When Kyoko questioned him like that, Yamada Masao felt as if he had fallen into an ice cave.
Beads of cold sweat streamed uncontrollably down his fat forehead. He no longer cared about the sharp and sarcastic remarks he had rehearsed beforehand; his mind was filled with regret.
Of all people to mess with, they had to provoke this notoriously ruthless businesswoman who's said to devour people without spitting out the bones.
He trembled, forcing a smile that looked more like a grimace, and waved his hands repeatedly, stammering an explanation:
"Uh... Ms. Kyo... it's a misunderstanding! This is a huge misunderstanding! Of course I didn't mean that... uh, well, I didn't wear my glasses today, and my eyesight wasn't very good just now. I must have mistaken you for someone else. Yes! I mistook you for someone else! I'm so sorry, so sorry..."
After spouting these illogical and absurd words, Yamada Masao didn't dare to look up at Ryuzaki Mako or Kyoko even once.
He shrank back, and before anyone could react, he quickly scurried into the crowd and left in a sorry state.
As an insignificant nobody, Yamada Masao left without a second thought, and the big shots present, who had seen it all, naturally didn't take this little incident to heart.
Their attention returned to Kyoko, and they swarmed around her, their faces beaming with enthusiastic smiles.
"Oh my, I was wondering why it was so lively today! It's because of Miss Kyoko's presence! Your radiance truly brightens up this entire venue!"
"That's right! With Ms. Kyoko here, the bidding conference finally has a real backbone. We were all guessing which heavyweight would appear, but we didn't expect it to be you. It's truly an honor for us old guys!"
"It's been a while since I last saw you, Miss Kyoko, you're still as charming as ever! Not only is your business thriving, but you're also getting more and more beautiful, haha!"
Kyoko's performance was impeccable in the face of such commercial hype.
With a smile on her face, she nodded gracefully to each person, appearing neither aloof nor distant, yet maintaining just the right amount of reserve.
"Uncles and elders, you are too kind. I am just here on behalf of my family elders. I would appreciate your guidance and support in handling the specific matters."
Just then, an elderly man with gray hair and sharp eyes slowly walked out from the crowd. He was Mr. Iwasaki, the head of the Mitsubishi Group.
He looked at Kyoko and said loudly:
"Ms. Kyoko, it's been a long time. You are as capable and composed as ever, no less so than the old president back then. I wonder how my father's health is lately? It's been a long time since I've seen an old friend."
When Kyoko saw who it was, her smile became more genuine.
"Uncle Iwasaki, thank you for your concern. My father is still in good health and is recuperating here in Toaru. Although he doesn't concern himself with specific matters anymore, he still often mentions you and says he wants to play another game of Go with you."
Although the Sasaki family was forced to leave the core circle of power in Tokyo for political reasons, in this business world where there is back-and-forth and intertwined interests, some face-saving relationships still need to be maintained.
The Sasaki family's vast wealth and influence remain intact. No one would be foolish enough to immediately distance themselves from them and completely offend this behemoth that is not yet completely dead for this reason.
After exchanging brief pleasantries with several business tycoons, Kyoko glanced at her watch and calmly said:
"Dear seniors, the bidding is about to begin. I know everyone is determined to win this project. If you have any intention to cooperate or want to catch up, why don't we wait until the bidding is over, find a quiet place, and sit down to talk slowly?"
Everyone was shrewd; upon hearing this, they all tactfully made way for them, smiling and saying that it was only natural.
Kyoko turned around, and with Ryuzaki Mako, who had been standing silently to the side, she walked directly to Tanaka, who was in charge of the qualification review.
She took a black card out of her handbag and handed it over.
"Mr. Tanaka, thank you for your help. Please follow the procedure."
Tanaka bent over almost ninety degrees, respectfully accepting the card with both hands, his face full of ingratiating smiles.
"Ms. Kyoko, you're too kind! You don't need to wait here yourself. With the Sasaki family's reputation and strength, verifying a mere 20 billion yen is a piece of cake. However, since it's a regulation, the procedure still needs to be followed. Just hand me the card, and I'll take care of the rest. Don't trouble yourself here; it'll be done soon!"
Kyoko nodded without saying anything unnecessary.
Tanaka held the card as if it were a royal decree and dashed off to the backstage to complete the formalities.
Without the minor incident of verifying funds, Kyoko, accompanied by Ryuzaki Makoto, walked through the magnificent corridor and into the spacious bidding venue, guided by the waiter.
The entire venue was decorated in an extremely solemn manner, with dozens of crystal chandeliers illuminating it in a magnificent golden light.
The floor was covered with a thick wool carpet, making it feel completely silent when you stepped on it.
Each seat is adorned with an exquisite nameplate and bottled water, and the air is filled with a subtle, luxurious aromatherapy scent.
Kyoko didn't choose the most prominent central spot, but instead led Ryuzaki Mako to a relatively secluded corner near the front to sit down.
After everyone was seated, the room quieted down a bit.
Kyoko turned her head, her profile appearing exceptionally charming under the lamplight.
She looked at Ryuzaki Makoto, then suddenly lowered her voice and said calmly:
"Do you know why that Yamada Masao was targeting you like a mad dog?"
Upon hearing this, Ryuzaki Makoto raised an eyebrow, a hint of doubt in his eyes.
He really didn't know that.
He was certain that he had never seen that fat man before, let alone had any personal grudge against him.
Seeing that he didn't speak, Kyoko didn't keep him in suspense and directly gave him a series of detailed information:
"Yamada Masao, 52 years old, originally from Fukuoka, is the current president of 'Zhengtong Building Materials'. On the surface, he is a legitimate businessman in the building materials business. In reality, his company is one of the important tools used by Kowloon Group for money laundering. He was able to make his fortune entirely because of the support Kowloon Group provided behind the scenes and those shady orders."
Ryuzaki Makoto then realized what was going on.
So that's how it is. It's those persistent guys from the Kowloon Group trying to trip me up again.
However, what surprised Ryuzaki Mako even more was that Kyoko was able to so easily and accurately tell the whole story of a seemingly insignificant passerby without looking at any information.
What an incredible memory and intelligence network that would require!
Ryuzaki's heart stirred slightly. Without showing any emotion, he pointed to a beautiful woman dressed in jewels who had just entered the venue not far away, and tentatively asked:
Who is that person?
Kyoko merely glanced in that direction, a hint of amusement in her eyes, and blurted out:
"Matsumoto Miwako, 38 years old, is the widow of Matsumoto Co., Ltd. She is a well-known rich woman in Kabukicho, with a net worth of about 35 billion yen. Don't be fooled by her dignified, gentle and virtuous appearance. In private, she likes to keep strong and healthy young men in Kabukicho. Moreover, she has a very heavy taste and likes to play with special props. She is quite famous in that circle."
At this point, Kyoko suddenly turned her head, looked at Ryuzaki Mako with a half-smile, and teased:
"What? You've got your eye on her? Want me to do you a favor and give you her personal contact information?"
Ryuzaki Makoto imagined the scene and immediately felt a chill run down his spine, a wave of disgust washing over him.
He quickly waved his hand and said with an embarrassed smile:
"No, no, no, I can't accept such a 'blessing'. Besides, with such a stunning beauty like you sitting in front of me, how could I possibly see anyone else? I'm just a little surprised. With so many people in this venue, do you really remember every single one of their details and preferences?"
Kyoko's tone became somewhat somber.
"Doing business is sometimes like fighting on the battlefield. Opportunities are always fleeting. You must be prepared at all times and have a thorough understanding of everyone around you, every potential competitor or ally."
"Otherwise, when a real opportunity comes, or when a crisis approaches, you won't have time to react and you won't be able to grasp that lifeline. These are the basic lessons you must learn to survive in this cruel arena of fame and fortune."
After listening, Ryuzaki Makoto admired her, but he still frowned slightly.
This kind of ascetic work of memorizing and gathering intelligence is just too tedious; he doesn't have the patience to do it.
If only the system could directly reward you with a skill like "photographic memory" or "omniscience and omnipotence," that would be great. After taking too many shortcuts, you'll inevitably become too lazy to walk those rugged mountain paths.
Just as Ryuzaki Makoto was lost in thought, Kyoko suddenly changed the subject, her tone carrying a hint of certainty, and abruptly asked:
"You just...were you thinking of killing him? Did you want to kill that Yamada Masao?"