Chapter 60: The Open Conspiracy

He already knew who was plotting against Tao Zhimin. Now, Tao Zhimin had actually suggested to Saijo Real Estate that, in this grand future plan, they invite Tomokazu Trading to join as a partner.

Was it about the commercial operations of the large retail complexes and branded stores he had mentioned earlier? It certainly couldn’t be that simple. Instinct told him Tao Zhimin was laying a trap for Hiroshi Omiya.

Seeing Kinoshita Hidekaze’s intrigued expression, Tao Zhimin smiled. Would Hiroshi Omiya choose to persuade the Tomokazu conglomerate to expand into the real estate sector without him, forging ahead with the model Tao Zhimin proposed? Or would he simply opt for collaborating with the established real estate giant, Saijo Real Estate, while relying on his existing trade and supply chain foundation, with Tao Zhimin present?

In any case, a delaying tactic was necessary. What Hiroshi Omiya needed could be obtained from Saijo Real Estate with a simple nod now. But the price he would ultimately pay would be significant.

Kinoshita Hidekaze pondered this, then asked Tao Zhimin thoughtfully, “So, we can handle the real estate sector ourselves. For the commercial operations, we bring in a partner like Tomokazu Trading? Then what interests you, Da Lang, is the cultural and entertainment direction?”

Tao Zhimin shook his head. “That’s not where my interest lies, though I can offer guidance in that direction. President, I promised you last time to present a complete project plan. Today, I am fulfilling that promise. If you have any questions about the proposal, I’ll do my best to answer them.”

Kinoshita Hidekaze stared at him in astonishment. “You’re presenting such a surprising model, but you don’t intend to join Saijo Real Estate to realize it together?”

Ueno Yosuke was equally baffled. Yesterday, he had heard Tao Zhimin talk about establishing a media network capable of influencing the world, and something about managing beautiful young women—wasn’t it supposed to begin from the cultural and entertainment sector?

In response to Kinoshita Hidekaze’s question, Tao Zhimin replied, “Of course, I hope to see this plan realized. In fact, I won’t give up on helping it come true. But at the same time, I have other things I want to pursue.”

“…What things?”

Tao Zhimin glanced at Ueno Yosuke, whose forehead was practically brimming with question marks, and smiled. “These two matters I’d like to discuss privately with you, President, later. For now, shall we contact President Omiya? I’ll be here all day, so we can turn this proposal into a plan with clear timelines and objectives.”

…

Hiroshi Omiya received a phone call from Saijo Real Estate’s president, Kinoshita Hidekaze, and his expression was one of utter surprise.

“Forgive the sudden call, President Omiya. I’ve long heard your name and the remarkable achievements you’ve led Tomokazu Trading to,” Kinoshita Hidekaze said politely.

Hiroshi Omiya responded with equal humility, “Not at all. President Kinoshita, under your leadership, Saijo Real Estate is regarded as one of the ‘Four Kings of Real Estate.’”

“You flatter me,” Kinoshita Hidekaze said, glancing at Tao Zhimin, who was smiling beside him, before continuing with a note of amusement, “Actually, it’s because of a young man whom you also greatly admire that I’m calling today. How about it? Are you interested in collaborating to realize the proposal Da Lang shared with you?”

Hiroshi Omiya’s heart trembled—it was really because of that man.

He knew Tao Zhimin had been picked up by Saijo Real Estate’s Honji Kamiki today, surely relating to their recent major moves on that piece of land. But he hadn’t expected Kinoshita Hidekaze to call directly.

“Tao has spoken very highly of you. Today, he brought a truly extraordinary project plan, with a future so vast it’s almost unimaginable. Saijo Real Estate alone would find it difficult to realize it quickly. In such circumstances, he suggested our two companies collaborate. We have strong real estate development capabilities, and Tomokazu has a robust and diverse merchandise supply chain. What do you think, President Omiya? Do you have time to come over for a detailed discussion?”

Hiroshi Omiya continued to exchange pleasantries while quickly weighing his options. Had Da Lang really provided more details and solutions about that proposal to Saijo Real Estate? Seeing that Kinoshita Hidekaze didn’t mention scheduling an appointment but invited him immediately, he must be eager after seeing the full picture of the plan.

Curious, Hiroshi Omiya wanted to know more, but Kinoshita Hidekaze’s words also made him more cautious. Indeed, Tomokazu’s strengths were only in retail, trade, and supply chain. Da Lang’s original suggestion had been to collaborate with a real estate company and gradually build their own brand.

Now, however, the conglomerate’s chairman and directors lacked the motivation to truly engage in real estate development, preferring instead to profit from land speculation, stocks, and currency markets.

In these circumstances, how could he reverse the constant drain of capital and alter the future that was already foreseeable?

“Is Tao there with you now?” Hiroshi Omiya asked, though he knew the answer.

“Yes,” Kinoshita Hidekaze replied, his voice full of mirth. “He still has more to say, but I think he’ll only finish once we’ve worked out a feasible cooperation model.”

He could faintly hear Tao Zhimin’s voice over the phone: “After all, without a capable partner, the subsequent proposals would be nothing but castles in the air.”

Hiroshi Omiya’s inquiry about Tao’s presence was actually prompted by a guilty conscience. He was preparing to use special means to get what he wanted. But now… surely Tao Zhimin had no reason to suspect anything.

After a brief consideration, Hiroshi Omiya made up his mind. “All right, I’ll head over immediately.”

Why not seize the opportunity to hear more ideas directly?

Having received a positive reply, Kinoshita Hidekaze put down the phone and happened to catch the delighted look in Tao Zhimin’s eyes.

“Is this all your design?” Kinoshita Hidekaze chuckled. “Remarkable! I’ve never seen a young person present such a novel model at company presentations, bringing together various firms to participate. I think I’m beginning to understand why you said you have other things you want to pursue. From the start, you never intended to join any particular company, did you?”

Tao Zhimin was pleased because his open stratagem was working. Knowing what Hiroshi Omiya wanted, he wasn’t worried he wouldn’t take the bait.

Hearing Kinoshita Hidekaze’s question, Tao Zhimin laughed freely. “You saw through me. That’s true, but what I want to do also requires the success of a model like Saijo Gokurakucho in the future. So I’ll give it my best!”

Ueno Yosuke was still utterly bewildered. What on earth was Da Lang up to? What was the connection between the Saijo Gokurakucho project and a media network? And how did managing beautiful young women fit in?

He was itching to find a private moment to ask Tao Zhimin for clarification.

Before Hiroshi Omiya arrived, Tao Zhimin continued to discuss the details of the Saijo Gokurakucho plan with Kinoshita Hidekaze and the others, just as he’d said—turning the proposal into an actionable plan.

When Hiroshi Omiya arrived with the vice president who had previously interviewed Tao Zhimin, Tao Zhimin stood up with a bright smile and greeted them, “Long time no see, President, Vice President!”

Ueno Yosuke, bowing as well, felt a mixture of awe and admiration. Da Lang was truly impressive. Even facing powerful figures who had tried to use underhanded means against him, he could maintain perfect composure, as if meeting esteemed elders.

This guy could be an actor. Surely he would end up in the cultural and entertainment industry, right? Managing beautiful young women—Ueno Yosuke couldn’t get it out of his mind.

At that moment, Hiroshi Omiya was also observing Tao Zhimin’s expression and demeanor.

Indeed, this young man knew nothing at all.