wavenovel Chapter 1353, Chapter 1362: Hello, I'm happy, everyone's happy!
Chapter 1353, Chapter 1362: Hello, I'm happy, everyone's happy!
Chapter 1353, Chapter 1362: Hello, I'm happy, everyone's happy!
The heart of Manhattan in New York City.
The snowstorm closed the streets, forcing the fire department and city government to deploy snowplows to clear a path, finally allowing the city's life to flow again.
Nakai Genta stood by the window, looking at the people outside who were bundled up in thick clothes. The heating in the apartment allowed him to wear only a single layer of clothing even in sub-zero temperatures, making him feel very warm, but he still felt somewhat lonely.
For some reason, ever since Nakai Suzumi went back, he hasn't thought about finding a foreign woman to keep him company for a long time.
"Suzumi and the others must be visiting relatives and friends for the New Year."
Suzumi Nakai had called him before and mentioned that Naoki Nagayama had visited him on New Year's Day.
"Naoki-san is indeed a sentimental guy!"
"I just don't know when I'll be able to go back."
Just as he was feeling melancholic, the property manager's voice suddenly came through the intercom at the door:
“Mr. Nakai, a Mr. David Ludd wishes to see you.”
"David Ludger?"
Nakai Genta frowned, and suddenly realized that this was the chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and the main instigator who had trapped him in New York.
What is he here for?
After thinking for a few seconds, he still spoke into the intercom, "Please have him come up."
A few minutes later, David Ludger arrived at Nakai Genta's apartment, bringing with him a chill. Upon entering, he looked around the luxurious apartment, clicking his tongue in amazement:
"I'm even a little envious of Mr. Nakai's life! Such a luxurious mansion!"
Even the chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission can't just pull out millions of dollars to buy a luxury apartment in the heart of Manhattan. Now that the price has gone up again, it's probably worth close to three million!
"This is Naoki-san's house. I'm just staying here temporarily."
Nakai Genta offered a brief explanation, then politely poured himself a cup of hot coffee. Without any pleasantries, he went straight to the point and asked:
"Chairman Lude, why would you come to my home, a suspect, on the second day of the new year?!"
"Please, just call me David!"
David Ludd, no longer displaying the assertiveness he had shown at the hearing, spoke very gently.
"The reason I came here today, bypassing the court system, is actually to have a proper discussion with Mr. Nakai."
Thanks to the connections and publicity of its top-notch legal team, the lawsuit against Shuyou Capital has been closely watched by the industry. From the hearings to the lawsuit, many investors have been observing the situation.
Should profiting from shorting the stock market be considered stock market manipulation? The case of Shuyou Capital, a representative example, even directly impacted the stock market's recovery process.
However, the overly complicated litigation process has turned the Tree Friends Capital stock market manipulation case into a double-edged sword, offering no benefits while consuming significant costs of the judicial system. It has even made foreign capital, especially Japanese capital, very cautious about investing in the United States.
This led to a prolonged economic downturn in the United States in 1987. To put it bluntly, it was due to a lack of market confidence!
"Good communication?"
Nakai Genta even wanted to laugh out loud.
“We’ve held three hearings, and we’re already exchanging evidence in the prosecution process. And now you’re saying we need to communicate properly?”
David Ludd was helpless. Since the beginning of the new year, the expected fresh start had failed to materialize, and the continued sluggish market economy made the upcoming State of the Union address look even worse.
With President Reagan in poor health, Vice President Bush only wanted to maintain a facade of peace and stability until the midterm elections, so that he could smoothly take over the presidency.
In short, the higher-ups just want to get this over with as soon as possible, as long as it saves face. They still need to cooperate with Japan in the new year!
"Mr. Nakai, this wasn't a personal grudge, so there's no need for you to be so angry. Besides, Mr. Nakai's life in New York these past few days has been quite fulfilling, hasn't it?"
David Ludwig shrugged.
"As business people, let's have a proper discussion about the upcoming business!"
"."
Nakai Genta paused for a moment, then sat down on the sofa.
"Go on, I'm listening."
David Ludger took a sip of his fine hot coffee, thinking to himself again, "This Japanese guy really knows how to enjoy himself," before speaking:
"The stock market manipulation case involving Shuyou Capital is essentially a catch-all charge. Regardless of the evidence, the final outcome depends on the judge's subjective judgment. For the sake of judicial dignity, the judge will not find Shuyou innocent!"
"Of course, this will be a very long legal battle, and it may even continue until the end of my term."
"Ultimately, a plea agreement will likely be reached, but in exchange for not being sentenced, only a fine will be imposed."
Listening to David Ludger's words, Nakai Genta also thought of the senior legal team's analysis, and the result would probably be the same.
However, if Naoki-san mediates through diplomatic channels, the fine will likely be a small amount, perhaps a few hundred thousand yen.
David Ludger spoke again at this point:
“Mr. Nakai, I don’t want to leave such an unresolved stain on my tenure, and you certainly don’t want to stay in New York for a few more years.”
"In that case, why don't we reach a confidential settlement agreement?"
"As a condition for dropping the lawsuit, Tree Friends Capital could be fined up to one million US dollars."
"We need to ensure that most of the funds TreeFriend Capital has previously earned are retained. Re-entering the US securities market will require adjustments from regulators, and TreeFriend Capital's board of directors needs to appoint an independent director."
Hearing David Ludger's words, Nakai Genta frowned.
Fines are not a big deal, but appointing independent directors is important. The independent director system is very common in the United States, but that is only required for listed companies. Tree Friends Capital is not a listed company; it is a private investment institution!
“David.”
Nakai Genta spoke up.
"Tree Friends Capital is a private company and is not obligated to appoint independent directors."
"But TreeFriend Capital's US branch is an investment institution, a venture capital firm, and can decide for itself whether or not to appoint independent directors."
David Ludger began,
"Given the current size of TreeFriend Capital, the Securities and Exchange Commission must ensure its oversight of you."
"Reaching an agreement would be the best outcome! It's a win-win situation for everyone!"
"."
It would be a lie to say I wasn't tempted by this settlement agreement; once signed, I could probably go back home six months earlier.
However, Nakai Genta still has many concerns, including whether Naoki-san would agree to suddenly have an extra supervisor over him.
"I need to discuss this with my colleagues back home."
“Of course I understand that, Mr. Nakai.”
David Ludd put down his coffee and spoke earnestly.
"However, it would be better for both of us to get through this as soon as possible. I hope you will give it serious consideration!"
"."
After David Ludger left the apartment, Nakai Genta remained in his room for a long time, lost in thought.
"Let's first have our legal team discuss this."
"I'll call Naoki-san later. Japan is still on holiday!"
"No need to rush."
Shizuoka, an old house.
Naoki Nagayama has separated from Kaede. Kaede is going back to the old house in Shimizu, while Naoki has returned to his father and mother's old house.
However, the two agreed to go to the family temple together tomorrow to pay their respects. The eldest brother, Aoki, and other members of the Nagayama family will also be there.
When the car stopped next to the old house, the first person to come out to greet us upon hearing the sound was none other than Tsuruko!
"Ni-chan, you're finally here!!! Ah, isn't this Hana-chan? Do you remember Auntie?!"
"."
Naoki Nagayama took his luggage from the trunk and looked at his younger sister with surprise at her sudden enthusiasm.
Showing courtesy for nothing is either cheating or stealing!
"Tsuruko. You're Tsuruko, right?!"
For some reason, Naoki Nagayama's sharp tongue is used to its fullest extent with Tsuruko.
"Could it be some kind of monster wearing Tsuruko's disguise?!"
".snort!"
Tsuruko rolled her eyes at Naoki Nagayama, but instead of replying, she pulled Akina inside.
Oh no, they're not even refuting it anymore, this makes things even more problematic!
Naoki Nagayama followed Tsuruko into the room, full of doubt, and then witnessed a very serious scene in the Japanese-style room.
The father, Kenjiro Nagayama, was sipping his tea with a stern face, while opposite him sat Taichi Kaneda, looking extremely stiff. Even with the heating on, the atmosphere in the tatami room was as rigid as the dead of winter.
However, after Xiaoxiahua cutely called out "Ojisan," the atmosphere in the Japanese-style room instantly melted away!
"Hua Jiang, come over to Grandpa."
Ken Nagayama, who was originally reserved and silent, completely changed when he was with his grandchildren. He was very gentle with his eldest brother Aoki's two sons, but he was like a different person when he was with his granddaughter, Natsuka, his face was all smiles!
"Are you tired? Are you hungry? Would you like some tea or snacks?"
After a few words, Xiaoxiahua and her father, Yongshan Jian, were playing together very well.
Naoki Nagayama and Akina took care of settling the luggage they brought back before asking Tsuruko about it:
"What just happened? Where is Mother?"
"Ogasang went to his older brother's place and said he would help bring the child over so the family could have lunch together."
Tsuruko breathed a sigh of relief at this moment.
"Then I was left with my father and me staring at each other in an awkward atmosphere. I only breathed a sigh of relief when I heard you were here!"
The atmosphere between the unmarried son-in-law and the future father-in-law is bound to be awkward!
The men in the Nagayama family are probably all doting fathers. Even though Nagayama Ken already knows that the two are in love, he still feels uncomfortable seeing his daughter being mistreated by the man in front of him.
I'm sure that if Xia Hua gets married in the future, Naoki Nagayama won't give that guy a good look!
At this moment, Kaneda Taira also came over and greeted him politely:
"Happy New Year, Naoki-san."
"Yes," Naoki Nagayama nodded. "You've come to wish us a Happy New Year today!"
"Hi, this is a formal visit."
Previously in Tokyo, Kaneda Taira accompanied Nagayama Ken and Nagayama Nanako for a medical check-up, but that wasn't exactly a formal home visit.
"Yeah, keep it up!"
Naoki Nagayama patted the guy on the shoulder.
"I'm entrusting Tsuruko to you!"
"...?" Tsuruko, who was standing nearby, heard this and was speechless. "Nii-chan, aren't you going to test him?! You just gave me away to someone else so easily?!"
"Well, if you miss out on someone as good as Kaneda Taira, I'm worried you'll never get married, Tsuruko!"
Tsuruko frowned, her brow furrowing in anger, and said:
"!!! Bakani-chan, what nonsense are you spouting!!"
Ha! Just as expected, the original Tsuruko has returned!
Seeing Tsuruko about to charge in for a duel, Akina quickly pulled her back, smiling and smoothing things over:
"Alright, Tsuruko, it's almost noon. Let's go to the kitchen and check the ingredients. Let Naoki-san and the others have a good chat, Naoki-san. Please take care of Hana-chan~"
"it is good"
Naoki Nagayama sat down in the Japanese-style room, with Taichi Kaneda following closely behind.
Ken Nagayama, who was feeding Xia Hua snacks, looked up and saw this, but didn't say anything, just nodded:
"Naoki, was the journey smooth?"
"Yes, I came back with Brother Feng, and the journey was very smooth!"
"Ah, with Kaede?" Ken Nagayama said, somewhat surprised. "What about him?"
"Back to the house in Qingshui City!"
"There's no one there anymore."
"Uncle Xiong Yuan went back a day earlier."
"I see."
After a few pleasantries, the father and son didn't have much more to say. In the past, this would have been a time of silent staring at each other, with the father and son pouring tea for one another.
However, now that Xia Hua is here, many of their conversations revolve around the little one.
The atmosphere was much more relaxed when we talked about things like how much Xia Hua could talk now, whether she was sick, what she liked to eat, and when she would go to kindergarten.
When Nanako, the mother, arrived with her older brother's family, the house became even more lively with the addition of two children!
While his father was busy taking care of two children, holding one in his arms and watching over the other, Naoki Nagayama chatted with Aoki.
How do you feel after giving birth to Kougo?
"I feel..." Aoki, the eldest brother, sighed, "exhausted!"
As if she had found someone to confide in, she began to talk on and on:
"Even with my mother's help, I don't have enough energy to deal with the weeds and take care of Dongwu at the same time!"
"It's either this one crying or that one peeing, and I still have to ensure fairness and not let the little weeds feel neglected—the pressure is just too much!!!"
Naoki.
The older brother, Aoki, glanced at Akina's already showing belly, patted her on the shoulder,
"You'll know how tough it is once your second child is born!"
"."
Hmm, that sounds like a lot of pressure!
Naoki Nagayama glanced at Akina and Natsuka, then shrugged. It seemed like they would have to hire another nanny!
Most things in this world can be solved with money!
Big Brother Aoki hasn't yet shifted from a lower-class mindset. You have to understand that he's already considered a landlord in Shizuoka and has the money to hire a nanny!
"By the way," Aoki continued, "is it a boy or a girl?"
"It's not certain yet!" Naoki Nagayama shook his head. It's only been less than four months; it's too early to tell. "We'll find out at the next prenatal checkup."
"Oh, I see. So, do you prefer a boy or a girl?"
"Of course I like girls, but I don't really care what kind of boy Akina wants~"
Haha, I also want a daughter!
Almost everyone in the Nagayama family has the potential to be a doting father to their daughters. Aoki looked at Hana-chan and Kaede's daughter, Sayuri, and couldn't imagine how envious he was!
In a lively atmosphere, the mother, Nanako, and her two daughters-in-law served lunch to the table.
Although it was New Year's dishes, since the family runs an izakaya (Japanese pub), they have a lot of kitchen utensils, and the dishes they make are varied, delicious, and hot, filling everyone's stomachs with warmth!
The two children, who were old enough to eat, had oil all over their mouths, and their little bellies were bulging.
After the meal, everyone rested and digested while drinking tea.
"In a little while, we'll go to the family temple in Qingshui to pay our respects to our grandfather!"
"Hi!" X7
(End of this chapter)