This Japanese Monogatari Isn't Lame -
Chapter 216 - 184
Chapter 216: 184
It was a painting about children.
Falling into Hell, the children, symbolizing life, were devoured by resentful spirits.
After looking for a while, Beichuan Si walked toward the living room.
Although Seto Cheng told him to feel free to look around, Beichuan Si knew it was just a polite formality.
The living room was decorated simply, with a color scheme of black and white, a black sofa, vermilion and white walls, and a black-and-white-colored mural and bookshelf.
Outside the living room, there was a stylish courtyard with a shallow pond that was currently empty, as there were yet no fish in it.
In one corner of the living room, Beichuan Si finally discovered the source of the chilly air permeating the house.
A circular glass tank supported a pile of ice cubes that had melted by half, with the ice water spilling over the base of the tank.
The ice cubes and water continuously robbed the air of its warmth.
The eerie coldness throughout the mansion made Beichuan Si feel somewhat uncomfortable.
Could this also be considered one of the author’s quirks?
Beichuan Si wanted to go over and take a closer look, but he heard Seto Cheng’s voice from behind:
"Mr. Beichuan, I advise you to stop, as they are afraid of the cold."
’They’ are afraid of the cold?
Who are ’they’ referring to? What are ’they’ referring to?
Beichuan Si turned around, "’They’ are what?"
Seto Cheng walked over from behind, coughed twice, then served tea to Beichuan Si, gesturing for him to sit down.
His face grew even paler, but his voice was very clear: "I saw them just now, Mr. Beichuan, you must also be entangled with ’them,’ I presume."
While speaking, Seto Cheng rolled up his sleeve to reveal bluish-purple fingerprints, and continued, "I originally thought the person Senior Tsukishima introduced was just here to learn about my writing process, but when I saw the bluish-purple fingerprints on Mr. Beichuan’s wrist, I guessed the real reason for your visit."
He had seen the bluish-purple fingerprints on Beichuan Si’s wrist when they shook hands at the entrance, naturally understanding the reason for the visit.
Perhaps he had considered for a moment upstairs, realizing that Beichuan Si had the same encounter as he did, which is why his initially cold demeanor had changed considerably, at least he wasn’t as indifferent as at the beginning.
"I indeed want to understand the events that happened in Yuchuan Town in the past." On this matter, Beichuan Si didn’t conceal anything.
"...I understand," Seto Cheng took a sip of tea, then said, "I understand Mr. Beichuan’s intention, but I must tell you that ’The Lost Yuchuan’ was created unintentionally."
"I’ve lived in Tokyo since more than a decade ago and returned to stay in Yuchuan Town last year for a while, where I accidentally discovered the case of child abductions from the past. Afterwards, combining some statements from Yuchuan people, this book ’The Lost Yuchuan’ was created. I never expected that the game of hide-and-seek involving four people would actually bring about a curse."
"So, Mr. Beichuan, it’s somewhat difficult for you to get information from me—"
Saying this, he laughed sarcastically: "You see, I’m cursed too. It’s fortunate that you came today, otherwise I would have already planned to go back to Yuchuan to find a way to break this curse."
This was indeed the truth.
If Seto Cheng knew how to break the curse, he naturally wouldn’t let it continue unchecked to this day.
After pondering for a moment, Beichuan Si spoke again, "But I have something else to inquire about, Mr. Seto."
"Please go ahead."
"Since you, Mr. Seto, do not know how to break the curse, how then did you come to know that ice can suppress the spirits of those children?"
After hearing this question, Seto Cheng didn’t hide anything and spoke up, "The cases of child kidnapping and disappearances happened during the winter, almost exactly in January, the coldest month according to the newspapers. It was then that the rumors began to spread that the spirits of the children feared the cold."
"According to the local belief in Yuchuan, spiritual bodies are afraid of the season they died in because the specific weather conditions remind them of their tragic deaths. I used ice to create an atmosphere reminiscent of winter, that’s why everything’s still safe up until now. I have many more containers filled with ice scattered around my house."
"But now the weather is warming up day by day, and spring is imminent. I doubt this method of storing large amounts of ice will be useful for much longer... That’s also why I want to return to Yuchuan to find a way to break the curse."
Seto Cheng also wanted to return to Yuchuan?
This was a great opportunity.
Beichuan Si thought quietly.
As a famous author who had written about Yuchuan, Seto Cheng would definitely be welcomed upon his return and would likely have significant influence. Perhaps he could even uncover the truth that was lost years ago.
If Beichuan Si could really gain such a powerful ally, he needn’t worry over trivial matters anymore.
Reflecting on this, Beichuan Si said, "I don’t mean to hide it from you, Mr. Seto, but I also am looking for an opportunity to visit Yuchuan. After all, I am also afflicted by a curse, much like you."
"Is that so?" Seto Cheng’s face showed a hint of welcome, "If that’s the case, I can accompany Mr. Beichuan. It would be good for us to look out for each other."
"When shall we leave specifically?" Beichuan Si asked.
"The sooner the better," Seto Cheng answered. "I mentioned earlier, had it not been for Senior Tsukishima calling me on behalf of Mr. Beichuan, I would have probably already left."
Seto Cheng seemed to hold in high regard Senior Tsukishima Sen of the literary world, his expression naturally showing respect when he mentioned his name.
Seeing his demeanor, Beichuan Si simply nodded and said, "As you said, Mr. Seto, there’s no time like the present. We can leave for Kanagawa Prefecture today."
Uh—
Seto Cheng, who had been speaking fluently, suddenly froze.
He looked at Beichuan Si with a somewhat strange expression.
Seto Cheng thought he was in a hurry, but unexpectedly, Beichuan Si was even more eager, suggesting they depart for Kanagawa Prefecture that very day.
However, Kanagawa Prefecture was very close to Tokyo, and traveling there by car didn’t take long. But once in Kanagawa, they still needed to travel to the Danze Mountain Area.
That area was quite remote, and driving there would take some time.
But since Beichuan Si had said so...
Seto Cheng was silent for a moment then nodded, "I understand. Since Mr. Beichuan is in such a hurry, I see no reason to decline—and I haven’t been inspired with my new book lately. Going to Yuchuan early to check things may not be a bad idea."
"Mr. Seto, are you still focusing on the sequel to ’The Lost Yuchuan’?" Beichuan Si asked curiously.
He had seen media reports online stating that Seto Cheng was actively preparing a new work, a sequel to ’The Lost Yuchuan.’
Seto Cheng smiled and confirmed Beichuan Si’s speculation, "In my novel, the male protagonist survived. What I’m writing about is the story that follows his survival, about four people playing a game of hide-and-seek in the city. The protagonist from the previous work serves as a catalyst, resembling a scar left by the curse in this piece."
He paused briefly, his gaze deepening, "After all... some things certainly cannot be forgotten. Forgotten tragedies are not tragedies. I don’t want my protagonist to be overshadowed by the next work. His presence is indeed indispensable."
Seto Cheng seemed slightly embarrassed as he touched his head, "Ah, anyway, I still have to work hard. Recently, I’ve often come to a standstill, lacking inspiration."
This sentiment resonated deeply with Beichuan Si.
Since the last event at the Sanmu Doll Abandoned Factory, he had been stuck without incoming skill points, and just yesterday he had spent 10 skill points to upgrade his Spiritual Dagger Technique. With only the last 2.5 skill points left as a reserve, he indeed felt stretched thin.
He was eager to ’help’ the spirits to achieve his purpose of gaining skill points.
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