raknovel Chapter 168: A Thriller Narrative Masterpiece, "Dear Mr. S"
Chapter 168: A Thriller Narrative Masterpiece, "Dear Mr. S"
Chapter 168: A Thriller Narrative Masterpiece, "Dear Mr. S"
Sukiyaki restaurant in Shinjuku, Tokyo.
Maijo Kyosuke took Eri Ryu's beautiful hand and stepped out of the red M1 BMW.
Jiang Liu's beautiful briefcase was now stuffed full.
Of course, it didn't contain clothes that were bought while shopping.
Instead, after leaving the coffee shop, he went back to Kodansha and printed twelve copies of the manuscript of "Dear S".
Maijo Kyosuke greeted the female owner of the sukiyaki restaurant and then headed towards a private room on the second floor.
Pushing open the door to the private room, one could see a large round table inside, with eleven people sitting neatly around it.
Seishi Yokomizo, with an IV drip attached, sat in the main seat, with Takao Tsuchiya beside him, while the rest of the group sat casually around the round table.
It fully embodies the principle of "equality for all within the club" of Maijo Kyosuke.
There were two empty seats next to Yokomizo Seishi.
The other ten people, upon meeting Yokomizo Seishi, treated him as if he were an idol, constantly engaging him in conversation.
When Yokomizo Seishi saw Maijo Kyosuke arrive, he hurriedly smiled and waved to Maijo Kyosuke.
"Kyosuke, you've arrived."
Maijo Kyosuke and Eri Miri took the opportunity to sit down next to Yokomizo Seishi, and the meeting then got down to business.
Yokomizo Seishi cleared his throat, and everyone tactfully stopped their conversations and turned their attention to Yokomizo Seishi, who was sitting in the main seat.
Although Kyosuke Maijo once said that in the "New Orthodox Mystery Club," everyone should put aside their outside identities and achieve equality for all.
However, this approach was not effective for the great master, Seishi Yokomizo.
Of course, this is not some kind of vulgarity or flattery, because everyone present, whether they are sales managers, writers, collectors, critics, bookstore owners, or mystery enthusiasts, genuinely loves mystery novels.
If we compare mystery novels to religions, then Seishi Yokomizo, representing "orthodox mystery," and Seicho Matsumoto, representing "social mystery," are the two gods of the mystery novel world!
Therefore, the reverence for Yokomizo Seishi is a gradual and involuntary process.
Looking at everyone present, Yokomizo Seishi smiled with relief on his sallow face: "Everyone here, please forgive me for being unwell. Please allow me to sit here and speak with you."
Seishi Yokomizo paused for a moment, then continued, "It is an honor for me to accept Kyosuke's invitation to become the first honorary president of the 'New Orthodox Mystery Club'."
"Although I served as president of many mystery clubs and editor-in-chief of many magazines in my youth, this is the first time I've been able to serve as the first president of a club."
After finishing his speech, Yokomizo Seishi waved to Tsuchiya Takao, who was standing to the side.
Takao Tsuchiya understood immediately and took out a folded sheet of Xuan paper from his bag.
When Takao Tsuchiya laid the folded Xuan paper on the round table, Kyosuke Maijo saw that it was covered with densely written blessings.
The content is roughly about the outlook for "New Orthodox Mystery" and the blessings for "New Orthodox Mystery Club".
Yokomizo Seishi pointed at the rice paper, a hint of elation appearing on his face—a radiance uncharacteristic of someone suffering from a long illness: "Kyosuke, I originally intended to send a gift to your 'New Orthodox Mystery Club.'"
"But no matter how much I looked and selected, I couldn't find anything that satisfied me."
"So I thought I'd send you a handwritten blessing as a token of my appreciation to the New Orthodox Mystery Club."
Upon hearing Seishi Yokomizo's words, Kyosuke Maijo smiled with delight: "Mr. Yokomizo, it's already an honor for the 'New Orthodox Mystery Club' that you could come here."
"Not to mention, you're also the president of the 'New Orthodox Mystery Club.'"
"Who needs to bring gifts when going back to their own home?"
Upon hearing Maishiro Kyosuke's words, Yokomizo Seishi's smile widened. He patted Kyosuke's shoulder and said with a laugh, "Alright, Kyosuke, stop being so cheeky. This blessing took me three whole days to write, on and off. You'd better keep it safe; it might be my last piece."
When Maijo Kyosuke heard Yokomizo Seishi say this, he felt a little sorry for him and was about to speak when Yokomizo Seishi grabbed his shoulder forcefully: "Alright, I know what you want to say."
"But even if money falls from the sky, you still have to go outside with a basin to catch it. A person's life is predetermined. You don't actually think I can live for many more years like this, do you?"
Seishi Yokomizo patted Kyosuke Maijo on the shoulder with a magnanimous expression: "Kyosuke, I've actually been indifferent to this for a long time."
"On the contrary, you should be careful. Maybe when I'm reincarnated, I'll be a genius."
"I'm issuing a challenge to you, who has already become a 'master of mystery fiction' by then!"
"In my reincarnation, I will show you no mercy!"
Yokomizo Seishi's words were originally somewhat sad, but the unexpected twist that followed made everyone present burst into laughter.
But everyone could see that Seishi Yokomizo had a passion for mystery novels.
After all, no one could have imagined that even at this point, Seishi Yokomizo would still be thinking that if he were to be reincarnated after death, he would challenge Kyosuke Maijo, who would later become a "master of mystery fiction," as a genius!
Everyone laughed for a while in a cheerful atmosphere until Seishi Yokomizo clapped his hands, quieting everyone down: "Alright, let's save the jokes for later. Although I look a bit disheveled now, attending two or three more 'New Orthodox Mystery Club' meetings shouldn't be a problem."
"From what I've just learned, the members of our 'New Classic Mystery Club' are truly a hidden gem!"
"It's not just an old man like me who's past his prime, but also the sales manager and editor-in-chief of Kodansha, a popular mystery commentator, a mystery critic, a major overseas collector, a used bookstore owner, and the beloved daughter of a major Japanese businessman."
"We're not here to chat idly."
"Kyosuke, hurry up and bring out your new manuscript!"
"I even got myself a new pair of glasses just so I could see your new work early!"
With trembling hands, Yokomizo Seishi pulled a brand-new pair of glasses from his pocket and put them on.
When Maijo Kyosuke heard Yokomizo Seishi's words, he shook his head slightly: "Yokomizo-sensei, the story I wrote this time was inspired by Lord Lord Dunsani's 'Two Bottles of Seasoning'."
"Therefore, the values and worldview conveyed by this story are slightly distorted."
"I suggest that we eat first, and then read my work after we've eaten."
It's possible that Seishi Yokomizo was genuinely moved by Kyosuke Maijo's talent, or perhaps Yokomizo saw a young Edogawa Ranpo in Kyosuke Maijo.
In short, Yokomizo Seishi's attitude towards Maijo Kyosuke can be summed up in two words: doting.
This doting is like a teacher treating their last disciple, wanting to impart all the martial arts skills they have learned in their life to Maijo Kyosuke.
He also wanted to tell the world that Maijo Kyosuke was his beloved disciple, and no one was allowed to bully him. If anyone bullied him, he would risk his life to stand up for him!
Under these circumstances, Yokomizo Seishi naturally had no objection to Maijo Kyosuke's arrangements. Instead, he laughed and said, "Kyosuke, you little rascal, you're playing the anticipation game now. But what can I do when your book, 'Summer of the Ubume,' is so well-written?"
"Good things come to those who wait, so I'll make the decision on behalf of everyone here: let's eat first, then read the article!"
Seishi Yokomizo was not only the highest-ranking person present.
It even brought over everyone alive in the entire Japanese literary and mystery fiction scene.
The only one who can be compared to Seishi Yokomizo is Seichō Matsumoto, the "father of social mystery."
These four literary giants are Jun Ishikawa, winner of the 4th Akutagawa Prize; Masuji Ibuse, winner of the 6th Naoki Prize; and Satomi, a representative figure of the Shirakaba School.
Therefore, Seishi Yokomizo is the representative figure of the Japanese literary world at that time.
Even though Yokomizo Seishi was already terminally ill.
But he remains the supreme figure in the Japanese literary world!
Being represented by Yokomizo Seishi is an honor; there's no reason to refuse.
As the sukiyaki hot pot was served, the thirteen people present enjoyed their meal immensely.
Even Yokomizo Seishi, who was unwell, ate quite a lot because of the long-awaited lively atmosphere, and even secretly drank two cups of sake from Maijo Kyosuke.
Although Takao Tsuchiya was concerned for Seishi Yokomizo's health and tried his best to stop Yokomizo from drinking.
But seeing the smile on Yokomizo Seishi's face that he hadn't seen in a long time, Tsuchiya Takao allowed Yokomizo Seishi this small act of indulgence.
Two hours later, everyone had eaten and drunk their fill. Hirayama Yumeaki, the youngest person present, even had his face flushed after drinking a few cups of wine.
Seeing that it was getting late, Maishiro Kyosuke gave a wink to Jiang Liu Meili beside him.
Jiang Liu Meili and Mai Shiro Jingjie have collaborated more than once or twice, and she has long been able to convey words to Mai Shiro Jingjie through eye contact.
Upon receiving the signal from Maijo Kyosuke, Jiang Liu Meili immediately stood up and distributed eleven copies of "Dear S-kun" that were stuffed full of her briefcase to everyone present.
When Kenzaki Mitsuki finally received the manuscript, she was a little confused by the title "Dear S-kun".
"Teacher Mai-shiro—my dear—S-kun?"
"Could it be that this time, Ms. Maishiro is writing a mystery novel with a romance theme?"
Kenzaki Mitsuki's question also represented the thoughts of the others present, after all, the title "Dear S-kun" was really too strange.
It doesn't seem to address the theme like "The Mystery of the Death Row Inmates" or "The Third Statute of Limitations" at all.
When Maijo Kyosuke saw that everyone was looking at him, he put on a mischievous expression: "Although the title is 'Dear S-kun,' it may seem like it was just randomly written at first glance, but I believe that once you have read the whole article, you will understand clearly."
"The title 'Dear Mr. S' is very fitting for the story; in fact, it feels like the only name that can be used for this story."
Maijo Kyosuke turned his gaze to Kenzaki Mitsuki: "As for why Ms. Kenzaki asked me if 'Dear S-kun' is a love story?"
"Regarding this question, I can only say that the inspiration for this story came from the manuscript of 'Two Bottles of Seasoning' that President Noma gave me."
"As a creator, I naturally believe that 'Dear Mr. S' has elements of romance."
"But there are a thousand Hamlets in a thousand people's eyes."
"I don't know if you will think that's the kind of love you envision after you've finished reading the story of 'Dear Mr. S'."
When Kenzaki Mitsuki heard Maijo Kyosuke's ambiguous words and saw his mischievous expression, she felt a little strange.
What does it mean to have elements of love, and what does it mean to say that it might be the love in one's heart?
Although Kenzaki Mitsuki was puzzled by Maijo Kyosuke's words, the truth was right in front of her. Rather than questioning Maijo Kyosuke and getting some ambiguous answers, she decided to give up.
It would be better to finish reading the manuscript in hand quickly, because once you finish reading "Dear Mr. S", all the problems will be solved.
With that in mind, Kenzaki Mitsuki opened the manuscript of "Dear S-kun".
Entering the world of "Dear Mr. S" —
Dear S, I am writing this letter right now, and I really hope that one day someone will deliver it to you.
I have been in Japan for four years since I came from country B. Although communication is no longer a problem, writing is extremely painful.
Fortunately, Mr. S, you are Japanese and live in Country B, so you should be able to understand this letter I wrote in my native language.
To be somewhat selfish, I not only hope that you, Mr. S, can see my letter, but I also hope that other people in the world can see my letter as well.
I hope this letter can become a journal—a journal by a sinner, like you, Mr. S, who has been banished by God, to confess his sins to the world.
However, I still want Mr. S to be the first to see my letter. If God allows sinners to hold hands, then what I want most is to hold Mr. S's hand.
Although I have never met S, I have poured all my emotions into him.
If there is anyone in the world who deserves to be your "friend," Mr. S, then that person can only be me.
That's why I call you "dear".
Because two years after you, Mr. S, were arrested, I have finally done something that God cannot forgive, just like you.
Kenzaki Mitsuki stared at the manuscript in her hand, her eyebrows furrowed tightly, even forming the shape of the Chinese character "川" (river) between her brows.
Because the letter at the beginning of "Dear Mr. S" is just too strange!
Mr. S? Was he a prisoner after all?
Writing letters to prisoners? Could the writer be some kind of pervert who glorifies evil?
Although Kenzaki Mitsuki had also seen in overseas newspapers that many women admired the horrific killer, and some even wanted to marry someone in prison.
But just thinking about it gives me the creeps!
Teacher Mai-shiro—the element of love you mentioned? Could this be it?
Kenzaki Mitsuki frowned and looked at Maijo Kyosuke, who was sitting next to Yokomizo Seishi.
But at that moment, Kyosuke Maijo was helping Seishi Yokomizo with the manuscript, assisting him with his difficult reading, and didn't see the questioning look from Koki Kenzaki. Koki Kenzaki received no response from Kyosuke Maijo and could only immerse herself once again in the story of "Dear S-kun" —
Dear Mr. S, two years ago, the newspaper reported on what you did in Country B, which shocked the entire country of Japan!
The content of the event also made me tremble, but my astonishment was different from others. Others trembled with fear, while I trembled with excitement.
My friend saw me trembling and thought I was scared, so he patted my shoulder and comforted me, "Don't worry, you'll be eaten."
"no----"
My friend probably meant compatriots, right?
He thought he was comforting me and expressing his sadness for me, but he didn't know it.
I don't care at all whether the female victim was from country A or country B.
I just felt that after seeing your report, Mr. S, I and Mr. S, who is far away in Country B, were of one mind!
I locked myself in the bathroom and looked in the mirror. I saw your face reflected in the newspaper, Mr. S.
Your eccentric temperament fascinates me. Looking at you in the mirror, my overwhelming emotions surged from my chest like vomit, turning into tears!
I was so excited at the time that I couldn't tell if it was a resonance with you or a rejection of you.
Or perhaps it's hatred? Or love?
However, from the moment I learned of your existence, Mr. S, I wanted to call you "my dear friend"!
That very night, after learning of your existence, Madame Butterfly came to my home.
Her real name isn't that, but because my pronunciation isn't perfect, I just call her by the name of the perfume.
For the four years I've been in Japan, I've been searching for the "right person".
Until that day two years ago, I found three "suitable people" and maintained a relationship with all three of them like lovers. Madame Butterfly was one of them.
Did that incident have such a big impact on you?
Madame Butterfly smiled gently, but looked at me with melancholy eyes.
"It's nothing, just a Japanese guy studying in country B who disposed of a girl from country A he used to date in a slightly strange way, right?"
I put my arm around Madame Butterfly's shoulder, acting as if nothing had happened, and we spent a wonderful night together.
The next morning, I realized why I cried when I learned about your situation, Mr. S.
Because of being "moved".
Looking at Madame Butterfly lying in my arms, I joked, "You're so cute I want to eat you up."
Madame Butterfly returned my gentle smile, which made me think of you, Mr. S, once again.
"move."
Because I believe that you, Mr. S, are a unique existence to me, my tears are not because I am in pain, but because I am moved by our miraculous encounter.
If you ask me why I'm so moved?
That's because I've had a dream since I was a child: to create a case like the one S-kun had.
I grew up in a wealthy family. My parents, five older brothers and sisters, grandparents, maternal grandparents, aunt, and myself made up a total of thirteen people.
Every year, we have a family dinner together at a villa in Country B.
This scene is like the painting "The Last Supper".
I don't remember how old I was.
Once, during a dinner party, I don't remember what dishes we ate that day, I only remember eating a type of meat.
As I chewed the meat vigorously, I glanced at the other twelve mouths sitting around me, all of them chewing meat.
Although everyone was very elegant, I don't know what emotion controlled me!
That emotion suddenly rushed into my chest, bringing me a feeling that was almost like pain!
I don't know what that emotion is, but I do know that it is closely related to the mouth that chews meat!
I stared at the crowd, feeling dizzy and then fainted.
Although a physical examination revealed nothing serious, that unspeakable emotion left a decisive mark on me.
It often attacks me like fire, tormenting my fragile nerves!
Perhaps tormented by these feelings, I began to hate everyone, became taciturn, pretended to be honest and kind, and still managed to win the favor of my family.
However, these are all methods I use to hide my terrible emotions.
I often hide in my room, lock the door, and fantasize about one day creating a case like Mr. S's.
Although I know my emotions are twisted, terrible, and I get excited whenever I see a documentary about (the X-Men).
But I still can't control myself and keep looking for the "right person"!
Wearing a kimono, Tatara Katsuyuki held the manuscript of "Dear S-kun" with a look of surprise and extreme panic on his face.
Because Yoshikatsu Tata did indeed see elements similar to "love" in the story of "Dear S-kun".
But isn't this form of "love" too distorted, too abstract, and too bizarre?
This kind of distortion, abstraction, and bizarreness far surpasses "A Bellflower" by more than a hundred times!
This reminded Tatara Katsumi of the time when he first watched "The Tokyo Zodiac Murders" and "The Summer of the Ubume".
I recalled the horrific scene in "The Tokyo Zodiac Murder Case" where the killer Tokiko brutally murdered six people and pieced together five corpses to form the image of six people!
It reminded me of the scene in "Summer of the Ubume" where Tatsumi Sekiguchi saw Kyouko Kuonji's stomach burst open because she had reached her physical limit!
Thinking of these "ghost scenes," Tatara Katsuyuki couldn't help but shudder!
Although at present, "Dear S-kun" seems to have no connection with the stories of "The Tokyo Zodiac Murders" and "Summer of the Ubume".
However, Yoshikatsu Tata sensed a very familiar eerie feeling in the story of "Dear S-kun".
It's a unique flavor—only found in Kyosuke Maijo's mystery novels—
Tatara Katsumi was worried that Maijo Kyosuke's "Dear S-kun" would bring him a new psychological trauma.
But I just couldn't control my curiosity about what would happen next.
With a mix of fear and curiosity, I could only open "Dear Mr. S" again —