Ice World
Hirokawa Eiki (Takenouchi Yutaka) during an insurance investigation on the death of a school teacher, meets the ice cold mysterious Eigi Toko (Matsushima Nanako) who’s had three fiances die in the past 5 years….hot on her trail is Ujou Takeshi (Nakamura Toru), an ambitious career minded police detective intent on bringing her down….but is Egi Toko really a murderer….
Episode 1
From below the surface of the water, one sees a man plunging (lao xuống) into the sea, struggling (vùng vẫy) as he sinks deeper & deeper. Blood streams away from him as his voiceover comes on “Doesn’t hurt…doesn’t hurt anymore…” No longer struggling… “So this is death? At the point of death one recalls one’s life up until now…it’s true…this is typica (điển hình)l…” The man has flashbacks (cảnh hồi tưởng) to being a child riding a tricycle (xe đạp ba bánh) , entering grade school, sitting on a swing ( cái đu) in the playground ( sân chơi) , running in the high school race, dressed up in a costume at university, rushing off to work as a salary man……his voiceover comes back on as a lady walking along a corridor turns around “…if I didn’t meet that woman, maybe I wouldn’t be dying (hấp hối) this way…” Back in the ocean “But…I don’t regret it…meeting her……wait, just a bit more…just what happened in my life?……”
Over a scene of a woman cycling over a bridge late at night, his voiceover continues “The death of a woman, that was the start…” This woman has a walkman on, crying as she cycles – Ikenaga Sonoe,
At a gym a guy on his cell phone – Hirokawa Eiki, foreign affiliated (chi nhánh )Rose Life Insurance, Investigation Department. He says “…the company’s revenues (lợi nhuận) are down by 40% this period…& yet the company’s renewing (đổi mới) the employees insurance upwards (tăng lên)…the regular premiums (tiền đóng bảo hiểm) are those of 2, 3 million yen right…it’s fine for your business department but it’s not alright for the investigation department…wait a minute…” A woman works out on a bike inside the gym as Hirokawa continues “That woman’s past is different…there’s suspicion (đáng nghi ngờ) of her cheating (lừa đảo) another insurance company by making it appear like her husband has had an accident…eh? That’s just some information…that’s fine…using her husband’s life & the employees to rebuild the company…” Hirokawa continues as he walks along the corridor into the gym “Alright I understand…if you don’t want to cancel this contract then I will!” Hanging up (treo lên ) he strides (bước dài) up to the woman & stops the bike “Excuse me for interrupting…would like to speak with you regarding the insurance policy (chính sách) …” holding out (đưa ra) his car to her……
In a parking lot, a police officer knocks on the window of Hirokawa’s car “Parking violation (vi phạm) , please move…” Hirokawa, waking up as she says “Move…” Hirokawa looks at her & says “I’m not moving…waiting for someone…” “No excuses…” “If she’s not around it gets lonely…” “What sort of person? A woman? A lover?” Hirokawa nods (gật đầu) “Yeah…as you say…”
At a park eating out of packed box, Hirokawa says “It’s all thanks to you…” “Eh?” “Regarding (quan tâm) that business woman…when that woman said that her husband had 2 accidents within a year, I was certain…” Pouring out a drink from a flask (chai) for him she says “Breaking up a large contract, if you do that you’ll be fired…” She sits with her back to him – Shono Tsukiko,
Hirokawa goes back to his office. Pacing (bước đi) the floor is Hirase Kazuhiko, head of the investigation department. Seeing Hirokawa, he says “You’re back Hirokawa! It’s serious!” Hirokawa says “I’ll take responsibility, there’s a possibility that this might be related to other companies too…” & to a colleague (bạn đồng nghiệp) walking up “Don’t deal with people who are black listed…I went too far on the phone, sorry…” Hirokawa takes a seat at his desk as Hirase says “You haven’t hear huh…” “I went to break the contract with that business woman…” “Got a call from the police, told you to go to the hospital immediately!” His colleague, Anzai Yasuhiro from the business department says “Inoue Yuka, 10 years old, you remember her don’t you…signed the contract a month ago…” Hirokawa looks shocked…
Rushing to the hospital he sees Yuka’s mother telling a police officer in an agitated (xúc động) tone “Yuka was preparing dinner…I didn’t pay any attention at all! When I turned around she was all covered in oil!” The police officer tells her “Calm down & tell us…” She shouts “That child poured the oil all over herself!” Hirokawa stares at the mother as she glares (cái nhìn giận dữ) back at him. The police officer says “Are you from Rose Life Insurance? Who’s the investigator?” Hirokawa answers “I am…” Going into Yuka’s room, Hirokawa sees her all bandaged ( băng bó) up. Yuka smiles when she sees him “I asked ni-san (older brother) to let me see the insurance ni-san…it was an accident…really…I want you to believe me…” Hirokawa says “I will thoroughly investigate everything in your home…” “I wasn’t careful…the oil…spilled (làm đổ)…will mom…get the money?” Hirokawa stares at the girl, tears in his eyes as he realizes what she’s doing. The girl adds “Like this…maybe mom will become happy…” Hirokawa remembers sometime earlier, Yuka putting something in his hand “Give this to you…” “Ah, thank you!” answers Hirokawa, holding up a little soft toy smiley face. “Ni-san’s company…people can use their bodies in exchange for money, can’t you?” Hirokawa’s taken aback “Eh?” Back in the hospital room, he turns away from the girl & imagines Yuka & her mother in their kitchen, making tempura. Her mother takes the wok of hot oil & throws it onto Yuka……
That evening out in the veranda (hiên) of his apartment, Hirokawa is in a dejected (buồn nản) mood, his thoughts on little Yuka. Shono consoles (an ủi) him “It’s not your fault, it’s the company’s fault for not checking up properly.(chính xác)..even your company is affected (giả tạo), the Japanese business world is very competitive (cạnh tranh)…” Hirokawa says “Fire insurance…if the child dies or gets injured, the parents get 3 million yen…her mother after getting divorced got married to a younger man…asked the neighbors, every month debt collectors come by their house…I found out all that & yet I did nothing to stop them from signing up…Yuka happily told me that ‘My new father bought fire insurance for me, so I have to study harder…’…I wanted to help this kid…people lives are worth 80 million yen, up to 500 million…there are other people who will see life insurance like this…but there are lives that are also worth just 3 million yen…3 million yen……just 3 million yen……” Shono goes to him “If her mother is arrested, that child will be very very upset…” Hirokawa answers “That kid keeps telling the police that she wasn’t paying attention…for the sake of the loan (sự cho vay), so her mother that poured oil on her, can have happiness together with her new husband…happiness of life insurance is this life plan……is this??!” Shono puts her arms around Hirokawa as he says, upset “Won’t be deceived (lừa đảo) any more……” tears in his eyes……
At the
In his office, the head of the
At the office, Hirokawa looks at the details regarding Ikenaga’s death. Hirase says “
In the morning, crossing the bridge is a woman – Egi Toko, Earth Science teacher at
In class, Egi Toko walks around with a book in her hand as a student reads aloud “The construction of the earth’s crust (vỏ) changes according to different places, especially those of the continent & the ocean there is a huge difference. The continent’s crust of the earth is between 20km to 60km. Underneath (phần dưới) the thin sedimentary (trầm tích) layer is the upper granite part of the crust & the basalt (bazan) lower part of the crust……on the other hand, the thickness of the crust under the ocean is between 5km to 10km thin, the upper granite layer is…. ” Egi Toko has flashbacks of lighting a match……”…the lower part is considerably denser.(dày hơn)…”……a house engulfed (ngập sâu) in flames……
In her workroom, Egi Toko unzips a bag. Putting on a pair of white gloves, she takes out a hammer from the bag & starts hitting a rock. Taking a magnifying glass (kính lúp), she looks through it at the rock. The phone rings & she answers “Yes…I understand…I’ll come right away…”
In the principal’s (hiệu trưởng) office Takagi Masanori says to Egi Toko “When you were on vacation there was a terrible incident (việc rắc rối)…” Coolly Toko answers “I heard from the form teacher…I couldn’t come back right away, my apologies…” “Sit down…” Toko takes a seat as Takagi says “You also went to a memorial service? Someone in the family?” “No, someone from my old school…what is it that you wanted to speak to me about?” “You & Ikenaga were colleagues, so you would have been together a fair bit…” “No, besides rarely talking about work…” Toko replies, at the same time recalling Ikenaga telling a student “It’s cute but unfortunately not good, I’ll re-color it for you, come with me…” & then to Toko “This month it’s the 3rd one, feel like a hairdresser…” Back in the present, Takagi tells Toko “The chief detective of the police will be coming here based on an anonymous information…I happen to be golfing friends with the chief of police, he told me quietly…something like this……The death of that school teacher is not an accident. It’s murder. The criminal is an insider within
Outside in the school compound( khỏang đất rào kín), Hirokawa asks Togawa Shigeki “What sort of a teacher was Ikenaga?” “What sort of a teacher…serious & cheerful, very popular with the students…” “Did you ever hear that she might have committed suicide (sự tự tử) ?” “I don’t know anything…” “Teacher teaching the same standard as her, anyone?” “If it’s Egi sensei, she’s gone home already…” “Egi sensei?” “But then again, there wasn’t any feelings of friendship between them…” “Do you know where Egi sensei lives?” “Please go ask the office, I won’t say anything more than this…” answers Togawa, walking away….
“Insurance investigation?” Hirokawa turns to see who’s asked him that question, it’s Detective Ujou. Ujou walks up “Paying off the insurance cash quickly, so what?” Hirokawa asks “Are you from the school?” Ujou asks “The office? Which way?” & carries on walking. Hirokawa smiles “By any chance you’re Ujou?” Ujou stops & turns around. Hirokawa says “The ambitious career minded detective working hard on the scene…” Ujou glares at Hirokawa who smiles “Just like I imagined…” Ujou says “Looks like there’s a lot of foolish chatter going on within the police…” Hirokawa asks “Being murdered, is there any truth in it?” “If it’s not suicide then it’s being murdered for insurance money? In any case, it’s just because you don’t want to pay out the money…” answers Ujou, turning to walk away. Hirokawa follows “So the murder is a special assignment (sự giao việc)?” Ujou stops & Hirokawa continues “I have to submit (nộp) a report by tomorrow…please tell me…the beneficiary is the father, any strange calls? The real killer is actually someone else?” Ujou turns around “You want to know?” “I want to know…” Ujou walks right up to Hirokawa & stares at him. Hirokawa stares back & then turns to the side with a smirk( nụ cười điểu), taking out his wallet “So it’s like this…don’t’ really want to believe this…” Taking a wad (cuộn giấy tiền) of cash he puts it into Ujou’s hand. Ujou looks at it & then throws it up into the air. Grabbing (túm lấy) Hirokawa by the collar “Stop it, ‘insurance’ man!” Hirokawa answers “If you want more, there&! #8217;s none…” Ujou spits out (phun ra) “You’re only an insurance investigator, trying to be a detective!?” Hirokawa answers “My boss says that to me all the time…” “I can report you for bribery! Go write your report!” “Ikenaga was murdered, wasn’t she…“ A few students appear looking on muttering (thì thầm) “Fighting?” Ujou lets Hirokawa go & walks off. Hirokawa picks up the money saying “Lonely investigating by yourself, shall I help?” Then with sigh Hirokawa says to himself “Who killed Ikenaga?”
Back in the office as Hirokawa searches the computer for information, his colleague Anzai says “Every month paying high insurance premiums, when it’s time to pay out the insurance cash, drags its feet…customers said so, what is the company doing? An accident’s an accident…in any case, put out the result of the investigation…” Hirokawa answers “The chief detective appearing on the scene, there’s grounds that it’s murder…if we pay out the money, we’ll be dealing with criminals again…” Anzai asks “The beneficiary Ikenaga Sonoe’s father, you suspect (nghi nghờ) him?” “I don’t know…” “Will you think straight?!” Anzai says. Looking at the newspaper in his hand he adds “This is more shocking…” throwing the paper on the table. It reads “Plan to burn daughter…attempted murder for insurance money…” Hirokawa thinks of little Yuka all bandaged up in hospital. He gets up & tells Anzai angrily “You’ve also heard haven’t you…complaints when we’ve been deceived (lừa dối)…’How do you guys do your investigations?! We’ll reconsider (xem xét lại) our contracts…those fellows at your feet!” Anzai answers “Alright…but the day after’s the limit…” Hirokawa sits back down muttering “For the time being, check up on the past…” “For what? Who do you suspect?” Hirokawa thinks & says as he keys into the computer “After the rain, bicycle, falling to one’s death…” He presses the search key & waits…no hits return. Hirokawa tries again “
From his car, Hirokawa takes photographs of Egi Toko as she walks to school. As students go by they greet her “Egi sensei, good morning…”
In
Back at the Kaga Yuzen factory, Shogo & others are painting onto material (for Kimonos) as Nanami prepares dinner. She overhears her brother say “Being selfish, I’m sorry…” Kenjiro tells a worker “Over here, just a bit more…” Shogo continues “I’ll seriously become a craftsman( thợ thủ công), please believe me…I promise, I’ll come back after 3 months…” Kenjiro asks “3 months in
At a shop that sells aroma therapy products, a lady says “Thank you” to a customer & to her assistant “Gokurousama” As she continues working, watching from across the street is Ujou Takeshi. As she finishes up & blows out a candle (cây nến) , someone enters the shop & she turns around to say “Sorry…” Her expression changes as she sees Ujou Takeshi walk in saying “This is the cure (cách chữa bệnh) that’s in fashion huh…” picking up a glass ornament (đồ trang trí). The lady, Ujou Masako, replies ” Said before that I didn’t want us to meet alone…” Ujou continues “Did your father tell you? That I wanted to help out with anything…” Masako says “I’ve consulted (tư vấn) with the lawyer…” Ujou adds “If the cause is the husband’s violence, then both are violent, is that it?” Masako says “Deny our marriage, I tell myself…the enjoyable things, the feelings of happiness too, deny everything, it’s a scary (làm khiếp sợ) & cold married life…if I don’t think that way I can’t get divorce…” Ujou raises his voice, scaring Masako “Meaning there’s even a single good thing?” & then in a softer tone “not one…you really can say that?” Masako doesn’t reply & Ujou walks to the window “Where did things go wrong, I don’t even know now…you’re walking out on me? Living a quiet life with Chief Yamanashi, will that make you happy?” Ujou grits (nghiến răng) his teeth as he mutters to himself “A man that loses all self-respect (sự tự tôn), what’s so great about this…” Turning back to Masako, Ujou says “On top of that, you say that you want to do as you please, you want me disappear that much??!! !” smashing ( sự vỡ ra) the glass ornament into the ground. Masako looks terrified & Ujou, looking at the smashed pieces of glass on the floor, mutters “Damn!” & takes out his wallet. Giving a note to her & when she doesn’t take it, grabs her hand & gives it to her. Masako pulls her hand away saying “You haven’t changed a single bit…Leave! Please!” Ujou looks at her & then without a word, walks out of the shop…
At the Ice Storm, Egi Toko sits at the bar, downing alcohol. She says to the bartender Ide Satomi “Class reunion (cuộc họp lớp), you’ll come won’t you…” Ide puts another cocktail in front of Toko, replying “That sort of thing, I won’t bother…” “Is that so…” Ide smiles as she breaks up more ice “If you go, I’ll think about it…” Toko smiles back, taking a sip (hớp) of her cocktail. Right then, Hirokawa Eiki walks into the bar. Another waiter says “Welcome, this way…” & Eiki takes a seat at a table. “Your order?” “Uhm, a draft (bã lúa mạch)…” “ok…” Egi looks into a mirror & smiles as she sees Eiki’s reflection (phản chiếu). Eiki’s cell phone rings & he answers “Hello, yeah…eh? Hello?” The call appears to be breaking up & Eiki says “Wait a minute…” & walks out of the Ice Storm, Ide looks at him, breaking up the ice in her hands…
Walking outside, Eiki says “Really? Do you know what’s the contents of that confidential report?” At the police station, Shono answers “The criminal is an insider at the
Walking back into Ice Storm, Eiki’s surprised when he sees Toko not at the bar. Ide Satomi is breaking up ice with an ice pick. Turning to his table he stops short when he sees Toko standing there, staring at him. Eiki looks at her & without a word walks in front of her & takes a seat at the table. Toko’s eyes follow without a smile. Ide serves him a draft & smiles at Toko as she goes back behind the bar counter. Toko says “From the students & teacher, the insurance investigator inquiring every little detail about me…it’s you isn’t it…” Eiki replies “Yes…” “Motive?” “Investigation…” “What sort…“ “Whether Ikenaga Sonoe killer herself, or if she was killed for the insurance money…” “Don’t want to pay out the insurance money is the reason for the investigation…” “It appears that you know that she bought a life insurance policy…” Toko looks at him “Your insurance investigation isn’t about this, is it…” Eiki smiles. Toko says “You’ve heard various things, you should know…when Ikenaga died, I was in
At the restaurant in Kanazawa, on the veranda (hiên) in the late afternoon, Hisamatsu says to Toko “I’ll make you happy…although we’ve taken the long route (chuyến đi) (to get here), we won’t be apart any more…I…if I were you Toko, I would also give up my life…if my life can be put into my hands like this…will you accept it? Toko…I love you, let’s be happy together…”
Back in the present Eiki says “The 20 million yen that was paid when the contract was signed was immediately returned to Hisamatsu when he cancelled it.” Toko answers “That’s sitting in my bank account…20million yen in exchange for a life of my fiance, is that what you want to say?” “There’s even a mother that attempted to kill her own daughter for 3 million yen, saw it in the newspaper didn’t you…” Toko smiles “Investigating a cancellation of an insurance policy, first I’ve heard of that…” Eiki adds “You seem to know the insurance system really well…the death of the fiance who cancelled the contract, can’t help but be bothered about it…” “&? His death & Ikenaga’s death…how are they related?” Toko coolly looks at him & Eiki answers “Have you ever seen an iceberg?” He gets up & walks around the table “An iceberg…you can see them during February, March in
Right then Ide greets someone “Welcome…” & Toko turns to look. Seeing Sakota Shogo standing there looking at her, Toko is shocked to see him & has a flashback to when Hisamatsu proposed to her. As he slides the ring onto her finger, Shogo appears at the restaurant. Hisamatsu says “Yo, perfect timing (sự tính tóan thời gian)…Shogo, congratulate us, Toko’s given me her answer to my proposal, we’re getting married! Come let’s have a toast!” As Hisamatsu looks for a bottle of wine, Shogo gives Toko an uncomfortable smile “Congratulations, Toko…” & looks at Hisamatsu…
Hisamatsu’s cruiser, the Virashisu, is lifted out of the water, a red piece of cloth is caught entangled ( vướng vào) in one of the propellers. As it is brought into the marina (bến) , the police & media surround the place. Toko & Shogo arrive on the scene & run up to a policeman who says “You’re Hisamatsu’s fiancee aren’t you…I heard you were living in
Back in the present at the Ice Storm, Toko in a surprised, asks Shono “Why are you here?” Eiki looks at Shogo who looks back. As Toko looks at Shono, Shono looks at Eiki, Eiki looks at Toko…the three of them staring at each other in silence…
Late at night as the train rumbles (ầm ầm) over the bridge, Ujou Takeshi is at the scene of Ikenaga’s death by the river bank. With a flashlight as he looks around, he says to himself “Ikenaga Sonoe, age 27, going back home riding a bicycle…on that night, the curtain (búc màn) would close on her life, she would not have unimagined it…”
Back in the bar, with the three of them still looking at each other, Eiki’s voiceover comes on “So like this, around Egi Toko, three men appeared…an overly (quá mức) dangerous woman that men will risk their lives to love…”
The bar scene fades to the opening sequence of Eiki in the ocean, blood streaming out of his body, his voiceover continues “This me…completely surrendered to her…this insignificant (vô nghĩa) life of mine………”
Episode 2
Sitting alone at the table, Eiki sees the reflection of Shogo & Toko sitting at the bar. Shogo asks Toko “Who’s he?” Toko replies “Insurance company…a colleague at school died in an accident, investigating about that…” Shogo looks over his shoulder at Eiki. Toko asks “& you’re here…for work?” Shogo replies “Yes, I heard from Hisamatsu about this place, wondered if you’d be here or not so came by to look…” Toko says half to herself “Drink every night…” Shogo asks “Everything’s calmed down?” Toko nods. Shogo continues “At the funeral, didn’t say too much…” Toko tells him “Thanks for helping me…” “To Hisamatsu, when you accepted his proposal, that was his happiest moment…”
Toko has a flashback to when Hisamatsu’s boat being brought into the mirror & the policeman saying “Because he was entangled in the propeller, the injuries were really serious…so…” Toko replies “It’s alright, let me see…” The policeman says “Alright…” & Shogo, standing behind her looks at Toko. Toko walks forward next to a bloodied sheet on the ground. As the sheet flies up, Shono, standing off to the side behind her, grimaces & looks away at the sight. Toko continues staring without looking away & says “There’s no mistake…”
Back in the present Shogo says “It was the time when you wore the engagement ring…Hisamatsu & I had a drink together…” Toko says “Things about me during college days, gossiping (ngồi lê đôi mách) & drinking at the same right…” Shogo smiles “Although you always needed company, you were a really overbearing (hống hách) …just playing around with us…” Toko doesn’t reply, just a hint of a smile on her face. Shogo continues “Hisamatsu wholeheartedly said…”
Shogo has a flashback to the Hisamatsu’s restaurant, the both of them talking. Hisamatsu with a glass of wine in his hand says “I think it’s fate (số mệnh) …5 years ago after we parted, suddenly bumped into her in Tokyo…she was really tired…these 5 years since then, whether love or work, a lot of things have happened…” Looking to Shogo sitting at a table, Hisamatsu says “Hey, you also know it well, Toko during college days…she hated it when guys would say she was their woman…” Shogo thinks & then nods with a laugh. Hisamatsu goes “Right? That characteristic (riêng biệt) of hers, after 5 years hasn’t changed one bit…if you don’t want to become my ‘thing’ (something that belongs to me), then I will be come yours…I embarrassingly (một cách lúng túng) said that…” Hisamatsu laughs. He continues “I’ve given Toko everything…” Shogo repeats in surprise “Everything?” Hisamatsu sits down across the table from Shogo & points to his heart “Here…” Shogo looks at him, not quite comprehending (hiểu rõ) . Hisamatsu says with a sigh of resignation (sự từ chức) “My life…life……I got an insurance policy with Toko as the beneficiary…I haven’t told her yet but…having done that sort of thing, you think she’d be happy? She’ll probably get angry…” Hisamatsu laughs & drinks his wine……
Back in the present, Shogo says to Toko “Afterwards (sau này) he must have told you, that he got the insurance…” Toko tells him “Whether I was really his fiancee, he got the insurance for me, photographs of the engagement ring, the wedding invitations, showed me everything, like he wanted me to be at ease (sự ràng buộc)…” Shogo asks “Have you got the insurance money already?” Toko coolly replies “I got him to cancel it…” Shogo looks at her surprised “Cancelled?” Ide Satomi casts (ném) a glance (liếc) at the both of them. Toko replies “If he didn’t cancel this kind of insurance policy, I told him that the wedding was off…” Eiki at the table, listening at the table, shock on his face. Shogo asks “Then even after Hisamatsu died…” Toko answers, taking a sip of her drink “I didn’t get a single yen…” Shogo nods, Toko remains unruffled (trầm tĩnh) , Eiki struggles ( vật lộn) to digest (tóm tắt) this new information…
Back at the office, Eiki reports to his boss Hirase. Hirase asks “Is it completed?” Eiki replies “If there was more time, could do a further (xa hơn nữa) investigation but…” Hirase looks thru the photographs that Eiki has taken “After the rain, road late at night, braked (hãm phanh) but slipped & fell…like that isn’t it…gokurosama…go work on the next case…” Eiki returns to his desk & sitting down, ponders (suy nghĩ) over Egi Toko. From the numerous (nhiều) photographs of Toko on his desk, he takes one & holds it up. Staring at it, he flashbacks to when he took those photographs of her, seeing her turning back & smiling…
In his apartment on a whiteboard, Eiki has written information his has obtained about Toko on it. Pointing to a picture of Ikenaga Sonoe stuck on the board, he says to Shono “Ikenaga Sonoe as a teacher was a cheerful & enthusiastic type, volunteer to be teacher in charge(nhiệm vụ), getting involved among the students…exactly like a female version of Kinpachi Sensei…” Eiki walks out to the veranda with Shono following “If there are students who didn’t like her…on the way home at night…had an argument & then without thinking…” Shono pushes her hands out as if pushing someone “paa!!…like that?” Eiki, sitting at the table, tilts (nghiêng) his head & then says “The Egi Toko that neither flatters (tự hào) students nor colleagues, a teacher that’s always cool & doing things as she pleases…yet among the students is equally (ngang nhau) popular as Ikenaga Sonoe was…” “What’s Egi Toko’s alibi (chứng cớ vắng mặt) ?” “She was attending her fiance’s funeral in
At the Eiwa girls school, Ujou says to the lady at the office “Turn right at the end?” “Yes…” “Thank you very much…” “Gokurousama desu…” Ujou walks down the corridor & turns right…in the Earth Science room, Eigi Toko is pounding (nện)away at a piece of rock with a hammer. Ujou knocks on the door & Egi answers “Come in…” Ujou enters to see Toko hunched (linh cảm) over her work at a table by the window. He says “You’re Egi sensei, aren’t you…” Toko straightens (đứng thẳng) , & then turns around to see Ujou entering & closing the door behind him. Ujou walks up to her, taking out his card “I’m Ujou from the Machida South Police…” putting the card on the table. Toko asks “What is this about?” Not answering her question, Ujou looks around “Brings back memories…minerals (khóang) partially destroyed by fire turned into activated carbon…” Turning back to look at her he says “I still remember…at the common first-stage science course, I chose Earth Sciences…you too?” Toko stares at him in silence, then replies “I have a class to take, excuse me…” Ujou walks up to her “Studies about the planet…how attracted to it are you?” Toko doesn’t reply, merely (đơn thuần) stares at Ujou who takes his card from the table, folds (gấp) one of the corner edges & puts it back down. He says “This is about the death of Ikenaga Sonoe & the suspicions of an insider within the school…” Toko asks “This is 2 person investigation?” Ujou nods “Yes, of course…” “In that case I refuse…” Ujou stares at her & then without a word, walks out, leaving Toko looking! at his card on the table……
As Toko sits out in the school courtyard (sân nhỏ) having a break, Ujou walks up to her “When Ikenaga died, it appears that you were in
In class Toko walks around as a student reads aloud “When magma (chất mác ma) cools & hardens (cứng) into rock, it is called Igneous rock( đá lửa) . Magma does not erupt (nổ) , in a place deep underground it slowly cools, completely becoming minerals. After that…” Toko looks outside the window & spots Ujou still hanging around the school premises. She stares intently at him……
Afterwards in the principal’s office, Takagi asks Toko “Why the change of heart?” Toko says “Let me do it, the special overtime work…” “For the sake of money? Or taking revenge (sự trả thù) for Ikenaga?” “Neither…to drive away annoying flies…” Takagi doesn’t understand & goes “Flies?” Toko doesn’t reply…
Toko pays her respects (sự viếng thăm) at Ikenaga Sonoe’s home. Sonoe’s mother says “Thank you…” Toko says “I too had something unlucky happen so I couldn’t attend the funeral, my apologies…” “No, thank you for all your kind assistance (sự giúp đỡ) …actually, I wanted to ask you something…at school, did Sonoe have any pressing problems? She worked at Eiwa girls school for nearly 3 years…even when she came home occasionally, she never smiled…” Sonoe’s mother has a flashback to a time when Sonoe comes home. Tiredly Sonoe says “I’m home…” Her mother greets her “Welcome back…can relax this weekend, dad’s also look forward to it…” Sonoe doesn’t answer, just despondently (chán nản) walks up the stares ignoring her mother’s question “How’s school?”
Back in the present Sonoe’s mother asks Toko “Sonoe in school, was she always like that too?”Toko reples “No, Ikenaga sensei always had a smile on her face…she was very popular with the students…” “But…the Sonoe that we knew, that’s like a totally different person…was Sonoe seeing anyone?” “I don’t know…” “More than 3 years ago, she said there was someone that she wanted to introduce to us…it was a surprise to us but after that…even at the funeral, no one like that showed up…” Toko turns & stares at Sonoe’s photograph on the altar (án thờ)…
At an amusement (khu vui chơi) center, 3 girls are playing the UFO Catcher, trying to get soft toys “No, it won’t work…” They suddenly see Toko’s reflection in the glass & turn around muttering “Oh shit (rác rưởi)…” Toko says “I thought you’d be here…” The girls answer back “Our school even have people watching us around town? What a bother!” Toko says “I need to speak with you…” “We haven’t been drinking or smoking…” Toko says “I want to ask about Ikenaga sensei…” “We already went to the funeral, properly burnt incense (thắp nhang) for her too…” Toko says “Last month, after class Ikenaga sensei detained (ngăn cản) you, didn’t she…spent more than 2 hours in the classroom too…what did you talk with sensei about?” One of the girls answer “You know about that then you should know! The 3 of us are not engaging (hứa hôn) in enko (enjo kosai – in a sexual relationship with much older men in exchange for money)…someone’s out to get us…in the end I was the only one called up by Ikenaga sensei…really angry…” Toko says “A student along the corridor said she saw…sensei was crying…” “I didn’t do that…” Toko asks “What did you do to her?” “What’s the meaning of that? Ah, you’re saying that I was the one that push Ikenaga sensei into the river?” Toko says “Tell me, what happened that day…” “That teacher, halfway thru her lecturing she started crying…rather unstable (không ổn định)…”
The girl has a flashback to the day Ikenaga detained her in class. Ikenaga says “Once you discover the warmth of that person’s body, when it’s time to break up it’s really painful…so painful that it’s unbearable (không thể chịu nổi)…but if you’re not sure if it’s really love, I don’t want you to do this for the sake of money…” “That’s why I said we’re not engaging in enko!” “OK, I understand…this is merely a warning…” “Did you have a painful relationship that didn’t work out?” “Yeah well…” “Eh? When?” “About 3 years ago…” “The cause was…he was taken away by another woman or something?” Ikenaga laughs “It’s a common enough story…” but it looks like it’s a sore (d0au đớn) spot (dấu vết). The girl says “If that’s the case, then take revenge!” In a strange tone, tears in her eyes, Ikenaga says “Even without you saying so I will…” “Eh?” All of a sudden Ikenaga starts crying & the girl is taken aback “Sensei? Wait a minute, what’s wrong sensei? Sensei!”
Back in the present, the girl tells Toko “3 years ago, her boyfriend being taken away…looks like she was really hurt…” Toko thinks & says “That woman…revenge…” “That’s what she said…”
Eiki comes back into the office & seeing a flashing icon on the monitor, clicks it with the mouse. As the icon flashes “You’ve got mail”, his colleague Anzai comes by with a report “The payment on Ikenaga Sonoe’s policy has been made, this is your copy of the confirmation( sự xác nhận) ..” When Eiki merely stares at the screen without answering, Anzai asks “What’s wrong?” Eiki answers “Connections I guessed were right…the past few years in various insurance contracts, the name of Egi Toko has been recorded…in my ex-company there was ‘reaction’ (sự phản ứng) …a policy 3 years ago at Kujo Insurance…”
In a discussion with his boss Hirase & Anzai, Eiki says “1996 October, a local psychiatrist (bác sĩ tâm thần) died of an overdose of medication…although it was classified (chính thức coi là) as suicide, a year after Shibata Yoshinori signed the contract, the beneficiary should have been paid the insurance money…the name of the beneficiary is Egi Toko…since they were engaged at the time, Kujo Insurance approved (xác nhận) the policy. But then even when Shibata Yoshinori died, Eigi Toko could not get a single yen…why because a few days before his suicide, he cancelled the contract…” Hirase asks “Wait a minute…you mean the contract was cancelled before he died?” Eiki answers “That’s right…” Hirase asks “The beneficiary, she of course also knew about the cancellation?” Eiki answers “She probably knew…” “So it isn’t because that he committed suicide but rather that the contract was cancelled, that the insurance money wasn’t paid out.” Eiki answers “That’s correct…” Hirase asks “Then what’s the problem?” Eiki stresses “The same thing has just happened recently! Egi Toko’s fiance who died in a boating accident Hisamatsu Koichi cancelled his contract 3 days before his death & the insurance money wasn’t paid out. Is this merely coincidence?” Anzai gets up to holding Eiki back “Hey, calm down!” pulling Eiki down onto a chair. Eiki goes “What?!” Anzai replies “If 3 years ago Egi Toko got the insurance money & then suspected her of the same thing now, that’s understandable but……” Hirase adds “Deaths of 2 fiances, both of them canceling their contracts & unable to get the insurance money, she’s just an unfortunate woman…” Eiki getting up says “What s! ort of woman she is, let me investigate…” Hirase tells him “No way! It’s a question of personal rights!” Eiki rather worked up says “The case 3 years ago & Hisamatsu…Eigi Toko’s fiances dying” are related, I’m certain of it…could be something about canceling contracts & finding a new way of committing a crime…maybe there’s a connection to Ikenaga’s case too…” Hirase finally says “Hirokawa, take a break for a while” Anzai adds “That’s better too, you’ve got a lot of vacation don’t you…” Hirasae declares (tuyên bố) “Ikenaga’s case is over & the insurance money’s been paid…forget everything…” Eiki replies “I understand…I won’t ever discuss this again…” & walks out in a huff (tức giận) . Hirase says in exasperation (sự cáu tiết) “Hirokawa…”
At the Ice Storm, Toko writes on a note pad “Ikenaga Sonoe……A break up 3 years ago…” To Ide she says “Satomi, you were taught English by Ikenaga sensei weren’t you?” Ide answers “Exactly a year ago…” “What sort of teacher was she” “I wasn’t one to attend school too much…” As Toko write “Man who left her…” the other bartender greets someone “Welcome” Ide says “Here again…” Toko looks up to see Eiki walking towards her. Staring as he walks towards her, Toko coolly stares back & then turns away, ignoring him. Eiki says to the bartender “Same as usual” Ide mutters “Trying to act cool…” Eiki sits at the bar, looking at Toko writing, the Ide breaking up ice with the ice pick. Toko writes “To the other woman…” Eiki wonders what Toko’s writing, Ide breaks up the ice with intensity & Toko writes “Revenge” Suddenly Ide says “Somehow, Ikenaga sensei was like, she was forcing (bắt buộc) herself…” Toko asks “Forcing herself?” Ide leans (nghiêng người) over the bar counter & says “Forcing herself to become a teacher that understood students…that’s to say she was killing her real self…” Eiki listens in silence, Toko thinks & Ide continues breaking up ice. Toko ends up writing the words “Double personality”
At the Machida Police Station, as Ujou walks into the office, Shono, greets him “Good morning…” but Ujo ignores her going to his desk. Someone says “I’m off” & Shono goes “Uhm…” Just then Detective Kanbara says to Ujou “The chief is looking for you…” Without a word, Ujou strides (bước dài) out. Detective Yukawa says “That Ikenaga case, seems like he’s been investigating on his own…” Shono eavesdrop (nghe trộm) as Kanbara says with disdain (sự khinh thị) “Give him a toy, let him play outside so one can do the housework in peace…” Yukai laughs “That’s true…”
Walking into the chief’s office Ujou says “You called…” & then stops when he sees who’s in the room, his father in law & his estranged (làm cho ghẻ lạnh) wife Masako. Ujou says to Masako “What’s the meaning of this?” His father in law says “Masako, there’s no need to be afraid, take it out…” Masako from an envelope, takes out an application (mẫu đơn in sẵn) form, putting it on the table…divorce papers. Her father says “The lawyer says you never showed up at the appointed time…” Matsuura says “It’s about time you think about your wife’s feelings, how about it?” His father in law arrogantly says “The next personnel reshuffle (sự cải tổ) , I’ll guarantee you’ll get the position you desire…” Ujou takes up the divorce papers “The next post is on the condition that I sign & stamp this, is that it?” “Let Masako have her freedom!” “She’s got enough freedom now!” Masako shakes her head, not saying anything. Ujou takes a deep breath & puts the papers back down on the table “I understand what you’re saying…I refuse…” walking out. Matsuura says “Ujou!” Ujou stops & turns around saying to his father in law “Even if I don’t depend on your power, I’ll get to the post I desire my by own strengths…” “The you right now, what can you do?” Ujou tells him “The case that isn’t solved now, I’ll investigate on my own. When I solve it that will be 100% by my own ability…a branch chief detective, by himself overturning the Headquarters’ judgment (of the case). Whoever hears it will say that the Investigation Department at the Headquarters will need this man Ujou! I’ll definitely show this t! o you!” “”What’s wrong with this guy?” Matsuura explains “We received some anonymous information & it’s apparently fired him up…” “Upright (chính trực) huh…” His father in law says derisively (chế nhạo) . Ujou reaches out to take Masako’s arm “Masako, let’s go outside…” but Masako pulls away & her father grabs Ujou “Don’t ever come near my daughter again!” Ujou looks at him & then at Masako “Listen Masako, once this case is solved, I’ll come get you…” Ujou turns & walks out, slamming (đóng sầm) the door behind him, leaving a trembling (run rẩy) Masako behind…
Eiki rides his motorbike & stops at a building, looking up at it. It’s the hospital where Shibata used to work. Inside, speaking to the director of the hospital, the director says “No matter what investigation it is, this affects (làm ảnh hưởng đến) Shibata’s reputation (thanh danh). However he lived his private life, I will not talk about it…” Eiki undeterred (không nao núng) asks instead “Do you know of this woman Egi Toko?” The director replies “Anything with regards to patients are confidential…” Eiki’s surprised “Patient? Egi Toko was a patient here?” The director realizes he’s let slipped information & tells Eiki “In any case, please leave…” & walks away. A nurse looks at the director & then at Eiki who sees her nametag, Kubo Yukie…
After work as Kubo leaves the hospital, Eiki approaches her “Kubo-san, I won’t take much of your time. Whatever you say to, I won’t tell anyone. Whatever happened between Egi Toko & Shibata sensei, I’d like you to tell me…” Kubo finally stops walking & smiles “It’ll be expensive…” Eiki smiles…
As they walk on, Eiki asks “When did Egi Toko come to this hospital for treatment?” Kubo answers “The year before Shibata’s death, I think it was the rainy season…” “That’s to say…Egi Toko becoming Shibata’s beneficiary for his life insurance would be about 2 months after first meeting…” “Eh? They became close that quickly, I didn’t know anything at all…” “Uhm…what illness did she have?” “Severe (chia rẽ) depression…” “What sort of symptoms?” “Depressed, feeling weak, no interest in doing anything, no interest in living, even dying would be a bother…had those symptoms continuously for 2 weeks…” “What was the cause?” “Everyone’s different but in Egi Toko’s case, she was in shock from a break up…” Eiki is surprised & finally says “So that’s to say, before getting into a serious relationship with Shibata, she was seeing someone else…” “That’s obvious (rõ ràng), she’s such a beauty…the pain of a break up, healed by falling in love with Shibata sensei…maybe it’s that…” Kubo walks off & Eiki ponders (suy nghĩ) to himself “Man & a man…before that was also another man…”
Later on in bed with Shono, Eiki says “Have you heard of Positive Metastasis (sự di căn)?” “What’s that?” “Seems like it’s one of the cures of severe depression…letting the patient do what he likes, letting the patient’s wishes & fancies a place to take flight…then the patient & doctor will fall in love…when the patient sees that he can stand up on his own again, the doctor has to coldly leave…” Shono asks “Can that be done so easily?” “Because of this a lot of trouble has arisen (trỗi dậy)…to both doctor & patient it’s a weapon, one can say it’s a form of treatment…between Shibata & Egi Toko could have been this kind of relationship…” “Egi Toko’s story again…” “Shibata couldn’t stop his relationship with Egi Toko, even became her fiance…& then, his own life…” Shono says “Look over here…” “Hm?” answers Eiki, turning over to look at her. Shono says “Look at me…” Eiki replies “I’m looking…” Shono looks into his eyes “You’re not seeing me…” “I am” replies Eiki & they kiss…
At the Ice Storm, someone drinks at the bar as Egi Toko walks in. Ide says “Sensei, there’s someone waiting for you…” Shogo turns around “Hi!” Toko smiles & says “You’ve been here all this while?” Shogo replies “Actually I’ve come out to
When Shogo arrives back at his apartment, he finds his sister Nanami sitting on the stairs waiting for him “Nanami! What are you doing here?” “I’ve come here too…” “You…” Shogo is speechless (lặng thinh). Later on coming back from the public baths, Shogo asks “What did you tell Dad about coming here?” “To look after you…” “What about university?” Nanami assures (quả quyết) her brother “I’ve been attending all the lectures properly so even if I take some time off it’ll be alright…” Shogo whacks (đánh mạnh) her with his towel (khăn lau) “Go back tomorrow!” “No! I’ve already decided to work part time at that convenience (tiện lợi) store nearby…” Shogo walks on, giving up. Nanami says “Aniki!” “Huh?” Nanami asks “Although you like her, you’re suspicious of her…that’s it isn’t it…” “What are you saying…“ “You being suspicious of Toko having something to do with Hisamatsu (his death)…it’s cause you love her don’t you…” Shogo stops in his tracks (đường) & Nanami continues “Why didn’t you go after Toko earlier?! It’s too late! Too late! If you were together with Toko, Hisamatsu might not have died…” Shogo asks “What’s that suppose (cho rằng) to mean?” Nanami replies “Nothing…” turning to go back to the apartment, Shogo watching her……
At a café, Eiki meets up with a colleague from his former company. The guy says “Because of you, you’ve stirred up(khuất động) the investigations in our company…in truth I shouldn’t be helping you…” Eiki smiles “My apologies…” “Just kidding (đùa) …to prevent (ngăn ngừa) insurance crimes, we should have more of this sort of relationship…” Eiki asks “So? What information did you find?” “After you requested, I checked up related sources & learnt something, data source is from Shinwa Life…” Eiki asks “Egi Toko’s name appeared?” Right then someone arrives “Yo!” “Hi! Sorry to keep you waiting…” & then to Eiki “I think it’s better if that person explains…”
The man, Ono, hands Eiki his business card “Actually we can’t reveal (để lộ) information to other companies but since the contracts been cancelled, & the person who signed the contract is also dead…” Eiki says “Dead? That person died too after he cancelled the contract?” “Yes, 5 years ago…” answers Ono, bring out some documents. The man was called Hiyama Toyohiko, a photojournalist…” “He died in
Eiki in a book store, flips (búng tay. Chuyến đi ngắn) thru a book of Hiyama’s photos. They are all pictures of the conflict (sự xung đột) in
At the principal’s office, Takagi says “Then, three years ago the man Ikenaga broke up with is?” Toko answers “No one knows…” “Does that person she broke up with have anything to do with this case?” “Let’s stop here…how about it?” “If it’s someone outside the school, we can breathe easy…since then the police hasn’t come investigating…the murderer being someone within the school, that anonymous letter…that must have simply have been a prank (trò chơi khăm)…thanks for your help, forget about this case already…” Egi Toko doesn’t reply, the expression on her face coldly unreadable…
Back in her geology lab, Toko sits at the table by the window, looking down at a notepad on the desk. The rays (tia) of the setting sun streams thru the windows, giving the room an orange tinge (nhuốm màu). There’s a knock on the door & she answers “Yes…” Turning around she looks towards the door “Who?” When there’s no reply she asks again “Who is it?” The door opens & Eiki enters. Looking at Toko, Eiki squints (liếc mắt) , the light from the window behind Toko turning her into a dark silhouette (bóng) from where he stands. Toko asks “Did you get permission from the office?” “No, I came here directly…” “You’re trespassing (kẻ xâm phạm)…this is a girls school…other than male teachers, all other men are prohibited.(ngăn cấm)..” “I’ll be quick…” “The Ikenaga investigation is over isn’t it…” “Yes, uneventfully (yên ổn)…” “If it’s regarding my fiance, I won’t become your object of investigation…” “That’s obvious…” “Then what else is there?” “What about a story of a certain woman?” Toko doesn’t answer & Eiki continues “5 years ago, that woman graduated from university & became a young teacher…she had a lover…he was a photographer who went to battlefields…how she met the photographer, I don’t know…in any case, the both of them fell in love…the photographer signed a life insurance contract for her sake. Made a payment of 5million yen on signing the contract, upon his death she could get 80 million yen. But even the fact that he died on the battlefield, that woman couldn’t get the insurance money…why?…cause before he left for the battlefield, he cancelled the insura! nce contract…” Toko is silent all this while, unfazed (không bối rối). Eiki continues “She was not only emotionally disturbed (lo âu) losing her love but suffered (bị đau đớn) depression from losing that person…the person that healed this woman’s heart was a psychiatrist. Using a treatment called Positive Metastasis he developed relationship between them…that psychiatrist also bought a life insurance policy & made her the beneficiary. A few days before committing suicide, the contract was cancelled.”
Toko sits without saying a word, barely any reaction from her. Eiki continues without a pause “The death of a young businessman on the Sea of Japan also likewise (cũng vậy), 3 days before his death cancelled the contract…everytime it appears that she keeps on losing something, appears that she doesn’t gain a single thing…that sort of a woman, it’s generally said like this…a woman who can’t keep men (have relationships that last), a woman that is unlucky when it comes to men…an unlucky woman that causes her lovers to die one after another…” Toko doesn’t appear the least affected (xúc động) by anything Eiki’s said so far. Eiki finally says “Men all want to save this woman’s pain with their own hands, that’s why they give up everything…they also gave up their lives in exchange for money…from the looks of it, she’s a pitiful (thương hại) woman that desires man to come save her…”
Eiki stares at the Toko’s silhoutte as she finally says in a quiet tone “It it’s that woman I know her very well…” “You probably do…” replies Eiki. Toko asks “Now, you see for yourself…that woman what can you see?” With the light shining brightly behind her, all Eiki can see is her silhouette, her face in darkness. Eiki replies with a smile “I’m sorry, I can’t see too clearly…what kind of face I wonder…” Toko gets up, shuts the blinds & turns on the lamp on the desk. Toko looks at Eiki “If it’s like this, you can see clearly can’t you…” Eiki stares at her without replying. With strength Toko says “This is as you say…the pitiful woman…if you can see the pain in her heart, if you can see a woman that desires men to save her…” Eiki stares at her, as if unable to say anything. Toko continues “Tell me…who’s next?” Eiki finally says “Next?” Toko says with a hint of a cold smile on her face “…who will fall in love with me…the next man…” Eiki can only stare, unable to answer, looking at Toko…..a smile on her face…..
Episode 3
“Five years ago Hiyama died in
As Eiki leaves, from the school grounds he looks up at Toko’s room. The sunlight reflecting from the window blinds him. Up in the room Toko continues breaking up rocks with the hammer…
At his apartment, Eiki & Shono discuss about Egi Toko. Eiki, dropping (giục ) some photos of Toko on the table says “A woman related to the death of 3 men & insurance. Although the contracts were cancelled & she couldn’t get a single yen, all the men paid up a great amount of money up front…& after the death of the insured (người được bảo hiểm) the money would be returned to the relative but somehow by some way, it’s possible that Egi Toko manages to get it…Hiyama 5 million yen, Shibata 5 million yen, & then Hisamatsu 20 million yen, altogether 30 million yen…” Shono says “Within 5 years, 3 men dying…it’s strange…only 30 million yen…” Eiki looking at a map says “She lives at Takanodai – 1 chome
At the Eiwa girls school in his office, the principal Takagi takes out a letter from his desk “This is Ikenaga’s letter, full of enthusiasm about transferring to Eiga Jogakkan…” Sitting down in front of Toko, he continues “It wasn’t because she was tired of her former school but rather she wanted to live teaching the students here…you’re still investigating her case, aren’t you…” Toko takes the letter & opens it not replying. Takagi advises her “Already said to forget about it…” Reading the letter, Toko asks “Why did she insist (nhất định) on coming to teach here?” “Talking about it, she called on us suddenly…came with many reasons regarding her desire for a transfer…” Takagi remembers Ikenaga coming into his office “Extra-curricular (bản lí lịch) activities are getting popular, students are also full of life, develop their abilities together with teachers…have been attracted by that sort of freedom & happiness, that’s why I wanted to come work here…” “Hearing that I’m really pleased but as our method of education isn’t really that active, where did you hear this? I’d like you to tell me frankly (thành thật) …” “From the daughter of an acquaintance (người quen) who graduated here…heard various things about the reputation of this school…” Back in the present, Takagi tells Toko “I was taken by her enthusiasm & agreed to let her work here. Someone else who would know more about her would be the one of our teachers here who was in the same university as she was.” Toko asks “Who is it?”
Outside in the school grounds playing basketball with the students, the Physical Education teacher Togawa Shigeki tells Toko “Frankly speaking, we had a couple of dates while we were in college but studies was were top priority.” Toko asks “After she transferred here, what happened?” “I really liked her but she took no notice of me, on the contrary she would talk to me about her love relationship instead…after hearing about it, felt a little painful…” Togawa remembers having a meal with Ikenaga asking her “&? What happened to the guy you broke up with? Did he get married to that woman?” Ikenaga shakes her, not replying. Togawa advises “Then, forgive him…” Ikenaga replies “I’ll forgive him…if she’s as unfortunate as I am…” “Don’t get so gloomy (u sầu)…”
Back in the present Togawa continues “Altho she bore (quấy rầy) a grudge (mối hận thù) to the woman who took her boyfriend away, I don’t think she’d take revenge or anything…I wanted to help her out in some way but just couldn’t take it anymore…” Toko listens, not saying a word. Togawa asks “But why are you…didn’t she merely die in an accident?” Toko replies “I’m just a little curious about her, sorry to have bothered you…” Toko turns around & as she walks away she says to herself “If she’s as unfortunate as you were, then you could’ve forgiven her…”
At his office Eiki asks his boss “Can I take a day off?” “Haven’t you rested enough? Forget about that woman already…” “Just a day will be fine…” “One day?” “I want to do some investigating in Eigi Toko’s hometown…I won’t bring cause any trouble for the company…” “Still on that again? Ikenaga’s case is already over!” Eiki’s persistent (khăng khăng) “Hisamatsu’s insurance contract is related to our company in
In the police station, Ujou opens a cabinet & looks inside at various items in plastic bags. He takes one, out, a tape recorder belonging to Ikenaga Sonoe that was found in her hand when she died. Wearing white gloves, he takes out Ikenaga’s wallet. Opening it he sees some money & receipts in it. Taking out the receipts he looks at them. One of the receipts catches his attention “
In his boss’ office he says to Matsuura “Why one week before Ikenaga’s death, was she in Egi Toko’s hometown? It’s related somehow…in any case, I’m going there to investigate…” “Alright…” Ujou turns to leave but Matsuura says “How about thinking about it before leaving? Going on like this is really hard on your wife…” Ujou turns to look at Matsuura who continues “So involved in a case that no one bother’s, you ought to be content (bằng lòng), but don’t drag your wife into it as well…” Ujou replies “I’ll think about it carefully…” Matsuura pats him on the shoulder “That’s good…” Ujou continues “…about Ikenaga Sonoe & Egi Toko…their connection in
At her shop Masako lights a candle & explains to a customer “There’s the scent of Cedar & Sandalwood in this…” Ujou in a taxi, looks at Masako. Unaware (không hay biết) of Ujou, Masako continues “Can really relax…when it’s lit (light), the scent will fill the whole room…” Suddenly Masako notices Ujou watching her & she remembers being in the police station when Ujou tries to take her hand saying “Masako, let’s talk outside…” Her father grabs Ujou’s arm warning him “Don’t ever come near my daughter again…” Ujou tells her “As soon as the case is solved, I’ll come get you…” Back in the present, Ujou gets out of the taxi & Masako hands the candle to a colleague “Could you explain about this…” Masako goes outside to Ujou “What’s going on?” “Don’t think that I’m threatening you, could you please remember that? When I get back I’ll get in touch with you…” “You’re going on a business trip?” “Yes, going to
At a ticket counter, an attendant (người phục vụ) gives Toko a ticket “Sorry to keep you waiting, this is the ticket to
In
Eiki goes to the
At Hisamatsu’s restaurant, Ujou goes looking around. He asks a worker “Excuse me, today the restaurant is closed?” “It’s a regular day off…after the buriel (lễ mai táng) (laying ashes to rest), everyone will gather here…the restaurant will be open then…” Ujou asks “Ashes?” “Yes, the owner here who died last month…” Ujou recalls Toko telling him at the school courtyard “A close friend died, there was a funeral…that’s really surprising, going over there for over a week…” Back in the present, Ujou asks “Do you know where the owner’s family is?”
Eiki goes by
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At Hisamatsu’s home, Toko visits his mother. She says to Toko “From his desk, found these…the life insurance policy & documents when it was cancelled…” Putting them in front of Toko on the table she continues “When he signed the contract, appears he used all his life savings…” Toko replies “For the sake of our married lives, he wanted to use his savings to buy an insurance policy…” Toko remembers when Hisamatsu shows her the insurance document for the first time. Hisamatsu tells her “If I die, you’ll get 100 million yen. It was the savings for our married lives (living expenses (phí tổn)).” Toko replies “Savings…why a life insurance contract?” Hisamatsu explains “Wanted to you to have my life, I love you that much…” Toko doesn’t reply, merely stares at Hisamatsu who says “Hey, don’t look at me with such a scary look…” Toko goes to the veranda & looks out. Hisamatsu tells her “Proof of my love…won’t you think of it that way? It’s alright isn’t it, Toko…”
Back in the present, Toko tells Hisamatsu’s mother “I asked him to cancel the insurance policy…holding on to his life like that, I thought it was to heavy….” His mother says “Actually, at the funeral I didn’t mention it but something about him was bothering me…in the beginning when you agreed to his proposal, he was in seventh heaven…but not long after, he looked very unhappy. She remembers asking Hisamatsu “Have you already made arrangements where to hold the wedding ceremony?” Hisamatsu replies in a weary (mệt mỏi) tone “Uhm…” “I’d like to see the dress fittings…you’ve told Toko this haven’t you…” “Yes…” Hisamatsu’s cell phone rings & he answers it “Yes…right, I know…however I will meet you for sure, regarding the insurance, I have a lot of things I’d like to ask…”
Back in the present, Hisamatsu’s mother continues “Seems to be someone from the insurance company…after that, no matter what he did he seemed inattentive (không lưu tâm)…I wondered if things weren’t going smoothly between the both of you, became worried…” Toko says “Only time we fought was when I asked him to cancel the insurance contract…during our college days, we didn’t get along well so we broke up…but this Spring, when we met by chance again, he had become a really impressive (gây xúc động) man…these past 5 years, a lot of things have happened to me however I thought he could accept my everything…but I may have been too naïve (ngây thơ) …” Looking over at Hisamatsu’s altar, Toko continues “I felt like I could have loved him more & more…had the confidence that we’d be happy…” “Hearing you say that, he’ll be happy…” After a pause Toko continues “But, I can’t love any one else anymore…” “But you’re still young…” “No, no one, ever again…”
Ujou arrives in a taxi at the Hisamatsu house to see Toko getting into a car. He says to the driver “Follow that car…”
At the cemetery (nghĩa trang) family members & friends including Shogo, Nanami & Toko go thru Hisamatsu’s burial. After paying her respects, Toko looks up & sees Ujou watching her from a distance. Turning away, she sees Eiki also watching her. Ujou turns & realizes Eiki is also there at the cemetery. Eiki returns the glare (ánh sáng) , unperturbed (không lo sợ) . Shogo sees Toko staring & looks to see who she’s looking at. Toko turns away without a word & Nanami asks her brother ‘What’s wrong?” When he doesn’t answer she turns to see both Ujou & Eiki looking back at them…
At the restaurant a kid with his parents are sitting at the next table. The lady says to a waiter “Excuse me, drink’s spilt (đổ)…” “It’s alright, want the same juice?” The little boy answers “Yes…” All this time, Hisamatsu’s mother watches the little boy. A man comes by & asks the boy “Alright?” & then to Shogo “Sakoto, thank you for looking after Hisamatsu…” Shogo stares at Toko & remembers Toko telling him at the bar all upset “Then what’s the motive?! What do I get from his death?! I’m empty! There’s nothing! No reason for living!! Only being doubted by all of you every day!”
Back in the present, Nanami comes by with a bottle of red wine & some glasses “Toko, let’s try drinking this…Hisamatsu found this in
As Shogo walks long the corridor Eiki comes up to him “You’re Sakota aren’t you, Egi Toko’s classmate…I’m Hirokawa from Rose Life Insurance, Investigation Department…” handing him his business card. As Shogo takes it Eiki continues “Seems like you’ve stopped working for your family business for a while & at present living with your sister in
In
Back at the restaurant in
Shono reports back on the radio “I’ve taken care of it…” & then writes up the report “Asahidai 2 chome, no. 4…” Suddenly she pauses “Asahidai 2 chome…” & remembers the newspaper article on Ikenaga’s death. “Ikenaga lived here…” Shogo says to herself, turning to look around…
As Toko leaves the restaurant Eiki says following her “You’re leaving already?” Toko replies “There’s a place I have to go, don’t follow me…” “There’s only one thing that I need to verify with you…”
At Asahidai, Shogo looks around & stopping before some 2 story apartments says “Green Corpo Asahidai…it’s here…” A train trundles by in front of the apartments & Shono turns to look at it. As it goes past, Shono looks at the apartments beyond the rail tracks…
Still persistently (kiên nhẫn) following Toko outside the restaurant down the stairs, Eiki says “You knew that you were the beneficiary of Hisamatsu’s insurance contract…but the time that you found out you were Shibata’s & Hisamatsu’s beneficiary was after the fact, is that true?” Toko finally stops & turning around to look at him replies “It’s true…” Eiki looks at her & says “Because you rejected (bác bỏ) it Hisamatsu cancelled the insurance contract…not wanting to become the beneficiary, what’s the reason?” Toko tells him “I don’t need to explain to you…” “Wouldn’t it have been better if it wasn’t cancelled? Also receiving proof of your fiance’s love…but then thinking about it, if the contract is cancelled, you wouldn’t be suspected by the police or the insurance company…happiness within unhappiness perhaps…” Toko asks “What are you trying to say? That in order to stop people around me from being suspicious of me, I got the contracts cancelled?” Eiki doesn’t reply, merely stares at her. Toko looks back & says “Good bye…” & strides off. Eiki stares at her leaving & then looks upstairs to the veranda of the restaurant. Shogo’s standing there watching them. Eiki walks over to the side of the restaurant & look at Toko walking away, his voiceover saying “For the sake of not arousing( làm thức tỉnh) suspicion, got the contracts cancelled…”
Shono sees the courier (người đưa thư) man delivery a box to a lady who says “Then I’ll keep it with me…thank you…” Shono goes up to her & says “Excuse me, you’re the landlady here aren’t you…” “Yes…” “No. 205 used to be Ikenaga Sonoe’s apartment wasn’t it…”
Going back into the restaurant, Eiki sees Ujou handing a photograph to a waiter “This woman, her name was Ikenaga Sonoe…” The waiter takes it & looking at it replies “Yes, I remember her well…the night before the owner died…” Eiki hiding behind the corner eavesdropping (người nghe trộm) looks up in shock. The waiter tells Ujou “Appeared to have some business dealing with the owner or something, was waiting the whole time until the restaurant closed…” Ujou asks “What business dealing?” “I don’t know…” replies the waiter recalling the night Ikenaga Sonoe came to the restaurant. The waiter serves a drink to Ikenaga sitting at the bar “Here…” “Thank you…” As the waiter leaves, Hisamatsu comes up to Ikenaga & says “Making you wait, my apologies…can you wait until the restaurant closes?” Ikenaga replies “I have to go back to
Shono follows the landlady to Ikenaga’s apartment. The landlady unlocks the door & says to Shono “When you’re done please let me know…” Shono replies “Thank you…” & enters the apartment…
At the marina (bến) Toko, holding a bouquet (bó hoa) of flowers walk out to the pier (cầu tàu)…
Shono in Ikenaga’s aparment walks into the living room & looks out the window. A train goes by & she says to herself “Takanodai 1 chome
At the edge of the pier, Toko remembers Hisamatsu on the boat telling her “It’s time to go…” stretching his hand out to her. Toko puts her hand out as if to take it…a look of pain on her face as she realizes it’s only a memory…
At the restaurant, the 3 men are having a discussion on the patio (sân trong), overlooking the sea with the setting sun giving everything an orange glow (ánh sáng rực rỡ). Ujou says to Eiki “The death of a friend was Egi Toko’s fiance…you knew that before didn’t you…” Eiki mutters “Yes…” Ujou questions him “& what else do you know?” Eiki replies “Ikenaga met Egi Toko’s fiance in this restaurant before he died…Hisamatsu died the following day…” Ujou says “Eavesdropping were you…” Eiki waves with his hand indicating (ra dấu) no & pointing over to Shogo. Ujou walks over to Shogo & says “You & Egi Toko were classmates, knew Hisamatsu well too didn’t you…” Shogo doesn’t reply & Ujou continues “During Hisamatsu’s funeral, how did she appear?” “What do you mean?” “Was she really sad?” “That’s obvious…” Ujou smirks (cười đểu) “By any chance you’ve been in love with Toko since college?” “Even if that’s the case so what?” “If that’s the case then when you heard that she was going to marry Hisamatsu you would have been shocked…” Eiki looks over at Shogo as he replies “That’s why for her sake, I happily became her accomplice (kẻ tòng phạm), help her out by providing her with an alibi?” Ujou says “Even an insurance investigator also has also thought about this…” Eiki walks up to Ujou & says “Only police who don’t know what’s going on at the scene will think that…” Ujou replies “This is not the time to argue nonsense (vô nghĩa) like this…the woman that we know could be a terrible killer…” Eiki looks at Ujou, unable to reply. From inside the restauran! t, Nanami watches the 3 men outside…
Standing on the veranda of Ikenaga’s apartment, Shono stares across at Egi Toko’s apartment. She says “Egi Toko was watching Ikenaga Sonoe…” & imagines Toko looking thru binoculars in her direction. Shono sighs & happens to glance down to the floor. She sees 3 white spots on the floor, the shape of an equilateral triangle. Kneeling down & touching one of the spots, Shono imagines Ikenaga returning to her apartment late at night. Opening the veranda Ikenaga kneels down on looks thru a telescope towards Toko’s apartment to see Toko coming out onto the veranda with a drink in her hand. Ikenaga looking thru the telescope standing on its tripod (giá ba chân) fades back to the present & Shono realizes the truth. Standing up she says “Ikenaga Sonoe’s purpose of renting this apartment was for the sake of watching Egi Toko…” Shono runs out of the apartment & makes a phone call on her cell phone…
Eiki answers “Hi…” “It’s me…” replies Shono & asks “Where are you now?” “
Ujou comes back up to Eiki “You’re called Hirokawa right?” “My, you know it well!” replies Eiki with an ironic tone. Ujou ignores it & says “After returning to
Toko on the cruiser recalls Hisamatsu telling her “Toko…I’ve done as you said…I’ve cancelled the insurance policy, I’m sorry…I won’t do such a silly thing again…” Toko asks “Getting an insurance contract & making me the beneficiary, why did you think about that all of a sudden?” Hisamatsu says “Why…” Toko suggests “By any chance some one suggested it?” Hisamatsu doesn’t answer immediately. Hesitatingly (ngập ngừng) he says “I just wanted to do that as proof of my love for you…” Toko smiles “Idiot…express it some other way…” “Then, I’ll do this…” Going next to her Hisamatsu leans towards her & kisses her. Toko while kissing him back, suddenly opens her eyes & thinking…
Back in the present Toko sits on the cruiser thinking…Eiki runs to the edge of a pier & stares out into the sea, looking at the cruiser…Toko, standing in the cruiser imagines the propeller (chân vịt) of the cruiser, churning (nổi sóng) up blood in the water. Taking the bouquet, she tosses(ném tung lên) it into the water saying “Goodbye…”
Eiki still standing stares out into the sea, the words of Toko playing in his mind…”If you can see the pain in my heart, if you can see the woman that needs to be rescued by men…I have no interests in your interests…there were people who said that it was the same as suicide…in order not to arouse suspicion of those around me, I got the contracts cancelled?…goodbye…..”
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Episode 4
4. Back in Tokyo as students greet Toko “Good morning!” on the way to school, Eiki comes up to her “Good morning…” Toko ignores him, not missing a stride & Eiki continues “Kanazawa, thanks…had a lively discussion about you with Detective Ujou & your old classmate Sakota…but for the most part it was speculation (sự suy đóan)…Ujou even said that there was a possibility that you could be a terrible murderer…” Toko carries on walking without bothering to reply. Eiki, waiting for a reaction from Toko & not getting any, says “I heard from the staff at the Marina that the day after Hisamatsu cancelled the insurance contract, you went to Kanazawa…to prepare for the wedding or something?” Toko remembers being on the cruiser with Hisamatsu as he kisses her. Toko says curtly (cốc lốc) to Eiki “That’s correct, on a day trip…” “While cruising out on the sea, you were told by Hisamatsu that the contract had been cancelled?” “If that was the case, so what?” “No, looks like you don’t know…it’s about Ikenaga…generally whenever you went to
Eiki goes looking for Hiyama’s former colleague “Sorry to disturb you when you’re so busy…” “It’s ok, you’ve seen this photo book haven’t you…” “Yes…” In the studio looking at the book, Eiki says “There are people who say that Hiyama going to
Coming back into the police station Ujou goes to his desk & takes a package from his tray. Kanbara says to him “The report for the case of theft in Nagamachi is done…” handing Ujou the documents but Ujou merely takes it & puts it on his desk. Ujou says “The next room is empty isn’t it…” & walks out. Kanbara takes the document muttering “Read this…”
Ujou in the next room rips open the package & takes out a video, slotting (đục) it into the machine. The envelope says “Ishigawa Prefecture Police Headquarters”. Ujou sits down in front of the television & watches the tape taken when Hisamatsu’s cruiser was lifted out of the water at the marina. He sees Toko & Shogo arriving at the marina & approaching the policeman at the scene. The policeman says “You’re Hisamatsu’s fiancee aren’t you…heard you lived in
Taking Ujou to Ikenaga’s apartment she tells him “Ikenaga Sonoe rented an apartment from where she could see Egi Toko’s apartment. There’s a possibility that she was watching Egi Toko everyday…” Going out to the veranda Shono says “Look over there, that 5 story apartment building, the 2nd floor apartment with the wind vane…use this…” Shono takes out a pair of binoculars & hands it to Ujou. Ujou looks thru it to see the apartment Shono’s talking about. She adds “Also, I think a telescope on a tripod left marks behind…” Ujou bends down & fingers the marks on the floor. Getting up & going back into the apartment Ujou says half to himself “The Ikenaga Sonoe that knew Egi Toko had a boyfriend Hisamatsu went to Kanazawa, met Hisamatsu, spoke with him about Egi Toko…after that Hisamatsu died…” Shono asks “Is this of any help?” Ujou tells her “Don’t speak about this to anyone…” coming back out onto the veranda. Looking thru the binoculars he says “Traffic Department’s…” Shono replies earnestly (sốt sắng) “Shono Tsukiko…”
Sitting alone in the school chapel, Egi Toko hold up a pinkish (hồng nhạt) crystal in the light, looking at it. Suddenly she hears Eiki’s voice “It’s beautiful isn’t it…” Walking in he adds “Glittering (tráng lệ)…what crystal is it?” Toko ignores his question telling him “I’ve said so…unauthorized outsiders are not allowed to enter the school…” “Just 5 minutes…” “Leave immediately…” Eiki stares at her “Only 1 thing regarding Hiyama’s death 5 years ago…” Toko with a fed up expression, gets her things to leave when Eiki says “Hiyama’s friend kept a letter that was meant for you…after Hiyama’s death, you must have received it…what was written in it?” Toko stares at him “It’s none of your business…” walking out. But as she leaves, she recalls reading his letter while watching the video of Hiyama’s last moments. As she sees Hiyama turn to the camera, back in the present Eiki’s voice says “Toko, you have to go on living…” Toko stops in her tracks as Eiki says “The words continuing after this sentence must have been written in the letter…” Toko slowly turns around & looking at Eiki says “Do you know what you’re doing? You’ve crossed the line beyond work, tramping (giày xéo) on other people’s lives & past…” Eiki nonchalantly (lãnh đạm) asks “Hiyama to you, what sort of existence (sự tồn tại) was it?” “Get out!” “How were you loved? In what way were you loved?” “Get out of my sight!” “If it was by getting out of your sight, & he really got out of your sight to another country, then it’s a really horrifying love…” Toko come up to him & slaps him across the face. They both glare at eac! h other without speaking. A student puts her head in ‘Excuse me, Egi sensei, can we talk to you?” Eiki looks at her “Sorry to have troubled you…” & leaves. The students come in & ask her “Sensei, the upcoming test, does it include the solar system?” Toko has a flashback to the time when together with Hiyama in bed, he looks at a photograph & says a poem “We who are born of
During their laundry Shogo asks Nanami “How long are you going to stay here until?” “When you go back to
Late at night at her shop, Masako says to Ujou “Sorry, getting you to come here…” “Didn’t let your father know about this did you…” Masako nods. Ujou tells her “I also want us to talk, just the 2 of us…” “I’m sorry about the other day, going to the office…giving you a high post in order to get you to listen, my father really believe it…” Ujou doesn’t reply. Masako says “I have something to tell you…” Ujou looks at her “You look pale…” “I’m not feeling too well, coming to the shop is also hard…” “What’s wrong?” “I’m not sick…I’m 3 months…” Masako tells him, trailing (kéo lê) off. Ujou shocked, repeats “3 months…?” “When I was leaving, you were violent…probably then…” “Our child?” Masako takes out a piece of paper & says “I need your signature…” Ujou looks at it, it’s a consent (sự đồng thuận) form for an abortion (sự phá thai) . Ujou looks at her in disbelief (không tin) “You want to kill our child…” “The child being unhappy will be a more cruel (tàn khốc) thing…” Ujou takes the paper, scrunching (nghiến chặt) it. Masako tells him “If you won’t sign it, I’ll ask someone else…”
Walking along a deserted lane, Ujou recalls the time Masako tries to leave him, bag in hand. Ujou asks “What’s with that? You’re leaving?!” Masako replies “It’s no use…we can’t be together anymore…” Ujou grabs her & pulls her back into the room. Masako struggles (vật lộn) “Stop!” Ujou slaps her & she falls to the ground. With Ujou on top of her, Masako struggles “Stop it! Stop!” Back in the present, Ujou leans against the fence (hàng rào) & lets out a scream of anguish (nỗi đau khổ)…
At the sports complex where Shogo works, Nanami helps out her brother cleaning around the pool. Shogo stretches telling Nanami “I won’t be giving you my share of the money for this…” “I’d said I’d help, be thankful!” Shogo gets back to work but suddenly notices someone watching him. Looking, he sees Eiki…
In the adjoining (kế bên) cafe area, Eiki says to Shogo “That’s why as you were classmates, I thought that you would’ve heard various things about her family…” “Why don’t you go ask her yourself?” Eiki touches his cheek, replies “Recently asking her anything I get beaten…we agreed not to hide anything…” Shogo laughs “There was no such agreement…” “What about Egi Toko’s parents?” “Her parents, when she was in the 3rd year of junior high, died…” “Both of them?” “Yes…” “Accident?” Shogo doesn’t reply & Eiki asks “Something that you have to hide? You’re in a complicated (rắc rối) position aren’t you…” Shogo turns to look at Eiki “What is that suppose to mean?” Eiki explains “While you’re suspicious of her, when Ujou & I are going after her, you want to protect her…” Shogo walks off not saying anything. From outside, Nanami watches…
As Eiki leaves, Nanami goes after him “Excuse me…” Looking back he sees Nanami. She says “You want to know about Toko?” As Eiki goes towards her, she says “Toko’s parents committed muri-shinjuu (forcing one’s partner to die with one)…house was burned…” Eiki shocked asks “Suicide?” Nanami continues “Losing her family, she was brought up by relatives in
At Ikenaga’s apartment building Ujou speaks to the landlady “I believe you should have been contacted by the real estate company already…for the sake of an investigation, I’ll be using this apartment for a month…do not tell any of the other tenants (người thuê nhà) that there’s police are here…I’ll take these…” taking the keys to Ikenaga’s apartment. Ujou sets up a telescope from inside Ikenaga’s apartment & looks across to Toko’s place…
At the office, Eiki does a search typing into his computer “12 years ago…muri-shinjuu…suicide by fire…” The computer comes back with the search results & Eiki scrolls down the screen, stopping when he finds what he’s looking for… “House completely burned, debt troubles? Couple commits suicide by fire…1987.11.20 Kanazawa Hokuriku News…on the 19th at approximately (xấp xỉ) 7.30pm at Kanazawa City’s Kataya, from the place of construction worker Egi Yasuhiko age 40…the fire was discovered by neighbors in the vicinity (vùng lân cận) who notified (khai báo) the fire department. The fire was brought under control after 1 hour but the single story building the Egi’s lived in, 45metre square area was completely destroyed. Egi & his wife Setsuko age 37, both of their charred (hóa thành than) bodies were discovered. Their eldest daughter Toko age 15, in a trance (trạng thái đờ đẫn), had stood in front of the house, watching the whole time. According to Kataya officials’ investigations, Egi had poured kerosene (dầu lửa) from the kerosene stove (ống khói) into the living room & then lighting a match. The fact that Egi, husband & wife, were struggling under financial debts & thus (như thế) committing suicide is also being investigated….
At the Ice Storm, Toko sits at the bar drinking alone, recalling what Eiki had told her… “I think there’s some connection point between the 2 of them. Your fiance Hisamatsu & your colleague Ikenaga had some secret discussion. What sort of discussion did they have?”……Hiyama’s friend kept a letter that was meant for you…what was written in it?” The bartender Ide says “Sensei…don’t drink too much…” Toko replies “I’m fine…just fine…” “Can you go home alone?” “Bye bye…” Toko gets up & leaves the bar…
At Eiki’s apartment, Shono says to Eiki “Just like you said, Egi Toko is full of darkness…” “What about Ujou?” Shono evades (lẩn tránh) his question “I don’t know…looks like he hasn’t found any clues…” going outside to the veranda & sitting down at the table. Eiki follows her “Knowing what’s happening inside the police department, I need your ability…keep an eye on his (Ujou’s) movements…” Shono looks at Eiki & asks “What am I to you?” Eiki looks at her not answering. Shono laughs but seems a little sad “8 years already, the both of us…” Eiki tells her “I’ve never once cheated on you, not from now on too…” Sitting down next to her he says “I’m serious about you…” Leaning over, he kisses her. Shono says “Eiki…I have ambitions…” “What ambitions?” “I’m not just killing time by working as a police officer until I get married…” Eiki doesn’t reply & Shono says with a smile “I’m going home today…”
Ujou camps out at Ikenaga’s apartment that night. Sitting alone in the dark he agonizes (tuyệt vọng) over his violence on Masako & then the consent form for the abortion, Masako saying “The child being unhappy will be a more cruel thing…” Ujou gets up, looks out the window & sees Toko coming home. The lights in her apartment come on & she slides the door to the veranda open. Ujou watches…
The following morning, Ujou tells a colleague “Should be able to receive signals from that building…so? Can it be done?” “Need to get approval (sự tán thành) from the section (khu vực)chief…” “This is personal…” “Wait a minute, this isn’t good…” “I heard that you were the best specialist in the investigation department, look forward to it…don’t worry about it…your section chief is my junior…” Going to Toko’s front door Ujou tells him “Do it…” Muttering “Oh dear…” he picks the lock. Going into the apartment, the guy says “Let’s get started…” Ujou looks at all the rocks on the table & then sees a bottle of wine on a shelf “
Back in Ikenaga’s apartment, the guy puts on headphones & switches on a machine “Let’s test it, make a call to that apartment…” Ujou punches the numbers into his cell phone & when the phone in Toko’s apartment rings, the guy says “Heard it, it’s working…” “Thanks…” “Hate to say this but this is illegal…” Ujou assures him “I won’t get you into trouble…” pulling off the headphones from the guy who gets up “Then, I’m leaving…”
At the office, Eiki on the phone says “Is that real? Egi Yasuhiko & Setsuko, there’s not mistake about it? It’s from 12 years ago & I was thinking of giving up…could you fax it across? Yes, I’ll wait for it…” Anzai comes by & says to Eiki “Still doing non-work related things?” “As expected, Egi Toko’s parents bought an insurance policy…was with my former company Kujou Life Insurance,
At the Ice Storm Toko & Shogo sit at the bar. Toko says “You actually called me to tell me you would be here…” “Said that I had to call…that if I came here you wouldn’t?” Toko looks at him, with a hint of a grateful smile. Shogo says “But you came, I’m really happy…” Toko asks with a smile “Did you want to talk about something?” Shogo plucks ( làm can đảm) up his courage “For you it might be a trifle (chuyện vặt) matter but…someday I want to propose to you…” Toko looks surprised. Shogo suddenly takes a gulp of beer. Toko asks “You think that’s a trifle matter to me?” “If possible, I’d like you to think it as an important matter…” “Then, moment you propose to me is the moment that all suspicion of me disappears…the next man I love & murder for money, that insurance investigator is still suspicious of me…aren’t you afraid of me?” Ide Satomi looks on & Shogo answers “I’ve always loved you…that will never change…that feeling, I feel proud of…” “These past 5 years, a lot of things have happened…a life of suffering, in this past 5 years I’ve experienced it…I no longer have the confidence to love another man…” “Don’t say anything like throwing away your life!” “Hey, when was our first date?” “3rd year at college, Spring…” “7 years ago?” They both remember their first date as Shogo says “Got my driver’s license & went for a drive…” “At the same time we went for a boat cruise…lunch was at a drive-in having grilled clams (trai) & curry rice…” “You remember it well…” “Because I really enjoyed it…” “On the way back you brought me to where you li! ved when you were in Junior High…told me what happened to your father & mother…” On their date, they both go to a place where there are swings (đu đưa). Toko says “As if we were fleeing (chế nhạo) from
As they both leave the Ice Storm Shogo says to her “You going to be ok alone?” “I’ll be fine…see you…” Toko starts walking & then stopping, turns around to look at Shogo “If you come here again, call me…” “ok…” Eiki arrives just in time to see the both of them leave in opposite directions…
In Ikenaga’s apartment, Ujou suddenly hears noises & looks thru the telescope to see Toko arriving home. Toko opens the door to the veranda & then turns on the tv. Ujou mutters “Welcome home…” Toko gets up & shuts the door, drawing the curtains closed. Unable to see anything, Ujou looks around & is taken aback to see Eiki wondering around the apartment block. Ujou mutters “Gokurosama…” In the middle of the night, all of a sudden Ujou hears a scream. Toko gets up out of bed, shaken, coming out onto the veranda. Ujou looking thru the telescope says “What sort of dream did you have?”
Eiki goes to Eiwa Jogakkan & going to Toko’s room, sees the door ajar (khép hờ) . Entering, he sees no one there & proceeds (tiến lên) to look at the rocks in the cabinet. He looks up suddenly to see Toko standing at the door watching him. He says “Hello…” & Toko enters the room, walking right by him to her desk. She picks up the phone “General Affairs office…” Toko says “This is Egi Toko’s room, there’s an unauthorized…” Eiki walks forward, grabbing the phone from her, hangs up. Staring at Eiki, Toko says “What are you doing? Even if I sued (kiện) you it wouldn’t be strange…” Eiki stares back “1987 November 19th…a couple in
Toko remembers back to when she was 15, in her home, someone pouring kerosene in the room. Her mother holding onto her father crying “Toko, please!” Young Toko takes up a box of matches from the floor… Back in the present Eiki presses on with his questions “Your parents, did they really commit suicide?” Quietly Toko looks back at Eiki & says “No…” Flashback to young Toko about to strike the match, Toko in the present says “On the sea of oil, lighting the match that killed them…was me…” Flashback to young Toko dropping the lighted match onto the oil at her feet, quickly spreading to all parts of the house, setting her parents on fire. Back in the present Toko says to a stunned (làm kinh ngạc) Eiki “Are you satisfied?” Eiki stares back at her, unable to say anything. Toko asks “What’s wrong? You wanted to hear this didn’t you…these words…” Both of them stare at each other, Eiki an expression of stunned horror, Toko a cool expression of ice….
The scene changes to one of young Toko standing in front of a house engulfed (ngập sâu) in flames………
江木塔子：
Episode 5
Stunned & unable to speak, Eiki only stares back at her, disbelief written all over his face. A school personnel comes running to Toko’s room “What happened? You have to get permission from the office!” Toko answers, looking at Eiki, “It appears that we’re done here…” The guy says to Eiki “If that’s the case then please leave!” Eiki continues staring at her, unable to figure this woman out while she coolly smiles back at him. He walks towards the door but turns back to look at her again, not quite able to accept what he’s just heard. Toko looks back at him in silence, watching him leave…
Back at his apartment, Eiki’s having a drink on the veranda, his thoughts on Toko cool as ice telling him “On the sea of oil, dropping the match that killed them…was me…” Thinking, his voiceover says “Be happy…this is her true character…”
As Toko leaves school & students greet her goodbye, the Phys Ed teacher Togawa Shigeki approaches her “Egi sensei!” Toko turning around answers “Yes?” “Sorry, but Ikenaga’s personal things that were in the faculty (ngành) room have been taken by her mother but the things in her locker were forgotten…” Surprised Toko says “Locker?” “She was the rhythmic (nhịp điệu) gymnastics adviser, for a guy to open her locker……can you do it?” “I understand…”
Toko opens Ikenaga’s locker & packs the things away. Suddenly, she notices some pills in a bag & stares at them, the pills bringing on a flashback to a session with her doctor Shibata Yoshiki “If it gets worse, there are anti-depression injections (thuốc tiêm) but take these tranquillizers (thuốc giảm đau) first…” Back in the present, Toko looks at the pills in her hands & something occurs to her. Putting the pills into her pocket, she slams (đóng sầm) the locker shut……
(Just realized that in Shibata’s office, the same music is playing on the Hi-Fi that Ikenaga had in her tape cassette……)
Toko waits outside the mental clinic building unaware (không hay) that Eiki is also there, watching here. As the nurse Kubota leaves work, Toko approaches her “Kubota-san!” “Oh!” Kubota looks surprised to see her, perhaps even a little wary (cảnh giác)of Toko. Toko says “It’s been a while…may I speak with you?” “Sure…” As they walk along the riverside, Eiki follows in a distant. Toko shows a photograph to Kubota “This lady in the center, have you ever seen this woman visit Dr Shibata’s office?” “I don’t think she was a patient…” Toko takes out the pills from her pocket “This medication, you know what they are…” “Tranquillizers, at the same time I believe you were taking them too…” “Did Dr Shibata take away medication on a privately basis?” “What do you mean?” “For someone else other than patients…” “Probably for his own personal use…it’s true that it’s said doctors neglect (cẩu thả) their own health, these weren’t effective so he was troubled & suffered from insomnia (chứng mất ngủ) , in the end dying like that…you were once engaged to Dr Shibata weren’t you…things about him, how is it you don’t know anything?” Toko doesn’t reply & Kubota says “Are we done? Then I’m off…” walking away. As Toko leaves, Eiki runs up to Kubota “Kubota-san! Thanks for the other time…” Kubota looks a little exasperated (làm bực tức) “What’s this, one after another!” Eiki says “Just now she showed you a photograph right? Who’s photo was it?” Kubota doesn’t reply & Eiki half pleads (van nài) “Please help me, Kubota-san” Kubota smiles “It’ll cost you̷! 0;” walking away. Eiki smiles, going after her…
In the wine cellar of Hisamatsu’s restaurant, Shogo asks the waiter there “Did Hisamatsu’s importing of wine go smoothly?” “The contract with
At the Ice Storm, Toko is in a melancholic ( u sầu) mood, drinking. The bartender Satomi is picking away ice but her action slows as she looks worriedly at Toko. Toko downs a drink, remembering what Dr Shibata told her “The Hiyama that went to
Shogo comes out of the sports complex to see Toko waiting for him. Seeing him Toko says “You’re really busy aren’t you…” “Looks like I’ll be working thru the night…” “Sorry, at a time like this…” “Did something happen?” Toko starts walking saying “For 3 years I was hated (by someone)…that I was being hated I completely didn’t know at all. All of a sudden, the one who hated me died…” Shogo asks “Who? The person that’s been hating…by any chance, it’s that woman Ikenaga Sonoe?” “It’s my fault…because I wanted to be happy with someone…although as a doctor he didn’t need to go to that extent, he gave up everything to love me, including dying for me…that’s why, receiving punishment from her is something that can’t be helped. However, it ended without me receiving the punishment, because she’s died…just coming near me, everyone will become unlucky (unfortunate)…” Shogo takes her hand & tells her “I’ve decided to believe…that you haven’t done anything, I completely believe that. Toko looks at Shogo with a grateful smile. Shogo continues “Although there’s something I don’t want to tell you but this April before Hisamatsu met you again, seems like he was going around with someone else. In March when he was in
At home, Eiki inputs into his computer “Toko – Shibata – Ikenaga Sonoe” & linking between Toko & Ikenaga Sonoe – Hatred (lòng căm thù). The doorbell rings & Eiki answering the door finds Detectives Kanbara & Yukawa “Coming this late, excuse us…we’re from the Machida South Branch…” showing their identification. Eiki surprised “Police?”
Following the 2 detectives into the police station, Shono is surprised to see Eiki & asks “What happened?” Eiki doesn’t answer & one of the detectives tell him “Hirokawa, this way…” Watching from the hallway, Ujou realizes that Shono & Eiki know each other…
Eiki is taken into the adjoining (kế bên) room & glances up to see Ujou entering. Ujou tells his subordinates (cấp dưới) “Gokurou…I’ll take over from here…” “Yes…” they both reply. As they walk out Kanbara says “Kachou, hauling (lôi) him in at this time of the night, they might get suspicious, be careful…” Yukawa adds “If there are arrests afterwards, might become a problem” Ujou replies “I know all that…” “ok, then excuse us…” Eiki says “Good subordinates you have…” Holding out a mug (miệnh)”You want a drink too?” “No…having coffee at this time of the night, I won’t be able to get to sleep. I want to go back fast…” Ujou takes off his jacket “Seems like you know a lot of things about Egi Toko that we don’t know about…” Eiki answers “You also know all sorts of things that I don’t, works both ways…” Taking a seat Ujou says “Insurance investigators like you, how they get information I can roughly imagine. You were formally from Kujou Life Insurance. A big insurance company that has branches all over
Shono hearing footsteps in the hallway gets up to look but Eiki’s walked away. Ujou calls her “Shono!” Shono turns around & looks at Ujou who tells her “Your appointment letter is ready, accept it.” “Appointment letter?” “Assignment to the Investigation Department.” “Eh?” “As soon as you’re assigned, there’s something I want you to do immediately.” “That man just now, Rose Life Insurance investigator Hirokawa Eiki. I want you to watch him. If you accept this appointment, you’ll be the youngest woman in the investigation department. But if you refuse, then you’ll be reported for passing on police information to your lover…” Shono looks shocked. Ujou smirks “Love & career, don’t even have to think about it…” Ujou walks off, leaving Shono alone to ponder…
Nanami hands over a bento (packed meal) to Shogo who accepts it “Thanks…” Nanami turns to leave “I’ve got work too, see you…” “Nanami!” “Hm?” “Go back to
At the police station Ujou says to everyone “Starting from today being assigned to the Detective Department, Shono Tsukiko…” pushing her forward. “You knew her from the traffic department…in other words, because of her talents, she’s been pulled over here…” Shono hesitatingly says “Yoroshiku onegaishimasu…” & people half heartedly applaud. Ujou tells her “Come… “ok…” & follow…
Outside the Ice Storm, Eiki waits, smoking a cigarette. Deciding to go in, he sees Toko at the bar. Satomi says “Welcome…the usual?” Nodding “Uhm…” he takes a seat next to Toko who ignores him. Eiki looks at her “I wanted to inform you…I was questioned by the police…as I didn’t want to create problems for my friends, I had no choice but to tell them that in the past 5 years, that the 3 boyfriends that you had have all died…” Toko shows no reaction. Eiki continues “About your parents, Ujou still doesn’t know…” “Should I be grateful for what you didn’t tell?” Eiki doesn’t reply as Satomi serves him a beer. Toko says “What you’re thinking, I roughly understand…” “I’d like to hear it…” Toko says “12 years ago because of killing her parents, Ego Toko gets a taste of killing others for insurance money. Within the past 5 years, 3 men have bought life insurance policies but they all cancel the contracts & so unable to get any insurance money. But she won’t give up, Egi Toko will surely do it again…” Eiki replies “I’ve thought about that too…you’re not in it to get money but something else…that’s what I think…” Toko thinks “For someone who plans to murder for the sake of insurance money, other than money, what other thing of value is there?” Eiki laughs “I don’t know…haven’t really considered…” Toko laughs & Eiki looks at her. Toko says “To make sure whether or not I am really a criminal involving life insurance, there’s a way to find out…” Eiki leans forward “Tell me…” Toko says with a smile looking at Eiki “Go buy a life insurance policy yourself & make me the beneficiary…whether or not I kill you, you’! ll find out with your own eyes…how about it? Have you thought about that?” Eiki looks stunned. Toko pays her & as she leaves, Eiki stares at her & Satomi tells him “Don’t bet with her…”
Ujou watches Toko from Ikenaga’s apartment, only a candle lit up for light. Looking thru the telescope he sees Toko drinking & says “Drinking again? Aren’t you drinking a bit much?” Toko starts humming (tiếng vo ve) a tune & Ujou starts humming along with her. Toko goes into her bedroom & Ujou says “Did you set the alarm clock properly?” Toko sets the alarm clock & turns out the light. Ujou mutters “Goodnight…” Lighting a cigarette with the candle he suddenly recalls celebrating his birthday with Masako, surprising him with a birthday cake & popping champagne together. Back in the present, Ujou asleep leaning against the wall, a teardrop rolls down his face…
At Eiki’s apartment someone rings the doorbell but Eiki’s not home. The door opens & it’s Shono. Entering the apartment she recalls Ujou telling her “Rose Life Insurance investigator Hirokawa Eiki. I want you to watch him” Shono looks at the whiteboard that Eiki has up against the wall linking Toko to the deaths of the 3 men. Going to his desk, she picks up the documents & then as if guilty recalls Ujou saying “Love or career, don’t even have to think about it…” Shono looks upset at the thought of betraying Eiki…
Still at Ice Storm, Eiki recalls Toko telling him earlier “Go buy a life insurance policy yourself & make me the beneficiary…whether or not I kill you…” & then what she told him about her parents “…that killed them…was me……you’ll find out with your own eyes…” Satomi breaks up ice, Eiki takes a big gulp of his drink…
At Eiwa Jogakkan, Toko is in her room when the phone rings “Yes?” “This is the general office, that insurance investigator is here again…” Toko gives a sigh of exasperation (sự bực tức). Sitting at her desk & hammering away at a piece of rock, there’s a knock on the door “Come in…” Eiki enters “Sorry to disturb you…is it alright to meet again at the bar tonight?” Toko ignores him & asks instead “What is it that you have to hand over to me?” “Can I come over?” When Toko doesn’t answer, Eiki walks up to her. Toko looks at him “Can you just leave it & then clear out?” “Ikenaga knew your true colors…that’s why she went to inform Hisamatsu…” “My true colors…” “I’d like to make sure…whether or not you are a criminal involving life insurance…” Toko merely looks at him as Eiki takes out a form from his jacket & puts it on her table. Looking at it she sees an insurance application form. Life Insured – Hirokawa Eiki, Beneficiary – Egi Toko, Relationship – Fiancee. Toko, shocked, looks up at Eiki. Eiki says “You’ve seen documents like this many times haven’t you…Toko, sorry, calling you Toko…” Going down on his knees in front of her, Eiki says “Will you become the beneficiary for this life insurance policy?” Toko stares at him stunned. Eiki stares back straight into her eyes “I love you…to the extent of surrendering my life to you…”
Eiki’s colleague Anzai meets up with Shono & tells her about the insurance policy that Eiki’s applying for Toko. Shono surprised “Egi got an insurance?” “No, that’s not the problem…the thing that surprised me was the name of the beneficiary. Do you know her? A woman named Egi Toko…” Shono is shocked. Anzai adds “The rules are that other than relatives, no one else is allowed to be beneficiaries. Unless they are engaged or are de-facto partners but after saying that the insurance won’t be approved (đồng í), then he said if the beneficiary was his fiancee would be fine…after that he just ran out…” Shono stunned “What’s that about?” “I don’t know…”
Back at Toko’s room, Eiki tells her “First we’ll get the ring done. Wearing that take photos with me. Just engaged so it’s the height of happiness, if you don’t wear a smile taking the photos it’ll be a problem. After that printing the wedding invitations.” Standing up & pacing (bước đi) Eiki continues “The date & place, anything suitable so it doesn’t matter, they won’t go to that extent (sự đánh giá) to check…the ring, the lovey dovey photographs of the both of us & the wedding invitations…” Stopping in front of a glass cabinet Eiki says “…as long as we have that, the company will approve it. After a short while, I will cancel the insurance policy.” & then as if to himself “& then what will happen to me?” Turning to Toko he continues “You’ll show me won’t you…your true colors…” Toko takes the insurance application & rips (xé) it, scrunching it up. Eiki takes it & then going down looking at her asks “Why are you crying?” “I’m not crying…” “Those are tears…” Toko turns around & stares at him, tears in her eyes & Eiki is stunned. He half whispers “So, is that the way it is?” & continuing says “All your lovers loved you from the bottom of their hearts, entering into insurance contracts making you their beneficiaries, & then every time you get them to cancel the contracts, crying & pleading( cầu xin)..am I wrong?” Toko tells him “Get out…” “From the beginning money has never been your purpose, not even the sympathy (sự đồng tình) you got after killing both your parents…canceling the insurance contracts had meaning for you…to you, there was something more valuable than money…n! o, that there was something more valuable, you believed that…desiring men to do that what did you get?” “I didn’t get anything…” “You’re lying!” With tears rolling down her face Toko says “Just losing everything!” “You’re lying! What did you get?!” Grabbing her shoulders Eiki asks “What did you get in exchange for the lives of those men?!” Toko shouts “Get out!” “What did you get?!” Toko pushes him onto the floor & she takes a pick (dụng cụ nhọn) from the cabinet. Trusting it out in front of her towards Eiki she cries “If you come any closer!” Eiki gets up from the floor & says “Kill me, try it…” walking towards her. Taking her hands, he points the pick at his throat & takes his hands away. The both of them stare at each other not saying anything, Toko with tears still rolling down her face. Finally Eiki says in a soft tone “In this world, more than money, more than status & reputation there is something with value…you have found that…as long as one has that, standing on thin ice in a treacherous (phản bội) world, one can go on living…I want to see it too…tell me…” Toko barely whispers “Find it yourself…” “Where should I look?” “I don’t know…” Toko looks back at him. Eiki says “Your heart…if I enter your heart, I’ll find it won’t I…” Eiki steps back slowly “Sorry to have bothered you…” & walks out. Toko holding the pick, lowers her hands & drops the pick onto the floor, says heartbreakingly “What I got…where is there such a thing?”
Eiki walks towards his car to see Shono waiting for him. She asks “Getting an insurance policy with Egi Toko as beneficiary, what are you doing?” Eiki walks towards her not answering. Shono asks “Why do you have to do that?” Without a word, Eiki shows her the ripped up application form. In a quiet tone he says “I just saw her tears for the first time…” Eiki turns around slowly & looks up towards Toko’s room as Shono says “Eiki, what on earth happened? What’s going to happen now?” Eiki’s voiceover comes on “Where am I going? What’s lies ahead of loving Egi Toko? At the time I didn’t even imagined…a month after that…” The scene fades into one of Eiki suspended in the depths of the ocean as his voiceover continues “…thrown into the freezing ocean, I finally understood it…in this inanimate (nhạt nhẽo)world of ice…” From the depths of the water looking up towards the surface, Eiki sees someone 
plunging in “……I found it……”
廣川英器：
Episode 6
Eiki puts the scrunched up insurance application form onto the dashboard of his car “Showing her that & seeing her reaction, I only wanted to make sure…” Shono asks “Egi Toko crying, what’s all that about?” Eiki for some reason, seems rather down “She really wanted all the men to cancel the insurance policies…” “For what reason?” Almost talking to himself Eiki says “To get something better than the insurance money…” Shono asks “Something better? No money, no position, losing lovers one after another, living an empty life…what on earth does Egi Toko gain? I’ll be frank (thành thật) , you’ve gotten deeply involved with Egi Toko…sacrificing (cúng tế) your own life trying to figure out whether or not she’s a murderer…something’s wrong…” Looking at Eiki, Shono says “Let me ask you one thing?” Eiki looks at her. She says “If Egi Toko is discovered to be involved in a case insurance money crime & is arrested…as an insurance investigator, you’ll be satisfied.(vừa lòng)..won’t you…” Eiki doesn’t reply. Shono looks away thinking. She turns back to look at Eiki “That’s why I…” but suddenly stops. Eiki’s not paying any attention to her, just despondently (chán nản) looking up at Egi Toko’s window, thinking about her….
Morning arrives & at Ikenaga’s apartment, Ujou is woken up by Egi Toko’s coughing. Getting up, Ujou looks through the telescope to see Toko by the veranda, putting her hand onto her forehead. Ujou mutters “The influenza (bệnh cúm) this year seems particularly persistent.(day dẳng)..” As Toko takes out the thermometer (nhiệt kế) from under her shirt, Ujou adds “About 38.3 degrees…wouldn’t it be better if you rested?” In her apartment Toko goes back to bed & under the covers…
Ujou enters the police department & Shono, looking through some packages on a desk, picks up & hands it over to Ujou “This is the video tape of the scene at Shibata’s suicide has been sent over…” Ujou takes it from her “Prepare 3 monitors & video cassette players in the room next room…” “Alright…” answers Shono as Ujou locks up his desk drawers. As Ujou walks to another cabinet, Kanbara, reading the paper mutters to Yukawa “Just like cops & robbers…” Yukawa gossips back “Recently, there’s talk that kacho’s movements have been a little strange…” “Talk?” “Calling him at home he’s never there…”
In the next room in front of 3 television monitors, Ujou says “This is the tape from Hiyama’s friend…this is Shibata’s…the one on the right is the tape of the scene of the Hisamatsu case…among these 3 cases there is some connection…” Shono peers (chăm chú) attentively at the screens, staring at the Shibata video recording. Ujou continues “3 years ago, psychiatrist Shibata checked into the hotel alone…after that committed suicide with an overdose of sleeping pills, didn’t leave a note…seems that the drugs were taken with the coffee brought in by room service…” Shono pauses the tape “There’s an additional cup…” “Appears that Shibata had called for servings for 2…expected a guest so that didn’t raise any suspicions…the waiter that delivered the coffee said he didn’t notice anyone else in the room…” “The year before this, Shibata & Egi Toko were engaged weren’t they…” “But it seems that they weren’t making any wedding preparations…talking to his friends at the clinic, seems that Shibata was troubled over work & his love life, suffering from insomnia…” Shono stares at the image of Toko identifying Hisamatsu’s body & says “Kacho, I have a favor to ask…” “What?” Shono says seriously “When Egi Toko’s being arrested, please let me put the handcuffs (còng tay) on her…” Ujou looks at her “In order to get him back?….Hirokawa’s movements, what’s he up to?” “He left for
Toko’s doorbell rings & answering the it, she finds Shogo standing outside “What’s wrong?” Shogo smiles “I called the school & heard that you’ve caught a cold so resting at home…” showing her a bag. Toko smiles back…
With Shogo in the kitchen peeling (bóc vỏ) the skin of an apple, Toko says “I remember…” “Hm?” “This also happened when we were in college…” “2nd year at college, New Year’s day…you had a fever of 39 degrees on New Year’s Eve…the both of us had porridge (cháu yến mạch) & watched Kouhaku…even then altho you were already a woman that was high-handed & liked to do things your own way, but your body was weak…” Seeing a red bottle of wine on the shelf, Shogo takes it “This is a present from Hisamatsu isn’t it…” Lying in bed, Toko replies “He said it was from a place called
At a cafe, Masako sits alone. Nervously she swallows( nuốt) a pill & waits. Turning, she sees Ujou coming up to her. As he takes a seat across her, he says “Being out, is that alright? The surgery’s (abortion) done isn’t it…” Masako doesn’t reply & Ujou asks “What’s there to talk about?” Finally Masako speaks “When I went home (parents’ home) last night, I heard from my father…that recently you’ve been acting rather strange investigating the death of that lady teacher…” Ujou laughs cynically (nhạo báng) “A warning? So I’m also being watched…” “Seems that you don’t even go home…” Ujou doesn’t reply. Masako adds “You said that you were working on this case for my sake…I don’t want you to force yourself like that for me…” “If I don’t try, I can’t get out of where I am now…” “Even if you remain quiet, you can still get transferred to a high post…” Ujou leans forward “Even you think that way? You want me to stamp the divorce papers quicker…” Masako replies ‘The more we talk about this, I know you’ll get mad…but it can’t be left unsaid…” Ujou slowly extends his hand out & touches Masako’s face. Withdrawing it & looking at his hand “It’s this cold?…If only I had been warmer…” Masako replies “Somehow everyday…feels like I’m in ice…” tears in her eyes. Ujou looks at her & says with emotion “Thanks to you, the fire’s been lit…” getting up & leaving…
In
Talking to a marina staff Eiki asks “Then, Hisamatsu on September 29th about 9pm, suddenly said that he wanted to go out to sea?” “Yes, when he came to the office, he was alone…up to the time he went out to sea, didn’t see anyone else…” “Did it appear that someone called him out?” “No, not particularly…” replies the guy, jumping into another boat, helping out loading supplies. As they put in life jackets, something occurs to Eiki & he asks “Excuse me, that night Hisamatsu wore a life jacket didn’t he?” The guy thinks but replies “I don’t know…”
Eiki goes to the
At the police station back in
In her apartment, Toko takes a map of
Outside the police station in
The policeman shows Ujou & Eiki the documents pertaining (gắn liền) to Hisamatsu’s case “The list of things left behind are in here. We just received a call from the Ishikawa head office, Tachibana bucho” He hands it to another officer “Tabata, please make a copy…” Ujou explains “It’s related to a case we’re investigating, that’s why we asked Tachibana to help…” “So that’s it…” Ujou points to Eiki “Him too…he’s helping out officially as well…” The policeman laughs “You should’ve said so from the start!” Eiki gives a forced smile…
At a spot overlooking the sea, Eiki & Ujou go over the documents. Going thru a list “1.
Walking among the shop houses along the beach Ujou says to Eiki “I’ll go here…” “Alright…” The both of them start checking with the people around the area Ujou’s voiceover “The night of September 29th, did you notice any one strange around?” “No…” “Thanks…” Eiki’s voiceover “The night of September 29th, did you see anyone swim to the beach?” “No…” “Thank you…” Ujou again “The night of September 29th, did you hear of anyone swimming back to the beach?” “No…” “Oh, thank you…” Eiki “The night of September 29th, did you see anyone swim to the beach?” “No…” Meeting up again, Eiki asks Ujou “How was it?” “Nothing…” Eiki suggests “Let’s go ask that fishing & tackle shop up ahead…”
An old lady replies “Ah, speaking about it…” Eiki looks at Ujou & then asks the old lady “The night of September 29th, about 11pm?” “Waking us up in the middle of the night, said that someone had collapsed on the beach & to call an ambulance…but that was a strange thing, when we got to the beach, that person wasn’t there…” Eiki asks “Wasn’t there?” “That’s why we didn’t call 119…” Eiki continues “The person who saw the person on the beach & asked for help was?” “Was a woman that I’ve never seen around here before…“ Eiki repeats “A woman?” Ujou pulls out a photo from his pocket & shows it to the lady “That person…was it this woman?” The old lady takes the photo of Ikenaga Sonoe & says “It’s this person!” & recalls that night when Ikenaga leading them down to the beach “This way!…Eh? It was over there…” Back in the present Eiki says “Someone had collapsed on the beach, that’s what she said?” “Yes…” Eiki looks at Ujou who nods back at him….
Ujou speculates what happened that night. On the cruiser, Hisamatsu says “Toko, you try it…” & then turning around sees Toko bringing the hammer down on him. He falls overboard & shouting “Toko!” & screams when Toko starts the cruiser & runs over him. As Ujou & Eiki walk back down to the beach, Ujou says “Ikenaga Sonoe saw Egi Toko leaving with Hisamatsu on the boat & came for a walk along the beach…then by chance…” They imagine Ikenaga Sonoe coming to the beach & spotting someone swimming back to shore with a life jacket on. Hurrying down she says “Are you alright?” Egi Toko turns & asks “What are you doing here?” Ikenaga anxiously asks “What happened?! What happened out on the sea?!” Toko looks at her not reply & Ikenaga continues “I saw you & Hisamatsu leaving on the boat…at the marina earlier…” Toko says “How come you know about Hisamatsu?” Ikenaga replies “In any case, I’m going to get help…” leaving. Toko gets up & goes the other way….
Eiki tells Ujou “Egi Toko has an alibi. When Hisamatsu was missing out at sea, she was in
Eiki asks “Then Egi Toko meeting with Ikenaga Sonoe’s family, speaking to her colleague that was also from the same university as Ikenaga…what was the reason for all that?” Ujou lights a cigarette, not reply. Eiki adds “If she’s the murderer, then the more she investigates the more it will be to her disadvantage.(sự bất lợi)..” “That’s why…the evidence that she’s the murderer, before you & I find out, she’ll destroy it all, that’s her aim (mục đích)…haven’t you thought about that?” Eiki stares at Ujou intently (chăm chú) “What’s the motive for the crime? Even killing Hisamatsu, she can’t even get a single yen…” Ujou replies taking a step away “That’s the only thing left from the puzzle…other than money, what else did Egi Toko get?” Eiki doesn’t reply. Ujou turns around “Hirokawa…I will put handcuffs on Egi Toko…” Eiki looks back at Ujou, unable to reply…
At the library, Nanami goes through microfilm looking for the article on Hisamatsu’s death. Just as she finds it, Toko arrives “Nanami…” Nanami hurriedly changes the microfilm to another article as she stands up. Toko says “Is it convenient?” “What is it?” “I’d like to talk, just the 2 of us…”
As they walk past shelves of books, Toko asks “You’re studying Meteorology (khí tượng học) in college?” “I’m interested in natural disasters…being outside & being able to do more with the Yusen work, then atmospheric (khí quyển) conditions & movement of the air pressure, I feel like if I study that I’ll be able to help. I don’t have the talent to be a craftsman, the least I could do it to be able to help out with the weather forecast…” Toko tells her “It’s better if you go back to
It’s night & Eiki walks towards the Ice Storm. Shono, keeping watch on his movements, sees him entering Ice Storm…
Toko is as usual, sitting at the bar drinking. As Eiki enters, Satomi says “Welcome…” Eiki tells her “The usual…” taking a seat near Toko. After a pause, Eiki says to Toko “Went with that detective to Kanazawa…the night of September 29th, there was someone on board the cruiser with Hisamatsu…that person killed Hisamatsu & swam back to the shore(bờ biển)…the murderer that arrived back on the beach was discovered by Ikenaga Sonoe…it’s possible that there was no choice but to silence her…the investigation is re-opened…Ujou intends to use your case to climb the career ladder…” Toko, silent all this while finally speaks “I didn’t kill Hisamatsu…I only lost him…it’s fine if you don’t believe me…” Eiki asks “You said that you killed your parents…that was a lie wasn’t it…” “That’s true…” Toko replies looking at Eiki “Do you want to know the truth?” Eiki stares at her without answering. Toko looks at him & finally turns away “If you want to know that much, I’ll tell you…”
Toko recalls as a young girl, moving into
Eiki, silent all this while, says “Mercy (lòng khoan dung) killing…you made it easy for them…don’t blame yourself…I said it before…although living is painful, towards that strength that makes you glitter (lấp lánh), living on…I have an interest…I feel like I understand a little…towards the brutality (tính hung ác) of this world, as a child you’ve seen too much of…not believing in anyone, not believing in love either…that’s why you’ve lived with a prejudiced (gây tổn hại) view on life…the 3 men, perhaps they wanted to help you a little…but one by one they…” Toko cuts him off ‘What do you know?!” They look at each other & Toko takes her things, leaving Ice Storm….
Outside, Toko stops, turning back to look at Ice Storm. As she walks away, Shono, watching outside calls Eiki on her cell phone. “It’s me, where are you now?” Eiki, still inside Ice Storm replies “At work…” “How long will you be?” “Sorry, can’t meet you today…” “I haven’t told you yet, the other day…” “I can’t talk now…” “Sorry, disturbing you…I’ll call you again…” Eiki hangs up & drops the phone onto the bar counter. Outside, Shono fights back tears & then calls Ujou “Hello, this is Shono…Egi Toko has left the bar, looks like she’s going home…” Ujou replies “If Hirokawa Eiki’s not going anywhere, then go home…” “Otsukaresama desu…”
At Ikenaga’s apartment, Ujou lights a candle. He hears Toko coming home & looks through the telescope “Recovered from your cold already?” Toko takes her jacket off & starts humming a song. Ujou listens & laughs “You like this song don’t you…” sitting back & leaning agains the wall. He suddenly hears Toko speaking “Dad used to sing this often…said he remembered it as a child…Ujou-san what about you?” Ujou startles(giật nảy mình) with shock. Looking through the telescope he sees Toko draw open the curtains & coming out onto the veranda. “I saw you entering that apartment…” She puts her hand to her face as if looking thru binoculars “You’re looking at me from over there aren’t you…just like Ikenaga Sonoe was watching me…I also found the hidden bugs…I’ll give you one day tomorrow, get rid of everything…& disappear from over there…” Toko smiles & Ujou says “I’ve lost…”
At school in her room, as Toko hits a rock, she recalls what Eiki said to her the night before “Mercy killing…you made it easy for them…don’t blame yourself…” There’s a knock on the door & she answers “Come in…” The guy from the office enters bringing with him a box “There’s a small package for you…” Toko takes it “Thank you for bringing it up…” “It’s nothing…” he replies & leaves. Toko looks at the box & then opens it to find a cell phone in it. She takes it out, wondering who it’s from. It suddenly rings, startling her. Answering it “Hello…hello…who is this?” A digitized voice replies “You killed 3 men…” “Who is this?” “You couldn’t get any of the insurance money, what a pity…” Toko hears something & turns around “Where are you now?” She hears voices of some students in the background & looks out the window. Running out of the room, she goes down a flight of stairs to the ground floor & out to the courtyard. “Where are you?” “You don’t have to rush, I’m still nearby…” Running into the field & looking around, the voice on the phone says “Who’s the next to die? That man?” Toko asks “Who?” “A cursed (đáng nguyền rủa) woman like you, there’s a man who wants to get to know you isn’t there…you were together last night too…” Toko stunned, says “You’re nearby?” The voice laughs. Toko looks frantically (điên cuồng) around “Where are you?! Where?!! Where?!!…”
Hidden from Toko, beyond the school fence, a white gloved hand holds onto a cell phone….
Episode 7
Toko asks “Where are you?!” The voice tells her “You receiving this cell phone, do not mention this to anyone, that’s if you want to make a deal….” Toko half whispers “A deal?” The voice replies “Deceive (lừa dối) those around you, deceive even that man that loves you….you understand don’t you….” & then hangs up. Toko says “Hello….hello!” A gust (cơn gió mạnh) of wind blows & Toko turns around, seeing something behind the trees in the distance….
Back in
Toko runs around the school grounds, looking for the person who called, recalling the voice say “A cursed woman like you, there’s a man who wants to get to know you isn’t there….”
Shogo enters Nanami’s room. As he looks through her things his voiceover says “She’s hiding something for sure….” From her shelf, Shogo takes a book & opens it. Flipping (phẩy phẩy) through, he comes across some photographs & starts looking at them. One catches his eyes & he stares at it….
Toko runs into the school chapel & looks around “You receiving this cell phone, do not mention this to anyone, that’s if you want to make a deal….” The door behind her suddenly creaks (cọt kẹt) as it closes & Toko spins (lảo đảo) around to look….
Shogo stares at the photograph & recalls the waiter at Hisamatsu’s restaurant saying “March this year when we went to
Toko runs out to the school gates, searching, recalling the voice saying “Deceive those around you, deceive even that man that loves you….you understand don’t you….”
Shogo, still staring at the photo recalls telling Nanami “Hisamatsu might have cruelly abandoned that woman….that’s perhaps why he was killed….& may gotten Toko involved too….” Shogo says in disbelief “No way….” looking at the photo of Hisamatsu & Nanami together. He mutters “Nanami….”
As Eiki enters Ice Storm, he sees Satomi saying to Toko “Hey, sensei, are you alright?” Toko, slumped (sụp xuống) over the bar counter gives a soft moan (rên rỉ). Eiki recalls her telling him “the feeling of lighting the match that moment, I still remember well….I killed both my parents….” & him telling her “Don’t blame yourself….” Eiki takes a step closer, concerned (có liên quan) as Satomi calls Toko “Sensei!” Eiki asks “What’s wrong?” Satomi answers “She drank too much….it’s rare….” Toko murmurs (thì thầm) “Satomi let me drink those sort of cocktails….” Satomi replies indignant (căm phẫn) “You dare say! Who was the one that said she wanted to get drunk?” Eiki walks up & takes a seat next to her “Are you ok?” Toko finally lifts her head & turns to see who asked the question “Who’s that?” Satomi says to Eiki “Can’t you do something?”
Eiki sends Toko back home. As they walk up the stairs to her apartment building, Toko sways (đu đưa) unsteadily (lọang chọang) & Eiki holds onto her arm. She turns & says to him “Thank you….I’m fine….” Eiki mutters “Bye….” “Goodnight….” replies Toko, walking up the flight of stairs to her apartment as Eiki leaves. Walking upstairs, Toko mutters to herself “Didn’t you want to talk about something….“
In Eiki’s apartment, Shono stairs at Toko’s photo stuck on the whiteboard. From the table she takes her bunch (chùm) of keys, taking one out. Suddenly she hears Eiki returning home & she quickly hides the keys behind her back “Coming in as I pleased, sorry….I was just about to leave….” She drops the key onto the floor & bends down to pick it up. Eiki takes the key from her hand & suddenly sees a note on the desk. Picking it up, he looks at her & then reads it “Returning this….Tsukiko” Shono says “I’ve finally succeeded a little, become a plain clothes (thường phục) detective….isn’t it something….” Eiki quietly says “Is that right….” In awkward (lúng túng) silence they both stand there, not looking at each other. Shono says emotionally “I’m going to live for work….” & turns to Eiki. They both hug each other, understanding that the end has come for the both of them. Eiki grimaces & Shono says tearfully “8 years….it’s too long after all….” “I’m sorry….” “Don’t apologize….” “I….in the end, I betrayed you….” Tears roll down Shono’s face & she pulls away ‘If that’s the case, then we’re both the same….” Shono takes her things & leaves in tears, Eiki not saying anything….
Coming out of his apartment, Shono is stopped by Ujou “Just coming back right now, busy huh….” Shogo replies “I’m going to get my sister….” “Then I’ll send you….there’s something I want to ask….” Shogo looks at him….
In the car on the way, Ujou asks “From September 29th until the morning of September 30th, where were you & what were you doing?” “I was working in the workshop….” “Together with the other craftsmen?” “Alone….” “& how were you contacted regarding the news of Hisamatsu’s disappearance?” “From a friend at the marina, his cell phone….” “September 29th about 11pm….someone swimming to shore near the marina….was seen by Ikenaga Sonoe who was passing by….” “Someone swimming to shore?” “In any case when Ikenaga Sonoe went to call for an ambulance, that person disappeared….” Shogo imagines his sister Nanami on board the cruiser with Hisamatsu, hugging him. Hisamatsu pushes her away, shaking his head but Nanami continues to hold him. Suddenly she pushes him overboard into the water & runs the cruiser over him. Nanami, wearing a life jacket, swims to the shore. Ikenaga Sonoe comes up to her “Are you alright?!” Nanami turns to stare at her……..Shono imagines Ikenaga cycling back & Nanami waiting for her…. Shogo tells Ujou “The night of the incident, I was alone….I got the news from someone’s cell phone….for sure I don’t have an alibi….” “Do you have a boating license?” “No….but because I often went cruising with Hisamatsu, I know how to maneuver (lái tàu) the boat….” Ujou casts (ném) a glance at Shogo, not saying anything….
Shogo arrives at the family mart where Nanami works & looks for her. Nanami sees him & says “Welcome back, how’s dad?” Shogo looks at her, not replying, taking the photo out of his coat pocket….
Sliding (trượt) the photo of Nanami & Hisamatsu across the table towards Nanami, Shogo asks “What was going on between you & Hisamatsu?” Nanami, taken aback, takes the photo, unable to reply. Shogo gently says “You loved him didn’t you….what about Hisamatsu?” Nanami answers in a small voice “I wanted to ask that too….getting engaged to Toko, that was probably the answer….” “In March this year, for your graduation trip, you went to
Alone at a corner of the restaurant, Nanami leans towards Hisamatsu & kisses him. Hisamatsu says “Nanami….” Nanami, looking at him “Because I’ve always loved you….” When Hisamatsu merely looks at her, she asks “Am I trouble?” Hisamatsu gently explains “Because you’re like a sister to me….” with a smile….
Back in the present, Shogo says “When you knew that they were engaged, you resented (óan hận) Toko didn’t you….” Shogo looks at Nanami who mutters “That….” Shogo continues “You resented only Toko?” Nanami stares at her brother “What do you mean?!” “What about Hisamatsu?” Nanami disbelief on her face replies “Surely you don’t think that I killed Hisamatsu?!” Shogo presses on “From September 29th until the 30th, where were you?” Nanami murmurs “You doubt me after all….” Looking at Shogo, she asks “What’s the motive? Because I’m the woman scorned (khinh bỉ)?” Shogo looks away, not answering. Nanami says “Because of a college party, I stayed over at a friend’s house….that Hisamatsu had died, I only found out on the news the following morning….but as my friend had gotten drunk & was asleep all night, I guess I don’t have an alibi….” Shogo tells her “Nanami, please go back to
At her shop, Masako, taking a seat at a table, says to Ujou “I heard from my father last night….that case is being re-investigated….” Ujou, looking around the shop, says cynically (nhạo báng)”With a triumphant (hân hoan) look, back to restore the marital relationship….did your father say that?” Masako gives a smile, not replying. Ujou tells her “I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately….working as the chief of Yamanashi, things were wonderful….just married you were an understanding wife, really smiled a lot….” Ujou remembers Masako celebrating with him, smiling, toasting each other with champagne. Back in the shop, Ujou lights a candle “You were my treasure….” Masako says “You were someone who only loved himself, I knew that at the marriage meeting….you were terribly arrogant….” Ujou tells her “Loving something other than myself, I finally found it….” looking at her. Masako doesn’t say anything & Ujou continues “It was when I was transferred that things between us changed….a wife that was unhappy with her husband’s promotion, I couldn’t believe it….more than anything else, not being able to understand your feelings really hurt….” Standing behind her, he puts his hand on her shoulder “Can we start over?” Masako, looking torn (nước mắt), pushes his hand away & walks over to the counter “It’s no use….”
At Ice Storm, Shogo says to Toko “She was in love with Hisamatsu….maybe thinking that Toko took Hisamatsu away from her….” Toko doesn’t say anything & Shogo asks “You knew?” Toko replies “He told me everything….he was worried about telling you so it was hard for him to say anything….” Shogo tells her “I….thought that my sister was the murderer….I doubted you….& doubted Nanami too….” Shogo runs his hand through his hair “I’m beginning to hate myself bit by bit….” As he takes a big gulp of his drink, Toko says “If the police know about Nanami….” Shogo thinks “That Ujou….he’ll suspect Nanami eventually….I’d rather he be suspicious of me….” With Satomi breaking up ice with the ice pick, Toko recalls Nanami telling her “Hisamatsu said so….he gave you a really special bottle of wine for a present….my brother 
loves you! Because he loves you, he suspects you….”
At a park, Toko is out doing some excavating (sự khai quật). With a hammer, she pounds away at the earth when she suddenly notices Eiki watching her. Walking towards her he says “I heard from the school that you were here….” When Toko doesn’t reply, merely carries on pounding & scraping (cạo) away, he asks “What are you looking for?” “Fossils (hóa thạch) of old shells….” “Fossils of shells like snails?” “130 odd years ago, this area was shallow (cạn) sea….” Eiki replies “Ehh? Looks interesting….borrow this….” smiling as he takes one of her tools & starts poking (chọc) into the earth. Toko looks at him & the both of them work in silence for a while. Eiki finds something & holding up a piece “Isn’t this a fossil?” “Which?” asks Toko, coming over to take a look. Eiki says “Shape of a fish….” Toko replies curtly (cộc lốc) “A plant fragment (mảnh vỡ)….” going back & continuing her work. Eiki tells her “I understand why you’re so fascinated (quyến rũ) with this….” Toko laughs “Just digging that little bit you can’t understand….” Eiki doesn’t immediately reply. Quietly he says “I’ve decided to believe in you….” Toko pauses & listens as Eiki continues “At the very least, Egi Toko did not kill 3 men for the sake of insurance money….” Eiki looks at her but she merely says “Perhaps there’s another reason for killing them….” “You’ve fallen into someone’s trap (cạm bẫy) & are being set up. 3 men dying after canceling their insurance policies, it’s someone else’s doing….the murderer is someone else….” Toko stops & looks at him “Why do you think that?” Eiki ! replies “I said before….I know the scent of a criminal….” Toko smiles “The criminal scent (hơi) from me is getting faint( yếu ớt)?” Eiki smiles back “Why?” Toko doesn’t reply, returning to her excavating. Finding something, Toko takes a sharp instrument like an ice pick & scratches (nạo) the dirt (bùn nhão) away. Eiki watches her blow the dirt away & hold up a fragment, looking at it….
Late that night, Eiki sends Toko home. Stopping in front of Toko’s apartment building, Toko looks Eiki “Thank you….goodnight” Eiki looks back replying “Goodnight….” Toko gets out of the car & goes up the flight(tầng)of stairs, Eiki watching. Finally after a pause, Eiki starts his car & suddenly notices a piece of rock left behind by Toko. Picking it up, he turns off the car engine & goes up to Toko’s apartment. At the door, he decides to try the handle & to his surprise it opens. Closing it, he pauses(ngập ngừng) to think about the implications (gợi í)& after a moment, opens it & enters the apartment. Walking in, he finds the apartment in darkness. Looking around, he sees Toko standing by the door of the veranda, the door open & the curtains billowing (cuồn cuộn) in the wind. Turning the rock in his hand, he silently walks towards Toko. Holding it out to her, he says “You forgot this….” Toko turns to look at him, Eiki looks back & then leans towards her, kissing her. Toko says softly “You’re still afraid of me aren’t you….” Eiki whispers ‘Shut up….” & continues kissing her….
A car pulls up behind Eiki’s parked car below Toko’s apartment….
Eiki & Toko, kissing each other, bump into the shelf & the bottle of wine Hisamatsu gave as a present to Toko ends up on the floor….
Shono gets out of her car, seeing Eiki’s car & looks up at Toko’s apartment, the wind vane on the veranda turning….
In the police station, Ujou answers the phone “Yes….” Shono tells him “Hirokawa Eiki is in Egi Toko’s apartment….” Ujou replies “Alright….” & hangs up. Sitting at his desk, he ponders over the news….
Later on in bed together, with his arm around Toko, Eiki asks “The bottle of wine you have on display in the living room, it’s a present from him?” Toko answers in a half whisper “When I can break free of the past, then open it, that’s what he said….” Eiki says “Can’t open it yet?” Toko doesn’t answer & Eiki continues “Can’t forget the past is because you don’t want to forget….the scars of the past, the stained (vết nhơ) memories too….those are things that people need to carry on living….” Toko replies “Wanting to remember the happiness forever….is getting faint….” Toko looks at Eiki & asks “Why did you become an insurance investigator?” Eiki looks at her & then says “Why I wonder….my father was working as a probation (tập sự) officer….those people serving time would often be in & out of the house….among them were a bunch of people that exchange people’s lives for money….” Toko looks at Eiki, not saying a word. Eiki recalls running as a teenager “I was a marathon runner in junior high school….stuck (gậy chỉ huy) tightly to the leading group of runners, crossing the 35km mark, victory was at hand….deciding to become an insurance investigator, was at that moment….I wanted that same feeling of that moment….staring intently at the backs (of the runners in front)….passing them at the 35km mark….that feeling….” Toko says quietly “Then, right now it’s at that moment….” looking at Eiki “….pass me by….” Eiki stares at her, then leans over & kisses her….
Morning arrives & Eiki wakes up to see Toko still sleeping beside him. He gets out of bed & seeing the bottle of wine on the floor, picks it up, looking at it, recalls Toko telling him “Wanting to remember the happiness forever….is getting faint….” He puts it back on the shelf & walks to the veranda, looking out. Toko’s awake, still lying in bed but Eiki doesn’t notice as he slides the door close & goes back into the apartment….
Shono pulls up (dừng lại) in front of Toko’s apartment building to see Eiki’s car still parked out front. She looks up at the veranda of Toko’s apartment….
Reporting to Ujou later at the police station, Ujou asks Shono “Do you think that Hirokawa Eiki’s seriously in love with Egi Toko?” Shono replies “Whether or not Egi Toko would get him to buy an insurance policy for her….he’s doing this in order to find that out….” “When Hirokawa showed her the life insurance application, didn’t Egi Toko rip it in front of his eyes?” “It was a pose (sự làm bộ)….that was just to attract him….she’s a woman that clearly knows how her tears affect men….” Walking to the window & looking out (chăm chú) , Ujou asks “They were in the apartment together all night long?” Shono doesn’t answer & Ujou says “Painful?” Shono replies “It’s work….” Turning around & looking at her, he says “Is it alright, Shono….” “What?” “Carrying on like this….Hirokawa perhaps ending up (kết thúc) as the murderer’s bait (mồi sống)….” With a determined look on her face, Shono says “I’ll stop it….”
As Toko & Eiki enter Ice Storm, Satomi greets them “Welcome….” Toko asks “Have you got a good Malt (mạch nha) ?” Satomi shows her a bottle “A-I-RON” Toko says “One of that….” taking a seat. “Me too” says Eiki taking a seat next to Toko. Satomi looks at him, then at Toko before smiling & making the drinks. Putting a glass each in front of them, Toko takes hers & downs it in one gulp. Eiki, looking a little hesitant (do dự), takes a swallow (ngụm) & sputters (thổi phù phù). Satomi smiles “Not quite there yet, huh….” Eiki coughing, doesn’t answer. Someone enters Ice Storm & as Satomi turns to say “Welcome”, Toko & Eiki see that it’s Ujou. Ujou looks around, then says to the bartender “For the time being, gin tonic (bổ)….” To Eiki & Toko, Ujou says “I asked around where the both of you would be….” To Toko Ujou says “You must have heard already, that I went to
Outside Ice Storm, Ujou sees Shono staking out Eiki & Toko. Coming up to her car, Ujou tells her “Not going to be much movement tonight….” Shono looks away, not replying. Ujou gets in the car & looks at her “Are you hungry?” When Shono keeps silent, Ujou says “Shono….let’s go eat something….” Shono answers “Alright….” & starts the car….
At the police station the next morning, the department is full of officers filled with anticipation (sự mong đợi). A white board is filled with the details of the Ikenaga case. Matsuura looks at his watch, Ujou stands looking out the window. Along the corridor comes a few officers. Entering the department, all the officers greet the newcomers with respect “Gokurosama….” One of the officers stride with purpose towards Ujou, staring at him with intensity which Ujou returns. Kuramoto says to Ujou “It’s been a while….” Ujou “Yes….” Kuramoto “Your wife ok?” Ujou “Same as always….” Detective Kanbara mutters to Yukawa “Seems like they were graduates of the same class….” to which Yukawa mutters back sarcastically (mỉa mai) “Another specialist boss?” Kanbara snickers (cười khúch khích)….
Matsuura tells everyone “Let’s start….the investigation this time will not be reported (covered by the press)….this is Kuramoto kanrikan (person managing the investigation)….” Kuramoto steps forward & address (xưng hô) everyone “I’m Kuramoto from the main investigation department….” Everyone bows (cúi người) in respect & Kuramoto goes straight into the details “On October 6th before, the body that was discovered by Tsuruma river, Ikenaga Sonoe, a teacher from Eiwa Jogakkan. Relating to Ikenaga Sonoe, a few strange characters have appeared….that is why we are re-investigating the case….first, Detective Ujou from the Machida South Police Department will tell us the basic course (quá trình) this investigation will take….” Kuramoto steps aside & Ujou walks up….
Eiki is at a construction site on an investigation. As he walks around looking at machinery (máy móc), his voiceover (reporting on his cell phone to his boss) says “Looks like the death of the employee by accidental error of the machine, was done for the sake of getting the insurance money….when the police investigation started getting close, the boss ran off in a hurry didn’t he….” Eiki takes a few snapshots (ảnh chụp) of the work site & climbs atop a bulldozer (xe ủi đất)”….the key is still stuck in the machine, obvious (rõ ràng) that they just ran off….feels like even the things that they wanted to take were forgotten….no, there’s still a possibility that the boss will return….I’ll be here until evening, watching….”
In her room at school, Toko picks up her hammer & is about to bring it down on the rock in her hand when the cell phone rings. She stares at it as it carries on ringing….
Back at the police station, Ujou tells everyone “A week before Ikenaga Sonoe’s death on September 29th, she went to her colleague’s, Egi Toko’s, hometown
At the construction site, Eiki enters the office & looks around. Glancing out the window by chance, he spots a figure in a long black coat walking away. Walking towards the window he mutters “The boss….” & runs out of the office down to the site below. Walking around the huge piles of rubble & looking around he sees no one. As he lights a cigarette, he suddenly hears the sound of the bulldozer engine starting. Looking up at the top of the rubble, he suddenly sees the bulldozer coming towards him, sending concrete (bê tông) rocks & rubble tumbling down. Eiki barely rolls out of the way but a large piece of concrete lands on his leg, hurting him as he screams in pain. Trying to get up, he suddenly sees the bulldozer coming round towards him. Pinned (ghim) to the ground by that piece of concrete, Eiki panics, struggling to get away but is immobilized (bất động). As it comes closer Eiki yells (la lên) “Who is it!!” It continues its path towards Eiki & Eiki closes his eyes, letting out a scream. With the bulldozer’s excavator bucket barely an inch from his face, it suddenly stops. Eiki, trembling (run rẩy) & shaking, leans to his side & looking under the bulldozer, sees the feet of someone dressed in black, walking away. As he struggles to get the concrete off his leg, he suddenly sees the feet of someone walking towards him & Eiki freezes. The person comes into view & Eiki is stunned (sửng sốt) to see Toko in front of him. Toko, dressed in a black coat, looks shocked “What happened?” Eiki asks “How come you’re here?” Toko replies “I called your office & they said you were here….” bending down & helping Eiki remove that concrete chunk (khúc) . Eiki asks “Company?” Toko says worriedly “Who did this? Who?”
At the police station Ujou continues “Was there someone on that cruiser with Hisamatsu? Did that someone after killing Hisamatsu swim to Nishihama beach & by chance met Ikenaga Sonoe….in any case, a week after that, with the fact that Ikenaga Sonoe’s body was discovered, it appears that Ikenaga Sonoe was killed by Hisamatsu’s murderer in order to silence her….that is what we think….”
At the construction site, Eiki asks “Why?” Toko looks at him, not saying a word. Eiki says “Just a little more & I’d have been killed….but then (he/she) disappeared….why did the murderer hesitate?” Eiki looks at her “What do you think, Toko?” The expression on Eiki’s face seems to be one of wondering if Toko is the murderer or not. Toko looks away “Better if you stop….” Eiki stares at her “What?!” In a tormented (đau khổ) voice Toko answers “If you’re by my side, you’ll lose your life….” Toko looks at him & half whispers “Do you want to die?” Eiki stares at her & as if deciding to believe in her, grabs a hold of Toko & hugs her. She says “No….no!!!” trying to pull away from him but Eiki, with a look of pain on his face, hangs on to her in a tight embrace (ôm chặt), refusing to let go of her….
Episode 8
Back in the station, Ujou says “Our foe (kẻ thù) will go to the extremes (quá khích) & is cunning (xảo quyệt)….a vicious (xấu xa) criminal that wears a mask of goodness among others….checking up on Ikenaga Sonoe’s route home before hand….looking at the scene of the crime, without any hesitation, attacking in an instant (ngay lập tức)….” As Ujou speaks, Shono arrives. Ujou continues “As the above is all conjecture (phỏng đóan), this investigation department will gather (tụ họp lại) all those suspicious characters, together with all those witnesses….bring them in for questioning….” Ujou ends up staring at Kuramoto who returns the stare with equal force. Matsuura looks anxious (lo âu), the other detectives look on in anticipation (hy vọng).
Ujou’s voice resonates (vang dội) “Those people are……..”
Leaving their apartment, Nanami says to her brother “You’re still suspicious of me aren’t you….because Hisamatsu ignored me & chose Toko, killed Hisamatsu & setting Toko up for the crime….” When Shogo continues to ignore her, Nanami stops him “Aniki!” Shogo stops & looking at his sister, says “I’m only hating myself….Toko & you….I’ll believe from the bottom of my heart….” Nanami replies “I’ll prove (chứng minh) my own innocence myself….the one that killed Hisamatsu, by my own hands….” Shogo stops tells her off “Stop talking rubbish! For heavens sake please go back to
Toko helps Eiki to his car. As he’s about to get in, he says “I saw a person dressed in a black coat….” Toko repeats “Black coat….” Eiki says “I wonder if it was a man….or….” Toko asks “Did you see clearly?” Before Eiki can answer, his cell phone goes off & he takes it out of his coat pocket “Yes….hello….” At the police station, Ujou on the phone says “This is Ujou….I wanted to inform (báo) you….the investigation’s started….from now, all the suspects regarding Ikenaga Sonoe’s case will be brought in for questioning….” Back at the car, Eiki says on the phone in shock “Sakota Shogo has been brought as a suspect for questioning?!” Toko asks “Why Shogo?!”
At the police station, Shogo is seated at a table in an interrogation (thẩm vấn) room with detective Kanbara across from him. Detective Yukawa is in one corner of the room & on one side of a wall is a long mirror. Detective Kanbara says “To you, Hisamatsu was someone you consulted (quan tâm) with & important to you….but on the other hand, during college days….towards (đối với) the Hisamatsu that had a romantic relationship with Egi Toko, you felt hatred (căm ghét)….somehow wanting to make Egi Toko your own woman, however Egi Toko did not return your feelings….on the night of September 29th, got Hisamatsu to go boating, killed him, swam back to shore & was seen by Ikenaga Sonoe….when you knew that she was working as a teacher at the same school as Egi Toko, Eiwa Jogakkan, you decided to set up Egi Toko as the one who killed Hisamatsu….on the night of October 6th, in Machida City at night, attached Ikenaga Sonoe….” Turning to look at Kanbara, Shogo asks “That’s what Ujou thinks?” Ujou, on the other side of the mirror looks on & listens to Shogo “For sure I don’t have a boating license, but I do know how to operate a cruiser….I’m also pretty good at swimming, could swim back to shore too….” Shono, together with Ujou, looking through the mirror at the interrogation, asks “He’s taking a defiant (hồ nghi) stance (thái độ)….the possibility that he’s the murderer, can hear him saying it himself….” Ujou doesn’t reply & Shogo asks “But then, what’s the motive? Kill Hisamatsu, wanting to make Toko my woman….but instead, setting up Toko as the murderer….that’s just ridiculous (lố bịch)….” Shogo turns slowly & looks at the mirror, as if able to see Ujou standing on the other side. Shono asks “Kacho, do you seriously think that he’s the murder! er?” Before Ujou can reply, Shogo says “It’s fine….ask your questions until you’re satisfied….”
Toko stands waiting alone long the corridor at the police station. Turning around, she sees Eiki limping (khập khiễng) towards her, Nanami following him a few steps behind. Eiki tells her “Still not allowed to see him….” Toko says “If it’s a normal interrogation, if the person says he wants to leave….” Eiki looks at her “Until all suspicion is cleared, he’ll remain here for questioning….that’s apparently what he wants….” Toko doesn’t reply & over Eiki’s shoulders, she sees Nanami. As Toko takes a couple of steps towards her, Nanami says “Because he doesn’t want the police to be suspicious of me, aniki, on purpose….” Toko tells her “It’ll be alright….he’ll be cleared of all suspicion soon….” Eiki says “I couldn’t see Ujou….” Toko turns around & looks at Eiki who says “What on earth is that man thinking….” Toko calmly says “If he’s got some purpose….” Eiki stares at her “Purpose?” & recalls Ujou telling him “….the evidence that she’s the murderer….before you & I find out, she’ll destroy it all, that’s her aim…. I will put handcuffs on Egi Toko….” Eiki looks away at the recollection (nhớ lại). Nanami looks at Toko “Toko….who is my brother really protecting?” Toko stares back, not replying. Eiki turns around to look at both women staring at each other….his own eyes ending up on Toko….
The next morning when Eiki arrives at the police station & parking his car, he sees Ujou coming out of the police station. Getting out of the car Eiki shouts “Ujou-san!!” but Ujou doesn’t hear him. Eiki looks on as Ujou walks up to a woman. Masako says “Sorry, when you’re so busy….” Ujou tells her “I’m sorry, but I don’t have much time….” Eiki looks at them walking off & then gets back in his car….
Walking along a river, rather misty (mù sương) morning, Ujou says to her “You don’t look so well….you still haven’t gotten better yet?” “I’m fine….” “What did you want to talk about?” “Dad wanted me to probe (thăm dò)….” “Probe?” “Because lately you’ve been really strange, said to ask you what are you after regarding that case….” “I work really hard & manage to get back his daughter with a smirk on my face….that’s what he’s afraid of isn’t he….” “The case in Kanazwa & the case in Machida….the thing in common is that teacher Egi Toko isn’t it….no matter how one thinks, that woman is suspicious, Dad said….but then he said you’re suspecting other people, why?….by any chance the person you’ve brought in for questioning is protecting that woman Egi Toko?” Ujou doesn’t reply. Masako asks “What sort of woman is she?” Ujou replies “You want to know if I’ve been seduced (quyến rũ) by that woman who’s a suspect?” “I want you to become a brilliant police government official….the soul of a police officer, the honor & future….I don’t want you sell that out….” Ujou assures her “Don’t worry about that….but, thank you….” From his coat pocket he takes something out “If you can, next time, let’s go for a drink together?” Masako takes the matches from Ujou. It says Ice Storm….
At the police station outside the interrogation room, along the corridor, Shogo tells Nanami “Tell Toko that I’m fine….” Nanami says in a half whisper “You can leave anytime, but instead you want to carry on with the interrogation, is that true?” From inside the room, detective Kanbara, smoking a cigarette, watches the 2 of them. Shogo doesn’t reply & moves away from the door. Nanami asks “Because you don’t want me to be suspected?” When Shogo keeps silent, Nanami starts to cry. Shogo tells her “Don’t cry! They’ll think it strange!” Shono comes round the corner & sees brother & sister talking. Shogo says “The police will pick up any clues, just questioning they’ll find out immediately….” Nanami nods. Shogo tells her “I believe you….I also believe Toko….” Taking the lunch box & a bag from Nanami, Shogo says “Thank you….” & goes back into the room “What is it I wonder….” Kanbara says “Alright?” “Yes, thanks….” Kanbara gets up & shuts the door. Shono walks away….
As Shono walks out of the police station, she sees a figure in a black coat walking in the distance & pauses. She sees it again & starts walking….
At Ice Storm, Eiki says to Ujou “Calling you out when you’re so busy, sorry….saying that Sakota Shogo is the murderer, that was you wasn’t it….that Sakota Shogo is protecting Egi Toko….that’s why he also agreed to the interrogation….thinking like that, then he’ll confess (thú tội) as well, isn’t it….” Ujou says “Regarding Egi Toko, do you really believe in her whole heartedly?” Eiki doesn’t reply & Satomi puts a drink in front of him “Sorry to keep you waiting….” Ujou gets up “Let’s sit over there….” Satomi looks on as they move to a table away from the bar. Ujou tells Eiki “I can’t trust anyone of my subordinates….even had to deceive my supporters….” Ujou lights up a cigarette “Someone I can trust in….there’s only one….” Eiki asks “Who’s that?” Ujou looks at him “Do you want to know what I’m thinking?” Eiki looks back & Ujou, looking around suspiciously, turning back to Eiki in a low voice says “Someone is out to make Egi Toko the murderer….” Satomi gives them a surreptitious (kín đáo) glance. Ujou continues “That person’s aim is only one….to destroy Egi Toko’s life completely….” Imagining Toko together with Shibata at a park, Ikenaga watching them from behind a tree, Ujou says “Suffering (chịuđựng) from severe (sự cắt đứt) depression due to Hiyama’s death, Egi Toko was cured by psychiatrist Shibata, & the both of them fell in love. It’s simple to think that the crime after that is Ikenaga Sonoe’s doing….” Eiki adds “Why she would do that is because Ikenaga Sonoe was Shibata’s ex-lover….” Ujou continues “The Shibata who betrayed & left her, she killed with ! her own hands….& not only that, she wanted to cause Egi Toko more pain….” Eiki ponders “If the one who killed Hisamatsu was also Ikenaga Sonoe, then who did Ikenaga Sonoe?” Ujou replies “If just thinking that it was revenge for Hisamatsu, then the only suspect is Egi Toko….but she’s got an alibi….” Eiki adds “But then she’s got an accomplice (tòng phạm) that could’ve killed Ikenaga Sonoe for her….that’s a man that would do anything for Egi Toko….Sakota Shogo….” Ujou gives a cynical (hòai nghi) laugh “But he doesn’t know anything….” Eiki says ‘If you know that he’s innocent, then why do you think he’s a suspect?” Ujou tells him “Start over & think….Egi Toko, Shibata & then Ikenaga Sonoe….looking at this 3 way relationship, what if there’s someone else….” Imagining Toko & Shibata at a park, Ikenaga watching them from behind a tree, someone is watching all of them, Ujou says “Shibata meeting & then saving Egi Toko, wanting to push Egi Toko into the depths of despair (nỗi tuyệt vọng) again….if this is the murderer’s motive….the murderer skillfully gets close to Shibata, watching for a chance & putting in the drugs (in the coffee). After losing Shibata & living in misery, the one who saved her was her friend from college Hisamatsu….but the murderer wouldn’t forgive the Egi Toko that’s back on her feet….” Eiki half muttering to himself “To inflict (gây ra vết thương) pain on Egi Toko thoroughly….” & then to Ujou “For what?” Ujou replies “To take revenge on Egi Toko….” Eiki stares at Ujou who says “Hisamatsu killed, Egi Toko’s life is again destroyed….the murderer that continues to take revenge on Egi Toko….what! sort of ! person is that?!” Eiki looks at Ujou “In order to verify all this, you brought in Sakota Shogo as a suspect….” Ujou tells him “The police now think that the one who killed Ikenaga Sonoe is a 27 year old man….but this to the real murderer must be a problem….if pinning (ghim) the murders on Egi Toko is the ultimate (cuối cùng) motive, the murderer will make his move again….not only to take the lives of Hisamatsu & Shibata, but also Ikenaga Sonoe’s….in order to wipe out (triệt hạ) Egi Toko from society….” Eiki says “That’s why the murderer killed Ikenaga Sonoe….& in order to pin the murder on Egi Toko, sent you that anonymous letter….” Ujou recalls the letter “The murderer is within Eiwa Jogakkan….I was completely taken for a ride….” Eiki asks “What is the murderer going to do one more time to Egi Toko?” Ujou looks at him “To the murderer, isn’t now the perfect time? Being loved by another man, Egi Toko’s found happiness again….be careful….don’t fall into the same trap as Shibata & Hisamatsu….” Eiki recalls being at the worksite & the bulldozer attacking him. Eiki looks at Ujou & says with determination (xác định) “I’ll be happy to be the bait (mồi)….if that clears her of all doubts….” Ujou asks “Do you believe in her whole heartedly?” Eiki doesn’t reply & Ujou takes a sip (hớp) of his drink “I’ll place a bet too….” Eiki says “Something just occurred to me….” “What?” “That Ikenaga Sonoe is still alive….” Satomi looks at both men from the bar. Ujou laughs “What do you mean?” Eiki explains “Killing Egi Toko’s lover, making it as if she herself was the one that killed him, somewhere laughing at the pain Egi Toko’s s! uffering.! I keep imagining that….” Ujou tells him “Ikenaga Sonoe is definitely dead….” “I know that….no, it’s that I have this feeling that those dark emotions of revenge are still floating (lơ lửng) about….” Ujou thinks “If that’s the case, in other words it’s this….they’re similar….Ikenaga Sonoe & the murderer….as if they were twins….”
Outside the family mart where she works, Nanami says on the public phone “Can you tell me what’s going on?” listening & then hanging up….
As Toko walks through the chapel at school, she stops & looks out the door. In her hands carrying her books is also the cell phone. She recalls the voice telling her “About getting this cell phone….don’t tell anyone about it….that’s if you want to make a deal….” As Toko walks home across the bridge just above where Ikenaga fell to her death, she stops as if hearing the voice saying “Deceive those around you….deceive also that man who loves you….understand?” Toko looks around to see people using cell phones talking & looking down to the spot where Ikenaga Sonoe ended up, bouquets of flowers on the ledge, Toko says to herself “Anytime will be fine….” & walks on. From across the bridge, Shono comes out from behind a fence, watching Toko….
At the police station, Kuramoto stares at the writing on the white board. As Ujou walks in & sits at his desk, Kuramoto says “Sakota Shogo’s questioning should be finished by now….” Ujou replies “The objective (of this investigation) is still continuing….” Kuramoto, taking a seat, says “If you’re not gong (chuông) to arrest him, then continuing on with the questioning is going to look strange….looks like the police have completely made a mistake with the investigation….” Ujou retorts (trả đũa) “Mistaken investigating….you find it outrageous (xúc phạm), don’t you….” Kuramoto tells him “For the time being, you think you’ll get approval for conducting (điểu khiển) this investigation like this? Don’t make a spectacle (quang cảnh) of this!” Ujou glares at him, the animosity (óan thù) between both men hanging thick in the air. Ujou turns away as if fed up. Kuramoto get up & goes to Ujou “At first I thought I’d help out, came here to lead the investigation….” Ujou stands up & looks at Kuramoto “To the one you kicked down, want to see him trapped in his own web?” Ujou takes out Kuramoto’s tie & Kuramoto grabs Ujou’s arm. Both men glare at each other & Ujou says to him “Next time watch our words, kanrikan….” sitting back down at his desk. Kuramoto staring at Ujou says “What you saying….is it Egi Toko?” Ujou mutters “Investigating that right now….”
Outside Toko’s apartment building, Eiki sits on his bike, waiting. Watching him from her car from a distance is Shono. Toko arrives home & Eiki says to her “You’re late….” “I went to the police station….” “Couldn’t meet him yet….” Toko nods & starts walking up to her apartment. Eiki tells her “Don’t worry, Ujou said that he’ll be let out soon….” Toko comments (bình luận) “Recently, you’ve become friends with him….” Eiki smiles “Can you tell?” Toko asks “What else did you talk about?” When Eiki doesn’t reply, Toko says “I won’t ask anymore….talking anything about the case, it would seem that I’m probing (điều tra)….I just want to be with you quietly….” Eiki tells her “Even if it’s probing I want to know….please tell me….3 years ago what sort of relationship did you have with Shibata? 5 years ago with Hiyama, what happened? I want to carry that burden (gánh nặng) too, your past 5 years….” Toko looks at Eiki….
In her room both of them sitting apart on the bed, Toko says “When I was under treatment, Shibata told me….you rejecting (lọai bỏ) getting deeply involved with me is because you know the emptiness of being in love….” Eiki mutters “….emptiness of love….” “When the relationship between a man & woman deepen, they end up wanting to possess each other….then both will fight each other….possess (chiếm hữu) the other’s time….possess the other’s body….possess the other’s freedom….” Eiki listens without saying a word. Toko continues “When a man possesses the woman he wants, the woman little by little starts to despair (thất vọng)….the woman on the other hand for the sake of the man, abandons her real self, becoming the woman he wants, getting closer to his lifestyle….cooking & cleaning talents becoming better….& then the man says….the woman that I wanted, isn’t the kind that lives like this….” Toko turns to look at Eiki, deep in thought….
Going out into the living room, Toko continues “It’s the same for a woman….from the moment that she wants to get the man, she starts to fall into despair little by little & becoming disillusioned (vỡ mộng)….I think this is a mistake that accompanies (sự đồng hành) men & women forever….” Eiki looks at her in silence, listening “That’s why I don’t want to change….I don’t want him to change either….” Toko looks at Eiki “Because I want to love you that you are now, that’s why I also want you to love me as I am now….but the woman that says this, most men cannot take this….this characteristic of mine that Shibata analyzed, he too in the end couldn’t take it….whenever I wanted to make him understand, I’d say out loud “I’m now being held by you….I’m the one holding you….”….but I couldn’t get him to understand….” Taking a seat on the sofa, she says “Even before Shibata….there was a man that said that I’ll give you everything in exchange for your love….if I’m not loved by you, it’s better to be dead….at that time I’ll give you the insurance money….I’ll die in a way that doesn’t look like suicide to show you….” Eiki asks “Hiyama?”
Toko recalls Hiyama taking pictures of her, sitting in the courtyard of the school “At the time, he was only a photographer for the news, couldn’t survive on that….so he took on assignments for a weekly magazine….” With Toko sitting solemnly (trang nghiêm) under the tree, Hiyama tells her “Sensei, please smile….” Toko continues “There was a special on teachers….my pictures were taken by him….” Hiyama takes snapshots of Toko, unsmiling, all the photographs a tinge (đượm vẻ) of sadness on her face. Toko says “He finally gave up trying to make me smile….when I saw the photos, I thought that that was the real me….I wanted to meet the person who took these pictures one more time….that was the start of love….but in the end that love was also the same….the more one loved, the more one wanted to possess of the other….
Toko remembers being in bed together with Hiyama. She sits up, a frown (tư lự) on her face. Hiyama says “I love you so much….why can’t you love me the same? I love so much I would die for you….” Toko turns to look at him & says in defiance (thách thức) “If you say you would die loving me, then die & show me!!” Toko tells Eiki “Those words I said that day….is probably the start of everything….” Toko recalls an insurance agent coming to talk to her “Hiyama has appointed you as beneficiary for a life insurance policy….” “I heard about the insurance policy….” “As a 3rd party, in principle (nguyên tắc) only a fiancee or people who in a common-law marriage are allowed to be beneficiaries….your relationship with Hiyama is….” “We’re engaged….common law marriage….is that alright?” Toko tells Eiki “Hiyama was only making fun of me….at the time I was really childish (ngây ngô)….” remembering Hiyama pulling up in a taxi as she leaves her apartment “I’m leaving now….” “So….be careful….” Hiyama smiles “Look forward to your souvenir….” Toko says to Eiki “At the time, it was said to be the most dangerous place on earth, Northern Ireland’s Belfast……..he went there….that he cancelled the insurance policy, at that time I still didn’t know….” Reading the letter from Hiyama & watching the video, she tells Eiki what Hiyama said to her “Toko, you have to go on living….” Eiki sits next to her on the sofa “The letter that Hiyama left for you, what did he write?” “Nothing….” “Nothing?” “I love you….I love you so much I’d die for you….that was all that was written….”
Eiki sits back, not saying a word. Toko says in a half whisper “Always loving someone….yet a woman who can’t live being loved by others….for the sake of that woman, everyone dies….” Eiki looks at her as she says “Even when the one you love dies….it’s not death in an instant….it takes a long time, losing that person little by little….the sound of the telephone won’t ring….” ….Hiyama in bed with Toko…. “the scent on the pillow becomes faint….” Toko walking hand in hand in the park with Shibata…. “Little by little, the things that I lost starts piling up….” Hisamatsu kissing Toko on the cruiser…. With tears in her eyes, Toko says to Eiki “To me, that’s the past 5 years….love only means taking from each other….in the end, there’s only pain….if that’s what love is, I swore I wouldn’t love anyone ever again….I don’t know about the future….not even thinking about it….but at the very least….you right now….” Eiki says “I….the Toko right now….” Toko looks at him “The me right now….” Eiki looks into her eyes “That’s enough….” putting his arm around her. The weather vane continues turning outside the veranda……..
Shono pulls up in her car, looking up at the veranda….
At the police station, Ujou in the interrogation room alone with Shogo, tells him “No one else is around, don’t worry….” Shogo asks him “What’s your purpose of all this?” Ujou replies “The murderer’s next move….” taking a seat across the table “The murderer who’s out to destroy Egi Toko’s live….what’s his next move?” Shogo says “Doesn’t that mean that Egi Toko’s in danger?!” “There’s someone watching her….you’re still going to stay here?” “If that means staying here is better, than I’ll stay….in exchange, could you get in touch with my sister? She said she was bringing something, but it’s been more than 2 hours….” Ujou looks at him, surprised at the news “Sister?….“
In Toko’s apartment, as Eiki’s pouring drinks for the both of them, Toko’s cell phone suddenly goes off. Looking at Eiki, Toko takes the phone out of her bag & answers “Hello?” The digitized voice says “Together with that man?” Toko lies, walking into the kitchen “No….it’s alright….” “Looks like there’s nothing to worry about his injury is there….I had no intention to kill him….just wanted to test….if he suspects whether or not you were the one that did it….just wanted to test if he trusts you….how very touching isn’t it….” The voice laughs & then adds “Let’s make our deal….come to where I am now….don’t tell that man….” Toko says “Now? Another teacher won’t do?” Eiki looks at her….
As Toko leaves, she says to Eiki “Apparently a student is in trouble, can’t locate the school counselor (cố vấn) so called me….” “You’ll be alright alone? Shall I send you?” Toko shakes her head with a smile “It’s a normal thing….” going out….
Shono sees Toko leave….Eiki watches from the apartment….
Toko gets into a taxi “
Eiki comes out, gets on his bike & follows Toko….Shono follows Eiki….
Ujou come back into the interrogation room “Your sister didn’t show up for work….” Anxiously (áy náy) he asks Shogo “Do you know where else she could be?” Shogo recalls Nanami telling him “I’ll prove my on innocence….Hisamatsu’s murderer, by my own hands….” Shogo starts to panic & pleads with Ujou “Please find my sister!!”
In the taxi, Toko looks at the cell phone. Eiki follows close on his bike, behind him Shono. Ujou radios her “Are you still at the apartment?” “No, Toko’s on the move….heading towards
Getting out of the taxi at the park, Toko recalls the voice telling her directions “When you get to the park, take the pathway….” Eiki arrives on his bike & follows, Shono arriving a little after him….
As Toko walks along the path, the cell phone rings “Hello?” “You’re in the park….” Toko looks around but doesn’t see anyone in the dark. She says “Just walking on along this path….” “200metres ahead there’s are trashcans….” Toko walks on, Eiki behind some bushes, behind him in the trees, Shono….
Toko comes round the corner where the trashcans are & the phone goes off again “Yes….” “Those trashcans….throw the cell phone in there & then keep on walking….I’ll be waiting….” Toko hangs up & drops the phone into the trashcan. Eiki barely sees her image in the distance. Shono behind a tree suddenly sees a police car approaching, the sirens (còi báo động) piercing (xoi mói) the night air. Eiki looks & then continues walking on….
Toko follows the path, not seeing anything. Strong winds start to blow & Toko looks around as the trees rustle (tiếng xào xạt), fallen leaves flying. Turning around, Toko sees a mound (ụ) of leaves on the ground & starts walking towards it….
A light shines at Shono & turning around, she sees 2 policemen. They ask her “You’re the one that made the report?” Shono asks surprised “Report?”
Eiki arrives to see Toko crouching (cúi xuống) down on the ground “Toko….” Toko turns around, not saying a word. Eiki walks around to get a clearer view & stops in his tracks, stunned. In Toko’s arms, Nanami lies dead, the handle of a pick protruding (thò ra) from her chest, blood on her clothes. Eiki recalls her saying to Toko at the police station “Who is my brother really protecting?” Eiki stares at Toko & then recalling her pulling out a similar tool on him in her room, & then again using a similar tool to scrape away some rocks…. Eiki stares at Toko, speechless. Toko shakes her head, not saying a word when the policemen arrive with Toko “What happened?” Shono looks shocked at the sight. Eiki sinks to his knees in disbelief. Shono stares at a stunned Eiki looking at Toko, Toko returning his stare….the wind billowing leaves all around them….
Episode 9 Han’nin ha kimi da….you are the murderer….
One of the police officers frantically (điên rồ) report “Kanamori 3 chome, in the park! A young woman has been stabbed…” The other police officer by Nanami shakes his head & the officer continues “…a body! A body has been found! Please send backup!” Shono steps up to Toko “You’re under arrest!” putting handcuffs on her. Shono looks at Eiki who doesn’t say a word. Shono tells one of the police officers “Take him to the park entrance & wait for the investigators to arrive…” & to the other police officer “Keep the scene of the crime as is. Ensure that you don’t move the victim…” As the police officer tries to take Eiki away “Please…“, Eiki gets upset yelling “Wait! Wait a minute!” Agitatedly (kích động) he tries to explain to the officer “I was watching her all the while! There was no time for her to kill anyone! She just discovered the body there, that’s all!” Fighting with the officer, Eiki manages to face Toko “That’s it isn’t it, Toko…” then to Shono “Tsukiko! You understand! She’s been set up by somebody!” The police officer struggles (chống cự) to get Eiki away “We’ll take time to listen to your story…”. Toko stares at the officer leading Eiki away & then turns to look at Nanami lying on the ground…
At the police station, Eiki sits alone waiting. Kanbara comes by “Hirokawa, we’ll take your statement now, this way…” As Eiki comes out of the room, he sees Toko being led down the corridor by Shono. Walking by Eiki, she looks at him not saying a word. Ujou comes down the corridor with Shogo who looks at Toko. Shogo steps forward, holding on to Toko’s hands says in disbelief “Nanami’s dead…is that real?” When she doesn’t reply, Shogo looks at her hands “Why? Why are you handcuffed?” Ujou tells Yuikawa “Yuikawa, take him to the hospital for verification…” Shogo, still in shock, asks Toko “Why?” Yuikawa leads Shogo away & Ujou says to Shono “Take her to the interrogation room…” Eiki watches Toko being led away & walks up to Ujou “It’s wrong…it’s not her…” Ujou looks as if he wants to believe but… Eiki half pleads “Please get to the bottom of this…” Ujou nods & leaves. Eiki looks at Toko who turns back to look at him, a look of helplessness on her face. Eiki says to her “I’ll prove it…your innocence…”
In the interrogation room, Ujou reads out her statement “You kept the fact that you received the cell phone from Hirokawa, didn’t tell anyone about it. You wanted to confront (giáp mặt) the person yourself…” Ujou throws a glance at the mirror, knowing that Kuramoto & Matsuura are on the other side listening & watching. Ujou continues “Call eventually comes ‘If you want to know the reason why your lovers died one after another, then come to the said place…’ …accordingly you went to the park. Following instructions, you threw away the cell phone & headed towards the pond, discovered Nanami lying on the ground…no longer breathing…” A knock on the door & it opens, Shono entering “Excuse me…” Walking up to Ujou, she says “The trashcans at the rest area, no cell phones were found…” Ujou turns to look at Toko who says “The fact that the cell phone was sent to me is the truth! Even the battery charger was in it. It was left at the school, you can check with them…” Shono looks at Toko “In order to fabricate (bịa đặt) a someone sending you a non-existent phone, didn’t you send the phone to yourself?” Toko returns the glare from Shono, unable to reply…
Yuikawa interrogates Eiki “Why did you trail (theo dấu vết) Egi Toko last night?” Eiki takes his time to answer “Someone called her, asked her out…I was worried…” Yuikawa says “You were suspicious of Egi Toko weren’t you?!” Kanbara adds “You’re hiding something! What happened between you & that woman?!” Eiki recalls being at the worksite when the bulldozer barely stopping an inch from him & seeing Toko asking in surprise “What happened?” Kanbara shows him a bloodied pick in a plastic bag “Do you recognize this?” Eiki remembers Toko pulling out a similar tool in her room crying “If you come any closer!” & then together looking for fossils, scraping a piece of rock “The smell of me being a criminal is getting faint?” Eiki replies “I don’t recognize it…” Kanbara continues “The time of death has been estimated between 6 & 7pm last evening…” Eiki says “She came back to the apartment at 8…” Yuikawa retorts “Up to that point in time she has no alibi!” Eiki replies “Egi Toko called Sakota Nanami out to the Ryokuchi Park, killed her & then returned to the apartment…is that what you all think?!” Kanbara asks “When you were together with her at the apartment, how was she?!” Eiki remembers Toko telling him rather somberly (mờ mịt) “I don’t know about the future…but at the very least…you right now…” Eiki says “I…the Toko right now…” Toko looks at him “The me right now…” Eiki looks into her eyes “That’s enough…” Kanbara raises his voice “How was she?!” Eiki replies shaking his head, not wanting to believe “! Coming back as if she had killed someone…” Kanbara continues “In the beginning you were merely an insurance investigator that was suspicious of Egi Toko! But now, you’re swearing that she’s innocent…a really strong ally (sự liên quan) aren’t you!” Yuikawa adds “That’s to say, without you realizing it, you’ve become her accomplice! You’ve been used!!” Eiki stares back as if in anger…
In Matsuura’s office, Kuramoto questions Ujou “What’s this story about Egi Toko’s lovers dying one after another?” Ujou reluctantly (miễn cưỡng) replies “5 years ago & 3 years ago, both men who had Egi Toko as beneficiary to their insurance policies are dead. But as the policies (hợp đồng) were both cancelled just before their deaths, she never received got a single yen…” Matsuura questions “Such important information, why have you kept silent about this until now?” Kuramoto says “You joined hands with that insurance investigator but intended to take all the credit? Or are you protecting her?” Ujou returns Kuramoto’s stare “What are you saying?” To Matsuura, Kuramoto says “Arresting Sakota Shogo in order to flush (dụ) out the murderer, that sort of stupidity will only result in sacrificing (hy sinh) more lives!! On top of that, Detective Ujou has personal feelings for the suspect.” Ujou retorts in anger “There’s no such thing!” Kuramoto glares at Ujou, saying to Matsuura “Please remove him from the Investigation Department…” Ujou looks at Matsuura, who can only give a deep sigh in resignation…
Early the next morning, Eiki comes out of the police station. Stopping, he turns & looks up at the building. Turning around, he walks on & ends up at the convenience store where Nanami worked. Saying to the guy at the store “…then, Sakota Nanami said that she wanted to leave early & left at about 5pm? Was she called out by someone?” “No, rather, it appeared that she was the one that called someone out…” “When was this?” “The day before she died…ah…” he walks out of the convenience store “…she used that phone over there…” The convenience store guy recalls Nanami talking on the phone “…I understand. You have to be there tomorrow, I look forward to it. Would like you to tell me just what on earth is going on…” Eiki stares at the phone thinking “Sakota Nanami threatened someone…”
At the police station, Kuramoto tells all the police officers “12 years ago, Egi Toko’s parents committed suicide, 5 years ago the photojournalist, 3 years ago the psychiatrist, 2 months ago the young entrepreneur (nhà thầu)…anyone involved in a love relationship with Egi Toko has died one after another…Ikenaga Sonoe & Sakota Nanami both must have found evidence of Egi Toko’s intentionally (chủ tâm) killing those men & were killed…this is what we think…”
In the interrogation room Toko says “Intentionally killing those men, what did I get out of it? The live insurance policies had all been cancelled…what’s my motive?” Kanbara says arrogantly “Perhaps the men got wind of your intentions (í định) before hand & your plans failed. Until you succeed, you intend to go on attracting men aren’t you. Next is the insurance investigator? You’ve got a good eye for things haven’t you…“ Toko asks “Good eye?” Kanbara replies sarcastically “Seduce (quyến rũ) the insurance agent, learn more about blind spots (loopholes) (trường hợp nhập nhằng) of insurance, scheme to make a killing isn’t it…” Toko coolly asks “What blind spots?” Kanbara retorts “How would I know?!”
Eiki walks along the edge of the pond talking to himself “Killed by one’s intended victim, Sakota Nanami murdered…” Walking towards the scene of the crime “Then Egi Toko was called here…” Eiki looks around “The murderer was hiding around here…”
At the police station the interrogation continues with Kanbara saying “One can also think this…killing the men for something other than money. Once entering into a life insurance contract, after their deaths, suspicion will arise (phát sinh), therefore the contracts were cancelled.” Toko asks “What other motive is there besides money?” but Yuikawa tells her “Don’t ask questions! You’re the one who should be giving answers!” Toko fearlessly retorts “I don’t understand, that’s why I’m asking!” staring back at Yuikawa…
Sitting on a bench near the scene of the crime, Eiki’s deep in thought when Ujou approaches “Did you find out anything?” Eiki turns around to look at Ujou who sits down beside him. Eiki asks “Who called 110 to make the report?” Ujou replies “In order to get Egi Toko caught in the act of committing the crime, the timing was all planned by the murderer, making the report…” Eiki asks again “The voice of the person who made the report was recorded wasn’t it…” Ujou tells him “A voice changer was used, couldn’t identify the sex nor age of the person…” Eiki says with a tone of resignation “How long are they going to keep questioning her?” “For the present, 48 hours after being arrested. That’s to say, the day after tomorrow 6am. By that time, if they decide to prosecute (khởi tố) her, she’ll be detained (cầm giữ) for another 3 weeks…” “Aren’t you the one doing the investigation?” Standing up, Ujou replies “I’ve been ousted (trục xuất) from the investigation department…” “Why?” “Apparently I’ve become personally involved…” “Personally involved?” Turning to look at Eiki, he says “In any case, it’s up to the both of us…” Eiki continues “Within the next 48 hours, to find evidence proving her innocence…” Ujou walks to the scene of the crime but as he tries to get within the police boundary (ranh giới) , an officer tells him “Very sorry, but you’re not allowed in here, Kuramoto’s orders…” Ujou looks annoyed, Eiki in resignation (nhẫn nhục) …
Kanbara says “Sakota Nanami was the younger sister of your classmate wasn’t she? You looked at her as if she was your own sister didn’t you? She’s dead!” Yuikawa adds “Not even a tear from you!!” Kanbara continues “Even being stabbed in the heart, death isn’t instantaneous (ngay lập tức). Would be in agony (sự đau đớn) for a while…a cruel (dữ tợn) spectacle (quang cảnh)…you were watching all along weren’t you! With those ice cold eyes of yours!!” Toko grimaces & puts her hand to her head, closing her eyes.
Outside the room, Kuramoto & the other officers watch & listen as Kanbara continues “All those men, did you enjoy killing & watching them like this?!” Yuikawa bangs his hand on the table, scaring Toko with a jerk (sự giật) “Don’t sleep!!”
At the morgue, Shogo stands alone staring but not seeing anything. Ujou enters the room with Eiki “Until the autopsy (sự mổ xác) is over & the body is returned, it’s better if you wait in your apartment…” Eiki says “Your father will be coming from
In Mastuura’s office, Ujou says “Please release Egi Toko. If the doubts about her are lightly taken, the real murderer will make his next move!” Kuramoto butts (đâm sầm) in “That’s a different story! The story about her being called out on the cell phone, that’s her lover’s Hirokawa Eiki’s testimony (bằng chứng)…the likelihood (sự có thể đúng) of that being trustworthy is zero!” Ujou retorts angrily “If that’s the case then why was Egi Toko, that time of the night, going to where the body was?!” Kuramoto replies “She was being followed by that female detective of yours wasn’t she?! Being called out by someone & going there first as if she had just come across the body. She’d already taken into account that she would be followed…” Ujou laughs in disbelief “Being arrested & being a suspect, that’s also in Egi Toko’s plans?!” Kuramoto bites out “If she can withstand (chống cự) the interrogation, she’ll walk out of here in triumph (chiến thắng lớn)! It’s sink or swim! The interrogation room is the battle ground for Egi Toko!” Ujou looks to Matsuura for help “Chief…” but Matsuura replies “She cannot be released…however if there’s no concrete (chắc chắn) evidence, & the interrogation doesn’t get a confession (sự thú tội) from her, it will be difficult to prosecute her…” Kuramoto glares at Ujou “This story about Egi Toko falling into someone’s trap, it’s really a stunt to get yourself back into headquarters isn’t it…” Ujou replies “What’s that suppose to mean?!” Kuramoto says to Matsuura “Did you know? When this man was on the Yokohama Police force, for the sake of exposing (bóc trần) a subordinate’s gamblin! g, ended up forcing him to commit suicide…” Ujou says bitterly “Making secret inquiries (sự điều tra) at headquarters, Kuramoto, you…until your quarry (con mồi) to falls into your net, you silently watch & wait, don’t you…” Kuramoto says “Even coming out of the police force in the country side, ignored by all your subordinates, a man they detest (ghê tởm). Not only your subordinates, your wife too…” Ujou gives a bitter laugh & then goes after Kuramoto in anger. Matsuura comes between both men, pushing Ujou away “Stop it! Bear with it! Bear (chịu đựng) with it!” Ujou barely contains his anger, glaring at Kuramoto…
With the evening sunlight coming thru the windows of the interrogation room, Toko tiredly asks “How many times do I have to say it until you’re satisfied? Following the instructions & going there, Nanami was already dead…” Kanbara says “After 6pm at
Waiting in his car outside the police station, Eiki looks up at the building, thinking. Shono suddenly gets into the car “What is it? I’m busy so hurry…” “How is she?” “She’s fine…” Eiki says “I want to ask what you really think, do you really think she did all that?” Shono replies “I won’t let her do as she pleases…I won’t let her touch you…” Eiki asks “Do you think that Egi Toko will really kill me?” “Everyone in the Investigation Department says so! Although Hirokawa Eiki will be killed by Egi Toko, yet he’s running around trying to prove her innocence, what an idiot he is…” Eiki tries to convince her “That’s just playing into the murderer’s hands…think it over calmly…” Shono looks at him “You’re the one that should think this over calmly…” Eiki tells her “Even if you guys send her to prison, I believe in her…” Shono looks away in pain “That’s all you have to say?” When Eiki doesn’t reply, Shono gets out of the car & walks away…
In the morgue, Shogo is with Nanami. In tears, Shogo says “I’m sorry…I was the closest to you & yet I couldn’t protect you…” Putting his hands on her cheeks, crying “I’m sorry, Nanami…” remembering her saying to him “You suspect me! What’s my motive?! A woman scorned (khinh bỉ) ? Until the truth is found out, I’ll stay here in
The next morning, Shogo comes to the cell (xà lim) where Egi Toko’s waiting “The interrogation’s starting…” Toko gets up slowly & as she steps out of the cell, Shono puts handcuffs on her. Shono says “Don’t hurt Eiki any more than this…” Toko looks at Shono with eyes that haven’t had enough sleep. Shono says “The more you try to escape punishment for your crime, the more he’s going to get hurt…” Toko looks back, not replying & Shono continues leading her down the corridor…
In the interrogation room Kanbara says “Perhaps you have no interest in insurance money…” Yuikawa “Men who make you their beneficiary for their life insurance policies…you were satisfied just being able to look at their dead bodies…” Kanbara whispers into her ear “An insane (điên cuồng) criminal…a psychotic killer!” Toko her eyes closed, smiles “Then how about a psychiatric analysis?” Opening her eyes she looks at Kanbara “If I’m insane, I can’t be sent to prison…” not admitting (thừa nhận) defeat. Kanbara loses his temper (tính nóng nảy)”Stop fooling around!” but Toko’s not intimidated (hăm dọa)…
Outside watching, Matsuura sighs “Going on like this, we can’t prosecute her. Even if we do send the case to trial (sự xử án) , detaining her for another 3 weeks & then dropping the case due to insufficient (thiếu) evidence, the reputation (tiếng) of the prosecution will be ruined. Knowing that, the prosecutor will not undertake (đồng í) the case…” Kuramoto doesn’t answer…
Kanbara yells at Toko “Between you & Sakota Nanami…you were fighting for Hisamatsu weren’t you!” Kanbara hits Toko with some papers in his hand, throwing them down on the table “Say something!!” but Toko merely sits there looking tired & dizzy (chóng mặt) , winning the battle against both men…
At the Ice Storm, Eiki walks up to the bar loosening his tie. Ide greets him with a rather somber (ủ rũ) “Welcome” Taking a seat he looks at Ide breaking up ice rather listlessly (lơ đãng) . Eiki tells her “Don’t worry, she’ll be out soon…” “Please take care of her…” Eiki nods & hearing the door slam (đóng sầm cửa), Ide greets Ujou “Welcome” Without a word Ujou walks to the part of the bar where all the tables are & Eiki follows in silence. Taking off his coat & sitting down at a table, Ujou asks “How was
Right then someone enters the bar & Ide greets “Welcome” Ujou turns & is surprised but touched to see his wife Masako looking at him. Eiki turns as well & looks to see who it is, not recognizing her. Masako looking at Ujou says “I came…sorry, are you working?” Ujou, looking a little embarrassed, mutters to Eiki “Speak of the devil…” getting up & walking towards his wife. Turning back to Eiki he says “I’ll introduce you, this is my wife Masako…” Eiki gets up replying “Pleased to meet you, I’m Hirokawa…” Masako replies “Pleased to meet you…” Ujou tells her “Specially coming here, I’m sorry…I still have work to do…” Turning to Eiki, Ujou takes out a key from his jacket “Got this from the investigation department, key to Egi Toko’s apartment…the house search didn’t yield (mang lại) anything so don’t raise your hopes…” Eiki asks “Can I go with you?” Ujou nods “Yes…” As Ujou puts on his coat & walks out, he says to Ide “Please make a special cocktail for her…” Ide replies “Alright…” Eiki mutters a polite “Excuse me…” & follows Ujou out of Ice Storm. Ide says to Masako “Please…” & Masako, left all alone takes a seat at the bar. Ide asks “What sort of cocktail would you like?” Masako replies with a smile “Sorry, right now I can’t drink any alcohol…”
Entering Toko’s apartment, Ujou switches on the light & both men walk into the living room to see the place in a mess. Ujou sighs explaining to Eiki “That’s always how it is after the house search…” & goes into Toko’s bedroom searching. In the living room, Eiki puts Toko’s books together, tidying (dọn dẹp) up her desk when something catches his eye. Picking up a rock & looking at it, he recalls the night he sent Toko home, bringing up the rock to her apartment “You forgot this…” As Eiki kisses her, she whispers “You’re still afraid of me aren’t you…” “Shut up…” “…still afraid…”
In the interrogation room, with Kanbara & Yuikawa standing in one corner, Toko sits at the table, tired but showing no sign of being intimidated. Kuramoto sitting across from her says “Men, knowing that you are an extremely dangerous woman, yet they get close to you…you arouse the desire in men to conquer (chế ngực) …to tame (chế ngự) a dangerous woman…proof of a man’s honor…” Toko doesn’t reply, not looking in the least bit interested in anything Kuramoto’s saying. He adds “Being tamed by all those men, being changed into a dull (đần độn) woman, you couldn’t take it!!! Wrong?” Toko looking bored, replies “So I killed all those men?” Kuramoto glares back at her with intensity “Merely a character analysis…” Toko looks at the mirror “Peeping (tò mò) from there all this while, is this all you can say?” Kuramoto grins (cười toe tóet) & Toko smiles back, not in the least bit bothered. The phone rings & Kanbara answers “Yes…yes…” & says to Kuramoto “Call…from headquarters, chief investigator…” Kuramoto tells him “Transfer it to my office…” & then looking at Toko “The small talk is over…” getting up. As he leaves the room he says to a very tired looking Kanbara “Continue…”
Dawn (bình minh) & Eiki stands on the veranda at Toko’s apartment. Ujou joins him “No letters or diary…this apartment is also unusual…as if the past has been completely thrown away…” Eiki doesn’t reply & just then, Ujou’s cell phone rings. Answering “What’s happening? What about the prosecution?”
At the police station, standing along the corridor, Shono replies “That appears to be the instructions from headquarters…she’s being released…” She looks into the investigation department where Kuramoto paces(đi nhanh)”Although we’ve got all this evidence, we can’t even get a confession out of her!!!” With disappointment in her voice, Shono adds “It’s unfortunate…”
Ujou replies “I understand…” & then to Eiki “Looks like she won…” Both men breathe sighs of relief(sự giải tỏa) & Ujou asks “What are you going to do? Let’s go over there together?” Eiki replies “No, I’ll stay here…” Ujou tells him “Then I’ll tell her that you’re waiting for her here…” & leaves…
Eiki goes back into the living room, sitting down onto the sofa & leaning back. As the sun rises & light shines into the room, he sees it fall onto the bottle of wine Hisamatsu left for Toko. Remembering what Toko told him “When you can forget everything about the pass, I want you to open this bottle…that’s what Hisamatsu said…” Eiki, thinking, gets up & takes the bottle of wine, turning it around looking at it. Not seeing anything strange, he’s about to put it back on the shelf when he notices the edge of the label peeling (tróc) off. Taking a closer look, he’s shocked to see writing on the back of the label. Going to the kitchen he finds a cock screw & opens the bottle. Grabbing a vase from the shelf he puts it on the living room table & empties the bottle of wine into it. Looking thru the empty bottle, Eiki tries to read the writing. Holding it up against the sunlight, Eiki stares at it & mutters “Hisamatsu’s message…” Reading it out loud “Toko…when you read this letter, I will no longer be alive…having lost me, are you happy now?”
At the police station, Toko’s cell is unlocked “You’re release…” Toko walks out of the cell past Shono, not saying anything…
Eiki reads the message muttering “Is that how it is…” resignation in his voice “Is that what it really is…”
Toko walks out of the police station, throwing her jacket around her. As she steps outside, she turns back & looks back at the building, a smile of victory on her face. Looking up, she sees Kuramoto by the window, staring at her. Giving him a smile, she turns & walks away…
With Kuramoto still staring out the window, Ujou comes along the corridor. Kuramoto tells him “It’s not over yet…we’ll be watching Egi Toko closely. Until she’s is exposed (phơi bày) for what she is…” Ujou ignores him & starts walking away but Kuramoto says “She’s 100% innocent…can you say that?” Ujou stops & looks at Toko walking out of the police station gate. Kuramoto says “There’s no possibility that she’ll kill that insurance investigator, can you say that for sure?” Ujou doesn’t reply, can’t reply…
Toko arrives back at her apartment & goes into the living room to see Eiki sitting there waiting for her, a look of despair on his face. Toko asks “What’s wrong?” looking around to see the wine in the vase on the table. Eiki barely whispers “I’m sorry…I opened the bottle of wine without asking…” Toko looks at him, not saying anything. Eiki gets up, the empty bottle in his hand, walks up to Toko & in a dead sounding voice “Congratulations on your release…you hung in there didn’t you…you won…against the police, Ujou…&…” Eiki struggles with his emotions “& me…” Toko looks at him, not quite understanding & Eiki holds up the empty bottle of wine “This is Hisamatsu’s present to you isn’t it…” After a long pause, Toko replies “That’s right…” Eiki asks “Why didn’t you notice it?” Toko puzzled,(bối rối) doesn’t say anything. Eiki, painfully asks “Why didn’t you get rid of (tống khứ) it?!” Toko grabs the bottle from Eiki & seeing the writing behind the label, goes over to the window to read it. Eiki says “It’s Hisamatsu’s will (nguyện vọng) to you…he thought that he would die…his will to you…when you had gotten rid of your deplorable (đáng thương) past…when you could open up the wine, you would have noticed the back of the label for sure…that’s what he believed writing this will…” Toko finishes reading the label & Eiki looks at her, pain on his face “You are the murderer after all…” Toko turns around & stares at him…
Episode 10. taiketsu…showdown…
Shono pulls up in her car outside Toko’s apartment & looks up at the veranda, the wind vane turning. In the apartment, Eiki stares at Toko as he repeats the words of Hisamatsu’s letter out loud “Toko, when you read this letter, I will no longer be alive. Losing me, are you happy now?” His voice fades into Hisamatsu’s. On a balcony with the setting sun, Hisamatsu writes on the back of the wine label “One day, someone who knew you well suddenly warned me ‘In Egi Toko’s past 2 men have died & she received money from the insurance. The next victim to be sacrificed might be you. Whether or not Egi Toko is a serial killer for the sake of insurance money, there is only one way to find out. When you heard that I made you the beneficiary for a life insurance policy, you were very surprised weren’t you…”
Toko remembers looking at the insurance certificate. Hisamatsu’s voiceover continues “Exchanging one’s own life for money was really stupid, that’s what you said. Feeling ashamed (xấu hổ) for doubting you, I cancelled the contract.
Back on the veranda, Toko continues reading the label as Hisamatsu voiceover says “But then, I had a doubt of another kind. You didn’t kill those men for the sake of money…” Eiki continues “What you wanted wasn’t money but something else. What this is about, you should know. I feel like you will snatch (lấy đi) my life away after all. When you read the back of this label, my doubts were correct. When you’re satisfied with robbing (cướp đọat) me of my life & have forgotten me like the other men, I am sure you will open this bottle of wine as if it were nothing & drink it all up. & then notice this letter. You might even be beside your next lover…” Toko turns around & looks at Eiki who continues in a monotone (giọng đều đều) “The next man that you rob (cướp đọat) of life, what sort of man will he be?” Eiki’s voice fades into Hisamatsu reading & writing his letter “What you felt for me, from this letter you know. What kind of love my love was for you, you’ll finally understand.” Hisamatsu holds up the bottle of wine & looks at it “I don’t mind if I am killed by you. More than that, being loved by you, I think it’s an honor (danh dự)…”
With a cold expression, Eiki says to Toko “I asked you before didn’t I…what you got out of exchanging the lives of men for…in this world, more than money, position or reputation there is something more valuable by far…as long as you have that, even as treacherous (phản bội) as standing on thin ice, people will carry on living. You demand (đòi hỏi) that from men & get it…” Toko doesn’t answer, putting the bottle on the table & sitting down on the floor. Eiki stares at her & taking a seat on the sofa, takes the bottle “The answer is here…” Toko looks at him. Eiki says “You would never open your heart & any love affair. For that reason, they would be in a sorry predicament (tình trạng hiểm nguy)… ‘why won’t Egi Toko be mine? If hurts this much thinking about it, it’d be better to be dead’…all of them gave up their possessions & positions, everything & you had control, you would whisper something dreadful.(dễ sợ)..although you have given up everything to me, you still have something that you haven’t given me…then what would the guys do? They would use their lives in exchange for money & get life insurance policies. But then you didn’t want money & so would get the insurance policies cancelled. It was also for the sake of not arousing (khuất động) suspicion with the police or the insurance companies. You are a woman that can only believe in the love of men who would sacrifice (sự hy sinh) their lives for you. Then the men would say ‘I want to die in your arms’ & you’d kill them…” Toko doesn’t say a word & Eiki looks at her intently (chăm chú) “What you wanted was love…& not only ordinary love but the love that men would give up their lives for…I finally understand Hiyama’s dy! ing message… ‘Toko, you have to go on living…’…the extent (quy mộ) of my love, hold on to it tightly, never ever forget me…carry on living bound (giới hạn) to my love…Hiyama said that didn’t he…that’s why he showed you his own death…you controlled everything. That’s the same as driving him to commit suicide…you made it look like Shibata commit suicide & killed him, made Hisamatsu die in an accident & killed him…also hated Ikenaga Sonoe & killed her…& even at that factory…” Eiki recalls the bulldozer incident “That was you too wasn’t it! You killed Sakota Nanami too! You knew that I was following you that night, you first killed Sakota Nanami at the
Eiki drops the empty bottle onto the floor & with despair (sự thất vọng written all over his face replies “I want you to say I’m wrong…everything I just said, I want you to tell me it’s all wrong…please…” Going down in front of her he pleads “Please Toko! Tell me I’m wrong!” They both look at each other without saying anything. Eiki finally asks “What did Hiyama write in that letter?”
Toko, tears in her eyes, whispers “I still haven’t told you…I cancelled that insurance policy. Really unfortunate, you won’t be able to get a single yen of the insurance money…” Toko recalls reading Hiyama’s letter & watching the video tape “I love you this much but how much do you love me? From now on you’ll ponder…the value of my life to you is zero…unable to change my life for money, the value of my love, you’ll be wondering about it for the rest of your life…my existence will be to control you like this for the rest of your life…I love you, Toko…doing this is the only way you’ll become mine…” With tears rolling down her cheeks, Toko adds “Hiyama’s letter was revenge…so that I would never be able to do as I pleased…after that, I met Shibata…”
Toko recalls being in Shibata’s office 4 years earlier. In tears, she listens to Shibata telling her “If that Hiyama who died in Northern Ireland hadn’t left you such cruel words, you wouldn’t be in this state now…a cruel act that you’ve had to endure…I’m here…it’ll be all right now…” Toko tells Eiki “No matter how much I tried to love Shibata, it felt like it was a trial…by the love that was greater than Hiyama’s, I felt like I could be rescued…but then Shibata like Hiyama tried to restrain (kiềm chế) me…when he demanded ‘Love me more!’ I’d push him away ‘But I’m not your property! That’s a selfish love…then one day Shibata presented me with a piece of paper…” Eiki stares at her “Life insurance…” Toko nods “The beneficiary of that insurance was me…Shibata intentionally did the same thing as Hiyama…unable to restrain me, Hiyama & Shibata both did the same thing…”
Flashback (cảnh hồi tưởng) to when Toko looks at the insurance policy as Shibata says “This is a form of treatment…just like Hiyama did, life insurance policy as proof of love to drive you into the same situation, to get rid of the past in your heart…” Toko replies “For the sake of treatment, that’s a lie…you’re just in pain that’s all! Cancel the contract!” Shibata tells her “If that’s the case then be mine…” Toko shakes her head & Shibata asks “Why? Why won’t you give me your life?!” yelling at her. Back in the present, Toko tells Eiki “We fought like that for over a year…finally Shibata agreed to my wishes & cancelled the contract. Just at that moment, he…” Toko recalls being in the morgue with Shibata “Of course I thought I was the one that killed him…” Eiki asks her “Ikenaga Sonoe’s existence, you absolutely didn’t know about it?” Toko replies “That she was his ex-lover, hating me & getting close to me, I never even realized it…” Eiki gets up, walking to the window “Then you met Hisamatsu…” In a half whisper, Toko says “I’d already decided that I’d never love again…I put a distance between us…but then eventually, I started wanting to be by his side, be at peace…I ended up falling in love again…” Toko recalls being in the restaurant, Hisamatsu telling her “I’ll make you happy…we’ve taken a roundabout way but we’ll never part again…” Toko says to Eiki “But the nightmare wasn’t over…” Toko remembers Hisamatsu showing her the insurance certificate “I want to put my life in your hands, to say how much I love you…” Toko says to Eiki “The paper that exchanged money for lives was a lifelong curse! (sự nguyền rủa) …that’s what I thought…” Hisamatsu says “It’s a proof of love, can’t you think it that way?” Toko tells Eiki “I desperately (kinh khủng) pleaded with him to cancel the contract. That by canceling the contract I would lose the person I loved…that dreadful (kinh khiếp) fate crossed my mind, but in the end, I couldn’t become the beneficiary…” Flashback to the cruiser & Hisamatsu saying “I did as you asked & cancelled the contract…” Toko asks “Buying an insurance policy & making me the beneficiary…what made you think about this suddenly?” Hisamatsu laughs “How come I wonder…” Toko asks “By any chance did someone suggest this to you?” Hisamatsu replies “I just thought of proving my love to you, that’s all…”
Tiredly, Toko says “That’s everything…that’s everything…” With tears rolling down her face “I intended to love them in my own way…looking at his smile, cuddling (âu yếm) up together on the grass in the park, in the sun together, eating using the same fork…in that moment, I loved them wholeheartedly. But I never game (đáng cuợc) them my everything…” Eiki looks at her, trying to understand. Toko continues “I only wanted to live my life the way I pleased…isn’t that allowed? Dad & mom too, loved me by giving up their lives…at that moment, I wanted to die with them that I lighted the match…but I’m the only one left behind…Dad & mom, Hiyama too, Shibata & Hisamatsu too…loving me & leaving me in front of my eyes…” Crying Toko pleads “Please…please don’t disappear from me too…” Eiki looks at Toko as she tells him “I want you to live…I want you to love me by loving me…” Eiki grabs her, hugging her tightly. Toko says “…love you…I love you!” Eiki whispers “I understand…I finally understand…I’ll live, I won’t die…your pain…will end with me…” Looking at each other, Eiki says “Toko, let’s fight together…” Nodding, Toko moves to hug him once more… Ujou brings a bouquet of roses to Masako’s shop. Masako asks “What’s this?” Ujou replies “It’s our wedding anniversary…” “It’s beautiful…” “Buying flowers for you, it’s the first time huh…” Masako looks at the flowers with a smile & turning, puts them on the counter when she suddenly feels nauseous (nôn mửa). Ujou asks worriedly “What’s wrong?” With a little smile Masako answers “I’m alright…! ” Ujou looks at her & realization (sự thấy rõ) dawning “You’re not…is that it? That child is…” Masako quietly answers “It’s still here…I intended to have the baby & bring it up myself…” “So you lied to me?” “If I didn’t say that I wanted an abortion, I‘d would have wavered (nao núng) in my decision to break up with you…” Ujou turns Masako towards him & looks at her “I swear in front of this baby, I won’t make you lonely ever again…” Hugging her, he says “Let’s start over, Masako…” Masako doesn’t reply, accepting the warmth & tenderness (âu yếm) of his embrace…
At a photo studio, Eiki says to Hiyama’s colleague “Sorry to disturb you when you’re so busy…” “It’s alright…it’s true that I have all of Hiyama’s negatives (phủ định) , there’s a lot…” Eiki replies “I don’t mind, would you let me see them?” Bringing them out he tells Eiki “These are all of the photos related to work…what are you looking for?” “Looking for any acquaintance (sự tìm hiểu) of Hiyama’s besides Egi Toko…” “I don’t think any were taken…private photos taken with a work camera, I’m certain there’s none…” Eiki pauses & then replies “I’ll look…” “Go ahead…” Eiki sits down & goes true the drawers of negative film searching…
With the sun setting, Toko returns to the marina in
At Hiyama’s old studio, Eiki continues the arduous (miệt mài) task of going thru each negative. Suddenly, he sees something that catches his eye & taking a closer look, shock registers on Eiki’s face. Recalling Hisamatsu’s letter “One day, someone who knew you well suddenly warned me…” As Eiki leaves the studio & walks along the street, he has flashbacks of everything that has happened…
At the Ice Storm, Eiki sits at a table with a strip (mảnh) of film negative in his hand, deep in thought. He hears Ide says “Welcome…” & footsteps approaching & quickly puts the negative away in his pocket. Toko says to Ide “The usual…” & walks up to Eiki. Taking a seat she says “I met with Shogo…what about your end?” Eiki merely mutters “Uhm…” Toko asks ‘Did you find you anything?” Eiki looks at her “No, looks like it will take some time…I’ll bring it to the office tomorrow…” Toko half whispers “It’s finally time…” Quietly they sit without speaking when Eiki suddenly says “Ah, & this…” He takes out a ring & looking at Toko, puts it on her finger…
Eiki enters a restaurant looking around when his boss Hirase greets him “Hirokawa…” Sitting across the table from him, Eiki shows him the insurance application “She finally agreed to become the beneficiary of a hundred million yen insurance policy…please check this…” Hirase looks at Eiki in disbelief “Egi Toko’s the end game! She’s just been arrested for that murder case at
The next morning, Hirase & Ansai call at Eiki’s apartment. Sitting down at the table in awkwardness (lúng túng), Hirase asks Toko “Is that the engagement ring?” Toko touches the ring on her finger “Yes…” Eiki puts a wedding invitation on the table “This is just hot off the press…” Ansai looks at it “January 18th…which day is it…” fumbling (lóng ngóng) around with his diary. Eiki tells him “I’ll send one to you…” Hirase says to Toko “May I ask you something?” Toko smiles “Yes…” Hirase asks with difficulty “Being the beneficiary of a life insurance policy of your fiance, are you happy?” Toko looks at him & answers with a smile “Yes…” Both Hirase & Ansai look uncomfortably at Eiki…
At the police station, Kuramoto puts down the phone & announces to everyone “Just got a call from the insurance company…appears that a contract has just been signed with Egi Toko as the beneficiary…the life insured of the sum of one hundred million yen is Rose Life Insurance’s Hirokawa Eiki…” Shono looks up in shock, as well as Kanbara & Yuikawa. Kuramoto walks up to Shono “Since when did Hirokawa Eiki & Egi Toko develop that sort of a relationship?” Shono replies “Recently… Kanbara ponders “& then get the contract cancelled…” Yuikawa adds “The same fate as Shibata & Hisamatsu…” Kuramoto says “This time we’ll nab (tóm cổ) Egi Toko in the act of committing the crime…if we can detain her for 3 weeks, we’ll definitely make her confess…” Shono asks “Arresting her in the act…are you saying, making Hirokawa Eiki the bait?” Kuramoto doesn’t reply, merely walks away…
At the Ice Storm, Eiki sits alone at the bar when Ujou walks in. Looking at Ide, he orders a drink “Gin Tonic…” & then taking off his coat sitting next to Eiki he says “I’ve heard…that you’ve bought an insurance policy making Egi Toko the beneficiary…” Eiki replies “I guess it’s about time that the information got to the police…” Ujou asks “Walking the same road as the men in her past, why?” Eiki tells him “To say that it’s proof of one’s love is useless perhaps…but it’s the extent of giving up one’s life & loving her. Even you have loved a woman to that extent haven’t you…“ Ujou reluctantly (miễn cưỡng) admits “For my wife & child, maybe I’d be able to do that…” Eiki surprised “Child?” Ujou lights a cigarette “Going to have a new family soon…then, doing that to prove your love, what did she say?” Eiki replies “At first she rejected it, said that life insurance brought back a lot of bad memories…but in the end I managed to persuade her, got her to sign the contract as beneficiary…” Ujou asks “When are you going to cancel it?” Eiki tells him “I’m not thinking about canceling the contract…” Ujou says “Every case that surrounds Egi Toko, no matter how I think the one thing I don’t understand is the meaning of the cancellation of the policies. Canceling the contracts, she never got a single yen. The meaning of getting those insurance contracts come to nothing…” Ide puts a drink in front of Ujou & taking a gulp, continues “But then, at long last, I can see the meaning…when the contracts are cancelled, all of the men in Egi Toko’s past have the same thought…unable to get her love without giving u! p their lives, thy realize the love is all a fabrication (sự bịa đặt)…that’s to say, when the contracts are cancelled, the men realize & wake up to the real love…that’s the moment when Egi Toko & the men reach the apex (đỉnh) of their love…after that, like a rule, all the men die after canceling the contracts…Egi Toko left alone, suddenly falls from the apex into hell…this is the real murderer’s motive…” Eiki thinks of the person captured in Hiyama’s negative…” Getting up & putting his coat on he says to Ide “The check…” Ujou says “You’re intending to become the murderer’s target aren’t you…” Eiki doesn’t reply, just settles (giải quyết) his bill. Ujou getting agitated (khích động) tells him “Just looking at Sakota Nanami’s case, the real murderer knows your & Egi Toko’s every move…” Ignoring Ujou & turning to move, Ujou suddenly grabs Eiki by the shoulder stopping him “The enemy (kẻ thù) is close by!” Eiki merely nods & starts walking away. Ujou unable to control himself shouts “Hirokawa!” Eiki stops in his tracks without looking back. Ujou says “I won’t let you die…” Eiki touched, turns around & looks at Ujou “When the case is solved, how about a drink together again? Goodnight…” walking out of Ice Storm. With Ujou standing there not saying anything, Ide suddenly says “I don’t think Toko will let him die either…”
Walking out of the Ice Storm, Eiki suddenly stops & looks back in the opposite direction. There leaning against the fence is Shono. Silence & distance between them, Eiki turns around & continues walking away…
Back in his apartment, Eiki starts cleaning the white board with a sigh. His cell phone rings & taking it out of his coat pocket answers it “Yes, hello…” A digitized voice answers “You’re Hirokawa Egi aren’t you…” Eiki shocked asks “Who are you?” “I got the company to tell me your number…regarding your fiance Egi Toko, I have something to tell you…” Eiki remembers Toko receiving a phone call the night of Nanami’s death & asks “Why use this voice to call?” “Your fiancee is a woman that is cursed. I will tell you her real appearance…” Eiki walks to his window, looking out as the voice continues “Can you come out alone?” Eiki replies “I can’t…I’m being watched by the police…” “It’ll be alright…if you do as I say…” Eiki asks “What should I do?” “If you don’t want to be killed by Egi Toko, first cancel the contract…for the time being, you won’t be killed for the sake of insurance money…her real appearance, you should know…” Eiki finally replies “For sure….we’ll meet…”
At a bridal (phòng cưới) salon, Toko, dressed in a white wedding gown (áo dài) steps out in front of Eiki. Looking at her he says “Beautiful…” Outside watching from their car, Kanbara says to Yuikawa “Looking at it from here, looks like they’re really a happy couple…” Yuikawa says “Being surrounded by suspicion, it’ll be surprising if they’re receive any blessings (lời chúc phúc)…”
Toko looks at herself in the mirror with a smile & Eiki, standing next to her says “I won’t let anyone touch your live anymore…that person…” Toko realizes Eiki’s discovered something & turns around to look at him in shock “You’re not saying…that you already know?” Eiki’s expression speaks volumes & Toko says “You know don’t you! The murderer! Who is it?” Eiki doesn’t look at her, not replying. Toko asks worriedly “Why are you keeping silent? Eiki!” Eiki looks at her & finally says “Will you wait for me? Until I make sure with my own eyes…wait for me” Looking at each other, Eiki slowly leans forward & kisses her.
Thru the glass window watching in the distance, expressionless, is Shono….
Episode 11 Aisuru to iu koto…This thing called love…
By the edge of a river in the setting sun, Toko walks hand in hand with Eiki, saying “Putting a price tag on life, why did that have to be invented (bịa đặt)…” Eiki replies “The birthplace of life insurance is said to be
With the setting sun turning Eiki & Toko into silhouettes against the lake, detectives Kanbara, Yuikawa continuing their watch on them together with Shono…the expression in her eyes as if they could shoot daggers (dao găm)…”
The next day at the police station, Kuramoto strides into the investigation department “Alright! Let’s start the meeting…” Kuramoto goes to the table in front the men & as he’s about to start, Ujou strides in walking to the place next to Kuramoto. As he’s about to take a seat, Kuramoto points towards the other detectives “Your place is over there…” Ujou stops, staring at Kuramoto who condescendingly (hạ mình) tells him “When this case is solved, whether or not you can make a comeback, show me…” Shono swallows, watching…detectives Kanbara & Yuikawa look at each other…Matsuura gives Ujou a look as if to say “Bear with it…“. Ujou, without saying a word, takes a seat with the detectives doing the grunt (ủn ỉn) work. Kuramoto starts “Let’s begin…the watch over Egi Toko & Hirokawa Eiki will be split into two teams. The ideal would be to arrest Egi Toko in the act…” Ujou listens, the look on his face saying ‘that’s stupid’. Kuramoto not noticing, continues “The contract that Hirokawa Eiki bought, making Egi Toko the beneficiary, has been cancelled yesterday. This is the same situation as the men in her past were in…now it’s how Egi Toko plans on killing Hirokawa Eiki, putting that plan into effect…” Both Ujou & Shono look tense (căng thẳng)…
At the Ice Storm, Ujou sits alone, smoking & drinking as if to ease the tension (sự căng thẳng) he’s feeling. Ide, making a drink, puts an empty glass in front of him & fills it “It’s called Alaska…’gin’ the husband, ‘liqueur’ the wife…a drink that’s like a husband & wife well suited to each other…” Ujou looks at her, not saying anything. Ide smiles “My treat…” Taking a sip, Ujou thinks of his wife, Masako…
Masako, in her shop, looks pensively (trầm ngâm) at the flame of the aroma candle burner in her hands…
In the light of the setting sun by the edge pond in
In Eiki’s apartment, his cell phone on the table rings. Eiki stares at it & then picking it up, going to the window as he answers it “Hello…” The digitized voice answers “We start…”
In her apartment, Toko touches the necklace she got from Eiki, thinking about him…in his apartment, Eiki about to leave, grips (thu hút) tightly to the muffler (khăn chòang cổ) given to him by Toko, tense… afraid…
Toko comes out of her apartment & gets into a white car. As she puts on her seat belt, she throws a glance into the rearview mirror & then starts driving. As she leaves, Kanbara tails her, reporting into headquarters “
Eiki, dressed in a black coat with a hat pulled down over his ears, gets into his car & starts driving off. Yuikawa reports “
At the Machida Police Station, Shono, Ujou & all the other detectives come running out of the building & into their separate cars, driving off…
On the roads, Toko glances in the rearview mirror to see Kanbara tailing her. Shono joins them, speeding up & recklessly (không lo lắng) cutting in between Toko & Kanbara. Kanbara warns her “Shono! Watch it!” Shono replies “Understood…” & eases back…
Eiki looks in his rearview mirror to see Yuikawa trailing him. Ujou says “No. 2 back off, no. 1 will take over…” As Yuikawa replies “Understood…“, Ujou’s team speeds up & cuts in between Eiki & Yuikawa…
At the police station, Matsuura listens to the detectives reporting in “No. 3 reporting, continuing to follow Egi Toko…” “Understood…” “No 4 reporting, following Hirokawa Eiki…” “Understood…” On the table is a map showing the route north of
Night. Eiki pulls along the side of a road & stops, looking in his side view mirror to see the car trailing him pullover as well. His cell phone rings & answering it “Hello…” It’s Toko “It’s me…” Eiki asks “Where are you now?” “
Toko, also pulled up along side of a road, turns around to see a number of cars trailing her, waiting for her next move. Eiki tells her “We carry on as planned…” Toko having a change of heart “Let’s stop this…” Eiki asks “What’s wrong? getting timid (rụt rè)…” “I’m worried about you…” “Those trailing (dấu vết) are all gathered at your end…during that time, I will get in contact with the criminal…identify the true character with my own eyes…” “Waiting for you to kill you!” “Toko! This is our test…if we don’t get thru this, the both of us can never be happy…these past 5 years has only been the pain of continuing loss & suffering for you…the criminal intends to keep tearing your life to shreds (mảnh nhỏ) …has to be stopped by our own hands…” Toko asks “Can you be sure, that we can meet again?” “Uhm…” “I understand…” Eiki, with tenderness, says “Toko……I love you…” Toko replies “I……love you too…” Hanging up, Toko starts her car & behind her, the row of cars get ready to trail her. As Toko drives on, Shono in the car behind, looks ahead with determination. As Toko takes a turn, the police report in “No 3 to HQ, Toko’s heading towards
As Eiki turns off, the police report “No 4 to HQ, Hirokawa’s taking the Kanetsu Expressway…” As an office responses “Understood…” Matsuura comments to Kuramoto “They’re taking different highways…” Kuramoto merely stares at the trails of Eiki & Toko on the map, not responding…
Eiki pulls into a rest area & stops in the parking lot. As he gets out of the car, Ujou, Yuikawa & another car pulls up. Eiki walks pulls up his coat higher around his neck & heads for the men’s room. Yuikawa radios Ujou “What now?” Ujou watching “We wait…” “Understood…” Ujou stares at the entrance to the restrooms & after a while, he sees Eiki coming out. In the darkness, Eiki gets back into his car & drives off. Ujou radios to the others “Let’s go…” Driving, Ujou stares at the car in front. In Eiki’s car, Shogo, dressed in a black coat with the hat pulled over his ears, glances into the rearview mirror, a hint of a smile on his face…
Back at the rest area, Eiki gets into a parked car when the cell phone rings. Eiki, looking at the phone, answers “No one’s around any more…” The digitized voice replies “Good, I’ll tell you our meeting place…”
Toko pulls into a service area, gets out of her car & locks it. As she walks towards the building, Shono gets out of her car & follows Toko. Kanbara radios her “She knows you, don’t get to close…” “Understood…” both women disappearing into the building. A short while later, Toko reappears with a cup of coffee in her hand, Shono no where to be seen. Kanbara radios Shono “Oi, Shono, what are you doing? Egi’s out already…” There’s no answer from Shono. Toko gets into her car & Kanbara, still seeing no sign of Shono “Oi, Shono! Answer! Shono!” As Toko starts driving off Kanbara mutters “Can’t be helped…” & then radios “Shono! We’re leaving you behind! Everyone, let’s go!” Toko drives out of the parking lot, a convoy (hộ tống) of 4 cars behind her. Shono appears, pulling off the concealed (dấu) mike on her & runs out, getting into a taxi…
As the police trail “Eiki” & Toko, they report in “No. 3 to HQ, Hirokawa’s heading towards Yuizawa…” “No. 4 to HQ, Egi’s passed through
Eiki enters a dark room, looking around & on his phone “I’m here…where are you?!” The digitized voice replies “Turn the phone off. & then put on the blindfold (cái bịt mắt) there…” Eiki looks around “Blindfold?” & sees one on the table. The voice tells him “Do as I say…” Eiki switches off the phone & immediately it rings again. Looking at the phone, he sees Toko on the display panel. After a pause, he switches it off completely, not answering…
Toko hangs up, not getting through. Ujou, barely containing his anxiety, tells them off “Do you know what you are doing?! He’s bait!!” Toko, trying to get in touch with Eiki again retorts “I know!” Exasperated (bực tức), Ujou looks around & then realizes Shono’s not with them. To Kanbara “Where’s Shono?” Kanbara replies “She disappeared at that service area…” Ujou’s surprised “Disappeared?” & then thinking “Surely she’s not…”
Toko, not getting any response (sự trả lời) from Eiki’s cell phone, runs & gets a radio receiver from her car. Adjusting it, she listens with an ear piece…
In the room, Eiki sits, blindfolded, the muffler that Toko gave him around his neck. Under the tag (thẻ) stuck onto the muffler, a mike lies hidden, transmitting the sounds to Toko’s receiver. Footsteps approach & Eiki stiffens (trở nên cứng đờ). The criminal inserts a key into the ignition (mồi lửa) & turns it, starting the engine. Toko listens & then says “Cruiser?” While the others stare at her, Toko suddenly says “Kanazawa Nishihama Marina!”
As the cruiser heads out to sea, Eiki still blindfolded, asks, as if to himself “Where are we going?”
Ujou, Shono & Toko take off in a helicopter & head out to the open sea. The pilot says “Shono Tsukiko making contact…” Ujou grabs a headset & puts it on…
Shono, walking along the pier at the marina, gets into a boat “Going on a different route half way, my apologies…I wondered if in the end, the criminal’s invitation (sự lôi cuốn) would be the sea where Hisamatsu died…it’s just as I thought…right now I’m on a boat heading out towards the area” Ujou replies “Alright, we’re heading out there too…”
In the helicopter, Ujou asks Toko “Who’s with Hirokawa?” Toko doesn’t reply, not knowing the answer. The pilot says “We’ve managed to get the signal…” flipping (bật) a couple of switches “Please use the headsets…” Shogo & Toko take the headsets & put them on as the helicopter flies out further over the ocean…
Eiki asks “Where are we going? How long do I have to keep the blindfold on?” In the helicopter, Ujou, Shogo & Toko hear Eiki say “I’m taking it off, alright?” Eiki takes off the blindfold to see a harpoon (cây lao móc) pointed in his direction. Getting up slowly, he approaches it. On the helicopter, everyone listens, tense. Eiki looks at the person, at the harpoon & says to the figure “So it is you…” Ujou mutters “Who?”
Eiki says “Give yourself up…” The figure walks towards him. With the harpoon in her hands, pointing it at Eiki, Ujou Masako asks “How? How did you know it was me?”
On the helicopter, Ujou, shock registering on his face as he recognizes the voice……
Eiki tells her “The film Hiyama left behind…” Masako asks “Film?” Eiki replies “There was one picture of you…” “There’s no possibility of that…he never took any photos other than those for work…” “No, there was…” Eiki remembers going through Hiyama’s film negatives & the shock of finding one of Masako, asleep in bed. Eiki tells her “One morning, without thinking, he took a shot of the woman sleeping by his side…that moment Hiyama’s feelings were perhaps one of happiness…” Masako says in disbelief “So he took my photo…”
Ujou listens, frozen…
Her voice quivering (run rẩy) , with tears in her, Masako says “If he was that happy me, then why?!?” Masako recalls being with Hiyama, laughing & kissing “I loved him…crazy over him…” Flashback to Hiyama pouring over his photographs & Masako talking away “While you were away I got a boating license. We talked about it right? Going on a trip to the
In the helicopter, all three listen in silence. Shogo asks “Who is that woman?” As if frozen, Ujou, not replying, tears in his eyes as he listens to Masako telling Eiki…
“Trying to cure her depression, Egi Toko started seeing a psychiatrist. I passed myself off as a patient, got close to Shibata…” Flashback to her meeting with Shibata in his office. Shibata asks “Where your relationship went wrong, think about it & try to talk about it…” Masako, pretending to be patient suffering from depression “Why can’t I give my life up for him?” Shibata asks “Give up your life?” Masako says “For example…life insurance…” Shibata laughs “Using that as a bargaining (mặc cả) tool, that’s stupid…” Masako continues “But a love that one risk one’s life for…if one doesn’t do that, it can’t be conveyed (truyền) to the other person…other than placing one’s life in the other person’s hands…” Masako tells Eiki “The Shibata sensei that was suffering over his relationship with Egi Toko…couldn’t believe it when he did as I said…for a year after that, I kept watch over Egi Toko & Shibata’s romance…that was the first time I killed someone…” Flashback to Masako going to Shibata’s hotel room. Inside, Shibata asks “About Egi Toko, what…?” Masako asks “Before that, how about having something to drink?” Later with Shibata lying on the sofa, Masako cleans up the coffee cup that she used & puts sleeping pills all over the table, leaving the room.
Back in the present Masako says “The crime of snatching away someone’s life…deep inside me, I wasn’t aware of it…” Eiki asks “Ikenaga Sonoe’s existence…did you only discover it after that?” Masako replies “A woman that was watching Egi Toko with the same expression as I did…” Flashback to Ikenaga Sonoe walking to school. Seeing Egi Toko, she greets her with a smile but passing her, the smile disappears. Masako explains to Eiki “After checking around, I discovered that she used to date Shibata…she thought that Egi Toko was involved in Shibata’s death …in order to take revenge on the woman Egi Toko, that snatched away the life of her lover, she transferred to the same work place…” Masako watching both women from a distance.
Back in the present, Masako tells Eiki “It was…exactly…like watching myself…” Eiki asks “Tearing Egi Toko’s life to shreds, what did you get out of it?” Masako answers with a question, half taunting (chế nhạo) him “What do you think?” Eiki retorts “Hell!” Masako laughs “Hell…” & then shakily explains “But…that’s a place that confirms that I am alive…Egi Toko’s suffering (sự đau đớn) is something to live for…” Eiki yells “You’re mad!” & as he lunges (lao lên) for her, Masako lets fire the harpoon…
Toko, tense, as all three on board the helicopter listen…
Eiki, lying on the floor, breathing heavily, looking at the metal rod (cái que) sticking out of the wooden table. Masako rummages (lục) about for another rod to reload the harpoon “No…in the depths of hell, a part of me said ‘Stop already!’…” Eiki gets back up onto his feet. Holding onto the loaded harpoon, Masako smiles at him “Conscience (lương tâm)…I wonder…” Eiki, looking at her, backs away as she continues unsteadily “By some chance, maybe I could get out of this hell…” Pointing the harpoon at Eiki, Masako shakily says “That’s why…I married Ujou…”
On the helicopter, Ujou, a look of shock on his face. Toko shocked, turns to look at Ujou. Shogo, equally stunned, also turns to look at Ujou. Ujou, shaking, listening…
Masako tells Eiki “It was a quiet wedding, followed him then he transferred to another location…after that, even now I can’t quite believe it…there was quiet happiness…” Flashback to married life with Ujou sitting down at the table after a bath “I’m hungry…” as Masako happily serves him dinner. Masako, emotionally unstable (không ổn định) , explains to Eiki “I was afraid…there was no possibility that this happiness would go on for long…” Holding out trembling hands towards Eiki, Masako adds “…because I am a murderer……this kind of happiness, wasn’t meant for a woman like me…my premonition (linh cảm) became real…my husband was transferred to
Ujou listens, not moving…
Masako putting both hands to her head, screams “I couldn’t be happy!!!”
Ujou grimaces in agony (đau đớn) , listening…
Masako, eyes wide (mở lớn) , emotionally agitated “In that city…Egi Toko was there…”
Toko, listening, tears rolling down her face…
Masako, tears in her eyes continues “If I went there, the revenge in my heart would revive (sống dậy) …I was afraid of what I would become…”
Ujou finally understanding, recalls the time when Masako tried to leave him “What’s with that? Are you leaving?!” Masako, about to go out the door turns around “It’s no use…we can’t be together anymore…” Ujou grabs her violently…
Masako continues “We lived apart. After that, from the loneliness, what saved me…was an ironic thing…the “Hell” that I finally managed to throw away…” pointing the harpoon at Eiki…
Ujou, with tears on his face, grimaces in pain & frustration (thất vọng) …
Flashback to Masako watching Hisamatsu & a smiling Toko in
On board the helicopter, Toko listens, anger on her face…
Masako continues “That was the significance of their perfect love. From there, planning to cause Egi Toko to fall into the depths of despair…I was totally absorbed (mê mải) in it…” Flashback to being on board Hisamatsu’s cruiser in
Toko listens in silence, tears streaming down her face……
In the moonlight, Masako swims to the shore, breathless with the effort. On all fours, trying to catch her breath, all of a sudden she hears “Are you alright?” Turning to look, she sees Ikenaga Sonoe frantically running up towards her “What happened?! I’ll go get help!” running off. Masako’s voiceover “Going on like this, she’d only be in the way…” As Ikenaga cycles home & coming across the bar blocking her way, Masako grabs her & pushes her down the steps by the river. Masako’s voiceover “In order to put the suspicion onto Egi Toko, I sent an anonymous letter to the police…” Ujou, receiving the letter, opens it “The criminal is within the Eiwa Jogakkan…”
Back in the present, Masako tells Eiki “If it was him (Ujou), I believed that he would thoroughly investigate the whole thing…”
Ujou listens, disbelief & hurt on his face…
Masako continues, a tone of wonder in her voice “To be suspected as a murderer by the man you love…there’s no pain greater than this, I wondered…” Eiki asks “If your aim was to frame (bố trí) Egi Toko, why didn’t you put her name on the letter…” Masako replies “I wanted to urge the police, little by little…to become suspicious of her…as if strangling (bóp nghẹn) Egi Toko with silken(ngọt xớt) floss of suffering…”
Flashback to being in the school compound, Toko on the cell phone, Masako, her voice digitized “A cursed woman like you that men will give up their lives to love…I know…” Toko asks frantically “Where are you?! Where?!” Masako, speaking into a cell phone with a device to change her voice attached “Deceive those around you…deceive the man who loves you… understand?!” At the worksite, Masako drives the bulldozer, barely stopping an inch from a screaming Eiki. Masako’s voiceover “I also wanted to test…whether or not you would believe in her…” Toko, appears in front of Eiki tending to his leg “If you stay by my side, you’ll lose your life…” Eiki grabs Toko, holding onto her tightly. Masako watches, hidden from above a pile of rubble. Masako tells Eiki “Your love looked like it was perfect…just a little bit more…” Barely containing his anger, Eiki asks “Why did you have to kill Sakota Nanami?”
In the helicopter, Shogo, equally tense & angry, listens as Masako replies “She was an intuitive (trực gác) child…if she hadn’t seen me in town, she wouldn’t have had to die…” Flashback to
Shogo closes his eyes in pain…
At the park, Toko drops the cell phone into one of the trash bins. After she walks away, Masako comes out from behind the bushes & takes it out of the bin, putting it in her pocket. Looking around, she goes back behind the bushes hidden out of sight. Her voiceover says “Sullying (hạ thấp danh dự) Egi Toko’s name with murder isn’t my objective…” Eiki comes by, trailing Toko & seeing Eiki, remembers Ujou introducing him to her at the Ice Storm “My wife…” Eiki greets her “Pleased to meet you…” Masako watches the both of them leave to search for clues in Toko’s apartment. Her voiceover says “The both of you would definitely prove Egi Toko’s innocence…after that, Egi Toko’s real suffering would be waiting…”
In the helicopter, Toko listens to Masako telling Eiki “I want to see Egi Toko’s suffering when she loses you…” Toko’s heart stops as she realizes what Masako’s planning to do…
On the cruiser, Eiki stares at an emotionally hysterical (cuồng lọan) Masako saying “Suffering…suffering…suffering…in the end, she’ll definitely choose death…” tears streaming down her face. Unable to say a word, Eiki can only stare at Masako. Laughing & crying, Masako says “If Egi Toko died this way, my hell would finally be over…my life could finally start over…”
Tears roll down Toko’s face…
Masako adds, hysteria in her voice “…bring up a new life…my husband’s waiting for me…” Turning to the console (rầm chìa) , she stops the engine. Lifting the harpoon, she aims it at Eiki…
Ujou, tears on his face, pain in his voice “Masako, stop already…” Toko, doesn’t say anything, as if understand his pain…
Masako strides towards Eiki, harpoon pointing at him. Eiki backs up, edges around the table “Wait…wait…can’t I ask you something!? You said that you were waiting for Toko’s & my love to become perfect…you said that just now didn’t you…then what about your live!?” Masako, rather unsteadily asks “…my love?” still pointing the harpoon at Eiki. Staring back at her, Eiki asks “To what extent do you love him!? You can only love your own memories can’t you?! Your memories with Hiyama! Living the past 5 years wrapped in the hatred that you feel for Egi Toko who stole Hiyama away from you…that’s the proof!!!” Unable to answer, Masako moves towards Eiki who backs up out of the cabin into the open deck…
In the helicopter, they listen to Eiki’s voice “Loving someone is a test of strength…” Out on deck with Eiki backing up away from a crazed Masako, Eiki continues “Being loved by someone is getting acceptance (sự chấp nhận) from others…to what extent one’s existence in this world has meaning…to find these out…a love like that, even if it ends in failure…loving with all one’s strength…being equally loved in return…those people can go on living life with confidence…I finally understand…this is what Toko’s taught me…”
With tears in her eyes, Toko listens to Eiki saying “I know…the man that you want to start your life over with, he loves you from the bottom of his heart…” On deck, Eiki tells Masako “But the most crucial (cốt yếu)part of you…doesn’t love him…that doesn’t work…it isn’t only loving others but also being loved by others…” Masako, face wet with tears, looks as if she’s moved by Eiki’s words…
In the helicopter, Ujou hears Eiki says “He needs to be loved by you…”
Eiki tells Masako “If you really love him, then throw away this hatred that you’re carrying now…” Seeing Masako hesitating, Eiki reaches out to her “Come on…give yourself up…make up for your crimes…for his sake…” Masako, tears on her face, shakes her head & grips (kẹp chặt) the harpoon tightly & says “Die…”
In the helicopter, Toko freezes & Ujou screams in pain “Masako!!!”
On the cruiser, Masako pauses, as if for a spilt (cái đinh nhỏ) second, hearing something & then stiffens(làm cứng lại) her resolve (quyết tâm), pointing the harpoon at Eiki. Suddenly spotlight shines at them & they turn to see another boat approaching “This is the police! Freeze!” Eiki, seeing Masako looking at the boat, approaches her. At the last moment, Masako turns around & staring Eiki right in his eyes, pulls the trigger. The bolt (mũi tên) flies out from the harpoon & into Eiki’s left shoulder, the tip (đỉnh) coming out through his back. Stunned, Eiki reaches for his shoulder, falling backwards towards the bow of the cruiser…
Shono, on the other boat, stunned shouts helplessly “Eiki! Eiki!”
Eiki, in pain, pulls out the bolt from his shoulder, inch by inch, grimacing in pain. It drops to the floor with the muffler Toko gave him. Unable to help himself, Eiki falls overboard into the ocean…
On the helicopter, Toko screams “Eiki! Eiki! Eiki!!!!”
As the helicopter continues flying, the pilot finally says “I can see it!” Anxiously, Ujou looks to see 2 boats in the water below them. Masako turns around & looks up at the helicopter. Above Ujou looks at her in total despair…
As Eiki’s suspended (treo lơ lửng) just below the water’s surface, blood streaming away from his wound, his voiceover says “This is my 28 years…why was it such a short life?…a world with no more suffering awaits (đợi chờ) me…so sleepy I can’t stand it…I want to sleep…”
From the helicopter, Toko rips (bóc) off the headphones, slides open the door & jumps out the helicopter into the ocean! In the darkness, with only the search lights from the helicopter & boats above, Toko swims towards Eiki. Grabbing a hold of Eiki, she swims back to the surface…
From above, Shogo watches anxiously as Toko holds on to Eiki, struggling to stay afloat (nổi lên đênh)…Shono looks on as the people from the marina help an unconscious Eiki on board……
Ujou gets on board the cruiser & going to Masako, puts both his hands around her neck in anger. Tears roll down her face as she lets him do it. Ujou, gritting (nghiến) his teeth, feeling the warmth of her neck, lets go & crying, puts both arms around her, embracing her…
As the boat carrying Eiki & Toko speeds back to shore, Shono radios for help “There’s a casualty (tai nạn) coming in, get an ambulance ready!” “Understood…” On board, Toko gives Eiki mouth to mouth resuscitation (sự làm sống lại), alternating (xen kẽ) between pushing down on his chest repeatedly & breathing in Eiki…
At the marina, Shogo, arriving first anxiously for Toko & Eiki to come in. As Toko tries to revive Eiki, she cries in desperation (tuyệt vọng) “Please! Breathe! Please!” getting no response from Eiki. Shogo & Shono both watch helpless & then look up to see the other cruiser arriving with Ujou & Masako…
The marina staff tells Toko “It’s no use…there’s nothing you can do…” Toko cries, holding onto Eiki’s face “Come back! I’m here…here! Come back! Come back please!” Paramedics arrive & checking Eiki’s condition, shake their head. Stunned, everyone watches as they zip him up in a bag & carrying him away. Toko standing & watching, suddenly whispers “Eiki…” & running after the paramedics( nhân viên cấp cứu) “Wait! Wait!” & unzipping the bag she tells Eiki “You can’t die! You can’t die!” & starts CPR on him. Shogo, watching tells her “Toko, stop it…let him sleep…” Toko shakes him off “No…” & then to Eiki, she cries “Love you…I love you! Said we’d meet again didn’t you?! You promised! I can’t just love you…I need to be loved by you too! Then come back to me! Dying for me I won’t forgive you! I’ll never forgive you! Come back! Come back to me!” With Eiki only moving each time Toko pushes down on his chest, Toko cries “Live! Live! Live! Let’s live together! I love you! I love you!” All of a sudden, Eiki moves & choking (tức thở) , coughs out water…
Stunned, everyone watches, moved by the sight. Ujou, holding on to a handcuffed Masako says in a hoarse (khàn khàn) whisper “Did you see that Masako…love is the life of human beings…that’s the life you snatched away…the life that lives inside you…together with that life, coming back to me…I’ll be waiting…” Masako listens, tears rolling down her face her only reply…
Shono puts a blanket (mền) around Toko’s shoulders. Toko turns to look at Shono & both women exchange a look of understanding, Toko as if to say ‘thank you’ & Shono as if to say ‘take care of Eiki’. As Eiki’s taken away in the ambulance with Toko, Shono looks on “Goodbye…Eiki…” Then reporting to Detectives Kanbara & Yuikawa, she says “The suspects been arrested. Let’s send her back to
As Ujou helps Masako into a waiting police car, he sees Kuramoto approach him. Both man look at each other & then Ujou reaches into his coat pocket, takes out his police badge & hands it to Kuramoto. Without a word or look of malice (ác tâm) on his part, Kuramoto takes it. Ujou says “Taking her to the
As the police cars all leave the marina, Shogo left alone turns around & looks out to the sea “Nanami…it’s over at last…”
 |
In the ambulance, as the sun shines its rays through the window, Toko & Eiki hold on to each other’s hands tightly. Eiki pulls off the oxygen mask, looking at Toko. Without a word, she leans over & kisses him…their warmth melting (sự tan chảy) the world of ice……..
…..owari
Final thoughts…..
As far as acting went, I thought this episode was brilliant…..Nakamura Toru (Ujou) & Nakajima Tomoko (Masako) just outstanding with their performances. However, as far as storyline goes, I had this sense of cynical disbelief. First, killing Shibata, the doctor, with an overdose of sleeping pills….I don’t know…but how much sleeping pills can one put into a cup of coffee & not have the guy taste the difference??…..& while I understand that emotional jealousy, rage (cơn thịnh nộ) , revenge etc can produce (đưa ra) unbelievable strength in people, Masako, looking rather frail (yếu đuối) & pregnant (có thai), could kill Hisamatsu & then swim back to shore….hmmmm, I wonder…….& how did Toko know that Eiki had fallen overboard? Jumping out of the helicopter & finding Eiki just like that. Also Toko reviving Eiki, time must have stood still or something in order for Eiki to come back to life after such a long time, chotto shinjirarenai……..but then again, I guess one has to remember this is dorama after all…….
I loved the theme of Fire & Ice throughout…..the brilliant orange hues (màu) of fire & sunrays contrasting with the blue tones of ice…..as if Eiki’s passion chipping (mảnh vỡ) away at the ice that’s got Toko trapped…..Ujou’s fire melting the ice in Masako’s heart….both men freeing their women from the chains of ice…….
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