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Chapter 20 – The Invitation to the Golden Night
The Horikita residence was filled with excitement that evening. As soon as Suzune and Manabu arrived home, their mother rushed forward, her face glowing with disbelief and pride.
> "I can't believe it," she said, hugging Suzune tightly. "We actually received an invitation to Mr. Ayanokoji's event! This is unbelievable!"
Suzune smiled softly, returning the embrace.
> "Yes, it's true, Mother. We're going to the event hosted by the world's richest man himself."
Their father walked in, still holding his tablet with business notifications flooding in.
> "From nearly going bankrupt… to being invited to his event. It feels like a dream."
Manabu nodded firmly, the usual calm CEO mask replaced by quiet pride.
> "True. We should prepare properly. Every detail matters tonight."
Their mother nodded eagerly.
> "What should we wear? It's not every day we attend an event like this."
Their father chuckled.
> "We shouldn't overdress. But we can't look too simple either. It's a delicate balance."
Suzune looked at her family with a gentle smile.
> "Let's just be ourselves. We've earned this moment."
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By 7 PM, the Horikita family was ready. Their driver opened the door of the black Mercedes Maybach, and they stepped inside. The evening sky was painted in shades of gold and violet, the last light of day fading as the city lights began to shimmer.
The drive was silent but full of anticipation. None of them truly knew what to expect.
After nearly an hour, the car reached a long coastal road that led to a private beach. The air smelled of salt and the distant sea breeze brushed against their faces as they stepped out.
Suzune's mother looked around curiously.
> "Is the event… happening at a beach house?"
Manabu checked the invitation again, frowning slightly.
> "It doesn't specify the location exactly. Just coordinates. But this seems to be the right place."
As he spoke, headlights appeared behind them. A sleek black Rolls-Royce pulled up, and out stepped Ryuuen Kakeru, wearing a black suit and dark glasses. Two tall bodyguards followed behind him, including Ishizaki, who was trying not to laugh at something.
Ryuuen smirked as soon as he spotted them.
> "If it isn't the Horikita family. Suzune, how have you been?"
Suzune blinked in surprise.
> "Ryuuen?"
Manabu stepped forward, polite but cautious.
> "Didn't expect to see you here, Ryuuen."
Ryuuen grinned.
> "You could say that. But I'm not surprised you got an invite. First time attending one of his events, right?"
He looked at the beach around them and smirked even more.
> "You probably don't know how to get inside. Come on — I'll show you."
Suzune's mother smiled warmly, unaware of his darker reputation.
> "You're a friend of my children's?"
Ryuuen laughed softly, scratching his neck.
> "Not exactly a friend. We just knew each other from high school."
Her mother smiled more.
> "Still, you seem like a kind person for helping us."
Behind him, Ishizaki let out a quiet laugh, muttering,
> "Kind? The king of the underground, kind?"
Ryuuen turned his cold gaze toward him, and Ishizaki immediately froze, standing straight as a statue.
Without another word, Ryuuen started walking down the dimly lit pier.
> "Follow me," he said casually.
The Horikita family followed, unsure but curious. At the end of the pier, a small but luxurious speedboat waited, gleaming under the moonlight. Its hull shimmered with golden edges, and the pilot stood at attention, bowing to Ryuuen.
> "Get in," Ryuuen said.
Manabu frowned slightly.
> "In this? Where are we going?"
Ryuuen only smirked.
> "You'll find out soon."
Suzune, her parents, and Manabu stepped into the boat. The engine roared softly to life, and they began to move across the dark water, the reflection of city lights fading behind them. The sea breeze was cool, and the sound of gentle waves surrounded them.
Five minutes later, Suzune's father suddenly gasped.
Ahead, through the mist and moonlight, a colossal silhouette appeared — a golden ship, glowing softly like something out of a dream.
> "Wait…" he whispered. "Is that—The History Supreme?"
Ryuuen smirked, hands in his pockets.
> "Yep. The event's being held there tonight."
Suzune's mother blinked, confused.
> "Why are you all so surprised? Is it famous?"
Suzune thought silently, Of course Mother wouldn't know…
Manabu exhaled deeply and said,
> "The History Supreme is a legend in the business world. A rumored superyacht — said to be the most expensive ever built, worth nearly five billion dollars. Many believed it was just a myth."
Ryuuen gave a faint laugh, his eyes narrowing.
> "Myth or not, only one man could actually make it real — Ayanokoji."
As the boat approached the massive golden yacht, music and soft lights began to fill the air.
Dozens of elegant guests dressed in black, gold, and silver stood on the deck, their laughter mingling with the sound of the ocean.
Suzune stared in awe at the shining vessel.
> So this… is Mr. Ayanokoji's world.
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