Chapter 1333: Everyone

Manhattan, New York.

Snow and ice had sealed the streets, forcing the fire department and the city government to deploy snowplows to carve out a path, only then allowing the city's blood to flow once more~

Genta Nakai stood before the window, watching the thickly bundled crowds outside. The apartment's heating allowed him to wear only a single layer of clothing despite the sub-zero temperatures; he was physically warm, yet his heart remained somewhat lonely...

For some reason, ever since Suzumi Nakai had returned, he hadn't felt the urge to find a tall, blonde foreign woman to keep him company for a long time~

"Suzumi and the others must be paying their New Year calls..."

Suzumi Nakai had called him earlier, mentioning that Naoki Nagayama had gone out to pay his New Year calls on the first day of the year.

"Naoki-san really is a guy who values human connections!"

"I just don't know when I'll be able to go back..."

Just as he was feeling a bit sentimental, the intercom at the door suddenly broadcast the property manager's voice:

"Mr. Nakai, a Mr. David Lu De would like to see you..."

"David Lu De?"

Genta Nakai frowned, immediately realizing this was the chairman of the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and the primary instigator behind his being trapped in New York.

What was he here for?

"..." After a few seconds of thought, he spoke into the intercom, "Please, let him come up..."

A few minutes later, David Lu De arrived at Genta Nakai's apartment, bringing a chill with him. The moment he entered, he began looking around the luxurious apartment, clicking his tongue in wonder:

"Mr. Nakai's lifestyle makes even me a bit envious! Such a mansion..."

Even as the chairman of the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission, he couldn't just pull out millions of dollars to buy a high-end apartment in the heart of Manhattan... Ah, prices had gone up again; it was probably worth nearly three million now!

"This is Naoki-san's house; he's just lending it to me for a while."

Genta Nakai offered a brief explanation, then politely poured a cup of hot coffee... without any small talk, he asked directly:

"May I ask, Chairman Lu De, why you would come to the home of a suspect on the second day of the New Year?!"

"Please, call me David!"

David Lu De had shed the aggression he showed at the hearings, speaking very gently,

"Coming here today, avoiding the court system, is actually because I want to have a good communication with Mr. Nakai..."

Thanks to the connections and publicity of the luxury legal team, the lawsuit involving Tree Friend Capital had actually been closely watched by the industry. From the hearings to the indictment, many investors were still waiting and watching...

Relying on shorting the stock market to make money—should that really be prosecuted as market manipulation? This representative case of Tree Friend Capital had even directly affected the progress of the stock market's recovery~

However, the overly complex litigation process had turned the Tree Friend Capital market manipulation case into a "chicken rib"—tasteless to eat but occupying many resources of the judicial system... It even made foreign capital, especially Nihon capital, very cautious about investing in the United States.

This caused the 1987 U. S. economy to remain sluggish... to put it bluntly, market confidence was insufficient!

"Good communication?"

Genta Nakai almost wanted to laugh out loud,

"We've held three hearings, and now we're already in the evidence-exchange phase of the indictment process... and you're saying you want to have a good communication now?"

David Lu De had no choice. Since the New Year, the expected "new atmosphere" was nowhere to be found, and the continuously sluggish market economy made the upcoming State of the Union address look very grim~

President Reagan's health was failing, and as Vice President, Old Bush only wanted to whitewash the situation until the midterm elections were over so he could smoothly take over.

In short, the higher-ups wanted to put this matter behind them as soon as possible, as long as it looked decent on the surface; they still had to cooperate with Nihon in the New Year!

"Mr. Nakai, it wasn't a personal grudge before, so there's no need to be too angry... Besides, during this time in New York, Mr. Nakai's life could be said to be quite colorful... isn't that so..."

David Lu De shrugged,

"As businessmen, let's have a good discussion about the business ahead!"

"..."

Genta Nakai fell silent for a moment, then sat down on the sofa,

"Go on, I'm listening..."

David Lu De took a sip of the premium hot coffee, thinking to himself again that this Nihon person really knew how to enjoy life, then began:

"The Tree Friend Capital market manipulation case was always a catch-all charge; regardless of the evidence, the final outcome depends on the judge's subjective judgment... For the sake of judicial dignity, the judge will not rule Tree Friend innocent!"

"Of course, this will be a very long litigation case, perhaps even continuing until my term ends..."

"It will likely end in a plea bargain, but in exchange for no jail time, only a fine..."

Listening to David Lu De, Genta Nakai thought of the analysis from the senior legal team; the result would likely be the same.

However, if Naoki-san could mediate through diplomatic channels, the fine might even be a small sum, like a few hundred thousand.

David Lu De spoke again:

"Mr. Nakai, I don't want to leave such an unresolved stain on my term's record... and you certainly don't want to stay in New York for a few more years..."

"Since that's the case, why don't we reach a confidential settlement agreement..."

"As a condition for dropping the charges... Tree Friend Capital will be fined a maximum of one million U. S. dollars."

"We need a guarantee that most of the funds Tree Friend Capital earned previously will be reinvested into the U. S. stock market... The regulatory layer needs adjustments, and Tree Friend Capital's board needs to appoint an independent director..."

Listening to David Lu De, Genta Nakai's brow furrowed.

The fine didn't matter, but appointing an independent director... the independent director system was common in the U. S., but that was for publicly listed companies. Tree Friend Capital wasn't a public company; it was a private investment institution!

"David..."

Genta Nakai began,

"Tree Friend Capital is a private company... there is no obligation to establish an independent director."

"But the Tree Friend Capital U. S. branch is an investment institution... it's a venture enterprise, and it can decide for itself whether to establish an independent director..."

David Lu De said,

"Given Tree Friend Capital's current scale, the Securities and Exchange Commission must ensure our regulation of you..."

"Reaching an agreement is definitely the best! Everyone's happy, everyone's good~"

"..."

It would be a lie to say he wasn't tempted by this settlement agreement; as long as it was signed, he could probably go back half a year early.

However, Genta Nakai still had many concerns, and there was Naoki-san—would he agree to suddenly having a regulator over his head...

"Regarding this point, I need to discuss it with the home country."

"I certainly understand that... Mr. Nakai."

David Lu De put down his coffee, speaking earnestly,

"But putting this matter behind us as soon as possible is a good thing for both me and you... I hope your side will give it serious consideration!"

"..."

After David Lu De left the apartment, Genta Nakai sat in the room, deep in thought for a long time.

"First, I should ask the legal team to discuss it..."

"Then I'll call Naoki-san... Nihon is still on holiday!"

"No need to rush..."

Shizuoka, the old family home.

Naoki Nagayama had already parted ways with Big Brother Feng; Big Brother Feng was returning to the old home in Shimizu, while he had returned to his father and mother's old house.

However, the two had agreed to go to the family temple together tomorrow to pay their respects; Big Brother Qingmu and the rest of the Nagayama family would be there too.

When the car stopped next to the old house, the first person to come out to greet them upon hearing the sound was actually Hezi!

"Nii-chan, you finally came!!! Ah... isn't this Hua-chan? Do you still remember your aunt?!"

"..."

Naoki Nagayama, while taking luggage from the trunk, looked at his younger sister with surprise. Suddenly so enthusiastic?

"He who offers gifts without reason is either a traitor or a thief!"

"Hezi... you are Hezi, right?!"

Naoki Nagayama's sharp tongue, for some reason, reached full proficiency when dealing with Hezi,

"Is this some monster wearing Hezi's skin?!"

"........ Hmph!"

Hezi rolled her eyes at Naoki Nagayama, and surprisingly, without retorting, she pulled Mingcai inside.

Oh no, she didn't even argue back; it was even more suspicious!

Thus, Naoki Nagayama followed Hezi into the room, full of doubt... and in the Japanese-style room, he saw a very serious scene...

Father Kenzheng Nagayama was sitting with a straight face, drinking tea, while opposite him sat Genta Jin Tian, sitting upright... Even with the heating on, the atmosphere in the room was as stiff as the dead of winter~

However, after little Xia Hua adorably called out "Ojisan," the atmosphere in the Japanese-style room instantly thawed!

"Hua-chan... come here to Grandpa..."

Naoki Nagayama's father, Ken Nagayama, who was originally reserved and silent, completely changed when it came to his grandchildren... He was already very gentle with his eldest son Aoki's two sons, but with a granddaughter like little Xia Hua, he was like a different person; his face was even crinkled with smiles!

"Are you tired? Are you hungry? Would you like to eat some tea snacks?"

After a few sentences, little Xia Hua was playing quite harmoniously with her father, Ken Nagayama...

Naoki Nagayama and Akina were responsible for settling the luggage they had brought back, and only then did they ask Tsuruko:

"What was going on just now? Where is Mother?"

"Okaasan went over to eldest brother's place, saying she wanted to help carry the children over, and then the whole family would have lunch together..."

Tsuruko also breathed a sigh of relief at this moment,

"Then she left Dalu and Father staring at each other... the atmosphere was so awkward... I only breathed a sigh of relief when I heard you had arrived!"

An unmarried son-in-law and his future father-in-law... it's only natural that the atmosphere would be stiff!

The men of the Nagayama family are probably all like this—slaves to their daughters. Even though Ken Nagayama already knows the two are in love, he still feels uncomfortable in his heart about his daughter being "spoiled" by the man in front of him~

I believe that if little Xia Hua wants to get married in the future, Naoki Nagayama won't give that guy any good looks either!

At this moment, Dalu Jin Tian also walked over and asked politely:

"Naoki-san, Happy New Year..."

"Hmm..." Naoki Nagayama nodded, "You came here to pay a New Year's call today!"

"Hai... it counts as a formal visit."

Previously, when they were in Tokyo, Dalu Jin Tian had accompanied Ken Nagayama and Nanako Nagayama for a medical checkup, but that didn't count as a formal visit.

"Mm-hmm, keep it up!"

Naoki Nagayama patted this guy on the shoulder,

"I'll leave Tsuruko to you!"

"...?" Tsuruko, who was on the side, heard this and was speechless, "Ni-chan, aren't you going to test him at all?! You're giving me away to someone else so easily?!"

"Well... I'm worried that if you miss out on someone as good as Dalu Jin Tian, Tsuruko, you won't be able to get married!"

Tsuruko's forehead wrinkled with a cross-mark, and she said angrily:

"!!! Baka Ni-chan, what nonsense are you spouting!!"

Ha... sure enough, the original Tsuruko is back!

Seeing Tsuruko about to rush over for a PK, Akina quickly held her back and smiled to smooth things over:

"Alright Tsuruko, it's almost noon, let's go to the kitchen and check the ingredients... let Naoki-san and the others have a good chat... Naoki-san, I'll leave Hua-chan to you~"

"Okay..."

Naoki Nagayama came to the Japanese-style room and sat down, with Dalu Jin Tian following closely behind him.

And Ken Nagayama, who was feeding little Xia Hua snacks, looked up and saw them, but didn't say much, just nodded:

"Naoki, was the trip smooth?"

"Yes, I came back with Feng-dage, the whole way was very smooth!"

"Ah... with Feng, huh." Ken Nagayama was a bit surprised, "Then where is he?"

"He went back to the house in Shimizu City!"

"Isn't there no one there..."

"Uncle Xiong Yuan went back a day early..."

"I see..."

After a few words of pleasantries, the father and son didn't have much else to say. According to the past, it would have been a time of mutual silence while pouring tea for each other...

But now with little Xia Hua here, the two of them can center many conversations around the little one.

How much little Xia Hua can say now, whether she's been sick, what she likes to eat, when she's going to kindergarten, and so on... the atmosphere when chatting was much more relaxed than before.

And when Mother Nanako arrived with the eldest brother's family, with two more children, the house became even more lively!

Leaving his father to hold one in his arms while watching two others, busily taking care of the children, Naoki Nagayama started chatting with Aoki:

"How does it feel after having little Dongwu?"

"How does it feel..." Eldest brother Aoki sighed, "Exhausting!"

As he spoke, it was as if he had found someone to vent to, and he began to pour it all out:

"Although I have Mother's help, I have to deal with little Yecao while taking care of little Dongwu at the same time; my energy is completely insufficient!"

"If it's not one crying, it's the other wetting themselves... and I have to ensure fairness so little Yecao doesn't feel neglected... the pressure is really too great!!!"

"Naoki..."

Eldest brother Aoki glanced at Akina's already visible baby bump and patted him on the shoulder,

"You'll know how hard it is once your second child is born!"

"..."

Hmm... it really sounds like a lot of pressure!

Naoki Nagayama looked at Akina and little Xia Hua, then shrugged his shoulders; it looks like he'll have to hire another nanny!

Most things in this world can be solved with money!

Eldest brother Aoki still hasn't shifted away from his grassroots mindset; he should know that he is already considered a landlord in Shizuoka and can afford to hire a nanny!

"By the way..." Aoki continued to ask, "Is it a boy or a girl?"

"It's not confirmed yet!" Naoki Nagayama shook his head; it's not even four months yet, so it can't be seen, "We'll only know at the next prenatal checkup..."

"I see... then do you prefer a boy or a girl?"

"I naturally prefer a girl, but Akina hopes for a boy... anyway, it doesn't matter~"

"Haha, I also want a daughter~"

The Nagayama family almost all have the potential to be daughter-slaves. Aoki looks at Hua-chan and little Baihe from Feng-dage's family, and he doesn't know how envious he is!

In the lively atmosphere, Mother Nanako brought the two daughters-in-law to serve lunch on the dining table.

Although it was New Year's food, after all, the family runs an izakaya and has many kitchen utensils, so the food made was varied and delicious... it was hot and left everyone with full, warm bellies!

The two children who could eat were both covered in grease around their mouths, and their little bellies were bulging...

And after the meal, everyone drank tea and rested to digest:

"In a little while, we'll go to the family temple in Shimizu together... to pay respects to Grandfather!"

"Hai!" X7