Chapter 48: Rekindled Affection? (Vote Requested)

In this vast world teeming with countless lives, there are always those who become the center—of fame and fortune, of affection and love, of gratitude and enmity.

Tao Zhiming knew he was treading the path toward such centers; yet, no matter how seasoned and astute he was, he could only make deliberate preparations—he could not precisely perceive that the disputes of interest targeting him had already begun fermenting into conspiracy.

At this moment, however, he had returned headlong to the University of Tokyo.

His destination was the Kendo Club.

This was because Sada Nick had given him a difficult problem to solve.

The Bloomberg Terminal had certain requirements for connectivity—not that Tao Zhiming couldn’t install it at home, but the area where he lived was currently the very district Mogami Holdings was eyeing for acquisition and demolition. If he set it up and later ran into relocation issues, it would be a hassle.

Considering he still had a year left at university, and that the communication infrastructure at top universities was among the best, Tao Zhiming decided to come here.

As for why he chose the Kendo Club—well, Tao Dailang never had many friends to begin with.

Having been reborn into this life, Tao Zhiming naturally acted according to his own judgment.

Since the so-called flower of the Kendo Club had shown curiosity about him last time, and was herself the club’s vice president, and since the Kendo Club was one of the largest on campus, it made sense to seek her out.

As for what Ueno Yosuke had said about her being one of the three women at Todai one should never cross—Tao Zhiming cared little for such things.

When it came to dealing with girls just over twenty, Tao Zhiming was supremely confident.

Although it was the holiday break, the training grounds allocated to the Kendo Club by the university were excellent, so many still gathered there.

Clubs were, after all, the main social venues for young people in Japan.

When Tao Zhiming, an unfamiliar face, appeared, a young man in a training uniform approached him—likely a club officer.

Tao Zhiming said, “Excuse me. I’ve met with Vice President Ueda Kana before and would like to get in touch with her. It’s an important matter.”

His words drew laughter from those in the training hall. The officer, with a hint of disdain, replied, “This is the first time I’ve seen someone try to meet Lady Ueda this way. Do you think you can just see her because you want to? Do you know who she is?”

Tao Zhiming smiled faintly. “What year are you?”

“...Second year.”

Tao Zhiming’s smile faded. He asked quietly, “Is this how you treat your seniors? How presumptuous! And tell me, making decisions for Ueda Kana so casually—are you prepared to bear the consequences?”

The young officer’s expression stiffened, a trace of panic flickering across his face. He bowed, “May I ask who you are...?”

Tao Zhiming’s smile returned. “Tell her Dailang Tao has an appointment.”

It was spring break, and third-year students were preoccupied with job hunting. These young people, still green, were clearly underclassmen. The seniority culture in Japan was still deeply ingrained, and it worked just as expected.

Of course, this was also thanks to Tao Zhiming’s own formidable presence. He could appear affable, but the moment he grew serious, an unmistakable air of authority exuded from him.

He didn’t know Ueda Kana’s phone number, but since she’d said she was eager to have a chat, he thought, why not?

Meanwhile, in a grand house in Edogawa Ward, Ueda Kana had just finished her daily practice, bathed, and now sat lazily under the eaves in a loose kimono, resting.

In the living room behind her, another girl was absorbed in a television program.

“Wow! Akina-chan is just so beautiful. I love her outfit—and that black onyx ring is gorgeous. I wish I had a boyfriend as handsome and gentle as Masahiko-san!”

A faint smile tugged at Ueda Kana’s lips as she asked languidly, “Handsome and gentle? What, wasn’t your last crush also handsome and gentle?”

“Him? Narrow-minded! In the end, he never really cared about me, did he? Otherwise, why would he have dumped me over someone like that? It was just an excuse.”

Ueda Kana made no comment. When the phone rang, she stood up barefoot to answer it. “Who is this?”

After hearing the voice on the other end, she paused, then glanced back at Kawashima Shiko, who was still gazing dreamily at the TV. “Really? He’s at the Kendo Club now?”

“Yes.”

“Please have him take the call.” Waiting for the call to be transferred, Ueda Kana watched Kawashima Shiko with growing amusement.

She had never paid much attention to her many so-called “boyfriends.” But that day at Sumitomo, she had encountered a Tao Dailang utterly different from the one she’d heard described.

If it was simply the tempering of romance that could make a man grow to such an extent, it would indeed be hard to believe.

So what, exactly, had he experienced to become the man he was that day?

Among all the students she had met, none exuded such presence; even among her father’s friends, few could measure up.

It was mainly the eyes.

Having trained in kendo since childhood, her father had always told her: a person’s will can be seen in their eyes. The strong never let their gaze betray them.

Tao Dailang’s eyes, though seemingly indifferent at the time, and showing little interest in her, pierced her with a sharpness when she mentioned Kawashima Shiko—she felt as though he saw straight through her.

Now, that man’s voice finally came over the line, in that same offhand tone: “Kana-chan, I didn’t expect I’d be the one to lose after all, reaching out to you like this.”

The familiar, intimate, yet vaguely condescending “Kana-chan” would have annoyed her, but his next words left her momentarily stunned.

Lose? Did he mean he was waiting for her to contact him first?

What could he be thinking?

Or was his indifference to her that day just an act?

“What do you want from me?” she asked.

“It’s hard to explain over the phone. If you’re free today, could we meet? There’s something important I’d like to ask you.”

Ueda Kana glanced back at Kawashima Shiko, who was watching her with curiosity. Could it be she was overthinking things? Maybe Tao Dailang was only reaching out to her because of Kawashima Shiko.

After all, it was she who had brought up Kawashima Shiko that day and caught that look in his eyes.

With this thought, a mischievous impulse stirred in Kana’s heart. She very much wanted to see how Kawashima Shiko would react to the present Tao Dailang. When she’d mentioned him before, Shiko had thought she was joking.

So she replied cheerfully, “We can meet. But I have a friend at my house right now. Would it be all right if she comes along?”

To her surprise, he answered immediately, “It wouldn’t. I don’t want too many people to know about this.”

...As expected. Kana felt her guess confirmed. “But if I go out, she’ll be lonely by herself. How about this: she can sit at another table while you tell me what you need. At this hour, you’re planning to buy me dinner, right?”

“...Very well.” Since he had a favor to ask, Tao Zhiming agreed. “I’ll wait for you both near campus.”

He named a well-known, upscale Western restaurant favored by Todai students, then hung up.

Kana put down the phone and grinned at Kawashima Shiko. “Guess who that was?”

“How would I know?”

“Tao Dailang.” Kana’s face was full of mirth. “You didn’t believe me last time—well? Shall we go see him together?”

Kawashima Shiko’s expression froze, and she scoffed, “No way! Why would I be lonely here alone? Kicking him away so awkwardly last time—do you want to see both of us embarrassed again?”

“Really not going?” Kana pressed, eager for the show. “Let me warn you—his demeanor that day even made my heart skip a beat. Since you two are over, if you don’t want to win him back, I might just make a move myself!”

Shiko stared at her in disbelief. “Are you kidding? Him? That Tao Dailang who only knows how to squander his parents’ fortune?”

“I’m telling you, he’s really changed. Even Sumitomo treats him with caution now. Yamane Yokohisa said that, as Tao Dailang’s classmate, he was earnestly asked to help persuade Tao to join Sumitomo.”

“You’re not just pulling my leg, are you?”

“That’s what you think!” Kana was already heading to her room to change.

Shiko followed her, just as Kana slipped out of her kimono, revealing a smooth back that even Shiko envied.

“You’re curious after all, aren’t you? I guess he’s contacting me because of you—since I told him last time we were friends.” Kana buttoned her casual dress, hiding the deep valley of her chest, her face beaming. “Anyway, he’s a man who, once he starts working, could make nearly ten million yen a year, and he’s so devoted to you. Do you really not regret it? Maybe if you’re a little kinder, he’ll come back to you.”

Shiko hesitated, her gaze flickering with excitement. “Let me put on some makeup!”

Kana smiled as she finished dressing, feeling a subtle anticipation grow in her heart.

She wondered how Tao Dailang would act in front of Kawashima Shiko this time.