Conan: I'm a zaibatsu in Tokyo

"Good morning, Koike."

"morning."

Koike greeted the people, took her employee badge, and sat down in her seat.

The past six months at Justice Daily have been the most fulfilling period of this young reporter's career.

Unlike his previous experience of constantly hitting roadblocks in that chaotic and unpleasant traditional newspaper office, he had a remarkably smooth journey here.

Not only did his salary increase several times, but he was also provided with the latest top-of-the-line computer, and he could even drive the company car when he needed to travel.

Walking through the newspaper office, whether you're a senior editor or an intern, everyone has to respectfully call him "senior."

Although he had only been with the newspaper for less than a year, the newspaper was young, and he was among the first batch of reporters, making him a senior to everyone.

In this privileged environment, he was not corrupted by the sweet words and temptations that the editor-in-chief had worried about; on the contrary, he devoted himself to journalism with even greater fervor.

The reason he was so highly regarded within the newspaper was that his articles criticizing Zheng Yi were the best he had ever written, and the editor-in-chief and the president of the newspaper valued him greatly.

Of course, only he himself knows the truth.

The financial backer behind this Justice Daily, which touts "absolute justice," is the Justice Group.

Although the editor-in-chief initially said it was impossible, that it was just a coincidence of names, he wasn't stupid. Judging from the newspaper's recent attitude towards Zheng Yi, he was definitely a subordinate of the Justice Group.

But does he have any plans to resign?
Absolutely not.

Although the newspaper belonged to Mr. Zhengyi, he greatly respected the freedom of speech of journalists. Even though he criticized Mr. Zhengyi so many times, he was not criticized at all. On the contrary, his status in the newspaper became higher and higher.

Where else could he find such a good job?

In the afternoon, Tequila tossed a thick manila envelope onto his desk.

"Let me spill the beans about the Suzuki Group." Tequila pushed up his sunglasses. "The Suzuki Group has been making a lot of moves lately. Here's some dirt on them, written in a sensational way."

Xiaochi opened the file folder, inside were several blurry photos and several bank statements.

He glanced at it and nodded knowingly.

"no problem."

Recently, it seems that Young Master Zhengyi and the Suzuki Group have had a conflict of interest regarding the hotel project.

Moreover, the newspapers under the Suzuki Group even went so far as to smear Mr. Shoichi on the front page in a sarcastic manner, and even made up unfounded claims that Mr. Shoichi was involved with the phantom thief Kid who likes to perform magic tricks.

This is absolutely outrageous!

How could Mr. Shoichi possibly be involved with that phantom thief? It's all a malicious frame-up by the Suzuki Foundation.

"President, don't worry." Koike suddenly stood up.

"As a journalist, I am keenly aware of the responsibilities I bear. The lifeblood of journalism lies in truth, and the backbone of a journalist lies in justice!"

Faced with the Suzuki Group's despicable act of attempting to manipulate public opinion and smear innocent people through capital, I will not back down an inch!

He patted his press pass on his chest and continued with a righteous air: "I will definitely use the most objective and incisive writing to dig out all the shady secrets of the Suzuki Group!"

Even if it offends the entire Suzuki zaibatsu, I will defend the truth and uphold justice!

Tequila nodded in satisfaction at his upright and dignified appearance.

This shameless behavior is starting to resemble Zheng Yi's.

As expected of an employee of Zhengyi.

He remembered that when Xiao Chi first joined the newspaper, he was extremely righteous and hated evil, and his articles cursing people were the most emotional.

But after so long, he was still assimilated by Zheng Yi.

Watching Tequila's departing figure, Koike sat back down in her chair and opened the file folder to look at the Suzuki Group's dirty secrets.

"Any darkness needs to be exposed."

Koike has not lost sight of the justice in her heart.

He was unwilling to resign because only here could he expose these tycoons without restraint and without facing retaliation.

After all, the person who loves revenge the most is Zheng Yi.

……

"What bad thing has Zheng Yi done this time?"

Gin, upon seeing the articles in the newspaper praising Zheng Yi, knew what bad things he had done and how he was trying to whitewash himself.

Vodka whispered, "It seems their collusion with Phantom Thief Kid has been exposed."

"Oh."

What's the big deal? Do I need to clear my name?

Gin believed that only if Shoichi actually attempted to assassinate the Prime Minister or the Emperor would anyone be shocked again.

He only colluded with a petty thief; by all accounts, he's reformed and turned over a new leaf.

Vodka said, "Maybe this time it's a bit too blatant. Zheng Yi always tried to cover up his murders before and never admitted it."

This time, the phantom thief blatantly delivered something to Zheng Yi, as if making a direct announcement.

Perhaps this is Zheng Yi testing the waters.

He was testing whether people could accept his blatant crime without arresting him.

If no one cares, they might kill someone without any attempt to cover it up next time.

But this attempt didn't seem to work very well. There were quite a few voices criticizing Zheng Yi, otherwise he wouldn't have written such a disgusting article to clear his name.

Gin looked at Shoichi's name on the newspaper, his heart filled with mixed feelings.

The organization is like a rat in a sewer, afraid that others will find out.

Zheng Yi was already planning to commit crimes openly and honestly.

That's quite a difference.

"Gin".

Gin leaned against the wall, a half-burnt cigarette between his fingers, his eyes slightly narrowed as he watched Chianti run in, panting.

"What is it?" Gin asked.

After catching her breath, Chianti said, "Gin, the first payment due date for the loan from Sumitomo Bank is approaching. If we don't transfer the money soon, it will be considered a default."

Gin took a drag of his cigarette with a blank expression and slowly exhaled a puff of grayish-white smoke.

He watched the smoke dissipate in the dim light: "Borrow money? I don't remember the organization ever borrowing money from Sumitomo Bank."

Chianti paused for a moment, then hurriedly pulled a folded document from her pocket and held it up to Gin: "Yes, this is the contract from back then, in black and white, with your signature."

I even helped with this, Gin. You absolutely mustn't take this lightly. That's a Sumitomo Zaibatsu debt. If it's overdue, and Shoichi personally brings people to collect, none of us can handle that!

"Collecting debts?" Gin sneered.

He didn't even glance at the contract, casually tossed his cigarette butt on the ground, and stubbed it out with his leather shoe.

"Whatever, I don't remember borrowing any money from him."

“Gin!” Chianti said, “The organization isn’t without income right now. We can pay back a little bit and get through the first installment. Let’s not ruin the relationship.”

"If you borrow and repay, it's easy to borrow again."

Gin had his hands in his trench coat pockets and didn't say a word, but his attitude couldn't be clearer.

He had no intention of repaying Zheng Yi a single penny.

Seeing that Gin was completely unmoved, Chianti said, "When you borrowed the money before, there was collateral."

If the money isn't repaid, the Sumitomo conglomerate might seize the collateral.

The reason she was so eager to persuade Gin to pay back the money was because Sumitomo Bank was offering a rebate.

Moreover, the rebates are quite substantial, much more lucrative than fighting and killing, and it's also much safer and less strenuous.

Gin, too lazy to listen to talk about repaying the money, simply grabbed his vodka and prepared to leave. Chianti quickly caught up with him, her tone carrying a hint of earnest persuasion: "Gin, calm down and think about it. You're in the wrong this time. The contract is in black and white, and it even has your signature."

If you really refuse to pay, and this matter escalates to Rum, or even to the Boss, you won't be in the right.

She paused, observing Gin's reaction, and continued, "The organization isn't short of money; we can pay it back slowly. A portion will be deducted from the account each month, which won't affect daily operations."

Gin remained silent.

He had no intention of repaying the money when he borrowed it.

Seeing that he remained silent, Chianti added, "And think about it, Sumitomo Bank isn't someone to be trifled with either."

If Zheng Yi really takes this seriously and freezes several of the organization's overseas accounts, then even the money to buy bullets will become a problem.

Gin finally turned around.

"Are you done talking?" Gin's voice was cold.

“If he had the guts to freeze the organization’s overseas accounts, Rum and the boss wouldn’t be tolerating him like this now.”

Gin was even somewhat looking forward to it.

Once Zheng Yi has completely broken ties with the organization, he won't have to keep backing down.

Now, he is taking advantage of his wealth and power in Japan to organize and commit all sorts of misdeeds.

Rum feared him and appeased him at every turn.

The boss was also concerned about the consequences and was unwilling to deal with him, which led to Zheng Yi becoming increasingly arrogant.

If Shoichi really did part ways with the organization, Gin would love to stuff a few bombs into Shoichi's arms.

Gin ignored Chianti and turned to walk toward the black Porsche parked outside the warehouse.

He opened the car door, got into the driver's seat, started the engine, and the deep roar of the engine echoed outside the empty warehouse before gradually fading into the distance.

Chianti shook his head as he watched the Porsche's exhaust fumes.

Zheng Yi's attitude towards demanding payment this time was very firm and arrogant.

He told me right in front of him that if Gin couldn't pay off his debts, he would sell Gin to a host club.

It's said that many wealthy women really like this Gin.

Chianti didn't dare tell Gin any of these things.

……

He was at home, drinking cola mixed with black tea.

"So Gin isn't planning to pay me back after all? I see."

Zheng Yi put down the cup.

"Ha, I knew it."

Zheng Yi didn't even frown. If that despicable Gin were to pay back the money so readily, it would be like the sun rising in the west.

Zheng Yi put down his teacup and slowly dialed the encrypted number.

The phone rang three times before being answered, and Rum's hoarse voice came through the receiver: "What is it?"

"Good evening, Lord Rum." Zheng Yi's voice was gentle and polite, with just the right amount of grievance.

Rum felt a chill run down his spine.

That voice is so affected and artificial.

"There's a small matter I need your help with. Mr. Gin took out a large loan from our Sumitomo Bank, and now that the first repayment date has passed, he's defaulting on the payment," Zheng Yi said.

There was a five-second silence on the other end of the phone.
“Zhengyi.” Rum’s voice sounded like he was having another migraine.

He asked Zheng Yi to help investigate the boss's Xiao Luo, but after so much time, there has been no feedback whatsoever.

Now he and Gin have gotten into a debt dispute again? They need him to mediate.

Rum took a deep breath, his voice full of headache: "Alright, I understand, I'll try my best to mediate."

But you too, hurry up and find a way to contact the boss, that's the important thing! Don't spend all your time staring at those trivial accounts!

"Okay, okay, Rum, thank you for your trouble. I'll go find the Boss right away," Zheng Yi replied perfunctorily.

If you treat me perfunctorily, then I'll definitely treat you perfunctorily in return.

He hung up the phone and casually tossed it onto the sofa.

"Trying to mediate? Ha, Gin would never listen to you." Masakazu muttered under his breath.

He was just letting Rum know that Gin was in the wrong this time.

I did some things that damaged the organization's property because Gin hurt me first.

Ai, who was adding juice to Shoichi's tea, put down the juice bottle and asked, "You actually lent money to Gin?"

“Gin and I are like brothers. What’s wrong with lending him some money? Besides, it’s not lending money to him, it’s lending money to the organization,” Zheng Yi said.

Ai was still shocked.

You actually lent money to the organization?
She thought Zheng was just taking money from the organization.

Zheng Yi whispered, "I emptied several of the organization's warehouses, sold everything inside, and then used the money to lend to the organization."

"Oh, oh, oh." Ai nodded.

That's more like it.

It would be reasonable to lend money from the organization to the organization and even earn some interest.

Ai said, "But Gin doesn't plan to pay back the money?"

If she were Gin, she wouldn't pay him back either.

This money belongs to the organization; it was just stolen by Zheng Yi. How could it possibly be returned?

“That’s right.” Zheng Yi said softly, “Gin is a scoundrel who borrows money and doesn’t pay it back. If I hadn’t lent money to the organization, how could the organization have overcome the difficulties so quickly?”

It's heartbreaking that they're refusing to pay back the money they owe me.

Ai pouted.

Did you forget to mention how the organization encountered its difficulties?
“But not paying back the money is not an option,” Zheng Yi said. “I signed a contract with him in black and white.”

Zheng Yi rubbed his hands together, then quickly turned on his computer, tapping on the keyboard to bring up a list of the organization's fixed assets across Japan.

"Since we have no money, let's use our assets to pay off the debt."

Zheng Yi stared at the densely packed list on the screen, as if he were preparing to go grocery shopping.

There are so many things, I don't know which one to get first.

Ai also looked at the screen with curiosity, realizing that the organization had so many assets.

These are all Japanese assets; the number of overseas assets is likely even greater.

Ai whispered, "No wonder you've always coveted the organization's assets."

She became envious when she learned how wealthy the organization was.

Zheng Yi tapped Ai's head, clearly displeased with what she had said.

It's not about coveting; it's about paying attention, showing concern, and fearing that these companies might go bankrupt.

Ai asked, "You can't take all of these assets, can you?"

“Of course not.” Zheng Yi shook his head.

I can't eat it all at once.

Besides, the organization doesn't just have Gin; Rum and the boss are still alive, so how can we entrust all these assets to him directly?

"Take only a tiny bit less," Zheng Yi said softly. (End of Chapter)