Traveling through the Tokyo bubble era

Chapter 1082 The Shameless Yoshiaki Tsutsumi, A Trip He Takes on a Whim

The conditions offered by Hideki Hanyu were absolutely outrageous.

Even if Yoshiaki Tsutsumi had agreed to just one of the conditions of the money he invested, it would have been a losing proposition.

No wonder Yoshiaki Tsutsumi said that Hideki Hanyu was taking advantage of the situation.

However, they ask for exorbitant prices but then try to negotiate them down.

Hideki Hanyu didn't think that Yoshiaki Tsutsumi would actually agree to the conditions he proposed.

So seeing Tsutsumi Yoshiaki's strong reaction, he immediately shrugged and said, "Tsutsumi-san, you don't agree?"

Yoshiaki Tsutsumi said speechlessly, "Does President Hanyu really think I would agree? I think it would be better to propose some more realistic conditions."

Hideki Hanyu walked up to the ball and swung it hard, sending the golf ball soaring high into the air, prompting the Sekimoto sisters beside him to cheer loudly.

"That was a really beautiful shot by Yuzuru-san."

"I think so too."

As Hideki Yuzuru spoke, he looked at Yoshiaki Tsutsumi again, "Since Tsutsumi-san doesn't agree with my conditions, he should at least state what he can accept."

Yoshiaki Tsutsumi said, "Seibu Department Store will absolutely not be given to Chairman Hanyu. It is the core asset of the Seibu Group."

"Ah."

Hideki Hanyu did not offer an opinion, but instead gestured for Yoshiaki Tsutsumi to continue.

"Chairman Yuzuru wants the convenience stores under the Seibu Group. I think this is something worth considering."

And those five ski hotels—the Seibu Group invested not only money, but also a lot of manpower, resources, and other indirect costs in developing them; it wouldn't have been possible for even a single hotel.

As for the Fairy Park in Kanagawa, the Seibu Group has also invested heavily in it, making it a crucial part of their future development plan. Chairman Hanyu, as a partner, should be well aware of this.

As soon as Yoshiaki Tsutsumi finished speaking, Hideki Hanyu frowned.

"So, aside from some neglected convenience stores, Tissan won't agree to anything?"

“The convenience store also needs to be discussed in detail,” said Yoshiaki Tsutsumi.

"Then we have nothing to talk about, because I can't see any sincerity from Tisang."

Everything should be done according to the contract. Anyway, there's only one year left, and I can wait that long. I just don't know if Tisang can wait that long.

Or, to put it another way, whether the Seibu Group can fulfill the performance conditions stipulated in the original investment contract within the next year.

Yoshiaki Tsutsumi's counter-offer was too aggressive, and Hideki Hanyu immediately made it clear that he didn't want to negotiate.

As a result, it was immediately Yoshiaki Tsutsumi's turn to get a little anxious.

"President Yuzuru, don't be in a hurry. You should state your conditions. As long as they're not as outrageous as before, I think everything is negotiable."

Upon hearing this, Hideki Hanyu stopped and tentatively asked, "Seibu Department Store?"

Yoshiaki Tsutsumi said helplessly, "President Hanyu, please don't joke around. Even if the previous investment were multiplied several times, it still wouldn't reach the valuation of Seibu Department Store."

"I didn't say I wanted it all. I'm very interested in the Shibuya store, so of course I won't let Tsutsumi give it away for free. I can acquire it at market value."

There are six Seibu Department Stores in Tokyo. Selling one to me wouldn't have a big impact, and it could even help Tsutsumi-san solve some of his funding gap.

With such a win-win situation, what reason did Tisang have to hesitate?

Upon hearing this, Yoshiaki Tsutsumi did not immediately refuse, but instead asked Hideki Habu a question in return.

"President Hanyu, can you tell me what you intend to do with the Seibu Department Store in Shibuya?"

Hideki Hanyu laughed and said, "If Tsutsumi-san is worried that my purchase of Seibu Department Store is to enter the department store industry and compete with Seibu Department Store, then I can tell Tsutsumi-san right now that this situation will absolutely not happen."

I have no interest in running a department store in Japan; I just want to use the Seibu Department Store in Shibuya to create a large-scale brand showroom for my companies.

At that time, only companies under my control will be located in the new shopping mall.

As for the specifics of how to do it, that's a trade secret, and I can't tell Tissang yet.

"This... I need to think about it."

Clearly, Yoshiaki Tsutsumi hesitated.

Although he didn't know what the large-scale brand complex exhibition hall that Hideki Hanyu was talking about was, it was obviously not the department store he was thinking of.

The most crucial point is that he is currently short of money, and at this stage, there are very few buyers like Hideki Hanyu who can afford to spend real money.

However, just as Yoshiaki Tsutsumi was hesitating, Hideki Habu had not yet finished stating his conditions.

“There are also hotels. Five is indeed a lot, but Sendai is my hometown, so I really want to own my own hotel in Sendai. How about Tsutsumi sells the Zao Onsen Ski Resort to me?”

"This is impossible!"

Yoshiaki Tsutsumi refused without even thinking.

The resort ski hotel is a crucial part of the Seibu Group's business strategy, and Yoshiaki Tsutsumi has no intention of selling it.

Hideki Hanyu didn't dwell on this much.

Seeing that Yoshiaki Tsutsumi was unwilling, he immediately proposed new conditions.

To be precise, what Hideki Hanyu said next was what he wanted most.

“Tisang, then transfer the shares of Elf Paradise to me.”

As soon as Hideki Yuzuru finished speaking, seeing that Yoshiaki Tsutsumi still wanted to say something, he immediately spoke first.

“Tissa, my acceptance of the invitation to come here is enough to express my sincerity.”

But so far, you haven't agreed to a single one of the conditions I've proposed, which makes me see no sincerity from you whatsoever.

Elf Paradise is a project we are working on together, and I originally had high expectations for it.

The problem is that due to construction quality issues and funding problems at Seibu Group, the construction period of the Elf Park project has been severely delayed.

Even now, I can't see the possibility of the Elf Paradise being completed, and its opening is even more distant.

The delay in construction alone has caused huge losses to Elf Entertainment.

Of course, I'm not saying all this today to pursue the responsibility of the Seibu Group.

I simply believe that since the Seibu Group is unable to shoulder its due responsibilities, it would be better to withdraw from the project sooner rather than later.

"President Yuzuru..."

Yoshiaki Tsutsumi seemed to want to argue, but he was interrupted by Hideki Hanyu before he could even open his mouth.

"Tisang, there's no need for explanations unless you can give me a guarantee that the Elf Paradise will be completed smoothly."

Yoshiaki Tsutsumi fell silent instantly.

Because he really couldn't make that promise to Hideki Hanyu.

The delay in the construction of the Elf Paradise project ultimately stemmed from a cash flow problem at the Seibu Group, which misappropriated funds originally intended for the project's construction.

At present, banks are tightening lending and stock market financing is cooling down, so Seibu Group simply doesn't have the money to fill this hole.

If Yoshiaki Tsutsumi had money, why would he have invited Hideki Hanyu a second time to discuss investment?

The current Elf Paradise project would not be facing delays, but a complete shutdown, if it weren't for the support of Elf Entertainment.

“Tessang, I can’t give you any more time regarding the Elf Paradise project. Otherwise, even I won’t be able to explain it to the company. I don’t want to go to court with you over this cooperation, but I hope you can consider my feelings.”

Yoshiaki Tsutsumi remained silent for a moment, then finally uttered a sentence in a slightly pleading tone.

"Please give me a little more time."

Hideki Hanyu said, "Yes, but there must be a deadline." "I promise to give Chairman Hanyu an answer before the end of this month."

At this point, Yoshiaki Tsutsumi awkwardly began, "What about the investment in the new project?"

Hideki Hanyu chuckled, “I think it’s a bit early to talk about new projects now.”

Hideki Hanyu's meaning was clear: there was no need to discuss anything else before the conditions had been agreed upon.

"I understand."

Yoshiaki Tsutsumi had anticipated this answer.

There was really nothing left to talk about after that.

After the game, Yoshiaki Tsutsumi promptly made up an excuse to leave.

Hideki Hanyu, on the other hand, stayed on the court and continued to play with the Sekimoto sisters.

After Yoshiaki Tsutsumi left, the outspoken Megumi Sekimoto immediately complained, "That Mr. Yoshiaki Tsutsumi is really shameless. He didn't agree to a single condition for Yuzuru-san, and in the end, he still had the nerve to ask for investment."

"Haha."

Hideki Yuzuru laughed loudly, "Because he's a businessman. How could he be a businessman if he wasn't thick-skinned?"

For Yoshiaki Tsutsumi, if being shameless could pull the Seibu Group out of its predicament and get him to invest hundreds of millions of dollars, it would be an incredibly good deal.

"Several hundred million dollars!"

The Seki sisters exclaimed in unison.

Hideki Hanyu said, "Compared to the predicament faced by the Seibu Group, a few hundred million dollars is just a drop in the bucket."

What the Seibu Group lacks now is not money, but another era of neon bubble economy.

Seeing that the Sekimoto sisters seemed to understand but not quite, Hideki Yuzuru did not provide a detailed explanation.

Under the leadership of Yoshiaki Tsutsumi, the Seibu Group expanded wildly in the real estate industry during the peak of Japan's bubble economy, pushing financial leverage to its limits.

But now Japan's economy is plummeting, real estate finance is tightening, and Seibu Group can no longer continue its game of robbing Peter to pay Paul.

So, although Yoshiaki Tsutsumi is short of money at this stage, what he lacks most is not money, but "confidence".

This reflects both the confidence within the Seibu Group and the confidence that the outside world has in the Seibu Group.

With confidence comes money.

Therefore, Hideki Hanyu is certain that Yoshiaki Tsutsumi will use every means to dethrone him as the richest man on this year's Forbes list.

After all, the title of the world's richest man is quite impressive and can give confidence to many people who are unaware of the truth.

But this is for the best. With Yoshiaki Tsutsumi putting on a brave face for two years, his plan to hide his wealth can be completed smoothly.

Even if he can't completely disappear from the list, it's enough to remove him from the top ranks.

Just then, Sekimoto Megumi asked Yuzuru Hideki out of curiosity.

"Since the Seibu Group is in such a bad state, why is Yuzuru-san still treating Tsutsumi Yoshiaki so well? Take the Elf Paradise project for example, why not just sue for breach of contract?"

"That's not how business is done."

Even a starved camel is bigger than a horse, let alone Yoshiaki Tsutsumi and the Seibu Group, which are far from being starved. Breaking ties with such large corporations is easier said than done.

Of course, another important point is that the Seibu Group has many other industries that interest me, and maintaining good relations will benefit my strategic planning.

After Hideki Hanyu finished speaking, his older sister, Natsumi Sekimoto, asked in confusion, "But judging from the conversation just now, Yoshiaki Tsutsumi doesn't seem to be planning to agree to Hanyu-san's conditions."

Hideki Hanyu said meaningfully, "It's just that I won't agree for now."

"What?" Natsumi Sekimoto didn't understand.

"You wouldn't understand even if I explained, so let's think about where we should go next."

Hideki Hanyu immediately changed the subject.

After all, he didn't want to be a prophet and tell the Sekimoto sisters that the Japanese real estate market would soon collapse like the Japanese stock market.

When the Sekimoto sisters heard about the upcoming arrangements, their attention was indeed diverted by the scumbag. After all, the two had waited a long time for Hideki Hanyu and were determined to have a good time for a few days.

Natsumi Sekimoto spoke first, "Tokyo is too cold, I want to go somewhere warm."

Megumi Sekimoto raised her hand, "I want to see the sun, the beach, and the waves. I want to wear a swimsuit and play in the water."

"No problem, I'll fulfill your request today."

As soon as Hideki Hanyu finished speaking, the three of them immediately left Saitama Prefecture and returned directly to Tokyo, embarking on a spontaneous trip.

Just after lunchtime, the Cloud Flight took off from Haneda International Airport.

Destination: Hawaii.

Baisha Bay Manor has finally found its owner.

……

February 10th, Hawaii time.

It was the fourth day since Hideki Hanyu and his twin sisters arrived at Baisha Bay Estate.

On the beach in the afternoon, a gentle sea breeze was blowing.

Hideki Hanyu lay under a parasol, holding a refreshing glass of juice.

He watched as the shapely twin sisters played beach volleyball in front of him, wearing sexy bikinis, while answering a satellite phone call from Japan.

A few days after arriving in Hawaii, Yoshiaki Tsutsumi did not receive a reply, but instead received good news from Eiichi Jinbo.

Due to the time difference, it's still Sunday, February 10th in Hawaii.

But in Japan, it's already February 11th, a Monday.

The Tokyo Stock Exchange had just finished a busy morning and was now in its lunch break.

The reason why Eiichi Jinbo couldn't wait to call Hideki Hanyu was that before the lunch break, the stock price of Star Map Logistics on the Tokyo Stock Exchange had officially broken through 2400 yen.

From 1100 yen last Monday to the 2400 yen mark this Monday, the stock price has more than doubled, with an increase of over 127%.

During the peak of a bubble economy, such a surge, while impressive, would not have attracted much attention.

However, compared to the Japanese stock market, which has been in a downward spiral since the end of 1989, Xingtu Logistics' current performance is simply too dazzling.

With Hideki Hanyu's behind-the-scenes manipulation, deliberate media hype, and biased commentary, the attention given to Xingtu Logistics has increased exponentially.

The principle of chasing rising prices, not falling ones, applies to every market.

This prompted investors to enter the market, further driving up the stock price of Astro Logistics.

Then, Hideki Hanyu's net worth increased by several hundred million dollars without him even realizing it.

However, as early as when Oki Logistics changed its name and reorganized, Hideki Hanyu had already taken the opportunity to diversify his investments in Star Map Logistics.

Currently, the only connection between Xingtu Logistics and Hideki Hanyu is the shareholding of its subsidiaries under the Cloud and Elf groups.

Moreover, judging from the financial statements, the two companies do not hold a large number of shares, and their combined shareholding does not exceed 10%.

Therefore, even though Xingtu Logistics' stock price soared, Japanese media did not associate it with Hideki Hanyu.

"Don't rush, it's not over yet. My American friends are very satisfied, and they plan to release some more good news from the Gulf front to continue boosting the stock price."

"I understand, boss."

(End of this chapter)