I am a literary giant in Japan

“It sounds like that.”

The secretary looked unhappy. He had been working in politics with Keisuke Obuchi for many years, and this was the first time he had encountered such a situation.

In the past, as long as the Prime Minister personally invited someone, no matter who the other person was, he would definitely give them this favor.

Especially in a country like Japan where the ability to "read the atmosphere" is highly valued, if one does not even have this little insight, it is highly likely that such a person will not be able to survive in the cruel society.

But in the phone call just now, Mr. Kitagawa Hide clearly said that he was not free recently. If I want to have dinner and chat with him, I guess I have to wait until September.
This is a personal invitation from the Prime Minister!

Even if he is the head of one of the six largest financial groups, it is impossible for him to have such a tight schedule that he doesn't even have time to have dinner with the Prime Minister.

The secretary's first reaction was that Mr. Kitagawa Hide was "playing big". After all, the writers in the Japanese literary world are quite eccentric, and it is normal for them to be a little arrogant.

However, he still felt a little unhappy that this big shot had played tricks at the Prime Minister's residence.

The secretary stole a glance at Obuchi Keizo's expression, wondering whether he should inform the Ministry of Education's Minister of Culture, Machimura Nobutaka, to give Kitagawa Hide a warning.

After hearing what the secretary said, Keisan Obuchi pondered for a moment, then said, "In that case, let's wait until Mr. Kitagawa is free, and then we'll pay him a visit."

"Eh?" The secretary looked at him with wide eyes, doubting whether he had heard it wrong.

Mr. Prime Minister, are you really going to obey that guy?
"What's wrong? Do you have any problem?" Keisan Obuchi looked up at him.

The secretary shook his head quickly and bowed, saying, "No problem! In that case, I will call Mr. Beichuan this afternoon and tell him what you mean."

"Yes. When you contact Mr. Kitagawa this time, remember to speak softer. Even if he doesn't want to, don't use my status as Prime Minister to force him."

Xiao Yuan Keisan waved his hand at him.

"I understand. Go do your work and don't disturb me while I'm reading."

"Yes! Prime Minister!"

The secretary finally understood.

It seems that the Prime Minister has the utmost respect for Mr. Kitagawa.

Then my attitude towards Teacher Beichuan must also change.

He is different from the members of the Prime Minister's cabinet.

In the past, when the prime minister changed, there were many former cabinet members like Machimura Nobutaka who were retained by the new prime minister and even entrusted with important tasks.

But a secretary to the Prime Minister like him would inevitably fall to the bottom once the Prime Minister lost power, and there would be no chance of recovery.

Who dares to place someone else's confidant by their side? In the political arena, there are intrigues and deceptions, and the knife that stabs you often comes from your side!

Therefore, after learning about Obuchi Keizo's true attitude towards Kitagawa Hide, the secretary immediately changed his thoughts and expression, and began to think about how to facilitate this meeting between him and the Prime Minister without upsetting Mr. Kitagawa.

He backed away cautiously and left the office.

After hearing the door close, Keizo Obuchi turned his attention back to the "Volkswagen" in his hand.

He has been following the novel "Hanzawa Naoki". This novel is obviously about the highly professional banking industry, but it is not at all obscure to read. It is not the kind of reference book with a strong popular science nature as he imagined.

The last serialized plot ended with Branch Manager Asano constantly receiving various threatening text messages from an anonymous person named "Hana".

He was under great mental pressure, and it seemed that everything he had done before was seen through by that "flower".

And "Flower" has only one request to him.

That is to tell the truth and not put all the blame on innocent subordinates!
If Branch Manager Asano does not do as he is told, "Hana" will send the evidence in his hands to all employees in the bank and hand it over to the prosecutors of the Financial Services Agency, completely ruining his reputation!
"This Hanze looks like a reckless young man who completely ignores the rules and regulations of the workplace.

But it is precisely this kind of person with a strong personality who is most likely to be sought after by ordinary people."

Keizo Obuchi recalled the plot of the previous serial, and the excitement he felt after reading it resurfaced, making him unable to wait to continue reading.

In the novel plot.

At this moment, Branch President Asano and Hanzawa Naoki were facing each other one-on-one in the president's office.

Branch Manager Asano's mind was filled with emails related to "flowers".

Is “Hua” really Hanzawa?

He had no hard evidence for this.

However, on the other hand, something made him feel that "Hana" should be Hanzawa.

Although he tried hard to appear calm, Branch Manager Asano was already feeling very confused at the moment.

His stomach felt like it was being pinched by something and it was aching hot and his head was aching heavily.

Do I really have to throw away my self-respect and apologize to this guy?
This is simply unreasonable!
Why do you have to do that?

I am obviously his boss!

However, Hanzawa's gaze pierced through like a needle, piercing Branch Manager Asano's thoughts.

Naoki Hanzawa is not a simple fool, he is a man who can do what he says.

And judging from previous situations, Hanzawa also has extensive connections in the head office, and he uses them with ease.

Although he is younger than Asano and holds a lower position than Asano, if he had the intention, Asano might be thrown out of the field as soon as the two of them started fighting.

What's more, he had the cash passbook in his hand, which was irrefutable evidence.

Asano, who also realized this, also came to his senses.

Now this issue is no longer just a moral issue.

He couldn't use a lie that was obviously false to deceive Hanze—

If Hanzawa really has evidence of his crime, as long as he hands the evidence over to the Financial Services Agency, he will definitely be prosecuted for the criminal offenses of financial fraud and embezzlement!

Given Hanzawa's personality and the aggression his group had shown him before, he would definitely get to the bottom of this matter.

Should I apologize or not?
In Asano's heart, all kinds of complicated emotions began to roll and stir violently again.

However, those opposing or contradictory emotions were soon focused on one conclusion by an irresistible force.

Asano finally slowly turned his gaze from the carpet back to Hanzawa.

When Asano saw the other person's expression as if he was looking at a fool, and the faint mocking smile on his face, his self-esteem felt like it was burned by fire.

Do I really have to admit my mistakes to such a guy? Damn it! Do I really have to admit my mistakes to such a guy?
At this moment, another picture suddenly popped into his mind.

Asano's forced calm expression completely collapsed.

"father!"

The smiling face of his daughter Reio bloomed in Asano's mind, as well as the angry smiling face of his son Saori, and the voice of his wife saying, "You've grown bigger."

I—I—I’m sorry!
Asano suddenly opened his eyes wide and looked straight at Hanzawa.

“It’s so well written. Asano’s feelings at this moment are probably something that many people in high positions can relate to.

It was greed and ambition that were at work at first, and then bigger lies were told to fill the gap.

Just like that, he walked step by step into the abyss of depravity.

In his last moments, the voice and smile of his beloved came to his mind again."

Keizo Obuchi, who has always acted prudently, has never done anything like this, but along the way he has seen many "Asano"s who have fallen because of such things.

Even many of them were once his friends and peers, but in the end they were judged by him personally.

Therefore, he understands the minds and thoughts of such people better than many people.

There is no doubt that Mr. Kitagawa has completely brought the character of Branch Manager Asano to life!

He continued to turn the pages, eager to see Branch Manager Asano's final decision on the matter.

After turning the page, a new chapter appeared and a huge word "I'm sorry" hit Keisuke Obuchi's sight.

I believe that readers who are also reading "Hanzawa Naoki" at this moment are probably clenching their fists with excitement!

"sorry!"

Asano suddenly said this, supported himself on the table with both hands, and lowered his head deeply.

Asano finally couldn't bear it anymore and completely surrendered to Hanzawa.

"Please forgive me." He said this, completely losing the dignity of a branch manager.

He is now completely different from the bastard who was aggressive and wanted to torture Hanzawa to death.

For a few seconds, Hanzawa just stared silently at Asano's head, waiting for him to raise his head.

Asano felt uneasy as he didn't get a response, but he still slowly raised his head and looked at Hanzawa, his eyes seemed to be testing Hanzawa's reaction.

The emotions on his face seemed indescribable, mixed. "What are you talking about?" Hanzawa chuckled.

For a moment, Asano was startled and looked at the other person with wide eyes.

The look of panic and the mental struggle that shook him again was just brilliant.

"The West Osaka Steel incident." Asano managed to squeeze out the words from his throat.

"Oh? Why?" Hanzawa's laughter became even louder.

Asano said in a panic, "The 500 million is not your responsibility. I was in a hurry to approve the credit. It's all my fault."

Hanze suppressed his anger and remained silent.

What fault?
Do not make jokes!
It's come to this, are you still planning to use sweet words and changing the words to get away with it?

As he thought this, he glared at his boss.

"So, I hope you can give me a chance to apologize. I'm so sorry!"

"You said it was a mistake?" As soon as Hanzawa opened his mouth, Asano bit his lips tightly and quickly shifted his gaze to the floor.

For a long time, Asano was unable to utter a word.

A minute passed, maybe two, maybe longer.

Outside the president's office, a broadcast was heard notifying everyone to attend the regular Monday morning meeting for all employees.

Then there were the sounds of all the employees getting up one after another and walking towards the first floor lobby of the morning meeting place.

No one was so tactless as to run to the branch manager's office with the door closed to call them.

"Allow me to correct that, then."

Finally, Asano spoke.

His face was pale, his lips trembled, and his eyes moved back and forth like weak electric lights.

"I-I betrayed the bank, the Tokyo Central Bank. I acted in a way that a branch manager, no, a bank employee, shouldn't have. I am ashamed."

Asano's head suddenly drooped, and his psychological defenses completely collapsed.

He fell silent again, and the expression frozen on his face looked like a shattered spider web.

He slowly knelt down beside the chair, put his head on the floor, and said to Hanzawa in the posture of sitting in the ground: "That's it, I'm sorry, please forgive me."

"hiss--"

Seeing this scene, Keisuke Obuchi could hardly suppress his excitement.

"An tooth for a tooth, a tooth for a tooth" is still the most famous motto of Naoki Hanzawa, and it is also a golden phrase that countless workers imitate.

Before that, he had calmly but fiercely said to Branch Manager Asano and others, "If I am right, please step down and apologize to me," which was considered by readers to be a momentary talk.

Because it’s really magical.

Not only did he demand an apology from his boss, he did so in the most humiliating posture!

This was a great honor that people of very low status had to perform when showing respect to people of higher status in ancient times!
I didn’t expect that Mr. Kitagawa could actually write such a “unbelievable” plot!
And even more incredible plots are yet to come!
"Unforgivable."

Hanzawa said this, his calm tone was sharp.

"You are the scum of the bank staff. I will bring your reputation to ruin!"

These words were too harsh. Asano opened and closed his mouth in shock, but could not utter a word.

The intercom in the branch manager's office suddenly rang.

"Go and pick it up." Hanzawa ordered.

Asano stood up slowly, picked up the receiver and put it to his ear. After hearing the other party's voice, he looked back at Hanzawa in embarrassment.

"It was the front desk who called. S-sorry, my wife is here. Actually, she came to Osaka to say goodbye to me."

Asano said into the phone, "I understand. But you can go back after you're done." Then he hung up the receiver.

"She said she brought some gifts for everyone. She had to hand them to me personally no matter what."

After a while, someone knocked on the branch manager's office door and Asano opened it.

A very plain woman wearing a short-sleeved shirt inside, a short jacket outside and a pair of light sneakers on her feet was standing outside the door.

Noticing Hanzawa's presence, she quickly bowed and said politely, "I'm so sorry to come here so suddenly and disturb your work."

This sentence was not said to Asano, but to Hanzawa.

"It's okay." Hanzawa replied softly.

At this time, Asano's wife seemed to have understood the unusual atmosphere in the room. An expression of surprise appeared on her face and she looked at her husband, then turned back to look at Hanzawa, and her expression suddenly froze.

"Ah, this this."

She handed over the snack box in her hand.

"It's just a little something, not a big deal. Share it with everyone. Thank you very much for taking such good care of my husband. Ah, who is this?"

"Head of the Financing Division, Hanzawa," Asano introduced.

"I'm so sorry. Please take good care of my husband."

As she spoke, she bowed her head deeply.

“The children missed their dad so much that they kept pestering me to bring them here.

We came here on Saturday. The children went back yesterday, and I thought it was a rare opportunity to come here, so I wanted to say hello to everyone in the branch, so I stayed until today. Excuse me - you are all very busy at work recently, and my husband is always in low spirits, so I am very worried. "

"Okay, why aren't you leaving?" Asano urged embarrassedly.

His wife frowned slightly, looking so pitiful and sincere.

Hanzawa suddenly didn't know what to say.

"Although he is such a person, please take good care of him, Mr. Hanzawa." Asano's wife calmly grabbed Hanzawa's hand and held it tightly.

An unexpectedly strong force came from her fingertips, which surprised Hanze.

She looked at Hanzawa with a very serious expression and pleading eyes: "Please, please, take care of him."

She spoke in a pleading manner and did not let go of Hanze's hand for a long time.

This is probably the natural keen intuition of women.

Although she didn't know what was going on, she felt that the unusual atmosphere in the air told her that they must be talking about something special to force her husband.

Facing the silent Hanzawa, Asano's wife seemed about to cry.

"Hey, that's enough." Asano couldn't bear to watch it anymore.

Hearing Asano's voice, Asano's wife took a step back, bowed deeply again, and turned to leave the branch manager's office.

Her back looked so lonely. Hanze stared at her receding back and didn't take his eyes off her for a long time.

"I'm sorry. I've caused you trouble." After sending his wife away, Asano returned and apologized, "I hope you can forgive me. That's it, Hanzawa. Was it you who sent me the email?"

Hanzawa didn't answer.

What’s the point of saying who sent the email now?

Do you think that you can offset your criminal behavior by asking your wife to come over and play the emotional card?
If this can be forgiven, then what about those others who were hurt by this?

Hanzawa said in his usual straightforward way: "I plan to report your actions to the bank."

A look of desperate fear appeared on Asano's face.

"Please spare me, please!"

He put his head on the table again.
“I still have a family, and I don’t want to cause trouble for them.

Please, please don't do this - you mustn't do this.

Hanzawa, I'm sorry for saying bad things about you everywhere. Please give me a chance to make it up to you.

I'd be willing to work like a cow or a horse, please let me go."

Seeing Asano begging for mercy at the top of his lungs, every word he said hit Obuchi Keisuke's nerves, making him nervous as well.

Hanzawa Naoki, are you really planning to never forgive this guy? (End of this chapter)