Chapter 559: Chapter 373: The Mysterious Man

Tokyo, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Prime Minister of Japan had just attended an important meeting and was smoking in the lounge when one of his aides hurriedly walked in.

“Prime Minister, the head of Soft Bank Company, Liu Zhengyi, called half an hour ago looking for you. He hopes you will order the release of the Huaxia person captured this morning.”

“Soft Bank?” The Prime Minister frowned slightly when he heard these two words, remembering that it was one of his major backers during his election campaign.

He extinguished the cigarette in the ashtray and spoke with a hint of suspicion: “Does he know that Huaxia person? Why would he make such a request?”

The aide shook his head: “Mr. Liu Zhengyi didn’t provide details, just hoped you could order the release as soon as possible.”

The Prime Minister frowned even deeper. Leaning back on the sofa, he tapped his fingers rhythmically on the armrest, a hint of hesitation in his eyes.

Soft Bank was a crucial supporter during his campaign, and he couldn’t easily ignore Liu Zhengyi’s request. However, the capture order was a result of a deal with Hatoyama Kiichi.

This made Liu Zhengyi’s request rather difficult for him.

“Prime Minister.” The aide cautiously spoke again, “Mr. Liu Zhengyi also said that if this matter isn’t handled well, it might impact our government’s cooperation with Soft Bank.”

The Prime Minister sensed the blatant threat, a flash of anger crossing his eyes, but he quickly calmed down, weighing the pros and cons.

“What do you think?”

The aide, being his trusted confidant and aware of the deal with Hatoyama Kiichi, replied without hesitation: “Although Councilor Hatoyama holds some resources of the Hatoyama Clan, he cannot represent the entire clan. I believe the Prime Minister should place more importance on the relationship with Soft Bank.”

“Disagreeing with Liu Zhengyi over this minor issue might not be beneficial for your next election.”

After hearing this, the Prime Minister didn’t respond immediately. He remained silent for a while before sighing and saying, “Tell Liu Zhengyi not to worry. I will quickly learn the situation and get back to him.”

“Also, have Hatoyama Kiichi come to see me immediately.”

The aide knew a decision had been made in the Prime Minister’s mind and no longer tried to persuade him, agreeing with a nod before leaving in haste.

More than half an hour later, Hatoyama Kiichi, who had been negotiating with the Yakuza, arrived at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to meet the Prime Minister.

They talked secretly in the lounge for over twenty minutes. Whatever promises Hatoyama Kiichi made remained unknown, but the Prime Minister ultimately did not order Qi Yun’s release.

…

Meanwhile, in a luxury hotel near Ginza, a black man in his thirties was making a phone call in the presidential suite.

This old black man was none other than the famous broker and arms dealer—Harris.

Sato Yuichi of the Yakuza had been of great help to Qi Yun, thanks to Harris playing a significant role.

Standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows, Harris wore a serious expression: “Boss, Qi Yun has deep connections in Huaxia, and he has recently been close with Salaman from the Oil Country and the Gwen Clan from France.”

“He is worth our investment. I believe Qi Yun won’t forget the help we provided him in the future.”

“Also, I’ve heard that Fu Wentao from the Fu Group has already taken action. With him at the forefront, we won’t need to directly face the Japanese government, minimizing our risk…”

After Harris finished speaking, there was a moment of silence on the other end of the line before a slow voice replied: “Alright, since you’ve made a judgment, go ahead with your plan. I’ll coordinate enough shipments to Japan.”

“Okay.”

After hanging up the phone, Harris picked up the sunglasses on the table, put on a baseball cap, and left the hotel room.

When he reappeared, he was already at the Kansai branch of the Yakuza’s base.

Sato Yuichi was extremely enthusiastic about Harris’s arrival, clasping his hands in front and bending slightly in a polite manner, with a flattering smile on his face: “Mr. Harris, welcome.”

“Mr. Sato, no need to be so formal.” Harris raised his hand slightly, showing no arrogance.

Besides dealing in flour, the arms business had always been a major source of revenue for these syndicates, especially when the film and real estate industries were struggling, so to the Yakuza, Harris was a godsend.

Moreover, for the syndicate to claim more territory, clashes with other groups were inevitable, and there was no fighting without weapons.

Although the Yakuza was the leading syndicate in Japan, the second-ranked Yankuko-kai and third-ranked Inagawa-kai were also formidable.

Therefore, arms were critically important to them.

The two sat down on the tatami in the living room. Harris removed his sunglasses and got straight to the point: “Mr. Sato, I’m here specifically to discuss our cooperation.”

“I’ve decided to offer you an additional 20% on top of the previously promised 30% share, at the same price.”

Upon hearing this, Sato Yuichi’s eyes sparked, and the teacup in his hand almost spilled.

He almost thought he misheard, leaning forward slightly with barely suppressed excitement: “Mr. Harris, did you really say…an additional 20%?”

To know, the initial 30% share promised by Harris was already enough to give the Yakuza absolute advantage in the Kansai market. If they could get an extra 50%, it would mean virtual monopoly in the future.

“Of course, it’s true.” Harris had a sincere smile, his white teeth especially prominent under the light, “But I’ll need a little favor from Mr. Sato…”

…

At the same time, in a solemn office in Beijing, an imposing old man was reviewing documents.

A knock at the door broke the silence inside.

“Enter.”

With the door gently pushed open, a middle-aged man with glasses stepped up to the desk, bowing slightly: “Leader, Minister Lan has sent a message about Comrade Xiao Qi, whom you’ve been monitoring…”

The old man paused his writing upon hearing “Comrade Xiao Qi,” slowly raising his head.

“Specific details.” His voice was not loud but carried an inherent authoritative pressure.

“…Minister Lan inquires whether intervention is needed.” The secretary briefly reported and then added, “Also, Mr. Fu Wentao is already aware of the situation and is dealing with it.”

After thoughtful consideration, the old man chuckled lightly: “That youngster is really something, causing a ruckus in J Province before heading abroad.”

The secretary chuckled as well: “So how should we respond to Minister Lan?”

“With Wentao on it, there’s no need to intervene for now. Keep observing.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep