Chapter 33: Do You Like Housewives?

Yosuke Ueno felt awkward inside—how could this guy say such things right in front of her?

“…I like peaches. Mr. Tao thinks I’m extorting him…”

Tao Zhiming had already changed into a comfortable jacket and stepped out. “You are extorting me.”

“How much did you get today? Give me a little, won’t you? All my money has already…” He stopped himself, giving a meaningful wink.

Tao Zhiming couldn’t help but laugh—was he that drained last night?

“Then go earn some tomorrow!” Tao Zhiming sat down to watch the news. “It’s not as if you need money urgently. Miko, eat your dinner properly. I’ll let you watch your cartoons after. Runa, did you set the meeting with your president?”

“…Yes, tomorrow afternoon.”

“Good. By the way, how’s work going? Do you have any promising targets, anyone likely to close a deal before you leave?”

“Huh?” Runa Onodera blinked, suddenly recalling how formidable he was, and she replied, “Actually, there are three…but maybe I’m mistaken. Some who seemed interested before have made it clear today that they’re not…”

She began introducing the three clients, but Tao Zhiming seemed entirely absorbed in the news, barely listening.

Yet now and then, he would ask a question or prompt her to continue.

When she finished her account of the three, Tao Zhiming finally turned to her and said, “Two of them are just stringing you along. One has ulterior motives.”

He gave her a meaningful look.

Hearing this, Runa lowered her head. She understood what Tao Zhiming meant—one of them might be hoping she would offer the same terms she once did to Tao Zhiming.

“Just focus your efforts on that old man Okawa.”

“But…he gave very solid reasons…” Runa stammered.

Tao Zhiming chuckled. “Reminiscence only matters when one is lonely. The more someone clings to memories, the more it shows that loneliness is their greatest weakness.”

“What should I do, then…” Runa’s heart skipped, and as she watched his smile, her thoughts drifted back to his earlier, significant glance.

“Find him an auntie,” Tao Zhiming said, grinning. “He’s got a house in Minato ward, his children are grown and independent, and all he lacks is a companion. Trust me—once he has an auntie he likes, he’ll listen to her opinions.”

Runa was left speechless. What kind of logic was this?

But as she thought about it…there was sense in it…

“He doesn’t resist your visits, right?” Tao Zhiming asked. “He actually enjoys having someone to talk to. Haven’t you noticed?”

“Now that you say it…he does,” Runa admitted after some thought.

“Then that’s it. Focus your energy on finding him a suitable auntie.” Tao Zhiming beamed, clearly amused. “If you succeed, you’ll definitely be thanked.”

“But!” Runa couldn’t help but ask, “Won’t his son object?”

“You have to try, don’t you?” Tao Zhiming replied ambiguously. “Unless you have a better idea.”

“I see…” Runa pondered, then said, “I understand!”

Tao Zhiming stood up. “I’m going to take a shower and get some rest. It’s been a long day.”

He switched the TV back to the channel Miko was watching, then went to the bedroom for clothes and headed to the bathroom.

Runa mulled over his advice, finished her meal, and continued tidying up the house.

When Tao Zhiming emerged from his shower, she approached with her hands clasped in front of her. “Let me take care of the laundry…”

He glanced at her and handed her his clothes. “Just put them in the washing machine for now. Since you’ve moved in, I have a few things to say.”

“…Alright!”

He returned to his room without closing the door.

After putting away the laundry, Runa entered Tao Zhiming’s bedroom for the first time. She didn’t look around; she simply heard him say, “Have a seat.”

He motioned to the chair by the desk. She sat, and he stood beside her, leaning against the desk, very close.

Looking down at her, he said, “Runa, I want you to help me with two things.”

“Tao, please tell me what to do!”

Tao Zhiming smiled. “You’re ready to do what I ask, even before I mention payment?”

“I…trust you.”

“Is that so…” He thought for a moment, then called out, “Yosuke, come here.”

Yosuke Ueno came at once, curious about what Tao Zhiming would say to Runa.

Tao Zhiming pointed to the bed. “I remember you went to an integrated private school, didn’t you?”

Runa’s heart leapt as she looked at Yosuke expectantly.

“Yes…why?” Yosuke replied.

“As an outstanding alumnus, could you contact your old teachers and recommend Miko? I’ll pay the normal fees; just ask them to look after her. It shouldn’t be difficult, right?” Tao Zhiming smiled.

Yosuke straightened, his tone solemn. “Of course! Leave it to me!”

Runa bowed deeply. “I really…don’t know how to thank you enough…”

Tao Zhiming went on, “The tuition will be much higher, but don’t worry. The first thing I want you to do is look for properties for sale in Tokyo. They don’t have to be fancy, or in a specific location, or even newly built. I only need a house—ideally with freehold land.”

Runa was confused. “Not picky at all?”

Yosuke, too inexperienced in such matters, had no idea what Tao Zhiming was up to.

Tao Zhiming nodded. “Yes. Once the mortgage is approved, I’ll start buying property. It’s best if you can help me find suitable listings in that window. No need to haggle too much; time and speed matter more. I’ll use a fifty million yen loan as the down payment, and finance the rest with a bank mortgage.”

Yosuke exclaimed, “Another loan? The interest—”

Tao Zhiming waved him off. “Don’t worry about that. Runa, is the first task clear?”

Runa asked no further and nodded. “I understand!”

Tao Zhiming smiled. “The second thing…starting tomorrow, Runa, I want you to get some beauty treatments.”

Both she and Yosuke were dumbfounded.

“…What?”

Tao Zhiming stood up, took an envelope from the desk drawer, and began counting the money inside.

“As expected, another half a million today?”

“Four hundred thousand…” Tao Zhiming sounded dissatisfied. “Too modest—Mogami Holdings. Using six hundred thousand in shopping vouchers to make it a million looks more impressive, but what’s the point?”

Yosuke surrendered; he decided never to ask about these matters again—it was too much.

“You went to Mogami Holdings today?” he asked, curious. “Didn’t they buy up this area? Are you planning something else?”

“…Never mind about that.” Tao Zhiming counted out three hundred thousand yen and handed it to Runa. “Your other job is to frequent beauty salons and department stores—places where wealthy housewives gather. Transform yourself into a beautiful, confident woman, and at the same time, get to know those women who control their families’ finances.”

Runa was completely lost, staring at the three hundred thousand yen.

Yosuke scratched his head in confusion. “Just what are you…”

Tao Zhiming simply said, “Do you understand? My target is those housewives who hold the family purse strings.”

Runa stared at him, bewildered.

She really didn’t understand.

Do you…like housewives?