RBCT Chapter 157 Resisting an Unjust Fate
Chapter 157 Resisting an Unjust Fate
Chapter 157 Resisting an Unjust Fate
Takao Tsuchiya's assessment of the "stock market setting" in "The Crash" is very accurate, because Yuji's choices in the story are not wrong.
No matter what choices Yuji makes, he has no way to escape this terrible world.
Because the world has been quantified, not only has Yuji become a machine that can only look at numbers, but everyone else has also become a machine that can only look at numbers.
In this situation, society becomes a place where everything is judged solely by numbers.
As a result, everyone was using the guise of helping Yuji to continuously exploit his remaining value.
Seeing that Miyoshi Toru and Tsuchiya Takao had made their comments, Chen Shunchen slowly spoke up, saying, "The Plunge is the first story I've finished reading. Chairman Miyoshi and Professor Tsuchiya have just had an in-depth discussion of the story's setting."
"Therefore, I won't go into too much detail about the settings."
"This time I want to talk about Ms. Mai Cheng's approach to the story's structure."
"Although this piece, 'The Plunge,' was written by Teacher Wu Cheng in less than six hours, its ingenious structure is worth discussing in detail."
"For example, although the novel is titled 'Plunge,' Ms. Maishiro did not make the protagonist, Yuji, fall all the way down."
"Instead, it's a very twisted joke that deliberately makes Yuji go through a terrible process of hope, despair, and then a turnaround."
"As the setting suggests, Yuji's life is like a stock that keeps going up and down, sometimes high and sometimes low."
""
"The so-called turning point, the so-called comeback against the wind, are just a pipe dream before the fall. The more you believe in a turning point, the harder the fall will be, and the harder the fall will be, the more you believe in a turning point."
"It was this blind trust that ultimately turned Yuji into meat to be slaughtered at will."
Chen Shunchen placed his hand on the manuscript of "The Plunge," a look of heartache on his face.
I don't know how to describe how I feel right now.
In short, Yuji is a person who is both hateful and pitiful.
"What makes him hateful is his ruthlessness in the face of family, friendship, and love."
"His pitiful state lies in the fact that in this distorted world, he still retains a trace of human simplicity, or rather, a willingness to believe in the goodness of others."
"Not bad enough, not good enough, stuck in the middle is the most tragic thing."
Chen Shunchen looked at Gonda Manji with a sigh, indicating that his speech was over.
Gonda Manji smiled and nodded, taking over the "baton" of commentary: "Chairman Miyoshi Tetsu, Professor Tsuchiya, and Professor Chen have respectively provided analysis of the setting, structure, and layout of Professor Maishiro's 'Plunge'."
"I won't go into details about these, otherwise it would be too boring."
"As a mystery critic, I'll start by explaining some of the more interesting parts of 'The Crash'."
"In the whole story of 'The Crash,' there are two points that I find most interesting."
"Firstly, Yuji was twice cheated by the stock market 'gatekeeper' Mori, resulting in him losing his job and being kicked out of his home, forcing him to work for Miscast Company."
"Those two jobs were really interesting, very profound, and had a wicked sense of humor."
"The first job, ostensibly, was to support the iron bridge with sticks to protect the safety of passengers, but in reality, it was to set a bad example for the children of higher classes."
"When I was little, my family was very poor, and I could only make a living by selling handmade candy on the street with my father."
"Just because I heard adults telling their children, 'You have to study hard in the future, otherwise you'll end up like those other good-for-nothings,' honestly, I get really angry when I hear that, but I feel powerless to do anything about it."
"So when I read this part, I really couldn't laugh."
"But if you think about it carefully, isn't that kind of life for everyone?"
"When we were young, who didn't think they were a unique, chosen one, and that the earth wouldn't turn without them?"
"And what was the result? We were all just ordinary people, pitiful souls struggling to support the bridge with sticks in our hands."
"Some of the people who reminded Yuji were middle-aged people who had seen through everything, but still had to do it because if they didn't, they wouldn't have anything to eat."
"Some people are like Yuji, unwilling to give up their dignity, and fall into the confusion of being deceived."
"There's also a fool named Shi who doesn't know anything, but precisely because of his stupidity, he's happier than the other two who seem to be clear-headed."
"I truly admire Ms. Maishiro for this kind of plot design, because she has managed to imbue a 'social mystery' with the flavor of a 'unconventional mystery' story."
"Especially since it's a short story, it's even more awe-inspiring!"
Gonda Manji took a sip of water, held up two fingers, and continued, "As for the second interesting part, it happened in the second class later."
"That is, being beaten by the children of high-ranking officials and used as a tool for venting their anger."
"If the first job of using sticks to support a bridge was a form of mental torture, then being used as a tool for venting by the children of higher-ups is a ruthless trampling on one's personality."
"Anyone would feel sad and unable to bear this kind of thing."
"So Yuji, who had always been submissive and subservient to the company's stock price his entire life, stood up like a human being for the first time and decided to rebel."
"You should know that this is the only time in the entire story that Yuji stands up and fights against his unjust fate like a human being."
"And what happened? He was crippled and became confined to a wheelchair, never to stand up again."
"When I saw Yuji's tragic situation, I couldn't help but laugh out loud for some reason, but when I thought about it carefully, I felt a chill down my spine."
"Because this seems to be a true reflection of the world."
"You like standing up and resisting so much? Then I'll break your legs so you'll never be able to stand up again!"
"I can only describe Mr. Mai's ingenious plot arrangement as genius."
Kasai Kiyoshi had clearly been holding back for a long time, and after seeing that Gonda Manji had finished speaking, he seamlessly continued, "Mr. Gonda is right."
"Although Ms. Maishiro has not yet stepped into the ranks of bestselling authors, or even established authors, her ability to construct plots is in a class of its own."
"Besides the two points Mr. Gonda just mentioned."
"I also have two things that I remember vividly."
"The first point is the two guys who took Yuji to the hospital after he was crippled."
"They only chose to help Yuji because they wanted to boost their own stock price, but they all acted like they were so righteous and benevolent."
"When they discovered that Yuji was a suspect in the stock market," their true nature was immediately revealed; they hit Yuji on the head and spat at him.
"This kind of plot arrangement that makes people laugh is very dark humor."
"The second point is equally ridiculous."
"That's where the name comes from—the expert on tinea cruris and various other fungal infections."
"Even though he's disabled and can only move his right hand, someone still tricked him out of his name and tattooed 'expert on jock itch and various tinea diseases' on his face."
"This reminds me of the stamp that's put on pork after it's been tested."
"Having this pork stamp signifies that Yuji has lost everything about being human, which echoes his later betrayal by Kisaragi Mutsumi, becoming meat lying in a hospital bed, fought over by others."
"The three teachers and Mr. Gonda have already said enough about the praise for Mr. Maishiro."
"But I still want to express my admiration for Teacher Wucheng here."
"Mr. Maijo is truly a once-in-a-century genius in the world of Japanese mystery fiction!"
"Any words of praise are not praise to Teacher Mai!"
"Because he truly deserves it; Teacher Wucheng is a perfect fit!"
As soon as Kasai Kiyoshi finished speaking...
Thunderous applause erupted from the audience.
All five judges gave Maijo Kyosuke's "Plunge" very high marks.
Therefore, there was no suspense in the outcome of this "Unconventional Mystery Novel" competition; the champion was none other than Kyosuke Maijo.
As for the second place, there was no suspense whatsoever.
Even though Chen Shunchen was disgusted by its terrifying core and gave up his right to vote.
However, Hirayama Yumeaki, the author of "Just One Bite and...", still managed to win the runner-up prize in the "Varied Mystery Novel" competition with the strong support of the other four judges.
Mizuho Yoshihara's novel, "The Fear That Cannot Be Looked At," tells the story of how the protagonist often sees a large number of skinned frogs hopping around in his living room.
Ultimately, through dream analysis, the fear was successfully dispelled.
Ms. Mizuho Yoshihara's in-depth depiction of nightmares and her profound analysis of the spiritual realm are very interesting, making her the obvious choice for third place.
Tatara Kengo and his son Tatara Katsunori presented awards to the six winners.
The centennial celebration of "Tatara Used Bookstore" came to a very successful close.
With the conclusion of the centennial celebration of "Tatara Used Bookstore".
The scene was already surrounded by reporters from various newspapers, as well as four or five hundred passersby who had come to watch the spectacle.
Passersby left as soon as the match ended.
The reporters also quickly left the scene, because all of them were very clear about the situation.
This unexpected "unconventional mystery novel" competition is a very sensational news story.
Whoever finishes writing the article first and publishes it first will be the first to get a piece of the pie!
Maijo Kyosuke gripped Eri Ryu's beautiful hand tightly and walked towards the podium through the dispersing crowd.
On one hand, he wanted to find Takao Tsuchiya and discuss with him about having Seishi Yokomizo serve as the honorary president of the "New Orthodox Mystery Club" to add some honor to the "New Orthodox Mystery Club".
On the other hand, Maijo Kyosuke also wants to find Hirayama Yumeaki, the author who just wrote "Just One Bite and ————".
Because this eccentric genius's writing is very eye-catching and very heavy-handed, having someone like him join the "New Orthodox Mystery Club" not only generates buzz, but also subtly allows everyone to accept the beauty of "New Orthodox".
Just as Maishiro Kyosuke was pondering how to persuade Hirayama Yumeaki...
A somewhat childish voice reached Maijo Kyosuke's ears.
A boy with graying hair and a middle parting, but a very youthful face, stood in the crowd, waving vigorously at Maishiro Kyosuke: "Maishiro-sensei! Maishiro-sensei! I'm your biggest fan!"
"Could you please sign your autograph?"
When Maijo Kyosuke went on stage to receive his award along with the other winners, he discovered that Hirayama Yumeaki was just a nineteen-year-old boy.
Although Maijo Kyosuke didn't know why such a seemingly sunny and cheerful nineteen-year-old boy would write such strange and dark stories.
But since he is a loyal fan, inviting him to join the "New Authentic Mystery Club" shouldn't be too difficult.
With these thoughts in mind, Maijo Kyosuke took Eri Ryumi's hand and led her to Hirayama Yumeaki.
"You are Professor Hirayama Yumeaki, right? Your story 'Just One Bite and ————' was very creative in setting up a reversal of good and evil in the story. It was a very interesting plot device, and I really liked it."
Maijo Kyosuke did not look down on Hirayama Yumeaki because of his young age. Instead, he used honorifics and the word "teacher" to give him high praise.
He also politely extended his hand, wanting to shake hands with Hirayama Yumeaki.
Hirayama Yumeaki skipped class because she heard from her classmates that her idol, Maijo Kyosuke, would be attending the centennial celebration at Tatara Used Bookstore in Jimbocho.
Originally, I just wanted to try my luck and write a story from my mind to participate in the "Unconventional Mystery Novel" competition.
Unexpectedly, not only did they win the runner-up position, but they also received recognition from their idol, Kyosuke Maijo!
For Hirayama Yumeaki, this was almost no different from winning the lottery!
Thinking of all this, Hirayama Yumeaki stared blankly at Maishiro Kyosuke's outstretched hand for a long while.
When she came to her senses, she immediately grasped Maishiro Kyosuke's hands with both of hers, so excited that tears seemed to well up in her eyes: "Maishiro-sensei, what did you just say?"
"You liked my story? Really?"
"Do you really like my story?"
Maijo Kyosuke smiled and nodded at Hirayama Yumeaki: "I'm not lying to you, I really like it. I find Hirayama Yumeaki-sensei's works very interesting. If possible—"
"I would also like to invite Mr. Hirayama Yumeaki to join my New Orthodox Mystery Club," I wonder if Mr. Hirayama Yumeaki would be willing—"
"Yes! Absolutely!"
Before Maishiro Kyosuke could finish his sentence, Hirayama Yumeaki loudly interrupted, "Please let me join the New Orthodox Mystery Club, Mr. Maishiro!"
"I'll do anything to let me communicate with Mr. Maishiro!"
Hirayama Yumeaki was not impolite.
He never expected that his idol, Kyosuke Maijo, would invite him to join the "New Authentic Mystery Club".
Although he didn't know what the "New Authentic Mystery Club" was, he was determined to go no matter what if it was an invitation from Maijo Kyosuke!
"You can do anything?"
"Could you sell me the 'naming rights'?"
Maijo Kyosuke rarely cracks a joke.
Unexpectedly, Hirayama Yumeaki showed no fear whatsoever: "Eh—Maishiro-sensei—"
"You're not planning to carve something weird on my face, are you?"
Hirayama Yumeaki hesitated for a moment, then a mischievous smile appeared on his face: "If you had Maishiro-sensei's book title tattooed on my face, that wouldn't be a problem."
Upon hearing Hirayama Yumeaki's words, Maishiro Kyosuke turned to look at Jiang Liu Meili beside him, a faint smile appearing on his face.
Jiang Liu Meili didn't understand why Mai Shiro Kyosuke would invite this guy who wrote those kinds of horror works to participate in the "New Orthodox Mystery Club".
But as someone who had been willing to support Maishiro Kyosuke from the very beginning, Eri Miri handed over her business card to Hirayama Yumeaki without any hesitation.
Because Jiang Liu Meili had unwavering faith in Maishiro Kyosuke's choice.
All I can do, and all I have to do, is to unconditionally support Maijo Kyosuke.
Maijo Kyosuke looked towards the stage not far away and saw Tsuchiya Takao hunching over and walking down the stage.
He reached out and patted Hirayama Yumeaki on the shoulder, who was overjoyed to receive the business card: "Teacher Hirayama, when you have time when you get back, use the phone number that can reach you to call Ms. Jiang Liu and let us make a backup of your contact information."
"I'll sign your autograph when I invite you to the 'New Classic Mystery Club' next time."
"I have important things to do now, so please excuse me."
Hirayama Yumeaki had no idea how he had gained Maijo Kyosuke's favor and was able to inexplicably enter the "New Orthodox Mystery Club".
But being able to enter the "New Orthodox Mystery Club" is enough to bring him closer to Kyosuke Maijo!
Thinking of all this, he was naturally overjoyed and bowed to Maishiro Kyosuke and Eri Miri: "Makishiro-sensei, please go ahead and get back to your work!"
"Next time I participate in the New Orthodox Mystery Club, I'll definitely come up with an even better story than this one!"
"I hope you can give me some pointers then, Mr. Dance City!"
Maijo Kyosuke patted Hirayama Yumeaki on the shoulder and nodded.
He then grabbed Jiang Liumei's hand and intercepted the route Tsuchiya Takao was taking!
"Tsuchiya-sensei!"
Maijo Kyosuke called out from the crowd.
Takao Tsuchiya heard Kyosuke Maijo call out, his ears twitched, and he looked in Kyosuke's direction: "It's Kyosuke?"
"There were so many people leaving, I thought you had left."
Takao Tsuchiya reached out and grasped Kyosuke Maijo's hand, with the kind of affection an elder would show to a younger person.
Kyosuke Maijo didn't feel uncomfortable with Takao Tsuchiya's actions. After all, Tsuchiya was born in 1917, which was indeed an elder to Kyosuke Maijo, who was born in 1958.
"Mr. Tsuchiya, do you have some time now?"
"There's something I'd like to ask you."
Upon hearing Maijo Kyosuke's serious tone, Tsuchiya Takao's expression also turned grave: "Kyosuke? What's wrong? Who bullied you?"
"Has something serious happened?"
"Let me tell you, Kyosuke, you are someone I, Yokomizo-sensei, admire, and you are the hope for the future of classic mystery novels!"
"Although I'm old, I still hold a very high position in the world of mystery fiction!"
"Just tell me what's wrong."
"I'll take care of everything I can for you."
Even if I can't handle it, I'll protect you with my life!
When Maishiro Kyosuke heard Tsuchiya Takao's words, although he felt that Tsuchiya Takao was overthinking things, he still felt a warmth in his heart to receive such care from the senior.
"Teacher Tsuchiya, you're overthinking it."
"I just have something I want to discuss with Mr. Tsuchiya, and I'd like to invite him to a simple meal."
"After all, I was treated to all your food and services at the hospital last time, so I should at least show my appreciation, shouldn't I?"
Upon hearing Maijo Kyosuke's words, Tsuchiya Takao's wrinkled face lit up with joy.
Takao Tsuchiya glanced at his watch and then said, "Good lad, you still remember this old man."
"Alright, I have plenty of time today, let's have a good drink together!"
Hearing Tsuchiya Takao's words, Jiang Liu Meili felt a little disappointed, but she still tactfully said, "Then, Ms. Mai, shall I call a van for you and Ms. Tsuchiya to pick each other up?"
Upon hearing Jiang Liumei's words, Takao Tsuchiya waved his hand and said, "Why call it a minivan?"
"Miss Jiang Liu, you don't think I don't want to bring you along, do you?"
"I'm not the kind of person who breaks up couples, how could I possibly separate you two!"
Jiang Liu Meili blushed instantly upon hearing Tsuchiya Takao's words, but her heart was filled with sweetness—