Mostly talking about herself, about being born in the Capital City, working as a dancer, and moving to Tokyo all alone before becoming a geisha.

In the middle of the conversation, her accent changed to that of the Capital City, sounding gentle and delightful.

From time to time, she'd inquire about Jiutiao Shensheng's work, not prying too deeply, just asking if everything was going well. If things were going well, she'd share his happiness; if not, she gently offered comfort.

While laughing and chatting with Jiutiao Shensheng, she unobtrusively complimented Dubian Che without openly asking him any questions.

Dubian Che, sipping juice, pondered the social atmosphere of the Island Country.

In the Island Country, it was quite normal for men to drink outside until eleven or even two o'clock after work. Visiting such bars was a symbol of status.

He had seen it in "Shukan Bunshun"; even Abe had visited.

In the photo, Abe, sitting on a sofa holding a glass of alcohol, looked exceedingly happy.

By the time he came back to his senses, the Madam seemed visibly distressed.

"Young master?" called Jiutiao Shensheng.

"Sorry," Dubian Che thought he had zoned out, dampening the other's zest for conversation.

"Poor Madam," Jiutiao Shensheng inexplicably sighed.

"Eh?"

Jiutiao Shensheng sighed, "Young master, you may not know, but many bars in Ginza have financial backers. That Executive Director from Sijing Company, Tamura, is the Madam's sponsor."

"I thought it was still you, Uncle Shensheng," Dubian Che said.

"You think too highly of me, young master. I'm still ten billion yen in debt; how would I have money to support the Madam?" Jiutiao Shensheng said, "That Tamura, because he offended someone, is about to be sent overseas to head a subsidiary."

"An Executive Director becoming a president, that's not too bad, is it?"

"A president overseas can't compare to a domestic Executive Director. Moreover, once he leaves Tokyo, the Madam will lose her financial supporter, and this bar will quickly go out of business."

"Are you planning to become the new sponsor for the Madam, and then expecting to borrow money from me?" Dubian Che asked.

"No, not at all!" Jiutiao Shensheng hastily said, "Young master, honestly, I'm university alumni with Executive Director Tamura from Waseda. We were both in the archery club together. Today, I'm here to ask for your mercy!"

"Please!" the Madam leaned on the low table, bowing her head.

"Young master!" Jiutiao Shensheng said, "That guy Tamura was framed, he would never betray the company, it's just envy of his talents!"

"What are you asking me for? I don't even know who the president of Sijing Company is," Dubian Che said.

"The president of Sijing Company is Yaizu, and he is Heiqi's man!" Jiutiao Shensheng explained.

"And who is this Heiqi again?" Dubian Che asked.

"Don't you remember? During the meeting at the start of the year, he competed with me for the Kanagawa business. Thanks to your support, I was able to secure that deal."

"The matter from six months ago, I don't remember it clearly," Dubian Che wore a reflective look.

"You don't need to remember these trivial matters. You just need to say a word to the lady, not just Executive Director Tamura or the president of Sijing Company, but even Executive Director Heiqi of the head office will have to obey!"

"Master, I beg of you! Director Tamura was truly framed!" the Madam cried, pleading.

"You just need to speak a word, and Tamura can stay in Tokyo! He's very capable! Plus, life isn't easy for Madam in Tokyo. Without Tamura, who knows where such a beautiful woman will end up!"

"If it's a false accusation, Uncle Shensheng, why don't you just help this Director Tamura with the investigation?" Dubian Che wondered.

"The evidence fabricated by those people is quite solid, I really can't do anything, that's why I've come to you! Please help my old classmate and the Madam!"

The Madam left the sofa and knelt on the carpet, hands and head bowed to the floor before Dubian Che, without uttering a word.

Dubian Che set down the delicately made glass cup of juice: "Go back."

To his left was Jiutiao Shensheng sitting, and to his right the Madam maintaining her kneeling position.

"Master, Tamura really was wronged! Even if he's transferred to a useless department, as long as he doesn't go abroad, staying in Tokyo would still be good!"

Dubian Che glanced at the unmoving Madam by his feet and sighed, "I'll think about it."

"Take your time, take your time! No rush! The transfer order won't come until next month!" Jiutiao Shensheng hastily responded.

"Thank you, young master, thank you!" the Madam said, her voice choked with tears.

"Go back."

This time, Jiutiao Shensheng got up to make room, and the Madam, wiping her tears, stood up.

After returning to the Jiutiao Family house, there was still some time before the evening ceremony, so Dubian Che returned to Jiutiao Meijie's bedroom.

Jiutiao Meijie was awake, leaning on the bed's headrest, browsing documents on a tablet.

"What's the matter?" she raised an eyebrow at Dubian Che, "Looking all cranky, who annoyed you?"

Dubian Che's expression was calm, but Jiutiao Meijie could sense his mood.

"That uncle of yours, Jiutiao Shensheng," Dubian Che said in a flat tone, recounting the recent events.

Jiutiao Meijie listened, completely dismissing it: "If you plead on his behalf, I'll have the order withdrawn below."

"No!" Dubian Che interrupted, "Using a beautiful woman to plead with me, thinking I'm just some typical young man who likes to show off in front of women? Pretend you don't know about this!"

"Jiutiao Shensheng asking you for a favor, and you can't manage it, you'll be the laughing stock of those below."

"Do I care about their opinions?" Dubian Che said, "Besides, if I start this now, everyone will come asking me, must I go to you every time? Better to let them know from this once that I can't persuade you, so no one will bother me later."

Jiutiao Meijie's affectionate and noble eyes glanced at Dubian Che.

"Whatever you say," she said, "but when I have our child, if you're managing our household without any authority, it might be troublesome."

"We'll talk about it then, come on, let me hold you, I'm so frustrated!"

"Go take a bath first." Jiutiao Meijie raised her leg clad in white cloth socks, pressing it against Dubian Che's chest, "After touching Ginza's number one Madam's body, you think you can touch me?"

"I didn't touch her!"

"Still, go take a bath."

◇

"Everything's taken care of," Jiutiao Shensheng said respectfully.

"Mm," Mrs. Jiutiao nodded lightly.

"And... what about Tamura's case?"

"If Mr. Bian comes to plead, do as he says; if not, proceed as originally planned."

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