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Chapter 771: Investment Rationalization [Happy New Year!]
A group of people disassembled the wooden planks of the display stand, put them into boxes, packed them up with the cloth, and moved the boxes to the Storage Room before stopping.
"Alright, everything's packed up," Mouri Ran smiled at Haibara Ai, then turned to Chi Feichei, who was standing Aside watching, and said, "Brother Hichiji, we're heading back now. Tomorrow, I'm going mountain climbing with my Father, and Ai wants to come too. Why don't you join us?"
Chi Feichei nodded. "Okay."
"You're all going mountain climbing..." Suzuki Sonoko hesitated, looking dejected. "No, I have to at least make an appearance at the Banquet tomorrow night. It starts at six in the Afternoon, and if I go mountain climbing, I definitely won't make it..."
Mouri Ran and Suzuki Sonoko exchanged a few jokes, then, taking Kid Conan, said their goodbyes and left.
Doctor Agasa also went back with them, offering to drive the Three People Home.
Haibara Ai stayed at Chi Feichei's place. After being busy all Day, she watched the Television News for a bit and started feeling sleepy. She turned to see Chi Feichei engrossed in his Laptop, yawned, and went to Wash Up on her own. When she came out, she saw that Chi Feichei still hadn't moved.
"Brother Hichiji, I'm going to bed first. You should get some rest too."
"Uh-huh."
Chi Feichei responded and continued looking at the Data on his Computer.
He needed to Check the Market Research, Sales Condition, and Marketing Plan for Pet Supplies and Food, as well as Umbrella's Network Plan. Additionally, Sawada Hiroki had gotten involved in Smartphone R&D and sent him a bunch of News.
Haibara Ai didn't disturb Chi Feichei further, passed through the Kitchen to the Next Door Living Room, and Returned to Room.
After finishing the pile of Data, Chi Feichei replied to Emails from Da Shan Mi, Wilson, and Sawada Hiroki. Then, he Got Up, took his Laptop to the Balcony, poured another Glass of Wine, and started listening to Ubu Saika's Surveillance Recording.
It was clear that Kurahashi Kenichi didn't identify with the Organization. He was just suppressing his thoughts out of Fear of the Organization. After experiencing being threatened with his Daughter, betraying his Companion, participating in Murder, being investigated by the Police, and seemingly being under Surveillance by the Organization at all times, This Situation was normal.
Something was off with Ubu Saika. He hadn't had much contact with people with Stockholm Syndrome, or rather, he might have encountered them before but hadn't paid attention. So, he couldn't Judge if Ubu Saika was experiencing This Problem.
If so, had Ubu Saika previously seen him as the perpetrator? Did she Think that everything she had experienced was caused by him?
He'd take the Responsibility for that. After All, he couldn't escape the Relationship.
It's Just that he felt one Condition wasn't being met—his face-to-face Communication with Ubu Saika wasn't enough.
Some Research has shown that Stockholm Syndrome is more likely to develop Under Circumstances where guards and Hostage have face-to-face Communication. In Other Words, Hostage have the Opportunity to Understand the guards' or perpetrators' Childhood History, Life goals, Problems they've encountered, and Reasons for their Bad Deeds, gradually leading Hostage to believe the perpetrators' Viewpoint is correct. However, if Hostage are masked or kept isolated, Stockholm Syndrome is less likely.
Beside him, high up on the eleventh floor, a Figure riding a Broom and wearing a Black Cloak slowly ascended.
Koizumi Akako controlled the Broom to continue ascending and moving. When she reached the Balcony, she hopped off, adjusted her waist-revealing Witch Outfit under the Cloak, Reached Out to flick away a Hair Strand that the Night Breeze had blown into her Line of Sight, and looked at Chi Feichei with a smile. "Won't you offer me a Glass of Wine?"
Chi Feichei completely ignored Koizumi Akako's current good Appearance. It was going to fall apart any minute anyway, and he was almost used to it. "Underage drinking is prohibited."
Koizumi Akako walked over and sat opposite Chi Feichei, crossing her arms with a proud look. "Witch don't have to follow the Rules of Ordinary Person."
"Help yourself." Chi Feichei didn't insist.
Koizumi Akako looked at the bottle of Bourbon Whiskey on the Table, glanced at the Alcohol Content, and decisively chickened out with a hint of pride. "Cough, Never Mind. I don't really feel like drinking tonight. What are you Thinking about, sitting here all alone?"
Chi Feichei went back Inside the Room, poured a Glass of Ice Cubes for Koizumi Akako, filled it with Lemon Juice, added a touch of Gin, and brought it to the Balcony, placing it in front of Koizumi Akako. It was a low-alcohol Cocktail to make Little Girl happy, "Stockholm Syndrome."
Koizumi Akako looked at Chi Feichei, puzzled. "Is that the thing where Hostage develop a strange complex towards their Kidnapper...?"
Chi Feichei briefly explained Ubu Saika's Situation to Koizumi Akako.
After listening, Koizumi Akako sorted out her Clue. "Do you Think it's Weird that you've become someone she depends on?"
"Isn't it Weird?"
Chi Feichei stopped listening to the Recording and turned off his Computer. Ubu Saika had only contacted two Classmate afterwards and hadn't done anything suspicious.
"Then I'll Ask the Crystal Ball."
Koizumi Akako slammed the Crystal Ball in her hand onto the Table with a 'duang~', thoroughly embodying her 'Crystal Ball for everything' philosophy.
"Let me Check..." the Crystal Ball said casually. "This is simple. When Little Girl face Predicament, they need emotional Support. They lean on it, and it becomes dependency. They overthink it and Mislead themselves into thinking it's love. They keep Misleading themselves, and they can't escape... Ah, what exactly it is, I don't Understand either. I'm not a scholar~"
"When people who think they're morally superior do despicable things, or when people who think they're smart do stupid things, it creates Cognitive Dissonance. They then take Behavior to reduce that imbalance, which is a driving force behind Stockholm Syndrome," Chi Feichei mused, seeing Koizumi Akako looking Stunned. He explained, "For Example, Researchers Observed an Extreme Cult. The Leader said a flood would descend from the sky on a specific date, and only their Believer would be saved. The Believer were tricked into Investment all their wealth and Energy. When that Day came and no Disaster occurred, the Believer didn't feel deceived. Instead, they felt they had saved the World and became even more devoted to the Cult. Also, Girls imprisoned for years, after being rescued, said their Childhood was Just different, that they hadn't Missed anything. They even said they avoided Bad Habit like smoking and drinking and didn't make Undesirable Friend because of it, and that their Kidnapper were good to them. You could say it's Investment Rationalization. They ignore unbearable Loss and Damage, replacing it with a Statement they can accept internally, convincing themselves of it."
"Isn't that Just self-deception?" Koizumi Akako summarized, trying to recall if she'd ever fallen into such a Pitfall.
"From a Social Identity perspective, Stockholm Syndrome is Recategorization," Chi Feichei continued. "Initially, Hostage divide their Hostage Group and Kidnapper into 'We' and 'They'. But during the hostage situation, a strong sense of dependency develops between Kidnapper and Hostage. Kidnapper know they'll face violent Suppression from the Police without Hostage. Hostage know their Life is in the hands of Kidnapper. If Kidnapper are cornered, they might be injured or even killed. They both depend on each other for Survival. Originally opposing Hostage and Kidnapper, due to their shared Fate, Recategorize 'We' and 'They' into 'We', while the Police are seen as 'They'. If the Police don't meet Kidnapper's Request or threaten them, leading to Hostage being harmed, the Police become the common 'Enemy' in the eyes of Hostage."
Koizumi Akako listened to the string of 'We' and 'They', feeling a bit dizzy. "So, what exactly are you trying to Do?"
"I want to Understand the Reason behind Uryu's Transformation," Chi Feichei said calmly. "You can also think of it as me being bored and just Thinking randomly."
Stockholm Syndrome is a double-edged Sword, but he wasn't interested in dominating or controlling Ubu Saika. He didn't Care About harming Ubu Saika or whether Ubu Saika forgave him, which would largely prevent This Situation from Impacting him.
He was Just Thinking about Ubu Saika's Situation when he was bored, Judging whether there was a Possibility of Ubu Saika deceiving, betraying, or selling him out.
The corner of Koizumi Akako's mouth twitched slightly. "You really are bored. So, what have you Figured out?"
"Regarding the 11 people you control in Red Umbrella, you need to do two things. First, have them complete Tasks that are dangerous or require significant Effort, but not pointless Tasks. They should be Tasks that strengthen Red Umbrella, increasing their Investment," Chi Feichei took a sip of Liquor. In this Weather that had just warmed up, drinking Whiskey with Ice Cubes outdoors, the icy coldness with the Smell of Alcohol sliding down his throat, was a unique experience. "Second, stop saying 'I' and 'You'. Try to say 'We' more often, like 'We Umbrella,' 'We Red Umbrella.' Keep doing that, and even if The Vatican discovers something and breaks your control over them, they won't believe The Vatican's Statement that 'you controlled them with Magic.' Instead, they'll think The Vatican is using despicable Means to sow discord. Not everyone will think that way, but some will remain loyal."
Koizumi Akako Stared at Chi Feichei, Stunned.
Someone was really good at using this.
"Actually, many Business face the 'Investment' Problem," Chi Feichei pondered. "Sometimes, setting up a Target Enemy isn't just about increasing Cohesion. Everyone is Investment, and they also enjoy the Honor they get from it. The more they Investment, the more they Hope the Company becomes stronger."
Koizumi Akako Stared at Chi Feichei for a long time before finally saying, "Evil Child of Nature!"
"Your pride makes you disdain using This Means, but changing your Ideology, it's all for Umbrella, so we have the Confidence to stand against The Vatican," Chi Feichei said, looking directly at Koizumi Akako. "Using Magical Method is no Different from other Means."
Koizumi Akako tilted her Head, looking at Chi Feichei. "You said 'We'? Why do I get the feeling you're using that Means on me?"
"No," Chi Feichei's Tone remained calm. "Umbrella originally includes you, and People All need a sense of belonging. You need it, and so do I."
Koizumi Akako Thought for a moment, Nodded, and said, "Okay, I'll Think about what Tasks to assign them and then rotate them through the Tasks."
Chi Feichei silently drank his Liquor.
Actually, when His Dad offered Koizumi Akako Shares, he had already shifted from 'You' and 'Me' to 'We' with Koizumi Akako. Afterwards, as Koizumi Akako busied herself, it was already supporting her 'Investment'. He didn't even need to coax her; Witch Lady was already trapped. The more she Investment, the less she could escape.
But he hadn't deceived Koizumi Akako. Humans inherently have a Need for 'We'. He and Koizumi Akako were the Same. It was just Humanity.
And for the entire World, this 'We' could even promote Social Development. It wasn't a Bad Deeds. When everyone stopped recognizing 'We', that kind of World would be terrifying.
"Ah, By the Way," Koizumi Akako finally remembered why she came. "Did you get a really magical Doll? I want to Check it out."
(End of Chapter)
A group of people disassembled the wooden planks of the display stand, put them into boxes, packed them up with the cloth, and moved the boxes to the Storage Room before stopping.
"Alright, everything's packed up," Mouri Ran smiled at Haibara Ai, then turned to Chi Feichei, who was standing Aside watching, and said, "Brother Hichiji, we're heading back now. Tomorrow, I'm going mountain climbing with my Father, and Ai wants to come too. Why don't you join us?"
Chi Feichei nodded. "Okay."
"You're all going mountain climbing..." Suzuki Sonoko hesitated, looking dejected. "No, I have to at least make an appearance at the Banquet tomorrow night. It starts at six in the Afternoon, and if I go mountain climbing, I definitely won't make it..."
Mouri Ran and Suzuki Sonoko exchanged a few jokes, then, taking Kid Conan, said their goodbyes and left.
Doctor Agasa also went back with them, offering to drive the Three People Home.
Haibara Ai stayed at Chi Feichei's place. After being busy all Day, she watched the Television News for a bit and started feeling sleepy. She turned to see Chi Feichei engrossed in his Laptop, yawned, and went to Wash Up on her own. When she came out, she saw that Chi Feichei still hadn't moved.
"Brother Hichiji, I'm going to bed first. You should get some rest too."
"Uh-huh."
Chi Feichei responded and continued looking at the Data on his Computer.
He needed to Check the Market Research, Sales Condition, and Marketing Plan for Pet Supplies and Food, as well as Umbrella's Network Plan. Additionally, Sawada Hiroki had gotten involved in Smartphone R&D and sent him a bunch of News.
Haibara Ai didn't disturb Chi Feichei further, passed through the Kitchen to the Next Door Living Room, and Returned to Room.
After finishing the pile of Data, Chi Feichei replied to Emails from Da Shan Mi, Wilson, and Sawada Hiroki. Then, he Got Up, took his Laptop to the Balcony, poured another Glass of Wine, and started listening to Ubu Saika's Surveillance Recording.
It was clear that Kurahashi Kenichi didn't identify with the Organization. He was just suppressing his thoughts out of Fear of the Organization. After experiencing being threatened with his Daughter, betraying his Companion, participating in Murder, being investigated by the Police, and seemingly being under Surveillance by the Organization at all times, This Situation was normal.
Something was off with Ubu Saika. He hadn't had much contact with people with Stockholm Syndrome, or rather, he might have encountered them before but hadn't paid attention. So, he couldn't Judge if Ubu Saika was experiencing This Problem.
If so, had Ubu Saika previously seen him as the perpetrator? Did she Think that everything she had experienced was caused by him?
He'd take the Responsibility for that. After All, he couldn't escape the Relationship.
It's Just that he felt one Condition wasn't being met—his face-to-face Communication with Ubu Saika wasn't enough.
Some Research has shown that Stockholm Syndrome is more likely to develop Under Circumstances where guards and Hostage have face-to-face Communication. In Other Words, Hostage have the Opportunity to Understand the guards' or perpetrators' Childhood History, Life goals, Problems they've encountered, and Reasons for their Bad Deeds, gradually leading Hostage to believe the perpetrators' Viewpoint is correct. However, if Hostage are masked or kept isolated, Stockholm Syndrome is less likely.
Beside him, high up on the eleventh floor, a Figure riding a Broom and wearing a Black Cloak slowly ascended.
Koizumi Akako controlled the Broom to continue ascending and moving. When she reached the Balcony, she hopped off, adjusted her waist-revealing Witch Outfit under the Cloak, Reached Out to flick away a Hair Strand that the Night Breeze had blown into her Line of Sight, and looked at Chi Feichei with a smile. "Won't you offer me a Glass of Wine?"
Chi Feichei completely ignored Koizumi Akako's current good Appearance. It was going to fall apart any minute anyway, and he was almost used to it. "Underage drinking is prohibited."
Koizumi Akako walked over and sat opposite Chi Feichei, crossing her arms with a proud look. "Witch don't have to follow the Rules of Ordinary Person."
"Help yourself." Chi Feichei didn't insist.
Koizumi Akako looked at the bottle of Bourbon Whiskey on the Table, glanced at the Alcohol Content, and decisively chickened out with a hint of pride. "Cough, Never Mind. I don't really feel like drinking tonight. What are you Thinking about, sitting here all alone?"
Chi Feichei went back Inside the Room, poured a Glass of Ice Cubes for Koizumi Akako, filled it with Lemon Juice, added a touch of Gin, and brought it to the Balcony, placing it in front of Koizumi Akako. It was a low-alcohol Cocktail to make Little Girl happy, "Stockholm Syndrome."
Koizumi Akako looked at Chi Feichei, puzzled. "Is that the thing where Hostage develop a strange complex towards their Kidnapper...?"
Chi Feichei briefly explained Ubu Saika's Situation to Koizumi Akako.
After listening, Koizumi Akako sorted out her Clue. "Do you Think it's Weird that you've become someone she depends on?"
"Isn't it Weird?"
Chi Feichei stopped listening to the Recording and turned off his Computer. Ubu Saika had only contacted two Classmate afterwards and hadn't done anything suspicious.
"Then I'll Ask the Crystal Ball."
Koizumi Akako slammed the Crystal Ball in her hand onto the Table with a 'duang~', thoroughly embodying her 'Crystal Ball for everything' philosophy.
"Let me Check..." the Crystal Ball said casually. "This is simple. When Little Girl face Predicament, they need emotional Support. They lean on it, and it becomes dependency. They overthink it and Mislead themselves into thinking it's love. They keep Misleading themselves, and they can't escape... Ah, what exactly it is, I don't Understand either. I'm not a scholar~"
"When people who think they're morally superior do despicable things, or when people who think they're smart do stupid things, it creates Cognitive Dissonance. They then take Behavior to reduce that imbalance, which is a driving force behind Stockholm Syndrome," Chi Feichei mused, seeing Koizumi Akako looking Stunned. He explained, "For Example, Researchers Observed an Extreme Cult. The Leader said a flood would descend from the sky on a specific date, and only their Believer would be saved. The Believer were tricked into Investment all their wealth and Energy. When that Day came and no Disaster occurred, the Believer didn't feel deceived. Instead, they felt they had saved the World and became even more devoted to the Cult. Also, Girls imprisoned for years, after being rescued, said their Childhood was Just different, that they hadn't Missed anything. They even said they avoided Bad Habit like smoking and drinking and didn't make Undesirable Friend because of it, and that their Kidnapper were good to them. You could say it's Investment Rationalization. They ignore unbearable Loss and Damage, replacing it with a Statement they can accept internally, convincing themselves of it."
"Isn't that Just self-deception?" Koizumi Akako summarized, trying to recall if she'd ever fallen into such a Pitfall.
"From a Social Identity perspective, Stockholm Syndrome is Recategorization," Chi Feichei continued. "Initially, Hostage divide their Hostage Group and Kidnapper into 'We' and 'They'. But during the hostage situation, a strong sense of dependency develops between Kidnapper and Hostage. Kidnapper know they'll face violent Suppression from the Police without Hostage. Hostage know their Life is in the hands of Kidnapper. If Kidnapper are cornered, they might be injured or even killed. They both depend on each other for Survival. Originally opposing Hostage and Kidnapper, due to their shared Fate, Recategorize 'We' and 'They' into 'We', while the Police are seen as 'They'. If the Police don't meet Kidnapper's Request or threaten them, leading to Hostage being harmed, the Police become the common 'Enemy' in the eyes of Hostage."
Koizumi Akako listened to the string of 'We' and 'They', feeling a bit dizzy. "So, what exactly are you trying to Do?"
"I want to Understand the Reason behind Uryu's Transformation," Chi Feichei said calmly. "You can also think of it as me being bored and just Thinking randomly."
Stockholm Syndrome is a double-edged Sword, but he wasn't interested in dominating or controlling Ubu Saika. He didn't Care About harming Ubu Saika or whether Ubu Saika forgave him, which would largely prevent This Situation from Impacting him.
He was Just Thinking about Ubu Saika's Situation when he was bored, Judging whether there was a Possibility of Ubu Saika deceiving, betraying, or selling him out.
The corner of Koizumi Akako's mouth twitched slightly. "You really are bored. So, what have you Figured out?"
"Regarding the 11 people you control in Red Umbrella, you need to do two things. First, have them complete Tasks that are dangerous or require significant Effort, but not pointless Tasks. They should be Tasks that strengthen Red Umbrella, increasing their Investment," Chi Feichei took a sip of Liquor. In this Weather that had just warmed up, drinking Whiskey with Ice Cubes outdoors, the icy coldness with the Smell of Alcohol sliding down his throat, was a unique experience. "Second, stop saying 'I' and 'You'. Try to say 'We' more often, like 'We Umbrella,' 'We Red Umbrella.' Keep doing that, and even if The Vatican discovers something and breaks your control over them, they won't believe The Vatican's Statement that 'you controlled them with Magic.' Instead, they'll think The Vatican is using despicable Means to sow discord. Not everyone will think that way, but some will remain loyal."
Koizumi Akako Stared at Chi Feichei, Stunned.
Someone was really good at using this.
"Actually, many Business face the 'Investment' Problem," Chi Feichei pondered. "Sometimes, setting up a Target Enemy isn't just about increasing Cohesion. Everyone is Investment, and they also enjoy the Honor they get from it. The more they Investment, the more they Hope the Company becomes stronger."
Koizumi Akako Stared at Chi Feichei for a long time before finally saying, "Evil Child of Nature!"
"Your pride makes you disdain using This Means, but changing your Ideology, it's all for Umbrella, so we have the Confidence to stand against The Vatican," Chi Feichei said, looking directly at Koizumi Akako. "Using Magical Method is no Different from other Means."
Koizumi Akako tilted her Head, looking at Chi Feichei. "You said 'We'? Why do I get the feeling you're using that Means on me?"
"No," Chi Feichei's Tone remained calm. "Umbrella originally includes you, and People All need a sense of belonging. You need it, and so do I."
Koizumi Akako Thought for a moment, Nodded, and said, "Okay, I'll Think about what Tasks to assign them and then rotate them through the Tasks."
Chi Feichei silently drank his Liquor.
Actually, when His Dad offered Koizumi Akako Shares, he had already shifted from 'You' and 'Me' to 'We' with Koizumi Akako. Afterwards, as Koizumi Akako busied herself, it was already supporting her 'Investment'. He didn't even need to coax her; Witch Lady was already trapped. The more she Investment, the less she could escape.
But he hadn't deceived Koizumi Akako. Humans inherently have a Need for 'We'. He and Koizumi Akako were the Same. It was just Humanity.
And for the entire World, this 'We' could even promote Social Development. It wasn't a Bad Deeds. When everyone stopped recognizing 'We', that kind of World would be terrifying.
"Ah, By the Way," Koizumi Akako finally remembered why she came. "Did you get a really magical Doll? I want to Check it out."
(End of Chapter)
