Chapter 14 Chapter Fourteen

It was past eleven o'clock at night when Miyako returned home. Zhuo Yi was still awake, and the bright light in the room came out from the gap in the partition.Miyako said: I'm back.Then the partition was opened.Zhuo Yi was lying on the table, still wearing a sweater and pants. Looking aside, the dining table was covered with a white cloth.He prepared dinner for Miyako.The kettle on the stove was steaming. Miyako thought that Zhuoyi was asleep, so she went to fetch a thin cotton pajamas and gently covered him. "Ah." Suddenly, Zhuo Yi raised his head from the table. "Did you just come back?" He rubbed his eyes, but his expression didn't look like he was drowsy.However, her face was flushed, probably because of lying on the table.

"Aren't you asleep?" "Oh, I dozed off for a while." He touched his face a few times with his hands, as if he was trying to hide his expression. Takuichi noticed the bundle in Miyako's hand, and asked: "Ah, have you got Mr. Aonuma's manuscript?" "Yeah, it's finally tonight..." Miyako unpacked the bag and gave him the manuscript. "Ah, that's great." Zhuo Yi weighed the manuscript with his hands as if weighing its weight, and asked with a smile, "Here, have you got all the manuscripts?" "Yeah, I got them all."

"It's finally over." Zhuo returned the manuscript to his wife and said, "Now you can rest assured." Miyako didn't dare to look her husband's face in the face. "If you want to sleep, I'll make the bed now." "No, no need... the manuscript is in hand, I would like to talk to you for a while." He pushed the thin cotton pajamas covered by Miyako on his shoulders. "You're hungry. I've got supper for you. It might not taste very good, though." "Hmm. I'm so sorry." Even if Miyako comes back after eating dinner outside, Zhuoyi will definitely make dinner for her by himself.

"Oh, that's right." Miyako said as if remembering something, "Today, I went to Mr. Aonuma with House Nomiyama." "Ah, did you go with Ye Jianshan?" Zhuo Yi widened his eyes. "I didn't expect that, where did you meet her?" A smile suddenly appeared on his face. Miyako told her husband about this to reassure him. "Yes, she insisted on going with me. She thought such a job was new." "Nomi-san is very curious now." Sure enough, Zhuo Yi was very happy.He didn't know whether he was happy that the Nomiyama house he was close to had helped his wife, or that his wife didn't go to Aonuma alone.Possibly a bit of both.

Her husband probably hasn't heard from Nomiyama's house about what she witnessed in Kobe.Miyako heard from the house just now that when she saw herself in Kobe, she immediately felt that this matter was not trivial.It's not that I have an inferiority complex, but that there seem to be complex "overtones" in the house's words. Nomiyama House, who often meets with her husband, will not fail to disclose this question to him.The husband has probably heard of it. However, so far, from Zhuo Yi's expression, there is no sign that he has heard about that matter.It has been a long time since the house came back from Kobe. Miyako recalled Takuichi's expression and behavior after the house came back, but she couldn't think of any reaction from him.

What is this man thinking? Miyako couldn't figure it out.Zhuo Yi, who was yawning and stretching in front of him, had a carefree expression on his face. Miyako glanced at the table, only to see that the paper was scattered and there was no line written on it. She always thought that Zhuo Yi was a nice gentleman who knew almost nothing.However, after hearing those words from the house tonight, I suddenly felt that he was elusive.Miyako couldn't help being frightened. "Finally the manuscript is in hand, from now on you can start activities according to your wishes," Zhuo Yi said with a cigarette in his mouth, still squinting his eyes like a good man.

"If there's anything I can do, I'll help." "Thank you, I will ask for your help when needed." "I can do things like finishing manuscripts." "You also suddenly became energetic." Mei also smiled.All in all, it's a blessing to be free from Tejiro Aonuma tonight.For this, Nomiyama House must be thanked.However, this person is a bit strange and unpredictable. "You are the most beautiful when you get carried away at work." Zhuo Yi looked at his wife's face and said suddenly. "Yeah, is it?" "Before the manuscript is in hand, you always have a sad face. Seeing your expression, even I feel that my chest is tight."

"Do I look so sad? I didn't notice it myself, I'm sorry." "It's okay, it's for work. I'm idle all day long, and I rely on you to work alone. When you're not going well, let me see your sad face. It's okay." "When you say that, I really want to do a good job at the publishing house as soon as possible, making it a publishing house worthy of publishing your poetry collection and becoming famous all over the world." "The publication of this novel may lay a solid foundation for it. You probably have made a lot of manuscripts in other aspects."

Her husband rarely talks about work with Miyako.Today, he thought that Aonuma's manuscript had been obtained, and Miyako's long-cherished wish had been fulfilled, so he shared the joy with Miyako. It suddenly occurred to Miyako that raising funds in the future would be a major event.Although I have made considerable preparations, I am a little worried now due to the loss of other books and the temporary suspension of publication.This time it's Aonuma's work, and I plan to try out more and do more advertising. In the current situation, if Imura was here, at least he could help.However, there is nowhere to borrow right now, which is really difficult.However, even discussing this kind of matter with Zhuo Yi will not help.It's better not to let him score the best.

The next morning, Miyako left early. She sent Aonuma's manuscript to the printing factory, where she had to estimate the cost and make some other calculations.Afterwards, show the plan to the consignment store and negotiate with them. She was walking on the road, and suddenly met Nomiyama House who was strolling head-on. "Good morning." The house bowed respectfully and smiled.I have met her on the road many times in the past, but she has never greeted her so affectionately like today. "Thank you so much last night." Miyako thanked her. "No, no, I went with you without authorization. Afterwards, I really regret that it didn't hinder you."

"No, thanks to you for helping me. The manuscript was also available soon..." "But Mr. Aonuma hated me to death when he saw me go. He must wish to beat me up in his heart." "It's nothing like that, we are all for work." Miyako said, avoiding the eyes of the house staring at her. "What is your husband doing?" "Fumbling here and there at home, not knowing what to do. Ah, he was very happy to see the manuscript in hand." "That's great. So, I went to Mr. Aonuma with you, and it played a little role." The house's expression was always innocent. Miyako wanted to go here and ask how she told her husband what she saw in Kobe, but she didn't dare to speak for a while.It seemed a little strange to ask her specifically, anyway, there will be opportunities in the future, so Miyako gave up again.Despite the house's innocence, Miyako cannot take her lightly. "I have something urgent to do." Miyako said and showed her the package that wrapped the manuscript. "Ah, is it? I wish you success." "Thank you...my husband is at home, please come to my house to play." "Thank you. But I'm afraid I won't be free today." "Is there something wrong with the troupe?" "Yes, we were called out of the blue to rehearse. A dispatch came early this morning." "So, are you going to be busy again?" "What a coincidence. The script used this time was written by Mr. Aonuma." "Oh, what a coincidence." "I might have a good role this time, and I'm going to announce the cast list today." "Really?... I wish you a good role." When parting, the house said "goodbye" to Miyako, and waved goodbye to her.Miyako guessed that she might go to Takuichi. Meiyako thought to herself, if Zhuoyi could relieve some boredom by going to the house to accompany him, that would be good.Anyway, the friendship between these two people does not seem to develop into love. Miyako went to the printing factory and consulted with the sales department. "It's really not easy for you to get Mr. Aonuma's manuscript." The people in the sales department were also surprised when they saw Aonuma's manuscript.He has always had a good impression of Miyako's work. "How much was the first edition?" "I think about 30,000 copies. Since I haven't discussed with the consignment store, I can't decide the exact number..." "It's probably no problem to get these numbers." Miyako made a rough calculation, and asked them to estimate the binding fee and other expenses, and the amount was quite large. "It doesn't work if you don't advertise." The person from the sales department of the printing factory advised. "Taking this opportunity, I have to do a big job. Moreover, this is something that even major publishing houses can't get. Mr. Aonuma's long novel can be published in one go. Even if the first edition is 50,000 copies, there is no problem. However, to be on the safe side, I plan to publish it first. Thirty thousand volumes, isn’t that right?” After Miyako left the printing factory, she went to the consignment store again.In the past, the books she took were always received coldly.But this time, when the people at the consignment store heard that it was Aonuma's new work, they immediately became interested. "I've heard you say it a long time ago, but I still can't believe it. A busy person like Aonuma actually wrote a manuscript for you. Of course we are very happy to accept it. How about the first edition of 40,000 copies?" Miyako said that she was an unknown small publishing house, and to be on the safe side, she still planned to publish 30,000 volumes first.However, this time the other party seemed positive. The nameless small publishing house has always been scoffed at by the people in the consignment store, and the conditions are very harsh.Still, they'd do well if they were consignment, and most small presses have stumbled here. When Miyako walked to the bus stop, she met an old man with white hair.That was Tsuguo Ogawa whom he had met not long ago. "Ah, it's been a long time. Are you going back?" The old president of the publishing house said affectionately, "Is it settled?" "Well, finally..." The reason why Miyako was ambiguous was because she sensed from the other party's face that his work was not going well. "That's great." A smile of joy appeared on the old president's tired face. "I'm going to negotiate again. Alas, it's too miserable to be in this situation. If it was the past, I would never pay attention to the young clerks. I always deal with their superiors directly." He was the same as last time Started whining.Miyako had nothing to say. "What book are you going to publish this time?" Miyako didn't know how to answer, so she had to name some books that didn't sell much.Anyway, these books are not well-known, even if he lied to him that this is a book that will be published, he would not know it.Last time, Miyako told him that Aonuma's new work was going to be published.However, he had already forgotten about that. "Ah, is it?" The old president was relieved.Hearing that the book that someone else is going to publish may not be a bestseller, colleagues always feel more at ease. Just after Miyako said goodbye to him, the bus came.Miyako was still waiting for the people in the car to get off when she suddenly saw an acquaintance. Miyako stared at her eyes, and the other party also noticed her. "Oh, it's really rare," the man smiled and walked up to Miyako.This person is Yamada, Imura's secretary. Miyako suddenly wanted to ask him a lot of things. The female conductor on the bus watched the two of them, waited for a while, and finally rang the departure bell angrily. "Ah, long time no see." Miyako said affectionately, "Mr. Yamada, how are you?" She was still thinking about Imura this morning. "Oh... ma'am, are you busy now?" Yamada also seems to want to talk to her about the situation after the breakup.The two of them walked into a nearby teahouse. After sitting down, the topic naturally turned to Imura. "Now he lives in seclusion in Yugawara." Secretary Yamada told her about Imura's recent situation. "Is he in Yugawara?" Miyako thought he was recuperating at her home, but he was not. "It's so pitiful. Mr. Imura was really in bad luck with that accident." Yamada doesn't know the truth.He never dreamed that Miyako was also riding in that car at that time.Imura is really tight-lipped.Miyako lowered her head.She was afraid that Yamada would notice her expression. But what exactly does Yamada mean by pitiful?Has Imura resigned from the bank? "No, it's not just that." Secretary Yamada answered Miyako's question. "Mr. Imura borrowed a villa from a friend and lived there alone," he continued. "You probably know that Mrs. Imura is not a good wife and mother. The relationship between the two of them was not very harmonious in the past. After this accident, Imura is not willing to get close to her." Miyako was in a heavy heart.Imura seemed to be thinking about himself. "I went to Yugawara to see him two or three times. He said that although the place is comfortable, it is a bit lonely." "Why didn't he send Madame there?" "No, his wife is not willing to take care of him. After the accident, his wife rushed to the hospital from Tokyo. At that time, Imura was not willing to let his wife take care of him." "Ugh." "Imura is almost dependent on nurses to take care of him. His wife only stayed in Osaka for two days before returning to Tokyo." "Poor wife." "No, his wife has such a temper, she won't mind too much." "Ok." "Imura treated her like that, so Madam openly did what she liked." "Favorites?" "Here, yes. She still has a stage name. She likes to invite many friends and have fun together. Her personality is just the opposite of Imura's." "Can you tell me where Mr. Imura lives in Yugawara?" "of course can." Secretary Yamada had already noticed the relationship between Imura and Miyako.He happily wrote down the address in his notebook and drew a sketch. "I don't know how happy Mr. Imura would be if you went. Please go." He emphasized. "There is only Mr. Imura there, and there is no one else." When parting, he advised Miyako to visit Imura as soon as possible, saying, "I beg you to go too." She was confused when left alone.After hearing about Imura, she wished she could go see him right away.Although she had made an appointment with Imura, she no longer met.But after hearing his desolate situation, the idea of ​​seeing him came into being again.Since that parting, I haven't said anything to Imura.So, at least I have to express my gratitude to him for his kindness. If it is when he gains power, he can stand by and watch.However, since I know that he is in adversity, I have to go to him to comfort him.Mr. Imura will be happy.It's not that I can do anything when I see him, but I just want to repay the kindness he has always shown me. She checked her watch, it was just after eleven o'clock.If you go to Yugawara now, you can get back to Tokyo later at night.The arrangement of Aonuma's manuscript has been roughly completed.However, there is still a lot of work related to this.However, if I don't go to Imura today, judging from the work situation, I'm afraid it will be delayed forever.And, she thought, it would be best to be there on a lucky day when the work started to go well. Miyako suddenly thought of Aonuma Zhenjiro from the matter of the manuscript.Last night, although I escaped from him in that way, I still have to contact him for proofreading and other work.She thought that it would be too inappropriate to ignore him after making him angry.Moreover, as a publishing house, after receiving the manuscript, it should at least express its gratitude to him. Miyako took out her notebook.Although I don't know if Aonuma is still in that hotel, anyway, I decided to call there first and ask. "Yes, he's probably in the room. I'll put the phone on for you." The answer from the hotel maid came through the receiver.Apparently, Aonuma was still there. Based on last night's situation, Miyako thought that Aonuma might have left there angrily, but he was still there, which was a bit surprising. After a while, Aonuma's voice reached Miyako's ears. "What? It's you?" Sure enough, Aonuma was very angry when he opened his mouth. "Thank you so much last night." Miyako thanked him as gently as possible. "You were a great help. I don't know how to thank you." "Where are you now?" Aonuma asked roughly. "Ah, I just negotiated with the consignment store. Because it is your manuscript, the consignment store immediately agreed. This is the first time for an unknown publishing house like ours. The purchasing department is very active..." "Hi!" Aonuma suddenly raised his voice. "Don't you think it's impolite to thank you only by phone? You should come to thank you." That's not bad. "I'm really sorry. I just have something important to do right now, and I can't get away. So, for the time being, I have to make a phone call to thank you." "I don't know what matters to you, but I can tell you that I worked my ass off on that book. You should come to me first to say thanks. Come!" He was forceful. "But, sir, there is indeed an important business which must be done at present. I will come to you as soon as this business is over." "when will you arrive?" "Well, I'll come early tomorrow morning, if you're still there tomorrow." "No!" Aonuma Shōjiro shouted on the phone. "Are you talking in your sleep? What happened last night?" Aonuma was still shouting angrily. "Is that your play?" "Where is it? I never had that idea. The young man came here without authorization. I stopped her, but she thought this kind of work was very new, and she must see you instead of listening to me." Miyako tried to defend herself.Although she expected Aonuma to get angry, she didn't expect him to be so angry.This cannot be ignored. "Although I don't know what's going on, but, people should not be judged by appearances. I didn't expect you to be a cunning and cunning." "You speak too much." "Why, isn't that the case? You violated our original agreement. When it comes to a critical moment, go and bring a strange woman. This is a common trick in the customer service industry... If you hate me, you can tell it clearly from the beginning. You don't have to use it A beauty trick came to me... I have taken care of you a few times during this period. I finished writing this new book for you when I was too busy. You must keep your promise. Just let me alone, You escaped with cunning at the last moment. I have never heard of such a thing." As he spoke, Aonuma seemed to get excited.All the anger accumulated since last night was poured out all at once because of Miyako's phone call. "This is really embarrassing to me. You have misunderstood, please calm down first." "What! Tell me to calm down? What are you talking about! I won't be fooled by you again." "..." "You violated the contract, and I want you to pay for the loss." "Well, in terms of royalties..." "What are you talking about! Who is talking about royalties? That you have a husband for your treachery." "..." "In this way, I'm going to expose everything. I'm going to write something to warn other writers of your female tricks, and you have to be careful." "...Mr. Aonuma, why are you talking so cruelly?" Miyako panicked because of Aonuma's unexpected seriousness. "Hmph, what are you talking about! I won't let it go. I want you to return the manuscript to me." "Sir, what can I do?..." "The advance payment I received will be sent back to you by check immediately. Therefore, please bring my manuscript immediately." "Don't be so angry, I beg you. You can blame me all you want, but please don't be so hard on me." Aonuma Zhenjiro grasped at this point. "Who is making things difficult? Think about it yourself." "..." "Anyway, you are a married woman, but you are quite courageous. I don't know how many writers you have deceived by this method so far. I, no matter how beautiful your words are now, I will not be fooled by you again. I don't want to deal with a lowly publishing house like yours." "Sir." At this moment, Miyako panicked and couldn't think of a good way.Even so, if I go to Aonuma now, I don't know what will happen to him. "Please wait until tomorrow. I sincerely beg you...now, because Mr. Kimura Heigoro is waiting for me here." She said the name of the novelist wisely.Kimura Heigoro is the senior of Aonuma and others, and Miyako was able to know Aonuma because of his introduction. "..." This extremely poor strategy, unexpectedly worked.Aonuma suddenly hung up the phone without saying anything.Miyako seems to have seen Aonuma's terrified look when she heard that Kimura was beside her. Miyako got on the Shonan Railway. The matter of Aonuma Tejiro still hangs over her head like a dark cloud.The publishing work was just on track, but this big obstacle appeared. However, Aonuma's anger was expected last night.The reason why he was angry was because he mistakenly believed that the sudden break-in of Nomiyama's house was a trick deliberately set by Miyako.Judging from the results, in that case, it was no wonder that Aonuma understood it that way. However, I really did not expect Aonuma to be so angry.Considering the future problems, Miyako is worried. How can this path be opened?Depending on the situation, Aonuma might indeed withdraw the manuscript.It's just that, because Aonuma has already paid part of the royalties in advance, at least this can be used as a shield for himself.Although he has not signed a contract with him, if this matter is publicized, even from the moral point of view of publishing, other colleagues will take a cautious attitude. However, on the other hand, if the competitor is a powerful publishing house, then this unknown and weak publishing house cannot compete.If it is heard that Aonuma wrote a new work in one go, then any publishing house will rush to get it.This is a business, and people don't show affection. Miyako didn't expect Aonuma's quality to be so bad.What he said on the phone echoed in her ears one by one.He said that everything should be made public.He also said where to write about this scandal. After all, Aonuma Zhenjiro is just a pervert.If possible, Miyako really didn't want to see him again. However, this is a buy-sell transaction.Don't be emotional.Immediately there will be an obstacle.How to solve it?This is a really tricky question. She also hoped that maybe tomorrow Aonuma's anger would unexpectedly disappear.No matter how angry he is now, maybe he will calm down after a night of sleep.She could only pin a glimmer of hope on it now. Miyako got off the car at Yugawara. I heard from Secretary Yamada that Imura lives in a place far from Yugawara, near the entrance to the mountain in Hakone. She took a taxi.However, I was still very depressed. If it wasn't for the phone call with Aonuma, I don't know how comfortable I am now.I can also go to visit Imura happily.But now I had to go to see Imura in the most unpleasant mood. The car was driving along the slender road in Yugawara.There is a river beside the road, several bridges are built on the river, and hotels are full of hotels on the opposite side of the bridge. Soon, the car passed the hotel street and entered the mountain road.After a while, the roof of Uchiyugawara's house appeared in the deep mountains. Miyako showed the driver the map drawn by Yamada. At the entrance of the mountain in Hakone, the driver stopped the car. He said that because he was not familiar with the geography, he wanted to ask for directions, so he got out of the car alone.Not long after, he came back again. "Ma'am, I heard it's just behind here." There are big hotels with fences.But it is much more rustic than the luxurious buildings we just passed. Miyako walked in from the side path.There is also a steep slope here. After walking for a while, I saw two or three houses with their backs on the slope.You can tell it's different from a hotel at a glance. At this moment, a woman of about forty years old, wearing an apron, came out of a house.Miyako asked her about it. "You mean Mr. Imura?" The woman looked Miyako from head to toe. "Mr. Imura lives in that house." She pointed her hand behind her.

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