Tokyo, 1994, starting with medical training

Chapter 44 Fear...Excitement!

In December, the outdoor temperature in Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture, had already dropped below zero.

Although the barbecue restaurant had the heating on and the charcoal grill burning brightly, the temperature of this large glass of draft beer with ice cubes would definitely not exceed 4 degrees Celsius.

It's refreshingly cool.

It was truly chilling to the bone.

This bone-chilling feeling is definitely not pleasant.

The golden liquid seeped into Yoshino's collar, spreading a large, dark stain on the expensive wool sweater.

It was sticky, icy cold, and had a fermented malt flavor.

"You bastard! What are you doing?!"

Section Chief Yoshino suddenly jumped up from his chair, the movement so large that it almost tipped the chair behind him over.

"Aren't you blind?"

"You did this on purpose, didn't you!"

"ah?!"

"Do you know how much this coat costs?"

"I just bought this at Isetan last week! 158,000 yen! 158,000 yen!"

"This is pure wool! It can't be washed!"

She didn't bother wiping the wine off her body; her fingers, painted with bright red nail polish, almost poked Kiryu Kazusuke's nose, spitting everywhere.

Yoshino, the section chief, was so angry that he was trembling all over.

She is the head of the Citizens' Affairs Division at the Maebashi City Hall.

Although in the entire bureaucratic system, the department head is only the lowest management position, above which are section chiefs, ministers, and bureau chiefs.

However, in a public service department like the Citizens' Class, which directly faces the public, she wields considerable power.

In the office, all the young employees were obsequious to her, afraid of displeasing her, especially new temporary staff like Saionji Mina, who were completely at her mercy.

But at this very moment?

In front of her subordinates, she was doused with beer by a drunkard.

This is something that Section Chief Yoshino can't stand.

"Ah... 15..."

"Over 15..."

"Don't worry... don't worry, ma'am, I'll... I'll clean it for you right away..."

Kiryu Kazusuke squinted, his body swaying slightly with gravity, looking as if he might fall over at any moment.

Isetan, huh.

He silently made a calculation in his mind.

With current prices, you can indeed buy a nice high-end wool sweater for around 15 yen.

However, if it's just a simple beer stain, sending it to a dry cleaner for expedited treatment will cost around two thousand yen.

Add a little compensation for emotional distress, and 10,000 yen should be about right.

This money can slightly improve physical fitness, so it's totally worth it.

However, this woman has a really loud voice.

"What did you say?!"

Hearing his mutterings, Section Chief Yoshino became even more furious.

What auntie?

She's only in her forties, but she looks like an old lady?

Which company are you from?

"Show me your business card!"

"I need to see your company president!"

Section Chief Yoshino stepped forward, his tone aggressive.

If an ordinary junior employee is reported to the company for causing trouble while drunk, they may have their bonus deducted or even be fired.

In an economic downturn, this would undoubtedly drive people to desperation.

In particular, she was also the head of the city hall department.

"Yes, I'm sorry..."

"I'll wipe it for you..."

With that, Kiryu Kazusuke extended his hand.

He grabbed a towel haphazardly from the table; it was a wet towel used to wipe guests' hands or to wipe up grease and sauce spills on the table.

next second.

The dark brown towel was simply smeared onto the chest of Section Chief Yoshino.

"What are you doing! Don't come any closer!"

Section Chief Yoshino stared wide-eyed in horror.

But her reaction was a beat too slow, or rather, a drunkard's actions are illogical and unpredictable.

Snapped--

A damp towel, soaked with soy sauce, grease, and beer, was firmly stuck to her collar.

"Wipe... wipe it clean..."

Kiryu Kazusuke rubbed his hands together vigorously a couple of times.

The black charcoal ash mixed with brown sauce spread rapidly across the off-white wool fibers, blending with the pale yellow beer stains to form a nauseating dark brown stain.

The oil penetrates deep into the fiber.

It’s over.

This type of complex stain cannot be removed even by the top dry cleaners using the best stain removers.

The depreciation rate of this garment instantly skyrocketed from 10% to 100%.

It's scrapped.

The aroma of barbecue sauce, minced garlic, and aged grease assaulted Yoshino Keicho's nostrils.

"Ugh! You bastard!"

Section Chief Yoshino completely broke down and let out a heart-wrenching scream.

"Who gave you the right to touch me! You're filthy! You stinking man!"

At that moment, she no longer cared about her image as a public official, and suddenly reached out and pushed forward hard.

Kiryu Kazusuke took a few steps back.

He stumbled and his back slammed against the bar counter partition behind him with a dull thud.

"Department...Department Head!"

Several female colleagues nearby finally realized what was happening and quickly stood up, frantically grabbing tissues to help her wipe it.

But the more you wipe, the dirtier it gets, and the sauce is spread more evenly.

Saionji Mina huddled in a corner.

Scared.

I'm really scared.

She knew Yoshino too well; when she went crazy, no one could stop her.

If she's in the office, and something even slightly doesn't go her way, she can slam her files down with a deafening roar and launch into a tirade of insults all day long.

Now he's been splashed with beer and sauce, and has lost face in front of everyone.

This matter will absolutely not be left to rest.

Dr. Kiryu...

Saionji Mina looked at her neighbor who was leaning against the wall, looking drunk.

She was a little worried.

Why would someone use a tablecloth to wipe their clothes?

He'll be beaten to death, won't he?

Or was he extorted for a large sum of money by the department head?

As a neighbor, shouldn't she go up and help persuade them?

but……

She watched as the department head, now screaming hysterically, completely abandoned his usual bureaucratic demeanor and acted like a shrew from the streets.

A strange emotion grew wildly in my heart like weeds.

Yes...excitement!

If possible, could you also put that plate of kimchi on top?

Her heart pounded violently in her chest, startling her so much that she quickly lowered her head, afraid that others would see through her thoughts.

"What...what happened?"

The other customers in the store all looked over and started talking amongst themselves.

Hearing the noise, the boss immediately ran out of the kitchen, still holding a spatula in his hand.

"What happened? What happened?"

"Please calm down, sir!"

The boss was completely bewildered when he saw this situation.

On one side was a young man reeking of alcohol and looking like he might vomit at any moment, and on the other side was a middle-aged woman covered in filth and acting like she was going crazy.

What if they fight and smash his shop?

"Calm down? Look at the mess he's made!"

Keiko Yoshino pushed away her subordinates who were offering her tissues, gritting her teeth and wishing she could tear Kiryu Kazusuke's flesh to pieces.

"I bought this outfit from Isetan! I've barely worn it!"

"You must pay compensation! Full refund!"

"Not just clothes, but also compensation for emotional distress!"

"I'm the head of the Citizen Life Division at the Maebashi City Hall!"

"You're a piece of social trash who gets drunk and passed out. If you don't come up with 30 yen today, I'm calling the police and putting you in jail!"

This is not a small amount for ordinary wage earners.

Section Chief Yoshino had also taken advantage of the drunkard's ordinary attire, intending to extort a hefty sum from him.

(End of this chapter)