Crossover: Pen name: Dazai Osamu, Omega Kasumigaoka

Kitahara Shin took a deep breath; the air seemed to be filled with an ancient and mysterious aura.

Kitahara Makoto stood in front of the manor gate, hesitated for a moment, then reached out and pressed the horn of the Maserati. The horn's deep, resonant sound echoed in the silent night air.

Chapter 220 Old Wang of the Retro Manor

Soon, the manor gates slowly opened, and a middle-aged man dressed as a butler came out.

He was wearing a dark suit, a black top hat, and a respectful smile on his face.

"Good evening, sir."

The butler bowed slightly and then gestured for them to proceed.

"Please drive in."

Kitahara Makoto nodded in thanks, then got back into the car.

He started the engine, slowly drove through the open manor gate, and followed a winding path into the depths of the manor.

Moonlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the manor's paths.

Kitahara Makoto drove on, his mind filled with curiosity about the 24 manors. He wondered who the owners were and what kind of scene he was about to face.

As the vehicle drove deeper into the estate, the surrounding scenery became increasingly beautiful.

Gardens and lawns are scattered along both sides of the road, and various flowers emit a faint fragrance in the night.

Kitahara slowed down to admire the rare beautiful scenery.

Finally, the vehicle stopped in front of a magnificent building. This building, too, was full of retro charm, perfectly complementing the overall style of the estate.

Kitahara Makoto stepped out of the car, took a deep breath, and prepared to face the challenges ahead.

After parking his car, Kitahara Makoto gently pushed open the wooden door of the retro house.

Behind the door is a spacious and bright living room, where warm yellow light illuminates the antique furniture and exquisite decorations, creating a tranquil and elegant atmosphere.

In the center of the living room, an elderly man sat quietly by the coffee table, dressed in a traditional Chinese robe.

His hair was already gray, but he was in good spirits, and his eyes revealed a deep and wise light.

The old man held an exquisite purple clay teapot and was focused on brewing tea. The tea water swirled in the pot, emitting a faint aroma.

Seeing Kitahara Makoto push open the door and enter, the old man slightly raised his head, a warm smile appearing on his face.

He put down the teapot in his hand, gestured, and invited Kitahara Makoto to sit down.

Kitahara Makoto walked over to the coffee table and sat down on the sofa opposite the old man.

He felt a strange sense of warmth and relaxation, as if the atmosphere here allowed him to temporarily forget the noise and pressure of the outside world.

The old man began to pour tea for Kitahara Makoto. His movements were slow and elegant, and every detail revealed his deep understanding and respect for the tea ceremony.

The aroma of tea filled the air, bringing a sense of tranquility and comfort.

"Welcome, Mr. Kitahara," the old man said with a smile.

Kitahara Shin nodded and replied:

"Hello, Mr. Wang. Thank you for your invitation tonight."

Mr. Wang smiled and nodded, then gestured for Kitahara Makoto to taste the tea.

Kitahara Makoto picked up his teacup, gently blew away the steam from the tea, and then took a sip.

The tea had a rich and sweet taste, giving him a sense of comfort and satisfaction he had never experienced before.

Mr. Wang gently placed the poured tea in front of Kitahara Makoto, then smiled and looked up, his eyes revealing a wisdom that seemed to see through everything.

“Mr. Kitahara, I know your temperament.”

Mr. Wang spoke slowly, his voice filled with a sense of history and peace.

“You wouldn’t call me unless it’s something serious.”

Mr. Wang's words startled Kitahara Shin. He hadn't expected that his thoughts would be so accurately captured by the other party.

He took a deep breath, nodded, and admitted:

"Mr. Wang, you're right. There is indeed something important that requires your help this time."

Mr. Wang nodded gently, signaling Kitahara Makoto to continue.

Kitahara Makoto then began to explain in detail the purpose of his trip and the difficulties he had encountered.

Chapter 221 Risks and Opportunities Coexist

Kitahara Shin took a deep breath and recounted the recent events that had occurred in his company, including the sudden accident and the complex relationships that might be involved.

He told Mr. Wang everything in detail. His words were full of worry and helplessness, clearly indicating that this incident had a very serious impact on the company.

Old Wang listened quietly, his teacup swaying slightly as the tea leaves unfurled in the water, releasing a delicate fragrance.

He maintained a faint smile throughout, as if he had already seen through everything.

After Kitahara Shin finished speaking, Old Wang put down his teacup and slowly began to speak:

“I understand.” His voice was calm and firm. “I have some advice for you: Alibaba Group cannot be allowed to exist; it must be eliminated.”

Kitahara Shin was taken aback by these words; he hadn't expected Old Wang to give such direct advice.

But he also understood that Mr. Wang was not making this judgment without reason; he must have made it based on a deep understanding of the company and the industry.

“Mr. Wang, Alibaba Group has always had a cooperative relationship with our company. If it is suddenly eliminated, it may bring great risks.”

While Kitahara Shin agreed with Elder Wang's view, he also had to consider the difficulties in practical implementation.

Old Wang smiled slightly, as if he had already anticipated Kitahara's worries:

"Risk and opportunity coexist, Mr. Kitahara. Sometimes, for the greater good, we must make some difficult decisions. I believe you have the ability to handle all of this."

Kitahara Makoto was silent for a moment, then nodded in agreement.

He knew that although Old Wang's words were direct, they had hit the nail on the head and pointed out the crux of the problem.

He gave Old Wang a grateful look, then stood up to take his leave.

"Mr. Kitahara, you're too kind."

Old Wang waved his hand.

"I believe you will make the right choice. If you need help, feel free to come to me anytime."

As Kitahara Makoto talked with Old Wang, he gradually felt the urgency of time. He glanced at his watch and realized it was almost eight o'clock, the time he was supposed to be scheduling the meeting.

He stood up, apologized to Mr. Wang, and prepared to say goodbye.

"Mr. Wang, thank you very much for your guidance and suggestions tonight."

Kitahara said sincerely,

"It's getting late, and I have an important meeting to attend, so I must take my leave now."

Old Wang nodded and smiled to show his understanding.

His gaze fell on the car keys in Kitahara Makoto's hand, as if he could sense his urgency.

Kitahara Shin turned and walked toward the door, but suddenly stopped, looked back at Old Wang, and then took a bag out of the trunk of the car.

The bag looked exquisite and heavy, and he carefully placed it on the coffee table in front of Old Wang.

"Mr. Wang, this is a small token of my appreciation. Please accept it."

Kitahara Makoto said, "Thank you for your generous help tonight. This gift represents my gratitude."

Old Wang looked at the bag in front of him, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.

He smiled and nodded in acceptance.

"Mr. Kitahara, you're too kind."

Mr. Wang said,

"However, I will accept this gift, thank you for your kindness."

Kitahara Makoto expressed his gratitude again, (for the good money), then shook hands with Old Wang and said goodbye. He left the room and walked quickly towards the garage.

After Kitahara Makoto left the retro house, Old Wang watched his figure disappear into the night.

He gently picked up the bag left behind by Kitahara Makoto and felt its heavy weight.

He opened the bag and found it contained several bulging envelopes.

Old Wang took out the envelopes one by one and gently tore them open.

As the envelope was unfolded, neat stacks of banknotes were revealed, exuding a unique aura!

Chapter 222 The Company Meeting Begins

After leaving the vintage estate, Kitahara Makoto quickly returned to the driver's seat of the Maserati, adjusted the seat and steering wheel, and then started the engine.

The deep rumble of the engine echoed in the night, as if announcing his return.

He drove out of the manor and retraced his steps. Night had fallen, but the streetlights along the road illuminated his way.

Kitahara Makoto's mood gradually calmed down from his deep conversation with Mr. Wang, and he began to focus on the upcoming meeting.

He recalled every word Mr. Wang had said, and a clearer plan for the company's future began to take shape in his mind.

He knew he had to act decisively to eliminate the factors that threatened the company in order to ensure its stability and the development of 380.

The scenery outside the car window became blurred in the night, but Kitahara Makoto's heart grew stronger.

He sped up, eager to get back to the company as soon as possible and put Mr. Wang's advice into practice.

Finally, the company building came into view.

He drove through the familiar streets and parked the car steadily in the company's parking lot.

After getting off the bus, Kitahara Makoto took a deep breath of the night air and felt the cool breeze on his face.

As it drew closer to eight o'clock, Kitahara Makoto returned to the company and hurried toward the elevator.

He pressed the button for the fourth floor, the elevator doors slowly closed, and then the elevator began to rise smoothly.

Inside the elevator, Kitahara straightened his suit, making sure everything looked professional and neat.

His eyes were firm, and his heart was filled with anticipation and determination for the upcoming meeting.

As the elevator ascended, Kitahara Makoto quickly reviewed the content and key points of the meeting in his mind.

He knew that this meeting would discuss important issues facing the company, requiring him to make decisive decisions.

Finally, the elevator reached the fourth floor, and the doors slowly opened. Kitahara Makoto stepped out of the elevator and headed straight for the conference room.

He pushed open the door and found the conference room already full of people, all of whom were focused on him.

Kitahara Shin took a deep breath and steadily walked to the head seat at the conference table. After sitting down, he scanned the attendees.

After Kitahara Makoto settled down, his gaze swept steadily over each of the attendees.

He took a deep breath and said:

"Good evening, everyone. I know that holding a meeting at this time will indeed make many people unhappy, especially those who have already scheduled their personal time."

He paused slightly, his tone revealing a firmness and sincerity:

"But please understand that our company is currently in an abnormal period. We are facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities, and every decision we make could affect the future of the company."

"Therefore, I think it is necessary to have an in-depth discussion and exchange with everyone at this time."

Kitahara Makoto's voice echoed in the conference room, each word seemingly carrying weight, landing on everyone's heart.

The sense of responsibility and urgency revealed in his words commanded the respect of everyone present.

As Kitahara Makoto finished speaking, the atmosphere in the conference room became even more serious.

At this moment, a senior leader stood up, his brows furrowed, clearly deeply concerned about the current situation.

He opened his mouth and said:

"Mr. Bei, we are aware of and understand the company's situation. It's just that holding a meeting at this time..."

"What is the key point? In what areas do we need to make adjustments or decisions to address the current challenges?"

His voice echoed in the conference room, resonating with everyone present.

Everyone nodded in agreement with his question.