Chapter 27: Here Comes Trouble
The Japan Imperial Hotel is one of Tokyo's most luxurious hotels. Every time Tomie Kawakami passes by, she spends a long time outside, dreaming about the extravagant life inside.
Now she finally moved in grandly!
Holding a cup of champagne in one hand, Tomie Kawakami stood on the glass terrace with a swimming pool, gazing at the skyline, enjoying the luxurious life of a wealthy woman while reflecting deeply.
How could she have been so foolish before?!
Was it worth chasing after something just for a few thousand yen? Although she didn't really lose out, she didn't gain anything either!
But it's okay, it's never too late to change now.
To her surprise, the senior student turned out to be the president of the Uesugi Society and he actually took a liking to her.
She can't miss this opportunity, she must find a way to win him over!
Tomie Kawakami made up her mind, finished all the red wine, then walked naked to the mirror in front of the washstand to admire her small yet shapely body.
Even Nakasone Kazuko's beautiful body caught the attention of President Uesugi, she would definitely succeed!
"Boom, boom!"
Suddenly, there was a knocking on the door.
"Who is it?"
"It's me, Uesugi Kiyoshi!"
Uesugi Kiyoshi waited for a long time, feeling very nervous and about to command someone to break open the door, when Tomie Kawakami finally opened the door slowly.
"It's getting late, we... Why are you wearing this outfit?"
The girl in front of him had just finished grooming, with long hair like clouds, skin as fair as snow, wearing a bright-colored yukata, and holding a small folding fan, gently swaying it.
"Do I look pretty, senior?"
Tomie Kawakami spun around merrily, with a sweet and enchanting smile.
"According to tradition, it's not allowed to wear underwear under a yukata!"
Uesugi Kiyoshi stood still for a moment, then nodded.
"Well, that's fine. It'll be easier to change clothes when they check my body later."
He wasn't oblivious, just too scared.
Shaking hands, hugging, all that was fine, but getting too close might lead to unexpected consequences - like giving birth to a little Tomie?
That was a risk he couldn't take!
It would be better to go to the research institute first, have the experts thoroughly examine everything. If there were no issues, great, and if there were minor problems, it could even help advance biology.
The newly established Special Event Research Institute was not too far from here. With Uesugi Kiyoshi's enthusiastic efforts, it surpassed the Yumura research institute in both size and staff.
The research institute is divided into two main parts. The action team handles strange events, while the research team works on turning these events into valuable outcomes.
As soon as they entered the research institute, they saw Acting Director Hiroshi Noda looking stern, loudly scolding his staff.
"Koyama, with your attitude, you won't survive in this company! Being punctual and asking for leave in advance are basic manners. I don't want other colleagues to think that Tokyo University people are so rude!"
The female staff member being scolded lowered her head, silent and pale, like a washed-out cheesecloth. Her once bright face now looked stiff with fear.
"Alright, alright." Uesugi Kiyoshi stepped forward to defuse the situation. "Just acknowledge the mistake, and make sure not to repeat it next time."
Uesugi Kiyoshi was quite curious. Hiroshi Noda was usually strict to the point of being cold-hearted towards his subordinates, but he showed favoritism towards those from Tokyo University. However, this time, he publicly scolded without considering his usual kindness. It made Uesugi Kiyoshi wonder what mistake had been made.
"Wow, they've only been in the research institute for less than ten days, and already missed work for three days without explanation. They didn’t even pick up the phone or reply when asked!"
Looking through the notebook, Tomie Kawakami made sarcastic remarks on the side.
"People like that should be fired. Even Hiroshi Noda should be dismissed along with them."
As a subject of research, she doesn't really like researchers much.
Uesugi Kiyoshi ignored her, listening to Hiroshi Noda scolding her a couple more times before finally stopping.
"Her name is Naosumi Koyama, a student of my friend, an associate professor at Tokyo University, quite renowned in astrophysics. Since you mentioned strengthening research in this area before, I brought her in."
Hiroshi Noda briefly introduced the person who was just scolded, paused, and then tried to comfort her a bit.
"Koyama used to conduct astrophysics research with his colleagues and teachers near Tokyo in Zhongyuan Village, but recently left abruptly several times for there. I checked the train tickets, and they all led to the same place... Maybe she misses her teacher. That's why she keeps going there now and then."
This reason seems far-fetched.
Not only did Uesugi Kiyoshi not believe it, even Hiroshi Noda, who was speaking, showed an awkward smile.
It's not ancient times anymore, and communication is so advanced. Even with close relationships, there's no need to visit so frequently, especially not for a teacher.
"Let's just fire her," Tomie Kawakami added fuel to the fire again.
At that moment, Koyama, who had been looking down, suddenly moved.
She took steps towards the exit, picked up the protective suit hanging next to the door, put it on without hesitation, as if it was the natural thing to do.
"Koyama, what are you doing? Stop right now!"
Is this Naosumi Koyama playing up in front of Uesugi Kiyoshi because he didn't show up for work? Hiroshi Noda's face changed immediately, ignoring their friendship, but his stern reprimand had no effect on Naosumi Koyama.
Seeing her about to walk out of the research institute like that, Uesugi Kiyoshi waved his hand, and a few security guards rushed forward to stop her.
They stopped her by lifting her up, but even with her feet off the ground, Naosumi Koyama's feet continued to swing back and forth, repeating the previous action.
Her eyes were vacant, but the muscles on her face twitched and twisted, as if she knew she was in a nightmare but couldn't escape.
"What's going on?" Hiroshi Noda finally noticed that something was wrong.
"Perhaps it's a strange occurrence."
The first strange event that happened after the research institute was established was actually from within, making Uesugi Kiyoshi feel amazed.
I hope it's not too difficult; if possible, earning a bit more would be even better.
After waiting for dozens of minutes, Naosumi Koyama's legs finally gave way, and her eyes regained their sparkle.
Looking at the people around her, she couldn't help but burst into tears and reveal everything.
"It's Zhongyuan Village, that place is cursed by demons! I couldn't escape, it's like I was drawn to it. Every time I open my eyes, I see that village, that tunnel, and our research institute."
