Chapter 139: Shocking News (Part 1 of 4) — Please Subscribe

Takao Chimei’s gaze first swept across the group of housewives. Judging by their looks, Rina Onodera must have already set the atmosphere perfectly. Calm and composed, he gave a slight nod and politely greeted them, “Nice to meet you all, I’m Takao Dairo.”

The housewives responded with various expressions; some bowed in greeting, while others hesitated, unsure whether to introduce themselves first.

Takao then inclined his body slightly toward Rina Onodera, showing even greater respect. “Madam, shall we begin?”

“Please wait a moment,” Rina replied, feeling a surge of pride. She accepted his bow gracefully—her tone respectful, her manners impeccable—but it was clear to all who held the higher status. Only someone truly prominent could command such deference from a talented young man, especially regarding his secret lover.

“Ladies, are you ready to start?” Rina asked.

“Of course!”

“We’re ready.”

“Perhaps Takao-kun should rest a bit first?”

The chatter grew lively, and Takao furrowed his brow slightly, causing a few of the women’s hearts to skip a beat.

He reached into his briefcase, pulling out a cell phone and a stack of printed materials. Approaching Kanae Kitagawa, he flashed a bright smile. “Madam, could you please help distribute these documents?”

He appeared confident and efficient—unpretentious before so many housewives—and now, gentle as well.

“Certainly… certainly…” Kanae was swept away by his handsome smile and hurriedly took the papers.

Within moments, all the housewives had the printed documents in their hands.

Only then did Takao sit down. Soon after, a waiter brought hot coffee, which he carefully held, allowing the women to peruse the materials first.

The room fell into a hush, save for the sound of pages turning. Some seemed confused, glancing around at others, wanting to whisper questions but reluctant to break the silence.

When most had laid down their papers, Takao set his coffee aside and stood. “Now, I will explain the instructions given by the chairman regarding our next steps.”

Hearing the word “chairman,” the housewives exchanged knowing looks and lowered their documents. At last, they could openly meet his gaze.

Takao took out several photographs from his briefcase and handed them again to Kanae Kitagawa. “Please circulate these.”

Kanae looked at the photos in puzzlement. The images depicted impressive machinery, covered with numbers and charts.

“I am aware that two among you provided funds to Madam earlier,” Takao said, glancing briefly at Rina and then at the others. “Since I have been entrusted with this task, I must explain: what follows cannot be handled as before.”

From his pocket, Takao produced two envelopes. “Which two among you contributed one million yen each?”

Kanae and another woman timidly stood, sensing Takao’s displeasure.

He approached each and handed over an envelope. “These photos show recent market trends and trading activity on Madam’s account. Please take a look. The point is that while the transactions were conducted legitimately, the substantial profits resulted from the account being leveraged heavily, without regard to margin risks. If only the funds provided by Madam were used, the returns would be about 10% of what you see now.”

Having experienced the hardships of leverage and margin calls, Kanae nodded repeatedly. “We understand. Sorry to trouble you, Takao-kun.”

Takao nodded. “The principal and profits will be returned to you both. Please return the photos afterward; these are confidential.”

Kanae quickly gathered the other photos from the women and handed them back. “I understand—these are trading secrets.”

Such advanced equipment was unseen even in other securities firms!

But her attention shifted immediately to the envelopes: How much money was inside?

Takao, however, spoke seriously. “I emphasized this because although the two ladies saw their one million yen turn into 2.37 million over a bit more than a month, under normal independent account yields, even during good market conditions, a 10 to 20% return is considered excellent. Moreover, such volatile markets don’t occur every month, and not every fluctuation leads to gains.”

The housewives’ eyes widened as they stared at the envelopes.

From one million to 2.37 million in just over a month? Reflecting on the losses some had suffered in the same market through others, they found Takao’s explanation convincing.

Kanae’s heart pounded as she gratefully glanced at Rina. No wonder she had been reprimanded—for such high returns, someone must be shouldering the margin risk, and naturally, the profits could only go to those the benefactor wished.

As for Madam Rina’s friends… was he really worth it?

Thank goodness she had caught the early wave.

“Well then…” Takao raised his voice slightly, “I will now explain how the Onodera Investment Corporation, being established for Madam, will operate…”

Though the housewives didn’t fully grasp the details, Takao’s confident demeanor and eloquence made the explanation persuasive.

Besides, the plan appeared well-structured: a legitimate corporation was being formed, the housewives’ investments would be governed by specific agreements guaranteeing minimum returns…

After a rough overview, Takao turned to Rina. “Madam, pardon me, but please don’t take offense at what I’m about to say.”

Rina feigned surprise. “Eh?”

Frowning, Takao addressed the housewives. “Originally, the funds I managed exceeded ten billion yen. But now, I must use the period before graduation to handle this matter for you ladies. Therefore, I have to be more aggressive. To quickly expand the capital, I offer two options.”

Hearing “ten billion,” the housewives held their breath, noting the reluctant expression on his face.

His words were blunt, revealing some displeasure at being assigned such a “small matter” by the chairman.

After all, how much capital could these housewives collectively muster? Not even one hundred million yen.

Takao continued, “The first option is that I take responsibility only for you present here. Regardless of your methods, I will set returns proportional to the funds you provide. The second option is a referral commission system: starting with you, subsequent investors will register their referrer in the agreement; when cumulative referrals reach certain thresholds, additional commission rates apply. Details are in the materials.”

He paused and added, “To expedite this project, I will personally contribute 95 million yen, and Madam Rina will add 5 million. If after one year the assets under management at Onodera Wealth cannot return to ten billion yen, this project will end.”

The housewives exchanged glances. Did this mean the promised minimum annual return of 30% would no longer apply after one year?

As avid investors, they knew that a 30% annual return was exceptional—star brokers were scarce and highly sought after.

But to grow from one hundred million to ten billion in a year? The young man, clearly unwilling, seemed ready to entrust the entire task to them.

As quiet murmurs broke out, Takao’s cell phone rang.

He took the call, and a voice came through: “Takao Dairo, are your terms still valid?”

“Of course,” Takao replied, surprised that Takada Takanobu had decided so swiftly.

Through clenched teeth, Takada said, “The truck’s been found. Gorō… was killed! Are you still prepared to face them?”

Takao’s heart skipped. He understood the implication.

Someone was resorting to ruthless measures over that land.

He stepped away, voice lowered. “Is it true?”

Takada’s tone grew cold. “Yes. And you guessed right. Among my three closest men, Gorō was murdered—he’s innocent. The others: Shūta originally sided with Mitsui, and Kazuo Tanimura… was bought by Tomokazu!”

The information overwhelmed Takao. “So your plan now…?”

“I accept only your terms. And for revenge, I need an ally!”

“Do you know who did it?” Takao asked.

“Absolutely!” Takada’s voice was filled with deep hatred. “Gorō left a secret blood message. The culprits are the Shindō group—namely, Tsuneyasu Mogami and Sumitomo!”

Takao was shaken. “Are you certain?”

“There’s no mistake!”

Takao was silent for a long moment.

Then Takada asked, “Have you decided to retreat? If you help me avenge, that land and my house will be yours—forty billion yen total! I’ll give it all to you now. We can meet and sign immediately! You only need to provide ten billion yen upfront! As long as you help me get revenge, I’ll do anything!”

Takao didn’t answer right away.

On the other end, Takada laughed bitterly. “Afraid? I knew it—you truly are a major conglomerate…”

Takao’s gaze turned icy. “Six o’clock tonight, same place as last time. Ten billion yen—I’ll bring it!”

Takada was stunned, then hurriedly asked, “Really?”

“We’ll talk face-to-face. I need to understand the current situation immediately,” Takao said coldly. “But I will bring the ten billion yen.”

After hanging up, Takao calmed himself, his expression softening as he turned around.

The housewives were silent, having caught only fragments of his words—a massive deal.

Ten billion yen? He would bring it?

Their hearts raced. Was this the life of the financial elite? Such huge transactions—by check?

Takao approached Rina Onodera, still sincere, no pretense. “Madam, an important matter requires my attention. I’ve explained the main points; now please discuss the details with the ladies and make decisions.”

Rina looked worried. Knowing Takao well, she sensed something amiss in his tone.

Yet, in front of the others, she could only nod. “Thank you for your efforts.”

Takao took several checks from his bag, handing her the one for 95 million yen. “To show the seriousness of this matter, I entrust you with the funds I’m prepared to invest.”

He returned the other checks to his bag and nodded to the housewives. “Ladies, please excuse me.”

With that, he strode away.

Rina watched him leave. The others exchanged glances before turning toward her.

Kanae Kitagawa, closest to Rina, boldly examined the check. “It really is for 95 million yen, from Nagashin Bank—Takao-kun’s money!”

Rina tucked the check away, forcing a smile. “Over this period, my family’s investments with Takao-kun have earned over two billion yen. It’s no surprise he has this much capital.”

Her words ignited the housewives’ enthusiasm.

No wonder he looked down on small sums.

It seemed only the scale of Madam Rina’s funds was large enough to warrant Takao dividing some of his attention here.

It was clear Takao would never defy the chairman or meddle with Rina’s affairs.

As for whether this young Takao had a wife? That remained a mystery.

“Madam Rina, is Takao-kun really still studying at Tokyo University? He must be barely in his twenties. Do you know if he has a boyfriend? My sister’s daughter…”

“I have a younger sister…”

“This is my daughter’s photo. She’s doing well academically and might get into a good university next year…”

Rina Onodera was instantly flustered.

Had they lost sight of why they were here?

Was this really the priority?

Having been tutored extensively, Rina couldn’t help but think: Are you all thinking about peaches now?