Chapter 135: The Truth (Part 1/4) — Please Subscribe

"What exactly do you mean?" It took a long time for Takeda Takanao to regain his composure. "The... the whole thing?"

He found it truly impossible to imagine that the upper echelons of every major conglomerate in Japan, the key figures of every powerful yakuza organization in Tokyo, and every big shot wielding power, wealth, or other influence were all staring him down. Was that plot of land—his Takeda Manufacturing—really that important? Why would they exert all their power? What kind of grudge or enmity could possibly drive this?

"Otherwise, how do you explain your predicament?" Tao Zhiming said, looking composed and at ease. "No bank is willing to lend you money? The strongest major companies in the industry are all trying to acquire you? Suppliers and trade partners are all giving you a hard time?"

"…What on earth have I done?" Remembering all he had endured for so long, Takeda Takanao couldn't help but mutter to himself, "Is it just because of that piece of land?"

"You actually guessed it was because of that land." Tao Zhiming paused deliberately and adjusted his tone. "It’s not you who is wrong; it is this era!"

Takeda Takanao stared at him blankly.

After finishing the melodramatic line, Tao Zhiming said slowly, "I am sure you have had many theories; after all, you are a president in your own right. While Takeda Manufacturing's craftsmanship is decent, it possesses no unique technology. Though your production capacity is set to increase significantly, it doesn't seem enough to shake the market structure. And in all the years your company has been passed down, you haven't offended anyone with such immense power."

"You must have realized it was because of that land, but the fact that real estate companies all over Tokyo are currently buying up property misled you. Because you only needed a mere 1 billion yen to change your current situation, you refused to give up. But now, the root of all your troubles is that land. You cannot fight against the combined power of Japan’s elite. To be honest, if they weren't wary of one another and restricting each other's methods, you and Takeda Manufacturing would have already been swallowed whole."

"That is why I say it is not you who is wrong; it is the era. An innocent man is guilty only because of his treasure!"

In the small, quiet room, these words, spoken softly, sent a chill through Takeda Takanao.

After a long silence, he whispered, "What exactly is the secret behind that land?"

"There is no secret to the land itself; it is purely about its location," Tao Zhiming said candidly. "The Shiodome cargo terminal, which neighbors Takeda Manufacturing, has become a pivot point in the ongoing discussions regarding the privatization of the Japanese National Railways. At the same time, the plots surrounding the terminal that could be used to control its ownership have already been snatched up by major conglomerates. Your plot of land is the last piece of contiguous land around Shiodome that remains outside the control of these consortiums."

"They are going to such lengths to acquire your land not just because of its potential for appreciation. More importantly, it could influence the division of the National Railways' trillions in assets. Now, can you understand your situation?"

"So that’s it… so that’s it…"

The sun climbed higher, and the light by the window grew more intense, yet Takeda Takanao felt only colder. He had thought the land was simply worth several times, perhaps ten times, its current value; he had never imagined its importance reached such a level.

Tao Zhiming took a sip of hot coffee and continued, "Now, you are facing a situation that can go in one of three directions. First, you survive the order crisis with Henghe and persist in refusing to sell. Eventually, because you cannot repay your loans, the land will naturally be repossessed by Mitsubishi as collateral. This is the outcome Mitsubishi hopes for."

"Second, you decide to sell the land or the entire company for the highest possible value. In this case, Mitsubishi will use the mortgage clauses to stifle the transaction and inflate the cost for anyone else trying to acquire the land. Furthermore, if your land truly ends up affecting the division of National Railways' interests, you risk being used as a bargaining chip, sold off, or targeted for retaliation."

"Third, you decide to fight to the end to protect your heritage and your land. To do that, you must first solve the immediate order crisis, then address the subsequent loan repayment, and finally deal with even fiercer suppression and dirty tactics in the shadows. While the law may protect you, accidents will not."

Takeda Takanao remained silent. Tao Zhiming continued, "For you, since you cannot repay the loan, Mitsubishi—as the most legitimate party—would take the land and protect you. The difficulties facing Takeda Manufacturing would be resolved, and you would still be able to develop using your new factory."

"Then why," Takeda Takanao stared at him, as if he were the enemy, "have they not explained the situation to me directly?"

"Because they want to minimize their costs," Tao Zhiming said, meeting his gaze directly. "As long as you can't pay back the loan, Mitsubishi gets it. You've already paid back 1.2 billion yen in principal and 480 million yen in interest on that 3 billion yen loan, haven't you? For Mitsubishi, this is the best outcome. Those who want to acquire Takeda Manufacturing could obtain both plots of land, the entire production capacity, and the skilled staff for 7 billion yen, and potentially generate two to three billion yen in annual revenue in the future. Most of the real estate companies trying to buy this land directly don't understand the situation. Now, they have already been cleared out."

"No wonder…" Takeda Takanao swallowed hard. "Even if I wanted to sell the land or even my house now, I couldn't."

Tao Zhiming nodded. "Exactly. Why buy the land just to leave it idle? Since the major conglomerates have already made their move, their first choice is to force you to sell the entire company—that is the most cost-effective path. If I hadn't helped you, you would have already been facing the issue of paying for your materials today."

"Those bastards…"

"They haven't explained it to you because you are, after all, a man of status and standing, and you are protected by the law. Therefore, they are currently creating trouble within the rules, forcing you to make a choice. But now, the tactics are escalating. It seems the negotiations surrounding the division of National Railways' interests have reached a critical point. Besides, your annual repayment deadline is fast approaching."

Takeda Takanao finally set aside his suspicion and picked up his chopsticks.

Regardless of everything, he had received invaluable information today; it all finally made sense. If it weren't as this Tao Dalang described, the difficulties Takeda Manufacturing faced would be truly inexplicable. Takeda Takanao had never before felt what it was like to have the whole world as his enemy.

After eating a little, he felt a flicker of strength return—a sense of peace that came from finally understanding the situation. After all, one can only find a way to cope once the circumstances are clear.

He looked at Tao Zhiming and asked, "Then, which side do you represent, and what do you want from me?"

Tao Zhiming smiled brightly. "I only represent myself. Inspired by Professor Yamamoto, I am preparing to study your case for my graduation thesis."

He switched back to polite honorifics.

Takeda Takanao's face darkened. "Are you kidding me?"

"So, you see, no matter what I say now, you won't easily believe me," Tao Zhiming's gaze sharpened. "President Takeda, do you even realize the risk I am taking by telling you all this?"

Takeda Takanao paused. It was true; the logic behind what he had said earlier was flawless. The major conglomerates wanted to achieve their goals at the lowest cost while keeping him in the dark. Now, someone had clarified the situation for him. Surely, knowing this would irritate the major conglomerates? So, perhaps it was true that he only represented himself? But this guy kept switching between honorifics and casual speech, always carrying an unusual air of authority.

Tao Zhiming leaned in and whispered, "Unlike those people, I have my own principles, and I have no grievance against you. Since I’ve told you so much, shouldn't you show some appreciation for who I am, what kind of power I possess, and what my actual goal is?"

Takeda Takanao pursed his lips tightly. After a moment, he lowered his head and bowed. "I apologize for my earlier interrogation! Thank you very much for your candor; it has helped me understand so much! Regarding the fact that you revealed these inside details to me, I give you my word as a man that I will not disclose your identity to anyone!"

He said this because he was speculating. Based on the information this young man provided, the way he had lured him here with 150 million yen and a letter, and the instructions in that letter on how to arrive, Takeda Takanao deduced three things.

First, this was no simple young man; he had an extraordinary source of information.

Second, he knew that yakuza forces were watching him, so did he himself have the ability to mobilize the yakuza? Takeda Takanao still wasn't sure of his identity, yet he knew everything about his home address and his family.

Third, he had gone to such great lengths to meet here because he didn't want the outside world to know he had met with him.

Was he afraid of the wrath of those major conglomerates, or was he confident that he wouldn't let this information leak?

Takeda Takanao had many thoughts racing through his mind, but Tao Zhiming said casually, "That is the right choice. I approached you with friendly intentions; with enemies on all sides, you shouldn't add another one."

Takeda Takanao felt a shiver. There was a subtle threat hidden in his words. Tao Zhiming, a man of unknown origin who had opened with such shocking information, was putting him under pressure. Takeda Takanao looked at him, still unsure of this Tao Dalang's true stance and goal.

However, everything he had said so far was correct. Takeda Takanao needed to eat and regain his strength to cope!

"In any case, I can tell you those things now, but I cannot be completely forthcoming," Tao Zhiming said, bringing the conversation back to the point. "Telling you this was to make you believe, to some extent, that I want to help you. Or rather, to cooperate with you so that Takeda Manufacturing can survive this crisis."

Takeda Takanao couldn't help but smile bitterly. "Indeed, if it weren't for you, I wouldn't have been able to confirm the reason. But surviving this crisis… if what you say is true, how is that possible? The power you described is so terrifying; do I have the ability to resist it?"

"You don't, but with me, it’s not necessarily impossible," Tao Zhiming said confidently. "Empty words are not enough. You asked what I want; take a look at this. Since you were able to calm down, thank me, and give me your word, we at least have a basic foundation of trust."

Tao Zhiming pulled a thick, stapled stack of papers from his bag and handed it to Takeda Takanao.