Chapter 65: Tea Party on the Snow Mountain
January 2, 1988.
The Limited Express Asama train passed through a long tunnel, and suddenly bright white light filled the carriage.
The dry, yellow plains were gone. Outside, everything was covered in thick snow near Mount Asama.
They had arrived at Karuizawa.
The air at the station was extremely cold. Breathing felt sharp, like inhaling ice.
Even though it was the New Year, the first-class carriage remained quiet.
Satsuki pressed her face against the cold window. Her breath turned into white fog, and she used her finger to draw a simple duck on it.
She looked outside at the high piles of snow.
"The snow is really thick this year."
Shuichi was reading a gardening magazine. He closed it, took off his glasses, and rubbed his nose.
"It is."
He stretched his body.
"This kind of weather is perfect for staying by the fireplace… or going outside to fall a few times."
"You really want to ski?" Satsuki teased. "You haven't exercised your knees for a whole year."
"Don't underestimate your father," Shuichi said with a smile. "I even won a silver medal in Switzerland before. Once you learn, you don't forget."
Outside, signs with the Seibu Lions logo were everywhere.
Shuichi only glanced at them briefly before continuing to chat with his daughter about dinner.
The Saionji family villa was hidden deep in the forest of Old Karuizawa.
It was quiet. Only the sound of wind and falling snow could be heard.
Inside, the fireplace was already burning. The wood crackled, and warm orange light filled the room.
Shuichi changed into a dark blue ski suit. It was made ten years ago in Zurich, but still fit well.
He struggled slightly with his ski boots.
"Hm… a bit tight," he laughed. "Looks like I gained weight from too many business dinners."
"Be careful, or you'll turn into a fat old man," Satsuki joked.
She came downstairs wearing a white ski suit and a fluffy hat. She carried a snowboard instead of skis.
"Let's go before sunset."
At the ski resort, music played loudly.
People in colorful ski suits moved across the snow. Many were couples laughing, playing, and falling together.
Shuichi and Satsuki used the VIP lane instead of waiting.
The cable car slowly went up the mountain.
At the top, the wind was strong and blew snow into the air.
"So this is the Panorama Trail," Shuichi said.
He took a deep breath and pushed forward.
He didn't rush. His movements were steady and controlled.
His skis moved smoothly, making clean curves on the snow.
His upper body stayed still, while his legs adjusted naturally.
His style was calm, precise, and elegant.
Satsuki followed behind on her snowboard. Her body wasn't as strong as before, but she was agile and quick.
She moved smoothly, staying close behind him.
Halfway down the mountain, a group of men in black suits stood around one person.
It was Yoshiaki Tsutsumi.
He stood quietly, looking down at the ski slope.
Suddenly, he noticed Shuichi.
Among all the messy skiers, Shuichi stood out.
His movements were controlled. His posture was upright.
"Who is that?" Tsutsumi asked.
The manager used binoculars and looked carefully.
"Chairman… that looks like Saionji Shuichi."
"Saionji?"
"The one with the glass building in Ginza."
Tsutsumi watched as Shuichi stopped cleanly and helped Satsuki up.
The two laughed like a normal father and daughter.
They didn't look like people trying to make business connections.
They were simply enjoying their holiday.
"Interesting," Tsutsumi said.
Most people tried to impress him. But this man ignored him completely.
That was rare.
"Invite him," Tsutsumi ordered. "Ask him to have coffee with me."
At the bottom of the slope, Shuichi sat down, breathing heavily.
"I'm really getting old…"
"Your form was still very cool," Satsuki said, handing him a towel.
"Really?" Shuichi smiled proudly.
At that moment, a staff member approached respectfully.
"Mr. Saionji, Chairman Tsutsumi would like to invite you for coffee."
Shuichi paused and looked at Satsuki.
She shrugged calmly.
"Since we met him, let's go."
Inside the private lounge, it was warm and quiet.
Tsutsumi had already changed into casual clothes.
He stood up and greeted them.
"Happy New Year."
They shook hands.
"I saw your skiing just now," Tsutsumi said. "Very elegant."
"You're too kind," Shuichi replied.
Tsutsumi then looked at Satsuki.
"I heard your brand is very popular in Shibuya."
"It's just a small business," Shuichi said modestly.
Tsutsumi shook his head.
"Business is business."
Then he asked casually,
"I heard you stopped buying land?"
Shuichi answered calmly.
"Yes, we stopped."
"Why?"
"Prices will still rise," Shuichi said honestly. "But we can't keep up anymore."
He smiled slightly.
"If you push too hard, you get hurt."
"Our family is small. We've already taken too much this year."
"So we came here to rest."
It sounded reasonable and careful.
Tsutsumi laughed.
"That's fair. Even I think prices are getting crazy."
He stood by the window.
"As long as Tokyo exists, land prices won't fall."
Then he turned back.
"This year, we will start new projects. If you're interested, we can work together."
Shuichi bowed slightly.
"That would be an honor."
After leaving the hotel, they returned by car.
"Father," Satsuki said.
"What is it?"
"The coffee was good."
She paused.
"But Chairman Tsutsumi is very confident."
"Yes," Shuichi nodded. "He is the richest man, after all."
"A pity," Satsuki said quietly.
"He thinks he can control everything… but he doesn't know things are already out of control."
Shuichi stayed silent.
He understood what she meant.
"Still," Satsuki smiled slightly, "today was worth it."
"With his support, banks will soon line up to lend us money again."
Shuichi smiled too.
Then he adjusted her hat.
"Enough business talk. This is our vacation."
"What do you want for dinner?"
"Sukiyaki," Satsuki said. "With extra konjac noodles."
"Alright."
She leaned back, closed her eyes, and smiled.
The car drove quietly into the forest.