Tokyo: From Lawless Madpolice to Minister

"Whimper, whimper, whimper..."

Mrs. Yanahara's hair was disheveled, and the white flower in her hair had already fallen to the ground, its petals scattered.

Aoyama Xiu Xin had already dressed neatly, regaining his smart and dashing appearance, sitting contentedly beside her, smoking a cigarette.

"Thank you for your generous hospitality; I'll take care of the Noguchi Group matter."

Hearing the word "hospitality," Yehua Yiren's shame was so intense she could find no place to hide, closing her eyes and remaining silent.

"Alright, I'm leaving now. I'll come to see you often in the future, so you won't be too lonely at home," Aoyama Xiu Xin said as he let go of her.

Upon hearing this, Yehua Yiren's pretty face grew even more bitter. Her thoughts were complicated. "Mr. Aoyama, my husband has just died. Are you really not bothered by this?"

Some people might consider it bad luck, she thought, hoping to deter him with this reasoning.

But she was wrong.

"Madame, that's actually a plus!" Aoyama Xiu Xin laughed heartily and, with his back to her, waved his hand in a dismissive gesture, "There's no need for you to see me out since it will be inconvenient for you."

Watching Aoyama Xiu Xin disappear into the distance, Yehua Yiren turned away.

Tears welled up instantly.

"Whimper, whimper, husband, don't blame me. I just want to protect the inheritance you left behind, whimper..."

Just then, footsteps approached. Yehua Yiren looked up to see Aoyama Xiu Xin had returned, which made her pale with her pitiable and instinctively tighten the kimono wrapped around her.

"I need to borrow this for a day," Aoyama Xiu Xin said, bending down to pick up a large mobile phone from the table.

The thing was quite expensive now, and pagers were too inconvenient, so he opted for a zero-cost acquisition.

Yehua Yiren blurted out, "That was my husband's keepsake. Mr. Aoyama, you can't use..."

"Madame," Aoyama Xiu Xin interrupted her, annoyed, with a smirk, "Aren't you also your husband's keepsake?"

Yehua Yiren's cheeks flushed with shame and anger, leaving her speechless and forced to watch him walk away with her husband's mobile phone.

Holding the mobile phone and stepping out of the Yoshinaga family's front door again, the breeze blowing in his face made Aoyama Xiu Xin feel refreshed and he casually called Fujimoto Ryosuke.

Tokyo had just updated its telephone switching network this year, eliminating the need for intermediaries and allowing direct calls to the target, which was much more convenient.

"Moshi moshi, this is Fujimoto Ryosuke."

"Ryosuke, it's me, Aoyama Xiu Xin."

"Oh, Detective Aoyama." Fujimoto Ryosuke's formality was a reminder that Aoyama Xiu Xin was not yet familiar enough to address him by his first name, "What can I do for you, Detective Aoyama?"

"The weather is nice today, Mr. Liangyi, how about a drink?" Aoyama Xiu Xin seemed not to notice the emotion in the other party's tone and continued with his self-assured invitation.

Through brief cooperation during the Yeharadong murder case, Aoyama Xiu Xin realized that although Fujimoto Ryosuke was a ruthlessly ambitious striver, he indeed had talent, especially in the realm of contacts among various social classes, and Aoyama wanted to ask him about the Noguchi Group in detail.

Hearing himself addressed so informally, Fujimoto Ryosuke became somewhat annoyed, and with sarcastic harshness retorted, "Detective Aoyama, it's working hours now. Unlike you, I don't have a superior to look out for me and can't afford to leave my post. If it's not urgent, please arrange it after work."

He had just been transferred to the detective unit two days ago, and this was Zhongshan Akiyu's territory, where he was already being isolated and dared not give his superior any handle to use against him, or the consequences would be dire.

Why was he transferred to the detective unit? Wasn't it to make room for Aoyama Xiu Xin?

So this damned jerk, why didn't he show the slightest guilt for being the instigator who'd put him in this situation? Instead, he acted so chummy.

"Ah! Is that so?" Aoyama Xiu Xin clicked his tongue in regret and sighed, saying casually, "I actually wanted to tell you how to break free from the shackles of a non-professional group background, but since you're busy, never mind..."

"Mr. Xiu Xin, an hour later, at Ginza Senjo Kaiseki Cuisine, please do me the honor!" Fujimoto Ryosuke's demeanor flipped instantly, his tone warm and sincere.

Aoyama Xiu Xin smiled, "Certainly."

Ginza Senjo Kaiseki Cuisine was a very expensive restaurant; Fujimoto was quite generous with himself when it mattered, and it was only his education that limited his prospects. Otherwise, he would undoubtedly have a bright future.

....................

Ginza, undoubtedly the most bustling and lively place in Tokyo. Even during the economic downturn, it remained full of noise and excitement, showing no signs of desolation.

After arriving at the restaurant, Aoyama Xiu Xin gave Fujimoto Ryosuke's name to the waiter and was led to a private room.

The Changzi Gate slid open slowly, revealing Fujimoto Ryosuke, who quickly stood up to greet Aoyama Xiu Xin with warmth and respect, "Mr. Xiu Xin, please have a seat."

Aoyama Xiu Xin bowed slightly in return before sitting down.

The waiter then closed the Changzi Gate slowly.

"Mr. Xiu Xin, let's start with a drink. The sake here is very good," Fujimoto Ryosuke filled Aoyama Xiu Xin's cup and raised his glass for a toast.

Aoyama Xiu Xin first glanced at the exquisite dishes covering the table before picking up his glass, "You shouldn't have, Mr. Liangyi. Allow me to toast to you."

"You're too polite, Mr. Xiu Xin. I've wanted to have a drink with you for a while but never had the chance. Thank you for coming today." Fujimoto Ryosuke lied without blinking, drained his glass in one go, put down his cup, pressed his hands on his thighs, and gave a serious bow, "Mr. Xiu Xin, about what you mentioned over the phone, I humbly request further guidance."

It was evident that he was eager. He didn't even want to pretend to hold back.

There was no use hiding; the matter had almost become an obsession for him, and he believed Aoyama Xiu Xin knew this, so there was nothing to be gained from pretense.

A direct approach seemed more sincere.