Chapter 176: He Can Only Be Mine! Tokugawa Sato’s Determination!
And in another private room not far away, Tokugawa Sato was gulping down a cup of sake. His corpulent body knelt with difficulty behind the wine table, looking at several officials in front of him with white hair and thin bodies, who managed the housing and construction-related fields, he was extremely fawning.
Around him were four or five general managers or chairmen of construction groups who were also well-connected in Tokyo Metropolis.
The air in the private room flowed with the arrogance of money and power. Every subtle exchange of glances contained profound meanings that outsiders could hardly fathom, as if it were a world separated from the noise outside.
“Your Excellencies, everyone, President, Happy New Year!”
An old man sitting at the head, with white hair and wearing a traditional kimono, raised his wine glass first. His face was amiable, but his voice carried an undeniable authority: “We are gathered here today also for the future of the Greater Tokyo Metropolitan Area. As per the old rule, I’ll toast everyone first, wishing you all a new year with new beginnings and abundant wealth!”
Everyone raised their glasses, the wine glinting under the lights.
“To Your Excellency!”
“To all Presidents!”
After a cup of sake went down, the atmosphere immediately became more lively.
Tokugawa Sato put down his wine glass, his corpulent face filled with smiles. He spoke first, breaking the brief silence: “Your Excellency is right! Our Kirin Real Estate has planned three large new property developments near Tokyo City this year, and we plan to officially launch them when spring arrives. Furthermore, we intend to connect them across the Tokyo Metropolis to create a super-large building complex, forming a landmark project for our Greater Tokyo Metropolitan Area!”
As soon as he finished speaking, the heads of several construction groups next to him chimed in, their words painting a beautiful blueprint for the future.
“President Sato speaks well! Our Yamato Construction also plans to acquire several plots of land in the Tokyo Bay area to build a high-end residential area, contributing our part to the Greater Tokyo Metropolitan Area!”
“That’s right! Our Sanbonue Construction also plans to expand its scale this year and introduce the most advanced construction technology to ensure our project quality reaches world-class standards!”
“Your Excellencies, Presidents, the future of our Greater Tokyo Metropolitan Area is limitless!”
Their words were filled with optimistic expectations for the future, positive judgments on housing prices, and boundless longing for economic prosperity.
Of course, beneath these grand narratives were also some more practical and more hidden profit distributions.
“Speaking of which, President Sato,” said a thin official with sharp eyes, smiling slightly, his tone carrying a hint of well-placed reminder, “Your Kirin Real Estate’s property developments have always been industry benchmarks. I wonder, have you considered supporting our excellent local enterprises more in terms of building materials?”
As soon as he finished speaking, another official chimed in, his smile amiable: “Yes, President Sato. We have many excellent construction teams in Tokyo Metropolis, with strong technical skills and rich experience. If they have the opportunity to participate in your projects, it would greatly boost our local economy!”
“Oh my! Your Excellencies are absolutely right! Absolutely right!” Tokugawa Sato immediately understood. His corpulent face was filled with a fawning smile: “Your Excellencies, please rest assured! Our Kirin Real Estate has always supported local enterprises! When the time comes, whether it’s building materials or construction teams, we will prioritize cooperation with excellent local enterprises!”
He paused, his tone carrying a well-placed “hint”: “Of course, our Kirin Real Estate has also established some construction teams overseas. If Your Excellencies, or Presidents, have any interest in overseas construction projects, we can also… exchange ideas.”
As soon as he said this, a subtle gleam flashed in the calm eyes of the officials present.
Overseas construction teams.
These four words were enough to make them think of those hidden overseas accounts and those profits that couldn’t see the light of day.
“President Sato, some things cannot be said carelessly,” the old man sitting at the head suddenly coughed lightly, his smile unchanged, but his voice carried a warning that brooked no argument: “We are all civil servants serving the people. Everything must be done according to regulations, and we cannot believe rumors from irresponsible sources.”
“Yes, yes, yes! Your Excellency is right! Right!” Tokugawa Sato immediately lowered his head, his corpulent face filled with a well-placed “fear” and “apology”: “It’s my own mouth, talking nonsense! Your Excellencies, please don’t take it seriously! I’ll drink three cups as a penalty!”
With that, he picked up his wine glass and downed three cups of sake in quick succession. His “discretion” made all the officials present smile knowingly.
They knew that the profit distribution was complete.
“Hahaha! President Sato, you are truly… too kind!” said an official, laughing.
“Yes! President Sato, your drinking capacity is truly immense!” another official chimed in.
The atmosphere became relaxed again, and everyone chatted, envisioning a beautiful future, as if the feast of money and power was already within reach.
“Speaking of which, President Sato,” the old man at the head suddenly turned his gaze to Tokugawa Sato, his smile playful, his tone laced with teasing, “I heard that the movie you recently invested in… didn’t do very well at the box office?”
As soon as this was said, the construction group leaders around them all smiled knowingly.
They knew that His Excellency was joking about President Sato’s “sensitive spot.”
However, Tokugawa Sato showed no embarrassment. He waved his hand carelessly, a proud smile on his corpulent face as if he were making fun of himself: “Ah! Your Excellency is right! That movie was just a hobby. I just wanted to make my ‘canary’ happy. A few hundred million is nothing to lose, it’s fine!”
He paused, his tone carrying a well-placed flattery: “If any of Your Excellencies, or Presidents, have a favorite movie, a favorite female entertainer… just say the word! I, Tokugawa Sato, will invest immediately! As long as it makes you happy, a few hundred million investment is no big deal!”
“Hahaha! President Sato, you are truly… rich and powerful!”
“Yes! President Sato, your spirit is truly admirable!”
Upon hearing this, everyone burst into laughter again, their voices filled with admiration for Tokugawa Sato’s “generosity” and “munificence.”
Of course, they all knew this was just teasing, a lighthearted jest after the profit distribution was completed.
Tokugawa Sato also understood; he just accompanied everyone in telling some jokes that belittled idol stars, making everyone happier.
“Those idol stars are just pretty faces! What else can they do besides showing off and acting cute? Letting them make movies is a waste of money!”
“Exactly! Those young girls only know how to fantasize over a pretty face! They don’t understand what film art is at all!”
“So, it’s still up to us in the construction industry! Only real skills are the hard truth!”
Tokugawa Sato’s words undoubtedly struck a chord with everyone present.
They were all “old foxes” who had been in the business world for decades, and naturally, they looked down upon those “rice bowls” who relied on their looks, the idol stars.
After all, they had also interacted with those idol stars.
If they casually spent some money.
How many idol stars were eager to drink sake with them!
For a moment, the private room was once again filled with a joyful atmosphere. Everyone chatted, “criticizing” the idol stars they had met, encountered, or even been intimate with, without mercy.
And amidst this clamor of money and power, the old man sitting at the head suddenly glanced at the time on his wristwatch.
He knew that the formal banquet was about to begin.
“Everyone, it’s about time.”
He slowly put down his wine glass, his smile receding, replaced by the dignity of a superior.
The old man’s voice was steady and powerful, instantly silencing the noise in the private room: “Next, we will go to the main hall to attend the formal banquet. However, before we go, I have a few words I want to say to everyone.”
He paused, his gaze calmly sweeping over everyone in the room. His deep eyes flickered with the profoundness of a strategist.
“Everyone, you are all elites of our Greater Tokyo Metropolitan Area, the backbone driving our Japanese economic development. Therefore, I hope you can look further ahead in some matters.”
“Next, the country will regulate the economy, but please remember, real estate will always be the most stable aspect. After all, our Tokyo Metropolis, and the upcoming Greater Tokyo Metropolitan Area, is a national strategy! In the future, it will account for sixty percent of the entire Japanese economy!”
“So, everyone, work hard,” the old man’s voice was like the warmest sunlight in winter, slowly spreading across everyone’s hearts: “As long as you keep pace with the country and the Greater Tokyo Metropolitan Area’s strategy, I guarantee that no one will lose out.”
As the words fell, the private room fell into a dead silence once more.
Everyone stared blankly at the old man, their faces filled with shock, awe, and a fervent, ignited ambition.
Sixty percent of the economy!
These four words, like the most precise nuclear bombs, instantly exploded in their hearts!
They knew that the old man’s words were not only a promise for their future destiny but also a clear “command” from the highest echelon of power.
“Yes!”
“We will definitely keep up with the country! We will absolutely not fall behind!”
Everyone bowed in unison, their voices becoming more fervent and fawning. After all, for this old man to say this now, didn’t it mean they were the first to know?
Being the first to know meant being the first to get a piece of the pie!
And the fattest piece at that!
They would be the direct beneficiaries!
“Very good.” Seeing that they understood his meaning, the old man nodded with satisfaction, a look of contentment on his face: “Let’s go, everyone. We’re going to the banquet.”
He stood up first and walked out of the private room with unhurried steps.
Everyone followed closely behind.
Tokugawa Sato walked at the very back of the group. He looked at the old man’s tall and straight back, thinking of his own submissive posture. A cold, malicious glint flashed in his narrowed eyes.
People have their pride.
He, Tokugawa Sato, the boss of Kirin Group, why should he be controlled by these old guys and give up nearly forty percent of his annual net profit for no reason?
And even make him act like a clown at banquets to entertain them?
…
Meanwhile, in the main hall of the “Golden Pavilion” club, a silent social game was also underway.
Hiroshi Nohara and Nobuhiko Sakata returned to the main hall after meeting with Minister of Publicity and Hideaki Fujiwara.
As soon as they appeared, they once again became the focus of everyone’s attention.
Countless pairs of eyes turned towards them.
“Minister Nohara! Where… where did you just go?” a young reporter was the first to break the silence. He quickly walked up to Hiroshi Nohara, his voice carrying a perfectly balanced tone of respect and inquiry.
Hiroshi Nohara just smiled and shook his head. There was no ripple in his clear eyes: “I just went to visit a few senior colleagues with Director Sakata.”
He didn’t elaborate. His nonchalance, his demeanor as if everything were under control, made the surrounding reporters yearn to emulate him.
“Minister Nohara, I heard you are currently preparing a movie called 《The Tale of Hachiko》? Is… is that true?” another reporter immediately asked, his voice full of curiosity.
Hiroshi Nohara was slightly taken aback. Although he had previously released news about preparing for 《The Tale of Hachiko》.
But how did this reporter know so quickly now?
Beside him, Nobuhiko Sakata, standing next to Hideaki Fujiwara, smiled and nodded at him.
Everything was understood without words.
Hiroshi Nohara immediately understood that this reporter was from the publicity department, intending to advertise himself at this high-profile New Year’s reception hosted by the government.
The corners of his lips curled up.
This was indeed a good opportunity for advertising.
“Yes,” Hiroshi Nohara calmly nodded, a confident light flashing in his clear eyes, and began to answer the reporter’s obviously arranged question: “This movie tells the moving story of an Akita dog named Hachiko, who, after his owner’s death, continued to wait for his owner’s return at the station every day, rain or shine. It embodies the most precious spirit of our Japanese nation—loyalty.”
“Loyalty? A dog?”
As soon as this was said, a look of confusion appeared on the faces of the reporters around them.
They had never imagined that Hiroshi Nohara would choose a story about a dog as his next work.
“Minister Nohara, are you… planning to use a story about a dog to guide the national character of our Japan?” a reporter couldn’t help but ask, his voice laced with undeniable doubt.
This doubt was the same as the doubts of the officials before.
“Yes! Minister Nohara! Why did you choose a story about a dog to embody a dog’s loyalty?” another reporter chimed in, his face filled with confusion.
Facing the surging tide of doubt, Hiroshi Nohara’s expression remained as nonchalant as ever.
He knew this was the “challenge” he had anticipated, and the best time to explain his reasoning to these “smart people.”
He raised his hand to signal everyone to be quiet. His composed demeanor was like an invisible force, instantly silencing the clamor of the venue.
“Everyone, please listen to me,” Hiroshi Nohara’s voice was not loud, but it reached every corner of the venue, each word carrying logic and power.
“I understand very well why you are asking this, because in traditional views, dogs are just animals, livestock. They cannot be compared to humans at all, because animals themselves have no thoughts, no emotions.”
“Especially since we Japanese people are a nation that values loyalty. In history, there are countless stories of loyalty from samurai, retainers, wives, children, lords, daimyo… and so on.”
“But we have heard too much, know too much, and many of them are even memorized by children.”
“So everyone has become numb.”
“But have you ever thought, now that we have entered modern society, are these old-fashioned loyalty educations still useful? I don’t think I need to say more, you all know. They are completely useless, and even for the word ‘loyalty,’ everyone feels it is strange and precious.”
Hiroshi Nohara’s tone seemed to penetrate all hypocrisy and scheming, reaching the softest corner of people’s hearts.
“But when we look at the context of modern times, a dog raised by an ordinary Japanese person can learn the most precious character of the Japanese people—loyalty.”
“Doesn’t that mean that if we, in this indifferent society, can no longer learn loyalty, then we are even worse than dogs?”
His rhetorical question was like thunder, striking hard in the hearts of everyone present.
Especially after Hiroshi Nohara once again expressed his evaluation of dogs in the private room.
All the reporters stared blankly at Hiroshi Nohara, their faces filled with shock, sudden realization, and awe after their worldviews were completely overturned.
They had never imagined that a story about a dog could be elevated to a philosophical height!
“So that’s how it is… that’s what it means…”
“My God! I… I never thought that a dog’s loyalty could be interpreted so profoundly!”
“He… he’s right! Human loyalty is always mixed with too many things… while a dog’s loyalty is so pure!”
The reporters nodded one after another.
All the doubt and dissatisfaction in their eyes had faded, leaving only astonishment and admiration.
They picked up their voice recorders and notebooks and began to quickly record every word and every viewpoint of Hiroshi Nohara, fearing that any detail would be missed.
They knew that these words would once again spark a profound discussion about “loyalty” and “humanity” throughout Japanese society!
And the celebrities and nobles around who were watching Hiroshi Nohara’s interview also nodded, their faces showing genuine recognition.
They were the elites of this society, the controllers of power, and the players of social interactions. They knew too well the fragility and complexity of human loyalty, and the rarity and preciousness of pure emotions.
“Minister Nohara is right, a dog’s loyalty is indeed purer than a human’s,” said an elderly rich merchant, stroking his beard thoughtfully.
“Yes, that unconditional love and waiting can indeed touch the softest part of the heart,” said a richly adorned noblewoman, a hint of emotion sparkling in her eyes.
“《The Tale of Hachiko》… this story sounds full of emotional power,” a movie company president’s eyes flashed with a shrewd glint; he had already smelled the box office potential.
“I am really looking forward to how Minister Nohara will portray this pure loyalty on screen,” said a scholar from the cultural circle, his eyes full of curiosity and anticipation.
For a moment, the entire hall began to buzz with discussion.
“Minister Nohara is truly a genius! He can always find the most profound philosophy in the most ordinary things!”
“Yes, he can always move people and evoke social resonance in the most unique ways!”
“《The Tale of Hachiko》… I’ve decided! When this movie is released, I will definitely take my whole family to the cinema to support it!”
“Me too! I even think that if this movie is really well made, I’m willing to invest in it, even promote it!”
The celebrities and nobles all expressed their eagerness for Hiroshi Nohara’s new movie, their enthusiasm even more ardent than their praise for 《Seven Samurai》 earlier.
At the edge of the crowd, Nobuhiko Sakata and Hideaki Fujiwara were calmly watching all of this.
They watched Hiroshi Nohara under the spotlight, not timid, not flustered, speaking fluently, resolving seemingly absurd doubts one by one, and even, in turn, deeply implanting his ideas into the hearts of every listener.
His composed demeanor, his steady logic, his charisma that commanded the entire scene, made both old men smile with gratification.
“Mr. Sakata, do you see?” Hideaki Fujiwara said with a light laugh, his eyes full of admiration, “Mr. Nohara is a natural seed for politics.”
Nobuhiko Sakata showed a surprised expression upon hearing this.
He turned his head to look at Hideaki Fujiwara, a hint of confusion in his eyes: “Your Excellency Fujiwara, you… you mean Mr. Nohara is suitable for politics?”
“Yes,” Hideaki Fujiwara nodded, his deep eyes flashing with the keen insight of a politician, “What qualities does a qualified politician need?”
He paused, his gaze returning to Hiroshi Nohara, his tone laced with a hint of emotion: “First, he must be calm in the face of crisis, fearless in the face of danger. He must remain calm and handle any unforeseen situation with composure. Mr. Nohara has achieved this.”
“Second, he must maintain a normal expression, showing no emotion. No matter how turbulent his inner emotions, his outward appearance must remain calm, so as not to let opponents discover his true thoughts. Mr. Nohara has also achieved this.”
“Finally, and most importantly, he must have logic and be able to speak fluently. He must be able to persuade everyone, inspire everyone, and lead everyone with the clearest logic and the most moving language. Mr. Nohara has perfectly achieved this.”
Hideaki Fujiwara slowly withdrew his gaze and looked at Nobuhiko Sakata, a smile of admiration on his face: “So, Mr. Sakata, do you understand now? Mr. Nohara is a man born for politics. He has talent, vision, charm, and the power to control people’s hearts. I admire him very much.”
Nobuhiko Sakata’s face showed a wry smile upon hearing this.
He knew that Hideaki Fujiwara was right; Hiroshi Nohara possessed all the excellent qualities of a politician.
But…
“Your Excellency Fujiwara, please don’t say that,” Nobuhiko Sakata shook his head helplessly, his tone carrying a well-placed “complaint”: “Mr. Nohara is a seed that I have left for Tokyo Television, a hope for ushering in a new era. You can’t just poach him.”
Hideaki Fujiwara just smiled and shook his head, a knowing glint flashing in his deep eyes.
“Nohara-kun, you are overthinking things,” Hideaki Fujiwara said with a smile. “Of course, I know he is your precious asset at Tokyo Television Station. I also know that while he is excellent now, he is still young and needs more experience, more tempering.”
He paused, his gaze falling on Hiroshi Nohara, a hint of emotion flashing in his eyes. “He needs time to settle, to grow. Like an uncarved jade, though its brilliance is already showing, it still needs meticulous carving and polishing to achieve true perfection. So, Sakata-kun, you have no need to worry. We are all merely providing him with a stage where he can grow better and shine brighter.”
Nobuhiko Sakata breathed a sigh of relief at this, a look of gratification appearing on his face.
He knew that Hideaki Fujiwara was right.
Hiroshi Nohara indeed needed more experience.
“Yes, Fujiwara-sama is correct,” Nobuhiko Sakata sighed lightly, his gaze falling on Hiroshi Nohara, his eyes filled with anticipation. “Hiroshi-kun, although he is already very outstanding, he still has a long way to go to reach his true peak. I often think that by the time he is in his forties or fifties, he might have a place for himself in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area.”
Hideaki Fujiwara, upon hearing this, also nodded with a smile, a smile of agreement appearing on his face.
He looked at Hiroshi Nohara, his deep eyes filled with boundless longing for this young person.
The two elder superiors, at this moment, were increasingly appreciating this young person because of Hiroshi Nohara’s dazzling brilliance.
They seemed to have already foreseen that in the near future, Hiroshi Nohara would, with an unmatchable posture, stand at the peak of the Neon cultural circle, and even shine his own unique brilliance in politics, business, and various other fields.
However, amidst this atmosphere filled with admiration and longing, in a corner at the edge of the venue, Tokugawa Sato, watching Hiroshi Nohara speak eloquently, his narrow eyes showed a sense of astonishment that even he couldn’t quite articulate.
His stout body trembled uncontrollably, and the intense possessiveness and unashamed, naked emotion from the depths of his heart almost erupted from his corpulent form.
He felt that his heart, long filled with money and power, had at this moment been completely ignited by this young person with an irresistible force.
“Hmph, President Sato, don’t you also think that kid is indeed a rare ‘gem’?”
Just then, a similarly stout Group President with a wicked smile on his face, holding a glass of champagne, walked over with ill intentions.
He looked at Tokugawa Sato’s almost infatuated gaze, a smile of similar tastes appearing at the corner of his mouth. “How about we two old guys plan something together and get him? Then, when you’re done, you can let me have him, how about it?”
His words carried a sickening tone.
All expression on Tokugawa Sato’s corpulent face froze for a moment.
He suddenly turned his head, his narrow eyes flashing with a viper-like coldness and anger!
“Yamamoto Ohra! What nonsense are you talking?!” Tokugawa Sato’s voice trembled with suppressed emotion. He clenched his fists, the intense anger from within threatening to consume him.
This Group President, Yamamoto Ohra, looked bewildered by Tokugawa Sato’s sudden outburst of anger.
He had never imagined that Tokugawa Sato would be so angry with him for the sake of a young person.
“Sato, are you… are you out of your mind?” Yamamoto asked, confused. “You’re refusing? Aren’t you the one who likes these… these young and handsome…”
“Shut up!” Tokugawa Sato’s voice was hoarse. He abruptly stood up, the intense dissatisfaction within him and the anger of someone whose treasured possession was being coveted made his stout body tremble uncontrollably.
He looked at Yamamoto, his narrow eyes flashing with a viper-like coldness and a warning.
“Hiroshi Nohara, the feeling he gives me is different,” Tokugawa Sato said with inexpressible complexity. “He… he is someone I absolutely forbid you to touch. If you’re willing, I can lend you my Shunsuke Kamiki to play with. But, Hiroshi Nohara, absolutely not!”
Yamamoto stood there dumbfounded, looking increasingly puzzled at Tokugawa Sato’s stout face.
He looked at Tokugawa Sato, as if he had thought of something, and a smile crept to the corner of his mouth. “Okay… okay! Sato, I understand.”
Yamamoto raised his champagne and took a sip. The cool liquid brought him satisfaction. “Since that’s the case, then remember to have your canary, Shunsuke Kamiki, report to me.”
“Hmph,” Tokugawa Sato snorted in acknowledgment.
Then he glanced at the tall, straight figure of Hiroshi Nohara in the distance, his excited hands trembling. “He can only be mine!” he gritted his teeth.
At this moment, Hiroshi Nohara seemed to sense something, and the back of his head, still speaking eloquently, felt a slight tingle.
He turned his head and saw the stout Chairman Tokugawa Sato.
Staring intently at him.
That gaze.
That desire.
Made Hiroshi Nohara instinctively swallow.
Now, Hiroshi Nohara suddenly remembered that it wasn’t just the young, handsome, and charismatic version of Hiroshi Nohara now.
Even the greasy middle-aged office worker Hiroshi Nohara from his past life seemed to be a subject of fervent admiration from a certain group…
“Damn it,” Hiroshi Nohara felt like swearing for the first time because of the ability he possessed.
