Lucky Mutual Aid Society (24)

The same building, the same venue, but this time there seemed to be more people. It should be that all the members of the Lucky Mutual Aid Society who could come had arrived. As fellow members, everyone was still so harmonious, chatting in twos and threes in the bright hall, occasionally bursting into laughter. The entire scene was incredibly peaceful.

Besides the number of people, there was another difference from the last gathering: the variety of buffet snacks laid out on the long table on the side of the venue.

No, at this level, it couldn't be called buffet snacks anymore; it was more like a buffet. On the long table covered with white tablecloths, plates displayed a dazzling array of foods and pastries. There were easy-to-grab items like chicken drumsticks, grilled sausages, and egg tarts, all kept warm under heat lamps. The pastries weren't slacking either; this time the cupcakes were rich with milk flavor, and there were also high-end desserts like chocolate balls and Japanese sweets. The sheer variety made one's mouth water just looking at them.

At this moment, three figures threaded through the scattered crowd and quietly made their way to the seats in the venue. Two of them had large backpacks slung over their shoulders.

"Heitaro, did you remember all the steps I told you?" Qian Xiaoyi asked seriously. "Repeat them to make sure there are no mistakes."

Inuyama Heita nodded with determination and quickly repeated, "First, put our bags at the seats, then split up to both sides of the long table. Don't take too much of each food, don't take main courses, drink less beverages, and try not to draw attention. It's best to place the same kinds of food at one end of the plate to prevent flavors from mixing. Once the plates are almost full, place some food that's inconvenient to carry, like cupcakes, on top as camouflage. Then, return to your seats normally, quickly pack different kinds of food into plastic bags in batches and hide them in your bags. Leave food on the plates that's not easy to pack, like cupcakes. Then, eat as you walk, creating the illusion that you're almost done with the food on your plate. Walk to the other end of the dining table and repeat the process. Pay special attention to well-packaged pastries; you can take more of those, as they can be stored for a long time."

"Excellent!" Qian Xiaoyi's eyes showed admiration. "It seems you've worked hard to remember what I told you, Heitaro!"

"I stayed up all night memorizing it, and I was so excited I couldn't sleep until three... Gulp~" Inuyama Heita looked at the food on the long table and couldn't help but swallow. He had faint dark circles under his eyes, proving his words.

Suzuki couldn't help but tease, "Are you an elementary school student the day before a field trip? What are you guys even here for today? Is it really that serious?"

"Hmph! You wouldn't understand. This is a battle of men!" Qian Xiaoyi said very seriously. "For this moment, Heitaro and I haven't eaten anything since last night."

Inuyama Heita's stomach rumbled appropriately.

Suzuki: "..."

"Charge! Don't let them finish the food!" Qian Xiaoyi whispered. Then the two of them quickly joined the crowd by the long table.

"Boys..." Suzuki sighed. Just as she was about to follow, someone grabbed her from behind.

"Xiao~ Honestly, you're so big now, running around like this. Mommy thought you were lost." Mrs. Suzuki pulled her back with a tearful voice, acting spoiled. "Don't go, okay? You finally became a senior member. Stay here with Mommy for a bit, okay?"

"Mom, I wasn't trying to leave, I just wanted to get some food." Suzuki said awkwardly. "Don't cry here."

"You said the same thing last time, saying you were going to the restroom, but you actually wanted to escape early. I won't let you go this time, no matter what."

"Tsk..."

Ignoring Suzuki, who was being held back by her mother, it had only been a little over ten minutes before Qian Xiaoyi and Inuyama Heita had completed one round and successfully met in the middle of the long table. They pretended not to know each other as they picked up remaining food from the plates. Qian Xiaoyi didn't turn his head, speaking softly as if to himself, "How was it? Did you get it? The premium yokan."

Inuyama Heita responded quietly, "Yeah, I got several pieces."

"Very good. This is the last trip. Someone has already noticed us, and the bags are almost full. It's time to stop." Qian Xiaoyi was completely immersed in the joy of stocking up, placing the last pudding on the pile of food that had formed a small tower.

Inuyama Heita did the same. He carefully maintained the balance of his plate, trying to get more food onto it. He suddenly thought of a question and asked, "Mr. Qian, you've had drinks with President Oiwa several times, haven't you... Aren't you afraid he'll recognize you on the spot?"

Qian Xiaoyi gestured with his chin towards a direction in the venue. Inuyama Heita looked that way and saw President Oiwa, looking refreshed and like an old gentleman, warmly holding the hand of a senior member and talking animatedly. Qian Xiaoyi explained, "Here, he's the big star, President Oiwa, not Harada, the shut-in nobody knows about. Ordinary members aren't worth his attention at all; they're just background extras who liven up the atmosphere. His focus is entirely on those senior members with deep pockets. Besides, when I drink with him, my style of dress is completely different from usual. As long as I blend into the crowd, he won't notice me... Oh, look, here comes the show."

Near the front row seats below the stage, President Oiwa was chatting and laughing with someone when a voice abruptly interrupted their conversation.

"President Oiwa, you're here early today." Matsui stood to the side, smiling. "At the usual gatherings, you always make your grand entrance last. Why are you here so early today? And you seem to be in a good mood. Is there any good news?"

"Yes, there is indeed great news today." President Oiwa also smiled. "Should I say, it's a surprise? But I'll tell you later, so look forward to it."

"Hahaha~ President Oiwa is truly mysterious." Matsui laughed. "What a coincidence, I have a surprise for you today too, President Oiwa. In that case, let's see whose surprise is bigger, shall we?"

"No problem." President Oiwa asked playfully, "Then... see you later?"

"See you later." Matsui suddenly asked, "By the way, President, how are your remarks for today's speech prepared?" He asked this because at previous gatherings, he had written the speech drafts for the president. This time, he hadn't given the draft to the president, and the president hadn't asked him for it. Both of them knew that today wouldn't end peacefully.

"You don't need to worry about that." President Oiwa narrowed his eyes and replied, "Because today's speech might be very special, so please look forward to it."

"I've always been looking forward to your speeches, President. Well then, excuse me." Matsui nodded, maintaining his smile as he left. He looked around, as if searching for something, then walked towards the dining table, constantly greeting people around him.

Seeing this, Qian Xiaoyi said, "Ah, he's coming over. I have to go. Remember, just pretend to cooperate with him. I've already made arrangements for what happens next."

"Understood," Inuyama Heita replied.

After giving his instructions, Qian Xiaoyi slipped away, supporting his towering stack of food. At this moment, Matsui arrived in front of Inuyama Heita and greeted him, "Hello there, Heita-kun..."