“I think you should wear a kimono,” Aoi had suggested. “A simple komon would normally be fine for a casual home visit, but since it’s Takamiya’s residence, I’d choose a semiformal homongi just to be safe. I’m sure you have the means of obtaining any kimono you want, but I happened to receive a bunch of lovely ones from Yoshie recently, so I could lend you one if you’d like.”
Yilin had always thought that all kimono were the same, but apparently there were different ones for different occasions. The most formal kimono was the black montsuki, worn for important events like weddings. Next was the black tomesode, followed by other colors of tomesode, then furisode (generally worn by unmarried women). For semiformal scenarios, one would wear a homongi, tsukesage, solid-color kimono, or kimono woven with a special type of silk called omeshi. For casual settings, there were komon, tsumugi, and yukata.
The time of year was another factor. Not only did the pattern have to match the season but there were different structures as well: lined kimono for spring, autumn, and winter; unlined kimono for early summer and early autumn; and for summer, sheer silks called ro and sha.
“That’s...a lot to take in,” Yilin had said.
“I felt the same way at first,” Aoi had replied with a laugh. “But we choose our modern clothes according to the season too, so the concept is the same.”
Yilin had considered buying a kimono, but borrowing from Aoi was probably the safer choice this time.
“Can I borrow one of yours?” she’d asked.
“Of course!”
“In that case, why not choose a simple sash and attach a netsuke?” Kiyotaka had suggested. “I can lend you one from my grandfather’s collection. It’s by a contemporary artist, so I’d love for more people to see it.”
And so, Yilin had attended the netsuke showcase wearing a semiformal homongi patterned with autumn leaves, a plain dark-red sash, and a playful squirrel netsuke. Takamiya and the other netsuke enthusiasts had praised the accessory, calling it adorable and perfect for autumn. Yilin hadn’t been able to get Takamiya to reveal the information she was seeking, but at the very least, she’d made a good impression.
✦ ✦ ✦
“I appreciate the advice you gave me,” Yilin said, bowing. “Thanks to you, I was able to fit in and enjoy myself at Takamiya’s netsuke showcase.”
“That’s good,” Kiyotaka and Aoi replied with warm smiles.
Their reactions are so similar. It’s like they’re already married.
“By the way, are your feelings for Ensho the reason you’re trying to get close to Takamiya?” Kiyotaka asked bluntly.
Yilin choked. “My feelings?”
His sudden straightforward remarks are where he differs greatly from Aoi.
She hesitated over her response. Takamiya had asked her essentially the same thing, but unlike him, Kiyotaka would not be easily fooled. Plus, it wasn’t as if her father had told her to keep her mission confidential, and it would be extremely reassuring if she could enlist Kiyotaka’s help. Basically, she wanted him on her side.
“That’s not it,” Yilin said timidly. “It was actually a request from my father...” She explained that her father had told her to investigate something in Takamiya’s collection.
Kiyotaka hummed. “Is this the first time he’s asked you to do something like that?”
“Yes. Honestly, he hardly ever asks me to do anything at all. I’m always the one taking the initiative to help him.”
“Now that’s intriguing.”
“Huh? What is?” Aoi asked.
“Yilin has had numerous opportunities to interact with Takamiya thus far, but her father has never requested this until now,” Kiyotaka explained. Turning to Yilin, he asked, “Could you tell me more? I may be able to help.”
“Of course,” Yilin replied. “But what exactly do you want to know?” I barely know anything to begin with.
“All you have to do is answer my questions. Regarding Mr. Jing’s request, what in Takamiya’s collection has caught his attention? Is it a painting?”
“No, it’s a jewel.”
“A jewel?” Kiyotaka murmured, surprised.
“He asked me to find out if there’s a rare jewel in Takamiya’s collection.”
“What kind of jewel might that be?”
Yilin shook her head. “I asked him, but he wouldn’t go into detail.”
Kiyotaka hummed and folded his arms. “Is Mr. Jing fond of jewels as well? I didn’t get that impression from the Shanghai Museum exhibition.”
“Your observation was correct. My father mainly loves art, with antiques coming in second. He isn’t particularly interested in jewels. He’s only really ever bought them to give to women.”
“Now I’m curious,” said Aoi. “If he doesn’t normally show interest in jewels, then it must be an extremely rare one if he’s asking you to investigate it.” She looked up at the ceiling. “Does this mean Takamiya acquired it recently?”
Kiyotaka tilted his head. “It’s possible, but I’m not sure. Shall we check the auctions?”
Yilin glumly shook her head. “I’ve already looked at the listings. Nothing stood out.”
“I see.” Kiyotaka smiled. “Let’s consult with him, then.”
“Him?” Yilin blinked.