Tokyo, 1991: Starting as a bank clerk.

Page 3

"You just don't know how to face it. That's not wrong. Rather, at least you remember this incident and remember to come and apologize to me."

Keiko Miyazawa's eyes reddened even more.

She lowered her head and pressed her lips tightly together to keep herself from making a sound.

So stop thinking about it.

Kiryu Yaya's voice was still very flat.

"I've already processed everything you said. Carrying it all on alone isn't as hard as you think; you'll get used to it. So, Miyazawa-kun..."

"Please don't blame yourself anymore."

Kiryu Yaya stopped and turned to face her:

"You need to get over this soon. Not for anyone else, but for yourself and for your mother."

Keiko Miyazawa nodded vigorously, but her throat felt like it was blocked by something, and she couldn't make a sound.

Kiryu Yaya looked at her slightly trembling shoulders, remained silent for a few seconds, and then took out a business card from the inside pocket of his trench coat.

The standard business card of Mitsubishi Bank's Osaka branch has a dark blue background and gold lettering, giving it a very formal appearance.

His name and the branch's direct phone number were printed on his business card.

He handed over his business card:

"If you encounter any difficulties, feel free to come to me anytime."

Keiko Miyazawa was stunned.

She looked down at the business card, then looked up at Kiryu Yaya's face, her eyes filled with disbelief.

"Kiryu-kun... what did you say?"

“I told him that he could come to me if he had any problems.”

Kiryu Yaya pushed his business card forward again:

"You heard me just now, I work at a bank. Although I'm new here, I can still be of some help."

Keiko Miyazawa did not reach out to take it; instead, she took a half-step back.

No, no, no!

She waved her hands repeatedly, her voice several octaves higher than when she had spoken earlier:

"Kiryu-kun, although you've joined Mitsubishi Bank, you've only just started, and your salary isn't much. Besides, you live alone in Osaka, and you have to pay for your own rent, living expenses, and transportation. How could you possibly have extra money to lend to others? No, absolutely not!"

Kiryu Yaya looked at her like this and suddenly chuckled softly.

"Kiryu-kun, what are you laughing at?"

Keiko Miyazawa was a little anxious:

"I'm serious! You really don't need to..."

"I know you're serious."

Kiryu Yaya interrupted her:

"But I'm serious."

He gently slipped the business card into her hand.

"Take it first."

Kiryu Yaya's voice was very soft:

“I’m not saying I’m going to lend you the money right now. I mean, if you ever really run out of options and feel like you can’t go on, remember there’s a guy named Kiryu Yaya you can turn to. Although… he’s also struggling financially, I’ll try to find a way to help you.”

Keiko Miyazawa held the business card, opened her mouth as if to say something, but found that her throat felt like it was being choked by something.

The night breeze blew in again from the direction of Midosuji, this time carrying the last trace of the sweet fragrance of cherry blossoms.

The distant rumble of the last tram passing by echoed, growing louder and then receding into the night.

Keiko Miyazawa has finally regained her voice.

"……Thanks."

"Okay, let's keep in touch when we have time. Be careful on the road."

Kiryu Yaya didn't say anything more. He simply put his hands back into his trench coat pockets, turned around, and walked towards the parking lot.

Keiko Miyazawa stopped in her tracks, glanced down at the business card in her hand, and saw the four characters "Kiryu Yaya" printed neatly on a dark blue background.

She carefully tucked it into a compartment of her handbag, then looked up, took a deep breath of the April night breeze, and smiled gently.

Kiryu-kun, thank you.

Then, Keiko Miyazawa composed herself, concealing her sadness, and waved to someone not far away.

A black Toyota Crown slowly drove out from the street corner, its headlights shining quietly and restrainedly in the night.

When the car came to a stop in front of Keiko Miyazawa, it made almost no sound.

The driver's side door opened, and a middle-aged man in a dark gray suit got out of the car.

He was in his early fifties, thin, and ramrod straight. His hair was cut very short, and his temples were already a little gray, but he was meticulously groomed.

He quickly walked around to the other side of the car, opened the rear door, and then bowed slightly.

"Miss, please get in the car."

Keiko Miyazawa did not get into the car immediately.

She stood by the car door and glanced back at the direction Kiryu Yaya had left in.

The parking lot was at the other end of the street. Under the dim streetlights, the figure in the trench coat had already walked far away, leaving only a blurry outline.

The night breeze lifted the hem of his clothes slightly, then let it fall back down, as if nothing had happened.

"Miss?"

The driver called out again, his tone now questioning.

Keiko Miyazawa withdrew her gaze and got into the car.

Chapter 3 The Banker's Eye

In the night breeze, the neon lights of the pachinko parlor continued to flash.

A silver-gray Mercedes-Benz, exuding an air of sophistication, was parked at the entrance.

Kiryu Yaya walked over slowly, and then...

He stepped onto the Bridgestone that was parked next to him.

This is a second-hand bicycle I bought to make commuting to work easier; it cost less than €5000.

It's cheap, but the quality is acceptable.

The night wind blew from the direction of Kitashinchi, carrying the lingering aroma of yakitori from the izakaya and the distant roar of the last train passing by.

Kiryu Yaya pedaled slowly towards his rented apartment.

Just then, the system sent a notification:

[World line converging - three forks selected]

The skill "Banker's Eye" has been unlocked.

[Actively using this skill allows you to view all of the target's assets and liabilities.]

[Can be used once a day]

Kiryu Yaya's handlebars wobbled, and he let out a chuckle.

Being able to view other people's asset and liability information is practically unbeatable for a bank employee.

I wonder how many pitfalls I can help him avoid.

As for dating, only an idiot would choose that.

Dating won't lift him out of poverty; a promotion and a raise will.

Out of curiosity, Kiryu Yaya used "Banker's Eye" on himself once: