Conan: I'm a zaibatsu in Tokyo

Masakazu looked up information about Yukiko Kudo.

Before her retirement, she was extremely popular in Japan and even around the world.

She won almost all of Japan's major entertainment awards at the age of 19 and was dubbed a miracle girl by the media.

She is not only incredibly popular in Japan, but also has a large fan base in Europe, America, and Asia. Her works have been featured at international film festivals, making her a rare global Japanese actress.

His debut work, "Sakamoto Ryoma's Sister Otome," sparked a social phenomenon and even made the Kochi Prefecture dialect a popular phrase.

Moreover, he is very skilled in combat, performing his own stunts.

Her hairstyles and outfits have consistently set trends, and her magazine covers are often sold out.

The sudden announcement of her retirement from the entertainment industry at the age of 20, which shocked the entire nation, and her whirlwind marriage to mystery novelist Yusaku Kudo, caused a sensation across Japan.

At the time, the media ran headlines for a week: "The retirement of a beauty of the century" and "Japan has lost a superstar."

Even after retiring for many years, he was still recognized by passersby after returning to China and had to wear sunglasses to disguise himself.

Even now, as soon as she appears in public, brands rush to sign her.

A woman like that is practically a money tree.

It's such a pity that he retired at the peak of his career.

They could clearly still make a lot of money for capitalists.

Yusaku Kudo is deeply sinful.

A private room in a restaurant.

Shoichi sat alone inside, without Curaçao or Ai.

A moment later, Yukiko Kudo walked in.

She didn't bring Conan with her either.

Because she discovered that her son was siding with outsiders.

They always spoke well of Zheng Yi.

What provides detective equipment, funding, and technical resources for antidote development?

They repeatedly covered his identity, assisted in investigations, and assumed public opinion risks.

Most importantly, he respected Shinichi Kudo's ideals of being a detective even before Shinichi knew he was Shinichi Kudo, something no one else did.

Yukiko Kudo only felt a toothache.

Zhengyi seems to really treat his son very well.

But his reputation is still too frightening; he is not only 'ruthless' but also exploits his employees.

Enter the restaurant's private room.

The room was lit with warm-colored lights, yet the contract paper gleamed with a cold light.

Yukiko Kudo sat cross-legged on a leather chair, her fingertips lightly tapping the table, her red lips slightly upturned:
"So, this is the lucrative cooperation plan you were talking about?"

The contract laid out in front of her was thirty pages long, with densely packed clauses.

The first clause states: Party B (Yukiko Kudo) agrees to have priority in participating in all film, advertising, live streaming, and brand endorsement projects under the Sumitomo Group during the contract period.

The minimum number of working days per month is no less than 29, including weekends and statutory holidays.

Shoichi Sumitomo truly lived up to his reputation.

They just really enjoy exploiting their employees.

Zheng Yi, holding a coffee cup, smiled gently like a spring breeze: "Of course, it's very generous. We've positioned you as a special project for the return of an international legendary actress."

Starting salary is three times the industry average, plus overseas resource connections, a personal styling team…

"Oh?" Yukiko raised an eyebrow.

"Then why does Article 17 of the contract state that if I refuse any arrangement, I must pay a penalty of 500 million yen?"

"That's to ensure the continuity of the project."

Zheng blinked and said, "You may not know this, but fans are very sensitive now, and changing people at the last minute can easily trigger a public opinion crisis."

Yukiko gave a cold laugh, then suddenly leaned forward, her perfume wafting over in a faint scent:

“Mr. Zhengyi, I’m not one of those young girls who just started out.”

She pointed to the last page of the contract: "Moreover, this clause states that Party A has the right to adjust Party B's salary to zero based on market feedback. Isn't that a bit too harsh?"

"This is just a small guarantee for me. I won't do that. You have to trust me," Zheng Yi said.

Yukiko snorted coldly.

She doesn't believe in the conscience of capitalists.

Moreover, Zheng Yi is more of a bloodsucker than a capitalist. Zheng Yi remained calm, "Ms. Yukiko, you misunderstand. This is just a standard template; in actual implementation, we will certainly respect your value."

“I didn’t have such a standard template back then,” Yukiko said.

Yukiko continued to look through the contract.

The resources and profit sharing are very fair, but there are too many hidden terms.

If she signs this contract, and if Zheng Yi thinks about it, she won't get a single penny.

As she thought about it, Yukiko's expression of resistance became more and more obvious.

"I'd like to think about it some more," Yukiko said, leaving room for maneuver.

"no problem."

Zheng Yi said with a smile, seemingly not minding at all.

He told Yukiko, "It doesn't matter if you don't want to sign with my company."

"I'm friends with Conan, and I'll take care of you if I have the resources."

"Thank you," Yukiko said.

They couldn't reach an agreement, but Shoichi's expression became increasingly amiable, making Yukiko wonder if she had misunderstood him.

Did he really only help out of respect for Conan, without intending to exploit himself?

"Let's order."

After dinner, Zheng drove home.

Ai, looking curious, leaned closer to him and asked:
"So? Did you manage to win over Shinichi Kudo's mother?"

"No." Zheng Yi shook his head.

He sensed that Ai's words were somewhat ambiguous, but thinking that Ai shouldn't be the kind of person who would do something so despicable, he didn't show any emotion on his face.

Ai nodded.

"It's really a good thing to be able to escape your clutches."

"The devil's claws?"

With a raised eyebrow, Zheng Yi reached out his devilish hand towards Ai's face.

Only after pulling Ai's face red did he stop, satisfied.

Ai glared angrily at Masakazu.

Zheng Yi sat on the sofa and sighed.

"Yukiko is incredibly popular," Masakazu said regretfully.

When Shoichi looked at Yukiko in the restaurant, it was as if he saw money.

She simply didn't trust her son's friends at all.

Ai shook her head.

She looked at Zheng Yi and said, "I've packed my things. When are we leaving for our trip tomorrow?"

"Postpone it for another day," Zheng Yi said calmly.

"Ok?"

Shoichi said, "Give me a day, and I will make Yukiko change her mind."

Zheng Yi didn't want to give away something that was offered to him unsolicited.

He said, "We're going to have to use Conan again."

"Ok?"

Ai's eyes widened in surprise.

Yukiko is Conan's mother, are you really going to...?

"Just by looking at your expression, I can tell you're thinking of me as a big bad guy again." Masaichi reached out and tapped Ai's head.

Conan is generally not a friend or family member.

Zheng Yi took out his phone and sent an email to Conan.

Your mother probably has no intention of cooperating with our company; she will likely look for other companies.

She's not familiar with entertainment companies these days, so you'd better stay close to her and make sure she doesn't get scammed.

[After all, your mother has been spoiled too much by you and your father, and may not know the dangers of the world. —Zheng Yi] (End of Chapter)