Ryuzaki Makoto took the USB drive from Natsumi, casually fiddled with it for a couple of seconds, and didn't even bother to plug it into the computer to take a look before tossing it onto the bedside table with a crisp clinking sound.
Xia Zhi watched his actions, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes, and asked softly:
"Why don't you take a look inside now? These are things that many people would fight tooth and nail to get."
Ryuzaki smiled but didn't answer. Instead, he lowered his head and gently kissed Kaori's smooth forehead.
"This is nothing more than a record of how Kowloon Group has amassed wealth through illegal means over the years, as well as evidence of their shady dealings with certain government officials. There's nothing interesting about it; it was all expected."
"Moreover, even without this USB drive, it wouldn't be that difficult for me to destroy the Kowloon Group."
As early as when Xia Zhi first arrived in Hu Yaliu, she had already learned a clear understanding of the Kowloon Group's power through various channels.
Although in the eyes of the powerful Sasaki family, the Kowloon Group, which was confined to a small corner of Toaru, was nothing more than a slightly stronger ant and not a threat at all.
However, if it were an ordinary local gang leader from Huyali who dared to boast in front of Xia Zhi that he could easily destroy the Kowloon Group, Xia Zhi would just laugh it off and treat him as a madman who hadn't woken up yet.
However, when these words came from Ryuzaki Makoto's mouth, Kaori knew that he was serious and that he truly had the ability.
Xia Zhi looked at the confident man before her, a hint of admiration in her eyes, and said softly:
"You're really amazing."
Xia Zhi's words were not blind worship of her man, nor were they the sweet words a woman in love would utter.
Given her cool and rational personality, it's impossible for her to say such insincere words just to please someone.
However, when she sincerely said those words, it meant that, objectively speaking, Ryuzaki Makoto's methods and abilities had indeed impressed her.
After deciphering the USB drive that Ryuzaki Shin gave her, out of curiosity and caution, she couldn't help but take a look at its contents first.
After seeing the shocking dirt on the USB drive, Xia Zhi subconsciously assumed that Ryuzaki Makoto would definitely use this "imperial sword" to deliver a fatal blow to the Kowloon Group at a crucial moment, thereby undermining the casino law and ultimately bringing down this behemoth.
However, the man in front of him did not do that.
He didn't even need to use this powerful weapon that could cause a political earthquake. He simply relied on his own methods, his manipulation of public opinion, and his precise control of the situation to directly destroy the Kowloon Group's plan that had been painstakingly built up over many years.
In terms of effect, this "using someone else's strength against them" tactic is more shocking and more despairing than simply presenting the evidence to report someone.
When Ryuzaki Makoto heard Kaori's praise, a slight smile appeared on his lips.
I have to admit, hearing this level of praise from a woman like Asano Kaori, who is used to seeing big scenes, makes me feel inexplicably happy.
Just then, a strong feeling of fatigue washed over him, and Ryuzaki Makoto couldn't help but let out a big yawn.
I'm really tired today.
From planning the riot to giving a speech on the spot, and finally performing the attack, he has been engaged in high-intensity mental labor and acting, which is indeed quite mentally taxing.
Ryuzaki rubbed his throbbing temples and said in a slightly languid voice:
"It's getting late, let's rest. I have a ton of mess to clean up tomorrow."
Upon hearing Ryuzaki Makoto's words, Natsumi's previously pale cheeks instantly flushed red.
She gripped the sheets beneath her nervously, her voice barely audible:
"Can we... not do that kind of thing?"
Upon hearing this, Ryuzaki Makoto raised an eyebrow in surprise.
Kaori thought Ryuzaki was upset because he had been rejected, so she hurriedly explained in a flustered manner:
"I...this is my first time, I don't want to be in this kind of place, in this kind of environment..."
Ryuzaki Makoto couldn't help but chuckle at her nervous expression.
He wasn't really in the mood tonight anyway.
He has quite a few women around him, and eating lavish meals every day can sometimes feel like a burden.
Moreover, he was exhausted from a whole day of work and just wanted to get some sleep.
For him, that night in the hospital felt more like a rare vacation.
This is one of the many troubles women face.
Furthermore, Ryuzaki Shin also understood what Kaori wanted to express.
For girls, their first time is always precious, and no one wants to have it hastily done in a place like a hospital filled with the smell of disinfectant.
He smiled gently, reached out and ruffled Xia Zhi's hair, changing the subject:
"Xia Zhi, I'll buy you a villa near your workplace. That way, I can stay there whenever I have free time."
Xia Zhi did not show resistance as usual, but simply nodded obediently.
With the enormous wealth that Natsumi has accumulated over the years, buying a villa in Toaru, or even an entire neighborhood, would be a piece of cake.
But this was a gift from her own man.
It doesn't matter whether the item is expensive or not; what matters more is the sentiment behind it, the feeling of being cherished, which warms her heart.
Moreover, it was precisely because of Ryuzaki Makoto's respect and consideration for her, and his refusal to force her to do anything she didn't want to do, that Kaori's love for this man unknowingly increased a little more.
The two of them fell asleep in each other's arms, spending a peaceful and warm night in the hospital bed.
...
The next day, at noon.
Kowloon World Heart Manor, reception room.
"Yesterday, the planned forced demolition of the unnamed street was forced to be suspended due to strong resistance from local residents..."
"Mr. Makoto Ryuzaki, president of the Shinryukai, delivered a speech entitled 'I Have a Dream' at the event, which generated a huge social response and even brought tears to the eyes of a renowned education expert during a live broadcast..."
"According to statistics, more than 10,000 citizens spontaneously gathered in front of the municipal government yesterday to protest against the government's inappropriate handling of the unnamed street, causing severe traffic paralysis in the surrounding area..."
"Mr. Ryuzaki Makoto is still receiving emergency treatment in the hospital since the attack yesterday. According to the hospital, he is not yet out of danger..."
"Smack!"
With a blank expression, Kowloon Shih-hsin pressed the power button on the remote control, and the TV screen went black instantly, returning the office to a deathly silence.
He slowly stood up, walked with slightly heavy steps to the French windows, and reached out to open them.
A refreshing autumn breeze immediately blew in, carrying a hint of coolness.
A gentle breeze rustled through the treetops, and several small birds hopped and chirped merrily on the branches. Golden leaves danced in the air like butterflies before gently settling on the street, where they were swept away by sanitation workers.
Kowloon Shih-hsin looked up at the dazzling sun in the sky. The sunlight was so bright that it was almost blinding, forcing him to squint slightly.
He stood there blankly, like a sculpture that had endured countless storms and snows, completely still.
Kurosaki Junryu knelt on the tatami behind Kowloon Seishin, his head bowed, saying nothing.
In this not-so-large private reception room, only the two old buddies who had once struggled together and stood together at the pinnacle of Toaru remained silent.
A withered, yellow autumn leaf swayed and flew in through the window in the wind.
It hovered helplessly in the air for a few moments before finally landing on the expensive mahogany coffee table in the room with a very slight "tap".
The faint sound was remarkably clear in the quiet room.
Looking at the withered leaf, Kowloon Shih-hsin finally spoke.
His voice was old and hoarse, and his words were filled with deep sighs.
"Kurosaki, it seems we... made a lot of mistakes..."