Lord Schulz’s way of thinking was deeply influenced by his father.Lord Schulz’s father had fought in wars. The difference between the battlefield and business was that on the battlefield, you must fight to the very end in order to survive, so he implemented the same philosophy in doing business—he had to fight to the very end if they encountered opponents heads-on.In Lord Schulz’s eyes, choosing between the Ito family and the Takahashi family and eliminating the leftover were like there were two boats on the shore during a trip to the sea. Only one was needed to go to the sea, so what should be done?The commoner would choose any boat he liked and set sail on it.A wise man would select the one with the most comprehensive specification after detailed research.A brilliant and ruthless man would choose the one with the best overall performance and then sink the other boat before setting sail.The reason for this was that if one simply chose one ship to sail, the one left behind
The figure was the Takahashi family’s ninjutsu master, Fujibayashi Masatetsu.When Machi knew that he happened to be at Aman Hotel, he had asked him to spy on Jaime. As Party A and Party B were about to start negotiations on collaborations, it was best if they could know the other party’s bottom line and low prices in advance.Just like in a poker game, showing your hand was the worst thing to happen in a business negotiation. If you knew the other players’ cards when you were playing poker with them, you would never lose, and you would be able to get out of the game early if you had lousy cards.If you knew the other players’ cards, you would never be swindled, and you could see right through them if they were holding a small hand.The reason why you couldn’t make the most out of the game even though you had the biggest hand was that you couldn’t guess the other players’ cards, and you were not strong enough psychologically, thus, you would be scared by the players’ bloodlust an
As Takahashi Machi finally made his decision, Eikichi’s operation had also been completed.Seeing his son who had both his arms cast in plaster being pushed out of the operating room by the doctor, Machi felt a tug in his heart.At this moment, he was filled with rage and wanted to smash the face of the b*stard who had injured his son.But after contemplating carefully, he realized that the most important thing to do now was to get the cooperation of the Schulz family. Otherwise, if the Schulz family were to decide to collaborate with the Ito family, then his family would be in big trouble.Due to this, Machi couldn’t bring himself to cause any trouble. Thus, he could only be patient and bear with it.Fortunately, Fujibayashi Masatetsu had found the target and was currently on the lookout. He was eyeing him like a hawk! The probability of the target escaping was close to null and if he wanted him dead, it’s only a matter of time.Takahashi Eikichi, who was still under the influen
He was afraid that even killing Charlie wouldn’t help him restore his dignity. After all, the horrifying beating which he had endured was already known to every Japanese in Japan. It was already rooted deeply within the hearts of the people.Machi’s expression turned sour and he was thinking of ways to comfort his son. During that moment, his cell phone rang.Machi took out his cell phone and saw an unfamiliar number. He pressed on the answer button and answered the call.From the other side of the call, a familiar voice rang. It was Ito Yahiko!“Oh, Brother Machi! I heard that Eikichi was beaten up by someone in Tokyo today?”Yahiko’s voice seemed to be somewhat concerned at first but anyone with a brain could have figured out that it was actually sarcasm.Machi replied with a blackened face. “Yahiko, I remember saving your number. Did you change it?”“No.” Tahiko replied with a cheerful tone. “My number is still the same. This is my personal assistant’s cell phone. I was afrai
For so many years, Machi and Yahiko merely had friendly rivalry with one another. It could be said that in those years, the two of them only saw each other as their biggest competitors.However, both of them were only around their early fifties. They grew up in the post-war period where Japan was at its weakest, most fragile moment. It was an era where people had no vision and self-esteem. They grew up during the peaceful moments and thus, there was no longer the viciousness and wickedness that their predecessors once had in their blood.That was why after competing with one another for so many years, their main motive for competition was only for business advancements. They had never had the intention of killing their opponents.It was like Alibaba and Tencent company bosses. Despite their competition being very fiery, they still abided by the laws and regulations.No matter how upset they were with one another, they will still try to remain as polite and rule-abiding as possible.
That night, the four of them took shifts monitoring. The shift was split into two and for each shift, two people would be monitoring while the other two would rest. Each person would be working for four hours to ensure that the rest of them got enough rest.They thought that their plan was perfect but they had no idea that everything had all been planned by Charlie.Till now, Charlie hadn’t taken any actions because he didn’t want to tip off the enemy. Additionally, he wanted to proceed more flexibly as things unfolded.The main reason as to why he was not interested in dealing with these ninjas in Tokyo was because he didn’t want the Takahashi family to be on his tail since he would be travelling to several other cities as well. If he were to kill off the ninjas, the Takahashi family would definitely watch him like a hawk, which would cause more problems in the future.Instead of all these unnecessary problems, it would be better to just let these four ninjas follow him. When the
The moment Sophie heard the words that were spoken by Machi, she couldn’t help but raise her brow.In her heart she couldn’t help but feel suspicious.Yesterday, Father just had a conference to collaborate with one of their families to eradicate the other family. Why would the Takahashi family suddenly offer the idea of collaborating with us to eradicate the Ito family today?! Did Takahashi Machi eavesdrop on the three-way conversation?Sophie felt that maybe her hypothesis might not be too far-fetched.In her mind, she thought.Yesterday, before they entered the hotel, the bodyguards had already made a thorough inspection. It was confirmed that the room had no eavesdropping bugs nor any recorders. Nevertheless, this is Tokyo. This is the Takahashi family’s area. If he wants to eavesdrop on my brother and I, then it shouldn’t be too difficult to pull off…Jaime too felt suspicious, wondering if Machi had eavesdropped on them.However, due to Machi’s presence, Jaime couldn’t disc
Isaac had booked the best hotel in Nagoya for everyone.Charlie could also sense that the four ninjas who had been following him had followed him to the hotel.After Charlie had checked in, Fujibayashi Masatetsu, who was the leader of the ninjas, brought the other three to the front desk of the hotel.They booked two rooms on the same floor as Charlie.Moreover, they were very clever to reserve four different rooms. These four rooms were next to the two elevators and the emergency staircase.Due to the fact that Japan was an earthquake prone country, their hotel designs therefore revolved around the concept to ease the escape of the people in case such a natural disaster were to occur.Two emergency escape staircases in a single building was not something one can find elsewhere.They had purposely chosen these locations to monitor Charlie’s every move. This really helped ease the monitoring process.As to why they did not book the rooms surrounding Charlie’s, that was mainly du
Jacob wasn't really concerned with the invitation. He wouldn't be going anyway, and he wouldn't tell Elaine about it.Right now, he had a question.After hanging up on Walker, he asked curiously, "A designated driver would be just a few dozen bucks at most. Why get Walker?"Mr. Bay sighed meaningfully. "Jacob, my boy—it's not just my job description you must handle when you succeed me. You must understand the unspoken rules of the workplace as well as interpersonal relationships."Raising his right index finger, he chuckled, "Earning the loyalty of subordinates is a science. But it has to be a carrot and stick—never just the carrot, while offering them chances to be of service.""Take Walker, for example. As his boss, buying him lunch is 5 points. Ask for a favor, but it's 50 points instead!""As a leader, you should also make sure to give requests that are reasonable. That way, they will consider you to be their ally, or soon enough.""People are strange that way—psychology sim
Jacob certainly agreed with Mr. Bay. When going to a dinner where alcohol would be involved, having a designated driver would be most convenient.Still, Jacob had another plan in mind.Since he had a Cullinan and this was the perfect chance to show off, it would kill him not to drive."Actually, we should go on our own," Jacob told Mr. Bay right then. "We will take my car and get a designated driver to take us home. We can hang out in the backseat to chat—I mean, you'd be in a bad mood if you get a bad driver, bringing a car that stinks of tobacco. You know how bad it can get."Mr. Bay nodded cheerfully. "Alright! I'm counting on you!""Oh, it's only right!"Coming to an agreement, they hurried outside, with Jacob driving and Mr. Bay riding shotgun.They were having a pleasant conversation when Jacob suddenly got a call from Walker, who was his sub at Senior University.Answering with the in-car Bluetooth system, he said, "Hey, Walker. What's up?""Mr. Wilson! I'm done with cl
As such, Albert did not hesitate to say right then, "Don't worry, Mr. Wilson—since they are your friends, I will offer the half-price rebate as you've suggested! When the guests take their seats, I'll personally deliver a couple of nice bottles over as a token of my sincerity!"Oskia truly sets the bar when it comes to being humanistic.There were times when one must show due respect, but not too much either in case it changed the status quo.It was just like a couple eating out with a third-wheel.Even if the third-wheel was better off and happily took the check as the girl watched, there would inevitably be competitiveness. The generosity might even lead to the girl getting attracted to the third-wheel.As such, since Jacob was actually secondary in importance at the event, Albert would have to make sure not to rain on the host's parade while showing his respects to Jacob. Otherwise, the host may hold a grudge against Jacob even if everything was free of charge.And when it cam
Jacob put a hand on his chest. "Don't worry—everything is going to be fine when my son-in-law takes the stage."As soon as he finished speaking, an unknown number called his phone.He answered, hearing a familiar voice he couldn't quite place, "Good afternoon. Am I speaking to Mr. Jacob Wilson?""Yes. May I ask who I am speaking to?""Albert Rhodes, owner of Heaven Springs at your service. Would you happen to remember me?"Hearing that, Jacob turned on the speaker excitedly as he continued, "Oh, yes, Don Albert! Of course I remember!"Mr. Bay's eyes lit up when he heard Albert announce himself, and he mouthed, "Is that really Don Albert?!"Jacob nodded repeatedly, his vanity burgeoning.Mr. Bay was naturally thrilled too, and he leaned closer to listen just as Albert spoke humbly, "If it's alright with you, Mr. Wilson, please don't address me as Don Albert. It's just a title some brats came up with—you are Master Wade's father-in-law, which means you have seniority over me. So,
Mr. Bay was overjoyed, seeing how quickly Jacob agreed to it. "Thanks, Jacob! I owe you!" He exclaimed, but soon added, "It's past four now, and that bunch like to fraternize in the room before they eat. Could you get the room soon? I think they'll be arriving soon."Then, he moved closer to add quietly, "If you can get a Diamond Room like before, I will bring you along. I'm not going to lie, these are officials with decision-making authority. Being friends with them might propel us to new heights!"Jacob already knew that Mr. Bay was sucking up to his friend, otherwise, he wouldn't be so concerned when the dinner was organized by said friend. Understanding that the friend must be important too, Jacob was at once buoyed.After all, he had presumed that becoming vice president was the most he could achieve.Now, if he could attend that dinner with Mr. Bay and establish a good relationship with those bigwigs, he would have his turn when Mr. Bay got promoted too.With that in min
Reservations in Heaven Springs had always been unpredictable, and most rooms weren't open to the general public—even if said rooms were vacant for the night.It was not as if Albert Rhodes didn't want to make money when he built Heaven Springs. He simply didn't do it solely for profit, but only mostly for social events and posturing.Back when he was a humbler member of society, he realized that many bigwigs and even his fellows cared for pride a lot. Be it food, liquor, or even simply everyday consumption, they always strove for the best and the most expensive.That was why polite society valued their privacy and established their respective social circles, which was why Heaven Springs ensured that everything was first-rate: atmosphere, service, food, and clientele.Just like how bigwigs wouldn't dine at the same table as their goons, said goons wouldn't eat at the fancy places those bigwigs frequented even if they had money, as it may appear as if they were overstepping.That wa
As such, intent on keeping up his pretense, Jacob answered the phone, "Looking for me, Matilda?""Uh-huh," Matilda replied, and asked, "You didn't show up at Senior University, and your sub is saying you probably won't be coming for a while? Is that true?""Oh—right, that," Jacob quickly said. "Well, it's true—the gist of it is that the Association is getting busy with a project. As the vice president, I probably shouldn't be staying at Senior University all the time, right?""Heck, Mr. Bay called me last minute, telling me how busy we're going to be and that I was needed. That's why I had to go back, but I will head over to campus again when I have the time."Matilda knew right then that those were all excuses.However, she did not expose Jacob, instead asking, "Well, when are you free? So that I can send you my wedding invitation?""Oh, the invitation?" Jacob quickly chuckled. "You really didn't have to come to me—just pass it to Walker, my sub lecturer. He can pass it to me wh
The next afternoon, there was a sudden change of lecturers for the calligraphy class.Despite being the vice president of the Calligraphy and Painting Association, Jacob never showed up, instead getting a substitute instructor to replace him.Matilda had come with the invitation Yolden had written for Jacob, but seeing that Jacob wasn't at the lecture hall, she waited until the class was over to ask the sub, "Excuse me, can I ask why Mr. Wilson wasn't teaching this class?""He's busy at the association," the sub replied. "So, I'm taking over his class."Curious, Matilda pressed, "Then, would you happen to know when he will be coming?""Probably not for a while," the sub replied. "He delegated other classes to me as well, telling me that I could just stick to the PowerPoint slides."Then, he asked, "Do you have business with Mr. Wilson?"Matilda nodded. "Yes, but I can call him myself. Thank you."Leaving the lecture hall, Matilda called Jacob, who was goofing off in his office
On the other end, Matilda was left staring at Jacob's reply in confusion.She had presumed that Jacob would understand when she mentioned inviting his whole family that he should be coming up with an excuse to skip attending her wedding.That was the most ideal solution.As such, she was shocked that instead of playing along, Jacob's reply was short and blunt.[No problem. The four of us will be there!]Perplexed, Matilda was left wondering what Jacob meant. Was he really going to attend her wedding with Elaine?The thought left Matilda frowning as she absolutely didn't want to see Elaine—especially not at her own wedding.Yolden was writing an invitation when he saw the somber look on her face, and he couldn't help asking, "Is there a problem?""Jacob replied," Matilda admitted. "And he's saying that he will bring his whole family.""Really?" Yolden was confused too, as he was hardly as eccentric as Jacob. "But he's afraid of his wife and shouldn't be telling her at all…