Chapter 25: Ruthless Devourer

The detestable fellow before her put on an air of selfless concern for the Hagiwara family, but in reality, it was nothing more than leveraging their connections to sell his own products—like a parasitic tumor, slowly draining the family’s strength. The most crucial thing was, she was in no position to refuse the temptation. The things Xiao Kaitian designed had such keen market insight that she couldn’t help swallowing, not caring in the least that the sound she made was embarrassingly loud.

Xiao Kaitian’s gaze lingered on Hagiwara Rin’s elegant collarbone, which dipped deeply with her movement. Amusement flickered in his eyes. “Additionally, the production staff—especially in software—will be handled by my people.”

Hagiwara Rin clenched her fists. This was too much. If all the core positions were his, her family would be little more than labor at the end of the chain.

“You know, once we open up the market…” Xiao Kaitian lifted his coffee, inhaling the cup’s unique South American aroma, his tone tinged with pity. “All the elite families in this country, all the distinguished houses, will revolve around the Hagiwara family.”

It was true. In this world, there were martial artists, assassins, mercenaries—things ordinary people never encountered, but not so for the great families. Especially for their women, who were surrounded, openly and secretly, by guardians. Who would turn down even more security?

Take Hagiwara Rin herself, for example. As a key candidate for the family’s future leadership, her main duty was management and operations. Why else spend extra time learning martial arts, if not to have the ability to protect herself in a crisis? That was the standard for training the heirs of a great house.

But not everyone in the family had the talent for martial arts. Most were ordinary, and the threats they faced were far greater than those in regular society. Even Hagiwara Rin had people protecting her in secret.

That was why, even if there were side effects, she had to drink the “wine” Xiao Kaitian offered.

After bestowing his alms upon Hagiwara Rin, Xiao Kaitian, satisfied with her gritted-teeth expression, turned his gaze to the entrance. At the sound of the wind chime’s “ding-dong,” a young man in a gray suit pushed open the door.

He seemed a little nervous, bowing and smiling awkwardly to the bald elder and the elegant woman before walking cautiously over to Xiao Kaitian. He greeted him respectfully, “Young Master Xiao.”

“Koi,” Xiao Kaitian’s demeanor softened instantly, like that of an elder brother next door. “The country’s top underground assassin—he’ll be my representative here from now on.” He gestured toward the girl opposite. “Hagiwara Rin, the Hagiwara family’s princess.”

“Please take care of me,” Koi’s voice quavered slightly. He didn’t want to be some representative; he was an assassin, not a celebrity. Yet there was nothing for it—he couldn’t see through Xiao Kaitian’s strength.

Hagiwara Rin shot Koi a glance and snorted, scorn evident in her eyes. Meeting Xiao Kaitian’s questioning look, she seemed too lazy to explain. “This is it? The country’s top assassin? Koi, what do you say?”

“It’s all just empty titles,” Koi said, blushing for once. “I’m really just… average…” he mumbled.

“Hmph!” Hagiwara Rin’s expression was cold. “Koi, underground assassin—more precisely, an E-class assassin. Not even worth mentioning.” The Hagiwara family had their hands in the underworld as well, and she knew the basic details of such figures very well.

Xiao Kaitian turned to Koi, who hesitated before explaining, “Compared to the four levels of martial arts—Heaven, Earth, Black, Yellow—the assassin ranks are A, B, C, D. I’m E-class. In a head-on fight, I can’t beat even a Yellow-level martial artist. But for assassinations, I have killed a Yellow-level martial artist before.” As he spoke, he glanced at Hagiwara Rin, who was at mid-Yellow level.

Hagiwara Rin averted her tense expression.

Xiao Kaitian was unconcerned. He knew Koi’s strength was modest. He wanted an assistant, not an assassin; martial prowess was secondary. Imagining how sparks might fly between the two, he waved his hand. “Sit down. Strength can be improved; what matters is how well you handle things. I hope you two will learn to work together.”

Reluctantly, Koi sat beside Hagiwara Rin, who edged away in distaste. Xiao Kaitian ignored her reaction and briefly reiterated his earlier decisions.

After listening, Koi’s gaze fell on the gloves on the table, and he grinned foolishly. “Young Master Xiao, these are really something. Could you make one for me?”

“You’re my representative now,” Xiao Kaitian shook his head. “From now on, you’ll be working aboveboard. No more killing and fighting.”

“But Young Master Xiao…” Koi nearly wept. “I’m a wandering soul adrift in the lonely city, dwelling in the darkness…”

“Watch your metaphors,” Xiao Kaitian cut him off. “You’ve made your choice, so you must honor your promise. As the ancients said, a gentleman’s word is worth its weight in gold.”

Koi hung his head in tears. He was an assassin, not a gentleman, and hardly educated.

But Xiao Kaitian was clearly not open to debate. He handed Koi a piece of paper. “Here’s your upcoming work. If you need help, find Hagiwara Rin.”

Koi took the paper and was instantly dumbfounded. Hagiwara Rin, curious, leaned in for a look, and she was stunned as well. Written there was a plan for collaboration with the world’s top brand, GG.

“Young Master Xiao,” Koi choked, “I understand making gloves and being your assistant, but why are we working with GG?”

Xiao Kaitian rubbed his forehead. He’d been so focused on recruiting followers that he’d overlooked their abilities. Clearly, Koi wasn’t cut out for management—he’d need Sun Zhongyi’s help in this country after all. “We’re targeting high-end clients. These gloves need to be luxury goods. GG is a top world brand, isn’t it? I’m sure they’ll be interested.”

This was a new high-end market, and Xiao Kaitian had every reason to believe GG would want to collaborate.

Hagiwara Rin’s mouth twitched. Xiao Kaitian’s way of thinking was exhausting, but the more she considered it, the more she saw the upside: if GG endorsed them and sold through their channels, it would be a force not to be underestimated.

Yet she also realized that Xiao Kaitian was clearly a perfectionist, perhaps obsessive-compulsive. Working with someone like him would be a constant struggle—he devoured everything, leaving nothing behind. Koi was a cautionary tale: a perfectly good assassin, now forced into business.

“It’s no big deal,” Xiao Kaitian said gently. “You’re new to this, just lacking experience. You’ll get used to it in time. I’ll find someone to help you.”