Tokyo: From Lawless Madpolice to Minister
Chapter 490 - 426: Only children make choices; adults want everything! (Vote for monthly ticket)

Chapter 490: Chapter 426: Only children make choices; adults want everything! (Vote for monthly ticket)

Miyashita Naoyuki furrowed his brows, his face taking on a serious expression, "I wonder, Mr. Aoyama, what you desire?"

He had thought that with his identity as the mayor’s nephew and his promises, he would have been enough to sway Aoyama Xiu Xin, who had just arrived. But it turned out not to be the case.

"It’s not about what I want, but what you, Mr. Miyashita, can offer me," Aoyama Xiu Xin shook his head.

Miyashita Naoyuki spread his hands, jokingly saying, "I thought we could talk about feelings between us."

"I never discuss feelings with men," Aoyama Xiu Xin replied in a similarly jesting tone.

Damn it, trying to freeload off me, eat shit!

Given Miyashita Naoyuki’s status, those low-level bureaucrats with no background would definitely try to curry favor with him; they would bet on his promises. But Aoyama Xiu Xin was unmoved.

He was not one to act without seeing the rabbit.

Miyashita Naoyuki knew he had to give something tangible, some real silver and gold, to persuade the other party. After a moment’s thought, he said, "The Cabinet is about to heavily invest in rural construction, including but not limited to various infrastructure and tourism projects. Have you heard about this, Mr. Aoyama?"

"I have heard," Aoyama Xiu Xin nodded.

"That makes things easier," Miyashita Naoyuki sighed with relief, then continued, "The bidding for the various projects in Sapporo will definitely be under my uncle’s responsibility. I can ensure you get one of them. You don’t even have to do it yourself, just subcontract it out and you’ll make a clean profit."

A spark flickered in Aoyama Xiu Xin’s eyes. After all, hadn’t he forcibly taken over East Field Construction Corporation precisely to benefit from Japan’s major infrastructure boom these past two years? The higher-ups at Land Guard had invested and were awaiting returns. This was important.

"This is no trivial matter, Mr. Miyashita. Are you sure you can persuade the mayor?" Aoyama Xiu Xin’s only worry was this.

After all, Miyashita Naoyuki was just a nephew.

Miyashita Naoyuki laughed, "Mr. Aoyama, you’re new to Hokkaido and unaware of many things. I’m not afraid of airing our dirty laundry, after all, you’d find out sooner or later. Even though I nominally call him my uncle, he’s actually my father, something well-known to those with a bit of influence in Hokkaido. As for me, his illegitimate son, he’s always felt guilty and has been very indulgent."

"So that’s how it is," Aoyama Xiu Xin looked as if he’d just had an epiphany, not expecting the Miyashita family to play such games. Mayor Miyashita had allowed his brother’s wife to bear his own child.

The upper society was indeed full of despicable characters.

With that said, it seemed he had possessed the basic qualifications to mingle in high society from the start.

Seeing Aoyama Xiu Xin’s expression, Miyashita Naoyuki darkened, compelled to further explain, "My mother was my father’s mistress and couldn’t marry him. Her due date happened to be close to my aunt’s, so to outsiders, it was announced my aunt had twins, which resolved my identity issue."

"Oh, I see, Mayor Miyashita truly is a wise man!" Aoyama Xiu Xin felt a bit awkward.

As Miyashita Naoyuki spoke of his own origins, he couldn’t help but feel dejected, "Now you should believe me, right?"

In the end, he was just an illegitimate child.

"One project is not enough," Aoyama Xiu Xin declared.

"Not enough?" Miyashita Naoyuki’s eyes widened, and he looked around before lowering his voice excitedly, "Even the smallest project involves an investment of several million US Dollars, and the one I’ll give you is certainly not some insignificant side project. You’re guaranteed to earn tens or even hundreds of millions of US Dollars on the resale. Isn’t it a bit greedy to ask for more?"

Even as a mayor’s son, earning tens of millions of US Dollars was not so easy. Aoyama Xiu Xin still found it too little, the idiot, simply insatiable!

Does he not realize the economy is in a bad state?

"Mr. Miyashita, Nozawa Financial Corporation has my shareholdings," Aoyama Xiu Xin uttered just one sentence.

Miyashita Naoyuki, who had extended his neck, slowly drew back. He was well aware of the omnipresent loan services of Nozawa Finance across Hokkaido and understood the significance of this new behemoth.

As a shareholder in Nozawa Finance, Aoyama Xiu Xin truly wouldn’t care for his trivial offerings.

Somewhat helplessly, he asked, "How many do you want?"

"I want them all," Aoyama Xiu Xin replied.

Miyashita Naoyuki’s eyes popped open once more, "Are you insane?"

"Mr. Miyashita, I also have a construction corporation in my hands, with a minor reputation domestically. We’re preparing to establish a subsidiary in Hokkaido. We could collaborate; I could offer you shares in the subsidiary. Furthermore, for every project you help me win, I’ll give you a corresponding commission. I’ll also help you resolve your current troubles, as a gesture of friendship," Aoyama Xiu Xin said with a slight smile.

Miyashita Naoyuki’s face changed from cloud to sunshine, and he was conflicted. Hesitation was a sign of interest.

After all, if it could resolve an urgent problem while he could also make a profit, why not?

Aoyama Xiu Xin increased the pressure, "Our corporation’s qualifications are beyond reproach, and we have ample industry experience. Whom to give these projects to if not us? As long as the money is spent and the projects are completed on time, isn’t that all that matters?"

"Taking all would be too conspicuous, anyone could see there’s a problem," Miyashita Naoyuki slowly said.

Aoyama Xiu Xin replied with a slight smile, "These are minor issues, easily resolved. We can simply acquire and register a few more corporations, ensuring from the surface it can’t be traced back that all the winning corporations are linked to us."

"Besides, if someone makes a fuss, can Mayor Miyashita really be overthrown in Sapporo City? Okay, even if someone lucks out and stirs up a big fuss, I also have connections and relationships in Tokyo that can suppress the issue. This is money we should be earning."

"I’ll handle the competitors; you only need to take care of Mayor Miyashita, don’t worry about the rest."

Miyashita Naoyuki immediately caught on when he heard the words.

Right, he had connections locally, Aoyama Xiu Xin had connections in Tokyo, combining the two, a double line of defense, it would be impossible not to make this money unstably.

"Great! Let’s do it your way. I don’t want shares in your company, just give me a commission. I want ten percent for every project!" Miyashita Naoyuki’s face flushed red, his breathing grew rapid, thinking that if this move were to be a success, he’d have more money than he could ever spend even without being corrupt.

"Five percent," Aoyama Xiu Xin said, "I still have to pay off other people."

"Okay." Miyashita Naoyuki had initially blurted it out carelessly and after doing the math, he realized that even five percent wasn’t too small.

"If Mr. Miyashita can secure projects outside of Sapporo, I will also give you a five percent commission." Aoyama Xiu Xin encouraged him to expand beyond.

Miyashita Naoyuki nodded, his throat dry, he swallowed saliva and couldn’t help but worry, "We must ensure the quality of the construction, or it could lead to serious trouble."

He feared that Aoyama Xiu Xin, in his greed, would pocket the money and produce shoddy constructions which, in a country like earthquake and tsunami-prone Japan, could be a disaster. Once an incident occurred, not only would there be many casualties, but his own father would certainly be held accountable.

"Don’t worry, I am a Japanese man, my basic principles are still intact. I wouldn’t disregard the lives of my countrymen for my own gain." Aoyama Xiu Xin gave a slight smile, seemingly resigned to his concerns.

But despite his words, in his heart, he couldn’t care less about the quality of the construction, as long as it was passable. The key was to make more money to bribe the military.

Miyashita Naoyuki exhaled, "Alright."

"Pleasure doing business." Aoyama Xiu Xin extended his hand.

Miyashita Naoyuki took it, "Pleasure doing business."

They exchanged a look and turned back to the reception hall.

Aoyama Xiu Xin approached Qingshui Yasuko, who sat alone in a corner, "Has anyone bothered you?"

"No." Qingshui Yasuko quickly got up.

Aoyama Xiu Xin nodded, but not because these people had any class, rather because they knew better.

"How is it, that guy didn’t give you a hard time, did he?"

Fujimoto Takayoshi came over with a glass of wine.

"Don’t get me started, Minister, you’ve really put me in a tough spot!" Aoyama Xiu Xin complained, making a face of misery.

Fujimoto Takayoshi also felt a bit embarrassed, "Mr. Aoyama, forgive me, you could have refused him, but I couldn’t. I hope you understand my predicament."

He didn’t have the same backing as Aoyama Xiu Xin.

Aoyama Xiu Xin could refuse Miyashita Naoyuki and, at most, Miyashita would be annoyed but wouldn’t dare to do much due to Aoyama’s deeper connections.

But if Fujimoto Takayoshi outright refused Miyashita Naoyuki, he would surely harbour resentment and seize any opportunity to make his life difficult, leaving him nowhere to even complain.

"Ah, I just arrived here and wanted to get along with the locals as much as possible, how could I refuse him?" Aoyama Xiu Xin shook his head, as if there was nothing he could do.

Hearing this, Fujimoto Takayoshi immediately knew that Aoyama Xiu Xin had agreed to help Miyashita Naoyuki and, while relieved, also felt grateful, "This time I am in Mr. Aoyama’s debt, consider it a favour owed."

With that, he downed his glass of wine.

"But Minister, doesn’t this situation also not cause you too much trouble?" Aoyama Xiu Xin was puzzled; even if the person setting him up was a bureaucrat, it shouldn’t be difficult for Fujimoto Takayoshi.

Fujimoto Takayoshi shook his head, "I’m afraid of getting entangled with Miyashita Naoyuki. That man has a bad reputation in Hokkaido, and I’m not strong enough to stand up against his mischief."

Aoyama Xiu Xin subconsciously glanced at Fujimoto Takayoshi’s pot belly that created a natural distance, the corners of his mouth twitching.

"But it’s different for you, Mr. Aoyama. It doesn’t matter if you help him this time. Even if he approaches you again, you can refuse without issue. If possible, try not to get too involved with him," Fujimoto Takayoshi added.

Aoyama Xiu Xin nodded, "Thank you for the heads-up."

"Alright, let’s go. I’ll introduce you to some friends," Fujimoto Takayoshi pulled him into the crowd, introducing him to some local connections.

With Fujimoto Takayoshi as an intermediary, Aoyama Xiu Xin quickly became acquainted with these local socialites. Even if they didn’t regard his reputation or abilities highly, they respected his background.

As the banquet hall buzzed with people toasting and mingling, on the vast ocean, a fishing boat adorned with lights gently rocked with the waves. A group of people stood chatting casually on deck.

In the dim, cramped cabin below, Jing Shang and an older man with white hair and a beard stood up to shake hands.

"President Shima, pleasure doing business."

"President Inoue, pleasure doing business."

The agreement for the two families to supply goods long-term was officially settled.

"So, it’s agreed. The first batch of goods will be traded in three days," Shimada emphasized time and again.

Jing Shang, with a full smile, replied, "Don’t worry. The trade will be on time in three days. There will be absolutely no hitches."