Tokyo Three Generations

Even so, being watched by so many people still made him feel like he had a thorn in his side.

Fortunately, this curiosity was quickly masked, and people returned to their seats, as if all the strangeness had disappeared.

135, Harmless Idol

After Xiangzi and his daughter entered the conference room, all the noise disappeared. Regardless of what everyone thought in their hearts, at least on the surface, they all put on a respectful appearance, leaning forward slightly to face the head of the conglomerate with the most submissive attitude.

These people, once they step out of this conference room, are genuine "business leaders" with enormous amounts of money and resources at their disposal. But here, they can only bow their heads and be submissive, which vividly illustrates the true status and authority of the Toyokawa family in the economic world.

Because he was standing at the back of the seat, Jun Takasaki couldn't see Kiyoyuki Toyokawa's facial expression, but he could clearly feel that the other man's aura had completely changed. Just sitting there, he gave the people present an invisible pressure.

When the two first met, it was during the lowest and most decadent period of Toyokawa Kiyotaka's life. Takasaki Jun had argued with him for Shoko's sake and even hit him. Because of these experiences, he always looked down on Toyokawa Kiyotaka, thinking that the other party was nothing more than an "incompetent person".

However, Toyokawa Kiyoko had been in the top management of the Toyokawa Group for twenty years. Once he made up his mind, he could still become the head of that conglomerate again. In the end, I underestimated him.

Toyokawa Kiyoshi was unaware of what the young man behind him was thinking; his mind was now focused on today's meeting.

He and his daughter sat at the top of the oval conference table, but as was customary, Xiangzi would not speak, but would only listen in. Therefore, he was the only one who could chair the meeting and make the decisions.

"Then, let's begin the meeting."

After confirming that all those who were supposed to be there had arrived, Toyokawa Kiyoshi said in a deep voice.

The first thing to do is to report on the work.

Japan is a country with a strict hierarchy, which is even more pronounced in large corporations. Even in routine meetings that are not particularly important, there is still a very strict hierarchical order.

Therefore, there is a specific procedure for reporting at regular meetings. Executive directors have priority over managing directors, and among the executive directors, there is an unspoken order based on seniority, contributions to the company, and other rules, which no one will disrupt.

Sitting closest to the Toyokawa father and daughter was Executive Director Masanori Toyokawa, who was in charge of Toyokawa Real Estate and also one of the Toyokawa family's powerful shareholders.

The first person Xiangzi notified when he decided to force his grandfather to resign was Xiangzi. It was precisely because he and some other family shareholders agreed that the decision to replace the president was made so easily.

After Toyokawa Sadaharu was replaced, Toyokawa Masanori gained more trust and favor from the Toyokawa father and daughter because of his "meritorious service in choosing sides." During this period, he had the momentum of being the "head of the Toyokawa family." Even he himself said in private that "the young lady is still too young. The burden of the Toyokawa family rests on the shoulders of the president and me."

After the president spoke, he knew it was his turn to be the first to speak.

He turned around and took the materials and reports from his secretary, then gave a detailed report to Xiangzi and his daughter.

Most of the information on the report was just a reiteration of the progress of each project and the corresponding expenses, which was not very important. Since Jun Takasaki had not been involved before, he was completely confused.

However, when Masanori Toyokawa mentioned the "Olympic Games Commercial Land Redevelopment Project," Jun Takasaki immediately became interested and listened attentively.

Since Tokyo's successful bid to host the Olympics, commercial operations surrounding the "Olympic economy" have begun, attracting great interest from many large corporations.

From the perspective of the conglomerates, this is not just about making money. Tokyo is the capital of the country and the economic and media center of the entire nation. Therefore, "making a big splash" here is also about demonstrating their strength and image to the entire nation, seizing the high ground in public opinion, and incidentally taking this opportunity to curry favor with the government and government agencies. It is a great thing that achieves multiple goals at once.

As one of the main sponsors of the Olympics, Toyokawa naturally regarded it as a key project in its planning for this year, and even placed it at the level of the group's image.

The Toyokawa Group not only went to great lengths to secure various projects, but also channeled countless "public relations expenses" into the hands of officials and parliamentarians.

Among these projects, the most important one is to reorganize the land of the Olympic Village and some surrounding plots after the Olympics, and then build a giant shopping mall and hotel complex on the original site, named "Toyokawa Shopping Park".

With the Olympics just around the corner, Toyokawa Group's real estate company is focusing its efforts on preparing to start construction as soon as the Games end.

In the real world, the Tokyo Olympic Village was transformed into the Mitsui Shopping Park LaLa Terrace HARUMI FLAG after the Olympics, developed and operated by Mitsui Fudosan. In the novel, let's just assign it to the Toyokawa Group.

However, in the original work, the Toyokawa Group is not a super behemoth like Mitsui; it is more of a slightly weaker large conglomerate, so the novel retains this setting.

The Olympic Village is located in Chuo Ward, Tokyo, one of the city's core districts. While not as prime as Ginza, land there is still very expensive. The sheer scale of the investment required to redevelop land and construct such a massive commercial facility in this area is unimaginable.

More importantly, it also involves the face and prestige of the Toyokawa family.

Therefore, there is absolutely no room for error.

Therefore, when Toyokawa Masanori reported, Toyokawa Kiyoko was clearly very concerned. He not only listened attentively but also asked a few questions from time to time and urged them to speed up the process.

"President, everything is ready on our side, and we can start construction at any time. There's nothing to worry about," Toyokawa Masanori concluded after speaking. "The only thing to worry about is the attitude of the government. After all, with such a huge project, other conglomerates naturally won't give up easily. Although we've already gained the upper hand, the situation is somewhat chaotic right now, and unexpected changes might occur..."

"Just continue to prepare. I'll handle things on the government side," Toyokawa Kiyoko replied. "We've been working on the relevant public relations for a long time. We've already assigned people to lobby the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and other relevant agencies. I don't think there will be any unexpected situations."

"I suppose so." Toyokawa Masanori smiled and nodded in agreement with the president.

In his view, since Japan's successful bid to host the Tokyo Olympics, the Toyokawa family has been conducting behind-the-scenes public relations and lobbying activities for several years, and now that they have reached the final stage, there shouldn't be any problems.

After the discussion on the "land reorganization case" concluded, the other directors took turns speaking, reporting on their respective performance and progress. Toyokawa Kiyoshi listened quietly, occasionally asking a few questions.

Beside him, a female secretary was also diligently scribbling down the minutes of today's meeting.

The entire meeting was both serious and orderly. Although it took quite a while, it was surprisingly not tedious or dragging. Although Jun Takasaki was still confused about most of the things because he didn't know the background, he could already feel the strong business atmosphere.

It was only then that he realized that this conference room was one of the core economic centers of Japan, and also a place that determined the future of tens of thousands of people.

Xiangzi, like him, listened silently without saying a word, and sometimes he would look down at the materials in his hands.

Standing behind, Jun Takasaki could see Shoko's profile. At this moment, her expression was very serious, and her attention was very focused, as if she had devoted herself wholeheartedly to the "family business".

At this moment, she was completely different from the humble, gentle, and slightly playful Shoko that Takasaki Jun usually encountered.

She's still just a child, after all. Can she really understand? He couldn't help but feel a little worried.

Moreover, he could clearly see that although the group "big shots" attending the meeting seemed to treat Xiangzi with great respect, they did not actually pay attention to her, as if they were just treating her as a mascot placed in the meeting room.

Although that is the reality, Jun Takasaki is somewhat unhappy about it.

During the imperial era, the emperor possessed all the powers of domestic affairs, foreign affairs, and military affairs according to law. However, these powers were exercised through the cabinet. Therefore, as was customary, the emperor usually remained silent when attending important cabinet meetings. Even if he had any opinions, he would communicate with the cabinet ministers privately through his close advisors.

Today, Xiangzi seems to be repeating this situation.

She was elevated high by the "senior retainers" of the Toyokawa family, transformed into a harmless idol, sitting on the throne, yet she could not interfere in any specific matters, only having the right to know but not the right to execute—sometimes she didn't even have the right to know.

If this situation continues, it will be difficult for Xiangzi to establish her authority when she comes of age.

However, he believed that with Xiangzi's talent and hard work, even though she was still very inexperienced at the moment, she would definitely grow up in time and be able to steer the Toyokawa Group, a giant ship carrying the national economy and people's livelihood, and possess authority and achievements no less than her mother's.

As for myself, as Xiangzi's "personal bodyguard," I will certainly assist her in doing so.

If any of these old guys dare to disobey, I'll smash their heads in and see who dares to get angry then.

Under Jun Takasaki's watchful gaze, the routine meeting came to an end.

After listening to the last director's report, Toyokawa Kiyotaka nodded slightly and then faced the people around the conference table.

"Alright, everyone, thank you for your hard work. Let's adjourn the meeting here."

Everyone stood up again in unison, and then, just like before the meeting began, bowed deeply to the Toyokawa father and daughter.

At this moment, Xiangzi also bowed in response, and then said his first and last words in this conference room.

"Thank you all for your hard work. I have been relying on you all for a long time, and I hope you will continue to work hard in the future."

As if it were an imperial edict, everyone responded in kind, respectfully seeing the young lady off, saying, "Thank you for your hard work, young lady!"

Seeing this, Jun Takasaki almost laughed, but he managed to keep his face straight and not actually laugh.

He was used to being free and unrestrained, couldn't stand those formalities, and wasn't interested in the country's so-called "sense of ritual" discipline.

However, he also knew that these formalities were necessary, and even an essential part of the conglomerate's operation.

The Toyokawa main family also emphasized its authority over branch families and subsidiaries through these elaborate formalities.

As he was lost in thought, the Toyokawa father and daughter walked out of the conference room, and he quickly followed them out.

Then, the other attendees filed out of the meeting room, and the once lively room fell silent again in an instant.

Jun Takasaki ignored everyone else and followed the Toyokawa father and daughter. When Kiyotaka Toyokawa arrived at the president's office, he pushed open the door and gestured for the two juniors to go in together.

The president's office is on the top floor of the building. It is spacious and has a great view. The large floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the Tokyo Bay. The floor is covered with fine imported carpets, making it almost silent.

Xiangzi walked over to a coffee table and sat down. She picked up a bottle of mineral water from the table and took a few sips—clearly, she was quite thirsty after sitting in the conference room for so long.

Actually, she must have been holding back for quite a while, right? Thinking of this, Jun Takasaki suddenly felt a little relieved.

It was as if the Xiangzi he knew had come back to life.

He's still just that high school freshman...

Fortunately, she hasn't changed yet, otherwise it would be a bit hard to get used to.

"Why are you looking at me like that? Do you want some too?" Seeing that Takasaki Jun was staring at him, Shoko felt a little strange, so she handed him a bottle of mineral water as well.

Takasaki Jun accepted it without ceremony. Unlike Xiangzi, who drank it in small sips like a lady, he unscrewed the cap and gulped down a big mouthful, immediately feeling better.

After finishing his drink, he looked at Xiangzi again.

"Xiangzi, I noticed you were a bit different from usual just now. How should I put it... you had a bit of a princess-like air about you. It's quite different from the person I usually see."

These words made Xiangzi feel a little embarrassed.

"Actually, I don't want to keep a straight face all the time, but my dad reminded me that if I act rudely in front of these elders or company leaders, it will affect their impression of me... so I have to try my best to keep myself straight."

Then, she asked with a hint of concern, "Don't you like it this way?"

"No, not at all. I'm just a little unaccustomed to it. I'll definitely get used to it gradually." Jun Takasaki shook his head. "Actually, I understand you. It's something you had to do. But, compared to that, I still prefer you as you are. It's easier to get along with you that way."

Hearing him say that, Xiangzi smiled slightly.

"Then you don't need to worry. I'll always be the same way in front of you... You're completely different from those old men. I won't keep a long face around you every day."

Just then, another soft cough interrupted the two children's sweet talk.

Toyokawa Kiyotaka seemed a little impatient; he glanced at Takasaki Jun, seemingly with a hint of warning.

"This is a company building, you two, be more respectful!"

"There's no one else here..." Xiangzi muttered under his breath, seemingly a little unconvinced, but he still lowered his head and obediently listened to the reprimand.

136, Instructor

"There's no one else here..."

Toyokawa Kiyotaka pretended not to hear his daughter's complaint and waved to the two younger relatives.

"come over."

The two of them obediently walked to Toyokawa Kiyoshi's desk, behaving like elementary school students listening to a teacher's lecture.

Although Jun Takasaki was proud, he was not arrogant. He had just arrived at the Toyokawa Group and was completely clueless. Of course, he had to be obedient and learn well. He couldn't put on airs like he did outside.

Toyokawa Kiyotaka had no intention of showing off in front of the two younger men; his reprimand was merely to help them adjust to their new environment. So, seeing that they were focused, he got straight to the point.

He first looked at Jun Takasaki.

"Chun, how are you feeling today?"

"All I can say is that I felt the atmosphere of the big conglomerate, which was truly awe-inspiring," Jun Takasaki answered honestly. "As for the rest, I'm still completely clueless and can't understand anything at all."

Although he seemed to be showing weakness, Toyokawa Kiyotaka secretly nodded in approval, earning him some points.

Toyokawa Kiyoko hadn't expected him to get into the swing of things so quickly. He only invited him to the meeting today to familiarize himself with the atmosphere. The fact that he was able to honestly admit it and not say anything boastful or presumptuous in front of him showed that he was indeed self-aware and not the kind of frivolous playboy.

In places like this, honesty is more important than any pretty words.

“If you can gradually get a feel for the atmosphere, that’s enough.” Toyokawa Kiyoko nodded. “As for the rest, you can learn slowly. There are many people who can teach you, and we have plenty of time to teach you. Next, I will also assign my secretary to you. He will arrange the corresponding work and mentors for you. You just need to follow the arrangements. If you have any questions, just ask.”

"Thank you." Jun Takasaki immediately bowed in gratitude.

If being a corporate slave is a nightmare, then his kind of corporate slave is probably the easiest level. He was personally taken to a meeting by his boss right from the start, and a special person was assigned to guide him. It was just like a rich second-generation heir parachuting in to take over the family business.

Wait, is that really what they mean?

Jun Takasaki then realized something was amiss; he discovered he was receiving extremely unusual preferential treatment—

For decades, the Toyokawa Group has maintained close ties with the political world, routinely accepting sons of members of parliament or officials to work for the company under assumed names. This has become a well-established industry chain.

Jun Takasaki had long heard that in the Toyokawa Group, there were a number of positions in the "General Affairs Department" or "Investment Department" specifically designed for people with connections. These positions offered high salaries and required virtually no work; employees were even exempt from clocking in and out, and the workload was almost nonexistent.

Jun Takasaki originally thought he would only get the same script, but he didn't expect that this play would be completely different when it came to him.

It's obvious to anyone with a brain that not every nominal second-generation rich kid receives this kind of treatment, being brought into the highest-level meetings as soon as they enter the company—even if they're just standing there as a mood-maker, it's still very significant.

Others might feel excited or relieved, but he was a little apprehensive.

This is troublesome... As time goes on, the more confidential matters of the Toyokawa Group I come into contact with, will I still be able to easily extricate myself and sever ties with the Toyokawa family?

Or is this Toyokawa Kiyoko's purpose, to bind himself in this way and make him unable to leave the Toyokawa family?

How cunning, how scheming… He gritted his teeth inwardly.

However, since things had come to this point, he had no room to resist anymore, and he could only grit his teeth and take it one step at a time.

"Do you remember the first person to speak at the meeting? What did he say?" Toyokawa Kiyoshi suddenly asked as he was deep in thought.

"The first gentleman to speak, look at the nameplate on the table, it's Toyokawa Masanori. Mr. Masanori is reporting on real estate-related business, the main topic being the real estate restructuring project surrounding the Olympics..."