Chapter 683: Aoyama Xiu Xin: The Sun Will Shine on All
The next day, with the news that two US military personnel involved in a rape case had been blown up, the entire country rejoiced, and everyone was overjoyed. Delightful!
And as for Aoyama Xiu Xin, Heisei's No. 1 Detective who has never let the people down, the youngest Police Director General naturally gave him all sorts of praise, extolling him to the extreme.
With the economic downturn, Japan in the 1990s had been suppressed for too long, and only Aoyama Xiu Xin could always bring everyone exciting news. He is the beam of light illuminating the way forward and warming the poor in the darkness.
Several officers from the US Army Command in Japan jointly submitted a letter to the Commander of US Forces in Japan, claiming that Lawrence was greatly affected by the loss of his adopted son, resulting in mental instability and therefore requesting his reassignment and a new commander be sent.
Upon receiving this application, Admiral Stephen took it very seriously. If what's in the letter is true, then a mentally unstable old man is indeed unsuitable to serve as the commander of an army.
And if what's in the letter is false, then it's even more dangerous. It means that Lawrence has lost control over the army, and a general who cannot command respect is equally unfit to command the army.
After all, it's impossible to replace so many mid-level officers at once; it would disband the organization of the army, making the retention of its combat power questionable. Comparatively, replacing Lawrence is simpler.
As the Commander of US Forces in Japan, Stephen's report to his superiors will ultimately decide Lawrence's fate. He decided to summon Lawrence to understand the situation.
Upon receiving news from Stephen, the Army Headquarters could no longer keep Lawrence under house arrest and had to let him go.
James went to see Lawrence, saluting upon entrance, "Sir, the application for your reassignment has been submitted, and General Stephen wants to see you."
"Fuck you!" Lawrence, who hadn't slept all night, rushed in front of James, grabbed him by the collar, and viciously said, "I will definitely report your misdeeds to him, you're done, James!"
"I advise you to calm down, sir." James unhurriedly pried his hand away and leisurely tidied up his disheveled collar, "Even if you truthfully tell him everything that happened last night, there's no changing the fact that you'll be reassigned from Japan. The authorities back home won't allow a general collectively opposed by subordinates to remain in his position."
"Then don't think you'll have it easy!" Lawrence, breathing heavily, gritted his teeth and said, "Insurrection is a major taboo in the military. As long as I truthfully report last night's situation, even a troublemaker like you will be dealt with."
Worst comes to worst, we'll both go down together, just to let off steam.
"No, no, no." James shook his head, smiling serenely, "We're not the same. I have money."
Issues like this can be resolved with money.
Lawrence was speechless, his face flushed red with anger, unable to speak for a long while, then spat out, "Despicable! Aoyama Xiu Xin is nothing but a dog of our country, yet you take his money and act like his dog, smugly at that, how utterly ridiculous."
"Yes, Mr. Aoyama serves America as well, so by serving him, it's like I'm serving the country, isn't it?" James shrugged nonchalantly, then with a semi-smile, added, "You've also taken quite a bit of my money. Where do you think that money came from? Did you think it was my own?"
He serves the country, and the nation made him a major.
He serves Aoyama Xiu Xin, and Aoyama Xiu Xin made him a lieutenant colonel, also providing money and women, and even property. Anyone would know what to choose.
"Enough!" Flustered and exasperated by the truth, Lawrence roared with anger, "Bastard, what exactly do you want to say?"
"Alright, sir. Back to business." James shrugged, stating his intentions, "Your departure is a done deal, just like how your adopted son is dead and cannot be revived. Holding grudges is useless; why not make a deal? I'm willing to pay for your leniency in front of General Stephen, not to accuse me, but to admit the mental stress is too much and willingly return to the country."
"Sir, your adopted son may be dead, but your biological son is still alive. They will need money for many things in the future, so think about it carefully."
Even if Lawrence reports him, James can settle it with money, but it is troublesome, and such an impression of insubordination isn't good for upper management.
"So you're scared after all." Lawrence's eyes showed a mocking glance; after rolling his eyes, he hardened his tone and said, "You'll pay dearly for your insolence last night, five hundred thousand US dollars."
Though emotionally, he wants to retaliate against James.
But rationality tells him it's better to seize the opportunity to get more money.
Even if he returns to the US, he'll still be a general.
Aside from losing an adopted son and his indulgent life in Japan, he hasn't lost much overall.
To say it coldly, he lost not just an adopted son but countless potential troubles in the future.
"Deal, sir. I suppose I'll remember this costly lesson." James said with a slight smile.
Lawrence snorted coldly before his expression gradually became serious and solemn, "James, we've known each other for quite some time, so let me ask you one last time, was Smith really killed by a grenade? Rest assured, I just want to know the answer; my current situation and reason don't permit me to do anything, right?"
"It's true." James nodded solemnly and added, "You'll know when you retrieve Smith's body. He was indeed killed by a grenade, one of our issued grenades."
He didn't know the real situation but just relied on what the newspapers said, which should be accurate.
Lawrence remained silent for a long time, then sighed heavily.
Half an hour later, after a shower and change into a new military uniform, Lawrence went to see Admiral Stephen.
In front of Admiral Stephen, he expressed that he was no longer suited for the position and requested a transfer back to the country.
Admiral Stephen said he would report it upwards.
He was told to go back and wait for news.
In mid-June, a transfer order came, and Lawrence took the plane back to his home country. By the end of June, an Army Major General named William arrived in Japan to take over Lawrence's position. Meanwhile, James, through his efforts, gained the recognition of many officers and was promoted to Colonel.
And his efforts were worth two million US dollars.
The generous and great Mr. Aoyama footed the bill.
..................
That evening, Aoyama Xiu Xin celebrated James's promotion at Heaven Club, joined by his adjutant Major Tom and over a dozen young officers.
The luxurious private room seemed a bit crowded because, besides the ten or so US military officers, there were also a dozen scantily clad young women, making the atmosphere very lively.
"Cheers!"
A group of people clinked glasses, and drinks splashed everywhere.
"If not for Mr. Aoyama, I wouldn't be where I am today. Thank you, sir, you are the eternal sun in my heart!" James said sincerely and passionately.
Aoyama Xiu Xin laughed heartily, holding a wine glass in one hand and wrapping an arm around him, saying, "Since you say I'm the sun, of course, I'll illuminate the path for you."
With those words, he paused, then turned to look at the others, "The same goes for all of you. After all, the sun's glory doesn't shine on just one person; it can roast a person. The sun should shine on all beings!"
The sun doesn't solely belong to the Japanese people; it can belong to the whole world. Aoyama Xiu Xin suddenly had the secret ambition of stirring up World War III and dominating the globe.
But he quickly dismissed the notion.
Being the sun of the world would be too tiring.
Bullying the Japanese this lifetime was enough.
But who could predict the future?
"Mr. Aoyama!" James shouted with a raised fist.
"Mr. Aoyama!" "Mr. Aoyama!"
Everyone cheered ecstatically, some jumping onto tables to dance enthusiastically, pulling out wads of cash and throwing them into the air like petals. A group of young women shrieked excitedly and scrambled for them.
The rest laughed heartily watching this scene, as the joys of men are really simple: wine, women, wealth, and fun.
Japanese women generally have petite figures, and these American soldiers were each large, making it look like they were playing with inflatable dolls. Aoyama Xiu Xin couldn't stand it and told James, "Let them play; accompany me to the restroom."
"Yes, sir." James rose immediately.
The two of them went to the restroom outside, where Aoyama Xiu Xin took out his manhood, relieved himself while casually asking, "How's the new commander?"
"Very young, just over forty, couldn't tell much from today's first meeting, but overall gives a gentle impression," James replied thoughtfully.
After peeing, Aoyama Xiu Xin zipped up and walked to the sink to wash his hands, "Probe a bit, see if you're on the same side, and don't let him sense your relations with me for now; it'd be troublesome otherwise."
After all, accepting foreign funds is a sensitive issue. If repercussions arise, he might not be affected, but James and the others would definitely be done for.
Then the money he spent in the past two years would all go to waste.
"Understood." James responded promptly, quickly handing over a few sheets of paper for him to dry his hands.
Aoyama Xiu Xin took them, drying his hands leisurely before throwing them into the trash bin, "You guys go ahead and enjoy. I have some matters to attend to, so I'll be leaving first."
With those words, he strode out.
"Safe travels, sir." James stood there bowing in farewell, his every move full of respectfulness.