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Matsushita Shinichi nodded, his expression appearing sincere, as if he genuinely wished for the two companies to cooperate smoothly.
In truth, however, Matsushita Shinichi was quite different from his father. He believed that acknowledging inferiority could ignite a fierce drive for improvement.
Yet, he understood that anything gained through force or conspiracy was ultimately destined to stagnate.
“Miss Zi, our Matsushita Group has meticulously prepared accommodations for you. Given the complexity of the topics, this second round of negotiations is expected to take some time, so you may need to stay in Japan for several days.”
Zi Yanran offered a slight smile, her mind already set on a clear plan.
Before their departure, they had meticulously planned their itinerary. Even if the negotiations encountered some twists, their stay was not expected to exceed five days; if all went smoothly, everything would be settled within three.
“Indeed, I appreciate your group’s thoughtful arrangements.”
Her voice was gentle and calm, as if she harbored no concerns whatsoever about their arrangements.
Subsequently, Zi Yanran and her entourage prepared to depart for their predetermined lodging, guided by vehicles Matsushita Shinichi had arranged in advance.
However, just as Zi Yanran was about to step into a vehicle, a throng of reporters, armed with microphones and cameras, suddenly surged forward, encircling them.
“Miss Zi, Miss Zi, we are reporters from Xia Country’s Daily News, and we’d like to conduct a brief interview with you,” one reporter eagerly called out, with many more expectant faces behind them.
Zi Yanran did not rush to escape. Instead, she elegantly walked towards the reporters, gently removed her glasses, and accepted the interview with poised dignity.
“Greetings, media friends. I am Zi Yanran, the CEO of Jiangcheng’s Bauhinia Group. We have come to Japan to engage in in-depth discussions and cooperation with the Matsushita Group regarding new energy development projects. I am confident that through the joint efforts of both parties, we will reach an agreement and collectively advance the new energy industry…”
Her stance was unequivocal; her goal was to secure the leading role in the cooperation.
Matsushita Shinichi observed the scene from the sidelines, his expression gradually growing solemn.
He had not anticipated such a large number of reporters, especially from various parts of the world. Their presence undoubtedly added an unpredictable layer of complexity to the negotiations.
Yet, a second thought suggested this might be a deliberate move by Zi Yanran’s group, intended to exert pressure through media attention and ensure the smooth progression of the talks.
During the interview, a reporter from Xia Country specifically brought up the issue of Zi Yanran’s safety during her stay in Japan, a clearly sensitive and crucial topic.
“Mr. Matsushita, what specific measures has your group implemented to ensure Miss Zi’s safety while she is in Japan?”
This question from the Xia Country reporter was sharp.
Matsushita Shinichi took a deep breath, responding with a calm yet firm tone: “Rest assured, esteemed reporters, Miss Zi will receive the highest level of security every day of her stay in Japan. Our Matsushita Group will spare no effort to ensure her safety, absolutely prohibiting the occurrence of any unforeseen incidents.”
Of course, these were merely courteous words. Whether Zi Yanran would truly be safe ultimately depended on whether the Bauhinia Group was willing to make concessions.
After the interview concluded, Zi Yanran and her group finally boarded their vehicles. The motorcade, surrounded by reporters, slowly departed the scene, heading towards the accommodations arranged by the Matsushita Group.
Hidden in the shadows, Bai Mengqi maintained a high state of vigilance, silently scanning her surroundings with her divine sense.
‘Good heavens, so many awakened ones? Are these the Japanese ninjas?’ Bai Mengqi mused inwardly, surprised.
Along the way, she had detected numerous awakened individuals with agile movements and concealed presences. However, these individuals seemed only responsible for perimeter security and protection, posing no threat to Zi Yanran or her companions.
Before long, the motorcade arrived at Tokyo’s most luxurious establishment, the Tokyo Grand Hotel.
Situated in the heart of the city’s prime district, the hotel was renowned globally for its top-tier security measures and opulent accommodations.
Visiting dignitaries from various countries frequently chose it as their lodging during their trips to Japan.
Zi Yanran and her group swiftly completed their check-in, guided by the hotel staff.
Her accommodation had been arranged in the presidential suite, a spacious and lavishly appointed residence located on the hotel’s 27th floor.
Rooms adjacent to Zi Yanran’s suite were also booked, reserved for bodyguards and staff members of the Bauhinia Group.
“Miss Zi, please rest assured. We will take full responsibility for your safety.”
Captain Liang, the female awakened team leader from the Bureau of Awakened Ones who was accompanying them, stated with a serious expression.
She exuded confidence, having successfully completed several such missions without a single mishap.
Zi Yanran nodded lightly in thanks, while Captain Liang immediately led her subordinates to conduct a meticulous, ‘carpet-style’ search of the presidential suite.
They thoroughly inspected every corner, partly to detect any hidden surveillance devices and partly to identify any residual traces of awakened energy.
Captain Liang closed her eyes, releasing a spiritual detection method akin to a cultivator’s divine sense.
Her mental energy surged like a tide into every nook and cranny of the suite, missing no subtle anomaly.
During her inspection, her gaze suddenly landed on a device placed on the stand of the living room’s LCD television.
‘What is this? A VCR? What era is this, to still have such a device?’ she muttered to herself.
Puzzled and curious, she slowly approached and carefully examined the machine.
After a thorough inspection, she found nothing unusual about the VCR. After a moment’s thought, she immediately called for her subordinate, Xiao Yue.
“Xiao Yue, go check if every room has this type of VCR. If they do, ask the lobby manager why they still have VCRs in this day and age.”
Xiao Yue immediately set about the task, returning to the room after approximately half an hour.
“Captain, I’ve checked. Every room indeed has this VCR. I also asked the lobby manager, and they said it’s one of the unique features of Japanese hotels,” Xiao Yue replied.
Only after hearing this did Captain Liang finally ease her mind, dismissing her suspicions about the VCR.
However, what she did not know was that behind this seemingly ordinary VCR lay an undisclosed secret and a conspiracy.
****
In a dimly lit shrine in Tokyo, the miko named Kyoko, who had appeared not long ago, sat with her eyes closed, concentrating on a mysterious ritual.
She was enveloped by an invisible barrier, isolating her from the outside world.
Before her sat a basin of clear water, several paper figures, and various ritual implements.
As she chanted incantations, the paper figures began to slowly writhe, as if imbued with life.
Meanwhile, in a secluded spot deep within the Aokigahara Forest in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan.
A man dressed as an Onmyoji stood beside a dry well sealed with ritual tools.
He gazed at the sealing array over the wellhead, a worried expression on his face.
Yet, he seemed helpless, able only to sit cross-legged and begin forming hand seals, silently chanting a spell: “Seal Ghost Charm – Release.”
As the incantation deepened, he abruptly opened his eyes and pointed at the array before him.
A golden light shot forth, instantly striking the invisible barrier. The barrier began to disintegrate under the golden light’s assault, until it completely vanished.
After the barrier disappeared, the Onmyoji slowly approached and began to untie the ritual ropes and talismans wrapped around the wellhead.
As the final talisman was removed, a torrent of malevolent energy suddenly erupted from the well.
This怨气 seemed to contain endless rage and hatred, as if something terrifying had awakened…
The adventure continues! If you loved this chapter, The June I Killed is a must-read. Click here to start!
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