Chapter 11 Raised You Through Trials and Tribulations

The final outcome of this matter was inconclusive; the evidence was either insufficient or unclear, and Haruizakura could not detain Xiao Kaitian. Furthermore, she was obliged to comply with Xiao Kaitian’s “reasonable request” to escort him back to Yokohama.

This resulted in Haruizakura nearly tearing the car door off its hinges when she opened the right side of the police car.

In a certain room of the upper echelons at police headquarters, a man with a black mole on the left side of his nose watched through the window blinds, observing the interaction between the two in the open parking lot below. After a long moment, he thoughtfully closed the blinds.

Almost simultaneously, his phone on the desk began to vibrate with a low hum. He picked it up, frowned slightly, and unlocked the screen. “Hello?”

“…”

“Understood.” After listening silently to a lengthy speech on the other end, he nodded almost imperceptibly. “We will take this matter seriously. Regarding Mr. Xiao, we will certainly dispatch the highest level of police protection. Of course, I believe you are aware that all of this must be within the limits of policy. I hope Mr. Zhao understands this.”

“After all, we are police officers.” As he spoke, he unbuttoned his collar, easing the somewhat stifling atmosphere. After setting down his phone, his fingers gently tapped the tabletop. “The highest level of police protection… Let’s send the ‘Chief Inspector of the Strongest Traffic Patrol.’”

Haruizakura wore a cold expression as she delivered Xiao Kaitian to the location of Ichimaitang in Yokohama. After Xiao Kaitian tossed out, “Once the car’s checked, please drive it over,” she clenched her teeth, gripping the steering wheel so tightly her knuckles turned white. She nearly violated traffic regulations by honking furiously. After several deep breaths, she cast a frosty glance at Xiao Kaitian before driving the police car away.

Gazing at the Han-Tang styled building before him, Xiao Kaitian’s thoughtful expression confirmed his suspicions: Ichimaitang was indeed a Chinese restaurant, though its doors were shut and a sign read “Closed for Business.”

He pushed open the door and entered. The ringing bell was accompanied by the beckoning paw of the lucky cat mascot and a robotic “Welcome!” greeting. Inside, a crowd of young men, all clad in gray tactical jackets, filled the room.

Was this a syndicate concealed within a Chinese restaurant? Xiao Kaitian looked at the group of a dozen or so, his face full of disdain. These people would be better off as cooks!

“Master Xiao!” Sun Zhongyi had already received Xiao Kaitian’s message and had been waiting for some time. Perhaps because he had given instructions beforehand, when he jogged over, the group of youths bowed in unison. “Master Xiao!”

“Master Xiao, these are Ichimaitang’s most capable men. It’s hard to explain everything at once,” Sun Zhongyi said with a cheerful smile as he guided him. “The young lady has been taken care of. I’ve had a private doctor examine her; she was frightened and caught a chill, but with some rest, she’ll be fine.”

He led Xiao Kaitian to the seat of honor at a round table, respectfully explaining the situation. After a lengthy account, Xiao Kaitian finally pieced together the story.

Sun Zhongyi had traveled to Japan years ago, but fate was unkind and he suffered repeated setbacks. In his darkest hours, Xiao Kaitian’s father lent him a helping hand, enabling him to establish himself in Japan and found Ichimaitang. The restaurant’s name originated from a gold coin gifted by Xiao Kaitian’s father.

“So, Master Xiao,” Sun Zhongyi said with a jovial smile, “in truth, I am like a retainer to the Xiao family. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have come straight to me upon arrival.” He knew Xiao Kaitian was “amnesiac,” so he explained tirelessly.

Xiao Kaitian had yet to fully grasp the circumstances and said nothing, merely casting a glance at Sun Zhongyi.

To Sun Zhongyi, this was a sign of distrust. He turned and quietly instructed one of his men, “Go invite Uncle Zhong over. Tell him the young master has arrived.”

While they waited, Sun Zhongyi waved his hand, and waiters brought out dish after dish of delectable cuisine: mapo tofu, shredded pork with green peppers, twice-cooked pork, sweet and sour pork, and other renowned Han-Tang dishes popular in Japan.

“Master Xiao,” Sun Zhongyi wiped his face, “when in Rome, do as the Romans do. This place has adopted our culinary culture to this extent. The flavors are actually quite good.”

Xiao Kaitian was indifferent to the food, but now that he was part of this world, the phrase “when in Rome” resonated with him. He picked up the chopsticks.

“Master!” Suddenly, a frail voice called out. Xiao Kaitian looked over to see an elderly man dressed in a gray Tang suit, wearing glasses, his hair and beard white, trembling as he was supported by a member of Ichimaitang. Upon seeing Xiao Kaitian, tears streamed down his face like a breached dam.

He hurried over, old tears flowing. “Heaven has eyes! The young master and young lady have returned safely. I didn’t believe what young Sun said earlier!” He knelt on the ground, grabbed Xiao Kaitian’s trousers and wiped his nose. “I never thought it was true. Truly, Heaven has not abandoned the Xiao family!” He raised both hands toward the sky.

Xiao Kaitian felt a twinge of distaste and turned his gaze to Sun Zhongyi.

“This is your steward, Uncle Zhong. He raised you from infancy,” Sun Zhongyi, moved by the atmosphere, couldn’t help but wipe his own eyes. “He came to Japan with you this time and happened to be here during the young lady’s incident.”

“Master, I thought I’d never see you again, sob sob…” The elderly man again grabbed Xiao Kaitian’s trousers, wiping his nose. “Master, I’ve made up my mind. I will stand alongside you, no matter the mountain of blades or the sea of fire, I will go with you. Through storms of bullets, I will shield you!”

Xiao Kaitian was speechless. With a combat strength of only 0.8, what did this old man intend? He worried that if he got too close, a sneeze might kill him.

After venting for a while, Uncle Zhong noticed Xiao Kaitian’s lack of reaction and belatedly realized something was wrong. He stroked his snowy beard, “Young Sun, what’s happened to the young master?”

“Uncle Zhong,” Sun Zhongyi sighed and gave a bitter smile, “Master Xiao fell victim to their schemes, was in a car accident. Though physically unharmed…” He pointed to his head. “He’s lost his memory!”

Xiao Kaitian gave Sun Zhongyi a satisfied look. This man was worth cultivating.

“Master!” Uncle Zhong immediately burst into tears again, wiping his face with trembling hands as he reached toward Xiao Kaitian’s face. “I have failed the master and mistress. I am a sinner to the Xiao family. Master, I, old Zhong, am too ashamed to meet you in the afterlife!”

Even Xiao Kaitian, accustomed to the highest dimensions, felt uncomfortable after acclimating to this world when confronted by Uncle Zhong’s passionate outpouring.

He raised his hand, and amidst Uncle Zhong’s sobbing, the old man slowly collapsed. Xiao Kaitian reached out to steady him. “Uncle Zhong is tired. President Sun, please arrange for him.”

“Just call me Young Sun,” Sun Zhongyi shuddered, unable to bear the formal address. “Master Xiao, do you have any instructions?”