Conan: I'm a zaibatsu in Tokyo

Chapter 107 The terror of Zheng Yi spread to the organization
What have you been busy with lately?

"Busy looking for people to work for me." Zheng Yi sat on the sofa, looking at the uninvited guest in front of him.

Vermouth frowned.

It seems like they're being sarcastic about her skipping work.

“It seems like you’ve been having a little boy investigate Pisco all along,” Belmod asked.

"Is that so?" Zheng Yi asked.

Vermouth nodded and said, "Pisco asked me to help investigate the people who were following him. I found out that the little boy is related to you, so I came to ask you about it."

"Oh."

Zheng Yi nodded and said indifferently, "We're not familiar with each other, you can take care of him."

Vermouth stared at Zheng Yi and asked, "That little boy was investigating Pisco, you must have supported him, right? Are you just going to kill him like that?"

“To prevent Pisco’s identity from being exposed, of course we should kill him,” Zheng Yi said.

Vermouth stared intently at Zheng Yi.

"What on earth are you going to do?"

"What do you mean, what do I do?" Zheng Yi said, holding up yesterday's newspaper. "Isn't what I'm going to do clearly written in the newspaper? Let me read it to you."

"The murder of Representative Tunkui is suspected to be related to a certain chaebol. It is understood that the chaebol and Representative Tunkui had a serious disagreement over a certain construction project."

"Other competitors and officials are in a state of panic, fearing that they will be assassinated by the tycoon."

After reading it, he put the newspaper down.

The news has already written about everything he's going to do.

"You want me to kill the other competitors for you?" Vermouth asked.

Now that Councilor Tunkou has been killed, Zheng Yi's next task is to deal with the other competitors.

"No, no, no, I never condone killing," Zheng Yi said. "Even if you kill your rival and win this time, there will be another competition."

Ultimately, a company's development depends on its own strength.

Vermouth chuckled softly.

So you've been killing your competitors all along.

Kill them every time you compete, until no one dares to compete with you anymore.

"I understand."

“You don’t understand,” Zheng Yi said.

His goal wasn't to get Vermouth to kill for him.

His personal assassin is Conan. Using Vermouth would leave him with hidden dangers. What if someone finds out?
Doesn't he care about his reputation?
Zheng Yi took out a photo and placed it on the table.

Vermouth's eyes lit up when she saw the photo.

"Do you want it?" Zheng Yi asked.

What do you want me to give in exchange?

"It's just a small favor," Zheng Yi said.

Vermouth looked at Zheng Yi warily, wondering how he would order her around this time.

“After Pisco’s death, his company certainly can’t be left without someone in charge.”

“So you want me to convince the organization to let you take over Pisco’s car company?” Vermouth asked.

“That’s right, this shouldn’t be too difficult for you, right?” Zheng Yi said.

"Hehe, that's quite a big leap for you."

Vermouth gave a cold laugh.

Architecture, entertainment, news, and now suddenly they're getting into cars.

“I like new challenges,” Zhengyi said.

You enjoy killing people from different fields, don't you?
Vermouth muttered to herself, "I'm just blaming them."

“I can speak on your behalf, but I can’t guarantee it will work out,” Vermouth said.

"I'm glad you can help."

Vermouth asked, "Then can you tell me why you know me so well?"

I know I care about Ran and Conan.

This is truly beyond ordinary understanding.

She put her hand to her lips and whispered, "Shh~ It's a secret that will make a man more attractive."

Vermouth's face darkened.

She had never hated mystics so much.

Zheng Yi ignored Vermouth's reaction, picked up today's newspaper, and was somewhat surprised by its contents.

It's news that Phantom Thief Kid has reappeared.

He hadn't even asked Kaito to come out and quell the hype yet, and Kaito jumped out on his own. It was really unexpected.

Does having this kind of self-awareness mean you want a raise?

Moreover, he changed careers again.

Compared to the last time when he stole people, which was more normal, this time he switched to stealing paintings.

"What are you looking at?"

"nothing."

Zheng Yi shook his head, picked up the phone and dialed Xiao Lan's number: "Hello, Xiao Lan."

"Brother Zhengyi, what do you need me for?" Xiaolan asked.

Hearing Xiaolan's voice, Vermouth quieted down.

"I heard you really enjoy collecting autographs from celebrities. I'm going to Mr. Takenaka's art exhibition tomorrow. Would you like to come along?" Masakazu asked.

"Is it the famous painter, Mr. Takenaka Hirono?" Xiaolan asked with surprise.

"Yes, that's him."

"Okay, I will definitely go. Thank you, Brother Zhengyi."

Zheng Yi smiled and said, "No trouble at all. Oh, and remember to bring Conan along too. Let him appreciate art as well, instead of just thinking about playing around."

"Okay, I'll bring Conan with me."

After hanging up the phone, Zheng Yi said to Vermouth, "I've sent Conan away, so you can go and deal with Pisco without worry."

Vermouth nodded.

Unexpectedly, Masakazu would help her get rid of Conan.

Having obtained what she wanted from Masakazu, Vermouth left the Masakazu family and prepared to help Conan resolve a minor problem.

Not long after Vermouth left, Ai went home after school.

After Ai returned home, she glanced at Masakazu without saying a word, put down her schoolbag, and prepared to leave.

"Don't go out, your sister hasn't gotten off work yet," Zheng Yi said, leaning back on the sofa.

Ai didn't stop what she was doing; after putting on her shoes, she went to open the door and go out.

It's not like she doesn't have a key to her sister's house.

Zheng Yi lay sprawled on the sofa and said to Ai in a low voice, "One phone call from me can make your sister work overtime until the early hours of the morning."

The little hand gripping the handle paused, then angrily withdrew.

Masashi scolded Ai, "You rely too much on your sister, that's not right. You need to learn to be independent."

Ai just stared at Masakazu with a cold face, still not saying a word.

Zheng Yi didn't mind. He said, "I'm going to an art exhibition tomorrow. Will you come with me?"

"Someone like you would actually participate in an art exhibition?" Ai said sarcastically.

“What’s wrong with participating in an art exhibition? I have a real talent for art,” Zheng Yi said.

Zheng Yi pointed to the painting hanging in the middle of the living room and said, "This is a painting by Takenaka Hirono that I bought five years ago for 100 million yen. At that time, it was worthless."

Ai looked at the painting in the center of the living room.

Forgive her for having absolutely no artistic talent; she simply couldn't see why this painting was worth a hundred million.

If Masakazu hadn't said it was the work of the great painter Takenaka Hirono, she would have thought it was Masakazu's own doodle.

Zheng Yi took out the invitation and showed it to Xiao Ai: "Because of our friendship five years ago, he invited me, an outsider, to his small art exhibition this time."

“It’s hard to believe that someone like you would like art,” Ai said.

No, Zheng Yi really loves art.

However, the art he liked was very different; he liked the art of killing, the art of causing people to die accidentally.

Not only that, he also has a morbid liking to turn these things into movies so that more people can see them.

abnormal.

Shoichi had no idea how Ai was slandering him. He said:
“Back when Takenaka Hirono was worthless, his paintings were bought for 100 million yen, and now he is famous throughout Japan.”

The painting that was bought for 100 million back then can't be bought for 200 million now.

"But if Takenaka Hirono passes away, then even if it costs 300 million yen, you can forget about buying this painting from me."

Moreover, Takenaka Hirono himself is the president of Takenaka Construction Company, a wealthy man.

He also promotes himself.

Therefore, his paintings will definitely continue to appreciate in value.

"So, you've decided to kill him?" Ai asked.

How do you know me so well?
"How could you frame me?" Zheng Yi said, dissatisfied.

Ai glanced at Masakazu.

I thought he would like art, but it turns out he likes money.

He said that if Mr. Takenaka were to pass away, his paintings would appreciate in value, so Shoichi would definitely kill him.

Zheng Yi is an absolute villain.

He was too dark, much darker than most people in the organization.

……

"Sister Xiaolan, who's calling you?"

Conan stood in front of Ran, looking up at her with a blank expression, and asked.

I didn't hear very clearly just now, but it sounded like a man's voice. Was he asking Xiaolan out?
“It’s Brother Zhengyi,” Xiaolan said.

"Brother Zhengyi?"

"That's right, Masakazu asked me to go to an art exhibition with him. Oh, and Conan, Masakazu specifically asked me to bring you along." Ran patted Conan's head and asked, "Are you going?"

"Do you want to see the art exhibition that Mr. Takenaka Hirono is going to hold?" Conan asked.

"That's right, Conan, you also know Mr. Takenaka Hirono," Ran said in surprise.

Conan scratched his head and said, "Of course, after all, Mr. Takenaka Hirono is a famous painter in Japan."

Moreover, I heard that his paintings can sell for as much as 100 million yen.

Most importantly, Kaito Kid sent him a notice, intending to steal his painting.

Speaking of which, Kaito Kid has really been indiscriminate in his eating and drinking lately.

A while ago he actually went to a film set to steal some Hollywood stars, and now he's going to steal paintings. He's no longer the Phantom Thief Kid who only stole jewels.

"Are you going?" Xiaolan asked.

Conan hesitated for a moment, then nodded: "I'll go."

Between Pisco and Phantom Thief Kid, Pisco is definitely more important.

But Zheng Yi invited him to go together, so he couldn't refuse Zheng Yi's request.

If we're talking about Kaito Kid and Zheng Yi Ge, then Zheng Yi Ge definitely carries more weight.

And what's with the "Brother Zhengyi asked Xiaolan out" thing? He clearly wanted to ask me out too.

After attending the art exhibition, I'll continue investigating Pisco's matter. I'll also take this opportunity to talk to Brother Zheng about Pisco.

……

After handing over the trouble of being tracked to Vermouth, Pisco was quite relaxed and attended another corporate salon.

At the salon, I ate and drank with some colleagues and chatted about these useless pieces of information.

Then they curse the damn economy, and Japan doesn't introduce any more supportive policies.

"Have you heard? Sumitomo Shoichi is planning to enter the automotive industry recently."

Once someone started the conversation, opinions began to emerge. "The automotive industry is incredibly complex; can a young guy like him really handle it?" someone said dismissively.

The automotive industry is far more complex than the entertainment industry.

“With the support of the Sumitomo Group, it’s not like we can’t make it work,” Pisco said with a smile.

The Sumitomo Group has a strong foundation in the automotive industry, which allows it to provide Zheng Yi with key components and technologies.

If Zheng Yi really wanted to build cars, it wouldn't be difficult.

"That guy hasn't really cultivated any particular expertise in any field, yet he's already rushing to expand into other areas?" someone said unhappily.

With more competitors, and strong ones at that, nobody can be in a good mood.

"I heard that when Sumitomo Shoichi started his business, he didn't like to rely on his family and preferred to rely on his own efforts."

These words made everyone present even more worried.

It would be better to let him rely on his family's help.

How did he start his business on his own?
It was just murder.

Pisco swirled the wine in his glass and said, "Speaking of which, when it comes to starting a business, Zheng Yi doesn't like to take things one step at a time. He prefers to directly acquire a company and then expand the business based on his own abilities."

"Haha, his way of starting a business is not suitable for most people."

Acquiring a company outright is already quite extravagant.

Besides, there aren't that many companies that are willing to sell and are doing reasonably well.

Of course, it was only after the president died in an accident that Zheng Yi could easily acquire the company.

Looking at Pisco, who seemed unconcerned, someone chuckled and said, "Mr. Kenzo Masuyama, Shoichi Sumitomo has been investigating your company lately. Could it be that he's planning to acquire it?"

“That’s impossible,” Pisco retorted.

His company is not only a normal car manufacturing company on the surface, but also secretly helps organizations with various operations such as cargo transportation and capital flow.

He and Zheng Yi were both members of the organization, so how could Zheng Yi possibly lay a hand on him?

“Nothing is impossible. Sumitomo Shoichi has always had a big appetite, and he might already be thinking about how to take you over,” the man said.

He added gloatingly, "It's no secret that he's collecting information about your company, so I have no reason to lie to you."

"Mr. Masuyama, if Shoichi Sumitomo wants to acquire your company, you absolutely must agree."

Otherwise, the outcome is unpredictable.

None of the presidents of the companies acquired or merged by Sumitomo Shoichi are still alive.

"Heh, don't try to scare me like that," Pisco said with a forced smile.

Impossible, absolutely impossible.

He and Zheng were both members of the organization; how could they possibly do something like killing each other?

"Haha, you can check it out yourself. Sumitomo Masakazu has learned about your company from many sources."

"I reckon his acquisition team will be coming to you soon," the man said with a smile.

The members of Zhengyi's acquisition team must be assassins.

Pisco gave a cold 'humph,' showing no intention of lingering any longer.

On his way home, Pisco was filled with worry.

Could the guy who's been following him lately be someone from the Zhengyi faction? Is that the person he calls a member of the acquisition team?

Pisco was sweating profusely.

Zheng Yi is notoriously arrogant and domineering, and he has no scruples.

In the outside world, he didn't care about his reputation; anyone who opposed him would die in an accident or at the hands of his own relatives.

Within the organization, he openly called Gin a sewer bug and a lawless tyrant.

That bastard, is he really going to acquire his company?
Could you please let me know in advance?

I remember when he acquired other companies, he would always acquire them first, and only resort to special means if the other party was unwilling.

“Vermouth, I suspect that the guys tracking me were sent by Cointreau.”

"Ok?"

Vermouth was a little stunned when she received Pisco's call.

But Pisco's statement isn't entirely wrong.

Conan did indeed investigate Pisco under Shoichi's encouragement, and many of Conan's tools were provided by Shoichi.

Pisco said in a panic, "I suspect he wants to buy my car company."

Vermouth fell silent again.

You're right again.

Zheng Yi is indeed planning to enter the automotive industry, and he happens to have his eye on your company.

“You’re overthinking it,” Vermouth said. “Jundu is still struggling in the construction industry, and he’s killing people over a project.”

Where would I get the energy to enter the automotive industry?

Furthermore, you are all members of the organization, and members are not allowed to assassinate each other.

She didn't know where Zheng Yi's energy came from.

Perhaps it's because he doesn't manage those companies himself.

Find a few managers, have them oversee major projects, and kill a few people—that's enough to ensure the company's healthy development.

"Heh, does that guy really care about the other organization members?" Pisco shouted.

“Probably,” Vermouth said.

He was quite considerate of me and didn't tell Gin about Conan.

Of course, he didn't care much about Gin anymore.

"hehe."

Pisco's laughter was icy.

"Oh!"

Vermouth's eyelids twitched, and she asked Pisco on the phone, "What happened to you?"

“It’s okay, the induction cooker just exploded,” Pisco said.

This is a brand new induction cooker that he just bought.

It exploded the first time it was opened, and it even injured his hand.

Pisco recalled a movie that was widely circulated in business circles, in which someone was accidentally killed by kitchen utensils.

Pisco's eyes were somewhat gloomy, and it was impossible to tell what he was thinking.

“I want to see Cointreau, I want to see him immediately,” Pisco said.

"It's very late now, he's probably already asleep."

“Then let’s go see him tomorrow,” Pisco said.

“He seems to be going to an art exhibition tomorrow, so he won’t have time to see you,” Vermouth said.

Pisco said with a grim expression, "So he's decided to kill me tomorrow?"

Vermouth was taken aback.

I feel like Pisco's guesses were really accurate; he guessed almost everything correctly.

However, it wasn't Zheng Yi who wanted to kill him; Zheng Yi only gave a reason for killing him.

"Have you been under too much pressure lately? Go to sleep early. Zheng Yi won't do anything to you," Vermouth said softly.

After saying that, Vermouth hung up the phone.

But how could Pisco possibly sleep?

As an industry jinx, whenever Shoichi enters an industry, a large number of the industry's presidents will die. How could Pisco feel at ease?

Zheng Yi also investigated his company's situation and sent people to follow him.

This all demonstrates that Zheng Yi wanted him to be the first person in the automotive industry to die.

"Hey, Gin."

"what's up."

“Cointreau wants to kill me,” Pisco said.

"Don't call me if you're drunk," Gin said coldly.

"Oh!"

Gin executed a traitor to the organization and put the pistol back in his pocket.

Upon hearing the gunshot, Pisco's heart began to race.

Right now, he doesn't want to hear or see anything that can kill.

“He really wants to kill me. He wants to kill me and take over my company in order to get into the automotive industry!” Pisco said.

“No,” Gin said. “The organization hasn’t abandoned you, so Cointreau can’t take over your company.”

"But……"

“Pisco!” Gin said, “I don’t have time to waste on you.”

He needed to hurry to another place to make a deal with a guy.

“Okay, then if I die, it will definitely be Cointreau who killed me,” Pisco said. “I will absolutely not die in an accident or by suicide!”

"Beep, beep, beep~"

Gin hung up the phone, not having time to listen to Pisco's nonsensical remarks.

Late at night, I received a strange phone call and said a bunch of nonsensical things.

"Pisco is definitely getting old. Is this dementia?"

Pisco was restless at home.

Surprisingly, nobody believed that Jundu would kill him. Surprisingly, nobody believed that Jundu, the god of death, would kill someone.
He gripped the gun tightly in his hand; it was the only thing that gave him a sense of security.

He didn't sleep all night, and his eyes were bloodshot.

“Ha, to be so scared by a junior member of the organization, I must be getting old.” Pisco suddenly laughed.

If he were young, how could he possibly be afraid of someone wanting to kill him?

Those who might be a threat to him should have been killed by him long ago.

“So, go kill that guy,” Pisco said hoarsely.

Kill him before Zheng Yi makes a move.

Pisco walked out of his villa with a pistol in his hand, and as he walked down the street, he suddenly felt a little lost.

Where is Zhengyi's home again?

He seems unaware.

"An art exhibition?" Pisco thought of what Vermouth had said yesterday.

Zhengyi is going to attend an art exhibition.

The location of the art exhibition will definitely be mentioned in the newspaper.

Pisco ran into Vermouth when he was looking for a newspaper.

Vermouth looked at Pisco with a playful expression, a half-smile on her face.

Pisco paused, sensing a dangerous aura emanating from Vermouth.

"You want to kill me? Did Cointreau send you to kill me?" Pisco asked.

“No, it’s Gin,” Vermouth answered truthfully.

"Gin, why did he want to kill me?"

"It seems you haven't seen today's news."

Vermouth tossed Pisco a newspaper; the headline featured a photo of Pisco shooting an art lamp with a gun.

“It seems I found you before the police did,” Vermouth said. “An organization member whose identity has been exposed is very detrimental to the organization’s ability to remain hidden in Japan.”

"So Gin sent you to kill me?" Pisco asked.

This photo has been around for a while, so why is it only appearing in the newspaper today?

Why did it appear in the newspapers just as news broke that Zheng Yi was going to enter the automotive industry?
And what right does Gin have to kill me?
Gin and Shoichi were definitely in cahoots.

Pisco raised his pistol and pointed it at Vermouth; he wasn't going to just sit there and wait to die.

"Oh!"

(End of this chapter)