20demayo Chapter 174 Sakai Kusanai's Visit
Chapter 174 Sakai Kusanai's Visit
Yan Shuo quickly composed himself, put on a polite smile, and stepped forward to shake hands with Takagi Takayuki, greeting him warmly: "Takagi-kun, what brings you here? I didn't expect you to like German food too. Do you enjoy the German food here?"
Takagi Takayuki laughed heartily, patted Yan Shuo's arm, and said in a familiar tone, "Mr. Liu is joking. Anything I eat will taste good wherever you are! Besides, your restaurant has an elegant atmosphere and is frequented by respectable people, so of course I like it."
He paused, then deliberately lowered his voice, half-jokingly and half-seriously saying, "Besides, with Liu Sang, there's always good wine and cigarettes. How could I not be used to it?"
Yan Shuo understood perfectly well that Takagi was greedy and always had been like that, but he still smiled gently and said, "If you like it, Takagi-kun, that's fine. Today it's my treat, so order whatever you want."
Takagi Takayuki smiled and grasped Yan Shuo's hand, his tone suddenly becoming more respectful. His gaze subconsciously swept behind him before he slowly stepped aside to make room, his tone carrying just the right amount of flattery and solemnity: "Mr. Liu, your business is now so successful, and you've been summoning your subordinates here for several days in a row. Truly remarkable, truly remarkable! With talents like you supporting the Empire, it will surely prosper even more. You, a truly virtuous citizen, are a pillar of the Empire!"
At this point, he deliberately stepped forward, leaned close to Yan Shuo's ear, and added in a voice only the two of them could hear, both praising Sakai and highlighting his role in the introduction: "Liu-san, let me introduce you to a very important person. This gentleman beside me is Vice Admiral Kusanai Sakai, the Deputy Commander of the Second Fleet of the Navy! The General commands a large number of naval forces and enjoys extremely high prestige within the Imperial Navy. He came to Shanghai specifically to inspect military affairs and happened to hear of your reputation. He has always wanted to meet you in person and asked me to act as a go-between. Today, he has come to pay you a special visit."
Following Takagi's gesture, Yan Shuo turned his head, a hint of understanding flashing across his eyes, but he quickly concealed it, pretending to be seeing Sakai for the first time, and his gaze fell solemnly on the old man in the crisp Japanese lieutenant general's uniform.
He deliberately slowed his gaze, pretending to scrutinize the other person closely, and a perfectly measured awe gradually appeared on his face, as if he had just grasped the other person's aura.
Kusanagi Sakai was tall and imposing, with a dignified face and a sharp and steady demeanor that came from years of military experience. Even when he was just standing there casually, he exuded an aura that left no room for argument, which was completely different from Takagi's obsequiousness. The oppressive feeling emanating from him was overwhelming.
Yan Shuo already knew Sakai's importance, but on the surface he pretended to be intimidated by his aura, and his respect increased even more. He took the initiative to extend his hand, with a hint of restraint in his expression.
Upon seeing this, Takagi quickly turned to Sakai and bowed respectfully, saying in a humble tone, "General, this is Liu Jie, a man of great influence in Shanghai's business world. He has connections in both the legitimate and underworld circles, and his businesses span various industries. He is one of the most loyal citizens of the Empire."
Yan Shuo spoke at the opportune moment, his tone humble yet respectful, as if meeting an important person for the first time, perfectly measured: "Oh, General Sakai, how are you? I have long admired your name, but this is the first time I have seen your face. I never expected you to come to my door in person. It was my rudeness and I failed to greet you properly. I hope you will forgive me."
Kusanagi Sakai nodded slightly, extended his hand and lightly shook hands with Yan Shuo. His fingertips were slightly cool, his grip was very light, and his tone was flat, revealing little emotion, even carrying a hint of insincere politeness: "Hello, Mr. Liu. I've come without prior appointment, I hope I haven't delayed your important business?"
Yan Shuo quickly waved his hand, his smile becoming even more humble, feigning surprise and delight: "No, no, absolutely not! It's my honor that General Sakai could come; how could it delay important matters? Please come in!"
He smiled and gestured for them to sit down, then stepped aside to invite them to go up. "I booked the third floor on the spot. It's quiet and secluded, perfect for discussing business. I'll take the General and Mr. Takagi up there."
Takagi Takayuki quickly followed, helping with the introductions step by step, both flattering Sakai and giving Yan Shuo a way out: "General, Liu Sang has considered things very carefully. Although this restaurant is German-style, he has booked the third floor. No one except his confidants can approach it. It is very secure and no one will disturb our conversation."
Sakai Kusanai nodded slightly, his gaze subtly sweeping over the restaurant's decor. The exquisite European-style décor and the impeccably dressed waiters all exuded the restaurant's refined style. He spoke with a touch of exaggerated praise: "Liu-san, your business is thriving! In such a short time, you've established yourself in this chaotic world and expanded your business so extensively. It's truly admirable. The Empire is fortunate to have a business talent like you."
His voice wasn't loud, but every word seemed to carry an invisible sense of pressure. Yan Shuo understood the unspoken meaning in his words and had already figured out his purpose, but on the surface he pretended to be clueless and gradually put away his casualness and became more cautious and vigilant.
He deliberately acted as if he had just realized that Sakai's visit was not merely for pleasantries, nor was it to praise his business.
Yan Shuo smiled modestly, his tone respectful yet measured, carrying a hint of a businessman's humility and restraint: "General Sakai, you flatter me. I'm merely barely making ends meet in these difficult times. It's all thanks to the help of my friends and the protection of the Empire that I've achieved what I have today. I don't deserve your praise."
As Yan Shuo spoke, he led the two to their seats in the living room on the third floor. He personally pulled out a chair for Sakai Kusanai and gestured for Takagi to sit down. At the same time, he gestured to the waiting waiter to pour tea and water. Throughout the process, he was extremely respectful and acted out the behavior of "meeting an important person for the first time".
Takagi Takayuki quickly stepped in, scolding the waiter, "The tea must be of good quality. Bring the kind of fine tea that Liu Sang has secretly kept. Serve him carefully. If you neglect the general, you'll regret it!"
After reprimanding the waiter, he immediately turned to Sakai with a fawning smile and said in a flattering tone, "General, you may not know this, but the tea and wine here in Liu's place are even more exquisite than those in the consulate. They are all rare treasures. Today, please enjoy them, General."
Sakai Kusanai picked up the teacup handed to him by the waiter, took a small sip, and savored the fragrant tea. He put down the cup, then changed the subject, getting straight to the point: "Mr. Liu, you're involved in many industries, including mining, grain, and medicinal herbs. You must have quite a few stable channels, right? The Navy is currently facing some difficulties with supplies, and the front lines urgently need a large amount of supplies. If you can lend a hand, Mr. Liu, the Imperial Navy will certainly not treat you unfairly. Of course, you'll also receive many benefits, and the Navy will take good care of your business in the future, ensuring that no one makes things difficult for you."
A barely perceptible glint of greed flashed in his eyes, yet he deliberately maintained the dignity of a lieutenant general, his gaze fixed on Yan Shuo's face, as if carefully observing his reaction, trying to catch a trace of hesitation or refusal in his expression.