America: My Time

Chapter 1376 The Temptation of Profit

Chapter 1366 The Temptation of Profit
These guys are really something, calculating to this extent. But that's just the nature of the Japanese, calculating everything to the core. Only this kind of character can allow them to persist in their businesses for so long and compress costs to that extent. But all their calculations are in vain.

What is Akio Morita's current situation? And if they really do this, and something happens to Akio Morita, then things will get really messy. Not only will they not get everything they want, but they will also be stigmatized. At that time, their reputation will be completely ruined, which will be a disaster for them!
"No, we can't do that! Actually, I think everyone has been making the wrong decision all along. You've been testing John's true intentions repeatedly, and using such low-level methods. That's problematic in itself. Testing him again and again will only wear down the feelings in his heart. Akio Morita did a great job in this regard. He hardly ever used personal connections, but instead used more subtle methods to accomplish his goals. Just look at the situation of Ms. Riko who is with him. You should know how wrong you've been."

"Then what do you suggest we do? Are we supposed to just bow our heads and admit our mistakes?" At this moment, someone's voice turned cold. For the Japanese, who value their reputation, such accusations were a disgrace!

"Hehe, there's no need to do that, but if we want to change the current situation, we can be more honest. Since we can send those guys directly to Mr. John, why don't we do it better and invite all those women together to talk things out and clear everything up? This would also show our sincerity. If we make a mistake, we can correct it without paying a huge price."

"That's a good suggestion, but how likely do you think it is? After all, John has already made his decision, and those people have been completely abandoned. We all know that! The only one who hasn't been abandoned is Nakayama Shinobu, but no matter what her situation is, she can't do anything about it!"

“I understand that too. A person who decides to leave will naturally not receive much recognition anymore. Even if she stays, it's only to save face for all of us and make us look better. However, this is an opportunity, and even if there is only a sliver of one, we should not give up. Those people don't really think that everything is over and that they are free. That's a joke. Do you think they don't know what happened to their predecessor, Setsuko Hara? They are the same. Even if all of this was caused by us, they have no freedom to speak of.”

"I understand what you mean, make full use of their value!"

"That's right, that's exactly what I mean. But we need to do it perfectly, not too carelessly. After all, this matter can't withstand any more setbacks. If we're not careful, we might end up losing more than we gain, and our 'good intentions' could turn into provocation. That would have serious consequences, especially at this time!"

"Alright, I admit you have a point. But what should we do? Nobody wants to see an accident happen, but this accident has caused us a lot of trouble. We need to resolve it perfectly without affecting everyone's interests. Everyone knows how much assets Mr. John has invested this time. The benefits are right in front of us, so no matter what you have in mind or what grudges you have, you must put them aside and protect everyone's interests first!"

"What do you plan to do? Once this starts, there's no turning back. Although there's a high chance of success, there's also a chance of failure. Are you sure you want to do this and take this risk?"

"The greater the risk, the greater the reward. I don't see any problem with that. However, you all must hand over all the decision-making power to me, and no one can interfere with my actions!"

"Sure, we have no objection. After all, we were just using them as pawns back then. Now that you want to take them over, go ahead and do so. We won't have any objections!"

"Alright, I'm relieved to hear your words. I'll get started now. If you have any ideas, please feel free to share them. After all, we don't have much time left, and I need to get everything done quickly!"

"We should also share the benefits of success, after all, we've all contributed!" A voice rang out at this moment. Some people were tempted when they saw the opportunity and wanted to share the benefits behind it.

These guys in Japan clearly know their time is running out, but they're still arguing over their interests. This makes the Japanese officials sigh, because they can't afford to offend anyone, and they're also at fault in this matter, so they don't want to cause themselves unnecessary trouble.

“Then you can take responsibility for this matter. I can let it go. Don’t think you can get something for nothing. I’m not that stupid!” Faced with such a 'provocation,' a standoff quickly ensued.

"Enough! What time is it? Are you still trying to cause trouble? Don't you want the benefits? Since we've already agreed, this matter is settled. Anyone who has objections should take it on themselves. Trying to get something for nothing without the ability is unacceptable!"

Several bigwigs quickly expressed their opinions, which stabilized the situation. They didn't want to see another unnecessary entanglement. Even if there were benefits, there were also great risks. People were taking risks to do things, and it was impossible for those who did nothing and didn't take risks to want to share the benefits.

Seeing this turn of events, the Japanese officials had no choice but to step in. They too bore some responsibility, and the fact that someone was willing to take the blame was naturally welcome. So, the matter was quickly decided upon. Due to time constraints, the person who volunteered to take responsibility was the first to leave after the decision was made to get things done. Time was of the essence, and dragging it out wouldn't be good for them. After he left, a glint of shrewdness gleamed in the eyes of these conglomerate tycoons; they all had an idea in mind.

For Japan, beautiful women are not in short supply. Since this guy can bring those women back to life, it shows that using beautiful women for public relations is feasible, which naturally gave them new ideas.

As night fell, Yasuko Sawaguchi, Miho Nakayama, Chisato Moritaka, and Norika Fujiwara were summoned to a residence in Tokyo. This situation filled them with unease; they feared something was about to happen to them again. How long had it been since they last met, and now they faced this situation once more, their hearts heavy with anxiety. The moment the four of them saw each other, they were all shocked.

Regret flooded their minds again. If they had known they would encounter so much trouble, they shouldn't have made that foolish decision in the first place. Riko and Akiko were right. They were all fools, too self-righteous and too presumptuous. They had a winning hand, but they ruined it!

"Do it all. I'm here on behalf of the Japanese government. Your matter is no longer just about one person; it has far-reaching implications, forcing me to speak with you. After all, some things cannot be done, and there are consequences for doing them. You may feel wronged and think this isn't what you wanted, but you had no choice. I've taken the time to summon you here not to persuade or remind you, but to warn you that wrongdoing comes with consequences."

As soon as this guy finished speaking, the expressions of Yasuko Sawaguchi and the others changed drastically. They were all shocked, and their hearts instantly turned cold. Even a fool could understand the seriousness of the matter. However, they did not know what they had done wrong to make this important figure take action and gather them together!

Seeing the expressions on Yasuko Sawaguchi's and the others' faces, the man nodded with satisfaction and said, "You may not realize what's wrong with you, and I don't have time to explain too much, so I'll just get straight to the point. You should know your senior, Setsuko Hara. You must know her situation. She hasn't been retired for long, so you should remember her. You think you can gain freedom by leaving Mr. John? You're just too naive and too trusting. Mr. John may not care, but we can't. There are some bottom lines that can't be crossed. If you do, the consequences will be more than you can bear. Some people are already having these inappropriate thoughts. If you insist on continuing, then you can only go to Tokyo Bay with the 'lover' you're looking for and become a pair of doomed lovers."

What is domineering, what is ruthless? This is it! He cut to the chase and stated the situation these people were facing directly, and he was cold and ruthless, without any emotion. This guy's performance was indeed impressive.

"I have no doubt about our resolve. Just think of your predecessor, Setsuko Hara, and you'll understand. Taking the wrong path comes at a price, and no one is exempt. I believe you know some things, have experienced some things, and may have even received some promises, but now those promises have vanished. I solemnly warn you once again: do not do anything to make things difficult for us. Furthermore, once you take this step, even if you don't become a pair of doomed lovers, you will be targeted by others, and your fate will be even worse. I believe you all know the situation in the Japanese entertainment industry and understand how many people are eyeing you. Don't think that just because you've returned to your original agency, you'll receive its protection. Those in the know understand that it's just a token gesture, not a guarantee of anything. Perhaps Miho Nakayama's situation is a little better, since her sister, Shinobu Nakayama, is still by Mr. John's side. Even though her influence has diminished, out of respect for her, not many people will target you, provided you don't court death. As for the rest of you, there's absolutely no chance, especially Yasuko Sawaguchi. You should understand how terrible the consequences will be if you take that wrong step."

Faced with such a blatant threat, the beauties couldn't help but shiver. A deep, icy chill 'froze' their bodies, making their breathing a little rapid. They weren't stupid; they naturally understood that this wasn't an exaggeration, but the truth.

If they hadn't gone through all that, they might still think they had gained freedom. But after experiencing those things, they all felt deep regret and realized how foolish they had been. But now they had no chance to turn back, which caused them great inner turmoil.

"Then what should we do? Should we also retire from the entertainment industry?" Yasuko Sawaguchi asked, forcing herself to stay alert. If this person could gather them together, he must have some ideas, and they must have some value.

"No need. Now there is an opportunity for you to return to that person's side. Of course, you know that even if you go back, your status and position will be different, but it will be enough for you to protect yourself. If you can have your own children in the future, perhaps things will turn around. Now think about whether you want to accept this opportunity. If you give it up, then don't have any more thoughts. Just live obediently, or you will bear all the consequences!"

In an instant, an immense pressure surged into their hearts, making it difficult for them to breathe. They all understood that the important figure before them was not joking; this was a real warning. They could not afford to take a wrong step, or they would fall into an abyss. Even Nakayama Miho's face turned pale, which showed how heavy their hearts were.

Of the group, the most terrified was Fujiwara Norika, because she had absolutely no protection. It was only before all this had happened; otherwise, given her current status, she would likely have been targeted by even more people and suffered an even more tragic end—a fate worse than death, becoming a toy for those powerful figures. Now that such an opportunity had presented itself, she naturally wanted to seize it, no matter how small the chance. It was her only possibility of turning her life around, her only chance of ensuring her safety.

"I accept! Please, sir, guide me on what to do, how to seize this opportunity!" Fujiwara Norika accepted the proposal without hesitation, a hint of madness in her eyes. She had had enough of those days of fear and anxiety. She wanted to change herself, even if the chances were slim. Otherwise, she would truly have no future, becoming a mere plaything of those powerful figures, ultimately tormented until her last breath. This was the consequence of making the wrong choice, the end result of foolishness!

(End of this chapter)