Chapter 50: I Want to Spar Swords with You (Special May Day Bonus—Vote Requested)

With things having reached this point, Shana Ueda couldn’t help but ask, “Didn’t you say you had something you wanted to ask of me? After making such a scene, aren’t you afraid I’ll leave with her?”

Tao Zhimin replied indifferently, “Rather than saying I need your help, it’s more accurate to say I was considering a collaboration. I’m not particularly invested in the outcome—we’ve only met once, after all. Do you want to leave and comfort her?”

Shana Ueda was at a loss for words, while Tao Zhimin had already finished ordering his food and asked her, “Are you leaving? If so, as the price for mocking me, pay for my meal.”

Among all the peers Shana Ueda had met, she’d never encountered someone like this.

Was this guy serious?

At that moment, Shana Ueda truly did feel like walking away. Yet she still asked, “Aren’t you actually furious right now, because I’ve wounded your pride, only you’re forcing yourself to stay calm? You seem to be deliberately venting your emotions at me.”

Tao Zhimin looked at her oddly. “You’re overthinking it. By the way, why are you women all so keen on analyzing men’s psychology? From how you acted the last time we met, I thought you were rather wise—perhaps I was mistaken. Miss Ueda, people are still waiting here. Are you going to listen to what I have to say or not?”

After hearing this, Shana Ueda settled into her seat. “Looks like if I don’t hear you out, you’ll completely underestimate me.”

Tao Zhimin shook his head in silence.

As expected, her attitude last time was just the facade of someone being chased after and, as vice president of the Kendo Club, maintaining her dignity. After all, she was just another university student, barely in her twenties—how much cunning or experience could she really have?

Just one remark, and her competitive spirit was instantly provoked.

Once she finished ordering, Tao Zhimin said, “See, since you two are so close, there’s no way you don’t know how she used to treat me, right? Bringing her to see me—was it just for spectacle? With such childish motives, I’m starting to doubt whether I should collaborate with you.”

Shana Ueda protested, “I simply... thought maybe you two could start over. She’s broken up with that guy and has been miserable these past days...”

“You must be joking.”

The look Tao Zhimin gave her made Shana Ueda feel frustrated. “It’s just concern from a friend! What’s wrong with that?”

Tao Zhimin didn’t bother to respond, letting out a sigh instead. “If you can be good friends with a woman like her, I’m reconsidering—let’s not talk about collaborating after all. You can buy me this meal, and let’s call your attempt to embarrass me even.”

Shana Ueda’s frustration turned to anger. “Are you questioning my character?”

Tao Zhimin was unperturbed. “People with different values won’t walk the same path. Of course, it’s natural you became friends through your past ties. But let me give you a word of advice: spending time with a woman like her, you should be prepared to be viewed with suspicion by people like me.”

“Explain what kind of woman she is!” Shana Ueda demanded.

Tao Zhimin saw the displeasure in her eyes and suddenly realized, “That’s right—a woman like her would never admit fault in front of you. She knows she’s no saint, but she’s smart enough to get into Tokyo University, and she played the former Tao Dailang like a fiddle—she’s far from foolish. She’d never do those things in front of you, nor tell you the real story.”

With a meaningful smile, Tao Zhimin continued, “I have no interest in discussing what kind of woman she is. But if you’re worried she’ll be angry with you when you return, rest assured. She might be upset, but she’ll definitely be very curious about what I said to you, and then deny it all. Clearly, she had the confidence to meet me in front of you. After all, before...”

Tao Zhimin sighed. “Forget it. That’s all. If you’re interested, you can find out for yourself what kind of woman she really is.”

Shana Ueda was half convinced, half skeptical as she listened. “Yokohisa Yamane said you’re madly in love with Azuko. If she’s not a good person, why would a man like you...”

“The former Tao Dailang was an absolute fool!”

Hearing such an inelegant word, Shana Ueda was a bit embarrassed.

Being cursed to her face, she instinctively apologized, “Sorry, maybe I really misunderstood.”

Tao Zhimin didn’t know if Tao Dailang would spring from his grave or be mortified, but the words were heartfelt.

It’s normal for young men to be fools; it’s enough to grow up. But if you go so far as to throw your life away, what more is there to say?

No doubt Tao Dailang’s parents would wholeheartedly agree with this assessment and, in the afterlife, deliver a double blow out of disappointment.

When the meal arrived, Shana Ueda tried to find a topic. “Anyway, since there’s nothing urgent, why did you ask to meet me? Go ahead, tell me.”

Tao Zhimin smiled. “What’s wrong? Don’t want to be underestimated?”

Shana Ueda stiffened. “Hey!”

She really did feel that way. What was with “reconsidering,” “viewed with suspicion”?

He’d clearly gone to the Kendo Club, had someone contact her, as if it were something important; now he refused to say a word, making her feel as if she were one of those “bad women like Kawashima Azuko” in his eyes.

Shana Ueda, whose competitive spirit was strong to begin with, couldn’t stand it.

“...You’re right, sitting here with nothing to talk about is rather dull.” Tao Zhimin looked at her with a smiling gaze.

When she’d carried herself with that air of martial pride last time, she was merely ordinary, albeit attractive. Now, pursing her lips and furrowing her brow in annoyance, she had an unexpected charm.

Under his gaze, Shana Ueda sensed something else in his eyes. She looked away, lowered her head, and began to eat. “So, out with it.”

Tao Zhimin took a sip of his drink. “Actually, I know your Kendo Club has its own facilities. I’d like you to arrange a small private office for me. Rent is negotiable. That way, the club can have an extra source of funding.”

Shana Ueda looked up, astonished. “An office? What for?”

She really had misunderstood; it had nothing to do with Kawashima Azuko.

Tao Zhimin replied nonchalantly, “I bought a machine and want to do some research on finance. As long as there’s a dedicated phone line, I’ll provide the rest of the equipment myself.”

“Research finance?” Shana Ueda gave him a strange look. “You bought a machine? Which company did you choose? Are you preparing for a job before joining?”

Tao Zhimin was happy for her to think that, so he nodded. “Nothing finalized yet, but I had a good conversation with Nomura Securities.”

“So that’s it...” Shana Ueda murmured. “The Kendo Club does have vacant rooms, but I’d have to ask the president and advisor first.”

“Is it really that much trouble? Aren’t you the vice president? Can’t you handle something so minor?” Tao Zhimin pressed. “I’m willing to pay rent.”

“It’s school property!” Shana Ueda glared at him. “Don’t keep provoking me! I won’t take on your request just because of your words. You just questioned my character!”

“I apologize.” Tao Zhimin switched gears without the slightest discomfort. “I know, with your charm, such a small matter is no trouble at all. By the way, if I join the Kendo Club, wouldn’t it be more convenient as a member?”

The way he said it made Shana Ueda feel that hearing “with your charm” from his mouth could never be a full compliment. “Join the Kendo Club? You’re graduating tomorrow...”

“Do you not accept seniors?” Tao Zhimin thought for a moment. “But Teacher Shana, I want to learn swordplay from you.”

“It’s kendo! And who’s your teacher?” Shana Ueda felt her worldview flip—this guy’s persona kept changing. First confident and lazy, then stern and cold, now shameless and thick-skinned.

Tao Zhimin said sincerely, “I want to get in shape! I heard Teacher Shana is strong in kendo, so of course I want to learn from the best!”

“Sorry, you’ve already missed the time to lay a foundation.” Shana Ueda was exasperated by his persistence. The idea of him learning from her, paired with his demeanor, felt somehow ill-intentioned.

“How can you say that? As long as the will is strong, it’s never too late! I’m determined to become a man with a mighty sword!” Tao Zhimin declared solemnly.

Shana Ueda felt his wording and phrasing were a bit off, but nothing seemed outright wrong.

“In any case, let me talk to the president and advisor first!”