allonlinenovel Chapter 152: Chinatown as the Bet
Chapter 152: Chinatown as the Bet
In Tokyo, as night falls and the lights dim, the hundred-story building that reaches into the sky - the Toyo Electric Power Headquarters, stands in the heart of the city like a shining pillar supporting the sky.
Its majestic appearance not only reflects the technological strength of Toyo Electric Power and the glory of its business empire, but also invisibly weaves the latitude and longitude of power and dreams.
On the ninety-ninth floor, a place high enough to touch the clouds, in the silence, the door of President Hayami Katsumasa's office was suddenly broken by a rhythmic knock: "Knock knock!"
"Please come in!" Hayami Katsumasa's voice, deep and magnetic, came from behind the door with an aura of majesty without even being angry.
The door slowly opened, and a man in a black suit, with a tall stature, a wise yet friendly face, walked into the room. He was the president of the Tokyo Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Wang Ping.
He was about sixty years old, and time seemed to have been particularly kind to him, not leaving too many traces on his face. Only his deep eyes revealed the wisdom and calmness of someone who had experienced many hardships.
These two people who should not have met each other are brought together at this moment by fate.
Wang Ping was on this trip carrying the expectations and trust of the folks of Tokyo Chinatown. He had to step into this hall of power and have a meaningful conversation with Katsumasa Hayami, the helmsman of Toyo Electric Power.
“I have long admired Wang Sang, the president of the Tokyo Chinese Chamber of Commerce. After meeting him today, I can see that he is indeed a man of great stature, and his reputation is well-deserved!
Your coming is really an honor for Toyo Electric Power, and it adds a bit of glory to this small place." Hayami Katsumasa said as he slowly stood up from behind his desk and walked towards Wang Ping.
Every step he took seemed to be on the clouds, with a majesty that should not be underestimated.
Katsumasa Hayami's gray hair was slightly messy, and his entire left face was covered with burn marks. Although he looked hideous, he also added a bit of domineering invisibly.
With his financial resources and status, restoring his appearance would be a piece of cake, but he chose to keep this scar. Perhaps this scar has a meaning that he does not want to erase.
Wang Ping smiled, stretched out his right hand, his eyes full of respect, "President Hayami, you are too kind. I am just a businessman. How can I be compared with you?
Your prestige in Tokyo is such that the entire Tokyo Bay can tremble with just a stomp of your foot."
The two people's hands met in the air and held each other tightly. Although it was their first meeting, they were like old friends meeting again after a long separation.
"Mr. Wang, you are so polite. Please take a seat. Let's have a cup of good tea first, and then we can talk slowly." Hayami Katsumasa gently turned sideways and made a gesture of invitation.
After Wang Ping sat down, he clapped his hands lightly. A minute later, a pretty female secretary came in respectfully carrying a tea tray.
After serving tea to the two big men, the female secretary leaned over and left, closing the door of the president's office.
The aroma of tea rises up, interweaving with the night outside the window, adding a layer of mystery to the upcoming conversation.
The tea soup in the teacup is deep and crystal clear, like the purest amber in autumn, sparkling with an alluring luster.
Wang Ping took a sip and tasted it carefully with his eyes closed. He felt a warm current flowing from the tip of his tongue into his heart, warm and elegant. He couldn't help but shake his head and sighed: "This tea has a refreshing and mellow aroma, and its color is as warm as jade. It is really the best tea. President Hayami is really in a good mood. I feel honored and flattered to be treated with such a good tea!"
Upon hearing this, Hayami Katsumasa raised a faint smile and picked up the teacup. He was not in a hurry to taste it, but gently blew away the hot steam floating on the water. His movements were elegant and calm, as if every detail had been carefully crafted.
He took a sip, savored it carefully, and then smiled, “Wang Sang is indeed a man of elegance and refinement, and he also has unique insights into the tea ceremony.
Since Wang Sang likes it so much, I will have someone prepare a few copies for you to take back as a token of my appreciation."
After saying this, Hayami Katsumasa's expression slightly restrained, a trace of solemnity flashed in his eyes, and he changed the subject and said: "Wang Sang, there is an old saying in your country of China, so-called 'no one comes to the temple for no reason', Wang Sang, you may speak frankly, Katsumasa is all ears."
Upon hearing this, Wang Ping gently put down the exquisite teacup in his hand.
He stared at Hayami Katsumasa, with a firm look in his eyes: "President Hayami is straightforward, so I won't beat around the bush.
I came here this time because I was asked by the elders and fellow villagers of Chinatown to have a deep discussion with you about the reconstruction of Chinatown. "
His tone gradually deepened as he continued, "For the Chinese people there, Chinatown is not just a street, but the root of their lives for generations, where they make their living.
Once demolished, countless families will lose their means of survival. This is not only a material loss, but also a mental trauma. For them, it is tantamount to a catastrophe. "
At this point, Wang Ping seemed a little agitated. He stood up, put his hands behind his back, and looked through the window at the dimly lit Chinatown in the distance. His eyes were full of worry and reluctance. "So, I implore President Hayami to reconsider this decision and cancel the reconstruction plan for Chinatown."
Hayami Katsumasa's face darkened when he heard this, and he gently put down the teacup, "I can understand Wang Sang's feelings.
However, this matter concerns the future layout of Toyo Electric Power. We have invested a lot of money and effort. Withdrawing the investment at this moment is tantamount to self-destruction. The loss is huge and immeasurable.
Furthermore, the purchase conditions I offered to the owners of Chinatown were already extremely generous, far higher than the market price, and I have done my utmost.”
The two looked at each other for a moment, and the air was filled with an indescribable tension and solemnity, as if even the air around them was frozen.
Finally, Hayami Katsumasa spoke slowly, his tone revealing an unshakable determination: "Wang Sang, please tell the folks in Chinatown that Toyo Electric Power's decision will not change."
Upon hearing this, Wang Ping, president of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, suddenly changed his expression and became so gloomy that it seemed as if water could drip from it.
He immediately stood up and said, "President Hayami, if that's the case, I won't stay any longer. I will convey your meaning to every resident in Chinatown without missing a word."
After saying this, he waved his sleeves lightly, turned around and left resolutely.
Just as Wang Ping was about to step out of the door, Hayami Katsumasa's hurried voice sounded behind him: "Wang, please wait a moment, I have something else to say."
Wang Ping's footsteps slowed slightly when he heard the voice. He did not return to the house. He just stood there quietly and turned to face Hayami Katsumasa. "President Hayami, please speak frankly. I will listen attentively."
Seeing this, Hayami Katsumasa also stood up from his seat and said, "We Japanese have always valued etiquette and fairness. Although the two sides have different positions and it is difficult to compromise, we can follow Japan's ancient traditions to find a solution."
Wang Ping frowned slightly and asked directly and sharply, "So, what is the solution that President Hayami is referring to?"
Hayami Katsumasa slowly turned around, looked out the window at the night-shrouded scenery, and said in a deep voice: "Let's hold a boxing match with the future of Chinatown as the stakes."
……