"Medical equipment for Gan'an Shinomiya?"
Lacus looked surprised as she set the noodles before Luo Shu, then shook her head:
"If it's him, no cutting-edge medical equipment can help."
"After all, what he's suffering from isn't illness—it's a curse."
"A curse?" Luo Shu looked up, startled.
"Yes, a curse." Lacus untied her apron as she explained. "To be precise, it's the side effect of an Abyss Artefact."
"Though current intel hasn't identified the specific artefact, our Intelligence Department's investigation suggests Gan'an Shinomiya likely obtained an Abyss Artefact that enhances financial fortune during his youth."
"It was precisely because of that Abyss Artefact that the Shinomiya Group, which could only be considered decent at best, developed under Gan'an Shinomiya's leadership into Japan's pillar zaibatsu with total assets exceeding 200 trillion yen and tens of thousands of holding companies within just twenty to thirty years."
"Of course, while external forces were involved, Gan'an Shinomiya's capabilities are beyond question."
"After all, no incompetent person could develop a conglomerate to this scale under the watchful eyes of so many powerful figures, regardless of how prosperous their financial luck might be."
"However, the Shinomiya Group's wealth only lasts this generation."
Lacus's tone carried a hint of pity as she continued:
"To protect the Shinomiya family during a crisis, Gan'an Shinomiya once made a deal with an American zaibatsu."
"Upon his natural death, that Abyss Artefact would automatically transfer to the Azrael family of America, while the wealth would remain with the Shinomiya family."
She added: "The Azrael family controls America's defence procurement and arms manufacturing. They're... our business partners."
"And according to certain agreements, that Abyss Artefact will eventually be handed over to us by the Azraels."
"Oh? The Azrael family among America's six major arms giants? They have agreements with you, Lacus? That's news to me."
Luo Shu was surprised that Gan'an Shinomiya's commercial empire had involved an Abyss Artefact, but upon reflection, such development seemed perfectly reasonable.
In class-stratified Japan, reaching the Shinomiya Group's scale without support from the mystic side would have been impossible for Gan'an Shinomiya without external assistance.
The financial fortune bestowed by the Abyss Artefact, combined with backing from the American military controlled by arms giants like the Azrael family.
No wonder Gan'an Shinomiya could expand the Shinomiya family to such a scale under the Japanese government's nose.
Yet the wealth-focused Shinomiya family ultimately attracted the Japanese government's attention precisely because of this fortune.
At this moment, Luo Shu recalled the unofficial history of Shen Wansan, who Emperor Hongwu executed for being too wealthy.
'...It seems... this moment is just like that moment back then...'
Thinking this, Luo Shu couldn't help but glance at Lacus. "So, in other words, the backing behind ensuring the Shinomiya family's status includes us, too?"
Hearing this, Lacus didn't deny it, smiling wryly as she replied:
"Reluctantly speaking, that's correct."
After saying this, Lacus clapped her hands together and said cheerfully:
"Alright then, Luo Shu, you should eat now. It's already past two o'clock, you should have at least something."
"You can't just treat work as your meal, can you?"
"Yes, yes, yes, I'll listen to you. Who made you my boss after all?"
Hearing Lacus's teasing remark, Luo Shu laughed heartily, picked up his chopsticks, took a bite of noodles, and then made a surprised sound.
Seeing this, Lacus asked nervously, "Does it not suit your taste?"
"Not exactly."
After swallowing the noodles, Luo Shu turned to look at Erina Nakiri, who was removing her chef's hat and walking over:
"It tastes exactly like the noodles I used to eat at Shanxi-style noodle shops when I was little. How did you manage this?"
Faced with Luo Shu's puzzlement, Erina Nakiri's expression turned slightly disdainful:
"Hmph. This greasy, salty thing that overwhelms your taste buds with MSG - only you would like something like this."
Hearing Erina say this, Lacus smilingly exposed her:
"Erina specifically had people buy 30 different types of knife-cut noodles to sample one by one before recreating the exact flavour based on your description."
Erina immediately panicked upon hearing this, her face turning red as she protested:
"Wait, there was no need to say that out loud!"
"Ah?" Lacus acted surprised, as if she hadn't realised it was supposed to be a secret. "But if Luo Shu never finds out, wouldn't Erina's feelings go to waste?"
"I was just fulfilling a client's request, that's all! Yes, I did it to meet the client's requirements. It's a chef's duty, nothing more. Certainly not any 'feelings'!"
Her face flushed, Erina avoided Luo Shu's gaze and turned to leave:
"Anyway, today's lunch is sorted. I've already arranged the dinner menu as well. I have other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave."
Hearing this, Luo Shu immediately tried to stop her:
"Don't go! Stay and chat with me for a while~"
"You're so annoying! Just eat your noodles." Erina snapped back before storming off in a huff.
Watching this scene, Koko couldn't help giggling. "Is this girl some pure tsundere heroine straight out of a TV drama?"
"...While I want to criticise your choice of words, Erina really does fit that description quite well."
Luo Shu chuckled, looked down at his bowl of noodles, took another bite, then teased Lacus:
"Oh no, now that you've figured out my tastes, I probably won't be able to stomach street-side Japanese food anymore."
Lacus couldn't help laughing at this. "You overestimate me. This time, I only handled the dough - the seasoning was all Erina's recreation. If you want the authentic taste, you'll have to go find Erina."
Hearing this, Luo Shu gave Lacus a pitiful look. "Lacus, you wouldn't really make me settle for street food, would you?"
Japanese street food was either too bland or too salty. Before his memories returned, Luo Shu had quickly grown tired of it during his time in Japan.
Now that he had Kisara, Lacus, and even Erina Nakiri—girls skilled in cooking—Luo Shu truly didn't want to go out for Japanese cuisine anymore.
His palate had been spoiled.
While he could endure returning to his previous lifestyle, it was better to avoid it if possible.
Faced with her boyfriend's whining, Lacus surrendered helplessly, "If I have time, I'll cook for you."
After lunch, Luo Shu, sitting in his seat for a short rest, glanced at Lacus as she carried the dishes into the kitchen, then narrowed his eyes and murmured:
"Who would've thought the Shinomiya family had some ties with the SDS... In that case, if I make a move, I'd better not go too far. After all, they're the fat pigs our side supports..."
Hearing this, Koko, sipping her coffee nearby, raised an eyebrow:
"But I get the feeling the Shinomiyas are only willing to hand over Abyss Artefacts?"
"Aren't you just plotting to seize someone else's property?"
Luo Shu ignored Koko as if she were mute and said calmly:
"If Lacus hasn't mentioned any of this, it means she's tacitly allowing me to proceed."
"Fine, you're the boss. Whatever you say goes."
Koko shrugged, then stood up and gave Luo Shu a once-over before smirking:
"Just don't take it too far, alright?"
Luo Shu lifted his gaze to meet Koko's, curling his lips into a faint smile:
"That's not something I alone can decide."