Tokyo, the shady intelligence of private detectives

When Aoyama-suke realized he knew him, Yuzuru Masahiro was taken aback; he was certain the two had never met before.

No matter the reason, he cannot admit that he was stalking Aoyama.

"You recognize me? We don't think we've met before!"

Aoyama leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice, "I've been to the detective agency in the NS Building and seen Yuzuru's ID photo."

"My name is Aoyama Suke. You accepted my commission not long ago."

The woody, refreshing scent of lavender gently wafted into Masahiro Hanyu's nostrils; it's a fragrance often used by businessmen.

To make things easier for clients, the Xinyi Detective Agency displays ID photos of its general staff on one side of its work wall.

Although Masahiro Hanyu has started accepting investigation commissions, his identity has not changed to that of a detective, so his ID photo is still hanging on the wall.

He deliberately hesitated for a few seconds, then said, "Oh, I remember now, you're President Aoyama!"

"What a pleasure to meet you here!"

Aoyama smiled. "Hanyu-kun, thank you very much for completing that request."

"I just happened to notice that Yuzuru-kun was here, so I took the liberty of coming over to bother you."

It's unclear whether being recognized by Aoyama has aroused the other party's suspicion.

Masahiro Hanyu looked surprised but not flustered. He tried his best not to arouse the other party's suspicion, so as not to affect the smooth progress of the investigation.

At this moment, the female shop assistant came over and indicated that this was a rest area and not a suitable place to talk.

Masahiro Hanyu waved the book "The Wakasa Murder Case" in his hand. "President Aoyama, please feel free to read it. I plan to continue reading this book."

Aoyama bowed politely to take his leave and turned to leave the business lounge.

Under these circumstances, Masahiro Hanyu could not follow Aoyama for the time being, lest he be discovered and affect the subsequent investigation.

Although no abnormalities were found in Aoyama's actions, the second piece of information must be hinting at something.

Masahiro Hanyu got up and went to the bar, bought another glass of iced water, and casually asked the female clerk,

"I'm so sorry about earlier. It's been a long time since I've seen Aoyama-kun. It was quite a surprise to run into him here. I apologize for my rudeness."

The female shop assistant handed over some ice water, saying, "It's okay, it's inevitable when you bump into someone like this."

Masahiro Hanyu took the water glass: "Does Aoyama-kun often run into acquaintances here?"

The female shop assistant noticed that Aoyama had initiated a conversation with Hanyu Masahiro, indicating that the two were clearly acquainted.

"Aoyama-kun often comes here to rest, and I think this is the first time I've run into someone I know."

"Over the years, Aoyama-kun has always read the same book during his breaks, which has left a deep impression on me."

So it turns out that Aoyama went to the business district to read books not to see anyone. Then why did he come every Saturday?

Masahiro Hanyu returned to his seat with the ice water, pondering the question.

I come here every Saturday afternoon to read the same book. Perhaps the reason is because of some unforgettable emotion!

Masahiro Hanyu finished the iced water; after all, it cost 400 yen.

He went to the second floor of the bookstore and found the book "Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World".

This book was published in 1985, and the author is Haruki Murakami.

The book describes two stories from two different worlds, exploring the division, loss, and redemption of the self.

The protagonist of the story faces a choice: to escape to a painless illusion, or to bear the pain and choose to exist responsibly.

Is it because Aoyama enjoys reading this book that he is also going through some painful choices?

Aoyama and Hojo have not had marital relations for more than ten years. Could the source of their suffering be related to the book in Aoyama's possession?

Perhaps some clues can be found in that book!

Masahiro Hanyu limped out of the Yaesu Library Center, feeling that his foot injury had healed somewhat.

He found a public phone booth and paged Eimi Kuroki.

Kuroki Eimi quickly called back, "Hanyu-kun, is there anything you need me to do?"

Yuzuru Masahiro said in a serious tone, "Yes, Aoyama has a book in his hand, the name of which is 'Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World'."

"I want to know if there are any special markings on that book, but be careful not to let Aoyama find out."

Kuroki Eimi's tone was slightly excited, "Hanyu-kun, you're amazing, you've found a lead so quickly."

"I'll inform Kana-nee right away, and I'll get back to you as soon as I have any news."

"Oh, Yuzuru-kun, your foot is injured. You must be very tired."

If it weren't for the 50 yen, Masahiro Hanyu would definitely have chosen to start the investigation after injuring his foot.

He didn't need to tell Kuroki Eimi these things; only he knew the financial hardship he was going through.

When Masahiro Hanyu returned to his rented apartment, it was already dark. As he walked up to the third floor, he suddenly heard light footsteps behind him.

The footsteps sounded familiar; it was the female neighbor returning!

Masahiro Yuzuru turned around but didn't see his female neighbor. His light footsteps also stopped.

He continued upstairs, and his footsteps soon resumed.

This female neighbor probably doesn't want to run into anyone and is deliberately avoiding them.

Thinking back to what I saw at the coffee shop today, this female neighbor probably has some unspeakable secrets.

To avoid trouble, Masahiro Yuzuru quickened his pace and returned to his room.

That night, he didn't hear anything fall next door, nor did he hear the girl's scream.

The next morning, Masahiro Hanyu was awakened by a pager vibrating; it was Eimi Kuroki calling.

He moved his ankle a bit; it was still a little sore, but it no longer affected his walking, and he no longer limped.

After washing up, Masahiro Hanyu left the apartment building and called Eimi Kuroki back.

Eimi Kuroki tells Masahiro Hanyu that Kana Hojo knows that Susumu Aoyama loves the book "Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World".

I bought this book seven years ago when it was first published. It has Haruki Murakami's autograph on the title page.

Although Aoyama filed for divorce, he still lived at home.

Last night, Kana Hojo secretly found the book and carefully searched for clues. She saw a sentence on the last page:

"If I erased any single moment of my life, I would not be who I am today."

Kana Hojo could tell that the handwriting wasn't Aoyama's.

This sentence ends with a signature: Maki

This book may have been given to Aoyama by someone named "Maki," and it was this person's existence that caused problems in Aoyama's marriage with Hojo Kana.

Yuzuru Masahiro instructed Kuroki Eimi to inform Hojo Kana to search carefully for items related to the book, as they might find some clues.

After hanging up the phone, Masahiro Hanyu considered continuing his investigation based on the other two pieces of information.

"The Royal Adult Club of Eros" is a high-level membership club, and he needs to carefully consider how to get in.

Karuizawa Club Pure Barley is a type of sake that is only sold in top-tier VIP clubs and is not easy to find.

Just then, his pager went off again. It was Ayari Ozawa calling to remind him not to forget to have dinner together tonight.

Masahiro Hanyu had a sudden thought: when he last went to the "Misty Color" bar, he seemed to have seen a kind of liquor called "Karuizawa Club Pure Wheat".