Tokyo: Rabbit Officer and Her Evil Partner-Chapter 856 - 514: The Café on the Street Corner (Part 2)
"Hey, if a death row inmate had a chance to escape, would they choose not to run?" Park Jaehyun was skeptical and flashed a business smile. "What you’re talking about is probably a novel’s setting, right?"
"Who knows," Mori Na replied ambiguously.
Park Jaehyun felt the conversation was about to end and it was time for the prize draw, so he said, "It’s a pity, I was hoping to hear more shocking behind-the-scenes stories of novel creation..."
"Actually, there’s one thing I haven’t mentioned," Mori Ran suddenly said.
"Hmm?" Park Jaehyun was taken aback, and the fans perked up their ears.
The insider information just shared was already enough to spark their endless imagination. Veteran fans were eager, planning to use it as material to write fanfiction and play out some dramatic twists.
"Fushimi Roku actually has a sister, named Fushimi Sakurako," Mori Ran dropped a bombshell with her opening statement.
The room erupted in an uproar, and Park Jaehyun had to maintain order, signaling everyone not to crowd. Once the commotion died down, he felt the atmosphere was just right, and followed up by asking, "And then?" 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶
Mori Ran paused and then said seriously, "On the night of the Tokyo Tower incident, Fushimi Sakurako was always with Minamoto Tamako. She was like a transparent person, unnoticed by anyone."
"But as long as you’re alive, you’ll leave traces."
"The emergency personnel from that night remember that child clearly; even if asked unintentionally years later, they can recall it immediately."
Mori Ran took a deep breath. Every time she recounted this story, she couldn’t help but get goosebumps:
"After the Tokyo riots ended, Minamoto Tamako was placed on an ambulance, with Fushimi Sakurako accompanying her as a family member. She kept playing recordings for the injured, trying to revive the nearly unconscious Minamoto Tamako."
"I followed this clue to investigate further. Generally, before death row inmates are executed, they have a chance for a family visit to say their last words."
"According to the prison entry and exit records, a family visit occurred on the day of Fushimi Roku’s execution."
"The signature left behind wasn’t that of Fushimi Sakurako, but Minamoto Tamako."
"After that, Fushimi Sakurako disappeared without a trace."
...
The venue fell silent for a moment before thunderous applause erupted. Fans finally understood why Mori Ran’s final Chapter was called a stroke of genius.
At the story’s end, the protagonist Fujita Takahito, in utter despair, sought death. His former lover suddenly appeared, reigniting his will to live, guiding him towards escape from prison, and allowing him to be reborn.
Park Jaehyun was very pleased with the effect of today’s book signing and couldn’t help but nod, saying, "It is indeed something worth reflecting on..."
But for societal impact, he still had to play the role of the buzzkill critic, to prevent any overinterpretation: "However, if they were still alive, surely someone would have recognized them by now, right? Seven years have passed without any news of them; perhaps they truly are no longer in this world..."
With that, Park Jaehyun clapped his hands. "Thank you to Miss Mori for sharing. Next, we have the exciting prize drawing!"
The staff brought up a lottery machine filled with small balls, with a rolling axis in the middle.
Accompanied by rapid music, the staff quickly turned the handle, the balls rolling around in the transparent box as fans clutched their drawn numbers, feeling a bit of expectation, temporarily putting the Q&A aside.
The drawing lasted about a minute, and a small red ball fell out.
Park Jaehyun opened the ball, pulled out the small paper inside, and elongated his tone to say, "Congratulations—this event is jointly organized by the Seoul Culture Society and Yongfeng Library. For all major popular mystery and thriller novels, look to Black Rock Publishing House under Seoul Culture— the winner is 9527!"
The staff pulled a celebration popper, clapping together to enhance the atmosphere.
A girl stood up cheering, and with envious glances from the fans, she received a complete set of collector’s edition novels for free and also got an admission ticket for next year’s movie premiere.
Following the procedure, Park Jaehyun handed the lucky winner a microphone, signaling her to give a speech.
"I, I’m Kang Zimin..."
As soon as the girl spoke, Mori Ran lifted her head abruptly, looking at her in disbelief.
"I love reading mystery novels... I’m really thrilled to win today... I don’t really know what to say... I wish Mori Ran’s books great success!"
The woman’s appearance was unfamiliar; she bowed to Mori Ran, her face full of smiles.
Mori Ran met her gaze, and the woman’s eyes were exceptionally bright, her pupils as beautiful as gemstones, reflecting the camera’s lights.
...
After the signing event, Mori Ran found the woman named Kang Zimin and proactively exchanged contact information, wanting to chat with her.
Kang Zimin was very happy about this, delighted that her favorite author wanted to chat with her, her little eyebrows raised high in excitement.
"Why not go to a café together! I know a café with a great environment!" Kang Zimin suggested.
"Do you speak Japanese?" Mori Ran asked while walking.
"Yes, I heard my native language is Japanese." Kang Zimin counted on her fingers. "I’ve read all Japanese mystery novels! I’ve attended every book signing before, but I’d never won anything until today."
"Heard?" Mori Ran caught onto the keyword.
The two walked through the convention hall doors, along the bustling commercial street, amidst the thronging crowd.
"Yes, because seven years ago, I got into a car accident, was injured, and lost my memory, so I don’t remember things from before." Kang Zimin said as she crossed the traffic light, already seeing the sign for the café.
"Really?" Mori Ran’s eyes lit up.
