Chapter 40: The Banquet at Hongmen

The sudden popularity of the protective gloves was no surprise to Xiao Kaitian. In this world, where martial artists and bounty hunters coexist, and who knows what other strange forces lurk, both martial prowess and firearms hold sway. There are regulations forbidding martial artists from interfering with ordinary people, but as a commoner, there remains a sense of fear.

Therefore, products that offer a certain degree of personal protection are destined to be in circulation. It’s much like if the state were to legalize firearm ownership—guns would inevitably become a standard item for capable households.

Moreover, Xiao Kaitian had targeted women of the upper class, who had even more of a latent need for such items. With the Ogiwara family fanning the flames, the sales channels opened up instantly.

Ogiwara Rin’s beautiful face flushed with a hint of excitement. She understood all too well what the product’s success meant for both herself and the Ogiwara family. With a touch of pride, she lifted her chin toward Xiao Kaitian.

“Thank you this time,” Xiao Kaitian offered rare praise, not denying Ogiwara Rin her due credit. If nothing else, pushing for the legalization of the protective gloves’ sale must have cost her considerable effort.

“Hmph.” A smile played at the corners of Ogiwara Rin’s mouth. “Given that we are partners, it’s good you remember my hard work for now.”

Xiao Kaitian nodded. He had no intention of lingering; now that things had stabilized, he couldn’t afford to devote all his attention here. His purpose in bringing Sun Zhongyi was to allow him to gradually take over.

Sun Zhongyi understood Xiao Kaitian’s intentions. His gaze toward Xiao Kaitian was filled with growing admiration. Joking aside, whether or not designing protective gloves made him a genius, Xiao Kaitian was certainly no fool.

Perhaps the Xiaos of Han and Tang were about to stir up a storm. Sun Zhongyi secretly rejoiced at having joined Xiao Kaitian’s ship in time.

When Xiao Kaitian and his group arrived downstairs and stepped outside, a van pulled up. Red Carp jumped out of the driver’s seat, his expression grim. “Young Master Xiao, Miss, someone is following us.”

Xiao Kaitian’s steps faltered ever so slightly. Red Carp was now responsible for the highly important transport of synthetic metal skeletal frames—it was unexpected that someone would be watching so soon. Xiao Kaitian turned his gaze to Ogiwara Rin.

“Which faction?” Ogiwara Rin’s brows knitted together. Problems on the very first day were far from what she wanted.

“Ninja,” Red Carp reported, quickly approaching. “There was a car chase just now; this van isn’t fast enough. Fortunately, you’d arranged people at the entrance, so they didn’t manage to follow us all the way. I couldn’t tell which group they belong to.”

“I’ll deal with the car issue another day,” Ogiwara Rin recovered her composure swiftly. “I’ll assign you a few more people soon—your task is vital and cannot go wrong.”

“As for the ones following us, if they’re ninjas, that’s a sign of a powerful clan.” She looked at Xiao Kaitian. “Any ideas who they are?”

Xiao Kaitian immediately thought of that Takeda fellow, but it was just a suspicion. He mulled it over, then walked toward the car parked not far away, where Harui Sakura was “shadowing” him.

Seeing his actions, Ogiwara Rin’s lips curled with a sly smile. “Clever—using the police force to your advantage. That one’s true nature is to command others.”

At the sound of knocking on the window, a few seconds later, the glass rolled down to reveal Harui Sakura’s face, still busy chewing her hamburger. “What is it?” she asked earnestly, looking up.

“Thanks for your hard work lately,” Xiao Kaitian said coolly, ignoring Yamamoto, who was covering her face beside them. “I’ve hit a bit of trouble. Are you familiar with the Takeda family of Kai? They may be targeting me—sent ninjas after me, apparently.” He scratched his nose, a little embarrassed.

“Hmm…” Harui Sakura nodded. “The Takeda family of Kai? You’re a regular person—if they use martial artists against you, that would violate regulations. I’m not well-connected, but I’ll ask around and let you know if I hear anything.” She waved her phone.

“Thanks.” Xiao Kaitian thoughtfully handed her his number. “Lately I’ve been engaging in some legitimate business—maybe that’s the reason.”

Harui Sakura suddenly understood. Xiao Kaitian wasn’t a local, and some of his actions might have encroached on others’ interests. At that thought, a sense of justice welled up within her.

With the matter handled, Xiao Kaitian got into his car. Now that the Takeda family seemed poised to make a move, he was most concerned about Jiang Churan’s safety. Turning the steering wheel, he headed toward the train station.

If it was all a misunderstanding, so be it. But if the Takeda family truly intended to harm Jiang Churan, he would make them pay doubly.

He hadn’t driven far before he noticed another tail, apart from Harui Sakura. The follower made no effort to conceal their intentions, nor did they care about Harui Sakura—driving alone, they trailed him at a leisurely pace.

Turning a corner, Xiao Kaitian simply pulled over. He stepped out and leaned against the car door, openly waiting for the pursuer. Harui Sakura didn’t quite understand this move and had Yamamoto stop their car as well.

The following vehicle was not surprised by Xiao Kaitian’s boldness. It passed Harui Sakura’s car and stopped a short distance from Xiao Kaitian. A middle-aged man in a suit and glasses stepped out, approaching with respectful composure.

“Mr. Xiao,” the man greeted with a bow and a smile, “I am the steward to Young Master Hojo Shuichi of the Hojo family. My name is of little consequence; I dare not presume to introduce myself.”

“The Hojo family?” Xiao Kaitian’s eyes narrowed. He’d expected someone from the Takeda clan. He sized up the man—an ordinary person, it seemed—and his impression of the Hojo clan improved a little. At least their manner was courteous.

“Yes, sir. The young master is nearby, hoping you’ll honor him with a meeting,” the steward said, bowing all the while.

“I don’t recall any connection between us.” Xiao Kaitian frowned, uninterested and uncertain of their intent.

“Mr. Xiao,” the man continued, “the Hojo family may not be a major clan, but in the Sagami and Musashi regions—ah, forgive me, those are old place names—in the Higashikyo-Sagane area, we hold considerable sway. Of course, the young master’s intentions are benign. As you are a leading figure among the younger generation of the Han and Tang Xiao family, he greatly admires you. Since you are here, he wishes to fulfill his duties as a host.”

So that’s how it was. Xiao Kaitian could not help but smile in understanding. Like Ogiwara Rin at the beginning, the other side simply wanted to sound him out—a banquet with hidden motives.

Still, it was reasonable. After all, he was on their turf. By the steward’s account, if the Hojo family were truly determined, even the Ogiwara clan might not withstand them; a local snake always has the advantage over a dragon from afar.

Xiao Kaitian regarded the bowing steward for a moment, then straightened from his casual pose, smiled, and nodded. “Very well, then—I’ll trouble you to lead the way. As for my car…”

“It will be taken care of, Mr. Xiao. This way, please.”