Chapter 66: A Timely Snow Foretells a Bountiful Year
January 14, 1988.
Three days after returning to Tokyo from Karuizawa, a strong cold wave hit the Kanto region.
By evening, the sky turned dark gray, and heavy snow began to fall.
The lights of Ginza looked blurry through the snow. Traffic slowed down almost completely. Cars moved slowly, and their red lights stretched across the snowy roads.
Azabu-Juban.
The large iron gates of The Club were tightly closed, blocking the snow and noise outside.
Inside, the heating system kept everything warm. The air smelled of sandalwood and expensive alcohol.
Tonight, the building was not open to the public.
The large hall was empty. Only the fireplace was burning.
All staff had been sent away, except for the old butler, Fujita, who stood guard upstairs.
Second floor, "Tingsong" Tearoom.
The room was simple and quiet.
A famous old painting hung on the wall.
Duke Konoe sat at the main seat.
Even though he was old and thin, he still carried authority.
To his left sat Shuichi.
Across from them sat the main guest tonight—Yoshiaki Tsutsumi.
Tsutsumi wore a formal suit and came alone.
Even in this quiet room, he gave off strong pressure. He was a man used to power.
"A fine painting," Tsutsumi said, looking at it.
"It is by Sesshu. Very valuable."
Duke Konoe spoke slowly, with pride.
"Do you understand paintings?"
"A little," Tsutsumi replied calmly. "My father collected some."
He looked at the painting again.
"A painting like this is more meaningful when it belongs to someone who appreciates it."
He was praising the painting, but also hinting that he was worthy of owning it.
Duke Konoe smiled slightly.
"Then take it," he said.
"This painting has been in my family for hundreds of years. It's time for it to move on."
The deal was made.
No one talked about money.
At this level, the price didn't matter.
Shuichi poured tea for them.
"The legal details will be handled later," he said.
Tsutsumi nodded.
He looked at the painting like it was something important for his future plans.
With this, his company would gain more cultural status.
"However," Tsutsumi said, putting down his cup, "I came for another matter."
Shuichi stayed calm.
"Please go ahead."
"Odaiba."
Shuichi's expression changed slightly.
"I heard your company now controls land there," Tsutsumi said.
"That's correct," Shuichi replied. "But it's unused land for now."
"Not for long."
Tsutsumi took out a blueprint and placed it on the table.
"This is a future development plan for Tokyo Bay."
He pointed at the map.
"Tokyo will expand toward the sea. This area will become a new city center."
His finger stopped on Shuichi's land.
"Your land is right in the middle of my project."
The room became quiet.
"Do you want to buy it?" Shuichi asked.
"No," Tsutsumi said.
"We cooperate."
"Cooperate?"
"Yes. Joint development."
Tsutsumi explained clearly:
"Seibu will handle planning, government approvals, and construction."
"Your family provides the land and investment."
"Profit will be split equally."
It sounded like a great offer.
But it also meant strong dependency on Seibu.
Shuichi thought for a moment.
Then he remembered Satsuki's words:
Use Tsutsumi's power to grow even bigger.
Shuichi looked at him.
"I have one condition."
"Go ahead."
"My investment company wants to become a major investor in your company's IPO."
Tsutsumi paused.
Then he laughed loudly.
"Well played."
He didn't expect such a big request.
"Alright. I'll give you 5%."
"Deal."
They shook hands.
This marked a powerful alliance.
Half an hour later.
Tsutsumi left with the painting.
Snow was still falling heavily.
Before entering his car, he suddenly spoke.
"Shuichi."
"You have a good daughter."
Shuichi was surprised.
"I noticed her at the ski resort," Tsutsumi said.
"She wasn't looking at the snow."
Then he got into the car and left.
Shuichi stood there for a long time.
"So… he noticed?"
He smiled bitterly.
That kind of man would notice everything.
Inside the house.
Satsuki was sitting on the stairs in her pajamas, holding a photo album.
"He's gone?" she asked.
"Yes."
Shuichi sat beside her.
"The deal is done. The painting is sold, and the Odaiba cooperation is agreed."
"Good."
Satsuki closed the album.
"With Seibu supporting us, the value of our land will double immediately."
"Banks will rush to lend us money."
Shuichi hesitated.
"He might have figured you out."
Satsuki stood up calmly.
"So what?"
"In this world, secrets don't last forever."
"It's fine if he knows I'm the one making decisions."
"As long as we both benefit, he will pretend not to know."
She walked to the window and looked at the falling snow.
"Father, look."
"The snow is getting heavier."
She spoke softly.
"This is a good sign."
"A heavy snow now means a good year ahead.