Chapter 36: Special Agreement (Vote Requested)

Tao Zhiming leaned in for a closer look:

[Risa Tomizawa, Miho Yanagawa called]

[Invited Tao and Ueno for another gathering tonight]

[Contact number...]

He paused in surprise. Had Runa Onodera written this down? Those two women seemed reluctant to let go.

He immediately began to return the call. When the line connected, he had to ask someone to fetch Risa Tomizawa.

It appeared to be the phone at their workplace.

“Tao! You’re back? Honestly, I thought that woman earlier was your girlfriend...” Risa Tomizawa’s delighted voice carried a hint of playful reproach.

Tao Zhiming laughed. “Risa, I can’t make it lately, I’m really busy. I’ll have to head out again soon, and I already have plans tonight.”

“Eh?” Risa sounded a little disappointed. “But I really wanted to see you again…”

“Risa,” Tao Zhiming’s tone became more serious, “I’ll call you when things aren’t so hectic.”

“…” Risa was silent for a moment. “I understand, but my feelings are sincere.”

“I know.” Tao Zhiming smiled gently, his tone softening. “Ueno and Runa are staying at my place, so let me reach out to you when I’m free.”

“So I just have to wait?” she asked.

“Well, March is a busy month. That’s how it is—I still need to head out after lunch.” With that, he hung up, feeling unburdened, and exaggeratedly called out, “Miko, eat slower; it’s hot!”

When Runa Onodera returned, Miko Inoue was sipping the leftover soup from her noodles.

On the table sat an empty large bowl. Tao Zhiming was sitting casually on the floor, watching TV.

“Eh? Tao, did you come home to eat?” Runa seemed flustered. “I didn’t tell you, so…”

“It’s fine, I just made some noodles for myself,” Tao replied without turning.

Runa slipped off her shoes and walked over, just in time to see Miko set down the bowl, soup ringed around her lips as she declared, “Big brother’s noodles are delicious!”

“…” Runa eyed the clean bowl. Hadn’t this child just said she wasn’t hungry?

“Tao, so you’re good at cooking, too?”

Tao finally turned to smile at her. “When you live alone, you have to cook for yourself.”

Runa looked away as she tidied the table. “Um... I got a phone call before I left earlier…”

“I saw it. Already returned the call,” Tao said directly.

Runa carried the dishes into the kitchen. “So... will you have dinner at home tonight?”

She quickly added, “Since I’m staying here, I should be useful for something…”

“What’s for dinner tonight?” Tao shook his head. “Let’s go out together instead. And Runa, you should buy some nice clothes, tidy up your hair and face.”

“Eh?” Runa turned in surprise. “You’re coming with me?”

Tao nodded. “I have a great sense of style!”

Runa hurriedly turned away, murmuring, “Okay…”

Washing the dishes, she couldn’t help but curve her lips into a slight smile.

“I’m going to nap for a while. Runa, wake me at two-thirty, and then we’ll go see your company president together.”

“...Alright.”

Listening to the sounds behind her, she never looked back.

When she went to wash the pot, she noticed a bit of leftover soup inside. On a whim, she scooped a spoonful and tasted it.

Though it had cooled, the flavor... was remarkably good.

Runa Onodera stood there in a daze.

Tao... is truly a remarkable person.

As a man, he’d made lunch for Miko without a second thought?

She hadn’t actually eaten yet; standing there, she finished the onigiri Miko had left behind, tidied up the kitchen, then walked over to Miko. “Miko, you should take a nap, too.”

“…Okay.” Miko Inoue reluctantly put down her comic book and obediently headed for the bedroom.

Runa’s smile lingered on her face as she watched Miko go into her room and close the door. Then she prepared to tidy up the living room.

That’s when she noticed the crumpled paper Tao had tossed aside.

He clearly had time for a date tonight—was planning to take her shopping for clothes?

Was this just part of the job, or…

She quickly shook her head, focusing on cleaning. These weren’t thoughts she should indulge.

Still, after finishing her chores, she inexplicably found herself in the bathroom, gazing at her reflection.

Time had left its mark on her face; she was no longer the girl admired by so many boys.

The makeup she wore for work now couldn’t conceal the wrinkles beneath.

Could she… become beautiful again?

…

When Runa Onodera brought Tao Zhiming to the president’s office, she prepared to bow and leave.

Tao, however, said, “President Inoue, let her stay and listen.”

Inoue Ryu regarded the calm young man before him, nodded, and replied, “Of course. Runa, have a seat.”

Runa hurriedly bowed and sat quietly to the side, attentive.

Inoue Ryu gave Tao a measured look before speaking. “Tao, although there’s an intention to sell, the price you proposed isn’t realistic. Even face-to-face, I can’t accept your terms.”

“In that case, you won’t be able to buy this apartment from me,” Tao replied calmly. “If we drag this out, prices will keep rising. Once I decide which major company I’ll join, with an advance on my salary and a free apartment provided, it’ll be hard to find me, and my conditions will be even higher.”

Inoue Ryu was well aware of Tao’s background.

According to previous information, he was just a timid Tokyo University student—someone they thought Runa could easily persuade.

Unexpectedly, he’d suddenly become a different person.

The Wakato from Shindo Group had called today, saying Tao had exchanged six hundred thousand yen in gift certificates for cash last night—a figure worth keeping an eye on.

Inoue looked at Tao and asked, “So why are you here today? According to your plan, you could just keep stalling, couldn’t you?”

He spoke meaningfully. “After all, you’ve managed to establish some cooperation even with the Shindo Group.”

He had gotten a small piece of the pie from Saijo Holdings and had been introduced to work with the Shindo Group, using both gentle and dark methods, but neither seemed likely to succeed with Tao at present.

After all, it wasn’t yet the final deadline set by Saijo Holdings.

Before then, someone with the potential to wield the influence of powerful figures was not to be handled roughly.

If he became a major problem, it would cost more than it was worth.

Tao had seen this clearly, which was why he spoke with such confidence. “I’m here today to discuss a business deal with you, President Inoue.”

Inoue Ryu asked in surprise, “A deal?”

Tao smiled and nodded. “Yes. I can sell the apartment. But I want a special agreement—one I think you’ll be interested in, and it won’t interfere with your promise to Saijo Holdings.”

“…Go on.” Inoue couldn’t help but listen intently.

Runa sat quietly beside them, silently listening, her heart in turmoil.

Why was it that even the usually stern and powerful president fell into the rhythm of Tao’s conversation?

She was curious now—just what kind of special agreement did Tao have in mind?