Chapter 3 Chapter 3 Night Lights and Sunset

It's past zero.Nobuko Shiokawa heard the sound of parking in front of the hall.At this time, she was extracting key points from the textbook.She didn't stand up immediately and continued to take notes.The sound of closing the car door.At night, the surroundings are very quiet, and any sound seems to be transmitted from underground. Nobuko put down his pen, walked out the door through the corridor.The driver brought her husband back and was about to leave.Husband got drunk and sat on the hall floor taking off his shoes. "You're back!" Looking at her husband's back, she knelt on the edge of the stage.

"Ma'am, I'm taking my leave." Inogawa took off his hat and bowed. "You worked hard." Nobuko said to the driver. "Inogawa, you are tired after being so late. Hurry up and go back to rest!" "What are you talking about?" the husband said while taking off his shoes, still turning his back. "This is my job. I should send the master back even if it is late." "Inogawa, please don't take offense." "Ah, that's..." "he's drunk." "yes." "Inogawa." Hongzhi said. "Tomorrow, before eight-thirty. I have a meeting."

"As ordered." Xinzi remained silent.She originally wanted to say to ask another driver to replace it, but her husband was already drunk. "Then I take my leave." "Thanks, good night." "Hi!" Hong Zhi greeted his wife. "Take this shoe off." "Okay." Nobuko squatted in the hallway and began to untie the shoelaces her husband held out. There was the sound of a car leaving outside the door. "Don't be so polite to the driver. He'll get carried away," Hongzhi said. "yes." My husband went to play golf yesterday afternoon and didn't come back all night.At around four o'clock today, I asked Inogawa to send back golf equipment and sports clothes, and changed into a suit.Nobuko could figure out where the wine was drunk.However, she has long lost interest in inquiring about such things, and she doesn't want to think about it.

"Water!" the husband ordered while shaking in the corridor. Nobuko locked the door and went to the kitchen to fetch water.There is no emotion at all.She put the water glass on the tray and went to her husband's living room on the second floor, but there was no one there.She was a little angry.Going to my room again, I saw my husband Hongzhi bending over to look at the manuscript paper on his desk, his body still shaking. Nobuko didn't stop. "The water is coming." "Oh." The husband held the manuscript paper she wrote in one hand, and drank the glass of water in the other.

"You are still working on this kind of thing!" He fanned the manuscript paper, took out a handkerchief to wipe the water droplets from his chin.A fancy handkerchief that he didn't buy himself. Nobuko can roughly guess who chose him.From this point of view, his tie is definitely the opposite of Nobuko's taste. Hongzhi hung her essay before his eyes. "Previous measurements generally have the following indicators. (The following classification is quoted from "Problems in the Measurement of Monopoly Degree" by Yoshiichi Miyazaki) A dominance concentration

(1) Employment concentration (2) Production concentration - production volume, sales, added value (3) Asset concentration—capital amount, asset amount B market structure (1) Price rigidity (2) Deviating from the optimum state of society (3) Comparison of demand elasticity (4) Rate of return on capital The distinction between the above two categories takes the production conditions as a direct indicator..." The husband read this and said, "Hmph, what, this is. Then he threw the manuscript paper on the table. "It's really stupid!"What's the use of trying to write something like this?What Mr. Scholar writes is economics in books, and what I do is real economics.It is enough for a woman to take care of the house. Engaging in these half-baked economics can only become more arrogant. "

Nobuko was silent.My husband has always said this since I started studying.She adopted a strategy of non-resistance, and finally achieved her goal.It can also be said that this is because Hongzhi is weak in this respect.Although he couldn't force his wife to stop studying, he often got angry because of it.He picked up the notebook on the table again. Previously, her drunken husband had tore up the study report she had written, and Nobuko could only remain silent.If you stop it, your husband will be even crazier. The husband silently read the contents of the notebook. "This is Asano, is this your teacher?" Associate Professor Asano's brief comments on his graduation thesis were clipped in the notebook.

"yes." "Is this person guiding you?" "I'm asking him to teach me how to write my graduation thesis." "Hmph, the handwriting is not bad!" "..." "Has this person been guiding you?" the husband actually asked. "Teachers have their own division of labor, not just Mr. Asano." "What class does this person teach?" "Principles of Economics." "It must be a young man. How old is Associate Professor?" "Age, I don't know..." "Must be forty?" "Maybe younger! I didn't ask."

"In correspondence education, do teachers and students still have personal contact?" "It's summer classes now." "I see." The husband picked up the piece of paper and let it fall on the table.Seemingly thinking of something, she slumped on her chair again and took out a cigarette. "Too much to drink." He took a long breath. "Won the golf game yesterday. Congratulations in the evening, everyone has a party." Won the ball, but did not bring back the prize.The prizes of the golf competition are very luxurious, and she can imagine where they are sent.However, she was reluctant to cross-examine.

"I was almost dragged to play golf today. I said it was something, but I refused." He didn't explain where he stayed last night, as if he was whitewashing his scandal and pretending to be a tough guy in front of his wife.This kind of attitude is not uncommon. He also talked about his experience of sleeping in flowers and sleeping in willows.Sleepy, said the husband. "Tired. Are you still awake?" "I'll write for a while." "Almost enough. Don't you think it's useless to do that?" "do not think so." "Oh, do you find it useful?"

"Whether it is useful or not is another matter. I am happiest when I am studying." "How stupid! How about learning to write poetry! The vice president's wife is about to get a pseudonym as a poet...Can I tell my friends that my wife is studying correspondence?" "..." "Who is doing useless things like you day and night? Sleep?" "I, write a little more." "It's so stubborn!" The husband stared at the manuscript paper on the table, and it seemed that his drunkenness had gradually subsided, and he was not as violent as before.He put the chair down, got up and went back to his living room on the second floor. Nobuko followed.Enter the room, help undress, take the shirt, and help change into pajamas from behind.Bursts of alcohol came straight to him. "Nobuko." The husband asked his wife to help him take off his socks. "That teacher named Asano, has he been teaching you?" The voice rang above the kneeling Nobuko's head. "No. Occasionally guide." Xinzi didn't say anything about going to the associate professor's house before, and she could hear her husband's words were ambiguous. There was a moment of silence. "Invite him to come home next time!" he said. "Are you okay?" "Well...the bank cadres have set up an association, and they want to invite so-called senior people to give lectures. Next time, let's invite this teacher! Let me propose to the secretary...how about it? What's your opinion?" The husband seemed to be pestering. "I have no idea." "Really? I'm asking what you think. Isn't that teacher proficient in economics?" "After all, he is a university teacher." "That's right, the university teacher is amazing. Just ask Asano-sensei when it's convenient!" "That's not too strange?" Nobuko said while folding socks. "How about you invite him directly?" "Well..." After a little consideration, "Okay, that's it." He said and buttoned up his pajamas. "I'll write for a while." Xinzi was about to leave the house when her husband suddenly put his hand on her shoulder. "Hey..." The husband put his arm around Nobuko's shoulder, trying to bring Nobuko's face closer to him.Nobuko leaned over. "Let me go!" Nobuko pushed her husband away and hurried out of the house.Returning to her room downstairs, Nobuko closed the door and locked it. Yasuko Kusama led the Akita dog up the high slope the next evening.The car I saw when I passed the white fence yesterday morning is still fresh in my memory.The blue Chrysler was the car that Shiokawa talked to through the window.I really didn't expect that the owner of that Chrysler was such a young woman.What is the relationship between her and that car and that old house?Is Shiokawa friends with the young hostess?Really interesting. One teacher was closed today, so I went home early.It will take a while for the street lights to turn on, the sun is setting and the sky is still not dark, and the cool breeze is blowing in the evening.Taizi didn't want to go straight to the old house, so he chose to go the old way.The strong Akita dog went forward bravely, dragging Nobuko along. People who were scorched by the heat during the day all went to the top of the slope to enjoy the breeze.The man in a simple kimono and the woman in a white dress were all wandering there, and it seemed that they had just recovered their calm breathing at this time. Holding the Akita dog, Yasuko was thinking about Tadao Asano.He seemed to be avoiding herself lately, which worried her.However, he was not a proactive man, and she couldn't think of the reason why he was indifferent to her... However, the scene of Asano talking with "Ms. Shiokawa" emerged in her mind. After passing the top of the slope, it is time to go downhill, and a white fence appears in front of you.Today, the car is nowhere to be seen, and there are lush green trees behind the fence.Yasuko planned to observe carefully today, so he slowed down.If what the mother said is correct, this rather old house should have been bought by the woman, and it has been repaired in many places.Yasuko shouldn't be here to wait and see. Suddenly, the Akita dog growled.Unexpectedly, there is also a shepherd dog in this yard, which is roaring straight.The Akita dog was also panting heavily, and was about to rush forward. "Taro, Taro!" Yasuko called the name of the Akita dog to pull it back, but Taro was too strong to stop it.The chains were tense, and the palms of his hands ached like they were being torn apart.In an instant, the two dogs rolled together, and the iron chain came out of Taizi's hand. The two dogs raised dust and fought fiercely, and Taizi could only stand by and watch.The domesticated pet broke out wild at this time.The swift action is dizzying, and the two dogs tangle and roll around. Taizi couldn't help screaming, and the two dogs rolled to her feet, about to knock her down.Yasuko desperately called the Akita dogs, but they bit each other more and more fiercely.Standing up suddenly, falling down suddenly, grinning, roaring wildly, rolling with a bang, flying sand and rocks. Taizi couldn't make a sound, and folded his hands in front of his chest. A sharp whistle came from inside the white fence.After three or four consecutive beeps, a young woman screamed. "Tommy! Tommy!" The collie stopped suddenly. "Tommy!" Before the shout fell, the collie jumped back. Yasuko's Akita dog chased after him fiercely, and shot into the gate like an arrow. "Taro!" Yasuko shouted and chased after him. Called back by the whistle, the shepherd retreated to his master, standing on his front legs.Yasuko only realized that the other party was a young woman in a lavender dress, and before greeting, she only cared about stopping the Akita Inu. "Taro!" Yasuko snapped, and finally picked up the chain on the ground.Seeing that the opponent retreated, the Akita dog was also in power, glaring at each other. "I'm really sorry!" Taizi finally saw the woman facing him clearly.Twenty-seven or eight years old, with short hair and a clean face. "No." The woman also smiled. "It's really hard to deal with! Did you hurt somewhere?" Very kind words.Perhaps it was because Yasuko mistakenly thought that the other party was younger than herself, or maybe because they both had pets, they developed a sense of intimacy. "No. It was so sudden that I was taken aback." The dogs were still growling. "Once it goes berserk, even a dog, a woman can't do anything about it." The woman looked at Taro. "Is it an Akita dog?" Then he looked again.Her big eyes seem to be strong.Dark complexion, slightly thick lips, sharply defined, the features of an actress.This woman must be the mistress of the house that the mother said.Taizi was full of questions about the relationship between that blue car and this woman. "Does the girl take the dog for a walk here every day?" the woman asked with a smile. "Ah, come here often." "Then you live near here?" "Yes. Live downhill." "Oh? Really? I've caused you trouble today. Please come again when you're free!" She was very affectionate, and she might have a crush on Yasuko. "Thank you." If the woman's words were not just polite, she could take the opportunity to inquire about her relationship with the car.Moreover, he is also very interested in her details. "I'm usually fine." The other said.She has perfect teeth and a pleasant smile. "I'm lonely, and I'd be glad if you could come and play. Are you working?" "yes." "So you're going for a walk now?" Yasuko said goodbye while tying the iron chain. After walking ten meters away, the Akita dog was also honest.Taizi walked downhill leisurely. What kind of person is that woman?The expression is also very vivid, and it lingers for a long time. This morning, Nobuko Shiokawa went to the K rayon company to visit Miyo Kawada, a friend from the T cram school days.The head office is in Kanda District, a majestic building. The union where Miyo Kawada belongs is located on the sixth floor.After calling at the reception on the first floor, Miyo came downstairs quickly.The hair that has never been permed is tied up casually, the face without makeup and the pale pink lipstick are a kind of pure beauty.A tall and thin man, he was still wearing a plain white cotton blouse and black skirt as before. "You're here. I haven't seen you for many years." Miyo greeted Nobuko with a meek smile. "For some reason, I suddenly want to see you." Xinzi said coquettishly.When I see Miyo, I always feel that I have returned to Girls' Generation after a long absence, and even the wording has changed. "Aren't you disturbing me? I'm busy, right? Just thirty minutes." "It's busy, but thirty minutes is fine." She led Xinzi into the underground teahouse, and sat face to face at the chic coffee table.Miyo took out a "New Star" cigarette and rang the lighter. "Nobuko, you've lost weight." "Really? It feels like her cheeks are sunken." Nobuko seemed to be avoiding Miyo's slender and pure eyes, and lowered her head to touch her cheek. In the past, when this friend looked at him frankly, he always spoke impulsively.The two of them have been friends since T cram school days, and they got engaged and married soon after Nobuko graduated.Contrary to her, Miyo voluntarily participated in trade union activities, specializing in the trade union work of K Company.Both of Miyo's parents are dead, and only one elder brother is in Osaka, a girl with no home to return to.In the next six years, I also dabbled in love.She lived with a certain man for a while, but the man returned to his original wife's side.She has been living alone.The work is never done and the pay is staggeringly small.Nobuko couldn't understand how a talented woman like Miyo was willing to spend such a poor life.Work is indeed very important, but doesn't Miyo have to do it? Nobuko can't help but think of Miyo's noble beauty and high-grade clothes that make full use of her figure.Neither a well-washed smock nor a very casual bun suits her.Although she thinks that the luxury of life is worthless, as a woman born with no financial constraints, Xinzi still instinctively conceals the concept of aversion to poverty and vulgarity.In this regard, Nobuko harbors a naivety that she has not been aware of. On the other hand, Nobuko is also very satisfied that Miyo doesn't pay attention to her exquisite hairstyle and high-end dress.She believes that only Miyo understands and loves herself beyond her appearance.Even so, the two never confided their troubles and discussed life issues when facing each other.Nobuko only heard about the failure of Miyo's love affair after everything was over. Even today, Nobuko who came to visit specially did not talk about Asano Tadao and her husband, but became a loyal listener of Miyo's work report - but when she parted from Miyo and took a taxi, Nobuko made a Decide.Nobuko told the driver Asano Tadao's address. Today, Tadao Asano's mother entertained her son's guests with the same enthusiasm.The beautiful woman who came to consult with her graduation thesis last week was called "Ms. Shiokawa" by her son.But his loyal husband, who is usually reticent and doesn't like socializing, seems to be looking forward to her visit, which makes his mother feel uneasy.Now the two are still talking in the living room for more than an hour. Faithful husband sometimes comes down from the study on the second floor with reference books in his arms.He would only do this when a few students who were preparing for the doctoral exam came to visit. Mother still went into the living room to pour tea and fruit as last time.Of course, the two kept a certain distance, and Shiokawa was also sitting on the chair with his chest up.However, there was an unconcealable brightness in Zhongfu's expression.What the mother is worried about is that the other party is a married woman, and the attitude of her loyal husband at this time is completely different from that of Yasuko Kusama.The mother understood that her son's heart had already turned to Nobuko Shiokawa. In the past, his loyal husband only focused on studying academics, neither entertaining nor making girlfriends.The mother had thought many times that it would be better if her son was more lively.Because of this, she was afraid that a young woman like Shiokawa Nobuko would attract the attention of her loyal husband. My mother entered the living room many times, neither intending to disrupt the situation nor to investigate, but she couldn't help but want to feel the atmosphere there.Every time she saw the two talking about study, sometimes she saw Nobuko Shiokawa taking notes seriously, sometimes she saw her son teaching enthusiastically, and she never saw the two chatting.There is only one teacher and one student in the living room. But when she went downstairs, she still couldn't feel at ease.The best way is to persuade his son to tell Nobuko Shiokawa not to come again, so he can rest assured.But considering his loyal husband's emotions, it was difficult to speak.First of all, what is the reason to stop Xinzi who comes to ask for advice?It would be too cruel to ask her loyal husband to say such things to her.Thinking about it this way, the mother did not know when she was on the son's side again.However, for Yasuko Kusama, mother had to take measures.How anxious! The mother decided that she must firmly persuade her son to marry Taizi tonight. There was a sound of opening the door in the living room, and the loyal husband called for his mother. "Oh, are you leaving now?" Mother said to Nobuko who came to the corridor. "Yes. I'm really sorry for bothering you." Xinzi said goodbye with a bundle of books and notebooks between his hands. "I'm sorry for always causing trouble for the teacher." "Where. It's good to be able to help." "You are too polite. The teacher taught me such profound knowledge, but my ability is limited, and the teacher has to worry about it." "Let's sit down for a while" "It's not good to entertain", my mother said politely as usual.But this time I didn't say "please come and play again". "Mother," Faithful husband said. "I'll see off Ms. Yanchuan and take a walk." Same as last time. "Okay, let's go!" The son waited for Nobuko Shiokawa to put on his shoes, and put on the clogs himself. Mother saw that the female guest's legs and feet were so slender and fair.Today she is still wearing a white dress, which is in harmony with her appearance.She is beautiful, but not a beauty that offends the same sex.Full of wisdom and charming.Although she is a married woman, she doesn't feel too mature. The shadows of the buildings on the street have lengthened.There is still a long distance to the downtown area, and the two walked side by side.The faint sunlight shone through the parasol and reflected on Nobuko's face palely.There are still five or six hundred meters to Tram Street.Most of the shops on the street are closed, and there are not many pedestrians. Asano Tadao and Nobuko walked side by side, naturally slowing down their pace.Walking like this, there is nothing to talk about.However, as long as the loyal husband is with Nobuko Shiokawa, there is a feeling of being caressed by the feathers in his heart.The familiar street scene has also become much brighter. "Please go back!" Nobuko said to her loyal husband on the way. "It's okay. It's just a walk anyway." The two continued to move forward in silence.At this time, Nobuko Shiokawa suddenly spoke. "I've been to the teacher's house twice already. Your mother is so kind!" "Ah, I'm an only child, and my mother is very nagging now and then." "Very well. Your mother must have wished to marry you a lady sooner." I have been talking about academics before, but I have never touched this kind of topic, and my loyal husband was confused for a while.Mentioning such personal issues brought Nobuko one step closer.There's nothing unpleasant about it.During the second visit, Nobuko must have also frankly expressed her feelings for her loyal husband's family as a polite remark.That is not to a loyal husband, but almost to the etiquette of the master's family. "That's not true. I'm quite comfortable like this now." Loyal husband lied on purpose. "Really?" Under the snow-white parasol, Nobuko's face shimmered pale.At this time, her side face suddenly changed. "Trouble your house, thank you for your enthusiastic teaching. But I can't visit again during this period of time." "Why?" Faithful husband asked in surprise. "Do you have something to do?" "Forgive me for taking the liberty, I have something to do at home, and I can't leave." "Really?" Faithful husband glanced at Nobuko's profile.Maybe it's a psychological effect, I feel that she seems to have something hidden in her heart.Faithful husband understood his mother's mood from his mother's behavior. Mother did not welcome Nobuko Shiokawa's visit and always looked at him worriedly.Shiokawa Nobuko is probably also sensitive to this point, saying that it is inconvenient to come again, I am afraid that he is worried about himself. I tutored and studied for her before, and found that she is a very sensitive woman, so she can naturally perceive her mother's emotions.A loyal husband can't be reluctant, if so, there will be subtle friction between mother and Nobuko in the future.He didn't want to break Xinzi's heart. "It's inconvenient for you, there's nothing you can do. It doesn't matter to me." He was noncommittal. "Yes. Thank you. But I really shouldn't have said such presumptuous remarks." Bicycles with ice cream flags fly by.A tram passes between apartment buildings.In the window that flashed ahead, the passengers were all wearing white summer clothes.Asano Tadao figured it out, no matter what, Shiokawa Nobuko is a wife, maybe it is really because of her husband that she can't come.At this time, he suddenly felt the distance between him and Shinko who was walking side by side, and the evening wind of the void immediately passed through the gap. "Or, let's do this!" the associate professor said. "We can't talk about anything when we meet at school, let me write to you!" Zhongfu felt that he seemed to be able to shorten the distance with Nobuko. "Ah." Nobuko didn't say so, so he did, with a confused expression on his face. "However, the teacher is too busy, and I feel sorry for letting you delay your time." "I'm fine. There's still some time for this." Loyal husband realized that he had become difficult for others at some point.However, he still didn't want to stop. "Really can?" "It doesn't matter." "Then please." "If you have any questions, just ask. I will try my best to help you." Near the downtown area, there are many abducted people. Faithful husband noticed the gaze of the passerby, so he bid farewell to Nobuko and walked back.He returned alone, repeatedly pondering the reasons for Shiokawa Nobuko's suspension of the visit while walking.He knew in what form Nobuko Shiokawa was closely connected with his feelings.He thinks his fiancée, Yasuko Kusama, is very cute and has beautiful black eyes.This situation has not changed since the engagement a year ago.However, the decision to get engaged at that time was due to the urging of his mother, and now he has tasted the feelings for Nobuko Shiokawa for the first time. Back home, my mother came to the hall.In the eyes of a loyal husband, the mother is like an outsider. "Hey, what's the matter with you?" The mother asked, observing her son's expression. "No, it's nothing." Faithful husband became unhappy himself. "After you went out, an express mail came." Loyal husband took it and looked at the back. It was inscribed with the name of "Saturday's Secretary". "Saturday Club" is a fellowship group based in the Bank of Tokyo. At exactly three o'clock, Tadao Asano entered the ×× Club in Marunouchi Ward.The exterior is an antique red brick building, but the interior is luxuriously decorated in the Renaissance style. It was last week that the "Saturday Meeting" sent an express mail entrusting him to give a speech.Later, the secretary came to visit and agreed on the date of the lecture, which is today. It is required that the content of the speech should not be too academic, and talk about anecdotes and tidbits in the research, and the time is 40 minutes.I asked about the situation. It is said that experts in various fields are invited to give lectures once a month. I have talked about art and literature before.After many days, they want to hear economic theory related to their business.Tadao Asano didn't know why he was selected, and the secretary explained that there were recommendations from members. Originally, he wanted to come to greet him, but his loyal husband said it was just time to leave school, so he came here by himself.He didn't like car pick-up and drop-off in the first place.Go through the grand marble hall and up the stairs.The designated venue is on the third floor.As expected of a meeting place for financial capitalists, the Renaissance-style classical art shows a solemn beauty.On the third floor, a man in his forties who had negotiated with his loyal husband came to greet him. "Hi. I'm so rude for not picking you up." It was the general affairs section chief of a certain bank who greeted him. "You have worked hard. Teacher, please rest over there first." The third floor is like a conference hall.Tadao was ushered into the living room tentatively designated as the speaker's lounge.The magnificent table and the surrounding seats are so luxurious. "The secretary will be here soon." The man saluted slightly and walked out of the lounge first.A girl brought cold drinks and fruit. The loyal husband looked around the walls, and there were a large number of oil paintings hanging, each of which was the work of a famous artist.There are also many works of deceased painters, which make people feel the traditional elegance of this club. Soon the door opened, and the man introduced three gentlemen.A white-haired, child-faced, very fat.One thanks.There is also a tall man who is much younger than the first two, thirty-four or five years old. "I invite you here on a hot day, it's hard to do." The white-haired and fat old man first handed out his business card, the vice president of a famous bank.The one who thanked was the supervisor of another bank.The other young gentleman didn't hand over his card, just gave him a little salute.This person may not have a high position, the loyal husband paid tribute to the three while thinking. "Please sit down!" said the vice president. Fifteen minutes passed quickly, and it was a nap before the lecture.In order to make the speakers relax, the vice presidents and supervisors chose light-hearted topics for chatting. Faithful husband accidentally noticed that the youngest gentleman was staring at him silently, with an enigmatic smile on his lips.Zhongfu regards this as a young cadre who has not yet been promoted to director, so he tries to restrain himself in front of the other two.However, there was an unusual feeling hidden in the eyes staring at him.