The next day, July 19th, in the morning, Aoyama Xiu Xin received an unexpected phone call from Major James of the United States Army Japan Command.

Upon hearing the self-introduction of the caller, Aoyama Xiu Xin was slightly taken aback before responding, "I'm truly sorry, I've never had any dealings with the US military stationed in Japan, so I'm a bit surprised. Well, Major James, I'm honored to take your call. Is there anything you need help with? Please, go ahead."

The United States had close to fifty thousand troops stationed in Japan, dominating the land, air, and sea. These people were notorious for their arrogance and misdeeds. Aoyama Xiu Xin had no fond feelings for the Japanese, nor for the Americans.

Sadly, he now was one of those Japanese.

He still had to actively curry favor with the Americans.

"I'm also tasked by someone to discuss a matter with Minister Aoyama. I happen to be in Hokkaido today; would you be free to have a drink tonight?" James asked, unapologetically. Although it seemed like a question, there was an imposing tone in his voice, making it hard to refuse.

They were accustomed to being overbearing in Japan, having a natural sense of superiority over the Japanese. It was only because of Aoyama Xiu Xin's unique status that he had chosen his words carefully; otherwise, they would have been quite harsh.

Faced with James's invitation, Aoyama Xiu Xin was puzzled, but since he was committed to becoming the "Emperor" of Japan with American support, he didn't want to offend a US officer. So, he agreed, "Of course, I'm honored. But I insist on paying the bill tonight since I consider myself somewhat of a host. It is only right to entertain you as my guest."

"Haha, since Minister Aoyama is so enthusiastic, I won't be shy. I'll see you tonight at bar XX, Room 525," James replied with a laugh.

"Alright, I won't miss it," Aoyama Xiu Xin said with a slight smile before hanging up and frowning, trying to figure out why a US military officer would want to meet with him.

"Knock knock knock!"

A knock interrupted his thoughts.

He collected his thoughts and called out, "Come in."

Entering was Hashimoto Youko. Today, she wasn't in her uniform but dressed in a black OL suit. The tight-fitting blazer was stretched over her ample chest, the top button of her white blouse was undone revealing her clear collarbone, and her skirt tightly hugged her perky bottom, with her shapely legs wrapped in black stockings were all too eye-catching.

"Minister Aoyama," said Hashimoto Youko as she stepped forward in high heels with a stern face. As she bowed, her body bending allowed Aoyama Xiu Xin, who had the radar-like precision, to look right down her neckline. He saw a hint of pale blue lace and a touch of lush white.

A true connoisseur of the arts never hides his appreciation for beauty. Aoyama Xiu Xin gazed intently at her cleavage, "Miss Yangzi, are you here to relay any instructions from the Minister?"

"I'm here to deliver documents," Hashimoto Youko glared at him annoyed, standing up while using the folder in her hand to cover her generous bosom.

Aoyama Xiu Xin smiled apologetically, "It's all because Miss Yangzi is too charming, which made me focus on you and not notice the folder in your hand."

Every day her relationship with her fiancé seemed to thrive, fostering more disdain and contempt for him, which only fueled his desire to possess and disrupt her further. He couldn't make sense of James's intention, but he figured out Hashimoto Youko.

"Minister Aoyama, please behave yourself; I am an engaged woman," said Hashimoto Youko icily.

She always remembered the teachings of Zhongshan Junmei, not to seduce Aoyama Xiu Xin actively but to attract him to pursue her, thereby lowering his guard.

She had studied that Aoyama Xiu Xin had a particular fondness for married women, so she specifically emphasized that she had a fiancé, to provoke his possessiveness.

But Hashimoto Youko didn't know that Aoyama Xiu Xin generally never pursued women actively. He used various methods other than pursuit to get what he wanted.

Because he was very tolerant and didn't mind if a woman didn't hold him in her heart, as long as she kept him in her interests.

Aoyama Xiu Xin laughed, "I really envy Miss Yangzi's fiancé; he must be very happy."

"Hmph!" Hashimoto Youko rolled her eyes, stepped forward, placed the folder on the desk, took a step back, and said, "The Minister asked you to review this as soon as possible and, if there are no issues, sign it and send it down to the Criminal Department."

After speaking, she turned and left without looking back.

Watching her hips sway left and right, Aoyama Xiu Xin's mouth curved into a meaningful smile.

He stopped pondering James's intentions and began to scheme how he might have a spring fling with Hashimoto Youko.

From Hashimoto Youko's daily behavior, it was clear her relationship with her fiancé was strong and stable. She was upright, despised him, and, coupled with having a strict police mother-in-law, conventional methods wouldn't work to seduce her. He had to think outside the box.

Quickly, Aoyama Xiu Xin thought of a plan.

First, he needed to set her up with a close girlfriend.

Aoyama Xiu Xin immediately picked up the phone and called Hattori, "Hattori, find out who Hashimoto Youko has been getting close to since she joined the department."

Having been in Sapporo for over twenty days, Hashimoto Youko had surely built some personal connections.

"Hi!" Hattori responded.

This wasn't a hard piece of information to get, and by afternoon, Hattori had a response for Aoyama Xiu Xin, "Minister, since joining the department, apart from work-related interactions, Hashimoto Youko doesn't really socialize. However, she seems to treat a civilian police officer from the General Affairs Department named Hashimoto Manami differently, and they've been seen eating together in the cafeteria often."

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