Chapter 69: Studying the Sword of Finance

After brushing his teeth and washing his face, Tao Zhiming didn’t check the news first but went straight over to her. He bent down, leaning in close to see her downturned face before saying, “If you’re in such a bad mood, how will those housewives ever believe you’re a successful and happy woman?”

Runa Onodera’s movements paused briefly before she resumed turning the fish in the pan, saying nothing in reply.

“After breakfast, let’s go out together,” Tao Zhiming said, leaving those words behind as he walked away.

Runa pressed her lips tightly together.

Why? Why was he always so matter-of-fact about everything?

It was as if, after last night’s conversation, he was certain she’d continue to work for him, that she’d keep living here and taking care of his daily needs.

Yet she knew in her heart that it was true.

The income was always more than she’d imagined; she had free lodging and food, they paid for all the groceries, and she received a monthly payment of a hundred thousand yen for cooking and cleaning.

She knew she was reluctant to leave anymore.

It wasn’t just about the money or the benefits. After last night, she realized something else.

Tao-kun was treating something that could have been so simple with such gravity.

If it were merely about satisfying some desire, he could have had it long ago, couldn’t he?

Was it more important to her that he saw her as someone significant, or that he reserved a part of his heart for her?

Runa still didn’t have the answer, but she decided to continue as things were for now.

What supported her resolve was a series of moments she’d remembered from last night.

The look on his face when he answered her call and came to see that tiny room she lived in.

The way he looked, almost like an overgrown child, when he took Miko to buy manga.

The noodles he cooked for Miko, the tone he used when he said her drooling in her sleep was cute…

Her heart was a mess, but amid the confusion, one thing was clear.

Up until now, he’d always been respectful toward her. Only last night, when he spoke that way, did he allow himself to touch her…

Since she never expected more from the start, what was there to grieve?

Tao-kun had given her the power to choose.

A new path, in a future where she once thought there were none.

Tao Zhiming knew she would overthink things, but he never tried to probe too deeply into her thoughts.

He had spoken nothing but the truth to Runa Onodera.

Everything depended on her choice; different choices led to different paths.

Tao Zhiming’s conscience was clear. The miseries and joys of this world could be boiled down to the fact that some have few choices, while others have many.

From the first time he visited Runa’s cramped apartment, he’d known she was a woman with convictions.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t have endured such hardship or worked so tirelessly.

So he understood: he might not be the most “perfect” choice for her, but he was undoubtedly the closest to her ideal right now.

Besides, she was nearly thirty—she saw through most things.

At least Tao Zhiming was honest, and at least he’d treat his woman well.

Now, he switched the TV to the financial news channel, watching the numbers in the corner of the screen as the corners of his mouth curled upward.

He was happy—he’d made another profit.

But surely many people were suffering, thinking the market had bottomed out yesterday and would rebound today.

Bounce, bounce, bounce—yet many lost their souls in the process.

Tao Zhiming soon switched the TV back and smiled at Miko. “Go ahead and keep watching.”

The little girl’s face lit up with delight; she’d thought big brother would make her watch boring news for ages!

With the cartoon playing in the background, Tao Zhiming walked over to the phone and began to dial.

The call connected, and a deep, steady male voice answered, “Who is this?”

Tao Zhiming paused for a moment, then replied, “Sorry to trouble you, I’m Tao Dailang, Ueda Kana’s classmate at Todai. Is this her father? I’ve heard so much about the illustrious history of the Ueda family…”

“Tao?” the voice on the other end sounded a bit surprised, then said, “The illustrious history of the Ueda family? You flatter us. I suppose you wish to speak with Kana? Please wait a moment…”

Listening to the phone being set down, Tao Zhiming began to ponder.

Ueda Kana’s father, Ueda Masahiro, seemed oddly sensitive to the surname Tao.

He guessed Ueda Masahiro suspected he wasn’t Japanese, but after a moment he heard Ueda Kana’s lazy and irked voice, “Calling this early! I’ve already checked with the president and our teachers! Renting a student dorm as an office? That’s so weird!”

“What’s weird about it?” Tao Zhiming was genuinely perplexed.

“Oh, come on… The university is for study and research! Not for business!” Ueda Kana’s voice rose, “If you need somewhere close to campus, why not just rent a place nearby?”

Tao Zhiming muttered, “I thought it’d be a small matter for you, but even this can’t be done?”

“Hey!” Ueda Kana was no longer lazy, “I’ve tried my best! The professor said if you want a space, why not use a research project as a pretext? That way, you could even apply for one.”

“Research?” Tao Zhiming asked at once, “Does that mean I wouldn’t have to pay rent?”

“…What are you planning now?” Ueda Kana sensed trouble.

Tao Zhiming replied solemnly, “The samurai spirit is about loyalty and serving one’s country, right? The financial markets are in turmoil now. The Kendo Club must come up with countermeasures! Let’s say we’re researching the power of the ‘Financial Sword’!”

“…Are you kidding me? What the heck is the ‘Financial Sword’!” Ueda Kana sounded exasperated.

“It’s a perfect research angle! Members of the Kendo Club are all Todai students anyway. You know plenty of professors—just mention it, and if needed, find an economics professor to be our advisor!”

“Why do I have to help you with this?” Ueda Kana was almost frantic. “Stop being so shameless, you jerk!”

“Beautiful and lovely Miss Kana, this is really important for me. The network outside campus is terrible—otherwise, I’d have rented somewhere more convenient. If you won’t help, I’ll have to bring a gift and visit in person. I know where you live from dropping you off last time. By the way, what kind of gift does your father like?”

“No! Don’t come!” Ueda Kana was on the verge of a breakdown. “Are we even that close? Why do you always ask me for help!”

“I used to spend all my energy on that woman—ended up with no friends at all,” Tao Zhiming sighed. “Even though we’ve only met twice, I already feel Kana-chan is a kind-hearted girl who really understands other people’s feelings.”

“That’s not what you said last time! You questioned my character!” Ueda Kana seemed genuinely afraid of him. “I can’t promise anything! I haven’t had enough sleep. Bye!”

The call ended, and Tao Zhiming finally turned around.

Runa Onodera had already set a beautifully varied breakfast on the table and was sitting quietly to the side.

Just now, had he been on the phone with a classmate from Todai? Beautiful and lovely… so it must be a girl. A girl from a distinguished family.

And the woman he’d given all his energy to—the one who’d driven him to the brink of suicide—was probably the one Ueno-kun had mentioned.

To have one’s first love end with such a woman—no wonder he’d armored his heart, becoming so “cold.”

When Tao Zhiming came over to eat, Runa Onodera asked softly, “What’s the plan for today? I need to go out and buy fresh ingredients.”

Tao Zhiming paused with his spoon, then smiled. “You really are gentle, Runa. Don’t go shopping just yet. Let’s all go out together, and have lunch outside. Miko, shall we buy a cute kimono for you?”

Runa Onodera stared at him, momentarily forgetting to ponder his gentleness. “Eh? Miko too? Don’t you have business to handle?”

“I do. I’ve made some money, so I need to buy a lot of useful things,” Tao Zhiming replied without looking up. “Remember to bring your ID later.”

“…Understood.” Runa Onodera thought for a moment, then stood up. “Miko, come here, let’s get you changed.”

“Okay!” Hearing they were going out, Inoue Miko couldn’t care less about cartoons and jumped up enthusiastically.

Tao Zhiming went over to change the channel again, and after finishing breakfast, finally called Kudou Changle. “Are you still at the company?”

“…I waited all night for your call! Tao-kun!” Kudou sounded a little aggrieved.

He’d prepared all night to take action, and waited all night!