Challenge: The Fool with the Surname Okayamine

Chapter 57 Heavenly Palace Chapter: Prequel "Confession"

After Lingming found the family banquet boring~

Night fell, and the moonlight spilled like water into the family courtyard. With a heart full of trepidation, Ming walked alone through the winding and secluded path, finally arriving at the door of his father, Wu Yilang's, study.

Ming knocked gently on the door, and a deep, authoritative voice responded from inside: "Come in." Ming took a deep breath, pushed open the door, and went in.

Wu Yilang was sitting upright at his desk, holding a photo of himself as a child.

Ming walked very slowly to his father, bowed slightly, and said, "Father, I have something I want to say to you."

Wu Yilang raised his head and looked at his son, whom he already considered a source of pride. A hint of doubt flashed in his eyes, but he still nodded to signal him to continue.

Ming composed himself before speaking:

“Father, the rumors about me vying for the position of clan leader have intensified since you spread them this morning, but I truly never had such thoughts.” After saying this, Ming’s face showed a slight hint of apology.

Wu Yilang listened quietly, gently placing the photograph in his hand on the table. He gazed at Ling Ming for a moment, then slowly spoke:

“Xiao Ming… I knew from the beginning that you didn’t want any reputation.” Wu Yilang stood up, walked to the window, turned his back to Ling Ming, and slowly said:

"In my heart, you are my treasure, the hope that Orihime and I shared back then, and the person whose talent I've ever seen is as amazing as a god! I'm doing all this just so that you, Xiaoming, can live a smooth and ordinary life. This has nothing to do with the name of the Okamine family, it's just my own little selfish wish. Of course, you can disagree..."

Hearing his father's words, Ming felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He stepped forward, stood beside his father, and, gazing at the moonlight outside the window, said:

“Father, I understand your intentions, but I have my own path to follow.” Wu Yilang turned to look at him, a hint of worry in his eyes.

"There's something I might never be able to let go of in my life: clan affairs aren't suitable for me, and..." Ming hesitated for a moment, then...

He then removed the eye patch from his left eye and the glove from his right hand at the same time. A black goat horn also grew out from the right side of his head.

Wu Yilang watched calmly, not too surprised to see the abnormality in Ming's body, as if he had expected it.

"Xiao Ming, is this the reason why I've been hearing Jin say that you might have a sty under your eyepatch?" Wu Yilang asked softly.

Seeing that Wu Yilang was so calm, Ming nodded, and then black flames began to burn all over his body.

As the flames subsided, a figure appeared before Takeichiro, wearing a black military cap adorned with red sheep eyes and a monocle. Dressed in a black gothic-style tuxedo, accented with cross elements and a cape, the dark military uniform exuding an aura of menace.

“Father, do you see... I’ve become a monster!” Ming Wushen said, while Wu Yilang watched in silence, his eyes moistening.

"What is Xiaoming?" Wu Yilang asked after a long silence.

“This is power… a power that can drive people mad, and also…” Ming lowered his head, “is this the punishment for not protecting her…”

Wu Yilang sighed softly and said, "Xiao Ming, can you tell me the whole story? I want to know what caused you to become like this..."

Ming took a deep breath and told Takeichiro everything that had happened in the past six years, from failing to protect Sawa to joining the SSS and finally returning here.

Wu Yilang listened in silence, then moved his feet. "Xiao Ming, this isn't entirely your fault. Everyone has moments of helplessness."

Ming shook his head with a wry smile, "But if I'm strong enough, Sawa won't die. I won't stop until I avenge her with my own hands!"

“But is this really what you want? It will only keep you immersed in pain and self-blame.” Wu Yilang approached Ming, looking at him with a firm gaze.

Ming was momentarily at a loss for words. At that moment, the surrounding air seemed to become heavy, as if it had solidified, giving people an invisible pressure.

In the midst of this suffocating atmosphere, Ming suddenly felt a hand gently land on his head, which was covered by a military cap, and slowly stroke it.

"Father...Master!"

Ming stared in astonishment, his gaze fixed on Wu Yilang standing in front of him.

The hand was gentle and warm, passing through the military cap to the top of Ming's head, as if a warm current flowed through his whole body.

This feeling was both strange and familiar to Ming, and he couldn't help but revel in the love and care he had never experienced from his father in his previous life, which instantly filled him up.

Looking at Wu Yilang, who had the same expressionless face as himself, he felt an unprecedented sense of intimacy and warmth. The emotional resonance from the depths of his heart made his eyes slightly moist.

"Father, your hand has been cut by my ram's horn!" Ming, who had been silent for a long time, immediately spoke up to remind him.

"what?!"

A moment later, in front of Wu Yilang's study, Wu Yilang addressed Ming, who had changed back into normal clothes:

"Uh... cough cough, actually I'm not very good at comforting children. Next time, let Orihime do this kind of annoying thing. I think I should maintain my image as the clan leader..."

Upon hearing this, Ming laughed out loud, something he hadn't done in a long time. "Father, the way you were acting just now didn't seem like you were trying to maintain the image of the clan leader at all."

"...But it's good too, maybe this is what fatherly love is." This last sentence was Ming's true feeling.

Wu Yilang cleared his throat slightly and coughed softly. A hint of embarrassment and awkwardness appeared on his face, as if he was going through some kind of inner struggle or conflict.

"In short, Xiaoming, whatever you think or whatever goals you want to pursue, as your father, I will stand behind you without hesitation and fully support you!"

Just as Ming was about to return to his room, Wu Yilang called him back.

"Xiao Ming, there's actually one more thing," Wu Yilang said with a serious expression.

Ming turned his head in confusion and saw Wu Yilang handing him a thick, book-like object.

Ming took the thick book, opened it, and found that it was a land deed for a five-story building in Tiangong City, along with 1000 square meters of land.

Ming looked up at Wu Yilang in surprise, his eyes full of confusion. He had to understand that in Japan, over 1000 square meters was no small amount, especially in Tengu City, a place where land was now more valuable than in Tokyo.

Wu Yilang scratched his head and said, "Well... this was originally a starting location prepared by the clan for every capable member. Although you said you weren't interested in the position of clan leader, you should still show your support..."

"As his father, I can see that Kotaro is working hard every day to beat you there. If you give up before the competition even starts, he will probably be very upset."

"By the way, Xiaoming, there's no need for you to rush things right now. The clan leader election should still be around in three years. Anyway, you're just here to show your support... Just don't be too bad and disgrace the name of Gangfeng."

Ming looked at the land deed in his hand, his heart filled with mixed emotions. After a moment of silence, he slowly said, "Father, I understand. Tiger Taro will definitely not let me down."

Ming knew that although he didn't care about the position of clan leader, if Kotaro was interested, he, as the older brother, still had to show his support.

Back in his room, Ming carefully studied the land deed. He knew he would be returning to England in a few days, and although there was no immediate rush, it was still necessary to prepare for the future.

Ming frowned, pondering his predicament with a puzzled expression. Just as he was deep in thought, a flash of inspiration suddenly struck him like lightning.

"Yes!" he exclaimed involuntarily, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

"This is, in a sense, the birthplace of anime and manga culture—Japan! In that case, why don't I try to start a brand new business? Like opening a manga company and signing collaboration agreements with those talented manga artists!"

I can apply for discharge from the SSS after one year and then open a business here.

Ming thought this through and suddenly felt enlightened. He then lay down on the bed and closed his eyes (he was just meditating, not actually sleeping).

As for how much personal motive Ming might have involved, that remains unknown.