On that evening, the Uesugi family held a family discussion regarding Mizuo's situation. They all pondered and discussed how to help Mizuo overcome her current mental obstacles. Ziongzong and Uesugi Tano had a more radical viewpoint, believing that keeping Mizuo in her current state would only harm her and that they couldn't wait any longer, even if they had to use force to push her. Yukino and the Uesugi sisters had a more conservative perspective. They believed that forcefully interfering would only worsen the situation and that a gentle approach, supporting Mizuo and helping her gradually emerge from her psychological shadow, was the safer method. Both sides had their reasons for their viewpoints, and both were motivated by their concern for Mizuo. Therefore, no one could persuade the other. In the end, due to their inability to reach a consensus and the fact that they all had work or school the next morning, the discussion came to a halt.
The cool evening of late spring was as thin as water, easily penetrating through. Yet, everyone slept heavily. When faced with a lack of hope but still needing to move forward, no one knew which choice was the best: bravely taking steps or pausing to think first. Until reaching that destination called "outcome," no one knew. This was the reason why "life" was likened to a gamble.
The next day, when Ziongzong went to school with a heavy heart, he didn't expect that something unusual would happen. When he and Uesugi Yui reached the school gate, Detective Dojou Kazuaki was waiting for them.
"Uesugi Ziongzong and Uesugi Yui, right? I'm Dojou Kazuaki, a detective. We've met before. Do you remember me?"
Dojou Kazuaki chewed on a candy while slightly bending down to ease the tension between the two children and himself.
"Yeah, of course we remember." (Ziongzong)
"Oh, I remember you. Officer from Toshiro." (Uesugi Yui)
Seeing that the two young people remembered him, Dojou Kazuaki burst into laughter.
But soon, he put away his smile and replaced it with a serious expression, a serious expression that made people feel heavy-hearted.
"I've already informed the school gatekeeper. Let's go inside the school and find a place to talk."
Led by Dojou Kazuaki, the three of them sat face to face around a bench in the school courtyard.
"Because your class time is approaching, please forgive me for being abrupt. I'll get straight to the point."
Dojou Kazuaki paused for a moment, seemingly allowing Ziongzong and Uesugi Yui to prepare themselves mentally, and then began stating his purpose for coming.
"Watanabe Gengo's funeral is scheduled for this Sunday, which is the day after tomorrow at ten o'clock in the morning. The details are all written here."
Dojou Kazuaki handed them a flyer with information about the time, location, and process of the funeral.
"I thought you wouldn't want to miss his funeral, so I came here specifically to inform you."
"Originally, I had planned to contact your parents directly, which seemed more appropriate. But considering Uesugi-san's performance in the previous incident, I feel it would be more suitable to treat you two as capable adults. That's why I'm here, near the police station."
"Until tomorrow, Saturday, when your parents don't have to work and are at home, I will visit officially then."
"Alright, I won't disturb you during your classes anymore. Goodbye for now."
Dojou Kazuaki stood up to leave, but was stopped by Ziongzong.
"Officer Tucheng, we..."
"No need to rush and answer me, Mr. Uesugi. I believe you have a lot to consider, don't you?"
With that, Dojou Kazuaki left.
─ There are indeed many things to consider.
In the dilemma he faced earlier, Ziongzong saw a glimmer of hope.
