Yama Reborn

[Major Chapter]

Higashida Ichiro visited Chen Nuo's hotel again that very evening.

When the new Gold Digger arrived, Chen Nuo was sitting in the hotel's café, drinking coffee.

Upon hearing footsteps, Chen Nuo looked up. Higashida Ichiro stopped two steps from the table, bowed seriously, and then said politely, "Sir, I apologize for disturbing you at such a late hour."

Chen Nuo waved his hand. "Sit down. You coming to me this late means there must be something up, right?"

Higashida Ichiro exhaled and took a seat opposite Chen Nuo.

Chen Nuo glanced around. Higashida Ichiro's attendants had taken their places at the entrance of the café, and the already empty café was quickly secured.

"Actually, such an entourage isn't necessary," Chen Nuo smiled. "I'm just here to have a cup of coffee out of boredom."

Higashida Ichiro didn't speak but kept his head down.

"Alright, no need to be so tense. Tell me, what's the matter? Are you having trouble taking over the company?"

"No," Higashida Ichiro quickly replied. "The takeover process is still ongoing and hasn't run into any significant problems! I can resolve any small issues on my own."

Chen Nuo nodded in satisfaction. "You're doing well."

Then Chen Nuo asked, "So, what is it?"

"The person you asked me to look for—I've found them," Higashida Ichiro immediately picked up an envelope he was holding and respectfully pushed it across the table to Chen Nuo.

This time, a genuinely pleased smile appeared on Chen Nuo's face. "That's very efficient of you."

"...Actually, Domoto Hideno had already sent people to investigate before his death, so I can't take too much credit. I only sent people to follow up on the investigation today and urged them to expedite the progress."

Upon hearing this, Chen Nuo took another look at Higashida Ichiro. Not bad. This man knows when to advance and retreat; he's very smart.

Chen Nuo did not open the envelope right away but continued to ask, "Is the information you found accurate?"

"It is accurate!" Higashida Ichiro's tone was very serious. "Based on the name you provided and some basic information you had mentioned before, we found many people with the same name. Then, using other basic information you provided, such as age and other identity details, we vetted and screened them. We finally found three candidates who match all the criteria you described! All their information is in this envelope."

Chen Nuo nodded, looking contemplative. He placed his hand on the envelope and tapped his fingers on the tabletop.

Higashida Ichiro waited patiently.

After a while, Chen Nuo slowly spoke, "The girl who has been with me these past few days—you know her, right?"

"Are you referring to Miss Xicheng Xun?"

"Mm-hmm."

Chen Nuo nodded, then said, "I need you to do a few things for me."

"Yes!" Higashida Ichiro didn't dare to be careless. He quickly took out a small notebook from his jacket pocket, along with a pen, ready to take notes.

Seeing Higashida Ichiro's battle-ready demeanor, Chen Nuo chuckled. "No need to be so nervous. The tasks I'm assigning you won't be difficult."

"Whatever task you assign, I will accomplish it faithfully and completely!"

Regardless, the man's attitude was quite satisfying to Chen Nuo.

"First, I want you to find a way to transfer fifty million yen into the girl's bank account. I believe finding her bank account details won't be difficult for you, right?"

"Yes! No problem. I can take care of that by tomorrow."

"Second... she seems to have academic aspirations and aims to enter the University of Tokyo in the future. So... starting now, I would like you to pay more attention to her. Provide some assistance at her school and elsewhere.

"Hmm, don't go overboard. Just provide her with some favorable conditions."

Higashida Ichiro looked somewhat troubled. "What do you mean by 'don't go overboard'?"

"It means don't be too conspicuous or attract too much attention. Don't disturb her normal life. Don't draw excessive attention from others. Understand?"

After a moment of contemplation, Higashida Ichiro said, "I will make a donation to Miss Xicheng Xun's school on behalf of the company, then establish a scholarship and some special training and educational support projects in the company's name. Then, I'll use these programs to discreetly include Miss Xicheng Xun in the list of prioritized students.

"In the future, I also have some old friends at the University of Tokyo. I will have someone pull strings to create a few sponsored training programs and nominally include Miss Xicheng Xun in them.

"Do you think this is acceptable?"

Chen Nuo smiled and nodded. "Communicating with smart people is always a pleasure."

Higashida Ichiro breathed a sigh of relief.

Although he was a bit curious why this special envoy was so caring and seemingly obsessed with that girl... it wasn't his place to ponder such things. Even if this gentleman was truly captivated by her, it wouldn't be difficult to curry favor with him and take good care of his little mistress in Japan. Besides, it would be an opportunity to build a good relationship with this special envoy.

After discussing matters, Higashida Ichiro stood up to take his leave. Chen Nuo, not putting on too many airs, also got up and walked him out of the café.

However, as they reached the elevator, they encountered a small incident.

"Mr. Higashida!!"

From the other end of the corridor, a man and a woman rushed over quickly.

Higashida Ichiro's bodyguards promptly sprang into action, stopping the two people several meters away.

Chen Nuo squinted as he observed the man and woman.

The man was unremarkable: plain-looking, quite thin, a bit short, with thinning hair, wearing a blue suit.

When he saw the woman, Chen Nuo first narrowed his eyes, then a strange smile appeared on his face.

This woman was undeniably beautiful.

She looked to be in her twenties, with soft features, delicate brows, and light makeup. She had a gentle and docile temperament. Her long black hair was tied in a bun at the back of her head. Her neck was long, her shoulders slender, and she possessed a slim, tall figure. She wore a conservative, form-fitting black long skirt that revealed the curves of her waist and hips, its hemline nearly brushing her ankles.

Simply put, she had the appearance and aura of a young, mature woman.

Her facial expression carried a touch of sorrow.

Well, if she were in one of those hard disk movies, she would probably be quite suitable for roles such as "housewife" or "widow."

However, what made Chen Nuo's lips curve into a strange smile wasn't any of this.

It was because he recognized the woman.

She seemed to be a rather famous actress.

In his previous life, he had seen this actress's TV dramas. In the early 2000s, a large number of pirated discs flooded into Huaxia, including many Japanese dramas.

He remembered this actress had a period of fame, but she later faded into obscurity.

Chen Nuo wasn't an avid movie buff or a fan; he had watched her work, and that was it, without any particular lasting impression.

His only distinct memory was that, unlike many Japanese female entertainers, this woman had a tall stature and a pair of long legs.

"Mr. Higashida!!"

The man in the blue suit tried to push past the bodyguards, calling out anxiously. The woman, though her expression was also mournful and anxious, didn't step forward, looking this way with unease.

Higashida Ichiro's expression turned unpleasant. He glanced worriedly at Chen Nuo, and upon seeing no anger from him, he felt a wave of relief and then berated them, "What kind of behavior is this, shouting and making a fuss here!"

Seeing their boss was unhappy, the bodyguards quickly pushed the man aside. They then heard him calling out repeatedly.

Chen Nuo sighed. "Who are they?"

"It's..." Higashida Ichiro hesitated briefly, then lowered his voice and whispered to Chen Nuo, "That woman is a female entertainer and was also one of Domoto Hideno's women before he died. That man is her agent, as well as the owner of that talent agency.

"Domoto Hideno previously took good care of that woman. He invested in her talent agency under his company's name and also purchased a property in Tokyo for her to live in—again, under the company's name. However, since Domoto is dead, and those properties were bought in the company's name, they are company assets and naturally must be reclaimed. Moreover, the company was originally going to sponsor a major film, specifically requesting her as the lead actress. But now, of course, those plans no longer need to be carried out."

"Oh..." Chen Nuo smiled dismissively.

"Hmm," Chen Nuo nodded. "And then?"

Hearing Higashida Ichiro's anxious explanations, Chen Nuo chuckled.

He was quite clear about what was going through Higashida Ichiro's mind... He was eager to distance himself from Domoto Hideno. Domoto Hideno's death, although accidental, didn't mean Higashida Ichiro, as a 'backup plan member,' was a fool. He could likely guess a few things, but he didn't dare to think too deeply. Now that he had risen to power, he naturally had to demonstrate his loyalty to the organization. As for Domoto Hideno's affairs during his lifetime, they had to be completely severed, with clear lines drawn!

After hearing all this, Chen Nuo smiled. "Alright, call them over for you to handle. Pushing and shoving like this in public isn't very appropriate."

"Uh, yes!" Higashida Ichiro hastily bowed. "I apologize for the disturbance! It's all my fault for not managing things properly."

With a wave of his hand, the bodyguards immediately received the signal and stepped aside. The man hurried over, stumbling and scrambling. Whether intentionally or by accident, he thudded down onto his knees.

"President Higashida! Please, I beg of you, do not withdraw your investment!! I implore you!!"

The man lay prostrate on the ground, pleading repeatedly.

The actress followed, and although she didn't dramatically kneel, she too bowed respectfully but remained silent.

Higashida Ichiro shouted angrily, "Fukuda-san! What kind of place is this? Shouting and making a scene in public like this is incredibly impolite!"

Fukuda, his head covered in sweat, just pleaded continuously, "President Higashida! I'm just asking you, please, do not withdraw the investment! I've already invested most of the company's funds in this movie! If you withdraw now, I'll be completely ruined!

"Moreover, I implore you to believe me, this is an excellent film project. It will surely bring a bright future for the company!

"So, I earnestly request you to reconsider!"

As he spoke, he anxiously tugged at the actress beside him, raising his voice, "Maki is our company's best actress! She will give it her all, even risk her life, to perform well in this movie!

"Isn't that right? Isn't that right, Maki-chan! Speak up!"

The actress named Maki hurriedly nodded and bowed. "Yes, yes! I will do my utmost! Please give me this chance!" Her voice, when she spoke, was also soft and compliant, her tone tinged with panic and trepidation.

Higashida Ichiro's face was ashen as he said sternly, "With Chairman Domoto's passing, the company will be adjusting many of its operations! This is a decision made by the board of directors. Your shouting and causing a scene here, coming to me to make a fuss, will achieve absolutely nothing..."

"What's the name of that movie?"

Just as Higashida Ichiro was scolding him, Chen Nuo suddenly asked in a slow voice.

"Eh?" Higashida Ichiro paused for a moment.

Fukuda, kneeling on the ground, also froze.

Higashida Ichiro looked at Chen Nuo and, seeing the special envoy's curious expression, was the first to react. He quickly urged, "What's the name of the movie? Speak up!"

Fukuda, though still not quite understanding, quickly blurted out a name.

Chen Nuo heard it, stroked his chin, and a peculiar smile appeared on his face.

Hmm, he seemed to have seen this movie in his youth during his previous life. And the main reason he remembered this actress named Maki was because of that film. Back in his younger days, he had accidentally come across a Japanese film, which he heard had won some kind of award—hmm, whether it won or was just nominated, he couldn't quite recall. There wasn't much to say about the film itself; it was a typical Japanese art-house film, with an oppressive plot and overall atmosphere, and the pacing was slow. However, one of the female leads left an impression on Chen Nuo, who was then still a youth. It was a slightly racy scene: the actress, dressed in a white gown, walked down into a swimming pool and then emerged soaking wet. Although nothing explicit was revealed, when the thin, long dress became soaked, it outlined the curve of her long legs. In his memory of that scene, the actress's legs were held together and straight, and combined with her gentle and mournful expression, it left a rather deep impression on the young Chen Nuo. At the time, seeing that scene on the screen, he had felt a little flicker of amazement.

It seemed this movie hadn't even started filming yet.

Seeing Chen Nuo with a smile on his face, seemingly lost in thought, Higashida Ichiro quickly shut his mouth and waited cautiously.

Indeed, after two seconds, Chen Nuo smiled and said, "I do quite enjoy watching movies. Since it's a promising project, let's go ahead and complete it."

As he spoke, the elevator arrived, and Chen Nuo stepped straight in.

Higashida Ichiro quickly turned around, bowed his head low, and said, "Yes! I, I will definitely see to it! Please take care!"

Chen Nuo smiled, his gaze swept over the actress, and he suddenly added with a smile.

"This young lady would look lovely in a white dress."

Only after the elevator doors slowly closed did Higashida Ichiro straighten up from his bow.

He turned around and looked at Fukuda on the ground with a strange and complex gaze.

Fukuda was panic-stricken and dumbfounded. The actress named Maki, however, looked somewhat curiously at the elevator doors.

Recalling President Higashida's respectful attitude toward that unfamiliar young man just now...

After a moment of silence, Higashida Ichiro stared at Fukuda on the ground and said coldly, "You sure know how to cause me trouble, Fukuda."

"I, I'm so sorry for the trouble! But I really didn't have any other choice..."

Higashida Ichiro waved his hand, signaling the man to shut up.

Seeing Fukuda was about to say more, the woman called Maki, showing some perceptiveness, quickly pulled Fukuda back.

Higashida Ichiro pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "That movie project... um, you have the script and other materials with you, right?"

"Of course! They, they're all here! To find an opportunity to plead with you, I prepared all the materials and brought them!"

Fukuda quickly ran to the side, picked up a leather bag that had fallen to the ground during the scuffle with the bodyguards, and took out a thick stack of documents from it.

Higashida Ichiro waved his hand. "As for the documents, send them to the company tomorrow. Let the planning department review them! Is the script in your hands?"

"Uh... the script? Yes, it's here!" Fukuda hastily moved to hand over the script, but Higashida Ichiro didn't take it. He just glanced at Fukuda and asked, "In the script, is there... um, a scene where Miss Maki wears a white dress?"

Fukuda was stunned, as if unsure how to respond.

Maki, however, had calmed down by now and quickly replied, "There are many scenes in the script that would require the character to wear a dress... but whether it's specifically a white dress would depend on the costume and prop requirements. Right now, it can't be confirmed..."

"Then she'll wear a white dress!" Higashida Ichiro said coldly.

"...Huh? Oh! Yes! Yes!" Maki, startled, took half a step back and quickly nodded.

Fukuda, beside her, paused for a moment, then also quickly reacted, "Yes! That's absolutely no problem! During the filming of this movie, I will ensure that Miss Maki's character appears on screen in a beautiful white dress!!"

For Fukuda, this request, though strange... was completely without difficulty! As long as they didn't withdraw their investment, allowing the movie project into which he had poured most of his company's funds to be completed smoothly... Never mind having Maki wear a white dress... Even if he himself had to wear a white dress on screen, Fukuda wouldn't bat an eyelid!!

"Alright, about the project, Fukuda, bring your people to the company tomorrow. I will have the person in charge of the project discuss it with you," Higashida Ichiro said coldly.

Fukuda had already climbed up from the ground. He quickly bowed gratefully to Higashida and was about to leave with Maki.

"Wait a moment," Higashida Ichiro said coldly. "Fukuda, you go ahead. Please ask Miss Maki to stay behind."

"..." Fukuda froze for a moment, then carefully looked at President Higashida. Having been immersed in the entertainment industry for half his life, he seemed to instantly understand something. His expression was complex, but he nodded without hesitation and turned to Maki, "Maki-chan, since President Higashida has something to discuss with you, please stay and listen to his instructions. I'll head back first!"

Giving her a meaningful look, Fukuda quickly excused himself.

Maki was left standing before Higashida Ichiro, looking somewhat apprehensive. However, given her inherently gentle and delicate temperament and appearance, such an expression and posture held a certain charm.

Higashida Ichiro scrutinized Maki for a few moments. Maki inwardly sighed but dared not show it on her face. With an air of resignation, she bowed her head and said, "Ch-Chairman... do you have any other instructions?"

Actually, Maki didn't feel overly resistant to the idea of making certain sacrifices. After all, she had previously been with that old man, Domoto Hideno. To these powerful and influential figures, a small actress like her, though appearing glamorous in public, was merely a plaything in their presence. Switching from Chairman Domoto to this Chairman Higashida... there wasn't any fundamental difference. The way he was scrutinizing her... Maki was used to it.

"Miss Maki."

"Yes! Please give your instructions."

"I recall your residence isn't far from here, is it?"

"No, it's not very far." Maki sighed inwardly, yet couldn't help but feel a little curious. Is he planning to go to my home? But that seems unnecessary. If he really wanted to do something to me, this is a hotel... Does he have some peculiar fetish that requires doing such things in my own home?

"Very good!" Higashida Ichiro said slowly. "You must have white dresses at your home, right?"

"Uh?" Maki was taken aback for a moment. "Yes, I have a few."

"Then, right now, I will have my driver take you home. Change into your prettiest white dress, and then make yourself up properly! I'll give you one hour... Understand?"

"Eh?"

"That will be all! If you have any issues with clothing or makeup, you can ask. My people will fully cooperate with you!"

Higashida Ichiro said sternly, "Time is critical! You only have one hour! After one hour, you must be perfectly dressed and made up, in your best possible state, and return here! I will be waiting for you here! Go now!"

「Over an hour later.」

Maki, looking radiant and beautifully dressed, stood outside the door of a suite on the hotel's top floor.

She wore a white long dress that made her appear graceful and captivating. This dress was Maki's own choice—as an actress, she knew very well how to dress to showcase her most charming side.

Her temperament and appearance leaned towards that of a young, mature woman—ripe, yet gentle and submissive.

The white dress wasn't revealing, yet it perfectly accentuated the soft lines of her feminine figure.

Standing outside the door, Maki took a deep breath to compose herself.

After returning to the hotel earlier, she had been taken to the café. Upon meeting Chairman Higashida again, she had initially assumed she would be serving him that night.

However, Higashida's words soon made the situation clear.

Standing before this room's door, Maki's mind was still replaying the words Chairman Higashida had spoken to her a few minutes ago in the café, his tone extremely solemn and patient as he gave her instructions.

The person she was to serve tonight was the young man she had seen earlier at the elevator entrance, standing with Chairman Higashida.

Regarding the change in whom she was to serve, Maki actually felt a slight sense of relief.

The young man was quite handsome and had a pleasing appearance.

In any case, accompanying a handsome young man was certainly less repulsive to her than being with a decrepit old man.

However, Higashida had carefully instructed her: she must treat this esteemed person with the utmost gentleness, humility, and respect.

Everything, absolutely everything, must be aimed at pleasing this VIP. Under any circumstances—any circumstances at all—she must be completely obedient and must absolutely not, in word or deed, do even the slightest thing that might offend this VIP!

Higashida hadn't revealed the identity of this VIP.

But his words had sent colossal waves through Maki's heart.

This Chairman Higashida, having succeeded Domoto, was poised to become a new power in Tokyo... The massive company he now controlled was already a significant behemoth. And for someone who made even this Chairman so cautious... Could he be an heir from some giant financial conglomerate? Or perhaps, someone from the royal family?

All sorts of chaotic thoughts flashed through Maki's mind.

Nevertheless, Maki felt somewhat confident about serving this young man well.

Taking a deep breath, she smoothed the wrinkles on her dress around her waist and hips with her hands, then pressed the doorbell.

「An hour earlier.」

Chen Nuo returned to his room, closed the door, sat at the table, and picked up the envelope Higashida Ichiro had given him that evening. He opened it.

Inside were three sets of documents. Chen Nuo quickly scanned them and, based on the information from his previous life's memories, easily eliminated two of them.

The third was the person he was looking for.

After carefully reading the details of the third person and committing them to memory, Chen Nuo opened the laptop on the desk.

He retrieved a small black USB drive from his bag.

Chen Nuo had brought this USB drive with him from Huaxia.

After inserting the USB drive, he logged into the Octopus Monster's website using the "Arsonist" account.

Before he could do anything, he saw a notification for new messages in his account.

"System notice: You have 5 messages from Star Sky Empress."

Damn!

Chen Nuo felt his scalp tighten.

He clicked to open them...

First message: Are you there? Reply quickly if you are.

Sent: Two days ago.

Second message: Why aren't you replying? Are you trying to avoid me?

Sent: Yesterday afternoon.

Third message: Little swindler, are you hiding because you're afraid to talk to me?

Sent: Today at eight in the morning.

Fourth message: Bastard! You dare play the disappearing act with me?

Sent: Two hours ago.

And what made Chen Nuo break out in a cold sweat was...

Fifth message: Darling~~ just how little do you cherish this world?

Chen Nuo: "..."

As he hesitated.

DING!

A new message arrived.

Sender: Star Sky Empress.

Content: If you don't reply within an hour, you can try to guess the consequences.

At the end of the message, there was a string of Arabic numerals.

Chen Nuo recognized it as a phone number. Judging by the area code, it should be in Britain.

Chen Nuo hesitated for a few seconds, then finally picked up his phone and dialed the number.

"...hello?"

Lu Xixi's voice came from the other end.

"Uh... it's me," Chen Nuo took a deep breath.

The tone on the other end changed instantly.

"Oh~ Honey~" Lu Xixi's voice was deliberately saccharine, almost exaggerated.

Chen Nuo cleared his throat. "Um... I've been busy with some things these past two days. I haven't logged into the website."

Lu Xixi huffed. "Your phone in Huaxia is also turned off. I called it a few times. Hmm... this phone number you're calling me from... Huh? Are you in Tokyo, Japan?"

"Yeah, I came out to take care of some business." After a pause, Chen Nuo sighed. "What do you want?"

"Just checking up on you," Lu Xixi sneered.

"...Don't joke around," Chen Nuo said with a wry smile. "You've beaten me up, you've robbed me... That business should be over by now, right?"

"..." Lu Xixi was silent for a moment, then her tone softened slightly. "What are you doing in Japan? Is it a mission or some kind of assignment?"

"Mm, it's nothing important."

"Have you run into any trouble?"

"No."

"Oh." After Lu Xixi said "Oh," she suddenly fell silent.

Chen Nuo rubbed his nose. "So, what is it you wanted to talk to me about?"

"..." Lu Xixi was silent again for a good ten seconds before she finally spoke, her tone becoming somewhat strange.

"Um... I remembered, when I was in Jinling, during those few days at your place, I ate something you made.

"I really liked it, but when I tried to make it myself back here, I just couldn't get the taste right...

"I even found chefs in Chinatown to make it, but the flavor was always off."

"Huh?" Chen Nuo was momentarily stunned. "What dish?"

"It... it was... um... braised pork ribs."

Hey! That excuse is way too flimsy! It sounds completely made up!

Chen Nuo felt a bit awkward. He coughed and said, steeling himself, "That... just braised pork ribs?"

"...Mm-hmm."

"..."

"..."

They were both silent for a few more seconds before Chen Nuo chuckled wryly. "Alright, that... um... I'll teach you, okay?

"First, blanch the ribs in boiling water for a few seconds, until they're no longer red, then you can take them out.

"This helps to remove the gamey taste from the meat.

"Then..."

He continued to list the recipe steps, and Lu Xixi on the other end didn't interrupt, just listened quietly.

Suddenly...

DING-DONG!

The doorbell rang.

Chen Nuo didn't pay it much mind and said casually, "It might be hotel room service. Hold on, I'll go get the door."

Still holding his phone, Chen Nuo walked to the door and pulled it open.

Then...

"..." Chen Nuo, phone in hand, looked with some surprise at Maki standing outside the door, radiantly dressed, her eyes carrying a hint of frailty and seductive allure.

"You?" Chen Nuo blurted out instinctively.

Maki bowed slightly, then said in a soft, deliberately alluring voice and tone,

"Sir, Chairman Higashida asked me to come and serve you tonight... What do you think of my attire? Are you satisfied?"

"..."

Chen Nuo was stunned for a second...

...And then it hit him!

Shit!! The phone!!! He was still on the call with Lu Xixi!!!

He quickly brought the phone to his ear. "Hello? Hello?! HELLO?!"

The line on the other end had already been disconnected...

Dis...con...nect...ed...

"Damn it!"

Chen Yanluo suddenly felt all the hairs on his body stand on end!

「Damn it!!!!」

Lu Xixi, panting heavily, stared at the shattered remains of her phone, which she had smashed against the wall!

She frantically rushed out to the living room and grabbed the landline phone.

From another room, Little Candy emerged in slippers.

"Teacher? What are you doing so late?"

"I need to book a flight! I'm going to Tokyo!!"

"...Huh? Why are you going to Tokyo?"

"...To break a bastard's bones!!"