Chapter 12 Chapter Twelve

Aonuma licked his wine glass and rolled his eyes upwards to look at the house. At this time, the waitress who happened to be next to him stood up, and Aonuma called the house: "Come here." "I'm sorry," the house squeezed to the side of Aonuma with a smile. Aonuma was elated and asked, "Have you read my novel?" "Well, I've been reading it, and I like your work." "Have you read Women of the Night?" "Well, I have read it." "In that work, there must be a section where the protagonist bids farewell to his lover. What do you think of the description of that place?"

"It's pretty good, I think." Aonuma asked some questions to test the woman.He cited two or three more works and asked about some chapters of them. The house said that some had read it, and some hadn't read it. Aonuma smiled, and he understood that this woman hadn't read his works. However, he didn't want to spoil the fun and pretended not to know. "Please read this long article as well." "Are you quite sure about this work?" "It was done in one go. If there is more time, I can write a more satisfactory work. Unfortunately, there is not enough time."

"So it's almost done?" "It will be fine in two or three days." Aonuma said decisively. The house stared at Aonuma's profile.She wanted to judge whether the answer was true. "I really want to read it sooner," said the house. "When will it be published?" "Probably at the end of next month." "Great, I can read it so soon." The house applauded deliberately, "I heard that it is a small publishing house, isn't it?" "Ok." "You are so busy, how can you find time to write such a novel?"

"It's a pastime. Besides, I'd like to change a place to publish." "Oh, I see," the house nodded and said, "Your books have always been published by big publishing houses. So, this time you want to try your own skills, don't you?" "..." "Big publishing houses make great efforts to promote it, but sellers are also hard-pressed. You want to try it this time: your novels will also sell well when published by small publishing houses. Are you right?" "You know it very well," Aonuma said with a smile, "You know how to do it."

"We are acting, and we will still hear about it. I don't know much, it's just hearsay." "Indeed," said Tanuma, drinking down the little wine left, "I have such a feeling. That is to say, publishers always think that the sales of their works depend entirely on their publicity. I am not convinced, but maybe it is true. So. So, I want to take a risk to see my true value. Otherwise, I wouldn't write a novel in one go." "Sure enough," said the house, looking straight ahead, "I'm afraid the editor is not the editor, but the president himself to pick up such an important manuscript, right?"

"It's a small publishing house with few editors." "Then the president should personally go out... I want to see your manuscript." "My handwriting is not good. Moreover, there are many revisions in the original manuscript, which is difficult to read." "However, it must have a different taste from the printed one. Sir, let me see your manuscript, will you?" "Can not be done." "Yeah, why?" "This manuscript is about to be handed in, there is no time." "Isn't there still two or three days?" "I still have to hurry up and write the ending."

"Well, I can go to your place to see. Where are you writing now? In a hotel?" "yes." "Then I'll go to the hotel." "It's not interesting to read manuscripts, it's better to wait until I finish my work and then play." "Okay, what day?" "In another two or three days, how about the sixteenth? That day, I don't work all day, waiting for you." "So, before that, you handed over the manuscript to the publisher?" "yes." "Let me see if it's okay." The house took out a small notebook from his arms, pretending to check if there is a reservation, "On the 16th, yes. I want to go out early in the morning. Go to a farther place."

"Okay," Aonuma said with a smile. According to Aonuma's words, the house guessed that the manuscript was handed over to Miyako on the 15th, maybe that night... that's probably the case. The house guessed that Aonuma would not be handed over to Miyako in vain.Writers like Aonuma don't take royalties seriously.The ultimate goal is Miyako's body.The 15th was probably the day when Miyako sold her body to Aonuma. Aonuma asked for another glass of whiskey, but refused to leave.Usually, enough is enough for him to go back long ago.There may be an interest in the house tonight, staying longer than usual.He drew the house close to him.

"That day, you..." He whispered into the house's ear, "Can you ask for leave from the store?" "can." "Where do you wish to go?" "Anywhere. You decide." "yes?" The house suddenly remembered, and said to Aonuma: "I want to see the end of your novel on the fifteenth." "Why are you so interested in the ending? You have to read the whole article to be interesting." "I really like the end of the article, that's where the author puts all his energy. So, I want to see what kind of article you write...I'll call you first and go to your place to have a look, okay?"

"Yes, yes." Aonuma nodded. This confirms that the manuscript is nearing completion.The heart of the house was pounding. At noon the next day, Nomiyama went to the vacant lot.Zhuoyi didn't come.She must see him today, and from there she went straight to Zhuo's family.Although he passed by Zhuoyi's house once, he never went in. Near Zhuo's family, there are dense trees.The white school building of the elementary school can be seen behind. At this time, Konno Miyako is usually not at home, she always leaves around ten o'clock in the morning. The house stood at the gate of Zhuo's family and rang the electric bell.No one came out, she thought everyone had gone out.Suddenly, a figure appeared on the glass door with lattice, and Zhuo Yi poked his head out.

"So it's you!" Zhuo Yiyuan opened his eyes and looked at the house. "Hello," said the house with a smile, "I have something to ask for your help." "Hey, this is new. Well, come in and talk about it." "Thank you. May I go in?" "I'm finally the head of the family." "Where's the wife?" "out." "Well, I'm in." The house followed Zhuo Yi and went in.Zhuoyi also wore a sweater and wrinkled trousers at home, exactly the same as when he went for a walk. "Your house is very bright." The living room is small and exquisite, and there are books published by Miyako's publishing house in the glass cabinet. "I'll make you tea." Zhuoyi said as he walked into the kitchen to boil water, and soon came back with a cigarette in his mouth. "You are welcome," Zhuo Yi said. He has a bright expression, this is a man who never suspects. "Why are you looking around?" Zhuo Yi asked. "I haven't been here before. It's always fresh to see other people's homes." "It's nothing out of the ordinary." "Although it is a publishing house, it doesn't look like it at all." "A small publishing house?" "My wife is alone, can't you be too busy?" "Yeah, very busy." "Is there no one to help her?" "Nothing at the moment... It would be nice if I could help her. However, she said that I was in the way, which is not helpful." "Your wife has made it clear." "Even you say such mean things." "You're not familiar with such things... My visit today is related to this matter." "What's the matter?" "Could your wife please let me help her with a little work?" "Hey," Zhuo Yi asked with his eyes wide open, "What do you think, that you say such a thing?" "For no particular reason. I've also become interested in publishing." "But you're going to work tonight. Besides, there's a performance, which can't be done." "You can quit the job in the bar." "In the bar, you earn a lot. Even if my wife promised you to come, we wouldn't be able to pay that much. We are a small publishing house." "I don't need a lot of salary. Besides, whether I can do it is still a problem. I still don't want to quit the job in the bar... It's a pity that I hang around during the day, so I want to get some work like this." "So, what about acting?" "It's not rehearsing every day. I think it's okay. During the rehearsal, I will take a leave of absence." "Well," Zhuo Yi said, staring at the house, "have you talked to my wife?" "When we met on the road, I always nodded and saluted, but I didn't have a good conversation... I think she is a bit scary." "No such thing." "Well, you're her husband, of course you do. I find her unapproachable." "If you keep in touch with her often, you will know that she is not that kind of person." "I think so too, so I want to be her helper." "I can't make the decision. When she comes back, I will tell her your wish." "Sure," said the house, looking at the books in the cabinet again, "what book will be published next time?" "Probably the work of Mr. Aonuma Tejiro. She is busy dealing with various aspects now." "Do you want to get the manuscript from Mr. Aonuma?" the house said, staring at Zhuo Yi's face. "Maybe. I've probably got a lot of the previous manuscripts. I don't know much about her work. I have to consider the binding and deal with the printing factory. I'm very busy." "When will I get the last part of the manuscript?" "It's still early?" "How much more time?" "I'm afraid it will be another month." After hearing Takuichi's reply, the house believed what Aonuma said instead.Miyako confirmed the mystery by not telling Zhuo Yi the exact date. "I'll call again tomorrow. Please talk to her first." "Understood... Yo, are you going back?" "Well, it's too much to bother you." "I, it doesn't matter." The house can't but worry about how the relationship between Miyako and the general manager is now. According to reports, General Manager Imura was seriously injured.Maybe he left the hospital in Osaka and went to recuperate somewhere.Miyako might be keeping in touch with the general manager who is recuperating.If so, maybe not going home. The sanatorium will not be Tokyo.If it is Atami or Kinugawa, you cannot return on the same day.It is impossible for the general manager not to ask Miyako to go.With such a serious accident, he must be even more lonely. "My wife is single-handedly engaged in publishing, and sometimes she has to drive all night, right?" the house tried. "No, sometimes late, but not all night." "Really." This was unexpected, and the house continued to ask: "You said she sometimes came home late, what time did she even come back?" "Recently, relatively early. Come back before eight o'clock." Zhuo Yi told the house calmly. That night, when Miyako came back, Zhuoyi immediately told his wife the request of Nomiyama's house. "Really?" Miyako thought for a while and said, "But, she currently earns quite a lot, is it appropriate to abandon such a job?" "No, she said it doesn't matter. Let's look at our situation first. For the time being, the job over there will not be resigned, and the play will continue to be performed. That's what she said." "What exactly is she thinking?" Miyako said, as if she still couldn't figure it out, "If you want to do it for a while on a whim, it's better to refuse." "No, she knew you were doing it alone, that's why she made such a request." Naturally, Zhuo Yi tried his best to explain for the house. "Perhaps you said something to her?" "I didn't say anything. I was also surprised that she suddenly came to our house and talked about such a thing." "This person is also a bit strange." Miyako said, taking off the clothes for going out.She stood up and said with a smile, "Miss House, it's just right to play with you." "Yeah, it's great to chat with her." "If you think it's appropriate, ask her to help... I run outside every day, and I will leave the odd jobs at home to her." "Tell her your words, and she will be so happy." "I want to meet her." "Really?" Zhuoyi said with twinkling eyes, "Then, ask her to come tomorrow night." "Tomorrow night?" Miyako hesitated, thinking for a while. Tomorrow night, I will receive the last part of the manuscript from Aonuma Tejiro. About two-thirds of his manuscript has been obtained.The last third won't be easy, because Aonuma has ulterior motives.He said he would hand in the manuscript tomorrow evening.The time and place are designated by Aonuma. "Not tomorrow night." "Have a job?" The husband asked naively, "It's not convenient for you, so just ask her to come here before you go out tomorrow. Anyway, she has nothing to do during the day." "OK." Miyako returned to her husband's side. When going out, Miyako mostly wears a kimono, but at home she always changes into casual Western clothes.This change, in the eyes of my husband, was too obvious. Miyako, who can't get along with Nomiyama's house, is somewhat wary of her. House, although working in the bar, is an innocent girl.Miyako, who was born as a geisha, knows this very well.However, based on a woman's intuition, Miyako always felt that Yasuo's innocent attitude was hiding a sharp gaze aimed at herself. The house nodded and saluted Miyako when she met her on the road, but, despite her younger age, she always looked at Miyako with observation.According to the husband, he often chatted with her when he went for a walk.This seems to imply the intention to get to know Miyako through her husband.Why did she suddenly ask for assistance this time? Is this because it is no longer useful to observe through the husband, so I want to contact myself directly?There is a look in this woman's eyes that wants to poke out her "man" relationship.Miyako had worked as a geisha, and some geisha watched other geishas who had relationships with men with a penetrating eye.The gaze of the house is very similar to that gaze. What kind of psychology is this? Miyako thinks that maybe the house has developed love for herself, so she feels jealous of her man relationship.This is what Miyako has experienced. When I was working in a restaurant, there was a woman who was hostile to Miyako.Still, she didn't dislike Miyako.At that time, Miyako didn't know Takuichi, and had just had a relationship with Imura.That woman is jealous of that. Miyako saw something in common in the blunt expression of the house. Takuichi seemed very happy because Miyako agreed to the house's request. Miyako thinks her husband is also weird.He has no love for the house, just treats it as a friend.If the wife is often away from home, the average man may change his mind and form a new love.However, Zhuo Yi would not do this. Miyako often said to her husband: "Have you made up your mind to travel?" "Oh, after much deliberation, I still don't want to go." "Just go out for a walk. Your mood will be refreshed. At this time, isn't it better to go to the Xinzhou area?" "yes." "If you feel good after you go, I will accompany you next time. Now I can't get away, maybe I have time next time." "yes." "How about going to the Northeast?" No matter how he persuaded him, Zhuo Yi was still not active. "No, travel, let's talk about it later." "You are working alone, I can't travel leisurely." Why Zhuoyi refuses to travel far away? Miyako felt that her husband's instinctive intuition had already smelled his wife's secret. At about ten o'clock the next morning, Miyako met Nomiyama House in the living room.It was settled last night, so Zhuoyi went to call her immediately this morning.Zhuo Yi was probably not present in order to avoid the conversation between Shen Ru and the others. "I'm very glad to have your help," Miyako said to the house, "There are many miscellaneous things, and it's hard to handle." "It's all right. I'd love to be your helper." The house puts its hands on its knees neatly.Bi Jingmeizi is older than herself, and the house feels cramped.However, she still looked up at Miyako's face from time to time. "I want you to contact the printing factory, bookbinding factory, consignment store, etc., and go out often." "I like working like this..." "Really?" Miyako said with a smile on her face, "You will be tired, and you have to work in the bar and act in a play, won't you?" "If you can't finish the work here, you can take time off from the bar. As for my salary, you don't have to worry too much." "That's not OK." "It doesn't matter...I save up all the tips my customers give me." "You're pretty well off, aren't you?" "I don't have much savings, but I've always lived frugally, and I'm known as a cheapskate in the shop." "If you ask for leave from the store, I will make up for it for you... It is too hard to work continuously for a month. We can also take a few days off here." "Thank you," said the house with a salute. "So, when do I start working?" "Yeah, before you come, I need to tidy up my work. It will take three or four days." When Miyako said "three or four days", the house felt that it had a special meaning.I heard earlier that Aonuma will hand over the last part of the manuscript on the 15th.That means tonight. Miyako is going to handle Aonuma's manuscript herself, right?Because this is the job that holds her secret. Of course, there will be delays in this work, such as negotiating with printing factories, bookbinding factories, consignment stores, etc., but it will be easier to handle it when it has already been printed.The manuscript still smelled of Aonuma Tejiro's body odor. Of course, Miyako didn't want to ask others to do it.The house can understand Miyako's mood. "I heard that Mr. Aonuma's manuscript can be obtained, is it?" House asked pretending to be nonchalant. "Who told you?" Miyako's voice seemed a little nervous. "Your husband said so." "That's right. Mr. Aonuma promised to deliver the manuscript tonight." "It's not easy to ask such a writer to write a manuscript." "Yes." Miyako replied vaguely. "Are you going to pick up the manuscript at the hotel where Mr. Aonuma is staying?" "Yeah... well, how did you know that Mr. Aonuma lives in a hotel?" "I heard that fiction writers often live in hotels and close their doors to write." "yes." "Madam, if it's convenient, let me pick up the manuscript, okay?" "why?" "You just told me to come back in three or four days. I can't wait. Isn't it very meaningful to go to the author to pick up the manuscript just after taking the first step in the work?" Wanting to understand the house's intentions, Miyako watched her intently.However, the house has a childish expression, its eyes widen innocently, and its mouth is open cutely. "Yeah... But, this time I'll go." "..." "I made an agreement with Mr. Aonuma." The house suddenly looked unhappy.Because her request was not accepted, she expressed dissatisfaction like a child, that is to say, she was teasing. Miyako couldn't figure it out.After having a knee-to-neck discussion with the house today, Miyako felt that her impression of her was different from before. "I said," Miyako couldn't help smiling, and said in a comforting tone, "there will be opportunities like this in the future. This time, just forget it." "Which hotel is Mr. Aonuma staying at?" Miyako couldn't help being startled, unable to answer. "I'd like to see the writers who write in places like that. If it's not right for me to go alone, let me go with my wife. What time will I go? I'll call the bar and ask for leave?" The house refused to give way, and Miyako couldn't stand it anymore. "Nine o'clock is agreed," Miyako said truthfully before she had time to hide. "Before this, did you work outside?" "Yes, and I'm looking for some writers." "Is the hotel where Mr. Aonuma lives far from here?" "It's not too far away..." "Then let me accompany you." At this moment, Miyako managed to calm down. "You are very enthusiastic, I know. But this time is not appropriate." "..." "I've just finished talking with you, and I'll let you come to work immediately. I haven't finished my preparations yet. It still takes two or three days to make arrangements." "Then, I won't go to Mr. Aonuma's place." "Okay, let's do that." Only then did Miyako breathe a sigh of relief, but the house forced her up again, saying: "Madam, I won't go to Mr. Aonuma's place. However, please take me to interview other gentlemen. Getting to know the author earlier will be more convenient for future work." Only then did Miyako Kageno get rid of the entanglement of Nomiyama's house. Miyako visited three or four writers, and the house followed her all the time.The residences of writers are scattered all over Tokyo, as if on purpose to embarrass the editor.It starts from Asakusa in the east, Denenchofu in the west, and Shimura to Shinagawa in the north and south. Around eleven o'clock in the morning, Miyako went out with the house.When we arrived at the last house in Huowa, it was already past eight o'clock at night. The young house may not be used to running, and when she left the last one, she looked exhausted. "Thanks for your hard work," Miyako felt sorry for not saying, "You should go back." "Madam, are you going to Mr. Aonuma now?" At this time, the eyes of the house shone with a strange brilliance. "Huh... Hurry up! The taxi is here, take it quickly." "No, I'll wait a while. Ma'am, please!" The taxi pulled up, and the house pushed Miyako's back into the car. Forty minutes later, Miyako Konno arrived at the hotel where Tejiro Aonuma was staying and got out of the car.