Tokyo Three Generations

Today, Miss Xiangzi wore a well-tailored navy blue dress with a light beige silk shirt underneath, and a small bow at the neckline. Apart from a set of seemingly inconspicuous but actually very expensive pearl earrings, she wore no other jewelry, which made her look both dignified and youthful.

She simply stood quietly behind her father, her expression calm, showing neither arrogance to flaunt her wealth nor timidity or restraint—of course, there were indeed few things in this world that would make her timid.

As expected of a young lady who could replace the head of a conglomerate with an iron fist before even reaching adulthood, she certainly has that aura... Takasaki Mio thought to herself.

Replacing the grandfather with the scapegoat, although it was the son's idea, was executed smoothly and quickly. This decisiveness and execution are truly frightening.

But this young lady, who is from a wealthy family, came to visit today in her father's name.

Thinking about this, she herself became a little reserved.

Oh dear, how should I deal with a child like this?

Just as she was pondering this, Toyokawa Shoko, after exchanging pleasantries with her parents, walked up to her father from behind and bowed to Mr. and Mrs. Takasaki again.

Then, she spoke solemnly and politely, "Uncle Takasaki, Aunt Takasaki, I have always been grateful for your care, and I am honored to have the opportunity to visit you today. Although some unpleasant things have happened around the Takasaki family recently, I believe that you will be able to overcome these storms and continue to make your family business prosperous. I also sincerely hope that Aunt can get out of the troubles of the outside world as soon as possible and live happily every day from now on."

After she finished speaking, she looked up at Takasaki Mio with a bright smile, offering unwavering comfort and support.

Seeing that smile, Mio Takasaki was also a little touched.

Given the Toyokawa family's status, there was really no need for them to flatter or fawn over her, so the fact that she could speak these words in such a humble manner as a junior truly showed her sincerity.

Admittedly, her motives may not have been entirely "pure," but so what? At least the emotional value was off the charts.

Moved by this, Takasaki Mio smiled at Toyokawa-sama.

"Thank you for your comfort, Miss Xiangzi. Please don't worry, this is nothing to me. I just need to avoid the public scrutiny for a while; things will recover soon—"

Then, she praised Xiangzi, "Speaking of which, Miss Xiangzi is truly beautiful and charming. No wonder you are a noble lady. I believe that given time, you will be just as beautiful as Madam Ruihui and become the center of attention."

Toyokawa Shoko was overjoyed to receive such praise from Jun's mother, thinking that her preparations had indeed paid off.

She glanced triumphantly at Jun Takasaki behind Mrs. Mio, as if to say, "See how clever I am?" Although she thought she had done it discreetly, all three adults had actually seen it, but they all pretended not to.

After showing off for a bit, she regained her polite smile and continued talking to Mio Takasaki.

“Auntie, thank you for the compliment. I will work hard to achieve that goal. However, please don’t treat me as someone who needs to be taken seriously. I’m just your junior… If you’re too polite, I’ll feel uncomfortable.”

"Ah, I understand now." Takasaki Mio blinked. "Then let's treat today as a regular family visit. Shoko, don't be shy, just relax and make yourself at home—"

What was said in jest was taken seriously by the listener. Mio Takasaki's ordinary polite words made Shoko Toyokawa blush slightly. She lowered her head shyly, but at the same time, she looked around curiously, as if she were observing her surroundings.

At this point, Toyokawa Kiyotaka took over the conversation.

"I heard your father is at home now?" he asked Takasaki Hiroshi.

“Yes.” Hiroshi Takasaki nodded. “My father has been unwell recently, so he came to Tokyo for treatment. Who would have thought that he would encounter these things as soon as he arrived here… It has only made him more distressed.”

Takasaki Jun did not greet the Toyokawa father and daughter at the gate. Although the Takasaki family was of a lower status than the Toyokawa family, there was no need for them to be so humble. He waited for the Toyokawa father and daughter to come and see him inside the house.

Kiyoshi Toyokawa knew why Jun Takasaki had suddenly come to Tokyo, but these kinds of things were best left unsaid. Since the Takasaki family said they were there for medical treatment, then they were there for medical treatment, and he didn't press them for details.

"Sigh, it must be so tiring to have to work so hard at such an old age," Toyokawa Kiyoko sighed. "Please let me say hello to the old man as well."

"plz follow me!"

So the two families ended their pleasantries at the door and walked into the house together.

Soon, they saw Takasaki Jun sitting on the sofa in the living room.

Upon seeing the Toyokawa father and daughter, the old man stood up from the sofa with the help of his cane.

The father and daughter quickly went to the old man and bowed respectfully.

"Mr. Takasaki, I am very sorry to have bothered you so suddenly by coming to visit you."

"It's alright." Takasaki Jun waved his hand with a smile, still maintaining the demeanor of a kind elder.

He didn't engage in much polite small talk, but quickly focused his attention on Toyokawa Shoko.

When they met in Akita, Toyokawa Shoko had already paid a visit, but at that time she was with a classmate, while he was a retired old man living alone. The two sides treated each other as casual acquaintances and had a pleasant conversation.

However, although only a little over a week has passed, things have changed, and at this particular juncture, her visit has taken on a special meaning.

You could even say that he did his own family a favor.

"Xiangzi, it's been a long time..." So, with a touch of gratitude, the old man smiled and waved to Toyokawa Xiangzi, "You're still as adorable as ever today."

"Grandpa!" Seeing the old man gesture to her, Toyokawa Shoko obediently walked to his side and looked at him with a smile. "I came in a hurry today and didn't prepare a suitable gift. Please forgive me, Grandpa."

"Oh dear, the last gift already gave me a headache about how to reciprocate. If you prepare another one, I really can't bear it." The old man quickly waved his hand. "Xiangzi, the fact that you're willing to come and make me happy is already the best gift for me. There's no need for any other formalities."

Toyokawa Shoko laughed heartily, but Toyokawa Kiyoko, standing next to her, seemed to be forcing a smile.

After all, Xiangzi hadn't even informed him that day before taking a Tang inkstone from the treasured collection of the Fengchuan family ancestors to give as a gift. Although it wasn't too painful for him, he still felt a little regretful now.

Oh well, the things belonging to the Toyokawa family are essentially hers anyway, so let her use them however she wants. Even if she smashes them all and throws them on the ground, no one can say anything about it.

Soon, the two families sat down on the sofa together, and the atmosphere became warm and harmonious.

In any case, the visit of the Toyokawa father and daughter, especially Shoko's youthful energy, did bring a touch of joy to the recently oppressive atmosphere at home.

Even without so much calculation of interests and political considerations, it is still a good thing to have such hospitable and distinguished guests visiting.

Mio Takasaki had been feeling anxious about how she, as a housewife, should treat the eldest daughter of the Toyokawa family appropriately. However, seeing how approachable Shoko was and how she was clearly trying to build a closer relationship between the two, she stopped worrying herself.

Just let the young lady be happy.

So she took the initiative to make the suggestion.

"Miss Xiangzi, there's still some time before lunch. You younger ones can go and play by yourselves. The adults have things to talk about..."

71, like a gentle spring breeze

"Miss Xiangzi, there's still some time before lunch. You younger ones can go and play by yourselves. The adults have things to talk about..."

With a single sentence, Mio Takasaki tactfully gave the two children some space to be alone, and also provided Miss Toyokawa with a suitable way out.

Toyokawa Shoko was very grateful, nodding repeatedly before looking at Takasaki Jun.

At this moment, Mio Takasaki also looked at her son, "Jun, Miss Shoko is a very important guest in our family. You must treat her well and not let others laugh at us for not knowing the proper etiquette."

Faced with his mother's meaningful yet teasing gaze, Jun Takasaki felt slightly embarrassed, but he could only pretend to be calm.

"Okay, Mom."

Then, he looked at Miss Toyokawa.

"Xiangzi, come with me."

"Then I'll have to trouble you." Xiangzi was clearly excited, but because there were elders in front of her, she tried to remain calm. Little did she know that this forced composure only made her seem more adorable to others.

A young girl's heart is always poetic... Takasaki Mio maintained a proper smile on her face while sighing inwardly.

Unfortunately, her teenage years are over forever, and now she can only savor the mundane realities of life while reminiscing about her carefree past.

She watched the two children leave side by side, then composed herself and turned back to the adult world.

Without her elders present, Toyokawa Shoko visibly relaxed, and even her steps became much lighter.

"Chun, how did I do just now? I hope I didn't upset Auntie?" she asked softly.

“She’s not unhappy at all. On the contrary, she’s very satisfied with you.” Jun Takasaki shrugged. “So, I told you from the beginning that you don’t need to be so serious… You’re Miss Toyokawa, she definitely won’t find fault with you.”

Hearing Takasaki Jun say this, Toyokawa Shoko felt relieved.

In any case, the first meeting was already a success, and I have established a good personal image in front of the Takasaki couple, especially the aunt.

Because she was in a relaxed mood, she was even more interested in looking around, as if she was full of curiosity about the furnishings.

However, the Takasaki family's residence in Tokyo was much smaller than their traditional Japanese house on the shores of Lake Akita in their hometown. It was just a three-story detached house. Although it was better than a middle-class residence, it was nothing compared to the large mansion with a garden in Setagaya Ward where she grew up.

Her interest stemmed solely from the fact that it was the "Takasaki" family's home.

Jun Takasaki led her upstairs to his study.

Upon entering, Toyokawa Shoko saw calligraphy scrolls and copybooks displayed throughout the study, along with the pervasive smell of ink.

"Wow! That's amazing!" she exclaimed in amazement. "Is this the place where Chun learned calligraphy when he was a child?"

“Yes.” Jun Takasaki nodded. “My mother supervises me here, and sometimes when she’s in the mood, she even writes by hand.”

"I see... Auntie is amazing too..." Toyokawa Shoko was even more astonished.

Although she didn't know much about the Takasaki family's traditions, the cultural refinement displayed by Grandpa Takasaki Jun and Aunt Mio filled her with awe.

They all love calligraphy so much, it seems I should learn it too... she thought to herself.

Jun Takasaki showed Shoko Toyokawa around the study, and after a while, Shoko finally asked the question cautiously.

"Chun, what's going on with all this lately? Has your family offended someone? It's obvious that someone is maliciously attacking you."

Of course, Jun Takasaki couldn't tell her all the details, so he could only be vague.

"Yes, my father offended a political enemy, so now they are doing everything they can to smear us and try to force our family to submit."

"That's outrageous!" Seeing that her guess had been confirmed, Toyokawa Shoko was immediately filled with righteous indignation, her brows furrowing. "If there's a problem, just lay it out openly. What kind of person is this, secretly revealing someone else's privacy? It's utterly despicable!"

So this is what politics is all about... If we were in each other's shoes, the Takasaki family would have done the same thing, maybe even worse, Jun Takasaki thought to himself.

"Thank you for your comfort, Xiangzi." He thanked the other person verbally, "But it's alright, our family has been through a lot of things like this before, it's nothing to us, things will be fine once the storm passes."

"Even if the storm passes, the psychological trauma that Auntie suffered will probably be hard to heal in a short time..." Toyokawa Shoko was still a little upset and couldn't help but sigh softly, "Seeing how upset Auntie was in the video, I couldn't help but feel sorry for her."

These words struck a nerve with Jun Takasaki.

After all, as a son, seeing his mother forced to endure humiliation in public and even become the object of public scrutiny and ridicule for a long time would make even someone as emotionally detached as him feel resentful.

Of course he was resentful, but he also knew that losing his temper was pointless. His grandfather had taught him since he was a child that one should never be controlled by negative emotions.

At that moment, Toyokawa Shoko was watching him and noticed the subtle changes in his eyes on his expressionless face.

"Chun, although you are indeed very capable, more capable than me, you don't have to be on edge all the time. Although this world is full of malice, there are still people who believe in you and wish you all the best."

Then, she sighed again and faced him with a bright smile, "It's just the two of us here. Even if you complain to me or get angry, it's okay. I can pretend I didn't see or hear anything, and I won't tell anyone else."

Hearing her gentle words of comfort, Jun Takasaki was stunned.

The girl in front of him, who was clearly younger than him, seemed to be surrounded by a maternal aura.

Her expression seemed to say, "Whatever you want to say, feel free to vent, I'll listen carefully."

"Thank you... thank you very much," Jun Takasaki said, but he was almost incoherent.

But in the end, as if by some strange twist of fate, he opened up. "I... I feel so sorry for my mother. She did nothing wrong, yet she's the one who has to bear all of this, while the person who caused it can just hide behind her like a ghost... My father really wronged her, but I can't say it out loud. I can only stand by and watch. And the one who caused all of this is actually me. I became the one who kidnapped my mother, or at least the one who held her hostage... Facing this fact makes me really depressed."

As he spoke, he lowered his head. “I always thought I was intelligent and could succeed in everything, but looking back, I realize I can’t really change anything… I couldn’t even protect my own mother, and I have to watch her become the object of ridicule… How can I bear this?”

As he was saying these discouraging things, Toyokawa Shoko listened quietly beside him. After he finished speaking, she suddenly reached out and took his hand, as if to give him strength.

"Don't belittle yourself like that, Chun. You've done a remarkable job so far. Putting aside my own affairs, at least the peaceful and harmonious world has benefited from your kindness. In fact, even though I don't know the details, I can tell that you've done more for them than anyone else, otherwise they wouldn't be so grateful to you."

However, everyone has their limits, and this is all you can do right now... You've done everything within your capabilities and tried your best, isn't that already amazing? At least I have the utmost respect for you!

As for your uncle and aunt's situation, that's ultimately a matter for their elders. What can you do besides stand by and watch? Don't blame yourself for it, and certainly don't talk about taking them hostage. Your aunt would be heartbroken if she heard about it. You're not taking her hostage; you're taking away her pride. I could tell that even after just one meeting. Trust me, as a mother, she'd gladly endure any hardship for you..."

At this point, she shook his hand again and continued speaking in an encouraging tone.

"I believe that one day, nothing will be able to defeat you anymore. So don't be discouraged, lift your head and keep moving forward, just as cool as you've always been!"

It must be said that these comforting words, combined with her gentle tone and encouraging gaze, truly produced a magical healing effect.

It felt like soaking in a hot spring for an hour after a long, tiring day.

When he needed comfort the most, someone did stand up and comfort him selflessly, and that was enough.

"Thank you." Jun Takasaki tried hard not to choke up, and simply bowed to Shoko with gratitude. "Thank you so much."

The same words can have completely different effects when spoken by different people.

If someone else said it, Jun Takasaki would always feel that the other person was talking without understanding the situation and was just spouting empty words and lies.

However, Xiangzi is different. On the one hand, she has recently suffered a great calamity and can understand the bond between herself and her mother; on the other hand, Xiangzi also has the trouble of inheriting the family business and can fully understand her own situation.

Therefore, he could feel comforted and appreciated the sentiment.

"No need to thank me, I just did what a friend should do in this situation." In response to his gratitude, Toyokawa Shoko smiled and continued in a cheerful tone.

"As for Auntie's matter, I've already had Dad speak to the media privately and ask them to defuse the situation as soon as possible... Although I can't force them, considering how much public relations money my family usually spends, they should know what to do..."

After saying that, she raised her head as if to show off her achievements, looking at Takasaki Jun with arrogance, "So, am I a good friend?"

That's enough, far enough.

I must find a way to repay her in the future, Jun Takasaki thought to himself.