Did they kill Yamamoto Masao?
Ryuzaki Makoto did not deny it.
He did have this idea, and it was an exceptionally strong one.
Especially when he learned that this clown-like Yamamoto Masao was actually a lackey of the Kowloon Group, this idea became even more imperative in his mind.
For Ryuzaki Makoto, killing someone who harbors malice towards him is like stepping on an ant on the street; he doesn't need to feel any psychological burden.
What's more, this guy has his mortal enemy standing behind him.
Ryuzaki Makoto turned his head, looked at the exceptionally intelligent woman beside him, and asked in return:
"Shouldn't he be dead? Aren't you annoyed by having such a disgusting thing hanging around in front of you?"
Kyoko looked at Ryuzaki Makoto and gently shook her head.
"No, he can't die now. You should even pray that nothing bad happens to him in the near future, not even if he gets hit by a car."
When Ryuzaki Mako heard Kyoko's words, his brows furrowed slightly, and his eyes were filled with confusion.
He didn't understand why Kyoko, who had just displayed such domineering arrogance, had suddenly become so timid and hesitant, even concerned about the life and death of the enemy.
Kyoko noticed his confusion, put down her wine glass, leaned forward slightly, and patiently explained:
"Ryuzaki, you need to know that every industry has its own rules, and every circle has its own way of playing the game. Although the business world is also a battlefield, full of deceit and treachery, its rules of conduct are completely different from the fighting and killing in the underworld."
"In the underworld, if you don't like someone, or if they're in your way, you can just find a dark and stormy night, send someone to take care of them, and that's it. That's the law of the jungle, whoever has the bigger fist is right."
"But this is a shopping mall. You had a conflict with Masao Yamamoto in front of everyone today, and so many people saw him humiliate you in public. If he mysteriously disappears a few days later, or dies mysteriously in some dark alley, what do you think those businessmen will think?"
"Regardless of whether you did it or not, and regardless of whether it was an accident or not, everyone will immediately associate it with you and will assume that it was Ryuzaki Makoto's revenge."
Ryuzaki is not stupid; on the contrary, he is extremely intelligent.
After being given this brief explanation by Kyoko, he immediately understood the implications.
Yes, if something really happens to Yamamoto Masao, it would undoubtedly be a declaration to everyone that he, Ryuzaki Makoto, is a lawless, narrow-minded, and extremely dangerous thug.
In the business world, everyone is in it for the money, and no one wants to work with a crazy person who doesn't play by the rules.
Once labeled in this way, investors and partners who might have been interested in the True Dragon Society or the Nameless Street project will definitely avoid it like the plague.
They are afraid that they might accidentally say the wrong thing at any time, or have a disagreement with Ryuzaki Makoto over interests, and then mysteriously disappear into some corner.
By then, the True Dragon Society will find it impossible to move an inch in the business world and will be completely isolated. For him, who urgently needs to clear his name and reintegrate into mainstream society, this would be tantamount to cutting off his own arms.
This is not just a matter of life and death, but also a matter of credibility and bottom line.
Ryuzaki Makoto thought about it more and more and realized that Kyoko's words made sense. His previous thinking was too limited, and he was still carrying an indelible sense of江湖 (jianghu, a term referring to the world of martial arts and chivalry).
He took a deep breath and humbly asked for advice:
"So, if it were you, Ms. Kyoko, what would you do in the face of such provocation?"
Kyoko nodded approvingly at his humble and eager-to-learn attitude.
This man has enough ambition, but he is not arrogant. He can listen to advice and can quickly correct his thinking.
This is not something a reckless brute who only knows how to be tough and violent can do.
However, upon hearing Ryuzaki Makoto's question, Kyoko's lips curled into a faint smile.
"If it were me, I would certainly make him disappear from this world completely."
"..."
Ryuzaki's lips twitched involuntarily.
He was just deep in reflection, thinking that Kyoko was going to teach him some clever business tactics or how to legally bring down the other party, but he didn't expect her to come up with this sentence at the end.
So after all that talk, isn't the result the same?
Kyoko's smile widened as she looked at Ryuzaki Mana's somewhat speechless expression.
"Ryuzaki, you need to understand this principle. Rules are meant to restrain the weak. But when you are strong enough, you can make the rules, and even… ignore them."
"Our Sasaki family has been navigating the business world for over a century. The commercial reputation and credibility we've built up over generations are as solid as a rock. At my level, even if I were to have Yamamoto sunk into Tokyo Bay tomorrow, even if the whole world knew it was me, so what?"
"People will not only keep their distance from me, but they will also think that Yamamoto Masao was blind and deserved to die. He must have done something heinous or crossed the line to anger the Sasaki family. No one will question the Sasaki family's business reputation because of the death of such a minor character, and no one will refuse to cooperate with us because the benefits of cooperating with us are so great that they can ignore this insignificant 'minor flaw'."
Kyoko's words, though gentle, revealed a deep understanding of the rules of this world.
Ryuzaki Makoto fell silent, then slowly shook his head.
That's true.
This is the stark reality.
You do what is appropriate for your position.
When you're still climbing uphill, you have to carefully follow every rule and even endure some unfair treatment.
When you reach the top, your every move will be given a reasonable explanation, and may even become a new rule.
The Kowloon Group was the same way before; no matter what they did, they could always smooth things over.
It's just that now they have angered the public and lost popular support, which is why they have been given the opportunity to turn against them.
However, Ryuzaki Makoto did not feel frustrated or discouraged because of this.
That's life. The higher you climb, the more shackles and constraints you have, and the more complicated things you have to worry about.
But what can we do about it?
This process of constantly challenging limits, breaking the old order, and establishing new rules, this process of gradually transforming from a pawn into a player, isn't this the ultimate pleasure that Ryuzaki Makoto has been pursuing in this world?
As the two were talking, the people in the venue gradually arrived.
The once noisy venue gradually quieted down, the lights dimmed, and spotlights shone on the stage in front.
A host dressed in a suit and with his hair slicked back walked steadily onto the stage that symbolized the future fate of the nameless street.
He tested the microphone, cleared his throat, and said in a loud voice:
"Distinguished guests, business representatives, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. Welcome to the bidding conference for the redevelopment project of the Wuming Street area..."