In the afternoon, the sun, like golden gauze, draped softly over the sea. From a distance, Moonlight Island shimmered in and out of view amidst the sparkling waves.
Kishin Eri stood at the bow of the ship, eagerly looking around. As soon as the boat docked, she impatiently grabbed Hayashi Shuichi's hand and swiftly disembarked.
Though Moonlight Island was just a small island, Kishin Eri remained utterly captivated.
The two first went to Shimizu Masato's home to drop off their luggage. Afterward, Kishin Eri immediately pulled Hayashi Shuichi's hand, eager to explore the island.
Hayashi Shuichi smiled helplessly, knowing he had to indulge her for now.
They slowly walked along the island's small paths. On both sides were low-rise houses, and occasionally, they could see the busy figures of islanders.
Unbeknownst to them, they arrived at the Citizens' Hall.
In Japan, citizens' halls are important public facilities in local communities, used to promote residents' education, cultural, and social activities.
Many people stood at the entrance of the Citizens' Hall. These were the guests who had come with Hayashi Shuichi and Kishin Eri on the ship earlier, all to listen to Aso Keiji's piano performance.
"Mr. Aso seems quite famous," Kishin Eri remarked. "So many people came to listen to his piano performance."
Hayashi Shuichi nodded slightly. "Without some fame, it wouldn't be possible for him to perform abroad."
Just then, a few islanders passed by, and their conversation drifted into Hayashi Shuichi and Kishin Eri's ears.
A short islander, his face full of admiration, said, "Keiji is truly the pride of our island. In a place where people make a living from fishing, it's not easy for a pianist to emerge."
Another islander nodded repeatedly, his expression regretful. "Yes, it's just a shame about his youngest son. He was born with an illness and has been receiving treatment at a large hospital in Tokyo. I hear the expenses are enormous, and Keiji can barely afford the high medical fees."
Hearing this, Hayashi Shuichi quickly stepped forward and asked, "Excuse me, how do I get to Mr. Aso's house?"
"Just follow this road straight down, then turn left, and you'll be there," the short fisherman shook his head. "But even if you go, Keiji definitely won't see you. He never sees guests before a piano concert."
"Thank you," Hayashi Shuichi nodded, then took Kishin Eri's hand and walked towards Aso Keiji's house.
"Didn't they say he doesn't see guests?" the girl frowned slightly. "What's the point of us going now?"
"Let's go check out the situation," Hayashi Shuichi said casually. "If we can't see Aso Keiji, seeing his family is also fine."
"Hey, Shuichi," Kishin Eri, seeing no one around, couldn't help but ask in a low voice, "What kind of illegal things do you think this Mr. Aso goes abroad to do?"
"There are only a few types of highly profitable industries," Hayashi Shuichi said without thinking. "And it requires a pianist like Aso Keiji to participate. Nine out of ten, it's drug trafficking."
"Drug trafficking?" Kishin Eri gasped in surprise, then quickly covered her mouth with her hand, her eyes wide with shock. "But what does that have to do with Mr. Aso's profession?"
"When pianists perform abroad, they usually carry their own pianos out of habit and for the sake of touch. Customs generally doesn't inspect them very strictly," Hayashi Shuichi explained. "As long as they buy drugs abroad and hide them in the piano, they can easily transport them back home."
"Drugs…" Kishin Eri sighed. "Even if he earns money through drug trafficking to save his son, those drugs will harm countless others."
"Today's cause, tomorrow's effect," Hayashi Shuichi clasped his hands together, looking devout. "Even if Aso Narumi is cured, he will definitely face retribution in the future."
"Aren't you someone who doesn't believe in these things?" Kishin Eri looked at her childhood friend with a strange expression. "Before, when Kogoro and I dragged you to shrines, you never wanted to go."
"Beika Shrine only has an old man, not even a pretty miko…" Hayashi Shuichi realized his slip of the tongue and quickly cleared his throat. "My belief in gods and Buddhas depends on whether there's a need. To persuade Aso Keiji to give up, this is the only way."
"Hmph, pretty miko…" Kishin Eri gave her childhood friend a sidelong glance, pouting slightly. "Why didn't I notice before that you and Kogoro are cut from the same cloth! No wonder you're good brothers."
As they chatted and joked, they soon arrived at the house the fisherman had described.
It was a two-story house with a sloping roof, its appearance simple and elegant. Hayashi Shuichi walked up and pressed the doorbell at the courtyard gate.
A moment later, a gentle-faced middle-aged woman walked out. Her expression carried a hint of fatigue, and she said softly, "I apologize, but my husband doesn't see guests before the concert begins."
Hayashi Shuichi quickly explained, "We didn't come for the concert. I met Narumi when I was hospitalized at Beika Central Hospital, and I'm just stopping by to visit."
Mrs. Aso paused slightly, a flicker of surprise in her eyes, then she offered a gentle smile. "Oh, so you're Narumi's friend. Please, come in."
Hayashi Shuichi and Kishin Eri followed her into the house. A seven or eight-year-old girl came skipping over, her large eyes wide with curiosity, asking, "Mommy, who are they?"
Mrs. Aso gently stroked the little girl's head. "These two are your brother's friends. Please, have a seat. I'll go pour you some tea."
"Thank you." Hayashi Shuichi pulled Kishin Eri down to sit, then looked around the living room. It was evident that the Aso family's financial situation must have been quite good in the past. The house's decorations were exquisite, but many shelves were empty, perhaps sold to pay for their son's treatment.
"Big brother, how is Narumi's illness?" the little girl asked with concern in her eyes. "Mommy and Daddy never take me with them when they go to see him."
"He's doing alright," Hayashi Shuichi replied with a smile. "Are you Narumi's older sister? You really look like him. At first glance, that child looks just like a little girl."
"Narumi has been sickly since childhood," Mrs. Aso said, bringing over the tea, her eyes filled with heartache. "He certainly isn't as robust as other boys."
The two sides chatted for a bit. Mrs. Aso, busy taking care of her daughter, didn't know much about her son's condition in the hospital and kept asking about Narumi.
Hayashi Shuichi had only met Aso Narumi once, so how could he know his situation well? He could only make up an answer on the fly. "Narumi is in good condition. The doctors and nurses in the hospital, and other patients, all like him very much. I remember he even said he wants to be a doctor in the future, to treat illnesses and save lives…"
Kishin Eri held her teacup with a strange expression, barely managing to hold back her laughter.
"By the way, I actually came this time to tell you about something related to Narumi," Hayashi Shuichi said gravely. "An antique collector who enjoys philanthropy heard about Narumi's situation and wants to help pay for his medical expenses…"
(End of Chapter)
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