Yueshan Guanmu's apology echoed through the silent Anteiku Coffee Shop, each word clear and sincere, his posture incredibly humble, forming a subtle contrast with the invisible aura around him.
He straightened up, his gaze meeting He Xi Qian Yu's with an open expression.
He Xi Qian Yu raised his head, a cold smile playing on his lips.
He understood Yueshan Guanmu's low posture—the other party intended to pressure him using Yoshimura's consistent principle of 'Ghoul mutual aid'.
After all, if Fangcun Gongshan were here, with his benevolence, Yue Shan Xi would likely have been released by now.
"Yoshimura happened to be out on an errand," He Xi Qian Yu's voice returned to its slightly lazy tone, but there was no smile in his eyes. "We accept your apology, Mr. Yueshan."
He Xi Qian Yu's voice returned to that slightly lazy tone: "So, how do you plan to deal with this 'trouble' in front of you?"
He tilted his chin in Yue Shan Xi's direction.
Yueshan Guanmu's gaze swept over his son again, the hint of heartache well-hidden behind his deep eyes.
He turned to He Xi Qian Yu, his tone calm: "My son has made a grave mistake and naturally needs to pay the price and accept punishment. The Yueshan family is willing to bear all reasonable compensation, including all medical expenses, emotional damages for Jin Mu, Dong Xiang, and Mr. Nishio, as well as compensation for the trouble caused to Anteiku Coffee Shop. The specific amount will be determined by you."
He paused, taking a small step forward: "In addition, to express my utmost sincerity and ensure that such incidents never happen again, I am willing to provide Mr. Tsuruki-xiansheng with... information you might find interesting."
He Xi Qian Yu's eyebrow twitched almost imperceptibly: "Oh? What information is worth your son's freedom and safety?"
Yueshan Guanmu's lips still held that gentle smile, but his gaze became unusually sharp: "It's about 'Kirishima Arata'."
These two words were like stones cast into a calm lake, creating ripples within the Anteiku Coffee Shop. He instantly understood what Yueshan Guanmu was referring to—it was precisely the information he had previously revealed to Dong Xiang about Kirishima Arata being imprisoned in Kukulia and used for Kouink production.
The only thing that puzzled him was that he had just mentioned this to Dong Xiang yesterday, and today Yueshan Guanmu was using it as a condition.
"Did this guy eavesdrop on our conversation?" He Xi Qian Yu asked Slaughter in his mind.
[...He's very smart...] Slaughter's voice echoed in He Xi Qian Yu's mind, [...It's not eavesdropping...]
Yueshan Guanmu seemed oblivious to He Xi Qian Yu's fleeting surprise, continuing calmly: "I know, Miss Kirishima... and her brother, must be very concerned about their father's whereabouts. And regarding Kirishima Arata's specific location, guard deployment, rotation patterns, and... 'special channels' to avoid detection, safely approach, and obtain more accurate information..."
He deliberately emphasized the last few words, "I think the value of this information should be enough to exchange for a solution acceptable to both of us."
He Xi Qian Yu's eyes narrowed.
Even if the Yueshan family's influence was vast, it was impossible for them to know such highly classified information.
"Where did you get this information?" He Xi Qian Yu stared at Yueshan Guanmu, "Was it from Washu?"
For the first time, Yueshan Guanmu's smile showed an extremely subtle ripple, a hint of genuine surprise flashing in his eyes before quickly receding, restoring his composed control: "It seems Mr. Tsuruki-xiansheng knows far more than I imagined..."
He nodded slightly, "Indeed, it is Washu."
Yueshan Guanmu tilted his head slightly, his gaze seemingly sweeping over Dong Xiang nearby, then returning to He Xi Qian Yu.
"Of course," Yueshan Guanmu added, his tone seasoned and astute, "the detail and reliability of this information depend on the consensus we ultimately reach, and the 'appropriateness' of how my son is handled. I believe a wise person like Mr. Tsuruki-xiansheng would not refuse a win-win opportunity. After all, having one more friend, especially a resourceful one, is always better than having one more enemy to constantly guard against, wouldn't you agree?"
"Are you threatening me?" He Xi Qian Yu's voice suddenly dropped to freezing, an almost tangible pressure radiating from him. "Mr. Yueshan, while I don't know what gives you the confidence to come alone, if I wished, you would absolutely not leave the Anteiku Coffee Shop today."
He took a step closer, his voice filled with confidence: "To tell you the truth, we do know Kirishima Arata is in Kukulia. Frankly, if I wanted to, the entire Kukulia's security forces couldn't stop me. I could easily Slaughter all the troublesome CCG members inside, then search every single cell."
"You can certainly try that, Mr. Tsuruki-xiansheng," Yueshan Guanmu nodded slightly, maintaining his composed smile, "I have no doubt about the destructive power of a Ghoul."
"However," he changed his tone, his eyes deepening, "without information on the specific location, cell number, or even whether Kirishima Arata is in a special isolation zone, how would you precisely find him before the CCG transfers him in an emergency? After a failed hasty operation, trying to locate him again... would be as difficult as ascending to the heavens."
There was one unspoken thought in his heart: he simply didn't believe He Xi Qian Yu could single-handedly breach Kukulia.
While a Ghoul was powerful, the CCG was by no means a paper tiger. Especially Arima Kishou, the "White Reaper" stationed at the headquarters—even the SSS-rated "One-Eyed Owl" suffered a great loss at his hands, having both arms severed.
No matter how strong He Xi Qian Yu was, could he be stronger than that One-Eyed Owl?
The air solidified again.
Kaneki Ken watched He Xi Qian Yu nervously, while Dong Xiang held her breath, the pain in her abdomen seemingly temporarily suppressed by the shock of this news. Yue Shan Xi lay on the sofa, gazing at his father with complex emotions.
He Xi Qian Yu remained silent, his fingers unconsciously tapping in his pants pocket. The only reason he knew Kirishima Arata was in Kukulia was due to his foreknowledge as a transmigrator. Once the CCG detected the risk and transferred Kirishima Arata early, finding him in the vast sea of people would be like searching for a needle in a haystack.
He seemed... to truly have no better choice.
Yueshan Guanmu waited patiently, his face still adorned with that refined and composed smile, as if certain the other party would accept the proposal.
[...What do you say... Should I tear him apart?...] Slaughter's voice, filled with strong impatience, clamored in He Xi Qian Yu's mind.
"Mr. Yueshan," he finally spoke, his voice not loud, but clearly breaking the silence, "I must say, you are truly a... very, very interesting businessman."
He took a step forward, his gaze fixed on Yueshan Guanmu's deep eyes.
"This deal..." He Xi Qian Yu paused, "We can talk."