Chapter 61: The Feeling of a Stirred Heart

"Mr. Tao, seeing you here is both unexpected and perfectly reasonable," said Hiroshi Omimi. After exchanging pleasantries, the six of them moved to a reception room.

On the side of Saijo Holdings were Hidekaze Kinoshita and his planning director. On the side of Tomokazu, naturally, were Hiroshi Omimi and the vice president. Yosuke Ueno, meanwhile, had been brought in by Tao Zhiming to witness the negotiations.

"President Omimi, what do you mean by that?" Hidekaze Kinoshita, not rushing to speak, smiled and began with some casual conversation.

Hiroshi Omimi replied simply, "Everyone wants his expertise. Now it seems Saijo Holdings has the upper hand."

Hidekaze Kinoshita shook his head. "I think differently from you, President Omimi. Tao, since the two gentlemen from Tomokazu are also here, why don't you explain how you think our two companies might cooperate?"

"Certainly." Tao Zhiming signaled to the four and began by introducing the previous model for the commercial complex.

Hiroshi Omimi listened, noting it was more detailed than what Tao had previously told him, yet crucially, Tao made no mention of the residential aspect.

"...Saijo Holdings has always focused on real estate development. If we wish to create a new model for the commercial component, the best method is to partner with a company like Tomokazu. My suggestion is that both parties co-invest to establish a joint company dedicated to the development and operation of commercial real estate."

"Within this framework, Saijo Holdings brings development experience, Tomokazu provides a robust supply chain. Once the commercial complex is built, the entertainment venues invested in by Saijo Holdings and the superstores established by Tomokazu would become the core attractions, ensuring a stable customer base. With these core venues, along with the attractive planning of Saijo Gokurakucho, and flexible strategies such as rental in place of sale, the cycle becomes complete."

Tao Zhiming spoke earnestly. "Given the large capital required for this plan, bringing in a powerful, resource-rich conglomerate like Tomokazu would be a wise choice. Saijo Holdings lacks deep experience in the commercial sector; I believe it is best for Tomokazu to hold the majority. Both sides should sign clear agreements regarding the entertainment and superstore components. This would firmly anchor the foundations of Saijo Gokurakucho."

"Moreover, this would allow the commercial section of Saijo Gokurakucho to commence immediately. Concentrating efforts first on the planned commercial district, relocating residents, and completing the commercial sector would let Tomokazu start reaping returns quickly, while Saijo Holdings would see greater residential sales prospects."

While Hidekaze Kinoshita and Hiroshi Omimi were deliberating, Tao Zhiming continued, "With the early development of the commercial district, Saijo Gokurakucho, combined with Tomokazu's strong cash flow and profitability, this would be a high-quality project banks would compete to finance. Cooperation between our companies would give this project an advantage over all others in Tokyo. Everyone can see the rising consumer power and desire."

"If managed well, the presale model can also be applied to the commercial district. Or, we can make it an investment product. Interest rates are falling, and people are considering withdrawing savings for higher returns. Stocks and forex require high expertise; residential real estate has a high capital threshold."

"But with rental in place of sale, we can attract substantial funds. Since superstores, cinemas, karaoke venues, and so forth are leased in bulk by Saijo Holdings and Tomokazu, we can even divide this by unit area, guaranteeing investors a return, and thus channel these funds into development."

"For such a large project, financial institutions would even establish dedicated mutual credit associations to serve it. With the combined strength of Saijo Holdings and Tomokazu, is there a better real estate investment in Tokyo? Every individual who invests in Saijo Gokurakucho will bring more friends, further expanding its customer base."

The reception room fell silent. Tao Zhiming had spoken at length, and the four others were processing his words.

Yosuke Ueno, meanwhile, struggled to digest it all. Much was beyond his understanding, but he sensed its importance.

Hidekaze Kinoshita finally understood the parts Tao had previously withheld. Good heavens—he had devised a comprehensive solution for the development and operation of the commercial district.

Not only would the funding come from both Saijo Holdings and Tomokazu, but also from direct loans from the financial system, and from social investment via innovative "presale" methods. The development process would secure the investment entities for core venues, boosting customer flow potential. As a result, recruiting smaller supporting businesses would become much easier. Furthermore, with the commercial district underway and poised as a future hotspot, residential property prices would rise.

At the operation stage, Tao had emphasized the importance of cultural packaging, making the project stand out as more refined and upscale compared to other chaotic, old commercial districts. In a future where everyone has more money, people naturally seek better places to spend it.

The plan was seamless, each step linked to the next.

Hidekaze Kinoshita checked the time and sighed. "It's just about lunchtime. Let's discuss the details over a meal."

Hiroshi Omimi stood up, first offering polite words to Hidekaze Kinoshita, then looked at Tao Zhiming with a complex expression.

"President Omimi, what do you think of the plan?" Tao Zhiming asked with a smiling gaze.

What did he think? Hiroshi Omimi thought it was excellent, especially with Tao's proposal for Tomokazu to hold the majority in the commercial real estate joint venture.

It sounded as though Tao Zhiming was repaying his previous "courtesies," repeatedly emphasizing Saijo Holdings' lack of expertise in the commercial sector, making Tomokazu an indispensable partner.

But the land was controlled by Saijo Holdings. Would Hidekaze Kinoshita agree to such a model?

So Hiroshi Omimi replied, "At last, we have a truly detailed solution from Tao. It is astonishing."

He meant it. From the vision for Saijo Gokurakucho to the concrete execution strategy, every challenge previously raised by the chairman had been addressed. The solutions, tailored to the current situation, were impeccable.

The plan considered the changing landscape of finance and consumption, and how to revitalize the asset post-development. There would surely be details to refine, but the crucial point was the alliance between Saijo Holdings and Tomokazu.

Risks were shared; prospects broadened.

As Hiroshi Omimi conversed with them, he couldn't help but worry: would Saijo Holdings make concessions, allowing Tomokazu to take the lead?

He was genuinely tempted, and he believed the chairman would be too.

Tao Zhiming asked Hidekaze Kinoshita, "If such cooperation is achieved, it would surely add value to the land Saijo Holdings acquired, wouldn't it?"

Hidekaze Kinoshita merely chuckled, "Let's dine first."

Tao Zhiming smiled, causing Yosuke Ueno beside him to feel restless with curiosity.

When Yosuke met his gaze, Tao Zhiming shook his head slightly, saying nothing more.

Indeed, whether Tao Zhiming, Hidekaze Kinoshita, or Hiroshi Omimi, none were without their own schemes.

Devising this solution had truly taken some effort.

Hidekaze Kinoshita of Saijo Holdings was no simple adversary.