Chapter 21: A Bit Restless

The conversation between the two concluded with a preliminary mutual acceptance. Jiang Churan no longer dwelled on the changes in Xiao Kaitian or the issues those changes brought. Meanwhile, Xiao Kaitian had gained the support of a close relative; with Jiang Churan preparing the ground for him, many future troubles could be avoided.

They had been talking for quite some time. Perhaps it was the air conditioning in the room, or maybe the lingering shock, but Jiang Churan’s cheeks were flushed. Xiao Kaitian decided not to linger further. After bidding farewell, he took the items Sun Zhongyi had given him and returned to his residence.

During this period, he had developed some understanding of “Xiao Kaitian” and had formed certain judgments. He was undoubtedly at the center of a storm; there were many things in this world he did not yet comprehend, but in terms of reality, there were still many people more formidable than himself.

Moreover, family matters left him with no room to retreat.

First and foremost, he had to become stronger. Strength came in several forms: one was sheer physical power, the other was social status. Only by acquiring both could he firmly establish himself.

Otherwise, not just he, but even those closest to him would be exposed to unforeseen dangers. This was not out of compassion, but a matter of principle.

Even in the Central Axis universe, there existed a code of conduct; without it, civilization could not be maintained. Xiao Kaitian had undergone such a baptism.

He still had an agreement with Rin Ogiwara. The matter with Ogiwara Commercial Company was merely an unexpected incident; he could exert his presence and intimidate Rin Ogiwara on the spot, but once she recovered, events might not unfold according to his plan. He needed to increase his leverage—not just for himself, but for Rin Ogiwara as well.

While Xiao Kaitian was at home focusing intently on his affairs, Rin Ogiwara had returned to the headquarters of the Ogiwara family in Osaka, Japan.

In the conference room, only she stood respectfully with her hands at her sides, and an elderly man sat in the central chair at the table, his brow furrowed as he studied a report.

Today, Rin Ogiwara wore a crisp, tailored women’s suit. Though she kept her head bowed and her demeanor subdued, her innate confidence was undiminished.

“A bit impulsive, Rin,” the old man said, flipping through the report and then placing it casually on the table. His tone was calm, utterly devoid of emotion. “Given the distance between countries, intelligence errors are tolerable. But you agreed to Xiao Kaitian’s terms on your own initiative, based merely on this—wasn’t that a little hasty?”

He tossed the report onto the table, and the neatly arranged papers instantly fanned out.

“Thank you for your guidance, Grandfather,” Rin Ogiwara glanced at the scattered reports, her attitude respectful, though her eyes betrayed no sign of agreement. “However, my actions were not solely because Xiao Kaitian is a martial artist.”

“Oh?”

“Whether the information is true or false, the fact remains that Xiao Kaitian is a martial artist, and his strength is not less than mine,” Rin Ogiwara analyzed calmly, unperturbed by the old man’s amused gaze. “Prestigious families often conceal their abilities and connect with martial artists; I don’t think this is anything new.”

“Well said.” There was a trace of appreciation in the old man’s eyes.

“I’ve already proposed the terms for our family, but unexpectedly—” Rin Ogiwara recalled the moment and her face flushed slightly, as if she felt something unusual. She clenched her fist, steadying herself. “He suggested another form of cooperation, and that’s what piqued my interest.”

The old man fell silent. He reached out and gathered the scattered papers, holding them together in his hands.

“There is a saying: ‘Fortune favors the bold.’ It was passed down from the Han and Tang dynasties to our country. I believe you understand,” Rin Ogiwara couldn’t help but press her lips together as she spoke.

The old man leafed through the materials once more. The only sound in the room was the rustling of paper. Finally, he stacked the papers, and the thick bundle struck the table with a dull “thud, thud, thud.”

“You know, Xiao Kaitian isn’t just the target of our Ogiwara family. We left some room for maneuver, but have you fully considered the others?”

“I have.” This was also Rin Ogiwara’s greatest concern. Too many eyes were fixed on Xiao Kaitian—he could be snatched away at any moment. That was why she had returned to headquarters. “Therefore, I would like to ask Grandfather to intervene.”

“Rin, even so, it’s not just others. Even the old members within the family will be difficult to convince,” the old man confided.

Rin Ogiwara smiled faintly. Xiao Kaitian must have anticipated this, which was why he had scheduled their next meeting in three days. “You needn’t worry. He and I have an agreement—he will provide an explanation.”

She bowed. “An explanation for the family.”

The old man's gaze flickered. If Xiao Kaitian truly said that, then this young man was not to be underestimated. The Ogiwara family’s stance this time might determine its position for the next few decades. He immediately grew more cautious. “He really said that?”

“Absolutely!” Rin Ogiwara replied with certainty.

“Good!” The old man lowered his gaze. “Then let’s wait for the terms he presents. But you must make it clear—even if we agree, what we can do openly will be done; as for covert matters, you know well that we might not be able to control everything.”

“Understood!” Rin Ogiwara had received a response beyond her expectations. She wasn’t particularly troubled—if Xiao Kaitian couldn’t handle minor matters, then cooperation was unnecessary. Still, she asked for confirmation: “You mean matters in the underground world?”

“Yes,” the old man nodded. “We cannot involve ourselves too deeply there. This is a matter of principle you must clarify.”

“Yes!” A slight smile curled Rin Ogiwara’s lips.

Unlike Rin Ogiwara’s progress, Sakura Harui, who had received her orders, was having a rough time.

First, she was inexplicably reprimanded regarding her work, then suspended without pay and placed under observation. Next, she received a private directive from Hideo Hattori: she was to closely monitor all of Xiao Kaitian’s movements.

She immediately teamed up with her “muscle,” Yamamoto, and launched a full-scale operation. Yet, her ambitious plans quickly met with disaster.

After two consecutive days, she finally understood one thing: Xiao Kaitian was a complete homebody.

He spent virtually all his time at home, rarely going anywhere. Occasionally, he would visit Ichimado, but even that she had investigated—it was a bona fide Chinese restaurant, and every time Xiao Kaitian went, it was during meal times.

How was she supposed to monitor him? How was she supposed to catch him? Should she accuse him of eating illegally?

The most frustrating part was having to report his movements to Inspector Hattori every day. What was there to report? She was running out of words.

She wanted to bite the steering wheel in frustration!