Okudaira Yoshizo is sitting in the office, wearing a suit and leather shoes. His posture is upright and full of tension, like a leopard about to emerge from the jungle, with a sense of oppression that chooses people to eat.
In Sakajo, especially within the industries he is in charge of, Okuhira Yoshizo does have the nickname "Leopard Head Special Agent", which is circulated in people's private conversations. One refers to his courage, and the other refers to the dots of old wounds and scars on his face.
He doesn't mind this nickname, and even intends to "keep improving" on this basis, because this is a medal he has earned from many years of hard work in the field of ability users, and it is the symbol he is most proud of.
But now, the posture is still there, and when I look around, I can't find a target to exert my strength on.
Outside his office, his subordinates were hurriedly coming and going, transferring and processing various documents and materials in preparation for the sale and handover in the near future.
This made him feel that the foundation of his career had collapsed - to be precise, it should be a feeling of powerlessness.
The real goal has always been there, but facing the behemoth of the "Amaterasu Order", facing the overwhelming power of two extraordinary species standing side by side, not to mention his half-old leopard whose claws have been blunted, it is the Osawa Sect. What's the point of putting all the troops in the Tuan Ju camp to fight with all their might?
More importantly, just thinking about this rebellious resistance makes people feel uneasy!
Just as he was sighing, the secretary called and asked for instructions: "Specialist, I'm sorry to disturb you, but I have received two quotations for the processing plant..."
Okudaira Rongzo's attitude was stern, and his fangs and claws finally had a place to exert their strength: "Is it necessary to bother me about this kind of thing?"
"I'm so sorry!"
"Tajima, you must fulfill your due responsibilities and do not repeat these messages before the quotation deadline."
"I'm sorry, Special Agent, it's my problem." The frightened Secretary Tajima apologized repeatedly, his voice trembling, which fit the image of a hunted prey, and he tried his best to explain, "But one of the quotes came from Director Jiang, she We submitted the quotation jointly with some factory personnel, but we did not consider this situation.”
"she?"
Okudaira Rongzo was surprised and temporarily let the poor secretary Tajima go. After hanging up the communication, he pulled up the quotation and looked at it carefully. The more he looked at it, the more he frowned.
"Why is she getting involved?"
Ezuka, a female scientist with a weird name, was born in the wilderness. She is nominally the technical director of a processing plant for sale, but it is only in name. Her real job is the project leader of President Matsudaira's private research institute. In fact, the two sides are not in common. of.
Well, speaking of it, that project is considered the human resources department of the processing plant...
Of course, this is just a joke.
Does this Ms. Jiang really think she is HR?
If he hadn't had the quotation in hand, Okuhira Yoshizuma would not have known that Ezuka had such close contact with the middle-level and grass-roots employees in the processing plant. Judging from the annual labor costs of the processing plant, these people on the quotation almost have to go bankrupt to finance the acquisition.
"What a charming woman!"
Okudaira Yoshizo was amazed by it. She had been away from Sakai for many years and even had the title of "remote tutor", but how did she manage this network of interpersonal relationships?
Frankly speaking, Okudaira Yoshizo felt very clearly "offended" at this time. After all, he was the actual person in charge of the processing plant. No matter who is in his position, having someone create a "small circle" right under their noses without realizing it, their self-esteem will be hurt.
The problem is, he can't come back with revenge.
Because this Ms. Jiang's other identity is that she is a close friend who has been friends with the president for many years... She is the kind of close person who makes people doubt the purity of the relationship between boyfriend and girlfriend.
Okudaira Yoshizo was a little doubtful whether the quotation behavior of Ezuka and others was the instruction of the chairman. But he quickly rejected this idea:
Not to mention that there is no need for the president to do so. In terms of relationships alone, Ezuka certainly has the aura of a "best friend", and he, Yoshizo Okuhira, is not bad either.
He grew up with the president since childhood, and is seven or eight years older than the latter. He has always existed as a "retainer", and can be said to be a confidant. If there is really any arrangement, there is no need to go around like this.
Okudaira Yoshizo gradually clarified his thoughts. In the end, he would definitely have to communicate with the president about this matter, but the first priority now was to figure out the plans of Ezuka and those who made joint bids.
Even if Etsuka's factors are not taken into account, the middle-level backbone of the processing plant jointly quoting the price also reflects their serious uneasiness about the current situation - for the religious group, it is a bad sign of loss of control.
At least, the "confidentiality" hurdle has not been passed.
Okudaira thought for a moment, then dialed the number according to the contact information on the quotation...
The unfamiliar number brought a strange feeling. He was the actual person in charge of the processing plant, but he rarely interacted with the factory's "technical director" and did not even have a private communication number.
This lady has no idea of working for the Osawa Order or the Matsudaira family. She is like a distant shadow, hidden behind the "friendship" with the president, and cannot be clearly seen.
When the call was connected, Okuhira Yoshizo maintained a businesslike attitude, but also added some elements of courtesy and respect: "Hello, Jiang-san, this is Okuhira Yoshizo... Yes, I have received your quotation, with some details. Need to communicate again.
"Oh, Jiang Sang is in the factory? That's convenient. Why don't we have an interview?
"Speak to everyone directly? Of course, we must talk, but Jiang Sang, you are also a factory executive. You should understand that now is not a good time for labor-management dialogue. It is difficult for me to promise anything. After all, the incident happened suddenly and there are quite uncontrollable factors. …”
The phone call ended in a push-and-pull with little real progress.
In essence, this round of dialogue was beyond Okudaira Yoshizo's expectations. He originally thought this was a commercial or even political negotiation, but in the end, what was before him was clearly a union leader, a passionate version...
How ridiculous!
Didn't this woman say she was born in the wilderness? He usually presides over such a project and looks eerie and weird from the inside out. How come he acts so naively? Have you stayed in civilization for so long that you have forgotten what the wilderness looks like?
Sakai is not a wilderness, but the conflicts brought about by survival and belief will only be more cruel than the disorderly wilderness. This is the situation that the Daze Cult is facing. If they can't bear it, they will either run away or die!
Well, a certain irresponsible adult has already escaped in an extremely absurd way - the explanation from Motobu Shrine is really not a bad drunken joke?
Okudaira Yoshizo tore off his tie and exhaled heavily, letting the absurdity and depression in his heart have a channel to release. At this moment, Secretary Tajima called again:
"Specialist..."
"I told you not to disturb me!"
"The president is here, the submarine is parked at the inner pier."
"Huh?"
This place is only a few steps away from the inner pier.
In a moment of confusion, there were already sounds of chairs being pushed and pulled and Secretary Tajima's respectful greetings heard outside. Okudaira Yoshizo quickly stood up, rearranged his tie and buttoned up his suit. As soon as he finished doing this, there was a meaningful knock on the outer door. Opened after clicking.
Matsudaira Yoshio, the president of Osawa Shushi Co., strode in.
Okudaira Rongzo hurriedly came out from behind the desk, bowed his head and saluted: "President."
Matsudaira Yoshio is a man in his prime who is less than fifty years old. He is thin and has a casual crew cut. There is also a circle of stubble on his slightly concave face. He is wearing a casual suit and no tie. The collar is open and looks a bit slovenly, giving the impression that he is more like an emerging technology entrepreneur rather than the heir of a family shrine... In short, it does not match the social atmosphere of Sakajo.
But Okudaira Yoshizo knew that this president was a meticulous and ruthless figure, otherwise he would not have been able to rise to power quickly in the traditional environment of Sakajo where "old-school politics" prevailed.
In the entire Osawa Order, the only ones with higher status than Matsudaira Yoshio are the abbot of the main shrine and that "sir". However, those two people have little involvement in secular affairs, so as the actual controller of Osawa Club, Matsudaira Yoshio basically controls the core power of the sect. This has also happened in recent years.
Matsudaira Yoshio sat directly in the seat that originally belonged to Okuhira Yoshizo, stretched out and very relaxed: "Tonight, the Pingtai Trade Commission will hold an impromptu coordination meeting. I came early and stopped by your place to sit down."
Okuhira Rongzo bowed his head again after hearing this: "Thank you, President."
"You don't have to pay attention to these etiquettes. You can sit down."
Okudaira Rongzo thanked him again and sat on the guest sofa, his back still straight. His body was stiff, but his brain was running at high speed.
The Fair Trade Association jumped out at this time, which gave people a very bad feeling.
The so-called "Ping Trade Association" refers to the "Sakajo Equality Trade Association", which is essentially a coordinating organization for the interconnection between legitimate enterprises and gray areas such as homeless exchanges officially recognized by Sakajo. At present, it has basically become a platform for various organizations in the "inner world" of Sakai to obtain and coordinate interests.
There is the "Pingtrade Association" in Sakajo, and there is also the Amaterasu Order, which is high up there. In addition, there are many religious organizations, which greatly reduces the share of interests in the "other world"... The ability users association and others have long been ignored. .
Basically, the voice of various forces in the world in Bancheng can be reflected more accurately in the organizational structure of the Fair Trade Association.
Osawa Zhushi Co., Ltd. is a member unit and governing unit of the Pingtai Trade Association and has a certain right to speak. But that is only under normal circumstances. With the current situation in Sakai City and the situation of the Osawa Order, such a coordination meeting will not turn into a heckle meeting or a carve-up meeting, right?
Okudaira Rongzo was quite worried.
But looking at Yoshio Matsudaira, the president who had just taken office a few years ago still maintained his usual demeanor, which made Yoshio Okudaira admire him but also felt a little lucky.
There is news about that adult, maybe there is room for adjustment?
There are thousands of thoughts in Okuhira Yoshizo's mind, but in the final analysis, they are just a few flashes of thought. Over there, Matsudaira Yoshio has already spoken, talking about the progress of the relevant tasks:
"Opping, you have done a good job in raising funds. Currently, 17 million has been received, and in the future..."
"In the next three days, another two to thirty million can be guaranteed. However, large sums of funds still need to wait for processing plants and other assets to be processed, which will probably take more than a week."
"One week, that's fine."
Really? Are you sure that the Daze Cult can continue until then? The pessimistic mood surged in Okudaira's heart again. This mood came so violently that it caused him to temporarily lose control, and the question that was lingering in his heart blurted out:
"President, is it really as the abbot said, 'Your Excellency' has left Sakai City?"
Matsudaira Yoshio didn't respond, he just looked up at him. His clear face was unmoved and his eyes were calm, but it made people feel chilled in their hearts for no reason.
Okudaira Rongzo jumped up from the sofa in an instant and bowed deeply: "I'm sorry, President, I made a mistake."
"Don't worry, it's human nature to have your own thoughts." Matsudaira Yoshio's voice brushed past the back of Okudaira Yoshizo's head, and his tone was no different from when he first entered the door.
"President..."
"It's a pity that there is no news update at the shrine that can cheer people up. Your Excellency did leave Sakajo. Just last night, shortly after the Amaterasu Order's operation was suspended, he resolutely escaped and took the initiative to seal it off. Trust channel. Currently, all connections are one-way. If the other side doesn’t take the initiative, we won’t be able to get in touch.”
This statement has a little more details than the version Yoshizo Ohira heard earlier, but it also brings greater doubts. Okudaira Rongzo raised his head with a confused look on his face:
"But...why?"
"That's a stupid question."
Matsudaira Yoshio pointed out unceremoniously: "Since he ran away, of course it was because of fear. You are surprised just because he ran too fast."
"..."
Although I have always known that in recent years, my president has become more and more sharp and direct, and he looks less and less like he is from Sakajo. But tearing down all barriers in this way, and even all decent and sharp words, still made Okudaira Yoshizo, who had served the Matsudaira family and worshiped that "sir" all his life, speechless for a long time, and his emotions were so complicated that it was difficult to describe.
At this moment, Yoshio Matsudaira received a call and communicated there instead. This also gave Yoshio Okudaira a chance to breathe and digest. He stood there, looking at the president behind the desk who was calmly communicating with others, and felt a little dazed for a moment.
The wilderness is truly a place that changes people!
Okudaira Yoshizo still remembers that Matsudaira Yoshio was a young man who was unwilling to be lonely and prone to passion. He did a lot of stupid things and often needed him to wipe his butt.
The "stupidest" thing that Yoshio Matsudaira did was naturally to break away from the family plan and go on a wandering adventure in the wilderness alone. That was a big trouble that Okuhira Yoshizo could not persuade and avoid.
It was this "seriously out of line" adventure in Sakagawa's traditional family that changed everything.
Matsudaira Yoshio finally returned safely from the wilderness. Through those years of experience, he gained knowledge and skills. The once passionate young man seemed to be reborn, becoming deeper and stronger day by day. But for a long time, he became an outlier and was excluded from the family's inner circle.
Okuhira Yoshizo was even more affected. Because of his dereliction of duty as a "retainer", he wasted a long time and spent many years working in front-line execution departments such as the "stormtroopers". He narrowly escaped death several times, but even so, Okudaira Yoshizo still insists on his identity as a "retainer" and maintains a position that has not changed since he was a child.
To him, it doesn't matter how many other changes there are, as long as Matsudaira Yoshio's trust in him remains unchanged, that is the best result.
That's just the way it is.
Okuhira Yoshio's persistence paid off. After Matsudaira Yoshio came to power, Okuhira Yoshio rose rapidly within the sect. In just a few years, he reached the position of executive director and became Matsudaira Yoshio's most trusted spokesperson.
Ah, yeah, looking back on the past, I really feel that things have changed and people have changed... Perhaps as we get older, similar emotions are unavoidable.
In the end, it was Yoshio Matsudaira who woke him up from his trance. After hanging up the communication, Matsudaira Yoshio reported the latest news:
“At tonight’s coordination meeting, LCRF commissioners will also be present.”
"LCRF?"
Okudaira Rongzo was really shocked. LCRF is the endorsement agency of the world's most powerful giants. It is the immortal dream fund and has extremely strong influence in Sakamoto, where "old-school politics" is popular. He is also one of the big financiers of the Fair Trade Association. Every year through this channel, he takes away profits that are several times higher than the amount of investment.
Normally LCRF behaves aloof, like a normal investment company, but as long as they are personally involved...
Okuhira Yoshizo quickly recalled the interest relationship between Osawa Club and LCRF. Coupled with the restrictions of the Pingtai Trade Association, it was known that the three parties wanted to intersect, and the context of the matter seemed to become clear.
"Is it because of the 'Vascular' platform?"
"Oh, maybe."
"Then our laboratory..."
"Everyone in the Pingtai Trade Association is just an outsourcing company. Originally, they only depend on people's opinions. If the production line there changes, the production line here will also change. Any change is normal."
Matsudaira Yoshio's casual performance made it difficult for Okudaira Yoshizo to make any comments. After all, the part of the "Vascular" platform project that is in charge of the Osawa Order is mostly managed by Matsudaira Yoshio's private laboratory, and he only half understands it...
Speaking of private laboratories, Okudaira Yoshizo naturally thought of "Technical Director" Etsuka. Regarding that quotation, now is an opportunity:
"President, there is something I want to report to you. It is about Ms. Jiang's quotation..."
"Quote?"
Behind the desk, Matsudaira Yoshio raised his eyebrows and looked directly over, obviously withdrawing from his casual state.
"Yes, Ms. Jiang and some middle-level and grass-roots employees of the processing plant jointly proposed the intention to acquire the processing plant..." Okudaira Yongzo gave a general introduction to the quotation and the previous simple communication. His attitude was very correct and did not contain any adulteration. personal emotions.
Originally, the processing factory was destined to be abandoned, and it didn't matter whose hands it fell into. The final criteria that determine whether the transaction is successful are how much it can be realized, and whether it can satisfy the president.
As for your own likes and dislikes, it has never been a problem.
Yoshio Matsudaira is not Yoshio Okuhira, but Yoshio Okuhira is Yoshio Okuhira.
This is his consistent belief and wisdom.
Then, he saw that his president smiled rarely: "So that's it, I can understand it, I can understand it."
"President?"
"Maybe it's a sense of guilt, or an anesthetic for self-salvation... She has always been naive."
This was the first time Okuhira Yoshizo heard his own president's evaluation of Ezuka, and coincidentally, it was consistent with his previous slander.
Of course, they are both "naive". Okudaira Rongzo is not naive enough to think that the connotations of the two people's words are exactly the same. Taking another quick glance at the smile on Matsudaira Yoshio's face, he already knew what to do.
The newly purchased yacht quickly welcomed its new owner, and the process was very smooth. Traveling upstream from the Onobori River and 20 kilometers further into the depths of Beishan Lake, the yacht's functions were normal, and in this water area, the hustle and bustle of music festivals was basically digested in the empty water and sky.
However, the journey to the next destination was much slower than expected. When this happens, the problem lies with the "new owner".
Ronan did not express any opinions on the replaced yacht, even though the "Japanese-style" layout of the lower deck living area, which has not had time to be renovated, is significantly different from the predecessor. For him, it was just another vehicle for sitting and resting.
At this stage, in addition to initially understanding the latest situation in Sakai City, Ronan focused all his attention on the damaged monocle. According to his words:
"Solve the existing problems first, and then find corresponding materials."
Then, it took him a full four hours to repair the "monocle lens" to its original state, and he is still doing post-processing inspections.
Then Yin Le understood that the seemingly crystal clear "lens" actually had an incredibly complex structure and an even more incredible production method.
In Ronan's words, it is just an "imaginary structure" and a "temporary mold that consumes a lot of energy all the time." I really don’t know how stringent the conditions would be if it were to be built using the so-called “creation” method.
Yin Le couldn't guess Ronan's experimental plan, but she was already nervous. While Ronan was working, she had already made a series of calls with agents and manufacturers related to the destination. She made sure to understand the market and not go into an unprepared battle.
Since this is a relatively professional field, Yin Le doesn't know whether her efforts will be successful in the end. However, when people's efforts "overflow", they often get some benefits from others.
As she continued to communicate in depth with the local circle in Sakajo, some unexpected intelligence information, especially the part related to the Osawa Cult, began to reveal more and more details and rumors.
After some sorting and analysis, Yin Le felt it was necessary to give Ronan another report. So, she took the organized information and entered the living area on the bottom deck again.
It's already dark, and natural lighting is no longer enough to support the lighting in the living area. The warm lights turn on, reflecting the light-colored tatami mats and the most classic Japanese-style wood tones. The entire living area is covered with a warm luster. It's actually quite cozy up there.
It is said that this yacht is the car of Matsudaira Yoshio, the president of Osawa Shu Corporation. That person is famous for being sharp and cold, and his family life is a mystery, but he doesn't want to recognize this style.
Hmm, unexpectedly matched with someone.
Someone is naturally a snake talker. This magician who appears as "Kitayama Yuki" is dressed in a traditional kimono, which is most suitable for the decorative style of the living area.
While Ronan was concentrating and Yin Le was busy going in and out, Snake Language was not assigned any tasks. She just stayed with Ronan, serving tea and water, organizing the cabin layout, and doing some servant work, which was actually quite rewarding. Three of them.
When Yin Le arrived at the bottom deck, he saw Sheyu, who looked like a traditional island woman in movies and TV shows, kneeling beside Ronan, bringing him tea at a suitable temperature, and then bowed and knelt down. Back off.
The room was extremely quiet, with only the rustling of the moon-white kimono and tatami carrying the rhythm and sound of life.
Snake Yu lowered her head all the time. From Yin Le's angle, she could only see her meticulously combed black hair, as well as the snow-white neck and small back muscles at the back of the collar under the warm light.
Even so, it's amazing.
Human beings are naturally resistant to smooth and delicate textures. Moreover, the person in front of us is warm and vivid, with outstanding physical and artistic beauty. The so-called "live color and fragrance" is nothing more than that.
Yin Le wanted to put his finger in it and try it out.
But in Yin Le's view, what's more touching about Snake Language at this time is that she can serve Ronan's walking, sitting and lying with amazing concentration, carving out those seemingly meaningless details, just to achieve perfection.
As far as efficiency is concerned, it is not enough - if a company or an organization does things this way, it will be finished sooner or later.
However, when it comes to interpersonal relationships, this approach reflects a pious and pure attitude, as if it does not involve any calculation, but is natural and natural. In essence, it is a "moral aesthetic" that is classical, traditional, and outdated, and that most men yearn for.
Ronan, who was sitting with his back on the tatami at the moment, was dressed like a young man you might encounter on the street, but his snake-talking posture clearly meant that he was serving a prince.
What time is it now? Who is Snake Language?
Obviously she couldn't be that kind of person, but she was able to do it seamlessly and smoothly. Even though Ronan didn't look at her, she didn't show any frustration or slackness, no trace of acting, and no rush. Expressed dryness.
From beginning to end, Snake Whisper minimizes its presence as much as possible to avoid disturbing Ronan's thoughts, but it is like the warm water of a spring pool, seeping in from inadvertent details and being everywhere.
They are all experts in serving others. How superb this method is, Yin Le can understand it best and feels ashamed. This involves too much observation and prediction, and there may even be some advanced perception capabilities of Qi sensing in it.
"What a terrible woman."
Yin Le sighed silently. She devoted extraordinary attention to Snake Whisper. To put it bluntly, it was because of some kind of competitive crisis that was turning into a reality.
The position of secretary is too easy to be replaced, especially the life secretary...
But then again, if the cost factor is not taken into account, what does it mean to have one or two more secretaries who can do things well and are eye-catching? Direct competition is stupid, it's too normal for a character like Ronan to have people attached to him. As a dependent, the key is to have a clear role, at least a certain function.
The value of a secretary is to solve problems for the boss, not to cause trouble. Yin Le had already realized this when he became Mrs. Halder's secretary.
Yin Le breathed calmly, took off his shoes outside, arranged them neatly, and walked onto the tatami lightly. At this time, Ronan was still deep in thought. She was not stupid enough to disturb her thoughts, so she knelt down in a corner of the room and waited silently.
Of course Snake Whisper noticed her, moved over quietly, brewed fragrant tea for her, and served it silently, still in a humble manner, treating herself as the lowest maid.
Yin Le suppressed the slight discomfort in his heart and bowed to express his thanks.
She couldn't bear the courtesy that Sheyu treated Ronan with. This deliberate respect may also be the hidden edge of Sheyu.
Time passed by in silence, and nearly forty minutes passed. Ronan, who had been struggling with the "monocle lens" suspended in front of him, finally let out a long sigh, and then stretched out his arms. Being lazy, probably because he felt more relaxed in a quiet space, he fell straight back and stretched out his hands and feet on the tatami, rubbing his back and wanting to roll around again...
At this time, Ronan finally broke away from his pure self, and the real surrounding environment came into his mind. He said "Hey" and hurriedly pushed up his upper body. However, the childishness that had been suffocating in his bones could not be suppressed no matter what. Can't cover it up anymore.
Ronan was a little embarrassed, but he soon discovered that the two people in the room, except for him, were all sitting upright, with lowered eyes and eyebrows, silent and motionless, like two sculptures.
Forget it, just pretend they can't see it.
Ronan grinned, straightened his body, and was thinking about what to say. Snake Whisper, who was not far away from him, now kneeled forward, came to the position behind him, stretched out her hand to touch his shoulder, and after a moment, started kneading it with appropriate gentleness.
"..."
Ronan instinctively slumped his shoulders, but in the end he made no next move. He turned to look at Sheyu. This "well-known" conjurer, a dignified B-level strongman, had a calm face and no words at all. He only focused on tapping and pinching with his palms, as if everything was as it should be and as a matter of course.
Well, her technique is indeed good - at least Ronan, who lacks such experience, feels quite comfortable.
This is true from body to spirit.
Ronan has the ability to spy on people's desires and control the spiritual soul. However, at this moment, he discovered that all fundamental changes came from himself without asking for help.
Unknowingly, it was as if there was a "pad" in his heart, or some other stepping stone, and he gently and skillfully stepped into a certain psychological zone that he had never set foot on before.
Maybe he had observed and imagined it "outside" before, and had some unspoken yearnings, but he had never experienced it so personally as he did now, and it was so natural.
The Gestalt structure, the authority of the closed system, and more directly, his absolute control over the Snake Language, determine the current status and pattern.
He can accept it or stop it, but no matter what, he has the absolute right to choose.
Stop...it's quite comfortable, why stop?
A smile naturally overflowed from the corners of Ronan's lips, and his body swayed slightly under the perfect way of snake language, so that his throat was also stained with a lazy rhythm:
"Tell me, what's new?"
What a pool of warm water!
Yin Le kept her eyebrows lowered and her eyes lowered, but her mind was in a trance. Fortunately, the rhythm of the atmosphere in the room had relaxed completely. Her trance was not obvious, and she quickly came back to her senses and answered:
"Sir, there is intelligence that the reason why the Daze Cult hastily liquidated its assets is because the "Dark Dragon God" they worshiped...escaped."
