"Having some dessert after a meal can help relieve the fatigue of the day, so please don't be shy."

In the quiet corridor, Tsurumi's voice came through the paper door, respectful but devoid of emotion.

"Shh-"

The paper door was pulled open a crack, and Director Yoshioka's head peeked out.

He didn't look well; he shook his head vigorously and rubbed his tired eyes.

"Ah...yes, the head of the Shinomiya family is very thoughtful."

Yoshioka Tsuyoshi mustered his spirits and accepted the tray with a smile.

"I'm glad I didn't disturb your rest. I'll take my leave now."

He Mei bowed deeply and turned to disappear into the shadows of the corridor.

Inside the room, Director Sawai sat on the tatami mats.

His eyes flickered slightly as he looked at the pastries Yoshioka brought in.

Would you like something to eat?

Yoshioka yawned.

"Let's forget about it."

Sawai chuckled softly, and Yoshioka nodded, setting the pastries aside.

"Delivering pastries so late at night, this patriarch is truly a considerate and kind person."

"Yes, it's late at night... but it really is very late."

Director Sawai rubbed his sore eyes, his voice tinged with sleepiness.

As a director, he was used to working late into the night at headquarters until one or two in the morning to handle official business.

It's only 9:30 now, but his eyelids are drooping as if they were made of lead.

"Looks like you're tired too. Time really catches up with you. Your biological clock gets completely messed up in a new place."

Yoshioka leaned against the wall pillar, too exhausted to even wave his fan.

"Go to sleep."

Director Sawai smiled at Yoshioka and patted the pillow.

"I have to get up early tomorrow."

Tsurumi walked steadily down the corridor.

The wooden clogs creaked as they stepped on the wooden floor.

The sound echoed in the courtyard, growing ever more distant until it vanished completely at the end of the corridor.

……

"Ring ring—Just a reminder, it is now 9:50 p.m.

In Masaki Keigo's private bedroom, the mechanical voice of his assistant came from the computer.

Masaki Keigo, who was lying on the tatami mat "sound asleep," opened his eyes the moment the sound rang out.

After He Mei took him back to his private room, she put him down and then ran away in a panic, her face flushed.

And so, Masaki Keigo has naturally remained "drunk" here until now.

He slowly sat up, his gaze falling on the table not far away.

In the afternoon, he took the torn-open packaging bag to his private bedroom.

However, the red bean bread inside had disappeared, leaving only crumbs.

"Time's up."

Masaki Keigo stretched his stiff body.

"It's time to go out and relax."

He put on a loose-fitting black trench coat, pushed open the door, and stepped into the inky night.

……

At this time, the lights in the main residence of the Shinomiya family had been mostly turned off, and the surroundings were pitch black, with only the cold moonlight pouring like water onto the bluestone slabs.

With a stern expression, Masaki Keigo walked steadily toward the northern villa.

The beautiful scenery of meticulously manicured pines and cypresses and mountain pavilions around him slowly receded.

Finally, he arrived near the famous dry landscape garden.

White sand like the sea, strange rocks like islands.

Unfortunately, there was already someone there.

"..."

Masaki Keigo's pupils contracted slightly, and he quickly dodged, silently leaning against the back of a thick, ancient tree.

Under the cool moonlight, he could clearly see the figure standing in the middle of the courtyard.

It's Director Sawai.

Perhaps because it was too dark, or perhaps because the old man was old and his eyesight was failing, he did not notice Masaki Keigo walking towards him.

Sawai stood with his hands behind his back, looking up at the cold moon in the sky, and murmured softly.

Masaki Keigo leaned against the tree trunk, and it was impossible to hear what he was saying.

He lowered his head and slowed his pace, his black trench coat blending into the cold night, as he slowly approached the courtyard below.

The base of the courtyard is more than two meters high, which is more than enough for a person to stand on while still being able to clearly hear all the sounds above.

"Tomorrow's meeting... is bound to be anything but peaceful."

Finally, Sawai's voice drifted into Masaki's ears on the night breeze.

"The Shinomiya Group seems to be on guard against us."

"However, no matter what, let's put on a good show for tomorrow first."

The voice continued, its tone now tinged with coldness and greed.

"Once we get our hands on the funds and core technology of the Shinomiya Group, and combine that with our own military force, then Plan F can be implemented smoothly."

"In this way, with the power of the giants... the TPC can truly control all of humanity."

Director Sawai's laughter drifted down, sounding somewhat eerie in the night breeze.

With his hands in his pockets and a blank expression, Masaki Keigo leaned against the wall and listened to the entire conversation without missing a single word.

"if……"

Director Sawai above seemed to want to say something more.

"Sigh... never mind, it's getting late."

He sighed softly, seemingly bringing his monologue to a close.

Then, the sound of wooden clogs stepping on stone bricks came from above, gradually moving towards the guest courtyard.

……

As Sawai slowly walked down the stone steps, a smile appeared on his face when he heard the faint rustling footsteps behind him.

"It's almost done..."

At that moment, he vaguely sensed a blurry gaze coldly watching him.

"Who?"

Director Sawai looked around warily.

The garden, with its landscape and elegant style, is surrounded by Kyoto-style architecture, creating a beautiful, tranquil, and slightly eerie atmosphere.

There was no one in sight.

"Is it just an illusion...?"

He turned around, stopped, and strode into the shadows.

On a small hill not far from the main family home in Kyoto.

An aged figure slowly turned and retreated, disappearing into the darkness in the next second, as if it had never existed.

……

After seeing Sawai walk back, Masaki Keigo no longer concealed his whereabouts.

He strode out confidently, his leather shoes making a clear "rustling" sound as they stepped on the fallen leaves.

Without further hesitation, he walked straight toward his underground research institute.

"As expected... I did run into him."

"I understand."

The cool moonlight shone on his handsome face once again, but this time, his face was filled with confidence and composure.

"call……"

Masaki Keigo closed his eyes and took a deep breath as the elevator in the underground research institute slowly ascended.

Gradually, the elevator button next to me turned green and started beeping.

In the pitch-black night, he opened his eyes, took the ID card out of his pocket, and gently stuck it on.

……

"drop--"

The conference room door slowly opened, revealing the Shinomiya representative and the TPC members who were waiting quietly inside.

The afternoon sun beat down on Masaki Keigo, giving his suit a golden edge.

Beside him, his female assistant, Tsurumi, was nervously making a final confirmation to him.

"Listen, Doctor! This meeting is extremely important; it concerns the future of the corporation, and even the future of humanity!"

"When you speak at the meeting, please be very careful with your words. You absolutely must not have a direct conflict with the senior management of TPC..."

"Well……"

Tsurumi wanted to continue nagging, but Masaki Keigo suddenly reached out and gently ruffled her hair.

"I will, don't worry."

Masaki Keigo looked into Tsurumi's eyes, his voice low and gentle.

"Huh?!"

He Mei's cheeks flushed red to the roots of her neck, and her eyes became flustered and at a loss.

"What...what are you doing in front of so many people?!"

Tsurumi covered her head in shame and anger, and hurriedly pushed Masaki Keigo's shoulder from behind.

"Never mind! Please go in! The meeting is about to start!"

Masaki Keigo followed her lead and walked forward.

He didn't turn around, but the lively look in He Mei's eyes replayed in his mind, and he felt reassured.

Masaki Keigo's eyes turned completely cold.

He slowly walked into the middle aisle of the conference room, and countless eyes followed Masaki Keigo's steps.

On the left are Director Sawai, Director Yoshioka, and behind them Daigo, Horii, and others.

On the right are the fourth house's yellow light, the fourth house's Kaguya, and the core members of the conglomerate.

He calmly walked to the front of the stage and adjusted the height of the microphone.

The audience was silent.

Good afternoon, everyone.

Masaki Keigo's elegant voice clearly resonated in every corner.

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