Just as Masashi was about to call Lei Li, he suddenly remembered that he had promised Kazumi not to make international long-distance calls anymore. So, he put on his jacket and stepped outside.
Masashi walked to a large shopping mall, looked around briefly, and then headed straight to a mobile phone counter.
"Hello, may I help you? Are you looking for a new phone? We have a variety of the latest models, feel free to have a look," a female staff member greeted him enthusiastically.
"Which one is better?"
"I'm not sure what type you're looking for, sir. All of our phones are the latest models. For example, this newly released 3G digital phone has built-in MP3, a camera, internet access, and many other features. Its biggest highlight is its ultra-low-voltage display screen, made of special materials. The clarity of this screen is twice that of regular ones. Plus, it has a digital TV feature, so you can directly receive digital TV channels transmitted via satellite."
She then showed him a very lightweight phone, ideal for sports enthusiasts, which could be worn on the ear.
Seeing that Masashi didn't seem too interested, she brought out several other models. "These are new products too. For example, this one is a couple's phone, designed for two people. It has a mini camera inside, so you can see each other in real time during calls. And there's also…"
Masashi started feeling a bit overwhelmed. He waved his hand and said, "Alright, enough. My requirements are simple, I just need a phone that can make calls. Pick one for me. Just tell me which one is suitable, and handle the paperwork too. I need to make a call right away."
"Are you asking me to choose for you? That might not be appropriate."
"Hurry up, I'm in a rush," Masashi replied impatiently.
"Well, how about this model? It has…"
"Okay, this one," Masashi interrupted quickly and took out his credit card to hand to her.
The moment the staff member saw the card, her expression changed immediately. Having dealt with many customers, including rich and influential people, she immediately recognized that this was a high-level platinum VIP card issued by Tokyo Bank. People with this card were far beyond the average wealthy person. She was surprised that this plain-looking high school student had such a powerful card. She regretted not having chosen the most expensive phone for him earlier.
Masashi had no idea that the bank manager had issued him this high-level credit card. Given his personality, he hated using such flashy cards; they seemed like the behavior of nouveau riche.
The phone and paperwork were quickly processed, and Masashi immediately dialed Lei Li's number.
"Who is this?" Lei Li's voice sounded very different—calm and fluent in perfect English.
"Little Black, it's me."
"Ah, Master! I didn't expect you to call me so soon. What's the matter? Have you started missing me already? I told you I'd stay with you for a few days, but you kicked me out. How cruel!" Lei Li responded in a mockingly dramatic tone, like a soap opera character.
Masashi laughed and scolded, "You talk too much. I need you to do something for me."
"Master, just say the word." Lei Li immediately became serious, knowing when his master had a task for him.
"I need you to find someone. His name is Nagakawa Kyuujirou, from Hokkaido, Japan. If he's still alive, he should be about 70 years old this year."
"Is he your enemy?"
"No, a friend. I owe him something from back then, and it's time to repay him." Masashi thought back to the first time he met Kyuujirou and couldn't help but feel a bit sentimental.
"Got it, I'll send someone to investigate."
"By the way, I bought a new phone. If you need anything, call me on this number."
It had been twenty years. He hoped that Kyuujirou was still alive.
The chaotic atmosphere at school gradually returned to normal, and the reporters were no longer waiting outside. Three months passed, and it seemed like everyone had forgotten about Yamamoto and the others. At school, Masashi was just like any other student—attending classes and going home on time. No one remembered his past. The only difference was that during lessons, he would either read novels or sleep, and he often skipped classes. The counseling teacher tried to intervene several times but failed to make an impact, so eventually, they stopped pursuing him.
One day, during class, Masashi was woken up by a loud commotion.
He opened his eyes to see the students looking very excited, some even jumping up.
"What's going on?" Masashi asked the girl next to him.
"Didn't you hear the teacher? We're going to Okinawa for a summer trip!"
"When are we going?"
"The day before summer break, for three days. It's amazing! In middle school, we could only visit nearby fishing villages, but this time we're going to Okinawa. High school is really different!" The girl was just as excited as the others.
Japanese kids are so lucky—they get two long vacations every year and trips like this. The only downside is the trip costs over 20,000 yen per person, but it shows just how wealthy the Japanese are.
When Masashi got home, he first went to Kazumi's room and knocked on the door.
Kazumi opened the door and looked at him. "What's up?"
Masashi took out three new 10,000 yen bills and handed them over. "Your class is going to Okinawa, right? This is your trip money."
"Did Mom give this to you?"
"No, it's from my part-time job. Don't worry, it's completely clean money."
"Does Mom know?" Kazumi asked hesitantly.
"She doesn't know about my part-time job, and since I have no other use for the money, I just wanted to ease Mom's burden a little. Promise me, don't tell her, okay? I don't want her to worry."
Kazumi looked at him with a complicated expression, and after a while, she said, "Okay, but this is too much." She took one bill and handed it back to him.
"The extra is for your pocket money. After all, you're a girl," Masashi said with a smile, not taking it back. He just smiled and walked away.
Kazumi stood there, staring at his back, lost in thought.
After three tense days of final exams, summer vacation was about to begin. Everywhere, students were discussing where they would go for their summer holidays. Masashi, however, remained as usual, reading novels or staring out the window.
Two days later, the results were out. Masashi glanced at his grades—they were neither high nor low, just as he expected. Kazumi, as usual, was at the top of the school.
During class, the teacher began discussing the important details of the summer trip, including the time to gather. Masashi finally remembered that he had signed up for the trip.