Chapter 16 Chapter Sixteen

Miyako couldn't help shaking after reading Takuichi's letter. However, she had an optimistic thought: her husband has always been carefree, maybe he will go out for a walk, and one day he will suddenly come back. "That's right, go ask Nomiyama's house." Perhaps Zhuo Yi had discussed it with the house beforehand.Although he wouldn't say it explicitly, he might have told her where she was going to travel, or at least hinted at the direction. Miyako checked her watch. It was not yet seven o'clock.There is no rehearsal task in the house, just go to the bar in Ginza, maybe she has gone to work now.However, I feel that I may still be at home at this time.

Miyako got ready and walked out of the house.On the dim road, I saw the figures of several men, probably returning home from get off work.Miyako couldn't help looking for Takuichi's shadow among them. Every word of Takuichi hurts Miyako's heart.Zhuo Yi knew that he had no birth ability.On the surface, he pretends to be carefree and indifferent to everything, but in fact he is afraid of adding worries to Miyako.It was only then that Miyako realized that Takuichi's nerves were extraordinary in this respect. Why didn't I find out sooner?Had he known earlier, he would have treated this kind husband in another way.

To make matters worse, Zhuo had already noticed everything around Miyako.As with publishing funds, so too with the royalties advances Aonuma refunded.All this forced him to make up his mind to leave.He has been distressed for a long time, and it was Aonuma's actions that ignited him. "...I hope you know that despite this, I don't have the slightest idea of ​​being betrayed by you, being fooled by you, etc. As a husband who has no ability to live, I thank you for treating me sincerely..." "However, I can't rely on you to live like this. Because I understand how much trouble my existence has caused you. Not only do I not hate you, but I also want to live with you for a long, long time."

Miyako felt that Takuichi's every word was like a hammer hitting her heart. "You don't want to commit suicide... I hope you're still alive..." Miyako thought to herself: If he is still alive, she must do her best for him to make up for her sins.There is no one as kind as him in the world.It is precious to her.The leisurely, bright and cheerful man now wanders in strange dark lands.Thinking of this, Mei Yezi felt as if a knife was piercing her heart. It takes seven or eight minutes to walk to the apartment of Nomiyama House, which is located on the road leading to the station.Miyako often saw the house coming out of there for a walk, so she went down the ramp.

Miyako walked up the slope from time to time, and finally arrived at the apartment of the house, and asked the apartment manager, and it turned out that Nomiyama lived on the second floor of this house.The administrator immediately went upstairs to have a look.I heard that the house is still in the room.Miyako shrugged and stood at the door waiting. Soon, Nomiyama House and the administrator came downstairs together.Seeing Miyako standing at the door, the house stared at her nervously for a moment.Then, he casually put on a pair of slippers and walked out. "Hello!" The house greeted first. "House, I have something to talk to you... It's not convenient here, let's go out for a walk together, okay?"

The house nodded, and walked side by side with Miyako. It seemed that she didn't know that Zhuoyi had left, but she was puzzled by being called out suddenly by Miyako. There are several street lamps on the side of the road.Walking down the slope, Miyako asked: "House, do you know where my husband has gone?" "What," the house stopped and asked, "What's wrong with Mr. Zhuoyi?" The house stared at Miyako intently, the light shone in the corner of the house's eyes. A child ran past them. "He's gone." Miyako said simply.The house listened with bated breath and said nothing.

"It was written in his letter that he wanted to go on a trip. Originally, I had advised him to go on a trip to relax. However, his departure this time is not that kind of trip. Maybe he will commit suicide." "..." "Zhuoyi will tell you everything. Can you guess where he traveled this time?" Nomiyama House lowered its head and walked slowly, then suddenly stopped and said: "I have no idea." Then she held out her hand to Miyako and said: "Would you please show me the letter he left?" I carry that letter with me.However, Miyako hesitated whether to show the house or not.This means that all the secrets of Miyako will be exposed in front of this younger woman.

However, after thinking about it, why bother to hide it.Let it all be exposed.There is no need to hide everything about General Manager Imura and Aonuma. Miyako handed Takuichi's letter to the house. The house walked under the street light and began to read carefully by the light.Every time the house was turned over, Miyako always felt a stabbing pain in her heart. The passer-by looked back at the two women standing there. After reading Nomiyama House, look up at the sky.Then, silently put the letter in an envelope, and returned it to Miyako who was standing beside her.House's eyes looked directly at Miyayo's face.

"How can you say that..." the house said, "you can't let him die... Madame, let's go find Mr. Zhuoyi together." Miyako was momentarily speechless. "Mr. Zhuo Yi never talked to me about leaving. However, maybe I can guess where he is going." Miyako gripped House's hand tightly. "House, what's that place?" "Some time ago, Mr. Takuichi said he was going to Okutama. Maybe he went there." The next morning, Miyako and House took the train from Shinjuku Station to Tachikawa, and then changed to the Ome Line there. To go to Okutama, you have to get off at the terminal station of the Ome Line and head towards the mountains.However, how to find Takuichi's trace in the huge Okutama.Go straight from here to the artificial Lake Okutama.Going along the mountain road, you will find the Great Bodhisattva Ridge.However, if you don't go to Lake Okutama, but go into the forested area behind the Japanese plains, you won't be able to search.The primeval forests in that area are lush and covered with rolling hills.

The house led the way into the glacier station chief's office, and asked if someone like Zhuo Yi had passed by.The ticket cutter said he had no impression.At the end of the long and narrow street in the glacier, there is the police station of the Ome Police Department, and the house leads Miyako into it. In this regard, Nomiyama House moved quickly.Miyako was a little timid. "How to say it," the policeman from the police station said calmly, turning his head to look at a large map on the wall behind him, "You see, this area is full of lofty mountains, and if he walks in without hesitation, we will be caught off guard. Even those who surround the mountains to 'search' deep mountains and old forests are helpless."

After hearing what the police said, the house asked, "Are there many suicides in this area?" "There are a lot. Hunters and loggers will always find one or two bones when they go into the mountains." Miyako's face turned livid. "Can you find some clues?" the house asked the police. The police carefully inquired about Zhuo Yi's appearance, clothing, physical characteristics, etc., and wrote them down in the handbook.However, it seemed that it was just to comfort the other party. "Yes, on the way to Lake Okutama, there is a hotel that burns mineral water. You have to go there and ask." The policeman said. They left the police station and found the taxi company in front of Glacier Station.The car company was probably used to taking Okutama tour customers, and they agreed to drive a medium-sized car. The car climbed up the valley with twists and turns, and there was a stream flowing under the valley. The driver told them that it was the upper reaches of the Tamagawa River.Probably he regarded these two women as tourists. On the opposite side of the stream are cliffs and lush virgin forests.Under the shade of the trees, the sun does not shine, and it looks dim. Seeing the mountains surrounded by thousands of miles, Miyako couldn't help but be disappointed: How can I see a person's footprints in this place? "House, why did Takuichi say he was coming to Okutama?" Miyako asked in the car. Zhuo Yi wrote poetry, so it is understandable that he loves mountains.However, why Okutama was mentioned at all, Miyako couldn't help being puzzled.More poetic mountains, there are.If it is Shinshu, then it is understandable. "Once upon a time, Mr. Zhuoyi climbed Mount Takao." Miyako remembered.Not long after she and Zhuoyi got married, they went to Mount Takao for a day together.Mount Takao is a small hill located at the western end of the Kanto Plain along Koshu Street.There are famous shrines there, and it is a tourist destination for Tokyoites. "He said that at that time, the Okutama mountains seen from the top of the mountain were so beautiful. What can I say, the mountains are layered on top of each other, and the thin clouds are floating, as if people are being sucked in. Didn't that mysterious feeling never disappear? Are you traveling here again this time?" Since Zhuoyi had said such a thing, it was very possible. The road twists and turns along the cliffs. On the way, we encounter trucks loaded with fir trees, trucks carrying reservoir materials, and taxis, coming and going in a hurry. Finally, I came to the hotel that the police said was burning mineral water.There is also a small trattoria there. "Yeah, I didn't see it." The old lady in the store came out and said, "The people who rest here are mostly young people, and there have been more girls recently. People of this age come alone, We always have an impression. Have you never been here?" While they were talking, the driver left the engine on and waited impatiently outside, smoking a cigarette. Miyako hopes that as long as the car can drive through, she will try her best to drive in and find out to the end.After discussing with the driver, the car will be chartered until the evening.At this time, it was past twelve o'clock. Soon we will reach Lake Okutama.There are many teahouses and restaurants targeting tourists. Miyako and the house are also asking around here. "Well, I didn't see it." When asked, people always seem indifferent. "Go further in, let's drive in." The house turned its gaze to the road that suddenly narrowed ahead.In front of the peak towering, likewise, the verdant primeval forest bathed in sunshine. "Forget it." Miyako said embarrassedly, if she was alone, she would want to go anywhere.However, the house enthusiastically followed, and Miyako could not act on her own. "However, it's hard to come here. It's very difficult to do it again. Let's go in a little more, so as not to regret it later." Cars are only allowed on the road that surrounds Lake Okutama. They asked the driver to wait for a while, then climbed up the narrow hillside.Saw a few farmhouses.A farmer walked up to him.When asked, he said: "have no idea." Without stopping, he walked away. The two of them walked on.The mountain road is steep.The foot of the mountain is already green, but the forest on the mountain is still a winter scene. "It's a waste of effort," Miyako said, stopping. "Thank you, house. I think it's better to forget it." Looking around, I saw deep mountains and dense forests covering continuous mountains, as if mocking the powerless search of human beings. "It's a pity!" The house still didn't give up, looked around and said, "Then, let's go back for now." "That's the way to do it. There's really no way to do it like this." A figure appeared on the opposite ridge. Looking intently, it was a young climber with a backpack on his back. "I don't know if Zhuo Yi is really dead. Maybe in three or four days, he will come back suddenly." Miyako said something contrary to her heart. The house didn't answer, just looked sullenly at the other ridge. They both walked back.Suddenly the house murmured in a low voice: "Mr. Zhuoyi may plan to rest quietly in the mountains." Miyako couldn't help being stunned.The house walked up to her, looked at Miyako squarely and said: "Madam...Mr. Zhuoyi doesn't know how much he loves you. But, it was you who killed Mr. Zhuoyi." The next day, the house received a call from the troupe, telling her to go back immediately, because the list of actors for the next performance will be announced today. They are always struggling to find a place to rehearse.In the past, I borrowed a warehouse and was kicked out later.The rehearsal space of the recently defunct ballet troupe was leased, near Shimokitazawa. This morning the house read the newspapers carefully from cover to cover, but there was no news of the sudden death. Arrive at eleven o'clock in the morning.Arrived at the house on time, I saw director Mr. A and screenwriter Mr. K waiting smoking in a glassy house.The troupe members surrounded the two of them.Seeing the house coming in, everyone smiled at her. "Yeah, you're here." Since the performance in Kobe, I haven't met anyone in the troupe. Mr. A has met once, and the screenwriter Mr. K is the first time we meet. Most of the members are young people, and the atmosphere is very active.Today we are going to announce the list of actors for the drama adaptation based on the work of Aonuma Tejiro, and everyone is uneasy.This is an experimental troupe for young people, so unlike big troupes, there are no strict formalities. "All here?" Mr. A glanced at everyone and said, "I have already said that this time I decided to stage the work "The Tempest" by Mr. Aonuma Tejiro. In the past, we mostly performed translation dramas, and it has been a long time since we performed original dramas. Please work hard. I hope to get back the performance fee, please rehearse seriously.” Everyone nods. Mr. A introduced Mr. K, the screenwriter of the play, to all the troupe members. Mr. K., with his long hair, bowed awkwardly and stepped back. "For Mr. K's script, we carefully studied it, and also sought the opinions of the original author, Mr. Aonuma, to ensure that it is absolutely foolproof. Now it has been finalized. In the future, we will send it to everyone after we engrave it. Now we will announce the list of actors. Let me say hello first. I often say that everyone may have their own opinions. I hope that everything can be left to us. Of course, we are not a well-known commercial theater troupe. No matter what role we play, we must learn from it with humility. manner." As Mr. A said, he asked his assistant to bring a long piece of paper that was rolled up. Two young people nailed one end of the paper to the wooden wall with thumbtacks, and then opened it. Everyone was attracted by the words that gradually appeared. The house was surprised to see his name listed first.The role of heroine was assigned to her. After the announcement of the full list, all the members of the troupe started chirping and sighing. The cheeks of the house were hot.All eyes were on her.She couldn't help but lower her head, her heart pounding. Mr. A said with a smile: "Everyone, the general situation is as follows... The protagonists, Hatake Sankun and Nomi Sankun are selected. Please work hard. The lines will be checked from the day after tomorrow. The future work schedule..." Mr. A announced the rehearsal, dress rehearsal and other work schedules. At this time, the young man in charge of the troupe's affairs walked up to Mr. A and whispered in his ear. Mr. A went up to Mr. K and muttered for a while, then turned to everyone and said: "Everyone, the original author, Mr. Aonuma Tejiro, is here. This time, the young actor is going to play his part, and he is very happy. Let me introduce it to everyone now." That young man invited Aonuma over just now.Aonuma was wearing casual kimono.First, Mr. A and Mr. K talked with Aonuma while laughing.Aonuma's expression was not very happy, and he slightly shrugged his shoulders. Mr. A urged again and again before he stood in front of everyone. Before talking, Aonuma looked back at the list of actors, then glanced at everyone who was silent, and said: "I am Aonuma. Please take care of me." Aonuma nodded in salute, her long hair drooping down.He brushed his hair back with his hands.Just retreat immediately. He put on an artist's free-spirited air, which, of course, was a stinking pose.The house knew deeply that he was neither such a simple man nor a frank character.All the troupe members couldn't help being surprised and applauded, but not too enthusiastically.Maybe everyone can see that Aonuma is putting on a show. Aonuma was complacent at first, but the atmosphere of the audience was beyond his expectation, and he was very dissatisfied.He sat and looked around at the young actors.His eyes swept to the house of Nomiyama.At this moment, his expression suddenly became angry. Aonuma whispered something to Mr. A beside him.His gaze returned to the face of the house. Mr. A stepped forward and said: "Everyone, I'm going to start checking the lines the day after tomorrow. Please read the script carefully to grasp the characters of each character... Also, this is a cliché, please report on time, especially those who have work at night, after rehearsals, please write Appropriate arrangements." Many people giggled. Young men and women of every kind had other jobs, and there were those who worked in bars like houses, and those who worked as fashion models during the day.However, everyone is equally enthusiastic about acting. Mr. A reminded everyone to strengthen unity.Solidarity is crucial for theater groups, especially for youth groups like this. All the members are leaving in threes and fives.At this time, Mr. A called the house to stop. "I heard that you know Mr. Aonuma?" "yes." Although Mr. A knew that Fang Yu worked in a bar, but when he mentioned that he met Aonuma in such a place, Fang Yu couldn't help but blush. "Mr. Aonuma said he wanted to talk to you." Mr. A said. The house walked up to Mr. Aonuma.Aonuma, with his hands in his kimono, smiled affectionately, his true nature finally revealed. "I knew you were in this troupe, but I never thought you would take on such an important role. You are amazing." Aonuma said. "She's still studying," Mr. A interjected. Aonuma added: "However, Mr. A, in my play, her role is very important. You assigned this role to Ms. Nomiyama. It can be seen that her acting skills are quite good...I often meet her in a certain place, not yet I know she works so hard." "Yeah, she's serious." "That's right. I said, Mr. K," Aonuma recalled the playwright and said, "Since she is going to play this role, the script has to be revised." "What kind of reform are you talking about?" Mr. K, who has a gentle personality, listened carefully. "That's to say, make this character a bit fancy. It doesn't matter if it's a little different from my original image. Generally speaking, drama actresses are always too blunt and gloomy. Ms. Nomiyama is characterized by a coquettish charm. .If the role is changed to this, it will definitely be successful, and commercial drama groups will also accept it.” The playwright had an embarrassed face. "Miss Nomiyama, are you okay? Let me take you back in my car...Mr. A, okay?" Mr. A had no choice but to smile wryly. Aonuma's car was a new Mercedes-Benz sedan.Although the seat was quite wide, Aonuma sat down close to the house.He looked at his watch and said: "You, are you going home now? It's time for lunch. I treat you, so let's go eat, okay?" Aonuma bent over and asked. "I ate very late this morning, and I don't want to eat lunch yet. I'm going home right away," answered the house. "Really? That's a pity...Are you going to the bar tonight?" "Well, if you don't go, there will be no food." "Well," Aonuma thought for a while and said, "You said you worked for that female president, so you work with her during the day and work in the bar at night?" "Are you talking about Beidou Publishing House? I won't go there." "Why? I see. No salary, right?" "No. It's too tiring to work on both sides." "Of course. Don't work in a place like that. That woman, Miyako Konno, is too ugly. She's a trick better than a geisha. I heard she was a geisha, isn't she?" "I have no idea." "That's right, I've heard people say that she not only has a husband, but also a sponsor. It's appalling..." Speaking of this, he also felt guilty, and said: "Last time, when I was locked up to write the manuscript, you came to collect the manuscript with her. If you didn't come that day, she planned to seduce me. You disrupted her plan. Later, she Called me and expressed regret. She also told me to go somewhere together some other day. I recognized the true face of that woman, she was really dirty. I sympathized with her, a woman running a publishing house by herself, so she was busy Among them, I specially wrote a novel for her that can be written into a book immediately, and now I have decided to take it back." "In this way, the president will be in trouble, right?" "Of course it will be embarrassing. It's not my responsibility. I also paid her back the advance payment." Aonuma Tejiro put one hand in his pocket and held a cigarette in the other. He suddenly stuffed the cigarette into the ashtray in front of the seat and grabbed one of House's hands. House did not resist. "I said, this time you are going to act in my play, I think it can't be better. I read the script, and the list of actors has not been decided at that time, so I don't know. Since you want to act, you can ask Mr. K to revise it. That way, you can’t give full play to your strengths. You can show your talents according to the revised script. I will also watch the rehearsal. During the performance, I invite the manager of the big theater company and famous actors to come. I know many people in this field ..." Aonuma continued talking. "Besides, I'm also a planning review committee member of a film company. I'm reviewing the film works. Of course, I also have the right to appoint actors. To be honest, there seem to be many female actors in the film company, but there is actually a lack of suitable ones. Good actors, there is a shortage of actors who play your character. Every company is looking for actors like this." "I'm not suitable," said the house.She was still held by Aonuma. "No, your own understanding and the cultivation of others are two different things. Experts will discover and cultivate your talents that you haven't discovered yourself. I believe you can become a talent. This time you play my play, it is a good thing to be appreciated by experts Opportunity. If you stay in that kind of troupe and you don’t have a bright future, you can only indulge yourself, and experts will ignore it. You must rely on commercial dramas or movies with a large audience.” "Sir," the house suddenly said in a bewitched voice, "I will definitely perform well, please support me." "Of course, I assure you." "I'm so happy," the house also shook Aonuma's hand vigorously.Aonuma squinted and went blind. "Yes, yes, which direction is your home?" The car has already passed Shinjuku. "The area around Fujimi Town," said the house.The driver looked straight ahead and nodded. "Fujimi Town? That Miyako Konno lives there too, doesn't she?" "Well, didn't you say it last time, we are neighbors next door." "Neighbor, you should know about her personal life. How is she doing now?" Aonuma was still thinking about Miyako. "I'm not sure. It seems that the couple got divorced." The shadow of Takuichi hovering on the verge of death appeared in front of the house. "What?...So, her husband knows that she has a sponsor?" Aonuma listened with pricked ears. "I don't know. Anyway, she is alone now. That wife is very beautiful. Therefore, men like her very much. It is even more so when she is single." "Yeah," Aonuma showed an expression of being infatuated with Miyako. "I said, sir, do you like that lady too?" "No, there's no such thing. It's just that she's trying to fool me... What's the matter, are you jealous? Don't worry. Did I just say, I promise you my support." "Please, please. On the first day of the performance, please invite all the first-class reporters, okay?" "That's a good deal," Aonuma nodded vigorously, "I'm going to promote it in advance. Writers, critics, actors, managers...all of you are invited to come, and you will definitely make your name known everywhere." Aonuma thought he was done, and started rubbing House's fingers.