Chapter 29: The Romance of a Chance Encounter

Alcohol truly is a marvelous thing.

Upon arriving at the izakaya, they found that grilled skewers were the house specialty. With a few small dishes—edamame, chilled tofu, and the like—paired with a bottle of honjozo sake, gently warmed, the four of them sat at the counter in a row, laughing and drinking together.

With someone on either side of him, Tao Zhimin barely had time to settle in before Risa Tomizawa and Miho Yanagawa began to loosen up, and even Yosuke Ueno seemed to relax into the mood.

“My, Tao-kun, you really know so much…” After hearing another of Tao Zhimin’s little anecdotes, Risa Tomizawa laughed so hard she nearly clung to his arm in surrender. “Tell us another one, I want to hear more.”

Tao Zhimin lightly tapped the counter. “Time for some shochu! What do you say, Risa-chan?”

It was a stronger drink, and as their eyes met, Risa’s gaze flowed like water. “Does stronger liquor mean even more stories?”

“Of course!” Tao Zhimin raised his hand and ordered a small bottle of shochu. “Don’t underestimate the shochu here. In my opinion, it’s nearly on par with Mori Izo.”

The izakaya owner beamed. “Thank you for the compliment!”

Pleased that his liquor was praised as top-tier and the guests kept ordering, the owner adored customers like these. But when he craned his neck, he caught sight of two men entering the door, and his expression turned respectful as he hurried off to fetch some money.

Just as Tao Zhimin was sipping shochu with Risa Tomizawa, he glanced over and froze, then called out, “Yuta-san! Yuma-san!”

Hearing the voice, Yuta Irie looked over and was equally taken aback.

Risa Tomizawa and Miho Yanagawa, noting the newcomers’ attire and demeanor, immediately sobered up and averted their eyes.

Yakuza.

Tao Zhimin watched as the owner placed an envelope on the table, Yuta Irie pocketed it, and realization dawned. So this area belonged to the Shindo-gumi. With March just beginning, Yuta Irie and another man named Yuma had come to collect protection money.

Tao Zhimin laughed, stood up, and approached them. “Yuta-san, Yuma-san, are you busy? How about a drink with us?”

Yuta Irie found it strange.

Here was a man with a promising future, yet he didn’t seem wary of associating with people like him. Last night he’d specifically asked Yuta to exchange shopping vouchers, and now, bumping into him again, he was extending another invitation.

After a moment’s thought, Yuta asked Yuma, “Why don’t you go on ahead? Is that alright?”

“Don’t worry, boss!” Yuma glanced over at Tao Zhimin and the other man and two women, then went out. That look made Yosuke Ueno quickly avert his gaze.

With a cheerful smile, Tao Zhimin waved them over. “Risa-chan, let’s switch seats. Boss, another round of food, please!”

Risa Tomizawa was quietly puzzled—how did Tao-kun know the yakuza? An old classmate who’d gone down the wrong path, perhaps?

She and Miho Yanagawa sat closer together for reassurance, seeking safety in numbers. Wait—would they be coerced into something by the yakuza?

Tao Zhimin raised his glass to Yuta Irie. “What a coincidence… Yuta-san, don’t look at me like that. I may not look it, but I genuinely enjoy making friends.”

Yuta Irie drank silently, still watching him, until finally he asked, “What exactly do you want?”

Risa Tomizawa was startled—why did the yakuza seem almost reluctant to provoke Tao-kun?

“As I said—I just like making friends.” Tao Zhimin gestured for him to eat. “I’ll be meeting with Miss Runa’s president soon. We likely won’t have any conflict going forward, so have no worries.”

To be honest, his interest in yakuza like Yuta Irie stemmed from the thrill of playing “Like a Dragon” in his younger days. Tokyo, to him, was an amusement park for a new life, and he found these people’s stories fascinating.

That was regarding Yuta Irie himself. As for his organization, Tao expected that in the future, as he made his way in Tokyo, he’d inevitably cross paths with the yakuza.

So, why not make friends first? Ordinary employees might avoid contact with such people, but Tao Zhimin aspired to be the leader of ordinary employees.

Yuta Irie recalled the scene from last night—this guy was planning to meet the boss of the real estate company face-to-face? He really feared nothing.

Studying Tao Zhimin, he finally raised his glass. “You’re… quite the character.”

“Oh my, I’ve been praised by Yuta-san! Cheers!” Tao Zhimin downed his drink with delight.

At that moment, the owner brought over new dishes with deference. “Please enjoy. If you need anything, just ask—tonight’s service is on me.”

Tao Zhimin instantly sensed something amiss. Glancing at Yuta Irie, he quickly explained, “Don’t misunderstand! Yuta-san, as you saw last night, I brought money and came out to enjoy myself today!”

Yuta Irie thought, That’s right—the money was from me. This kid’s sharp; he realized the owner mistook him for a close friend.

He nodded and said, “Tao-kun, I appreciate your desire for friendship. But I have business to attend to. Please, continue with your friends.”

“Eh?” Tao Zhimin feigned disappointment, raising his glass again. “A third toast! I’m sure we’ll meet again.”

Yuta Irie gave him a long, meaningful look, drained his glass, wiped his mouth with a finger, and finally smiled. “Your boldness leaves a lasting impression!”

Tao Zhimin set down his glass with a laugh, then took out a cigarette and offered one.

Yuta Irie hesitated but accepted. Tao Zhimin lit his own, then leaned over with the lighter. Yuta Irie’s gaze grew more intrigued. When Tao Zhimin took a drag, his practiced manner made Yuta Irie marvel. “You’re a mystery, truly. Have fun—I’ll be on my way.”

Turning back, Tao Zhimin found three pairs of stunned eyes fixed on him.

He smiled and asked, “Risa-chan, Miho-chan, would you like a cigarette?”

Risa Tomizawa bit her lip. “Let me try!”

Miho Yanagawa quickly shook her head.

Handing Risa a cigarette and lighting it for her, Tao Zhimin remarked, “No wonder I like Risa-chan more. Sorry, Miho-chan—you and Yosuke are the same type.”

Risa tried a puff and coughed a little. Tao Zhimin instinctively patted her back, letting his hand rest there. “How is it?”

“Very… stimulating!” Risa showed no sign of resisting his touch.

Yet Tao Zhimin didn’t press his advantage; when he withdrew his hand, Risa asked curiously, “You didn’t seem to know that man before. Why did you invite him for a drink?”

“Well…” Tao Zhimin replied leisurely, “Daylight has its brightness, night its shadows. Every realm has its allure. Didn’t I say? I like making friends. An accidental encounter—perhaps that’s the beginning of a legendary Tokyo tale. Isn’t that a kind of romance?”

Risa Tomizawa found his slightly melodramatic words surprisingly appealing, her eyes shining.

“Come on, let’s keep going!” Tao Zhimin reached over and took Risa’s hand.

Now that the seating had shifted, Risa felt this gesture was more discreet; only Miho would notice at most.

She glanced at Tao Zhimin and saw a faint smile in his eyes. His handsome face seemed to radiate new charm, the kind of presence that came from a strong man’s confidence.

Lightly biting her lip, Risa downed the strong liquor and felt her whole body warm.

To Yosuke Ueno, the whole evening felt like a performance. From their chance meeting at the sushi bar to now, barely two hours had passed, and yet the four of them already acted like old friends in the izakaya.

Of course, it was Tao Zhimin who had imperceptibly orchestrated the mood.

By the time it was past ten, Tao Zhimin was only just starting to feel tipsy. No surprise for a seasoned drinker—his body had adapted well to alcohol.

But Risa Tomizawa and Miho Yanagawa were visibly drunk, their faces showing it plainly.

“So, how about we head to a disco next? Lose ourselves in the wild rhythm and dance the night away!”

Tao Zhimin leaned in so close to Risa Tomizawa that he spoke almost into her ear.

Risa, already swept away by heat and excitement, nodded without hesitation.

“Yosuke, take Miho’s hand. Let’s go dance!”

Yosuke Ueno’s heart pounded as he looked at Miho, then, emboldened by drink, paid the bill and took her hand. “Let’s go!”