Chapter 20: The Ambitious Yoko Ogino, Li Ze Expresses Pleasure in Cooperation!
Li Ze, his expression calm.
Yes.
He was quite at ease with the woman in front of him.
He wasn't affected by any past life filters. He understood that an anime couldn't capture everything, that most scenes focused on the protagonist, easily overlooking many details.
Just like the friendship, justice, and emotions portrayed in the original story, although they might seem to ignite passion.
But, in reality?
Playing these games required a prerequisite - an absolutely solid background.
Otherwise.
Would Conan's lack of parents' influence and Kogoro's lack of the Mori surname allow them to run wild like that in the police department?
Also, Heiji Hattori.
Without the backing of Heiji Hattori's father, the Osaka Prefectural Police Chief, Heiji Hattori, the Inspector General, could he obtain police headquarters' internal information and freely command and dispatch so many officers?
Nonsense!
The same goes for others.
Without these backgrounds as their endorsements, could they still be so carefree as in the story?
In the original story.
Hidden privileges were everywhere.
Li Ze's early struggles after transmigration, his experience of taking on various black jobs for survival, had made him see through the filth hidden behind the glamour.
Therefore, the same logic applied.
How could Yoko Ogino, from a humble background, become a phenomenon-level idol, without something deeper behind the scenes?
Almost all capital, feeds on people and spits out their bones.
Why would they elevate you?
If capital is unwilling to promote you, even if you're incredibly talented, you won't rise to the top.
In this situation.
Yoko Ogino, putting on this kind and innocent persona in front of him, wasn't she hoping to make him a sucker?
This made him quite displeased.
It was also the reason why he chose to speak directly, without any politeness.
Wanting him to use his capital to support her was fine, they could just talk and negotiate.
But wanting to trap him?
In your dreams!
On the other hand.
Upon hearing Li Ze's words, Yoko Ogino's face instantly turned pale.
Obviously.
She hadn't expected that her calculations would be easily seen through by the person in front of her.
She didn't understand!
After all, in her view, a seventeen-year-old kid.
Even with his considerable assets, she didn't take him seriously, just considering him an ordinary rich kid.
After all.
Although she was a popular idol, considered a big shot in the eyes of ordinary people.
But, in reality.
In the truly top circles, she was just a joke.
Therefore.
Through her manager, Eichi Yamagishi, she could only find out that Li Ze owned shares in Nikkan Sports Television, already at the limit of her abilities.
Beyond that, she was powerless.
However.
Although she was surprised in her heart, her mind was quick to adapt.
She immediately put aside her weakness and innocence, then bowed deeply with a solemn expression.
"Li Ze-kun, I'm truly sorry."
"I shouldn't have used these little tricks on you. I'm willing to pay any price to atone."
"Here, I need to clarify."
"The death of Akihiro Tenkawa is indeed related to me. I used his feelings for me and gave him psychological hints."
"Including Yuko Ikezawa coming here today, it was all my arrangement."
"But, I didn't do it."
"Neither Yuko Ikezawa nor Akihiro Tenkawa. I just hinted to them, the rest was natural evolution."
"As for the loophole you mentioned, it's not my doing. How could I make such a mistake."
"It was my manager, Eichi Yamagishi, who was afraid the police would be too stupid to solve the case, so he created that loophole."
"Of course, I agreed with it!"
"Everything went smoothly today, just didn't expect Li Ze-kun's sharp eyes."
"I apologize for that."
"As for my relationship with Akihiro Tenkawa back then, it was because his uncle used to be the producer in charge of developing idol programs at Nikkan Sports Television. I approached him for those resources."
"Later, I made my debut and signed with a management company, Akihiro Tenkawa became useless."
"I can assure you, I'm clean!"
"Although it's been a difficult journey, I did use some tactics."
"But, I'm not stupid."
"My body is important, even if I'm exchanging resources, it has to be worth a high price, right?"
"Li Ze-kun, are you interested?"
Li Ze was slightly stunned.
Looking at Yoko Ogino with a serious expression, he was truly impressed.
Yes.
He initially thought she was just a bit clever, but now he saw that she had her own merits.
First, she was quick-witted!
Once he exposed her, most people would either be fearful or become angry and ashamed.
Even if they didn't dare to provoke him, they would either apologize or be embarrassed and leave.
But, what about Yoko Ogino?
She was quick-witted in the face of crisis, not only suppressing her anger and shame, she boldly admitted her mistakes, then introduced the reasons, and smoothly proposed her own demands.
This woman was indeed extraordinary.
No wonder she could achieve what she had, without any capital, relying on her own efforts.
Perhaps...
She even kept her virtue!
Clap, clap!
Thinking about this, Li Ze couldn't help but clap his hands.
"Well, amazing!"
"Yoko Ogino-san, you've truly impressed me."
"I'm actually quite interested in you, I'll take this deal, Li Ze."
"However..."
"What I really value is your own abilities, this body is just a bonus."
"Try your best to improve your abilities and methods from now on, treat this path in the entertainment industry as a test for you."
"If you can reach the top, I'll give you a chance, a ticket to enter the capital circle."
"Of course, the requirements are not low."
"From today onwards, you are only mine!"
"You can utilize all the resources of 'Umbrella', and I will provide you with sufficient protection, all you need to provide is complete loyalty."
"Of course, betrayal is also possible."
"The prerequisite is that you can accumulate enough capital, enough to withstand the revenge that will come."
"I'll give you a free piece of information, Umbrella actually has an armed security group, a PMC affiliated with the US."
"They have deep cooperation with the US Department of Defense and various intelligence agencies."
"The price of betrayal will be hunted down by PMC private armed forces."
"Okay, that's all."
"I'll buy your management company, make you the general manager."
"I'll arrange your residence."
"Stay at the hotel tonight, move in tomorrow."
"Remember my phone number later, just contact me if anything."
"I have some things to do, I'll go first!"
...