Chapter 16: Failing to Repay Debts Invites Retribution

Running around the pillar, Ai felt deeply humiliated. She tugged at the oversized dragon robe and dodged Shoichi’s toy sword. Such a childish game, yet he played with genuine delight. Yuko was even filming it, calling it a way to capture the beauty of life. But was this life truly beautiful?

Ai lay face down on the sofa, offering no resistance as Shoichi’s toy sword struck her again and again. Exhausted, she thought, let it all be destroyed. This boring fellow—so fond of playing roles. Such immaturity—it was no wonder he hadn’t recognized that she was Shiho Miyano.

“Can’t you fight back a little?” Shoichi prodded Ai’s arm. She buried her face deeper into the sofa. Hmph! When the time comes for me to avenge my sister, I’ll be sure to prod your arm too.

At home, Ai seemed utterly worn out, silent and still. Shoichi had gone off to pester Akemi Miyano at the company.

But Akemi didn’t really need Shoichi’s pestering—she was swamped. With her sister as a threat, Shoichi seemed to trust her implicitly, entrusting her with all the affairs, even though her official position was merely Shoichi’s assistant.

Yet, until now, she hadn’t even met her sister in person, only receiving the research uniform Shoichi had sent over. Now, with dark circles under her eyes, she was busy managing Shoichi’s matters. Since she didn’t understand much, she had to spend extra time studying and learning.

Shoichi, meanwhile, paid no attention to anything, seemingly leaving everything to her to handle. If it weren’t for the unknown whereabouts of her sister and her reluctance to see so many employees lose their jobs, she truly wished all of Shoichi’s enterprises would go bankrupt.

“Let me warn you now: if your company goes bankrupt, it won’t be because of me,” Akemi said.

“Why not?”

Akemi produced some documents. “Takeda Construction’s business is in poor shape. They have several projects with payments still unsettled. The real estate and construction industries are sluggish, and they’ve just taken on a major project. The bank might not approve their loan.”

In construction, companies must front the costs to begin work. The client pays only after inspection and acceptance. Payments often get delayed by a year or two, so most construction companies rely on bank loans to finance the projects.

If a company runs into trouble or the bank refuses to lend, it easily falls into bankruptcy—unable to complete the work, unable to collect payment, and forced to leave projects unfinished.

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Page two begins.

Unfinished projects mean even less chance of payment. Takeda was trapped in this very predicament. Several project payments hadn’t been collected, loans couldn’t be repaid, and the bank refused further lending.

Shoichi had acquired Takeda, inheriting its clients, workforce, and debts.

“There’s no need to rush with the money,” Shoichi said calmly.

Shoichi Sumitomo was somewhat well-known in Japan. As long as he took charge personally, who wouldn’t repay their debts?

“Ha! I’ve heard of you for some time. Never thought you’d acquire Takeda. Entering the construction industry—that’s truly surprising,” said Shii in amusement, clapping Shoichi on the shoulder.

Shoichi scowled and had Akemi wipe his shoulder clean. Such blatant disdain made Shii’s expression sour.

“Mr. Shii, may I ask when you plan to settle our project payments?” Shoichi asked coldly.

Shii maintained his friendly demeanor. “Of course I’ll pay. I wouldn’t dare delay that much money.”

“Then pay quickly.”

“Sure, I will,” Shii smiled. “But the day after tomorrow is my daughter’s birthday. I hope Mr. Shoichi can honor us with his presence.”

Shoichi frowned. “What does that have to do with paying the money?”

Could this old man be trying to recruit me as a son-in-law?

Shii stroked his mustache. “Nothing to do with the payment, but it could bring us closer. A drink at the party might make me more willing to pay sooner.”

Nowadays, debtors held the upper hand, especially those who owed large sums. This kid was too young to understand the rules of society. His approach to collecting debts? No gifts, no drinks, not a single flattering word, just a cold face throughout.

Did he think that just because his surname was Sumitomo, everyone in Japan would yield to him?

Kid, once you enter society, no one treats you like a child.

“Those who owe debts and don’t repay will be cursed by heaven,” Shoichi said.

“Of course,” Shii smiled.

...

At Shii’s daughter’s birthday party, Shoichi arrived accompanied by Akemi.

Akemi tugged at the mask on her face, making sure no one would see through her identity. She was uncomfortable attending such gatherings.

Everyone wore fake smiles, constantly raising glasses with those beside them, occasionally breaking into nauseating forced laughter.

In contrast, Shoichi’s expression was much more genuine—always wearing the look of someone owed billions of yen, scaring off anyone who tried to approach.

“Glad you could come. Here, have a drink?” Shii offered Shoichi a glass of alcohol.

Shoichi ignored it, picking up a nearby juice to toast with Akemi.

Shii clenched his teeth. These scions of wealthy families were the worst—always wearing faces that never knew hardship, looking down on everyone.

Hmph!

With a fake smile, Shii said, “If you drink this glass, maybe I’d be more inclined to pay.”

Shoichi smiled back. “I have a bad little habit when I drink. If you don’t mind, I can still have this drink.”

“Oh? What habit?”

Shii glanced at Akemi with a knowing look.

Getting drunk and making babies? A true nature that needn’t be hidden.

“I kill people when I’m drunk.”

Shii’s face turned ashen. “Then you’d better stick to your juice.”

He left in displeasure.

Akemi whispered, “Looks like your money’s not coming back.”

“No one owes me money and gets away with it,” Shoichi said confidently.

Akemi raised an eyebrow. Why was he so sure? Was it just because of his name?

“Today, to celebrate my daughter’s birthday, I’m truly grateful to everyone who traveled far to this mountain villa,” Shii said.

“And today, I’ve invited a special guest—none other than the recently famous Kogoro Mouri.”

Akemi followed Shii’s gaze and spotted a familiar little boy.

“What’s wrong? You know that brat?” Shoichi asked darkly.

“No,” Akemi said stiffly, shaking her head.

“I thought so. That kid is suspicious. If you hadn’t glanced his way, I might’ve forgotten to investigate him.”

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