Chapter 131: Why Are You Only Interested in These Things? (1/4)

Lin Qiyu did not understand what Tao Zhiming meant by a "loose piece" in the game of chess. She only felt that when he said those words, her heart suddenly trembled.

Unable to keep her thoughts to herself, she asked, "Tao Zhiming, how did your ancestors come to be here?"

Tao Zhiming smiled. "What? Suspecting my ancestors were some kind of traitors?"

"…I didn't mean that." Lin Qiyu's expression was embarrassed, revealing a hint of awkwardness.

Tao Zhiming looked at her. Since his rebirth, she was perhaps the most unique person he had met. She was always tirelessly studying, with no longing for the flashy world outside of her academic pursuits. This steadfast, patriotic heart moved him somewhat, as he too had lived an entire lifetime on that land before.

He spoke leisurely, "It’s useless to ask what kind of people my ancestors were. Besides, I don't care about that. Building a factory back home is just related to a business deal I’m planning. Keep looking up the data."

He steered the conversation away. Seeing that he didn't want to elaborate, Lin Qiyu diligently discussed Professor Yamamoto's requirements and watched as Tao Zhiming operated the terminal.

As he searched, Tao Zhiming said, "Just focus on your research. The more you see and learn, the more useful it will be in the future. 'Sister Lin,' the complexity of the world is far beyond what you can imagine right now. Don’t use your naive sentiments to judge me, understand? I decide what I want to do and how I want to do it."

"…I didn't mean that," Lin Qiyu emphasized again. "But you’re right; I have learned a lot from you." She seemed to have grown accustomed to the nickname, even though she bore no resemblance to the tragic heroine from the classic novel.

"Oh?" Tao Zhiming laughed. "What have you learned?"

Without looking up from her notebook, Lin Qiyu replied, "If it weren't for your machine, I wouldn't have known that financial markets could be this insane."

"Indeed." Tao Zhiming switched the interface back to the market data. "In these past month or two, some have struck it rich, while others have jumped to their deaths. Remember, Sister Lin, everyone is trying to change their fate. Most people are actually just gambling. Professor Yamamoto suggested you study psychology, right? That was a good recommendation."

Lin Qiyu wondered why his tone carried the air of someone critiquing a figure like Professor Yamamoto, yet his words were thought-provoking.

Tao Zhiming looked at her—this girl from the eighties, so devoted to her studies and her country. He wondered where her heart would lead her.

Lin Qiyu looked up, meeting his eyes, which felt as deep as the ocean yet remarkably clear. She smiled slightly. "It’s true, everyone wants to change their fate."

"Some even want to change the fate of many others, right?" Tao Zhiming teased. "What do you plan to do after you finish your studies and go back?"

Lin Qiyu thought for a moment and said firmly, "I want to be a teacher!"

"Tsk, tsk, an economics professor," Tao Zhiming shook his head. "Very brave."

"…Why do you call it very brave?" she asked, puzzled.

Tao Zhiming put his hands behind his head and said lazily, "Let me tell you what’s bothering Professor Yamamoto."

Lin Qiyu’s eyes lit up. He knew?

"You’re studying economics; you know how important the right to issue currency is, right?" Tao Zhiming smiled at her.

Lin Qiyu nodded; that was obvious.

"Based on the data he’s had me look up lately, what’s bothering him is the Ministry of Finance’s inability to control the central bank’s power, which led to the signing of that agreement and the current lack of countermeasures," Tao Zhiming said languidly. "When you do research, don't limit yourself to the present. You need to understand the evolution of the top-level power structure."

He leaned in closer. "Do you think this massive trading volume, with so many people rushing into the financial market to make money, is a good thing?"

Lin Qiyu thought carefully. "For each individual, trying to change their fate is normal. But for the entire country… money has all flowed here, and industry… it’s very difficult!"

"Exactly. That’s why Professor Yamamoto told you to study psychology." Tao Zhiming hesitated, then decided not to go into detail. He smiled, "Professor Yamamoto is very patriotic. With your ideals, following him is a good path."

"…Why won't you finish what you were saying?" Lin Qiyu was sharp.

Tao Zhiming just looked at her with a smile and said, "You wouldn't understand right now. These things are the most complex, the darkest, and the most bottomless matters. You should focus on learning the basics first. Keep searching for that data."

*The power struggle between the Ministry of Finance and the central bank, the clashes mixed with interests and values—why does your young, beautiful head only care about these things?*

Lin Qiyu was fuming. *Why wouldn't I understand! He’s acting like he’s more impressive than Professor Yamamoto!*

***

While Tao Zhiming was teasing Lin Qiyu, the big shots in Tokyo had no idea that Takeda Takanao had secured an unexpected source of funding. Tao Zhiming, hidden in the shadows, had exploited a gap in their timing.

Of course, it wasn't just Omiya Hiroshi, the bottomless "double agent," who received the tip. Mitsui had also caught wind of it.

"Zhao Yuanxi? Worked at Toyota?"

"Yes! And now, Takeda Manufacturing has enough cash; they only need to deal with the Mitsubishi loan in June!"

"…Is it someone from Sumitomo or Mitsubishi?" The man sitting in the executive chair pondered, then laughed. "It doesn't matter. Whether it's Mitsubishi or Sumitomo, someone is bound to be put on the defensive. I actually hope Mitsubishi makes the first move; that way, they’ll have more cards for us to snatch."

"Executive, what should we do now?"

"No need to rush." The big shot stood up. "At worst, before Takeda Manufacturing needs to repay the Mitsubishi loan, we can just relax our terms, just as we planned. Join the Mitsui Group and use that land to exchange for more benefits within the conglomerate; Takeda Takanao isn't a fool. The place President Fukuoka mentioned—is it in Shibuya?"

"…Yes. Shall we head out?"

"Let's go!" He adjusted his tie with satisfaction. "After a busy day, it’s time to relax."

"I'll go get the car ready!"

Meanwhile, Kinoshita Hidekaze was having no peace.

"Didn't I tell you! Save that household for last!" He had lost his composure, his face grim as he spoke into the receiver.

"…I am terribly sorry!" Inoue Ryu stammered on the other end. "I gave the orders! But it seems the people under Chief Kurata forgot, which led to this situation..."

"Then go and find a way to smooth it over!" Kinoshita roared. "You must! Absolutely! Do not let that woman say anything unpleasant to the media, do you understand!"

"Yes! I’m going right now!" Inoue replied hurriedly, then added weakly, "It’s just that she’s very difficult to deal with, so perhaps if you..."

"Don't waste my time! I don't care what method you use; I just don't want to see any unpleasant news tomorrow!"

Kinoshita hung up the phone angrily and slumped into his chair, his face ashen.

Anzai Zen'ei frowned. "What happened?"

"…Excuse me." Kinoshita regained his composure, though he was still irritated. "There’s a troublesome woman living on that land."

"…A woman that even you, Kinoshita Hidekaze, find troublesome?"

Kinoshita sighed. "Well, the land is so large, who knew such a woman lived there? The problem is, she explicitly stated before that she wouldn't sell, and she happens to be a woman of some influence."

He looked at Anzai and said, "Ishibashi Reiko, one of the 'NHK Five Beauties'."

Anzai was indeed surprised. "Ishibashi Reiko? She lives on that plot of land?"

"Yes. She already threatened to sue us if we harassed her again." Kinoshita shook his head. "Forget about that for now, I'll handle it. Is Takeda Takanao still refusing to budge?"

He recalled what Tao Zhiming said about opportunities arising when the situation becomes complex, and he felt a sudden sense of anticipation. On the surface, however, he remained concerned.

Anzai sighed and stood up. "To think, even after extending some goodwill to Takeda Takanao and asking for only 10% of the shares as collateral, he refused point-blank."

"That’s normal. After all, tomorrow is the final deadline for payment," Kinoshita said, his mood improving. "If he really can't come up with the money, whether it’s failing to pay for goods or failing to deliver to Henghe, won't that give Sumitomo the leverage to set the terms?"

"But Mitsubishi has been too quiet as well." Anzai frowned, stating the reason for his visit. "President Kinoshita, the force that Lord Inagawa has prepared for this matter..."

Kinoshita asked with surprise, "Has it really come to that?"

Anzai chuckled sheepishly. "Just asking for my own peace of mind."

"…I told you, it would have been better to let me handle this from the start," Kinoshita complained lightly. "Brother Wasada promised me that as long as I needed it, I could make the request."

"Then I can rest easy!" Anzai stood up cheerfully. "You're right. No matter what answer Takeda Takanao gives tomorrow, I have the right to be the first to question it! Now, let’s go to Shinjuku for a drink!"

"Are there any special guests tonight?" Kinoshita asked, as close as a brother.

"Of course! Those NHK beauties you mentioned are already thirty-year-old relics. Tonight’s special guest is a newcomer as delicate as a fresh flower!"

"Really?" Kinoshita asked with exaggerated excitement. "That is something to look forward to!"