A Bright Future

In the afternoon, inside the Huai Shi Trading Company office.

"...These are probably the matters that will be announced at tonight's banquet."

Satenme's voice came through the phone. "Young Master Huai, the information has already been passed to you. Don't drop the ball when the time comes."

"Understood." Huai Shi replied respectfully, "Thank you for your protection. I am deeply grateful."

Satenme seemed to laugh.

That deep, indistinct voice made it impossible to tell whether he was pleased or mocking. It carried profound implications.

"There is no need for so much hypocrisy between us," Satenme said. "In any case, I have given you the opportunity you wanted. Whether you can seize it depends on you."

"Isn't Yingzhou's tradition one of the lower overthrowing the higher?" Huai Shi asked curiously. "General President, you indulge me so much. Aren't you afraid that I might be an ungrateful, shameless bastard who will turn around and bite you from behind?"

"Hahaha, don't joke around, Huai Shi. Who else could give you this much?"

Satenme scoffed. "If you want to replace this old man's position in the Alliance, you are nowhere near qualified yet. Save such childish dreams for three years from now."

Huai Shi raised an eyebrow. "I think it will take less than a year."

"It doesn't matter. We shall wait and see."

The old man on the other end laughed heartily. This time, he sounded entirely delighted. "How long can a cramped little place like the Tanba Inner Circle possibly contain you?"

The call ended.

Huai Shi looked up at the sunlight outside the window as it gradually turned dusky yellow. Then he turned around, tossed his phone onto the desk, and smiled at Ueno, who sat restlessly behind it.

"You heard all that, right? It's just a small matter. Don't worry