Chapter 49: Dedicated ATM (Please Vote)

Tao Zhiming had no idea who the person Ueda Kana was bringing along might be; all he knew was that it was a girl. Whatever he needed to discuss with Ueda Kana, it could easily be handled over tea or dinner in a quiet corner, persuading her wouldn’t take much time at all.

So, he hadn’t actually booked two separate seats, making the other girl sit alone—which would have been rather foolish. Yet when he saw who was walking over with Ueda Kana, Tao Zhiming was so stunned he simply sat there, forgetting to rise.

This reaction, seen by both Ueda Kana and Kawashima Shizuko, stirred different feelings in each of them.

Ueda Kana smiled, thinking: As expected, he’s really surprised, isn’t he?

Kawashima Shizuko, on the other hand, found herself thinking: Isn’t he just as dull as before? But those Armani clothes he’s wearing aren’t cheap. He’d said before that although he’d nearly spent all his money, he’d soon find a good company to convince her, hadn’t he?

Tao Zhiming’s shock lasted only a moment, but to two observant onlookers, that fleeting reaction was magnified.

He quickly regained his composure, stood up, and said with a teasing smile, “Well, this is unexpected. Kana-chan, you set me up—so you’re paying for this meal.”

“Weren’t you the one who said you wanted to ask me for a favor? If you put it like that, I’ll have to seriously reconsider whether I should help you at all,” Ueda Kana replied with a light laugh, fencing with him gently.

“You won’t refuse,” Tao Zhiming said with certainty, only then turning his gaze to Kawashima Shizuko.

The way he spoke with Ueda Kana just now, and the tone she used in response, left Kawashima Shizuko in shock.

Ueda Kana was right; Tao Dairo really wasn’t the same as before. In the past, he’d been awkward and tongue-tied—how could he have spoken so naturally and fluently with a girl like Ueda Kana, let alone call her “Kana-chan” in such a familiar, teasing way?

Moreover, ever since he stood up, he seemed taller and more imposing than she remembered. Typically, suits can look a little oversized on people, but on him, the Armani fit perfectly, exuding an impressive aura. Was it because he’d always been tall?

Yet when he looked at her a second time, the expression was utterly different from the earlier surprise—now there was indifference, calm, a touch of contempt… Kawashima Shizuko read a torrent of emotions in that glance.

Then came his voice, equally calm: “I didn’t expect it would be you. Ueda Kana, for the sake of the favor I want to ask, I’ll let this go. But now, you owe me.”

Kawashima Shizuko had planned it all out—when they met, she’d say, “The past is in the past, but at least we can still be friends.” She’d thought such words, based on Tao Dairo’s old self, would make him overjoyed, maybe even rekindle some hope.

But now, she couldn’t say them at all.

He was speaking to Ueda Kana with that commanding tone, as if bringing her along was some grievous offense.

Irritated, Kawashima Shizuko rebuked him, “Tao Dairo! How can you speak to Kana and me like that?”

Tao Zhiming shot her a cold glance, a look that sent a chill through her. For some reason, she felt a hint of fear, realizing that he was truly different now, and she’d fallen into the old habit of scolding him as she used to.

“What do you think?” Tao Zhiming turned to Ueda Kana.

Ueda Kana felt that sensation again, as if she were facing a father figure—powerful, unquestionable. She wanted to retort, “You’re the one asking me for a favor!” or brush it off with, “Well, you two dated once, maybe you could reconcile.” But in truth, she had intended to sit back and watch the show.

Now, faced with his earnest question, Ueda Kana recalled her father’s teachings, lowered her head, and admitted, “Forgive me, I didn’t consider things carefully.”

Only then did Tao Zhiming extend his hand. “Please, have a seat. Since we’re all here, perhaps it’s best to settle things.”

Kawashima Shizuko felt dazed. Why had he changed so much? Every gesture and word carried the bearing of someone who wielded immense authority.

Once Ueda Kana sat down, she realized he’d seen through her intentions from the moment they walked in. After all, on the phone, she’d only said she was bringing a friend, not that it was Kawashima Shizuko, someone who had meant so much to him.

And with just a few words, he’d saddled her with the burden of being “improper.” She’d come expecting to be asked for a favor, but now, with a cooler head, she genuinely felt she’d been in the wrong.

After all, from Kawashima Shizuko’s own stories, she’d been rather cruel to Tao Dairo back then.

Ueda Kana glanced at Tao Zhiming, who was now calmly telling the waiter they were ready to order, exuding the confidence of someone in charge.

Strong men always have strong pride.

That cold look he’d given Kawashima Shizuko just now—he must still be furious, she thought, but on the surface, he seemed perfectly composed.

Tao Zhiming turned back to Ueda Kana and saw her quickly avert her gaze, only to meet his eyes again. “Is what you want to ask me something Shizuko shouldn’t hear?”

Sitting beside Ueda Kana, Kawashima Shizuko began to feel inexplicably agitated. Having once been so dominant around him, now things had flipped, and she was completely unsettled.

Yet, hearing that, she had no intention of leaving. It was a point of pride—something she stubbornly clung to whenever she was with Tao Dairo.

Tao Zhiming smirked. “Let me ask first, Kawashima Shizuko, you clearly knew she was coming to see me. So why did you come along? What are you planning?”

“I…” Kawashima Shizuko’s tone was defensive at first, but under his gaze, she softened. “Although we had a very unpleasant breakup… after all, we’re still classmates.”

Tao Zhiming sighed inwardly. Dairo, Dairo, what a pitiful lapdog you were—see what became of you? At least you’ve finally left that behind.

What kind of man was he now? The moment he saw the two women arrive together, he’d instantly guessed what was going on.

Being invited to Ueda Kana’s home meant their relationship was more than just old classmates—they might even be close friends.

Whether best friends really share everything is anyone’s guess, but Ueda Kana had obviously told her about him before bringing her along. Was this green tea Kawashima Shizuko here because she’d heard the lapdog had finally grown a spine and wanted to see if she could reel him back in as a backup ATM?

Tao Zhiming nodded. “Classmates—that can’t be changed. But knowing we broke up on such bad terms, I’m surprised you can stand before me so calmly. That’s just like you, Kawashima Shizuko. But remember, I am not who I was. Now that you see the man I am, aren’t you afraid of retribution?”

“Tao-kun…” Ueda Kana’s face changed at these words; she hadn’t expected him to be so aggressive, even mentioning revenge.

Kawashima Shizuko’s expression darkened and lightened by turns. She reflexively protested, “I was the one who broke up with you—you were the one who kept chasing after me…”

“It doesn’t matter,” Tao Zhiming sneered. “Just don’t make the mistake of treating me like the old Tao Dairo. It’s good you’re here; now you can get to know the new me. Don’t wait until school starts and you hear rumors about what I’ve become, only to start chasing after me again—that would be rather disgusting.”

Kawashima Shizuko could endure no more. She shot to her feet and said, “Who do you think you are? As if I’d ever chase after you. Kana, I’m leaving!”

And she really did leave.

Tao Zhiming didn’t even turn his head, sipping his juice leisurely. When the waiter came over, he said nonchalantly, “See? Problem solved. Now it’s just the two of us.”

Only then did Ueda Kana turn her astonished gaze away from him.

Was that his answer to whether Shizuko should be present—just drive her away outright?

She began to regret bringing Kawashima Shizuko at all.

When she got home, she’d surely be greeted by a storm of curses and complaints from Kawashima Shizuko.