phone number." After Okabe finished speaking, he handed the notebook and pen to the young man.Then, he picked up Tsugami's business card and held it up for Tashiro to see.Tashiro explained that the title on the business card was Editor-in-Chief.After hearing this, Okabe remained silent and nodded his head a few times.Tsugami looked again at the supercilious, short and mediocre man in front of him.If Tsugami's ability to distinguish has not been completely lost, Okabe, who is "currently the number one among Iyo's fellow villagers", is a guy who can't write a word with a pen and can't read big characters with his eyes open. Wine and food were served. "Actually, I want to have fun here in the future. In short, the Japanese haven't tasted good food for many years, so I plan to open a restaurant here, where people can eat the most delicious things. Wait until the restaurant When I opened, I will introduce to you three first-class chefs from Beppu, Kochi and Akita." Okabe showed a kind and generous attitude, and chattered in a tactful and tactful way. Tashiro was so reserved in front of Okabe that it made people laugh.The burly Tashiro was completely overwhelmed by this short, five-foot tall man.Tashiro specially introduced Tsugami to Okabe today because he had something important to discuss, but he didn't care to touch it at all. Sometimes he took the food and put it on the table, and sometimes he carefully poured wine for the two of them with the jug , or else, just sit on the sidelines, as if listening to the conversation between the two verbatim. What is Okabe going to talk about?Tsugami waited with half curiosity. Although Tsugami was not good at drinking, he still put the full bottle of wine to his mouth.In the current situation, it is high time that newspapers carrying notices are distributed in the streets. "Are you busy with the company?" Tsugami asked. "Not busy, quite idle. Although I have five or six companies, I'm always idle. If the manager gets busy, the company will be over. I can go on like this and drink every day." Okabe spoke unexpectedly, as if he was proud and satisfied.He wanted to show off more than when he first met Tsugami, and at this moment, this thought occupied most of his thoughts. "No, I'm not joking. Human brains are limited. Wisdom created without taking advantage of alcohol will not be extraordinary." Probably because Okabe drank whiskey alone before Tsugami and the others arrived, his small eyes flashed lively light from time to time, staring arrogantly at Tsugami's eyes.When he was talking, he never took his hand away from the whiskey glass, and sometimes he drank several sips of the yellow liquid in a row. He just saw him put the wine in his mouth, but he swallowed it almost silently in a blink of an eye. "Today, whether it's Tsugami or Tashiro, come and listen to my experience." "Yes, yes, I've wanted to hear it for a long time. How did Ookabe get rich?" Tashiro's posture was so humble that Tsugami hated him.When Tashiro wanted to pour wine for Okabe, Okabe just put the cup on the table, closed his small eyes with a defiant look.But after a while he opened it again and said: “是大冈部还是小冈部，我不知道，但我的公司，不论哪一个，都是战后搞起来的。我想说那是耗费了一代的心血才搞起来的，可实际上只用了一年，仅用了一年时间啊！所以我觉得，世界上的事情怪有趣儿的。” 于是，冈部嘶哑着嗓子大笑起来。 战火停息的那年十月，也就是一年前的时候，冈部从东南亚复员还乡。他三十八岁应征入伍，回到家时，已经是四十二岁的人了。他没有妻室儿女。他从十年前曾和自己有过交情的女人手里借到三千元钱，离开了伊予家乡。然后，依靠如今开卡车的一位战时老朋友，来到了神户。他在神户转了半个月左右，盯上了贩卖农机具的生薏。 当他得知尾崎的曙光工业公司生产出电动脱粒机之后，就想方设法大批地往手里扒，企图靠贩卖这种电动脱粒机，把流入乡村的大量资金纳入私囊。他先找到曙光工业公司，和公司干部面对面洽谈。当时，他掏出的名片上，印着“曙光产业股分有限公司”的头衔。当然，名片是他两、三天前从大阪的百货商店买来的，是一件荒唐玩意儿。不过，就是这个小小的计策，奇妙地奏了功效。“贵公司也是曙光吗？”大概出于同名公司的那种情谊，对方自始至终善心诚意，谈定明天之内交付一百台电动脱粒机，条件是一手交钱一手提货，明天之内把钱送来。从一般的交易惯例来看，这是破格的善意的契约。剩下的问题，是筹措换取货物时必须拿出的三十万元钱。 “你们想一想，这三十万元是怎么筹措的？我是从一面不识的人那里借来的呀。” 唯独此时，冈部简短的谈吐中流露出格外起劲的强烈语气。当时，他看准了前国会议员山本，这个人是他的同乡，是靠倒腾军火而发财的暴发户。他下定决心，非从山本手里借出三十万元不可。于是，他告辞了曙光工业公司，径直奔向御影，上山本家拜访。他软硬兼施，求山本看在同乡的情分上，借给他三十万元。而对方是不会理睬他的。那一天，他登门拜访了三次。第三次，他终于坐在门前的洋灰地上。就在这个时候，他脑际好象突然闪出灵感，他想：假如我加入三十万元的生命保险，用保险单做抵押岂不妙么？ 冈部抓紧时间，来到在淀屋桥的废墟上临时营业的N生命保险公司，但此时已是傍晚时分，公司下班关门了。他无可奈何，只好请值班员查出保险课长家的住址，知道保险课长家在吹田，他又来到吹田，向保险课长申请三十万元的生命保险。可是，保险课长说今天不行，明天到公司去办。事情如果推到明天，冈部就该砸锅了。冈部竭尽唇舌之能事，厚颜强辩，终于使对方屈服了。这天晚上，冈部花了三千元，换到手一份三十万元的生命保险单。他揣着它，坐上最后一班电车，重新返回山本的家里。他逼着山本说：“我用自己的生命来作抵押，三十万元还不能借吗？” “这事真妙！稍微动动脑筋就会知道，那份生命保险单是一钱不值的。不过，这就是人的有趣之处。对方还认为我拿着生命打赌呢。他说，既然你如此煞费苦心，就以一个月的期限借给你吧。可以说，这就是我发家的起点。” 冈部讲述了这么一段可谓是江湖骗子的经历。津上捕捉不到冈部的真意何在，但他听起来并不觉得乏味。冈部讲话的神态里，仿佛蕴含着一种热情的自我陶醉。 “真有意思。”津上说，这并非完全是阿谀之词。 “我大致就是这么一个人。不过，现在我手里有一、两千万元。怎么样？津上先生，你们报社搞斗牛，不能拉我入伙吗？” 冈部乘虚而入了，津上的眼睛不由地同冈部的目光相对了。冈部避开津上，慢慢点燃一支香烟，尔后，抬起头再度向津上看去。冈部这次似乎怒目而视，眼睛闪着执拗的光芒。 “如果共同出钱买牛，感到为难，我就把牛全部买下，运输费啦，比赛费用啦，与牛有关的一切都由我来照料，你们就无偿地搞事业，想赚钱就尽管赚吧。” 冈部语气沉稳，而又带着不容置辩的意味。 “可是，这件事不好办！” 津上让对方把话尽情讲完，方才说道。如果允诺冈部的请求，即使冈部这个人难以置信，有点令人不安，但从报社的角度来看，这是一桩比较上算的合同。然而，津上憎恶冈部望着自己的那对充满自信的小眼睛。津上如同决斗一般精神兴奋，脸上稍显苍白。 “好了，这是我们头一次搞事业，就让报社单枪匹玛地干吧。” 冈部手擎酒杯，一边客气地点头，一边详细地听津上回答。 “是么，”听完津上的话，冈部说道，“我知道了。虽然遗憾，但也无可奈何。” 冈部淡漠地收敛话题，实在令人感到意外。之后，他象是转换心情似地，给津上斟着威士忌，说： “不，你叫我称心，真叫我称心啊！这是你下决心干的事情，的确是你靠自己的力量干的。碰了钉子，我心里痛快。” 津上摸不清冈部的哪些话是真的，但冈部的确显得兴致盎然。 地下室由于灯光照明，房间弥漫着夜一般的气氛。津上他们走出地下室，外边正是冬天的夜幕渐渐笼罩废墟的时刻。 “为什么拒绝呢？不可惜吗？”从背后追上来的田代问。 “是可惜呀。” 即便田代不问，津上也是这样想的。两人默默无言，竖起大衣领，肩并肩地走着。当两人躲避身后驶来的卡车，面对面地站在路旁时，田代说： “其实，发生了一个棘手的问题，我还没告诉你呢。” 田代说，运送那二十二头牛需要八节车皮，但现在每天只能从W市发出两节来。面对这种情况，一筹莫展。因此，打算例外增挂车皮，找广岛铁路局交涉一番，但事情丝毫没有进展。说是因为眼下正是煤炭运输景况不佳的时候，而且，最关键的问题是没有可增挂的备用车皮。 律上默默地向前走去。他的心情如同看见海上又袭来一股白花花的波涛似的。 “在眼前这种情况下，”田代说道，“由于经商的关系，冈部在这个方面熟人多，就请他出面说话，让铁路局给想想办法吧。我想，事到如今，也只能这样了。” 津上一怔，停住脚步，“不是已经说死了吗？”说罢，朝田代投去严厉的目光。 田代厚着脸皮，扑哧一笑，说：“他这个人非同一般哪！那件事虽被你拒绝了，可这码事终当别论，他说要助一臂之力呢。” 津上不想借一臂半臂之力，但他感觉到，对方那么一个目空一切的矮个子，不知不觉已顺顺当当地插进斗牛的事情。看来，田代向冈部谈及此事，以及冈部刚才提出要买斗牛，好象都是作为交换条件提出来的。 新年以来，咲子一直没见到津上，从岁暮到正月，津上取消了回鸟取农村省亲的计划，几乎每天都住在报社，为筹备斗牛比赛而四处奔波。尽管如此，津上还是同意了咲子的主张，咲子只是想在除夕那天，和津上一起聆听除夜的钟声。他们来到以前曾住过的京都冈崎的一家旅馆。这里一片幽静，坐在室内，听得见外边的潺潺流水声。 连刮两，三天的风停了。这是一个星光灿烂的除夜。一到十二点钟，京都各处的寺院一齐响起了多年不曾入耳的嗡嗡的钟声。在这之前，津上挨着小桌，一边品尝带来的威士忌，一边在崭新的小笔记本上，全神贯注地写着二十日斗牛比赛以前的日程安排。等到钟声一响，他搁下钢笔，侧耳倾听起来。咲子坐在津上的身边。钟声以一定间隔，远近响成一片，余音袅袅，重叠交错，相互碰撞，在寒峭的夜空中，宛若道道涟漪，传播荡漾。 两人久久地坐着，缄默无言。四周不可思议地恬静，自从跟津上发生往来那一天起，咲子从未遇到过这种时刻。她身边这个男子，离开了工作，就象失去了精神支柱。在咲子看来，他那张脸现出格外苍白与纯朴的神情。咲子心想：“哎，多么可怜韵神情啊！”突然，她心中涌起既非憎恶亦非爱慕的感情，他毕竟不能离开她。这种感情似如流水伸展开来。这是与爱欲相距甚远的纯真情愫。 当一百零八下钟声垧过一半时，津上站起身来，推开窗户，尔后，长时间地立于窗前，凝视外面的夜色。咲子也站起来走过去，依偎着津上，窗外，唯有钟声悠悠飘荡，黢黑的夜色阴森可怕，繁茂的树木遮住了视线，望不见街上的一星灯火。猝然之间，咲子感到一阵强烈的不安。他们俩俨然是一对情侣，如此静默依偎，谛听辞别旧罗时钟声。一股晦气、暗淡的预感涌上咲子的心头：两人今夜共度良宵，莫非意味着这次要分道扬镳了吗？ 咲子离开津上，走到房间的角落，坐在朱红色的小梳妆台前。她的心还在激烈地跳着。对女人来说，从二十岁到三十岁这段时间是最宝贵的，而咲子却伴着津上度过了三年凄怆的时光。此时，她脸色青灰，象一只狐狸，从镜子中望着自己。 今年的正月，出现了几天往年不曾有过的暖和天气。咲子也是因患点儿感冒，这几天一直闷在公寓，独自消磨时光。 时间刚过正月的头三天，《大阪新晚报》上，有关斗牛的文章显著地多起来。刚登过扮演中的的歌剧名演员关于斗牛的谈话，第二天的报上，就大篇幅刊载了体育爱好者知名的F伯爵斗牛漫谈，还登载了附上照片介绍专门雕塑斗牛的老雕塑家，以《从专家的立场上谈》这个骗人的标题发表拳击新秀的斗牛论，以吸特约记者的：《斗牛纪行》的专门报道。 咲子对斗牛丝毫不感兴趣，但她在每天的这些版面上，感觉到津上的眼神时而冷漠沉默，时而热烈得象着了魔似的。津上的思想和计划，把他那带着神经质的嗜好与癖病的姿态一无遗漏地反映在报上。说邀请具有三十年驯牛经验的老人，在比赛现场做广播解说，还说日本新闻和国际新闻部门将把比赛实况摄成新闻影片。诸如此类的宣传报道，无非是比赛前的活跃气氛的东西。咲子一读到这些东西，脑际就若隐若现地浮现出津上居身幕后出谋划策、四处奔忙的身影。 一月八日，咲子渴望见到津上，产生这种欲念之后，她坐立不安、再也忍不住了。从明天起，她必须到心斋桥西服裁缝店去上班，而且，除夕涌上心头的不安情绪，即便在过年后的今天，依然奇妙地交织一团，压在她的心头。 咲子给报社打去电话，据对方说，这两、三天，津上去了选为比赛地点的阪神球场，每天住在那里。津上曾经严肃地叮嘱过咲子，说平时不管有什么事情，都不要在报社露面。但是，咲子还是到阪神球场找津上去了。 这是寒气逼人的下午，阳光微弱，眼看就要下雪的样子。咲子在西宫北口下了电车。往日，在过往的电车上，咲子常望见这座圆形的现代化大体育场，但身临其境，今天还是第一次。她来到冷清清的建筑物通道的尽头，向左一拐，看到一间不大的办公室。这间办公室象一间小小的船舱，与这座宏大的体育场极不相称。 咲子推开门，看见里面有五、六个男人，分辨不出他们当中谁是报社的，谁是来访的，大家围坐在炭炉旁吸着香烟。津上在靠里边的地方，支棱着大衣领，把桌上的电话听筒堵住耳朵，对着话筒大声讲话。津上一见咲子进来，便投去责难的目光，无情地刺痛了咲子的心。他打完长时间的电话，便走出房间。他穿过回形的、微暗的缓坡水泥地走廊，—建筑物里回响起他那不愉快的脚步声。他来到第四层看台，在看台的入口处停下来，等候咲子。 “到底有什么事？”津上等到咲子走近前来，说道。津上面色苍白，非常憔悴，他又现出往常心情不快时的脾气，突然朝咲子狠狠地瞪了一眼。 “没事就不准来看你吗？”咲子将半个脸埋在深蓝色的大衣里，朝上翻动眸子望着津上，竭力压低嗓门儿，若非如此，无意中难免露出尖酸刻薄的锋芒。 他们站在内场看台的最高层，俯首可见阒无一人的辽阔的看台，粗陋的木椅层层叠叠，冷寂地展现出条纹模样，呈阶梯状平缓地伸向中间的场地。大概是因为置身高处，风寒刺骨，斜阳淡淡，整个灰色体育场显得粗陋荒凉。 “我很忙，不是对你说过了吗？”津上说。 “过了年，这才是头一次见面呢！别摆出这么一付吓人的面孔！我，到底是你的什么人？” “行啦！又说这些，我都要累死了。” 津上的口吻颇为严厉，简直令人有些畏缩之感。他怄气似地叼起香烟，任凭寒风吹散头发。咲子也是面容苍白，抬头从正面注视津上的脸庞。两人象决斗一般，面对面地站着，津上意识到这种处境后，说：“坐下吧。”尔后，自己首先坐在身边的凳子上，咲子也并肩坐了下来。 抬眼凭眺，冬天枯萎了的田野环绕球场，四野茫茫。战争期间，大阪和神户的主要兵工厂不约而同地疏散到阪神间的这块平原上来。从这里望去，那些奇妙地失却了重量感的兵工厂，象片片纸屑散落在广阔的田野上。其中，有的似如失事遇难的船只，朝天支棱着为数众多的铁架，也有的在工地的角落，小山一样地堆积着废铁。只要稍加注意，就会发现烟囱、电线杆乱麻麻地多得可怕。电线宛如蜘蛛网，纵横地覆盖在这块平原之上。郊区电车晃晃悠悠象小孩玩具，在那些工厂、树丛和丘陵之间穿行而过。举目遥望西北方，可见六甲山的群峦峻岭。展现在眼前的，是文明的猥杂与冬天大自然的严酷混为一体的广漠荒凉景象，还有，低垂大地的阴沉沉的天幕。 咲子默默地看着这片凄凉的景象，不禁左思右想起来，想着今天遭遇津上的冷落，思量别后自己的痛苦。她直到现在才发觉，自己是特意跑到这里来的，乞求津上施舍一点爱情，来温暖一下自己的心。她想，哪怕是哄骗也好，津上若是说上几句体贴的话，自己也就感到很幸福了。“哄骗也好”，多么虚假凄楚的爱情啊！咲子凝视坐在自己身旁、与自己内心的苦痛毫不相干的津上的侧脸。忽然，她对这个连哄骗的努力也不肯作出的男人，心中又燃起一团怒火。于是，咲子完全出自当时的心血来潮，用逼人还债似的口吻说，应京都的朋友邀请，要去参加仁和寺的茶会，要求津上一同前往。但是，津上表现出反诘的态度，根本不予理睬。 “只占十四日那一天。” “不好办！” “下午也行，就半天时间。” “不行。斗牛比赛结束以前，我绝对走不开。” 津上说罢，板起不悦的面孔，意思是说：跟着这个女人，脸上贴着情夫的标签，恬不知耻地跑到远远的仁和寺去，无论如何，我绝对不干。 “我们要决裂么？”咲子哑着嗓子说，“明明知道会受顶撞，还来说这些，我真糊涂。” “不是顶撞。” “好啊，你不认为这是顶撞吗？” 猛然，咲子抑制不住对这个冷酷男人的愤恨，怒火冲天。 “再厉害些，顶撞吧！我从这儿咕噜咕噜滚下去，一边滚一边看着你，看你用什么脸儿望着我。” 此后，两人安静下来。激烈的感情冲动平息了，该发泄的也都发泄光了。咲子心中就象水波之上乌云蔽日的阴影，无可挽救的悲哀徐徐蔓延开来。在这种无可奈何的窘迫的困境中，两人中间必有其一首先脱身。 过了一会儿，津上说忽然想起有事要办，起身到办公室去了。但五分钟过后，他又匆忙地返回来，说今天还有三、四件事情必须办完，直到比赛为止，天天这样忙活，他又安慰咲子一番，说等比赛结束，陪同她去纪州温泉。津上的口吻与刚才迥然不同，竟然带有几分柔情。 “一切都不如意，预定的事情总是在半路上出岔子。”津上辩解似地说。 津上把场地中央画了白圈的地方指给咲子看，解释说，那里打算围起直径为十九间的竹栅栏，就连这么一点事情也不能按计划进行。催促W市派柴建造竹栅栏的监工，但人来了竹子却迟迟不到。今天早上，竹子总算运来了，谁料到，关键的监工从昨天起患了感冒，卧床不起了。近来，许多事情朝津上袭来，繁多芜杂，忙得他应接不暇。咲子刚才到来时，津上正在办公室打电话，那是在交涉比赛的前一天，从中之岛公园放焰火的事情。这件事情曾一度得到准许，可不知怎的，后来又吹了。据说放焰火在战后是头一次，而且，火药管理又有严格的规定，市政府虽也在尽力而为，但是否能顺利得到再度准许，尚无确切的把握。 “不过，对放焰火，我没有死心。白天噼噼啪啪放几十支爆竹，可能的话，晚上再放几十漂亮些的。” 津上这么说着，脸上露出焦虑不安的神色。 “那多漂亮！大阪炸了个精光，在这块黑压压的废墟上，啪地放出菊花形的焰火，该有多好！” 咲子本来打算决不吭声，但不由得冷嘲热讽脱口而出。她说完菊花焰火这番话，想道：啊，津上是想放出牛形焰火吧！但是，当她看到好象琢磨着牛形焰火的津上那付一本正经的表情时，她不禁打了个寒噤。她仿佛看到，焰火在夜空稍纵即逝，津上抬头仰望，现出只有自己熟知的表情，津上这付表情，令人心寒地飘浮在咲子的眼前。 接着，津上说，印刷厂、搬运站和殡葬馆的人正在办公室等着会面，哪一家都是围绕着钱争执不休，他们是到这里来商谈的。到头来，不找个地方请他们喝几杯，他们是不会罢休的。据津上说，殡葬馆挪用了按本职工作所需而领到的汽油，开动宣传车，为宣传斗牛四处巡行。开到大阪和神户的宣传车，也离不开这家殡葬馆的帮助。 “载着相声演员、活报剧演员和留声机的宣传车，同开往火葬场的车辆，都是从一个公司的车库里开出来的，哪有行不通之理？” 津上不苟言笑地说。咲子深深知道，津上因为工作，被搞得身心疲惫，焦灼不安。然而，咲子却没有看到另一方面：虽然津上不痛快地唠叨，但是，在动荡年月的这些乱事的纠缠下，他进退维谷，奋力拼搏，从中感到了一种他本身特有的陶醉。 咲子的心情与来时截然不同，感到自己的心冷冰冰的。她独自站在西宫北口寒冷的车站，等侯开往大阪的电车。当她用围巾紧紧裹住头，靠在车站的木栅栏上的时候，她猛然想到，津上在斗牛的事上会失败。这个念头犹如一道闪电，莫名其妙地掠过咲子的脑海。啊，他一定失败，他一定失败！咲子全身瑟瑟发抖，她一边承受这确信无疑的强烈的袭击，一边怀着不知是挚爱还是诅咒的心情，回想起刚才分手时津上那冷冷的背影。 斗牛比赛迫在眉睫，只剩下十天了。《大阪新晚报》的一、二版面上，全都登起斗牛比赛的记事来。如果是大报社，不会如此轻易腾出版面，为自家举办的事业宣传。而这一点恰恰是小晚报值得庆幸之处。只要没有重大新闻，《大阪新晚报》就连连刊登宣传斗牛的记事。就连社论的刊头也采用了斗牛。即使是博得好评的连载漫画，斗牛也跃然其中。终于，B报社嘴秽的人不甘寂寞了，说津上这小子办起了牛报。此话几次传入津上的耳朵，但津上和社长尾本却置若罔闻。他们决心把“牛报”办下去，一直办到比赛那一天。 报上刚刚公布悬赏征集斗牛比赛会歌曲的事，接着又发表了给二十二头牛征集命名的通告，就在同一天，年轻的记者们有点头脑发热，提出要跟着搞优胜牛的预选投票。“好，搞吧！”津上立即采纳了。当时，津上叼着香烟，刚才眼睛还是呆滞无神的，但转瞬间，他便以几乎不假思索的敏捷，稍微提高嗓音，干脆利索地答应了对方。看当时津上的态度，不禁使人感到，说他头脑清醒，不如说他有点儿神经过敏。比赛日期迫在眉睫，朝他袭来的杂事一多，他也就随之变得沉默寡言，活动积极起来了。 另一方面，以年轻记者T为首搞的报外的宣传广告开展得花里胡哨。在梅田、难波和上六等终点站及地铁车站的各个要处，画了二牛顶角的大型宣传广告，招惹那里集来散去的人群。而且，郊外电车、公共汽车也无一遗漏，挂上了同样图案的小型宣传画。宣传车每日奔走，喇叭播放在心斋桥某剧场举行的歌咏会上评选出的《斗牛比赛之歌》，歌声飘荡在时值小寒时节的木板房屋的街道上。这种宣传车，大阪有三辆，神户有两辆，每辆车上载着一帮活报剧团的扮演群众的演员，连日出动。 这些事情所耗的费用，大大超过了预算。把建造场地及牛舍的开销加在一起，对报社是个超重的负担。会计首先叫苦连天，拼命节约出差费、宴会费和杂用费。过去为接济职员们零花钱的短缺，曾半公开地默认提前借用工资，如今这一条宣布废止了。就连每月十五日支付的夜班费，也不得不延期到月底。当延期支付夜班费的通知贴到布告牌上时，会计部长给津上狠狠一击。 “津上先生，再多支钱可就有点难啦。十五日发的夜班费，就有相当多的人指望着呢。” 比赛的前四天，津上收到田代拍来的电报：“明晨六时牛抵西宫。”二十二头牛的棚舍已经建在西宫站前的废墟之上，养牛主和百余名与驯牛有关的人的宿舍，也安排在西宫市内免遭轰炸的旅馆里，饭馆也已安排就绪。当天晚上，尾本和津上来到梅田新道，在尾本经常前往的酒吧间，举杯喝起威士忌来。 “不管怎样，牛不会出问题，能运来的都会运来的。”津上说道。 两个人都露出放心的神色。 “是啊，要是货车半路出差错，就麻烦啦。即便这样，钱花得也够要命的了。” 津上听出尾本的话里有几分不满，可他充耳不闻，不予理睬。 “如今搞事业，钱花到预算的五倍是常事。这才花到三倍，还算说得过去。”津上又说。 “以后，不会有大笔开销了吧？” “可能没了吧。即使有，也总会有办法的。”