In the luxurious private club "Tamamo-no-Mae," a server uncorked a bottle of Hennessy Richard Brandy for Shirou and skillfully poured a glass. Several empty glasses sat quietly on the opposite side of the table, as if awaiting unseen guests. Around him, the lavish sofa cushions and elegant decor shimmered under the crystal chandelier, casting a golden glow like a palace.
Don't let the top-floor suite's serenity fool you—the staff knew Shirou didn't like noisy or dazzling scenes. Otherwise, with a simple gesture, he could've summoned a parade of seventeen or eighteen kimono-clad beauties to kneel and pamper him.
But Shirou ignored the decadent luxury within arm's reach. His gaze turned to the dark, cloudy sky outside the window. Though it was barely approaching dusk, the world outside already resembled night.
He had a bad feeling.
Shirou quickly checked his phone. He had messaged home earlier, saying he'd be out late for a meeting—something about staying for dinner with Yuan Zhisheng as a thank-you.
Eriri had replied almost instantly, saying she'd watched a few episodes of Ultraman Tiga and Howl's Moving Castle, and now she was in the kitchen helping big sis Saya with cooking.
Feeling a bit uncertain, Shirou typed a follow-up asking how good Saya's cooking actually was.
Saya replied with a slightly grumpy emoji, admitting she wasn't anywhere near Shirou's level but could manage a few basic dishes to keep herself and Eriri alive.
Shirou chuckled, thinking she was acting like a tsundere rookie. He responded: "If the food turns out well, I'll deduct some of your rent. The more satisfied Eriri is, the more you save."
Saya immediately dropped her attitude and replied like a model tenant: "Understood!"
Shirou then glanced at Nono's "daily report"—which was less a report and more a chaotic diary full of rambling thoughts.
Nono complained that Eriri was living like a spoiled princess, doing nothing but watching TV and gaming all day. She even went out for casual meals at Michelin 3-star restaurants. According to a notebook Eriri had kept, she apparently referred to those restaurants as "cafeterias."
Shirou leaned back on the sofa with a dramatic sigh. Only a clueless heiress like Eriri would treat Michelin-starred restaurants like school canteens.
He hoped Saya's cooking could earn a high score from the "princess."
Nono added, "Eriri is under tight watch—she's barely allowed to go anywhere, even within the family estate. But no worries, I've got Melusine sweeping each level. We'll dig up their secrets soon enough."
Shirou could only reply with his usual: "Be careful. Don't get caught."
Just then, the door to the suite clicked softly. A faint scent of sandalwood wafted through the golden screen as a graceful woman in a kimono walked in. Her robes were decorated with the family crest and cherry blossom patterns.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Shirou-san."
"How should I address you?"
"I'm Sakurai Nanami, head of the Sakurai family. Just call me Sakurai," she said, taking a seat beside him instead of across the table. The empty glasses opposite them were clearly meant for others.
"Sakurai family… the Yuan family? What's your relationship?"
She clinked her glass with his. "We're their junior partner. The Yuan family is the senior. Think of it like a feudal lord and vassal. Though the Sakurai are skilled in commerce and business maneuvering, the Yuan family stands above us."
Shirou nodded. He understood this as a main-branch vs sub-branch family dynamic—similar to the Tohno or Konomine clans in the past.
"So Yuan Zhisheng couldn't make it today?"
"He's tied up with today's fallout, and most of the family's staff are busy with cleanup. Please forgive the young master for not thanking you in person. But no matter what, you saved him from the 'Mōkizu,' our sworn enemy. That's a debt we must repay."
She pulled a document from her crocodile handbag.
Shirou peeked and saw the title: "Shinjuku District XX Land Registry." Property rights. The area spanned several blocks.
What the hell? He just fought some enemies, and now they were giving him several city blocks?
"You misunderstand. The land in question is where the battle occurred earlier today. All the buildings are now rubble. The commercial value dropped dramatically. We bought it dirt cheap."
So that's the angle… buying distressed property and flipping it later.
Wait.
"Low commercial value doesn't mean low potential," Shirou said, eyes narrowing toward the empty wine glasses. "Are those seats for real estate investors?"
Sakurai nodded. "Sharp as ever. I invited reps from Mitsui, Sumitomo, and Mitsubishi—just to have a drink and maybe start a bidding war. You'll get a good price for the land."
These weren't small fry—these were real estate giants in Japan.
Shirou didn't know much about Shinjuku land prices, but in this country, undeveloped urban plots were insanely rare. If bidding went high enough… billions? Tens of billions of yen?
"Even if I'm not an expert, your motives are too clear. Are you trying to buy my help for future favors?"
His sharp gaze cut through her professional smile. Memories of dealing with clans in Shenzhou resurfaced—times when he was still weak and needed allies. But now was different.
Even if Yuan Zhisheng saw him as one of their own, Shirou didn't plan to become anyone's subordinate.
If he was going to earn money, he'd do it standing tall.
"You misunderstand again. We only wish to maintain good relations—not to force anything."
Sakurai remained calm and graceful, like a seasoned debater. No wonder she thrived in business. She even tapped an ivory folding fan on the table with elegance.
"Time's about right. I believe the investors are waiting outside."
Sakurai controlled the flow of conversation flawlessly, resetting the tension with smooth professionalism.
Shirou raised an eyebrow. Were they really so precise about timing? Like robots?
But before anything else—
Bang!
The suite's heavy wooden door slammed open.
A fashionable woman burst in, wearing Jimmy Choo heels and lace gloves.
"Good evening! Oh right, some Mitsui and Mitsubishi guys were making a fuss outside. I told them: 'Not for sale!' and sent them packing."
"You—!" Sakurai shot up in shock, clearly recognizing the intruder—but never expecting her to show up.
Shirou, on the other hand, instantly named her:
"Su Enxi? What are you doing here?"
"Wah, Shirou-dono! Long time no see~! I'm honored you remembered me. Totally worth getting up early and flying from the Blackstone estate!"
Su Enxi pulled off her oversized sunglasses, revealing a lightly made-up face and dainty features. Without a care, she plopped herself into a seat meant for one of the real estate tycoons.
With a smirk, she declared, "Sakurai-san, don't sell the land just yet. I'm very interested. I can definitely outbid those suits."
Sakurai said nothing—accepting her presence by default.
Shirou thought: Sakurai plays it subtle and roundabout, but this lady just barges in and drops cash like a bomb. Is this what high-level business warfare looks like?
Su Enxi noticed his confused expression and subtly gestured to him.
"Don't be surprised. No hidden agenda—it's just that their family owes me a lot of money."
(End of Chapter)
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