Chapter 13 Chapter Eleven Desai Festival

Almost slept all day in the hotel. A lot happened the day before. The body is still exhausted from the long-distance flight, and mentally, the matter with Kayoko is still like sediment, sinking somewhere in the body. Fukamachi wasn't reading a book either, lying on his back on the bed and looking up at the ceiling, chasing the changing light on the window from time to time. Only went to have a not-so-early breakfast once. After only one meal, before I knew it, the light on the window disappeared and became dark, and the darkness outside broke into the room. "You think about it for two or three days. If you are willing to cooperate together, can you contact me?"

Said Naradar Rachandra at the moment of parting. Even if Mallory's camera was genuine, it couldn't be a big deal in the sense of Japan and Europe or the United States. However, for the country of Nepal—— Not so much for the country, but for the individuals in this country, it is probably a great opportunity. However, what about me—? Assuming Mallory's camera is discovered, the mystery of who was the first to climb Mount Everest can be solved—— will be a big topic. If I make this news exclusive, my status in the industry will be improved. That's the beauty of it. It is also a great joy for experts who work in mountaineering related work.

However, there is more to it than that. This time, this incident is not only that, but there are deeper things that are painful to think about. Miyagawa called it "dream". However, Fukamachi couldn't name it properly. Something other than money or exclusivity is embedded in it. This is an extremely personal matter, the only thing that has become clear in my heart is—— I don't want to pass this matter on to others. This will and emotion. If there is the first person to know the truth about this matter, that person must be himself. I am the first—— What are you doing.

Fukamachi smiled wryly. Isn't this the same as the idea of ​​wanting to climb a mountain? Exactly - I don't want other people's footprints to climb up the first, untouched mountain top that I approach first. When did I get this right? Fukamachi asked himself. It was that time—— Because I was the first in the store in Manikumar, I realized that the camera might be Mallory's camera.To be the first to notice—this incident earned itself that right. Fukamachi thinks so. Moreover, I also investigated Hanyu Joji deeply. The matter of Hanyu and the matter of Mallory's camera have already merged into one in his heart, which cannot be separated.

I feel that Hanyu seems to want to do something in Nepal. What does he want to do? I always feel that no matter if I follow the thread to trace Mallory's matter or Hanyu's matter, it will lead to the same place. The things that exist in that place— That is probably the only point that exists in this world - the highest peak in the world, the summit of Notre Dame. If the answer that makes Fukamachi's chest tight now exists, probably all the answers will exist there. Will the problems in my heart and everything in this world be solved when I get there? Will it be resolved? If it is a dream, it is a dream.

Fukamachi lay on his back in the hotel bed all day long, thinking about this kind of thing. Hey-- Maybe I want to stand on the top of that Everest. As he thought this way, his heart beat hard in a different way than before. What is this heartbeat? Never thought of such a thing before. never mind. Never thought it was a lie before. I must have thought about it. Sooner or later— Even if it's just a dream, are there any climbers in this world who have never thought that one day they really want to set foot on that peak with their own feet? Impossible. just once— Anyone would think that once in their hearts.

But as I thought about it, I gradually forgot it. No, not forgetting. But desperate. I don't think I have that ability.or no money-- Maybe the man Joji Hanyu still hasn't given up on that matter. The things that he had abandoned long ago still continue to haunt him—— Maybe I was attracted by that part of Hanyu. A genius mountaineer who has been forgotten in Japan.I want to see everything about that man. Besides, if that flame is still burning in Hanyu's heart, I will probably be jealous of him. If Hanyu gave up everything and was just a man doing a porter-like job in the mountains of Nepal to make a living, I would probably breathe a sigh of relief and bask in the joy of not seeing other people's good.

Fukamachi couldn't name his mood. Another day - Fukamachi came to the street again. In order to buy a personal tent and sundries for hiking. Passing through the street commonly known as Everest Avenue is to come to the Khumbu area.The way to move from one Sherpa village to another on foot. This road is no longer available for driving. You can only walk on your own legs, or ride a horse or yak. Taking a plane to Lukla and then walking is the general route, and the mountaineering teams who climb Mount Everest from the Nepal side take this route without exception.Fukamachi himself used this route last time to enter Mount Everest.

With the trekking certificate, you can enter the base camp of Mount Everest. Hikers will finally reach an altitude of 50 to 450 meters. After the Desai Festival, Fukamachi finally decided to go there. Nothing to do with Manikumar nor Naradar Rachandra.In short, just fly to the local area and search the Sherpa villages one by one in a carpet style. Fukamachi made up his mind. After making up my mind, the mood becomes lighter. Fukamachi decided to simply prepare equipment and tents at "Ganesha" and take the opportunity to ask the clerk about Angarin. "Ganesha" has a wide range of products ranging from hiking equipment to mountaineering equipment for mountain climbing or rock climbing in the cold winter.It feels the same as a mountaineering store in Tokyo.

The difference is that the products displayed in the store are almost second-hand goods, spanning various ages. There are a large number of Chinese-made kettles hanging in the store, and French-made ice axes, Swiss-made ice sticks, as well as ascenders and climbing ropes from unknown countries of origin are also sold. Fukamachi prepared a sleeping bag and a headlamp himself. A tent for one person, a few AA batteries, and sunglasses I forgot to bring from Japan—Fukamachi originally planned to buy these three. Sunglasses and AA batteries were decided right away, but picking out a tent took a little while.

Even if the tent is good for one person, Fukamachi bought a two-person tent because it is more comfortable for one person to use than a single-person tent.A one-person tent really only has space for sleeping. Fukamachi picked a few and actually spread out the tents there and put them up.Be sure to check for holes and if there are any missing tents. As a result, Fukamachi bought a double dome tent made in France. If you really carry all the luggage alone, Fukamachi will choose a narrow single-person tent, but anyway, during the hike, you will hire a Sherpa as a porter, who also serves as an interpreter and guide.Most of the luggage and food were carried by porters. Fukamachi said to the clerk who was packing the tent, seemed willing to talk, and knew a little Japanese: "Before, I saw An Jialin from the Sherpa tribe in front of this store..." As soon as Fukamachi said, the expression of the young man who looked like a Sherpa suddenly lit up. "Sir, do you know Angarine?" "I know. A long time ago, when the Japanese mountaineering team entered Mount Everest, I was one of the members. At that time, Angelin followed our team." "He's a good Sherpa." The clerk wrapped the tent with newspaper, tied it with ropes, and put it at his feet. Fukamachi didn't reach out to it, and asked the clerk: "Is he also standing on the front line as a porter now?" "He is getting old and rarely follows the mountaineering team, but it seems that he often acts as a guide for hikers." "Is he still working as a guide? In this case, I want to invite him to be the guide for this hike. Where should I apply?" "He doesn't seem to have signed a contract with a certain travel agency, so most of the time he can only ask him directly. The work he is doing now probably doesn't just come directly to the door." "Where can I contact him?" "Report his name in the Nanqi area, and you should be able to contact him, but if you want to go to Mount Everest Avenue, it's best to hire him from Kathmandu—" "Is Angarin in Kathmandu now—?" "I'm not sure." "Before, when I saw Angarin in front of this store, he was carrying a few bottles of oxygen cylinders, so is he working for a large mountaineering team now?" "do not know--" The clerk looked inside in confusion. Then, another small, elderly man who seemed to be a Sherpa also saw his gaze and walked out slowly. It seems that he is the owner of this shop. "What's wrong?" The man who looked like the boss asked the clerk. "This guest is asking, how can I get in touch with An Jialin—" Judging from the tone of his voice, the young clerk seemed to know Angalin's residence or contact information in Kathmandu. "Oh?" The boss faces Fukamachi again. "I would like to ask him to be a hiking guide, but I don't know where to contact—" Fukamachi explained to the boss again the same explanation he had just given to the young clerk. After hearing what happened, the boss muttered: "Is that so—" stared at Fukamachi. His eyes are sharp. It seemed that he was trying to see what kind of person the Japanese standing in front of him was. "Do you know where Angalin is in contact?" Fukamachi asked the boss. "Well, I know." "Could you tell me, please, where he can be contacted? I'll contact him myself—" "Well, probably not. I don't think he can be a hiking guide." "why?" "Because he doesn't guide people who have to ask someone else to get in touch with him. The person has to be fairly close to him personally, or connect through someone close. But you don't meet one of the conditions." "Let's not talk about the degree of closeness you mean, but I know him, and I know his friend Bisalu sap—" "In this case, you can ask him directly." "As I said, I don't know where he lives." "I can't tell you." The boss's tone was non-negotiable. "In this case, please pass the message for me. Please tell him that there is a man named Fukomachi, a Japanese photographer, and I want to ask him to be the guide of Mount Everest. I want to take pictures while walking. The daily salary is the amount he usually charges. double-" "You are so generous." "Because it's work. I don't pay for it. It's the magazine that signed me up that pays..." "—" "Anyway, can you explain it to me? If it still doesn't work after you say it, I will accept it..." Fukamachi took out a ten-dollar bill, folded it into a small size, and stuffed it into the boss's hand. Fukamachi lay on his back on the bed. Look up at the ceiling. Fukamachi already fully remembered the brown stains floating there, as well as the pattern of the wallpaper. I also passed the time like this the day before yesterday. He has been staring up at the ceiling like this for a long time. The next day, I became unmotivated. Had to get up and go to the street to buy the rest.However, it was too late to get up.There was a reason for forcing the ten-dollar bill into the hands of the boss of "Ganesha" yesterday, forcing him to agree to contact Angalin for him. Fukamachi knew that Hanyu probably didn't want others to know about him.What is the self who insists on knowing this matter? do not know. Only know one thing.That is, you can't just go back like this, almost without doing anything.Even if I go back, I have no place to stay in that country.If I thoroughly investigate this matter and do my best, no matter what the result is, I will probably accept it.If you don't accept this, you have nowhere else to go but this part of the city. Oh, I was thinking the same thing in my mind again as the day before yesterday. It's about time to make up your mind and look for Hanyu thoroughly. Just at this time-- Make a knocking sound. Fukamachi straightened her upper body on the bed and asked: "Who is it? (Which one?)" "it's me." A woman's voice came from the ear. It's Japanese. This voice is very familiar. "My surname is An." shore? No way. Is it Ryoko Kishi? Fukamachi walked to the door, grabbed the handle and pulled it inside. A woman in jeans stood in front of the door. From the collar of the woman's white shirt, a blue-green turquoise peeked out. A large luggage bag is at your feet. Kishi Ryoko smiled when she saw Fukamachi. "Miss Kishi, why are you here—?" "I'm done with work." Ryoko said. Ryoko is the translator. Translate and publish English mystery novels into Japanese.The translation fee and the royalties paid to the translator are Ryoko's income. It's another matter if the translated book becomes a bestseller, but that rarely happens.A few books sold meagerly, and a few sold poorly, enough for a woman to scrape by, saving bit by bit—translation is such a job. If labor is taken into account, translation is not a good job. To put it bluntly, it is the ability to manage time autonomously.Having autonomy over your own time is irreplaceable by other things— Ryoko once said this to Fukamachi. Before Fukamachi was about to leave for Kathmandu, Ryoko spent about a week completing a job that would have taken ten days. This kind of work is often completed later than the scheduled date, so Fukamachi believes that Ryoko will not come until mid-to-late October or November at the earliest.It is even possible that when Ryoko came, Fukamachi himself had already returned to Japan and was no longer in Nepal. Fukamachi half expected to meet Ryoko in Kathmandu, half gave up. However, now Ryoko is in front of her eyes. "I just finished my check-in procedure at this hotel. The room is next door to Mr. Fukamachi..." Ryoko said with a charming smile on her face. So this woman named An Liangzi is such a person? Fukamachi thought in bewilderment. The thoughts that were easy to sink to the bottom disappeared from Fukamachi's heart with Ryoko's appearance. The next morning— Fukamachi and Ryoko enjoyed a not so early breakfast at the teahouse on the first floor of the hotel. This teahouse is packed as soon as eight customers come to the door, and it is a room that doubles as a counter hall.Simple American meals can be eaten here. There are old wooden boards on the floor, and there is also an oven that doubles as a stove, with steam coming from a kettle above. It was almost time for the temperature to start to rise in the street, but even with a fire inside the house in the morning, it wasn't very warm. Fukamachi was in his room last night, chatting with Ryoko late into the night. He reported to Ryoko what happened so far, and the two talked about various topics. They even talked about topics involving Ryoko's privacy. "When you see Hanyu, what will you do?" Fukamachi asked. "Frankly, I really don't know..." Ryoko said. "I want to see him right now, to know what he's doing and thinking. I think whether to do anything or not will wait until then—" Ryoko said: No matter how the situation becomes, in short, I want to make a break with my mood. "We're not done yet..." Fukamachi felt an urge to sleep with this woman when the wine was hot, but of course he restrained it. Ryoko and Fukamachi were sleeping in their respective rooms. Before falling asleep, Fukamachi thought: at least until meeting Hanyu, he and Ryoko will probably maintain this relationship. Morning-- While drinking coffee with Ryoko, a man walked into the teahouse with leisurely steps. Fukamachi stared at the man's figure over the shoulder of Ryoko who was sitting in front of her. Sensing the change in Fukamachi's gaze, Ryoko whispered: "What's wrong?" "It's Manikumar." Fukamachi also said his name in a low voice. Manikuma had already met Fukamachi's eyes and walked over following them. Manikumar stands behind Ryoko. "Sir, long time no see." Manikumar said. He was all smiles, and just by looking at him, he didn't look like he was playing tricks on his mind. "I'm very sorry to interrupt your conversation. May I interrupt—?" "What's up?" "A few days ago, you came to my store. If you don't bother me, is it convenient to sit at the same table with you—?" Fukamachi glanced at Ryoko, she sensed the atmosphere, and nodded. "Please." "Then I'll sit here—" Manikumar sat down on the empty side of the square table. On Fukamachi's left, Ryoko's right. "Okay, how should I say it?" Manikuma glanced at Ryoko, then cast a questioning look at Fukamachi. "This is my friend, Miss An. There is no need to hide anything from her about this matter." "That's just right. Because only a conversation without worries can we fully understand each other." So far it's all in Nepali. Ryoko could barely understand the conversation. Fukamachi briefly explained the conversation to Ryoko in Japanese. "If I can, can I use English? Because her English is better than mine—" "All right (good)." Manikuma tilted his neck and nodded vigorously. "My name is Manikumar, can you understand my broken English?" "Yes, I understand you perfectly (very clear)." Ryoko answered in fluent English. "That's great. By the way—" Manikuma turned his gaze to Fukamachi and said: "Are there any new discoveries about Bisalu sap and Angarin?" "No." Fukamachi shook his head. "I found out a lot of things. For example, where Bisalu sap lives, where he is now, and so on." "real?" These words came from Ryoko's mouth. "of course." "where does he live?" When Fukamachi asked, Manikuma smiled calmly and said: "Unfortunately, I can't tell right now. I'm negotiating with Mr. Fukamachi, but I think I'll be able to tell you soon." "Negotiation?" "Yes. I have to make many transactions with you." "trade?" "It's about that camera. To put it more bluntly, it's about how you and I will share the benefits brought by that camera..." "I will pay you for the information you provide, but I cannot promise you anything further." "But, are you prepared to pay for the information I provided?" "Ok." "In other words, I'm talking about the same thing as you—" "I'll talk about the transaction later. You just said, do you know where Bisalu sap is now?" "yes." "Where?" "I can tell you that. Because even if I tell you, there's nothing you can-" "Where is it?" "China." "China?" "Tibet." "why?" "God knows. I heard that about a month ago, he and Angalin climbed Mount Langkaba together and entered Tibet. But after staying for about twenty days, only Angalin came back alone. It seems that Bisalu sap is still waiting In Tibet." "Langkaba means—" "If you come from here, you have to go straight from Everest Avenue to the road on the left side of Nanqi Market, and you will reach the mountain after a while. Tibetans and Sherpas have been using that mountain for a long time. Mountain, nearly 6,000 meters above sea level—" If you keep going, you will cross the glacier and go down the moraine, and you should come to a small village in Tibet called Tingri. However, before crossing the border, there should be a gate. Hanyu whose passport has expired long ago, why was he able to pass there—? Fukamachi asked a question. "Although it is a pass, it has nothing to do with the local Sherpas or Tibetans. They always go to and from the border without any inspection." "—" "As you can see, Bisalu sap is no different from a Sherpa in appearance. He also seems to speak the Sherpa language. If he pretends to be a Sherpa, there is no reason for him to be checked before crossing the border." I see——Fukamachi remembered the figure of Hanyu he saw not long ago, and nodded. "But, why did Bisalu sap go to Tibet?" "I don't know, and I can't figure it out." Manikumar shrugged like a European or American. "In the Nanchi area, it seems that more people than expected know that Bisalu sap is Japanese. However, no one seems to know what he is staying in this country for." "What is his real name?" "I don't know. I don't know about that. He seems to work as a Sherpa for the mountaineering teams of various countries. However, he doesn't seem to work for the Japanese mountaineering teams." "How about it? Just tell me where Bisalu sap is?" "—" "At any rate, I also guessed which village he is in on Mount Everest Street, or in Kathmandu. To be honest, I already planned to find it myself without waiting for your answer. Anyway, I asked the Sherpas everywhere in the Nanqi Market. Will know." Fukamachi took his wallet out of his pocket and took out a fifty-dollar bill. put it on the table. "What is this going to do?" "Investigation fees, pay for the part that tells me all the information." Fukamachi took out another fifty-dollar bill and placed it next to the fifty-dollar bill that had been on the table earlier. "Then, this is the part where you tell me all the rest of the information you currently have. I'm not going to pay more." "oops--" Manikuma raised his hands and smiled wryly. "I was serious!" "What's the matter with you?" "I'll tell you the truth. I don't trust you. Even though that camera might turn out to be a big deal, I don't intend to have you as a business partner. If you don't tell me, the second fifty-dollar bill is a must." Pay the fee. You no longer need to provide me with any information. Relatively speaking, this is also the last time we meet." Fukamachi spoke in a firm tone. He had his camera stolen once by Manikumar.In the future, I cannot continue to cooperate with this kind of man.No matter what the agreement is, he will probably break the agreement. Fukamachi and Manikuma stared at each other's faces for a long time. "I see." Manikuma sighed softly. "Unfortunately. Very sorry—" With his right thumb and forefinger, Manikumar picked up the fifty-dollar bill Fukamachi had put on the table at first. "I'll take this one." "There is one more." "I can't take that one." "why?" "Because I'm not going to tell you what I know, and I'm not going to let it go at all. And maybe we'll meet somewhere again sooner or later..." Manikuma stood up slowly. He bowed there respectfully like a Japanese. "So, I bid farewell today." Turn around and leave. "Relieved." After Manikuma disappeared, Ryoko breathed a sigh of relief and relaxed her shoulders. "Muscles all over the body seem to be stiff—" Ryoko leaned her elbows on the table to breathe. Fukamachi glanced at her and said: "Perhaps it would be better to tell him the truth." "why?" "Tell him it's not going to turn into the big business he thought it would be." "That's hard to say. I think that, depending on the practice, including where the negatives were in the camera, there would be a considerable flow of money. If Mallory stood on Everest in 1924 The most smiling photo, including the ins and outs of getting the roll of negatives, is sold to a buyer who is willing to bid, and there may be an eight-figure sum in the account." "You really think so?" "Yeah. Didn't the UK spend a lot of money on the expedition, just for the photo of the first summit of Mount Everest?" "—" "If it is a company that owns magazines, publishing houses, and TV stations, it is absolutely impossible to ignore the economic benefits brought by this photo." "How much does Manikuma know—?" Fukamachi muttered as if talking to himself. He probably sensed that it was Mallory's camera.Now that Naradar Rachandra is aware of it, it should and is possible for that information to leak to Manikumar. but-- Even if Manikumar got the same information as Naradar Rachandra, would he be able to perceive its meaning? In short, he is a man with a peculiar sense of smell. "I always feel as if I have come to a place that is not fun." After Ryoko finished speaking, he sighed lightly. Go to "Ganesha" after lunch. Ryoko came to Nepal for the first time. This is also the first time she has stepped into a country other than Europe and the United States. Ryoko also seemed confused at first by the hustle and bustle of this arguably vibrant city, but seemed to blend in right away. Walk in Indra Square and come to "Ganesha". Fukamachi and Ryoko entered the store together and asked the clerk inside: "Where's the boss?" The clerk seemed to remember Fukamachi's appearance, and immediately disappeared inside. Not long after, he appeared together with the boss. "Well, I think it's only been a day and a half..." Fukamachi held the boss's outstretched right hand with his right hand. "I think, if I can get in touch, I should be able to hear the answer today—" "You came at the right time. I got in touch with An Jialin yesterday." As the boss said, he stopped his gaze at Ryoko Kishi who was standing beside Fukamachi, and asked: "Who is this?" "Her surname is An, and she is my friend." Fukamachi said. "If you call it a friend, my wife is also a friend to me." The boss said so with a smile, and then said to Ryoko: "I'm Dawa." Although speaking in Nepali, Ryoko seemed to understand the meaning of that sentence, and said in English: "I'm Ryoko Kishi." "She can't speak Nepali, but she can speak English." Fukamachi spoke to the boss, Dawa, in English. "OK." Dawa said so, and turned to Fukamachi again. "Then, have you conveyed what I said to Angarin?" "Conveyed." "and then?" "Although you came at the right time, the result may not be good." "—" "Angarin wants me to tell you: neither Bisalu sap nor I intend to meet Mr. Fukamachi, nor do we intend to provide any information about this matter—" "He's so direct." "Mr. Fukamachi. I always feel that you didn't explain to me about this matter and what Angarin said—" "illustrate?" "What I mean is, you hid something from me the day before yesterday. Regarding the part you hid, An Jialin said that he does not intend to pass on any information to you." Dawa spoke very plainly. No matter how Fukamachi asked, Dawa's answer was the same. Angarin said it couldn't be done— Fukamachi thought, there is no need to listen to the rumors anymore. "I see……" So Fukamachi bowed his head again in thanks. Just as he was about to leave and wanted to say goodbye, he glanced at Dawa—— Dawa's expression became different from before. He stared at Kishi Ryoko's throat in surprise. There—on the fair skin below the throat, hung a blue-green turquoise on a thin leather cord. Dawa stared at the stone intently. "You... no, your name is Miss An...?" "yes." "How did you get that stone?" "Someone gave it to me." "Who sent you?" "Three years ago—the Japanese you call him Bisalu sap, a man named Joji Hanyu gave it to me..." "Oh--" Dawa made a low voice. "What's wrong with this?" "No, I think that turquoise is beautiful. Many turquoises sold in general stores are counterfeit. Many tourists buy fakes. But the one you wear around your neck seems to be the real thing. I want to tell you You must cherish that turquoise stone." After Dawa finished speaking, he took the initiative to bow his head respectfully. "So farewell—" Urge the two to come back. You can only go back. So Fukamachi and Ryoko also bowed their heads in return, and walked out of the shop. The slow melody of the sitar is endless. The man's unique crying voice seemed to be singing a sad love song. Indian music played live - Fukamachi and Ryoko were sitting opposite each other at an Indian restaurant on a corner of Xinji Road, eating curry with a lot of saffron and drinking Thai Lion beer.For some reason, only beer is Thai. Ryoko, who came to Kathmandu for the first time, walked around the city for a while before entering this store on the second floor. There is still some time until evening. Both drank the first bottle of beer immediately because their throats were thirsty, and now they are drinking the second bottle. However, the capacity of the bottle is not as large as that of Japanese beer bottles. Chatting and chatting, the topic naturally became what happened in "Ganesha". "What's the matter—?" Ryoko muttered, as if she hadn't fully sorted out her thoughts yet. She was referring to what Dawa said before leaving. "You said Hanyu Joji sent you off, right?" "That's right. Hanyu-san sent it to me from Nepal three years ago. It's just a stone—" Ryoko said while touching the turquoise stone with the tip of her right finger. One without any chain, just perforated turquoise.Ryoko said that she put a leather cord through it and hung it around her neck. Please cherish it. There was only a piece of letter paper attached to the package, with such content written on it. Perhaps Dawa had seen that stone. What is the origin of this stone? "Before that, didn't you ever think of going to Nepal to meet Joji Hanyu?" Fukamachi asked. "I thought about it several times. However, the letter from Hanyu-san didn't say where I was. Therefore, I never wrote to him. He always sent me a letter and money unilaterally. Even this turquoise stone, It was also from Hanyu-san himself—” "That's it..." Fukamachi drank all the beer in the glass and poured all the remaining beer in the bottle into the glass. Spoon the curry onto naans and serve. Unlike the spicy food known as curry in Japan, a lot of spices are added. Indian rotisserie chicken has firmer meat than Japanese rotisserie chicken. The sound of the sitar— At dusk, Fukamachi and Ryoko walked out of the shop. When he went down the stairs and was about to walk towards the new road, Fukamachi spotted the man standing in front of him. It is An Jialin of the Sherpa tribe. "I've been waiting for you for a long time." Angarin said briefly and in a low voice. "Have you been waiting for me for a long time?" "That's right." "Didn't you say that you don't want to see me, and don't plan to contact me—?" "I did." "Then why—?" "Things have changed." "What kind of change..." An Jialin did not answer this question, but glanced at Ryoko. Fukamachi thought: 80% of the time it started when he left the store, someone followed him. After seeing us enter this curry shop, he ran to report to Angarin—so, Angarin was waiting for us here. "You're Miss Kishi Ryoko, aren't you...?" Angarin asked in English. Fukamachi whispered to Ryoko that the old Sherpa standing in front of her was An Jialin. "yes--" Kishi Ryoko replied. Angarin pointed the wrinkled and bruised index finger of his right hand to Ryoko's chest. "Can you let me see that?" "OK." Ryoko untied the turquoise stone from her neck and handed it to An Jialin. Angarin took the turquoise stone, placed it on his rough palm, and looked at it with gentle eyes. Soon after-- "thanks." An Jialin returned the turquoise stone to Ryoko. "I have one thing, no, two things I must tell you..." Angarin carefully said this sentence. "What's up--?" "Treasure that stone is one of those things..." "Another thing?" "Listen to me, you are right, go back to Japan from Nepal!" "why?" "I can't explain it. Just go sightseeing here obediently, then go back to Japan, and completely erase the man Hanyu Joji from your memory...!" "So I ask you why—?" "Go back to Japan! I came just to talk about this..." After speaking, An Jialin turned around. Fukamachi said to his back—— "Bisalu sap has entered Tibet now, right?" Angarin's feet that were about to move forward stopped for a moment, but immediately moved again. "What did Hanyu go to Tibet for?" Angeline didn't answer. He just walked forward, letting his figure disappear into the hustle and bustle of the new road at dusk. Ryoko hasn't come back yet. She said she would be back before dark, but at eight o'clock in the evening there was still no one. Fukamachi was in a hurry in the hotel room. What happened? The two took a taxi to Patan in the morning. Patan is located five kilometers south of Kathmandu and is the second largest city in the Kathmandu Basin. The ancient capital that crosses the Bagmati River and proceeds further. Many Buddha statues sold in Kathmandu were shaped in this city. It was Ryoko who suggested going to Patan. Last night, Ryoko looked at the map in the hotel and suddenly said: "It's Patan." "What's the meaning?" Fukamachi asked. "I think, when Hanyu-san sent me this turquoise, Patan was printed on the postmark. Because it is a strange name, I remember it clearly..." "Are you sure you remember correctly?" "Well. It should have been Kathmandu until then, only the last postmark was Patan." "At last?" "Sending me this stone is the last time Mr. Hanyu contacted me." "Is there a letter in the package?" "Yes, but..." "Is it written in the letter, for example, that this is the last time money will be sent to you?" "No. Same as usual. He didn't even say a word about what he was doing in Nepal or where he lived. The letter just said 'send turquoise, please cherish it'—" "that's it?" "that's it." When it comes to the style of Hanyu, it is really too similar to Hanyu's style. Fukamachi thinks the content is unemotional and clean. "Both the boss of 'Ganesha' and Angarin seem to be very concerned about that turquoise necklace." "What's the history of it—?" When Ryoko said that, Fukamachi noticed something. "Lend me that map..." Fukamachi turned the map spread out on the table with his hand, and placed it at an angle that he could easily see. "Here, here—" Fukamachi pointed out with his finger the south side of Kathmandu - Chhatrabati Square. "Angarin's figure is missing here." "—" "Look. Going west from here, you'll be the Vishnumati River, and south you'll be the Bagmati River, and the other side of it is Patan, isn't it—?" For the Sherpas and other Nepalese, walking a kilometer is not a long distance, and it is a very common distance. "I want to go and see." Ryoko said. It doesn't matter if you go. It is very likely that it is the place where Angarin and Hanyu often stayed when they went down the mountain, or the key location is Patan, but it is impossible to be sure of this. Once you've got your hiking gear in place, you'll have to buy a plane ticket to Lukla sooner or later, but there's no rush.Moreover, Hanyu has gone to Tibet now, and Angarin himself is still in the Kathmandu Basin. It's not bad to walk in the ancient city of Patan with Ryoko. "let's go." The two agreed. Take a taxi and set off. The Vishnumati River flows south and joins the Bagmati River on the outskirts of Patan.The two people took the car around the confluence point and circled around. Watch the children swim in the buffalo-soaked river, kill the morning time, and get off at Durbar Square in Patan at noon. Entered a small restaurant and ate Nepalese food.Although it is a Nepalese dish, it is actually a curry. It tastes spicy. The spicy taste makes Ryoko very happy. Coke, which is rarely drunk in Japan, is very smooth in this climate. “我原本就不认为找得到他，看来果然不可能找得到。” 凉子一口气喝了半杯冰凉的可乐后说。 从店内望向明亮的街上，可以看见一些身穿原色沙丽的女人在阳光下往前走去。 深肤色的男男女女。 “他到底抱着什么想法在尼泊尔生活呢？” 凉子嘀咕了一句。 “羽生吗？” 深町一问，凉子缩起下颔，点了个头。 “因为发生了家兄的事，所以羽生先生大概对那感到内疚吧。所以——” 凉子没有说下去。 因为凉子自己也十分清楚，即使问深町那件事，也得不到答案。 岸啊。 Shore—— 虽然我也想去。 虽然我也想去你那边。 羽生手札中的内容，浮现在深町的脑海中。 再等一下，我迟早会去你身边。 我早晚会摔下去，我会在那天之前去。 如果我因为害怕摔下去，而放弃爬山，或忘记你的事，开始思考世俗的事，到了那个时候，你就来带我走。 现在还不是时候。 我在摔下去之前会去。 相信我，我一定会去。 不过，唯独故意摔下去这件事我办不到。 “假设我只知道一件关于羽生的事——” 深町像是在说给自己听。 凉子将深邃的眼眸转向深町。 因为两人近到令人差点下意识往后缩，所以凉子的眼睛直盯着深町的双眼。 “无论身在何方，无论发生什么事，只要活着身体能动，他就会站在登山的第一线上——” 凉子用右手食指和拇指夹着垂在脖子上的土耳其石，视线对着它。 “这个有什么来历吗……？” "it?" “达瓦和安伽林好像都知道这颗土耳其石的事……” “他说，要珍惜它，对吧？” “他还说，要我忘了羽生先生的事，回去日本。这是什么意思呢——？” "do not know--" 深町毫无头绪。 和那颗土耳其石有什么关系吗？ 从昨天起，深町和凉子聊了好几次这件事。 "me……" 凉子用手指夹着土耳其石，低喃道。 “怎样……？” “收到这颗石头之后的三年内，并不是一直乖乖在等羽生先生一个人唷。” "—" “我有正式交往的男友——” "—" “男女之间的交往唷……” 凉子将视线拉回深町身上。 深町察觉到她的视线，避免与她眼神交会，看着凉子的手边。 "scared?" 深町感觉到比刚才更强烈的视线看着自己。 “或者，这件事不值得那么惊讶？” “现在，你和那个男人之间如何？” 深町声音有些嘶哑地说。 凉子没有回答那个问题。 “光凭这种石头，怎么可能等三年。从更早之前，他就一直让我等。他老是一个人去某个地方。他是不是以为回来的时候，我总是会在那里等着他呢？” 深町以为凉子在流泪，把视线转向她。 捕捉到了凉子的视线。 凉子并没有哭泣。 她嘴角泛着微笑，看着深町。 “深町先生，你为什么会千里迢迢跑来这种地方呢？” “因为，马洛里的相机令我耿耿于怀。如果可以的话，我想得到那台相机和里面装的底片……” "that's it?" “羽生丈二这个男人也很令我在意。我想知道他现在在想什么、想做什么——” 虽然不是谎言，但说着说着，深町也开始对自己的话产生了怀疑。化为语言来看就是：为什么内心要这样逃避呢？ 深町心想：自己大概想与那座峰顶有所相关吧。 无论她被人的双脚踩过几次，依然是世界最高峰。 与那座峰顶有关——大概是这件事支持着如今的自己吧。假如现在从自己身上拔除马洛里的相机的事、羽生的事，以及那座峰顶的事，还剩下什么呢？ 什么也不剩。 自己大概会像一艘解开缆绳的小船般，漂向不知何方吧。 无法言喻。 人并不是在自己展开某种行动时，都要一一替那项行动找个足以向他人解释的动机。 现在的自己也是如此。 如今，放弃这件事的话，自己大概再也不会站在与那座峰顶有关的地方了。 这是摆明了的事。 深町和凉子聊了一会儿，站起身来。 走出店外，站在明亮的阳光下。 两人信步而行，走进附近的名产店和佛具店，漫无目的地走在帕坦的街头。 傍晚之前，搭三轮车回到加德满都。 半路上，放凉子在新路下车。凉子说买了水果，稍微在四周闲逛一下之后，会在晚餐之前回到饭店，于是深町放凉子下车，自己一个人先回饭店了。 但是凉子还没回来。 她遇上什么麻烦了吗？ 深町在漆黑的房里等着凉子，不知不觉间，已经晚上九点了。 益发强烈的不安，满溢至深町的嘴边。 遇上了麻烦——只能这么认为。 是发生意外，或者遇上了其他事情呢？ 晚餐之前，是指傍晚六点到七点左右。 但是到了晚上九点，她还没回来。 假如在外面拖到这么晚，她应该会打电话知会一声。但是她也没有打电话来。 凉子发生了什么事——只能如此想。 what to do? 联络西游旅游的斋藤，找他商量吗？或者，这件事该立刻报警处理呢？ 就在深町犹豫不决时—— 房间的电话响起。 凉子！ 深町拿起话筒。 “你是深町先生吧？” 耳边响起男人的声音。 说的是日语。 深町的心脏发出结实的“扑通”一声。 “是，我就是——” “岸凉子小姐在你旁边吗？” “她不在，你是哪位？” 男人对深町的问题置若罔闻，问他： "Where did she go?" “她去市内——” “在这种时间吗？” "yes." “跟谁！” “她一个人。” "What did you say!" 男人的声音拔尖。 “羽生先生。你是羽生先生吧？” 深町一问，男人沉默了，不久后—— 以嘟哝声音简短地回应： "yes." “你现在在哪里？为什么你知道岸凉子小姐在这间饭店？” 男人——羽生又把这个问题当作耳边风。 “我刚才打电话到凉子的房间，没有人接。她也不在你房间。这是怎么一回事？” “若照预定计划，她应该会在天黑之前回来，可是……” “她还没回来吗？” 耳边响起焦急的声音。 深町点了点头，羽生又沉默了。 比刚才更长的一阵沉默。 “我过去——” Hanyu said. " "what!" “我现在过去你那边。我想不用半小时。你待在那个房间别走！” 深町来不及回应，电话就挂断了。 发出敲门声，是在二十三分钟后。 "Which one?" “羽生。” 男人的声音简短地告知。 一打开门，门前站着Bisalu sap——人称毒蛇的男人，羽生丈二。 “我进去喽。” 身体发出浓重的野兽气味，羽生丈二走进房内。 仿佛一把钝刀捅进鼻腔内侧的野兽气味。 他脚上穿的是破破烂烂、看起来沉重的登山靴。每踩在木头地板上，靴底就会发出清脆的声音。 羽生的脸晒得黝黑，斑驳剥落。连嘴唇的皮都变黑、脱皮。 深町知道，人类的皮肤在什么时候会变成那样。 一旦长时间曝晒在空气稀薄的高山阳光下，人的皮肤就会变成那样。深町本身也体验过，强烈紫外线会对人的皮肤造成何等伤害。 “我听说你进入了西藏……” Fukamachi said. 那也是海拔相当高的地方。八成是从西藏这一边进入了喜玛拉雅山的七千公尺高峰、八千公尺高峰。 羽生一身牛仔裤加T恤，上头穿着汗渍斑斑的羊毛衫。 感觉才刚从西藏回来。 宛如强烈刺激物的男人。 深町甚至觉得，光是他在那里，房间的温度就增加了两、三度。 “我的事不重要。重要的是凉子。” 羽生在床缘坐下来。 弹簧倾轧，羽生的臀部深深沉入床里。 “岸凉子发生了什么事吗？” "Ok……" 羽生将双肘靠在自己的双膝上，眼睛放出强烈光芒，抬头看着深町。 “我是昨天从西藏回来的。” "yesterday?" “我听安伽林说，凉子来了——” “安伽林叫她回去日本——” "That's what I mean." “为什么？她可是为了见你，才特地跑来加德满都的！” “这件事待会再说。” 羽生打断深町的话。 “前一阵子，我收到了一封信。” "letter?" “不是放在贴了邮票的信封里的那种。似乎是用写了字的纸包住小石头，从窗户丢进我的房间。我几天不在家，回来就发现它掉在地上。” "What kind of letter?" 深町一问，羽生不发一语地从衬衫的胸前口袋拿出一张折叠起来的纸。 这种纸在尼泊尔到处都买得到，相当于日本的日本纸。 深町拿起那张纸摊开。 以蓝色墨水的原子笔写下。 是英语。 而且每个字都是以大写字母所写。 显然是为了隐瞒自己的笔迹。 RYOKO KISHI IS WITH US RIGHT NOW．WE WANT TO TALK ABOUT OUR BUSINESS WITH YOU．WE WILL GET IN TOUCH WITH YOU． （名叫岸凉子的女人现在和我们在一起。我们想和你谈笔生意。改天会再和你联络。） "this is?" “有人绑架凉子，现在把她软禁在他们身边。” "—" 深町明白了羽生的言下之意。 之所以用英语，大概是为了不让人知道自己是尼泊尔人、日本人，或者其他国家的人。 “这里所说的生意，是指那台相机吗？” "Probably so." 生意——光是这么说，在法律上并不构成威胁。 然而，它所代表的涵义却是威胁。 “我所在的地方没有电话。对方似乎也是用这种做法。” “可是，对方为什么会写这种信——？” “大概是对方那边有人知道我和凉子的关系吧。” “既然这样，人数就有限。” “稍微调查一下的话，'Sagarmatha'的马尼库玛和纳拉达尔·拉占德拉大概都很有机会那么做。” 羽生咂嘴，嘟哝说： “难不成你的意思是，信上写的事情是真的？” 羽生看完信，为了确认内容是否属实，才会打电话给深町。 At this time—— 电话再度响起。 深町拿起话筒。 “是深町先生吧？” 男人的声音说。 以英语。 然而，从说话方式听来，英语不是他的母语。 发音中带有尼泊尔口音。 "I am." “Bisalu sap在你那边吧？” 深町看了羽生一眼，接着把视线移向床旁边的床头柜。 那里有另一台相同线路的电话。 羽生比深町的视线早一步行动，从床头柜上的电话拿起话筒。 "Yes." Fukamachi said. “能请他听吗？” 男人的声音说。 “我在听啊。” 羽生声音低沉地说。 “怎么样？信上写的事是真的吧？” “你跟踪我吗？” "God knows." “说！你要做什么？” “做生意啊。想请你以适当的价格，买下我们这边的商品。” "How much?" “那台相机、你得到那台相机的经过，还有应该装在那台相机里的底片一起交过来。” “如果交给你，你就会把商品平安无事地交到我们手中吗？” “这是做生意。做生意要讲求信用。” "What if I say no?" “尼泊尔有一大堆地方，可以让你永远找不到商品。你想，如果掉进冰瀑的岩缝，商品会怎么样呢？” “要答应交易也行。” “挺聪明的嘛。” “在那之前，让我确认商品是否安然无恙。” "of course." “商品现在在你们那边吗？” “没有。她在外面。” “什么时候能验货？” “明天中午，我会再以电话联络你。就打到这支电话。等确认完货之后，再来谈生意。” “不准对她动手！假如伤了她一根寒毛，就算花一辈子我也要把你揪出来，把你的尸体丢进你刚才说的冰瀑岩缝中——！” 羽生的话，令对方别有含意地轻轻一笑。 “这件事不用废话。如果希望商品完好无缺，就别告诉任何人！” "I know." “那，明天再说——” After speaking, the phone hung up. 羽生握着话筒良久，闷不吭声地把话筒挂回电话。 深町也挂回话筒，重重地吁了一口气。 "what to do?" Fukamachi asked. “交给他们啊。大概只能这么做了。” “如果交给他们，她就能回来吗？” "do not know." "—" “凉子如果看见那些人的脸，不可能平安无事地回来。” “报警会不会比较好呢？” “不行。如果那么做，凉子大概会变成那家伙所说的那样。”<