Chapter 23: Yoko Okino's Panic

"No, it is actually my own intention to enter the entertainment industry; my family does not really support me," Seiichi said sincerely.

"I see," Eiichi Yamagishi replied, his enthusiasm visibly waning.

If it were the Sumitomo family, there would be no reason to hesitate. But if it were just Seiichi alone, it was not worth the risk. Without the backing of the Sumitomo family, Seiichi was no different from any other newcomer entering the industry—he would be chewed up and spit out by those sharks. Having spent years climbing the ladder in the entertainment world, Yamagishi knew exactly how murky the waters were. Even some conglomerates had been burned badly upon entering this field.

Yoko Okino needed resources that would elevate her career, not a figurehead role in a small, uncertain startup company led by Seiichi. Yoko blinked at Yamagishi. The message was clear: she had no desire to latch onto this young master. He might just be playing around, and she dared not gamble her future career on a whim.

Yamagishi hesitated to speak. An agent’s job was to say the things the artist could not, yet he was terrified of rejecting Seiichi. Rumor had it that the man who had stolen a construction project from Seiichi ended up with eight bullets in his back and was nearly declared a poisoning victim. Those who owed Seiichi money found their daughters dead, while they themselves received death threats. He dared not imagine the consequences of turning Seiichi down.

"I am terribly sorry! Yoko-san already has a commitment with her agency. Although it is a verbal agreement, she does not wish to be someone who breaks her word. It is a pity that we have met you so late," Yamagishi said, bowing sincerely. He had never bowed with such genuine intent in his entire life, nor had he ever felt such courage.

Seiichi sipped his tea and used communal chopsticks to place food onto Ai’s plate, his expression unreadable. Yoko and Yamagishi felt their hearts in their throats. They stood motionless, as if awaiting a verdict from Seiichi.

"It’s fine. Even if business doesn't work out, there's no need for hard feelings. Perhaps we will have a chance to cooperate in the future," Seiichi said dismissively. He appeared completely sincere. Yoko breathed a small sigh of relief.

"If you ever need my help in the future, please do not hesitate to ask," Yoko said.

"Very well. Let’s eat."

***

Seiichi waved his hand nonchalantly. With him sitting there, Yoko and Yamagishi felt incredibly uneasy. They sat on the edge of their chairs, dared only to pick at the food closest to them, and chewed without making a sound. After a tasteless meal, the pair practically fled the private room.

Ai patted her stomach and couldn't help but offer a remark: "You didn't have to be so clear about it. If you had just been vague about whether the Sumitomo family was entering the industry, she might have joined your company."

Seiichi shook his head. "You are still young; you don't understand business."

Ai, having her head patted without the energy to resist, stared at him in silence.

Seiichi continued, "In business and negotiations, the most important thing is sincerity. I believe that with my sincerity, I can definitely make Yoko Okino change her mind."

Ai stifled a laugh. Even she, who had never touched the business world, knew that a capitalist never spoke a word of truth. If you rely on sincerity, you'll be bankrupt sooner or later. She had offered the advice as a token of thanks for his care over the past few days, but the debt for her sister’s death was an irreconcilable enmity. Still, given Seiichi’s approach to entrepreneurship, perhaps she wouldn't even need to take revenge—he might jump off a building himself after his business failed and left him with massive debts.

Outside the restaurant, in their car, Yoko and Yamagishi were panting heavily. The pressure in there had been suffocating.

Yamagishi grinned, saying, "When Young Master Seiichi first wanted to see you, I thought he had taken a liking to you."

It was not uncommon for young masters from wealthy families to "pursue" female entertainers. Yoko had no shortage of "suitors," but those of insufficient status were always blocked by the agency. She was the company's cash cow, so she remained relatively safe until her value diminished.

Yoko shook her head. "He doesn't seem like that kind of person."

Seiichi had left a good impression on her. He lacked the arrogance typical of wealthy heirs, was easy to talk to, and didn't seem as cruel or violent as the rumors suggested; his personality actually seemed quite gentle.

Yamagishi looked at her strangely. *You just met him, how can you be so sure?* He added, "Actually, joining Young Master Seiichi's company would have its perks. With constant contact, you might just marry into a wealthy family."

"Haha," Yoko laughed, not daring to indulge in such fantasies. That was the Sumitomo family; how could they possibly let her in? Her career was what mattered most; everything else was just an illusion.

Yamagishi realized he had spoken too casually and warned, "Rumor has it that Young Master Seiichi is not a forgiving man. We turned down his invitation, so we need to be careful."

Yoko nodded. But thinking of Seiichi’s demeanor, she whispered, "But I really feel he is a very sincere person, not like the rumors say."

...

Yoko realized she had been wrong. Indeed, the best actors are never in the entertainment industry. When they met, he had acted so sincere, decent, and approachable, but once she left, he had decisively bared his fangs.

"The furniture in my room, it seems like it's been moved," Yoko said, trembling with fear. Yamagishi frowned.

Yoko continued, "And I can feel it—someone has been following me. What should I do? Could it be one of Seiichi Sumitomo's men?"

Yamagishi gritted his teeth. "Don't overthink it. It is definitely not one of the Young Master's men."

Several past murder cases had never been linked to the Young Master, and a simple stalker certainly wouldn't be connected to him.

"But... but I..." Yoko’s expressive eyes were filled with panic, her hands instinctively clutching her arms.

Yamagishi said, "Don't be afraid. It’s just a common stalker. We can hire a detective to sniff him out."

"Okay," Yoko nodded.

"Let’s hire Kogoro Mouri," the agent suggested.

"Kogoro Mouri?" Yoko frowned. Mouri was a rising private eye whose name, "Sleeping Mouri," was already appearing in the newspapers. As a high-profile public figure, she should minimize the impact of such incidents. She had hoped to find an obscure, unknown detective.

Yamagishi explained, "Rumor has it that Kogoro Mouri is one of Young Master Seiichi’s... uh, partners. He will surely be able to find the stalker."

Only then did Yoko understand. She nodded and said, "I understand."