Lucky Mutual Aid Society (13)

"This story is quite heartwarming," Qian Xiaoyi said, chuckling, after hearing the whole account at the office. "A bullied nobody is suddenly accepted by a warm-hearted group, saved from bullying, and helped to overcome inner darkness... it's a scene straight out of a manga. What do you think, Heitaro? Were you moved?"

"That's assuming all of this is real and not staged," Inuyama Heita sighed, his expressionless face betraying nothing. If he hadn't known the truth beforehand, the series of arrangements would have been quite impactful for an inexperienced student like himself. He might have immediately become loyal and pledged his allegiance.

But unfortunately, knowing the facts, the more touching the events were, the more vigilant and cautious Inuyama Heita became. The enthusiastic followers brought by Matsui even seemed like venomous snakes with hidden intentions to him. Their heartwarming words sounded like a snake's hiss, rustling in his ears. Even now, his body felt somewhat stiff, as if he had fallen into an ice cave. Because according to the "script," he was supposed to infiltrate these people and gather intelligence. He had only seen such spy-like actions in movies.

Seeing Inuyama Heita's nervous demeanor, Qian Xiaoyi smiled and comforted him, "Come on, don't be so tense. Based on what you've told me, besides Matsui, the others are probably genuinely kind people who have been deceived and want to help you, not con artists."

"Huh? Is that so?" Inuyama Heita blinked in surprise. "How did you know, Mr. Qian?"

Qian Xiaoyi explained, "Matsui and President Oiwa staged that whole 'talent' charade in front of you earlier, and it didn't work. So Matsui understood you weren't that type. That's why he switched to the 'reformation' approach. For chuunibyou students like you, if the 'dominate Japan' fantasy isn't the main driver, then it's definitely the 'effort, friendship, victory' hot-blooded, naive thinking. So, naturally, Matsui would pick loyal but genuine guys to tie you down, to become your bonds, making it difficult for you to leave the organization."

"The adult world is truly filthy..." Inuyama Heita muttered, recalling the sincere smiles of the Mutual Aid Society followers. However, he also felt a slight sense of relief. At least not everyone in the society was bad, so he didn't have to walk on thin ice, fearing exposure at any moment.

"What's this?" Qian Xiaoyi chuckled. "You haven't seen the real darkness of society yet. So you don't need to be afraid at all, because you have nothing to expose. As long as they don't know about me, lurking in the shadows, they'll never know our true objective. Relax, just be yourself. Think of it as just working somewhere else. You're not going undercover in a yakuza organization; even if you're exposed, you won't be dumped into Tokyo Bay... well, probably." Qian Xiaoyi said the last two words very softly, so Heita couldn't quite hear them.

"I understand," Inuyama Heita nodded and asked, "What should I do next? Should I just wait for them to contact me again?"

"No, you can call them now and tell them you want to participate in an activity. Act a little excited, so it seems like you're impulsively eager and haven't calmed down yet. It fits your high school student persona," Qian Xiaoyi said. "Matsui will definitely pretend to be reluctant, and then reluctantly let you join. In reality, he's already prepared for it."

"Okay, I'll call now." Inuyama Heita immediately took out his phone and dialed Matsui's number. Honestly, he was still a bit intimidated talking to them alone. Now that Qian Xiaoyi was here, any problems could be resolved, which put him at ease.

The call connected, and Inuyama Heita's voice carried a hint of eagerness and excitement. "Um... is this Mr. Matsui? This is Inuyama Heita. Thank you so much for today, and everyone..."

"No, I'm truly grateful to all of you. If it weren't for you, I don't know how much more money those two would have taken from me..."

"I was a bit skeptical of your words before, Mr. Matsui, but now I know the Mutual Aid Society is an organization founded to help everyone! I want to contribute too. You mentioned before that I have talent, so could I help out? I want to repay everyone."

"Ah? Is it difficult? I'm so sorry, I was too forward..."

"What? You mean I can? That's great! I'll definitely be there on time. Thank you! Mr. Matsui, thank you so much!"

The call ended, and Inuyama Heita turned to Qian Xiaoyi. "It was exactly as you said, Mr. Qian... He said I can attend a gathering for senior members tomorrow."

"Your acting was excellent, Heita," Qian Xiaoyi praised. "Your tone was spot on. Did you participate in any drama clubs at school before?"

"It's Heita," Inuyama Heita corrected, shaking his head. "No, I haven't joined any clubs, but I've worked many part-time jobs, so I know how to deal with difficult customers."

"I see," Qian Xiaoyi said. "Then you should go to your part-time job as usual today. I have plans to drink with someone tonight."

Inuyama Heita was speechless. Just as he was about to leave, Qian Xiaoyi's phone rang. He answered it immediately. The voice on the other end was loud; even without the speakerphone, Inuyama Heita could clearly hear the words. It was an invitation to go drinking at an izakaya again tonight. Qian Xiaoyi responded with a few smiles before hanging up. However, Inuyama Heita looked at him with surprise and stammered, "Um... Mr. Qian, that person's voice sounded very familiar. Could it be... him?"

"Ah, you recognized him?" Qian Xiaoyi put away his phone and replied, "The person I invited is President Oiwa himself."

Inuyama Heita was extremely surprised. "You've been drinking with him every night for the past few days?" A terrifying thought crossed his mind: Is Mr. Qian also in league with them, aiming to lure me into a trap?!

Seeing Inuyama Heita's misunderstanding and his expression gradually turning fearful, Qian Xiaoyi slapped his forehead. "Ah, my bad, my bad. I forgot to tell you about this. I have indeed been drinking with that old guy at the izakaya every night. However, it's a bit different from what you're thinking. Since there's still time, let me properly explain the current situation of the Lucky Mutual Aid Society to you..."