Chapter 4 Chapter 4 Tilt

Tadao Asano gave a speech for forty minutes in the Japanese-style living room of the ×× Club.The audience is all the top figures of the banks, very solemn.Most of them are middle-aged and elderly people, and some even recorded the main points of the speech.The audience are all business experts, so Zhongfu decided to briefly introduce the latest financial theories from Britain and the United States.He wanted to speak professionally, so he watched the prepared minutes and spoke.Although the content was boring, everyone listened carefully.There was applause at the end, which didn't sound like flattery.Faithful husband secretly thought that the selected material was suitable for a lecture of this nature.He is happy for success.

"You are tired." An officer accompanied her loyal husband into the lounge, where coffee and snacks were served.The vice president and the supervisor who greeted his loyal husband just now came again, but the tall young man did not come with him.In Zhongfu's impression, that person is a kind of scrutiny to himself, so he is somewhat concerned about his absence.But he made his own understanding that the man might just be curious about the university teachers. "Your lecture has benefited us a lot, thank you very much." Xie Ding's supervisor expressed his thanks. "Where, I wanted to talk about some light-hearted topics, but the content is so blunt. I'm really sorry." Zhongfu apologized for failing to live up to the other party's expectations.It was originally discussed during the negotiation, but on a hot day, try to talk about something that is easy to understand.

"No, no, it's very good." The white-haired vice president said. "To be honest, we haven't heard a substantive topic here for a long time, so your speech is very rare. Among the previous lecturers, I'm sorry, some people have a habit of giving speeches, and half of them are in the way of rambling. It sounds full of fun, But afterward, the theme was not very impressive. In that sense, everyone felt satisfied today." "That's right." The supervisors agreed. "After so many years, I seem to be back in college, listening to lectures in class."

"So, we are decades younger!" The two directors laughed together. A clerk came to the side of the loyal husband, bowed his head and handed over a white envelope. "Teacher, a little courtesy is not a respect." On the envelope was written "traffic expenses".This is the payment for the lecture. Faithful husband looked at his watch. "Then I take my leave." The two directors and the officers present sent the loyal husband outside the living room.The young officer who had greeted his loyal husband earlier sent him to the hall.It is said that he is young compared with the senior directors, but he is actually in his forties.

Faithful husband walked down the marble and red carpet lobby. "Teacher, the car is ready, are you going home directly?" "This..." It's been a long time since I've been to the city center. Tadao originally wanted to go to the "Maruzen" shopping mall, and then go shopping in Ginza and drink tea or something.Tadao walked down the sunlit low steps of the ×× Club and approached the car.Suddenly, I noticed a gaze from behind, and looked back, but there was no one else.The Greek-style columns in the foyer shone white, and the door was as dark as night. The tall gentleman appeared again in Zhongfu's mind, like a phantom.He really wanted to ask the officer next to him for the name of this person, but it was ridiculous.The other party has nothing to do with you, so you should not inquire casually.

"Where do you need to stop, please say hello to the driver." The officer said before driving. "Not far away." The car passed the red brick street and headed towards Nihonbashi.This is a large imported car that is too extravagant for a loyal husband.Faithful husband casually looked out of the car window, where the tide of pedestrians flowed under the blue sky.The feeling of giving a speech is still swaying in my heart, and the feeling of liberation immediately after the end has never been felt before.He was very concerned about the shortcomings of his speech content, and at this time he was ruminating on his own performance.

"Where are you at Nihonbashi?" the driver asked. The car is approaching the Nihonbashi intersection. "Please stop at the entrance of the 'Maruzen' commercial building!" Zhongfu got out of the car. The joy of being able to browse new books after many days had enveloped him, and he came to the third floor of the "Maruzen" commercial building.There was a special shelf for economics books in one corner, and as he paced the shelf, he scanned the spines of the books one by one.The gaze seemed to search the crowd for the faces of new and old acquaintances.

It's been a long time since I've been so leisurely, with the lecture fee I just got in my pocket.Ten thousand yen was written on the back of the envelope tied with a gift string, and he wanted to use the money to buy some of his favorite books right away.Shopping without restraint is a kind of enjoyment, and his mood returns to his boyhood.At 10,000 yen, there is no need to hesitate to buy a slightly more expensive book. After looking around, he was a little disappointed that it was the same as it was a month ago.If there is no book I want to buy, I can't spend 10,000 yen.Originally, I wanted to spend a little extravagant time at "Maruzen" and spend half of my new income.Before I knew it, I seemed to be deeply infected by the luxurious atmosphere of the club where I gave the speech.Thinking of this, I couldn't help but smile wryly.

The place where the books are placed gathers young people, and there are still many college students.They are all silently flipping through books, or searching quietly.Faithful husband likes such a place.He has never been in the mood to buy a good book like he is today.However, it was too unfortunate that when he had free money, the book he wanted to buy was hidden. After going around the book store, I finally went downstairs with all my heart, and the first floor has a different atmosphere.This is an imported women's goods store, another free world different from the book store.There are more young women, and the display is full of gorgeous products.For the eyeballs who have seen the simple and elegant book display, it is a colorful world that has changed dramatically.

He suddenly thought of walking around the imported women's products store. "Maruzen" has been here many times, but he has no interest in the first floor and just walks by in a hurry.However, now that I have 10,000 yen in my pocket, and I don’t have to be shy about buying anything, I may feel differently than before.Today's loyal husband suddenly felt rebellious and wanted to see the imported women's products store.I once gave my fiancée Yasuko Kusama a birthday gift, but that was all my mother's idea.I have never considered shopping for gifts for women myself. Of course, most of the customers are women, and I don't see a few men, but my loyal husband doesn't care about these things.Here are all items that do not exist in the knowledge structure of a loyal husband. You can only imagine how beautiful they will be when they are decorated on women.He wandered casually like an adult looking at children's toys, and soon came to the jewelry container.This is a real toy, and children's dreams will not be so star-studded.

Actually, Tadao was thinking about Nobuko Shiokawa.This factor may also be hidden in the subconscious when entering the imported women's products store.When he walked through the jewelry store, the sweater store, and the store with skirts, he was comparing the image of Nobuko Shiokawa in his heart.It was a joy to imagine.Drawing her beautiful image in my heart, searching for matching clothes in front of my eyes. However, this is by no means easy.I always feel that every piece of clothing is very suitable for her, but in a blink of an eye it becomes unsuitable again.First of all, he doesn't understand women's clothing. He just thinks that everything in front of him is beautiful, colorful and unique, so he can't make a decision.Occasionally, I feel that a certain item seems to be good, but when it comes to making a move, I lose the courage.Because now he is particularly concerned about the image in her eyes of his gift-giving action. Why did Tadao Asano give gifts to Nobuko Shiokawa?If you want to show your favor, you only need to read your graduation thesis or study report at home.Nobuko sent a bouquet of flowers when she came to visit. Of course, this is just a courtesy, so it is unreasonable to give a gift in return.The loyal husband also thought of changing his name or forwarding it to her home anonymously, so that he could pretend not to know it and taste the satisfaction of giving her a gift.Thinking of this, he secretly beat a drum in his heart. Nobuko will think about the reason for the gift.However, would the name of Tadao Asano flash in her mind at that time?Thinking of this, he hesitated again.In fact, it's best not to remind Nobuko of herself.Donor unknown, this is the best state. When delivering the letter before, she said that she could not come again.Has Nobuko, who is particularly sensitive, realized from her mother's expression that she is an unwelcome guest?Of course, Mother never showed emotion easily in her attitude.But it is not impossible to meet a sensitive Xinzi. However, once the idea of ​​giving her a gift came to him, he was reluctant to leave empty-handed.He worked up his courage and approached the colorful jewelry container.He wanted to apologize for the unpleasantness caused by his mother to Xinzi, at least his current actions were indeed sincere. At around seven o'clock in the evening, Koji Shiokawa drove up the ramp in a blue car.When he came to the old house with the white fence, he stopped the car and locked the door, and walked straight into the hall without looking left or right.The door was always locked from the inside.After ringing the doorbell, the door opened, and a woman in a colorful dress with red flowers appeared. "Oh! It's you?" The woman boldly exposed her breasts, and the low neckline of the dress was a bit like an evening dress.The smiling face towards Hongzhi is also a public expression. "Didn't you say you won't come tonight?" the woman said to Hong Zhi who was taking off her shoes. "Is it not convenient for me to come?" "No, it's good for you to come!" "Then who knows?" He took off a shoe. "You're playing tricks again!" The woman put her arms around his shoulders. "Here comes the babysitter. It's ugly! Let go!" "Just now she said she has something to buy and went out. She won't come back for an hour." Hong Zhi silently entered the back room.Although not very spacious, each room is stylish and neat.The back room is connected to a small balcony, and there is a rattan bench, it seems that the woman has been lying on it just now. Hiroji took off his shirt and put it aside, as well as his shirt.Only the thin underwear was lying on the bench.Here is the top of the slope, and you can see the illuminated roofs of the lower urban area, extending from the valley to the plain like the sea.Under the misty night, the lights flickered. A dog barks behind the house. "Eriko, Eriko!" Hong Zhi looked up from the bench and called.Zhilizi is a girl that Hongzhi knew well when he was working in the Osaka branch. When Hongzhi first arrived in Osaka, his ears were full of Kansai accents, and he was quite friendly with the pure Tokyo accent of Zhi Lizi from Tokyo, so he naturally had a deep friendship with that woman.When Hongzhi returned to the head office in Tokyo, Zhilizi also wanted to go with him, but Hongzhi refused.She was originally a scheming woman, forcing Hongzhi to get engaged.Hongzhi said that he has a wife now, and he will talk about it after a year and a half of divorce.She asked Hongzhi to keep his word. A year and a half later, Hongzhi did not keep the promise, so she declared that with her character, she could do anything.Hongzhi called her from Osaka not only as a result of her repeated requests, but also because Hongzhi did not want to leave her alone in Osaka.If she can't take care of herself, she may be tempted by other men.Several of the regulars in that bar were wealthy gentlemen who came after her. Hongzhi finally found this old house and asked her to move here.At first, Zhi Lizi complained that the house was old. "Forget it, there's only half a year left." She made a concession.The so-called half a year refers to the remaining time for Hongzhi to divorce his current wife.In other words, she has considered that it is not cost-effective to build a new house at this time. Eriko fetched a cold towel from the refrigerator. "What's the matter? Shouting." She turned behind Hong Zhi and wiped his face with a cold towel.After wiping his face, he rubbed his neck and back with the other one. "What's the matter?" "Ah, it's so cold!" "Ha, is it cool enough?" "Get me a cigarette!" "Okay!" Zhi Lizi found Hong Zhi's pocket and took out a foreign cigarette, lit one in his mouth. "Here you are!" There was thick lipstick on the cigarette.Hongzhi held it in his mouth and exhaled a puff of smoke. After wiping, the woman put the towel into the small basket and stared at Hongzhi's face for a while.Suddenly, he licked his forehead, eyelids, nose, and cheeks like gnawing meat. "It's itchy! I still smoke!" "What kind of cigarette do you smoke! I don't care!" Pulling out the cigarette, he pressed his face against Hongzhi's mouth.The white soot has grown a long way. "Hey, Hongzhi." The woman finally turned her face away, stared at him and spoke.Big eyes, deep eyes with shadows. "You, really broke up with Madam?" "Ah." Hongzhi spit out clouds. "Look at your cloudy appearance. Are you really breaking up?" "Ah, break up. It seems like half a year?!" "Annoying! Ask knowingly!" "No problem. Ready." "real?" "I'm not lying." "But, what reason did you use to drive away Madam? Just say 'incompatibility'?" "That's vulgar! She had to go away." "But, can it be done?" "Yes!" Hong Zhi looked at Lan Yan and said. "If there is no reason to drive my wife away, then she will be ashamed." Koji Shiokawa left Zhilizi's house around ten o'clock in the morning. He decided to go back to his home to rest for a while because he was going to hold a board meeting this afternoon.In hindsight, the move was arguably driven by a hunch.Usually, he drives directly to work in the bank from here.The moment he drove to blow the air, the woman's smell and sense of touch faded from his body.He is not a character who is only interested in women, but is ambitious in his career. When I got home, I didn't see Xinzi.She went to L University to attend lectures.Hiroji wanted to take a nap in the easy chair in the shade of his room.It was his habit to enjoy solitude after a tryst.But before he went back to his own room, he sneaked a peek into his wife's room.Although he knew that his wife was not there, he had the idea of ​​looking at that room for no reason.Looking at it, I saw a small bag on the table facing the window.It's not like it's mailed, maybe it's delivered directly from the store.Invoices and the like are pasted on the wrapping paper. The recipient is Xinzi, but the sender is also "I". This is nothing, but the goods are sent by the "Maruzen" shopping mall.How can you buy something in this kind of place?Look at the product name column again, it says "Earrings", and the name of the operator's clerk is also written in the corner - Ono.Nobuko bought earrings?What a rarity.He first thought that it might be a gift from Xinzi to others.However, since Nobuko went to Maruzen to buy such small items, wouldn't it be easier to pack such small items in a bag instead of entrusting the store to deliver them later? It's incredible!First of all, Nobuko never went shopping at "Maruzen", which was not far from her bank.When did she go?The earrings are also weird.It is not Xinzi's style to buy earrings in that kind of mall.Was it sent to the wrong person or sent to the wrong door?However, his wife's name was clearly written on the invoice.Hongzhi held the small bag and weighed it, it was very light.However, he was not weighing the weight of the item, but trying to figure out its origin.After thinking for a while, Hongzhi shouted: "Aoki, come here!" "Yes." Aoki Chengzi wiped her wet hands with her apron and poked her head in.Small, round face, squinting eyes, honest little nanny. "This, when was it delivered?" Hong Zhi stretched out the small bag. "It was sent just before my husband came back." "Did Madam say that 'Maruzen' would send this packet?" "No. Madame did not order." "Really?" Hiroshi nodded. "It's all right." "Yes." A trace of doubt flashed across Chengzi's eyes, and he left the room immediately. Hong Zhi walked up to the second floor, lying on the well-ventilated balcony, still thinking about the earrings.He closed his eyes, but today he couldn't fall asleep quickly.Thirty minutes later, he gave up his nap, put on his coat and went downstairs. "Ah, are you going out now?" Chengzi, who was splashing water in the hallway, looked up at him. "The packet thing," he said. "After Madam comes back, don't say that I asked about this!" "Yes." Cheng Zi bowed in confusion. Hongzhi drove to the city center again, with a very happy expression.He didn't stop when he passed his own bank in Marunouchi Ward, and went under the tram overpass to Nihombashi.A wave of traffic has just passed the rush hour, and there is no congestion, so I have time to do some calculations in the car.When he arrived at the square in front of the store, he parked his car and went on foot. How did you come to this strange place called "Maruzen"?Hong Zhi thought.No wonder, the first floor is a store for imported women's products.In the past, it was famous for dealing in imported men's goods, but recently it has expanded its business in addition to foreign books.I used to buy foreign books here when I was in college, but I have been insulated from it since then.Although I pass by often, this is my first time here. The earrings were delivered to the door, so when Hongzhi came to the counter of this kind of goods, his eyes were full of gaudy things. "Is there someone named Ono? He's your clerk here." A woman with a cute face gave a slight salute and pointed to a colleague in her twenties who was serving middle-aged customers.Hongzhi waited for them to finish speaking.This is a girl with a broad forehead and looks very smart, and she is quick to deal with customers.After the middle-aged woman left, Hongzhi continued to ask. "My name is Yanchuan." Hongzhi also gave out his address. "Today you sent earrings to my wife, and my wife's name is Nobuko Shiokawa." "Yes. I did buy it yesterday. We entrusted the delivery department immediately... Is there something wrong?" The girl remembered the name, her eyes showed worry. "No, no. The name is indeed my wife's, and the sender is also me. However, my wife said that there is no such thing. That is to say, she didn't buy it herself." "Ah?" The girl stared at Hong Zhi with wide eyes. "So I think that someone may have given the gift in the wife's name. I have seen the invoice, and it was handled by Ono, so I am asking." "Yes. I did." "I have some clues. It may be that some relative remembered my wife's birthday and sent a gift. Oh, the birthday has passed, so it may be because I feel sorry for missing the date, so I concealed the name." Hongzhi wanted to release the girl's arrest. wary. "Oh." Sure enough, she was really worried, and the girl breathed a sigh of relief when she heard this. "That customer is not a woman, but a man." "Oh." Hong Zhi showed such an expression.Then, he said the characteristics of that person first, which would make the girl completely disarmed.It's not difficult to describe his appearance, I just saw him at the ×× Club yesterday.First, I went to the living room with the vice president and supervisor of a certain bank, and saw that the associate professor was a very attractive man.Of course, this is not a face that Koji Shiokawa can accept.Neither handsome nor sensitive, this type of person has no way of getting ahead.However, he is the type who reads very seriously and tirelessly.His face was a little sad, maybe it was because he had fallen in love with a certain young girl recently. After listening to the associate professor's lecture for a while, judging from the way he spoke, he was not very flexible.Compared with the ease and humor of previous speakers, this associate professor is as stiff as he is lecturing to students.However, this is the type that best suits Xinzi's interests and her desire to learn. After Hongzhi finished speaking, the female clerk confirmed that the one who bought the earrings was that person. Hongzhi walked out of the bank.He's at his most productive on this day, so it's a pleasure to meet people.However, whether it is work or meeting guests, he is constantly thinking about something.Half are thinking about work, and the other half are thinking about other things.That night, Hongzhi went to the woman's residence again. "Ouch! You've been coming here for the past few days!" Zhi Lizi greeted Hongzhi. "What happened?" "Nothing!" "Liar! You never come every day." "As long as I want to see you, I will come every day." "It sounds good..." Zhilizi looked at Hongzhi's expression, as if she wanted to read something. Then Koji took a bath, changed into a kimono, and drank beer face to face with Edariko.This woman has stayed in bars before, a lot. "But, Eriko, I need your help with something." "What help?" "I said I wanted to marry you, didn't I?" "Yes! Ah? Why does it sound like you're talking about other people's affairs? There's no enthusiasm at all." "I have passion, so you have to assist me." "What's the matter? Tell me!" Zhi Lizi's eyes lit up immediately. "Tomorrow, my wife won't go to school. You can call my wife." "Ah? To your wife?" "Well, let's use the name Asano. It's a teacher at L University. Just say you're delivering a message for Asano, at three o'clock tomorrow afternoon..." Think for a while. "In the shopping mall, there is a 'Sangchagao' tea shop. You call and say, 'There is something urgent, come here quickly'." Eriko stared at Hiroshi with wide eyes. "Then call Asano again. This person is supposed to go to school, so when he called the school... he said he was Nobuko Shiokawa's agent, delivering a message from his wife." "Who am I supposed to pretend to be?" Zhi Lizi asked, swallowing her saliva. "Yeah, let's say they are relatives." "But, will they call later to confirm? Wouldn't that reveal the truth?" "No. The teacher knows that she is married and won't call her. Besides, my wife is not the one who calls the school to find the teacher. " "I'm afraid there is a risk!" "There is still your mission later!" Nobuko's eyes fell on the small bag on her desk. It was very unfamiliar, but it said "Maruzen", and what was even more eye-catching was that the sender was herself.I have never bought this thing, nor sent it to my family, and I have never even been to this commercial building.You can tell it's a gift at a glance. The invoice on the small bag says "Earrings". Xinzi opened the small bag, and there was a box wrapped in beautiful velvet in the center of the padding, and there was no expected business card.She opened the box—a pair of earrings of large pearls, set in gold.Xinzi stared at it for a while, but couldn't figure out what to do.There is no reason to give gifts rashly in this season, and I have never done anything for anyone.Could it be a friend?Can't remember either.Although the number of people who gave this kind of gift was very limited, she still couldn't think of it. Suddenly, she was startled.Could it be him?At first she dismissed this flash of thought, but now this intuition gradually became stronger—Associate Professor Asano.Of course, I didn't have any reason to accept the gift.However, there is no one else in the feeling.Previously, Nobuko had been touched by Tadao Asano's feelings to some extent. She didn't believe it at first, but after visiting the associate professor's home, she confirmed that she was not self-indulgent.Of course, it is impossible for Asano Tadao to express his confession verbally, nor will he show it in his actions.However, she is sensitive to the feelings of the opposite sex. In his eyes staring at himself, an extraordinary expression suddenly flashed.Especially when sending her out, this feeling is particularly strong.This feeling is inexplicable and unclear, so I have to temporarily explain it as the unique atmosphere of Tadao Asano.But absolutely nothing like this had been seen before.Especially when saying goodbye, this feeling is most obvious.The associate professor returned the same way with a face full of disappointment. It was the first time she saw such a back, and she was shocked.Later, when she saw Tadao Asano with new eyes, Nobuko felt that she could no longer go to the associate professor's house. Moreover, the associate professor's mother seemed to be particularly emotional for her.Of course it wasn't overly ostentatious, which seemed overly enthusiastic.However, Xinzi knew that he was not welcome.The reason is also very clear, as long as you compare the atmosphere of Tadao Asano you feel, it is not difficult to draw a clear conclusion. The letter is put back in the gift, covered, and carefully rewrapped.After thinking for a moment, put it back in the drawer.must be returned to the other party.But how to return it has become a problem.There are two ways, one way is to go to Asano's house, but she has already said that she will never go again, this is really inexplicable, she really doesn't want to go to that house again.Another way is to return it to him in the school hallway or something.However, there are too many people there, and they will not find suitable opportunities. Moreover, if you return it, you can’t be sneaky. You must first thank you, and then explain the reasons for refusing to accept the gift. It is absolutely inappropriate to do this in school.Nobuko felt that she had concealed her affair from her husband.Of course, what the husband did, I already knew, but that was another matter.This little gift was indeed her secret burden before being returned to the giver. The direction of the graduation thesis has also been determined, and all the materials have been collected. There is no need for her to meet Associate Professor Asano.If you have any difficult problems in the future, you can find other teachers to solve them, and try to stay as far away as possible from Tadao Asano. The husband also didn't come home late, and when it was one o'clock at night, there was still no sound of the car.Nobuko put away her textbooks and notes. I asked Chengzi when I got up in the morning, and Chengzi said that the car was stored in the garage.Since Chengzi didn't know, her husband must have come back at two or three o'clock. When eating breakfast, Hongzhi sat silently at the dining table, his face swollen.He grimly spread butter on the bread. "You, are you going to school today?" The sun was really out, and he had despised her from the bottom of his heart for going to class, and he had never asked like this before. "Yes." Nobuko replied. "This is troublesome," he muttered. "This morning, Sakurai-kun came from Osaka and said he would come directly to the house. It would be inappropriate for you to go to school, so don't go today!" Such a soft tone is rare.Nobuko decided to sacrifice a learning opportunity today. "However, Sakurai may not come. If you come before one o'clock, then you don't have to wait." "Yes. However, I won't go to class today anyway." "Really?" The husband buttered another slice of bread.