Chapter 574 - One Down (II) (1/2)

Shinichi found himself standing inside his father's study.

But this time, the man was no longer calm.

”I really want to know who these people targeting us are! What do they want?!”

Shinichi's heart trembled. Based on his father's unpleasant expression, this could mean...

”Father, the recent scandal of our company--”

Mr. Tanaka looked at him sharply.

This look yet again confirmed that the scandal was true.

Shinichi reeled in shock.

He knew that their consortium had many murky dealings and had grown this big without their hands freed from dirt.

But this level!

If the previous one was deception to take advantage of a small businessman, this one was a complete crime of stealth!

”Father! This is a huge crime! You actually stole someone's innovation! How could you--”

”Shinichi, it is not the pressing matter right now. Don't you understand? If the matter gets out and it is proven true, our company which your grandfather and I have built with our entire lives will crumble overnight. We can't lose people's trust any longer.”

Shinichi: Then you shouldn't have done such a thing in the first place!

He took a deep breath and held his mouth.

Mr. Tanaka tapped the table hard. ”They don't have proof yet. Perhaps, they don't have it, or the evidences are not good enough. Or... they are just holding back and wants to demand something from us.”

Chill rose up on Shinichi's back.

These people who were targeting them... had really dug deeply.

***

The next day, Mr. Tanaka summoned him again.

Inside the study, Shinichi glanced at his father. His father was in deep thoughts. Unlike yesterday when his father was fuming mad, this time, he was calm and collected.

”Father.”

Mr. Tanaka nodded at Shinichi. He then threw a piece of crumbled paper at him.

Shinichi was stunned as he caught the crumpled paper.

”Read it yourself.”

Shinichi flattened the paper and began reading.

[Mr. Tanaka, I am Lu Jin, an acquaintance of your son, Sir Shinichi Tanaka. We have met in the Tang family's banquet a week ago and I have offered a small proposal to him. Unfortunately, your son refused to accept my offer. As I am desperate, I resorted to doing things that the Tanaka Group are good at. I believe it is a hard time for the Tanaka Group at the moment, due to the recent scandal. I deeply empathize and hope that these despicable articles will stop framing the Tanaka Group. If you want help to prove your innocence, I would like to offer my assistance. That is, if your son accepts my deal.]

The interior of the study was silent for a long time.

”Are you done reading?”

Shinichi was silent.

Mr. Tanaka drank a sip from his teacup. ”I like this herbal tea as it is the best tea for relaxing.” He glanced up at his son. ”I looked up this Lu Jin. He is Ming Zhi Yi's son. A man from the underworld is dangerous, especially when he has your handle. Don't go against him. Just do what he wants.”

Underworld!

Shinichi was startled. He did not know who this Ming Zhi Yi was but based on his father's words, his father clearly wanted him to collude with this kind of people!

”Father, these people are despicable! They used this backhanded method to get what they want from us. If we give in once, there will always be a second time, a third, and a fourth!”

Mr. Tanaka loudly put the teacup on the table.

”Did you not hear me? I told you to accept their offer.”

Shinichi gritted his teeth. ”Why? Are you afraid that they will release more of your corporate crimes?”

”Shinichi! I thought you understand. If they release any proof, the Tanaka Group and our family will definitely suffer greatly. It is not exaggerated to say that we might even lose our company.”