Tokyo: From Lawless Madpolice to Minister
Chapter 514 - 445: Benefiting the People, Two Equally Dirty Deals

Chapter 514: Chapter 445: Benefiting the People, Two Equally Dirty Deals

As the days moved into late February, with March already in sight, the snowfall grew increasingly rare, and the thick accumulation on the streets and rooftops began to melt away.

Although the frequent heavy snows had ceased, the weather remained overcast and rainy, occasionally mixed with snowflakes, offering no aesthetic pleasure, only affecting people’s moods.

Tonight was such an evening, with sleet falling since dusk and showing no signs of stopping. Pedestrians held their umbrellas tightly, and those without them awkwardly used briefcases over their heads as they ran towards trams or taxicabs.

Through the misty rain, the red taillights of cars were particularly glaring. A black Mercedes, braving the storm, rolled across the wide streets, spraying a trail of water, and finally stopped in front of a quiet high-end eatery, far from the bustling city.

The moment the car came to a halt, the attendant waiting by the door immediately went forward with an umbrella, bent over, opened the door, one hand shielding the doorframe and the other extending the umbrella out, indifferent to getting drenched in the downpour.

Fearing the water would dirty the guests’ shoes and socks, another umbrella-less attendant hurriedly placed a series of steps by the vehicle’s rear door, bending over in the rain.

Aoyama Xiu Xin had grown accustomed to the meticulous Japanese service attitude. He had gone home after work to change into a suit before keeping this appointment, and stepped onto the prepared footholds with inner peace and a poised demeanor, allowing himself to be ushered under the cover of the umbrella into the restaurant.

At the entrance, a well-groomed waitress dressed in a kimono was already kneeling, first bowing deeply, then helping Aoyama Xiu Xin remove his shoes and slipping his feet into two wooden clogs.

Someone also extended a hot towel to him on a tray.

Aoyama Xiu Xin allowed the kneeling attendant to adjust his trouser legs, calmly wiped his hands and face with the towel, and then casually tossed it back onto the tray.

The person with the tray bowed and then retreated backward.

The restaurant was empty, apparently reserved for the evening by Miyashita Naoyuki; after changing shoes, an attendant guided him bent-over with small steps.

From the moment he got out of the car until now, five different attendants had delivered various services to him.

Arriving at a private room, the attendant turned to bow to him and then, still bent over, pushed open the door.

After Aoyama Xiu Xin entered, she closed the door behind him.

The private room was spacious and elegantly set in the typical Japanese style. Miyashita Hidekatsu, in a blue kimono, sat tranquilly on the tatami, engrossed in his tea-making, seemingly oblivious to Aoyama Xiu Xin’s entrance.

"Damn poser, who the hell do you think you are?" Aoyama Xiu Xin criticized inwardly with a sarcastic tone; however, he dared not show any disrespect and politely bowed, "Mr. Mayor, I’ve kept you waiting."

"The appointment was for 8 p.m., it was I who arrived early," said Miyashita Hidekatsu without lifting his head. "Please take a seat."

"Yes!" Aoyama Xiu Xin walked over and sat opposite him, his hands on his knees, solemn in expression.

Miyashita Hidekatsu pushed a cup of freshly brewed tea towards him, "I brought my own tea leaves, try it and see; I haven’t had the chance to prepare tea myself in a while."

"I’m truly honored!" Aoyama Xiu Xin bowed and exclaimed, then picked up the tea cup, sipped it lightly, and exaggeratedly smacked his lips in praise, "It’s excellent tea, sweet aftertaste, lingering fragrance; the quality of the tea leaves is superb, and the mayor’s skill is even better, otherwise it would be a waste by anyone else."

The quality of the tea leaves was distinguishable, but exactly how good they were was beyond his discernment—blind flattery would do.

"I see my skills haven’t faded yet," Miyashita Hidekatsu laughed heartily. He poured himself a cup, then, with the smile fading, held it with both hands and said in earnest, "My good-for-nothing son has troubled Mr. Aoyama. The doctor asked me to abstain from alcohol, but to hang on a little longer for the sake of contributing to the country’s future, I will have to use tea in place of liquor to honor Mr. Aoyama with this cup."

"Mr. Mayor, you’re too polite. I hit it off immediately with Mr. Naoyuki, and we enjoy each other’s company, calling each other brothers, and it’s natural to help one another—there’s no trouble at all," Aoyama Xiu Xin shook his head, his expression sincere, his tone persuasive.

Miyashita Hidekatsu spoke, "My son hasn’t done much right in his twenty years, but befriending Mr. Aoyama is the first thing. He’s fortunate."

Aoyama Xiu Xin agreed—the friendship with Miyashita Naoyuki indeed counted as good fortune. How could it not be, being born the son of Miyashita Hidekatsu, the mayor?

Those less fortunate were like beasts of burden, toiling away from dawn till dusk.

"It is also my good fortune to become friends with Mr. Naoyuki," Aoyama Xiu Xin said with a modest smile.

"There’s no need for such words; I know exactly what the boy is like," Miyashita Hidekatsu shook his head, candidly reflecting a full understanding of his son’s worthlessness and continued, "Your friendship is your business, but as a father, I should also express myself. I heard from Naoyuki that Mr. Aoyama is interested in the recently launched infrastructure projects in Hokkaido?"

"Yes! Thanks to my mentor’s advice, Xiu Xin learned of the upcoming national rural revitalization plan by the Cabinet, and the widespread infrastructure build across the nation. Desiring to shoulder some responsibility for the country, and wishing to contribute to the welfare of the people, I founded a construction company to fulfill this dream," Aoyama Xiu Xin spoke grandiosely, slowly, convincingly.

Listening to this nonsense, Miyashita Hidekatsu thought Aoyama Xiu Xin had great potential for the future. With his shameless, hypocritical facade, it would be a waste not to engage in the political field.

He nodded and remarked, "Mr. Aoyama truly has a sense of social responsibility. I can feel your fervent patriotic spirit, and it touches me. I’m more willing to give an enlightened young man like you an opportunity. However, I also heard from Naoyuki that you wish to take on all projects within Sapporo. I’d like to hear your perspective on this."

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