Chapter 77

Shen Zhenghui pondered whether the words spoken by Akinori Shuto were a veiled threat. People at this level usually spoke in a way that required a lot of mental effort to decipher. If it were a straightforward yakuza boss who liked to shout and fight, Shen Zhenghui might have found it easier to deal with.

Akinori Shuto was clearly not a straightforward yakuza boss. He very politely entertained Shen Zhenghui, Kurokami, and the third person. When he saw Yoshizawa Miko sitting next to Kurokami, Akinori Shuto raised his eyebrows and said, "Since Mr. Sasaki didn't bring a female companion, we will arrange one for him."

Akinori Shuto clapped his hands, and a girl dressed in traditional Japanese kimono walked out from the back. She slowly approached Shen Zhenghui, bowed to him, and then sat down next to him.

Shen Zhenghui didn't know how to react. The girl looked young and beautiful, with a gentle expression typical of traditional Japanese women. She smiled charmingly at Shen Zhenghui as soon as she saw him looking at her.

"This is Matsushima Kaori, one of our company's models," Akinori Shuto introduced.

Shen Zhenghui blinked, almost wanting to say, "I've heard a lot about you."

The girl's presence eased the tense atmosphere. After everyone sat down, she automatically poured sake for the men. A girl in a kimono also sat next to Akinori Shuto, while Kurokami and Shen Zhenghui sat on one side, with Yoshizawa Miko and Matsushima Kaori next to them. The chef stood by the iron grill, preparing seafood, and a beautiful assistant brought the dishes one by one. Akinori Shuto's yakuza subordinates stood far away.

Akinori Shuto raised his sake cup, "I invited you two mainly to thank you for the film you made, which has greatly contributed to our organization." He drank the cup in one gulp, put it down, and bowed his head, "I am truly grateful."

Kurokami almost stood up to drink his own cup of sake.

Shen Zhenghui raised his cup. He was a bit afraid of Japanese sake, as it was very potent, but this was clearly not the time to say he didn't drink much. "President Akinori, you're too kind," Shen Zhenghui said, "Actually, this time it was just an experiment of our wild ideas. To achieve such good results, to be honest, we ourselves are also surprised. And such success, in terms of the subject matter, seems to be irreplicable."

After saying this, Shen Zhenghui finished his cup of sake, and Matsushima Kaori picked up the sake pot and steadily refilled his cup. On the other side, Yoshizawa Miko did the same.

"Mr. Sasaki, you're too modest," Akinori Shuto's gaze was sharp and direct, "I think your success this time is not a coincidence. Your vision is very forward-looking, as if you can see through the fog of history. I believe you will continue to do things that surprise everyone in the future."

What is this? Trying to flatter me to death? Shen Zhenghui's smile grew wider, "It's mainly due to Director Kurokami's efforts," he said.

"Yes, Kurokami, you're really impressive!" Akinori Shuto shifted his gaze, "We didn't see such talent in you before in our company. It seems we were indeed too inexperienced in running the company."

"You're too kind," Kurokami, unable to sit still, stood up and looked at Shen Zhenghui, "Mr. Sasaki is the expert, and I am very moved."

"Work hard," Akinori Shuto nodded, "We need to collaborate more with you!"

Finally, the real intention was revealed. Seeing Kurokami lose his edge under the old boss's aura, Shen Zhenghui had to take the initiative, "Mr. Akinori, I am very grateful for your help in the release of our film, but these two films were just a one-time interest. We can't promise to frequently shoot such films in the future. So, I apologize. Of course, if we have a sudden interest, we will definitely collaborate with you again."

Akinori Shuto's gaze was calm, and he finally focused on Kurokami's face, "Mr. Kurokami?" He blinked.

Kurokami looked under immense pressure, "Mr. Akinori, I am truly sorry," he stood up and bowed, "I fear I won't have the time in the short term," he lowered his eyes and answered in a low voice, "And both films were Mr. Sasaki's ideas."

Akinori Shuto's gaze returned to Shen Zhenghui, "Let's drink to the success we've achieved!" He raised his cup.

Kurokami hurriedly raised his cup, and Shen Zhenghui also picked up his cup.

Seeing Akinori Shuto drink the sake in one gulp, Shen Zhenghui felt a sudden pain in his stomach. Japanese sake was not for human consumption, and Shen Zhenghui found himself missing erguotou.

Akinori Shuto put down his cup and said leisurely, "Just drinking is no fun, let's watch a show!" He clapped his hands, and several girls walked out from the back and stood on the small stage at the front of the room.

The lighting was dim, and Shen Zhenghui couldn't see clearly, but these were young and beautiful girls, about ten in total, and just standing there made one's heart race.

Shen Zhenghui's gaze returned to Akinori Shuto, wondering what he was up to, when the girls on stage started to pair up and touch and caress each other.

They seemed to be performing, but also genuinely enjoying the "pure" friendship between girls, and their actions made the yakuza members standing far away unable to resist swallowing their saliva.

Shen Zhenghui was stunned and looked at Kurokami, who also looked surprised. They both looked at Akinori Shuto.

Akinori Shuto, without changing his expression, raised his cup again, "Mr. Sasaki, Mr. Kurokami," he said calmly, "Do you think shooting such films has potential?"

"I..." Shen Zhenghui swallowed, wanting to say something but found his tongue heavy and couldn't speak. At that moment, Kaori had already reached out and grabbed his arm, pressing her chest against it. Instantly, Shen Zhenghui felt a fire burning in his abdomen.

Damn, that's what Shen Zhenghui wanted to say.

At this moment, two people had already stood next to Yoshizawa Miko, one of them half-forcing her to stand up, while the other girl sat next to Kurokami, almost pressing her entire body against him.

Shen Zhenghui clearly felt the smooth and youthful body under the kimono, and the alcohol or something else started to cloud his mind.

Akinori Shuto clapped his hands again, and the girls on stage walked down, surrounding Shen Zhenghui and Kurokami like a cloud. Despite the crowd, no one spoke, only the rustling of clothes could be heard.

"Gentlemen, these are all yours for the night," Akinori Shuto finally smiled, "They will all be the leading ladies in your films, won't they?"

The chef, standing nearby, continued to cook the steak as if he hadn't seen anything.

Akinori Shuto stood up, ready to leave and leave the place to Shen Zhenghui and Kurokami.

"Mr. Akinori!" Shen Zhenghui suddenly stood up, and the girls leaning on him accidentally rolled off, letting out a surprised "ah" before quickly covering their mouths and kneeling quietly on the side with the help of their companions.

"Mr. Sasaki?" Akinori Shuto straightened up, looking puzzled.

"Thank you for your hospitality, but I haven't eaten enough," he sat down again, picked up his chopsticks, and started eating the small portions of grilled seafood on the table, completely ignoring the girls.

"Me too, I haven't eaten enough," Kurokami reacted quickly, holding his chopsticks and stuffing his mouth with food, the girls unable to stop him.

Yoshizawa Miko, with wide eyes, watched all this. The woman holding her arm let go, and she also sat down and started eating.

Akinori Shuto sat down again, picked up his cup, and said, "I didn't entertain you well enough," he drank the cup in one gulp, and the woman next to him immediately refilled it.

"Sorry, Mr. Akinori," Shen Zhenghui didn't raise his cup, "I really can't get used to Japanese sake, can I have a glass of water?"

Akinori Shuto's face turned sour.

"Baka!" One of the yakuza subordinates in the back started to shout.

Akinori Shuto raised his hand, and it became quiet again.

"Water!" Akinori Shuto said.

Matsushima Kaori quickly stood up and ran to the back. Akinori Shuto waved at the girls, and they obediently stood up and lined up on the side, forming a beautiful scene.

"Mr. Sasaki," Akinori Shuto waited for Kaori to bring the water, took it, and placed it in front of Shen Zhenghui, "In Chinese, you are too unkind to women," he said seriously, "If you think of a way, these girls won't have to shoot those traditional bad films. They will become famous like Aizawa Chizuru, and they all have such dreams. Are you so cruel?"

Damn, a yakuza talking to me about dreams, are you on the wrong medication?

Shen Zhenghui raised the water glass and drank it all, not caring if they had drugged it.

Shen Zhenghui took a deep breath, feeling his head start to clear. He opened his eyes, stared at Akinori Shuto, who was now very close, and then turned his head, scanning the faces of the girls. They all looked nervous, and when Shen Zhenghui looked at them, they tried to force a smile.

"Mr. Akinori," Shen Zhenghui said seriously, "Cooperation requires sincerity."

"I am very sincere," Akinori Shuto pursed his lips and moved his neck.

"Cooperation means mutual benefit. If only one side makes sacrifices, it's not cooperation."

"I think both sides will make money," Akinori Shuto said seriously.

"My goals are not just about making money," Shen Zhenghui replied seriously, shaking his head, "I crave something greater."

Akinori Shuto stared into Shen Zhenghui's eyes, seeing a certain determination in them. He shifted his gaze to Kurokami.

Kurokami squinted, "Give me a glass of water too," he said.

The girl next to him, unsure, stood up and ran to get water under Akinori Shuto's watchful eye.

Akinori Shuto looked at Shen Zhenghui, "I have to think about the livelihood of all my people," his voice was low and hoarse, his gaze sweeping over all the girls, "I also have to think about these girls." Akinori Shuto took out a cigarette, and the girl next to him quickly stood up to light it for him.

"Aizawa Chizuru was once one of my actresses," he exhaled a puff of smoke, "I saw her grow, so I know you..." he paused, "can achieve all this. I want to try, for everyone's future."

Ah, you sound like a revolutionary leader, not the head of a yakuza organization dealing in adult films.

Shen Zhenghui tried to summon his acting talent, letting a genuine fearlessness fill his mind, "You should talk to President Fukuda about this," he said, his gaze sharp, as if really piercing through his dissatisfaction and anger, "Finding me feels a bit beneath your level."

Akinori Shuto took another puff of the cigarette, stepped back, and bowed slightly, "I will talk to President Fukuda tomorrow," he paused, "Please stay here tonight, Mr. Sasaki and Mr. Kurokami!"

"No, I want to go back," Shen Zhenghui half-closed his eyes, "Tomorrow's shooting schedule is heavy."

Akinori Shuto's gaze fell on Kurokami, who had his head on the table, "Director Kurokami is drunk and can't drive."

"No problem, I'll pick them up," with these words, Fukuda Mitsumi walked into the store, followed by several burly men.

Shen Zhenghui breathed a sigh of relief.

"President Fukuda, hello," Akinori Shuto nodded, "I am honored by your presence."

Fukuda Mitsumi stepped in, and the page turned to an ad.

The ad ended.