The next day.
Tanimoto Ichiro arrived at the villa with the agreement to transfer several entertainment venues to Wang Xiaoqiang. Wang took a brief look and found that there were a total of five entertainment venues, all located in Tokyo and in bustling areas. It seemed that they should generate substantial economic benefits.
Why would that old fox be willing to cede these to me? Wang muttered to himself in wonder.
After signing the transfer agreement, Tanimoto Ichiro took his leave.
Seeing Tanimoto leave, Qiao Hui, as if she could see Wang's confusion, reminded him, "Little Qiang, these entertainment venues are top-notch in terms of both location and environment. However, you should know that in the entertainment industry, the better the place, the more profitable it is, and the more it attracts attention. As a result, the venues that rake in the most are also the most heavily extorted by the authorities, and they're more likely to be coveted by dark forces... So I think that Tanimoto Ichiro's willingness to transfer these venues to you at no cost must mean he finds them too challenging and troublesome to manage, or perhaps they have grown beyond his control."
The Qiao Family originated from the underworld, having control over all entertainment venues, big and small, in River City. Although Qiao Hui had not managed them personally, she had been indirectly exposed to the business and had gained some understanding.
Listening to her, Wang responded, "Hmm, that must be the reason. But the more challenging the venture, the more interested I am. Moreover, one of my initial plans can now be realized."
Qiao Hui asked, "What plan?"
"Ah, the hot springs industry."
"What? The hot springs industry, in Japan? Little Qiang, you really dare to think big. Don't you know that Japan is known as the land of hot springs, and that Japan's hot springs industry is already as developed and perfected as it can be, with top-notch quality and service? If you go into the hot springs business, it will be tough to succeed."
Wang was of course aware of this. Indeed, in Japan, going into the hot springs business might be less promising than in other countries.
"There are many hot springs in the world, and nobody does the hot springs tourism industry better than Japan," Qiao Hui continued. "Due to work, I've been to Japan many times, and every trip involves a hot spring visit. Bathing in hot springs is also one of the primary leisure and vacation activities for Japanese people when traveling within their own country. Nearly every hot spring hotel, inn, and guesthouse in Japan is fully booked on Sundays and holidays.
"There are several distinctive features of Japanese hot springs that are worth learning from: First is the clustering effect. Many hot springs sanctuaries have formed hot springs cities or towns. Places like Hakone, Beppu, and Atami, which we Chinese are more familiar with, have dozens or even hundreds of households running hot spring businesses; second is the variety of scales and grades. By Lake Toya in Hokkaido, there are large upscale hot spring hotels that can accommodate thousands of people, as well as small family inns that can take in a few dozen guests, offering a variety of choices. Third, nearly all hot spring sanctuaries are situated in the countryside or suburban areas with beautiful green mountains and clear waters, where the ecological environment is very well preserved. Fourth, nearly every hot spring must have an open-air bath. Bathing in the springs while breathing in the fresh air of the surrounding nature truly integrates man with the environment. This is especially stimulating during the winter snowfall when sitting in the hot springs with snowflakes falling overhead, you feel the contrasts of cold and heat, snow and water; especially at night (since the baths in the hot spring establishments are almost always open 24 hours), you can soak in tranquility, look up at the bright moon and the stars, and experience boundless romance. Fifth is the culture of bathing. One must cleanse themselves before entering the hot springs; you wash your body outside the pool before entering, and each hot spring is categorized with different properties, including varied mineral contents and temperatures, all with their explanations. Sixth, regardless of the size of the hot spring hotels, inns or guesthouses, the establishment is an integrated whole. Upon entering a room, you change into a kimono, put on slippers, and can go anywhere in the establishment—whether it's to bathe in the hot springs, dine, shop, or sing karaoke. It truly makes you feel at home."
"Do not underestimate these hot springs; hundreds and thousands of villages, towns, and cities in Japan have all developed through hot spring tourism. Take Atami as an example, a city with a population of less than 50,000 welcomes nearly ten million visitors annually, with three million of those staying overnight. There, almost every household has a business, beyond the numerous hot springs, with hundreds of small shops, pubs, and restaurants. In today's fast-paced life, this has become an important destination for people's leisure and vacation. Small hot springs drive a big industry, and Japan's hot spring tourism routes truly have a lot to offer."
Wang did not reconsider his intent to start a hot springs business in Japan after listening because his Fire Element Spiritual Energy could heat the water with health benefits for strengthening the body and extending life, which ordinary hot springs could not match.
If he were to get involved, he could completely monopolize Japan's hot springs industry.
The next day.
Chiba Keiko and Miyazaki Yuki arrived, bringing a portion of the Chiba and Miyazaki family's assets. Knowing that Wang made his fortune with agricultural products, they transferred some of their family's farmland to him, which Wang readily accepted without refusal. In Japan, land was as valuable as gold; even without cultivation, it would appreciate in value.
That day, Wang drove to the entertainment venues that Tanimoto Ichiro had given him, with Qiao Hui naturally by his side. Along the way, a black sports car followed them. Although Wang was aware of the tail, he did not pay it much attention, knowing it was Asou Taro's men. When Wang's car arrived at an entertainment club named Cherry Blossom Club, the black sports car also stopped.
Wang and Qiao got out of the car and entered the Cherry Blossom Club.
The Cherry Blossom Club was a rather upscale entertainment venue, usually guarded by dedicated personnel. When Wang Xiaoqiang announced his identity, the lackeys and waitstaff didn't particularly take him seriously, as Asou Taro hadn't briefed them on Wang Xiaoqiang's capabilities. He simply told them that a new Chinese owner had arrived and that they should listen to him and follow his orders, leaving out any further details.
Seeing that the new owner was Chinese and so young, they felt a sense of contempt and didn't take Wang Xiaoqiang seriously.
After Wang Xiaoqiang led Qiao Hui inside, the Cherry Blossom Club's person in charge, essentially the enforcer, a man named Matsushima Gibu, received Wang Xiaoqiang very coldly. In principle, as the person brought in by the Cherry Blossom Club for security, Matsushima Gibu should have been courteous to Wang Xiaoqiang, the club's new owner. However, Matsushima Gibu didn't see Wang Xiaoqiang as important. Firstly, Matsushima Gibu had some clout here, with the ability to fight, kill, and control the scene. He believed that without him, the Cherry Blossom Club simply couldn't operate—just the local gangsters alone could turn the place upside down...
Therefore, Matsushima Gibu was somewhat arrogant, never taking the owner seriously. With Wang Xiaoqiang's arrival as the new owner, he cared even less. Before, Tanimoto Ichiro had given Matsushima Gibu a share of the profits, which is why he was willing to work so hard. Now with the newcomer Wang Xiaoqiang, he thought about demanding an increase on top of his existing share.
But before Matsushima Gibu could even bring it up, Wang Xiaoqiang was the first to speak, "Do you know Asou Taro?"
"Of course, Asou Taro is the heir to the Asou Clan and frequently comes here to have a good time at our Cherry Blossom Club, so we certainly know him," Matsushima Gibu replied.
"Good, Asou Taro is outside the club right now. Please invite him in," Wang Xiaoqiang said.
"Really?" Matsushima Gibu pulled back the curtains to look and indeed saw, outside, a black luxury car with its window rolled down, and a sinister face poking out. That face belonged to none other than Asou Taro.
"Mr. Wang, do you know Lord Asou...?"
"Of course, please invite him in," Wang Xiaoqiang replied.
The Asou Clan had the nature of the Underworld, with an influence in Tokyo's underbelly that was second to none. Thus, people involved in Tokyo Road respected the Asou Clan immensely. Seeing that Wang Xiaoqiang actually knew Asou Taro, Matsushima Gibu no longer dared to underestimate him and promptly responded cordially before rushing out to greet Asou Taro at his car, bending over respectfully, "Lord Asou, what brings you here without coming in?"
"Eh, it's broad daylight, nothing much to do." Asou Taro had come to tail Wang Xiaoqiang and casually gauge the extent of his influence here. Of course, he was not inclined to show his face.
"Lord Asou, our new owner, Mr. Wang Xiaoqiang from China, invites you to come in. He says he knows you," the man said.
"Eh," Asou Taro was surprised. This Wang Xiaoqiang sure was formidable to know he was tailing him.
And since the Cherry Blossom Club was a property of the Tanimoto family, for this guy to take over the Cherry Blossom Club from the Tanimoto family, he must have some real strength.
"Lord Asou, may I ask if you know this Mr. Wang?" Matsushima Gibu saw Asou Taro in a daze and tested the waters; if Asou Taro and Wang Xiaoqiang knew each other well, then he would have to treat Wang Xiaoqiang with high regard from now on. If they weren't closely associated, then he could treat Wang Xiaoqiang however he wanted in the future.
"Eh, he's just a small fry. How could I know him? He wants to cling to our Asou Clan, but do you think I would give him a chance? Haha..." Asou Taro spoke with a pair of beady eyes full of lies, yet Matsushima Gibu took them as absolute truth, adding, "Of course not, with your status, Lord Asou, how could you possibly associate with a small fry from China? To tell you the truth, I also find that small fry displeasing to the eye. Lord Asou, why don't you come in for a bit, put that little guy in his place..."
A thought struck Asou Taro, hmm, although Wang Xiaoqiang was a good fighter, having taken out eight of his men in one go last time, it wasn't the era of warriors anymore. Now it was about wealth and power. Taking this opportunity, he would show Wang Xiaoqiang the extent of the Asou Clan's power, scare him off, and get him to hand over that attractive woman obediently, haha, thinking proudly, Asou Taro said, "Alright, let's go meet Wang Xiaoqiang."
Before he finished speaking, his bodyguard, a ninja, jumped out of the car and opened the door for Asou Taro with great attentiveness.
Asou Taro got out of the car, flanked by two bodyguards, and was led into the Cherry Blossom Club by Matsushima Gibu, heading for the room where Wang Xiaoqiang was. (To be continued. If you like this work, welcome to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation votes and monthly tickets, your support is my biggest motivation. Mobile users please go to m.qidian.com to read.)
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