Chapter 6 Keigo Higashino "Another Run-Up" (Golden Sentence: Thirty Years of Bitter Festival!)

Translator's note: The first four articles are all about the literary world, and the themes all revolve around "selection" and "winning". It seems that Dongye's resentment is really deep, laugh. The novel itself is interesting enough, but it must be even more interesting if you know about Higashino's own experience.Since his debut in 1985, Higashino has been shortlisted for the Naoki Award four times in the past 20 years and all failed. Until 2006, he finally won the laurels.As for the acceptance speech: "After losing the election, I poured soju, bad-mouthed the selection committee members with everyone, and played interesting games that ordinary people can't play... It feels good to win today, such memories are gone forever. "^^

It was also revealed in the commentary that Higashino himself once blew himself up: "He has been a slow-selling writer for 20 years since his debut, and he has been a slow-selling writer for 14 years." It seems that the various mentalities described in these four articles are somewhat part of the master's own way? Another digression, it was written in 2005, before winning the award, the writer, editor, and selection committee members were all shaken up, Higashino is really brave (thumb) The golden sentence in this article: Thirty years of bitter festival! (laughing out loud)

It was exactly five o'clock in the afternoon when Kanda from Zhiyingsha arrived at the bar-style restaurant "sunrise".After reporting his name to the clerk, the clerk led him to a single room in the store.Said to be a single room, the area is quite large, and can accommodate about ten people to gather. As a matter of course, no one has come yet.Kanda sat down on the chair near the door, took out a cigarette, lit it, and looked at his watch after smoking one, only two minutes had passed. (Sure enough, there is no need to have a party at five o'clock.) Thinking so, Kanda flicked the cigarette ash into the ashtray.When he proposed "Let's get together around five o'clock" to relevant people, some people had different opinions, but in the end he decided to follow Kanda's arrangement.

(Just set it at 5:30) Kanda expected that others might come later.Because the selection meeting starts at five o'clock, it will take a long time before the results are announced.Moreover, so far, the selection of this award has never ended within an hour. (worth mentioning) Kanda crossed his legs.In fact, he also wanted to be alone.He remembered the phone call from his wife when he was about to leave the publishing house. "I called and said that I still didn't pass the exam, and now I have to go through the formalities of the cram school." His wife's voice was low and melancholy, which made Kanda feel unhappy.

Today is the day when the results of his son's university admissions are announced. All the universities he has passed so far have failed, and the university announced today is the last castle.But I heard that even that university was not accepted, so now, I can only be a ronin (Note: Refers to high school graduates who have not been admitted to university and cannot find a job). (Not to mention spending more money, the thought of having to suffer from this kind of depression for the next year makes Kanda feel very sad. His son's angry appearance and his wife's nervousness are bothering him to death.)

When he was about to light his second cigarette, the door opened, and in came Heqiao from the editorial department of "Fiction Zhiying". "Hey, Brother Kanda, are you alone?" "Yeah, sure enough, five o'clock is too early." "So I'll just say it." Tsuruhashi sat down opposite Kanda with a smile, and looked around. "Well, where should Han Chuan sit?" "The middle seat is fine." "Oh, that's right." Heqiao tapped the dining table with his fingertips, still looking uneasy. "I said," Kanda said, "Did you visit Teacher Huamoto the day before yesterday?"

"yes." "Did the teacher reveal anything about today's awards?" "Well..." Heqiao scratched his head: "After all, there is still no clear indication, it's just..." "Just what?" "He mentioned Mochizuki a little bit, saying that he has been shortlisted for the third time, and he should really want to win the award." "What does that mean, he wants to recommend Mochizuki?" "Isn't it? Han Chuan has been shortlisted for the fifth time, but he didn't even mention a single word." "So Hanamoto-sensei really wants to recommend Mochizuki?" Kanda frowned.

"Mr. Huamoto appreciates his creative style." "That's right." Kanda smoked fiercely. "According to Bunfukusha's information, Mr. Juye seems to have decided to recommend Nogizaka." "Ah, as expected." Heqiao nodded. "In the last selection, only Mr. Juye recommended Nogizaka. I heard that he was bitter about his opinion being rejected." "So I don't think he will give in this time." Kanda sighed, and looked at his watch again, it was already 5:15. "How about some beer?" "Okay." Kanda agreed. (Cut, bad luck, why do I have to stay here?) Heqiao hid some kind of dissatisfaction in his heart, drinking beer. (I should have waited for the announcement of the awards with Nogizaka. After all, I have always been her editor in charge. Although I am also in charge of Samukawa, I have just taken over, and I have never received a single manuscript from him. The editor-in-chief is the one who has dealt with him the longest, but the bearded dad said--)

The editor-in-chief's words rang in his ears again. "I'll go to Nogizaka's place, and I'll bother you to go to Hanchuan's. Of course, if Hanchuan wins the prize, I'll be right there." (What did you say "if Samukawa wins the prize?") Tsuruhashi secretly smacked his lips. (It is clear that the possibility is very slim. He is just trying to grab a good place. That bearded man has never seen Nogizaka until he became the editor-in-chief. Damn it!) "That," Kanda whispered to him. "What should I do if the prize is lost?" "What do you mean?"

"It's after this. Where are you going after eating here?" "Ginza?" "Well, how about going to 'Eye'?" Kanda proposed the name of the bar frequented by people in the literary world. "That's right, I'm counting on you." "Well. Speaking of which, it's Han Chuan's turn to win the prize." Kanda stared at the sky with a gloomy expression. (It's just a sign of losing the election, okay?) Tsuruhashi thought disappointedly. (Now the responsible editor of the book has no hope. Oh, bad luck, I really envy the guy who went to Nogizaka.)

At this time, the door opened, and another person came in, it was Hiroka from Jinchao Bookstore. "Hello, both of you." Hiroka greeted with a raised hand, and sat down beside Kanda. "Han Chuan hasn't come yet?" "Yeah. I think he's about to arrive." Kanda looked at his watch. "Today's selection may take some time." Hiroka said. "yes?" "Well. Because the comments say that this time is a three-legged situation, it is difficult to distinguish between the two." "The three legs are Nogizaka and Mochizuki, and..." "Shanchuan. The works of other people probably have no hope this time." "Isn't it time for Samkawa to be lucky this year?" Kanda asked with a slightly expectant tone. "I think so too. Anyway, this is the fifth time I've been shortlisted." "Hmm." Kanda folded his arms and murmured, then looked back at Hiroka. "In case I lose the election, I want to have a light meal here and then go to 'Eye'. What do you think?" "Okay, I did the same thing when I lost the election." "Brother Hirooka, shall we go together?" "Oh, good." Hiroka nodded. (The devil wants to go together!) Contrary to what he said, Hiroka said firmly in his heart. (When Uncle Hanchuan lost the election before, I was miserable, blah blah blah blah, complaining endlessly. Even if you complain to the sky, the results that have already come out can’t be changed. It’s okay to speak ill of the selection committee. Forget it, he finally pointed the finger of anger at me and said something in that rambling tone: "I said Hirooka-kun, there should be unique unspoken rules for this kind of award, right? Have you grasped this aspect well?" It’s almost impossible to say that you didn’t lobby all parties in advance. What a joke, just relying on the lobbying of editors, how can it be possible to impress the selection committee members who are all stubborn people? In the end, it’s just a way to shirk responsibility when you lose the election That's all. Although I feel a little sorry for Kanda, I'll leave it to him to listen to the complaints this time. Originally, he was the editor of Hanchuan's shortlisted novel this time) "I heard from Tsuruhashi that Mr. Hanamoto seems to be recommending Mochizuki. Mr. Juye may be recommending Nogizaka, so the problem is the other selection committee members." Kanda muttered. "Ms. Zama likes period novels, but this time there are no period novels in the shortlisted works. If so, who will he recommend?" "For Mr. Hazama, it doesn't matter to anyone this time, right?" Hiroka said with a smile. "If you have to say it, it's Nogizaka. Only his works are not mystery novels." "Ms. Hazama hates mystery novels?" "I also hate science fiction, and I don't like information novels with computers. I am obsessed with period novels. Therefore, he is very unhappy that there are no period novels in the shortlisted works. I was wondering if he would say that it doesn't matter who wins the award, Or will it say that no work is eligible for the award?" "Sensei Zama can't count on it either." Kanda scratched his head. "How is Teacher Xia Jing?" "If anyone would recommend Han Chuan, it would be Teacher Xia Jing." Hiroka said immediately. "Because Mr. Xia Jing, as the master of the literary world, has a strong sense of competition for young writers, and has become very harsh on works that will impact his readership. In this regard, Han Chuan is no longer young. His works The style is also very different from him and will not be his competitor." "But he wouldn't actively recommend it, would he?" "Well, who knows." "Next is Hiraizumi-sensei." Kanda tilted his head. "It's very difficult for him to say it. Every time the selection meeting changes his tone, he will say that interestingness is the first condition of a novel, and then he will say that only interestingness is not enough..." "Speaking of which," Tsuruhashi interjected from the side, "At the party a few days ago, Mr. Hiraizumi praised Mochizuki's work." "Huh, really?" Kanda opened his eyes wide. "How did he say?" "It is said that Mochizuki's novels are both interesting and touching, and the sense of balance is well grasped." "What does that mean? Eh? Then Hiraizumi-sensei decided to recommend Mochizuki?" Kanda curled his fingers, as if counting something. "So, Mochizuki and Nogizaka each have two votes, and Samukawa is the third candidate." "However, it's useless for us to count the votes here." "Is it still not enough?" Kanda frowned. "I was confident in his work this time." "The result hasn't been revealed yet, I won't give up. I sincerely hope that Hanchuan can win." "Han Chuan's next novel will be published by your agency?" "Yeah, so if he wins an award, we'll be elated too." (It's good that Samukawa lost the election this time) Hiroka thought to himself. (Why let Zhiyingshe take advantage of it. If Hanchuan wins this time, but the next work published by us does not win, it will be troublesome. Lose this time! Lose!) "I also hope from the bottom of my heart that he will win the award." Hiroka said, drinking the beer that was presented. At this time, Samukawa Shingoro walked in slowly, wearing a suit, and his hair looked like he had just gone to a barber shop.The three editors immediately stood up. "Oh, hello, hello, it's hard work to come here on purpose. Why, even Hiroka-kun is here?" the writer said with a smile, and took a seat in the middle. "Of course, it's a day like today." Hiroka smiled flatteringly: "It's rare for the teacher to wear a suit today." "Huh? Oh, is that right? Is it rare? But it doesn't have any special meaning, I just think it's good to wear it like this once in a while." The writer seemed a little surprised. (This person is still the same, he can see through at a glance) Hiroka thought to himself. (It's too early to think about holding a press conference right now, he's such a depressing place) "It fits perfectly," Hiroka said. Heqiao summoned the clerk and ordered the dishes to be served. (Shouldn't you be wearing a suit?) Han Chuan secretly thought while watching the expressions of several editors. (Maybe you can see right through my intention to win the award. In this way, I probably never wear a suit when I usually hang out with these people. Failure) "Aren't everyone very busy?" Han Chuan looked around at the three of them. "Where, only today, what kind of work must be put aside." Hiroka said. "I heard Komai-kun from the Tonchi Club will come over later." Kanda added. "Oh, the Peach Club." (Why, just an ordinary editor) Han Chuan stroked his chin. (Isn’t the director here? What’s the matter with the editor-in-chief? When we met before, he clearly said that he expected you to win an award. Could it be that he went to Mochizuki or Nogizaka?) The dishes are served.Kanda said "Let's have a toast first" and raised his beer glass, and the others did the same.Han Chuan also slightly raised his beer glass, drank it in one gulp, and then re-observed the expressions of the three editors. (What are they thinking? Do they really think that I will win the award and come here, or do they come here because they think it will be impossible anyway?) "According to my prediction," Han Chuan leisurely leaned against the back of the chair and crossed his legs: "Mochizuki is the most powerful candidate, and the one who can compete with him is Nogizaka." "Hey? Is that so?" Kanda looked surprised. "Yeah, because in this kind of selection, points are often not awarded based on merits, but points are deducted based on shortcomings. Mochizuki-kun's works this time, it seems that few people criticize the shortcomings, and Nogizaka is appreciated by Mr. Juye no matter what, Juye The teacher will definitely do everything possible to recommend her." "Hearing what the teacher said, the situation is not good." Kanda smiled wryly. "The key is how is the teacher's work?" "I can't do it." Han Chuan shook his head with a smile. "I have been shortlisted several times. I basically know what the selection of awards is like, so I unconsciously forget that I am also a finalist, and analyze it objectively. This can be regarded as a hobby." "No matter what, we are all here because we believe that the teacher will win the award." "Okay, okay, anyway, I'm here to hold a sympathy meeting. You can feel free, feel free." Han Chuan downed half a glass of beer in one go. (He said he believed that I would win the award) Samukawa thought over Kanda's words over and over again. (Is this his true words? He is not like a person who speaks freely, and he is very cautious when talking to anyone. Then he told me that he believed that I would win the award. Is there any basis for it? I... I... Do I have any hope of winning? ) "Oh, I really look forward to this matter being over soon." Han Chuan sighed. "I don't really care about it myself, but I can't bear the nagging of people around me. In fact, I was so confused that I almost forgot that today is the selection meeting. It was my wife who reminded me to remember it. The deadline for submission is approaching, and there are many troubles." "Yes, that's true." Hiroka nodded two or three times. (He said he couldn't do it himself) Hiroka poured beer into Samukawa's cup. (Obviously, I really want to win an award. To be honest, it’s fine if I want to win an award. I’m pretending. But it’s also good, since I put on this posture, even if I lose today, I won’t be nagging .Even if I said to take the first step, I would not insist on keeping me. Anyway, as soon as the results are announced, I have to take the next step immediately. The most promising candidate is probably Mochizuki, who is currently Ginza hotel and other news, I have to try to catch up with the press conference) The door was pushed open abruptly, and everyone was taken aback. Looking at the door, it was Komai from the Tonchi Club who came in. "Oh, sorry for being late." "Why, it's you." Hiroka said impatiently. "I was taken aback. I thought there was a call from the secretariat." "I'm sorry, I'm sorry." Komai apologized with a bow and sat down on the chair. "Ah, the result hasn't been announced yet?" "Well, I think it's almost fast." Kanda glanced at his watch again. "It's past six o'clock." "But isn't the result yet?" Hiroka said. "Generally, it is announced at around seven o'clock. If there is a dispute, it may be delayed until almost eight o'clock." "That's right. But by then, won't it be too late for NHK news?" "Otherwise, in the past, there were times when it was too late to make the news." "Forget it, this is irrelevant." Han Chuan said heartily. "Don't think about awards, come and eat and drink, relax!" The editors all claimed it was, and then moved their chopsticks. (What are the selection committee members arguing about now?) Han Chuan thought as he put what dish into his mouth.He didn't notice what he was eating, and he didn't taste the beer at all. (If there is a dispute, the opinions of the selection committee are likely to be divided into two factions, so there is also the possibility that two works will be awarded at the same time. In this way, I may also be expected to win the award jointly by Mochizuki and me, or Nogizaka and me. This is not an incredible thing. The literature award is something unexpected) Han Chuan felt his heart beat faster and faster, and his palms were sweating. (Well, it's no surprise that I won. The judging committee is capricious. Who knows what they'll say. If things go my way, I'll be a happy winner, and my name will be in tomorrow's paper.) "I wonder how confident the teacher is?" Komai asked. "Eh, confidence?" "Confidence in winning the prize. How much does the teacher think the chances of winning are?" "This question is as meaningless as before. No matter how confident I am, it's useless. So I don't even think about it. Frankly, it doesn't matter whether I win or not, because I don't want to win." Write novels." "That's right." Kanda nodded heavily. "The first consideration of the teacher's works is to make readers have fun, and readers know this best." "Indeed, readers often send admiration letters to say so." "Then, is it true that the teacher is not very interested in today's selection?" Komai asked. "It's okay. Of course, if I win the award, I will accept it with pleasure." Said, Han Chuan laughed. (Irrelevant) Komai thought. (Whether this person wins or loses the election has nothing to do with me. I will not get a dime of the bonus. I just have to help with the transition of the party tonight and other troubles. Today No matter how late the night is, I'm afraid I have to accompany it. It's really boring. When it comes to who can win the award, it's better if he loses.) "I have been praying to the shrine for a week, and I hope that the teacher will win the award." Komai clenched his fist and said enthusiastically. "Worshiping a shrine is an old-fashioned way, aren't you still very young?" Han Chuan said with a smile. (Want to win an award) The writer whispered inwardly. (I want to win the prize no matter what. Once I win the prize, the sales of the novel will be completely different. The bookstore will be full of my books, the name of Samukawa Shingoro will become a heavyweight, and credit cards can be easily applied for, the TV station said Maybe I will also be invited to do a show. When I hear the name Samukawa Shingoro, people will no longer smirk and say "Oh, I'm sorry, I haven't heard of it." They can also show their relatives who think I am a slow-selling writer. I saw it. I want to win an award. This is already the fifth time I have been shortlisted, so it’s almost time for me to win an award. I want to win an award no matter what I say. I must win an award) "Others must be anxiously waiting for the news." Han Chuan took out a cigarette, and took one in a calm manner. Heqiao immediately lit him with a lighter. "The others... mean Mochizuki?" "Yes, there is also Nogizaka. She should also feel that she is expected to win this time." "Is that so? But Nogizaka said that Mr. Suzukawa should have won the award this time." "That's just social rhetoric. She knows you are my responsible editor, so she is so polite." (Really? Nogizaka really said that? There must be some kind of reason for saying such a thing? Could it be that she got information from someone that my situation is favorable? Hey, what's going on?) The writer's finger holding a cigarette Can't help but tremble. (Social rhetoric of course) Heqiao sneered in his heart. "I don't think that's the case. Mr. Nogizaka also said that I was very moved after reading your work." "Really, that's a compliment." Han Chuan took a quick drag on his cigarette. (Nogizaka has something to like. No, maybe it’s because she thinks her own work is better, so she speaks kind words in such a leisurely way. That’s right, it must be so. What’s the big deal, that Crazy little girl) (I didn't go to Nogizaka's place, so she won't be angry, right?) Tsuruhashi is very concerned about this matter. (I don’t know if the editor-in-chief explained it for me, saying that Tsuruhashi wanted to wait with Mr. Nogizaka, but he had to go to Mr. Suzukawa’s place or something. Otherwise, when Nogizaka won the award, wouldn’t it be difficult for me to rush over to meet him? Ah, Damn it! You can’t decide earlier, anyway, it’s either Nogizaka or Mochizuki. There’s no point in staying in this kind of place) The door opened, and a clerk in black poked his head in. "Excuse me, is Mr. Kanda here?" "I am." Kanda slightly raised his hand. "There is your call." Hearing these words, the room instantly fell silent. After Kanda left, everyone remained silent.In the end it was the writer who broke the silence. "Ahahahaha." He laughed. "It seems that I was right, and this time it is also a consolation prize. If I really win the prize, I should ask me to answer the phone." "Where, I don't think so." After Hiroka said this sentence, he couldn't continue. (That's right, that's right) he thought. (As far as my personal experience is concerned, I never called the editor once to inform the writer of the award. He is out of play) "It's nothing," Han Chuan said in a strangely eager voice: "Anyway, we're going to have a good drink today, and it's rare for us to get together. Mr. Heqiao, come and have a drink!" "Ah, thank you." Seeing the writer sticking out the beer bottle, Heqiao quickly picked up the glass and pointed it at the mouth of the bottle. (He really has no hope, so who will win the award? If it's Mochizuki, don't worry, if it's Nogizaka, you have to try to rush there) Tsuruhashi absent-mindedly drank the beer that Samukawa poured him. "So, who is the winner?" Han Chuan said. "Is it Mochizuki-kun or Nogizaka? How about we take a bet?" The writer couldn't help but twitch, and stiffly put on a wonderful smile. (Damn, hate, hate, did I lose the election again? Why didn’t I win the award? How could I not deserve to win the award? I, I, have worked hard in this industry for thirty years, so it stands to reason that it’s better than a recently fledgling The guy writes with depth. Why is it not recognized? The selection committee does not understand me.) "It doesn't matter, even if you fail this time, there will be hope next time." Hiroka said. "Just use the novel written for our publishing house to compete for the award. It will be absolutely fine next time." "No, didn't I say that I can't win this award." "Hey, don't say that." (The problem lies in the reason for losing the election.) Hiroka rubbed his hands and thought. (Five failures in a row show that the works written by the writer Hanchuan may not be in the eyes of the current selection committee at all. If so, he needs to reconsider. No matter how hard he tries, he can only end in the same end. Mochizuki and Nogizaka do not know Who won the award, even if the one who is not selected, compared with the unsuccessful writer in front of him, the possibility of winning in the future is much higher, I should go to the cold stove first is the best policy) "Excuse me." Komai left his seat.He was going to the bathroom, but at the same time he had another purpose. (Can't stand it, he can't breathe inside) Coming out of the room, he took a deep breath. (It’s like keeping a vigil in front of the coffin. Mr. Hanchuan is still trying to be brave on the surface, but in fact, you can see his frustration at a glance. Such a depressed place should leave early, what reason do you find to slip away? But I heard that he lost the election , but relieved) Next to the bathroom is a telephone, and Kanda is standing there to answer the call. (How did this happen, how did this happen, how did this happen) The writer asked himself repeatedly while thinking cheerfully. (Why did I lose the selection, why didn't my work get the evaluation it deserved?) His forehead began to drip sticky sweat. (I understand. Those selection committee members are jealous of my talent. Yes, it must be so. They have a sense of crisis, lest my name and works be widely circulated, they will steal their readers. They are afraid of Samukawa Shingoro .. they're preoccupied with fear. What narrow-minded fellows! Those people are vile) He felt hot-headed, but strangely cold in his hands and feet. (Who is the winner, tell me quickly) Heqiao couldn't sit still, and wished he could get up and leave immediately. (Is it Nogizaka? If it's her, I have to rush to congratulate her) (I'm afraid this uncle is no longer useful) Hiroka thought as he looked at the writer's strangely red face. (Looking back at the past, his first shortlisted work was the best written, and then the standard of his works gradually declined. This time he was shortlisted, probably because Zhiyingshe, which publishes the novel, is the sponsor of the award. He is also old, I'm afraid there is not much hope) The door slammed open, and Komai rushed in. "Teacher, teacher, teacher!" Komai hugged Hanchuan. "What's wrong?" "Congratulations teacher! Congratulations!" "Congratulations... hey, could it be?" "Yes, you have won the award, congratulations!" "Huh!" Han Chuan opened his eyes wide. "Is the news true?" Hiroka asked. "Indeed, because Kanda made a victory gesture while listening to the phone." oh!Hiroka and Tsuruhashi called out at the same time. "Congratulations teacher!" He Qiao grabbed Han Chuan's right hand. "Finally the hard work paid off, so I said that I believe in the teacher." Hiroka held Hanchuan's left hand. "I... won the prize..." The writer stood up. (I won the prize! Finally I won the prize! This is not a dream. I won the prize. Thirty years of suffering, finally... finally... finally... I... I... I... won the prize... won the prize... won the prize ) "It's not good, teacher!" "Teacher Hanchuan!" "what to do?" "Cheer up!" "Oops!" "ah--" "Pulse, pulse, pulse—" (Oh, that's great) After answering the phone, Kanda was about to return to the room. (It’s really lucky to pass the post-recording. This way I can avoid being a wanderer, and my wife’s nervousness will probably improve a little bit. But fortunately, she knows the phone number here. Oh, I remembered, I left a note before going out ah.) He stopped in front of the room.There was a lot of noise in the room, and it seemed that there was a lot of panic. Could something have happened? He was about to open the door when a voice sounded from behind. "Are you Mr. Kanda?" Looking back, there was a clerk in black standing. "It's me." Kanda said. "I have your call. It's from the New Japan Novelists' Association." (Finally the call comes.) He turned around and walked to the phone again. --Finish