Half an hour later, Chongzong arrived at ManranyamaSouren's residence.

From far away, a familiar figure could be seen.

Van, dressed in a black ** suit, was as smart and capable as always today, waiting downstairs in the apartment building.

Chongzong deliberately slowed down his originally brisk pace to adjust the impression he left on ManranyamaSouren and Van.

He came to discuss cooperation, not to ask for help.

Even though the fate of his family hangs in the balance, Chongzong's heart is in turmoil, but he reminds himself not to be impatient, as impatience is futile.

He has analyzed the situation and knows the enemy is not after money or lives, so they won't strike the Usagi family in the short term.

Yet, despite his rationality, the anxiety is hard to control, as if countless thorns are piercing his heart, causing intense pain.

In such circumstances, Chongzong forces himself to be patient, pretending nothing is wrong and greets Van.

The goal is clear - he is here to discuss cooperation, not to seek help, to hopefully gain "assistance" from ManranyamaSouren.

"Van, long time no see." (Chongzong)

Van nods slightly and gives a professional smile.

"Long time no see, Mr. Usagi." (Van)

And the usual business.

Following Van, Chongzong takes the elevator to the top floor. There is no conversation between them on the way up, maintaining a fitting awkward silence.

Soon they arrive at ManranyamaSouren's apartment, where Chongzong meets her.

After some time apart, ManranyamaSouren has lost a lot of weight.

Prominent collarbones, slender shoulders, eye bags, and dark circles suggest she has been through busy and tough days.

As Chongzong enters, ManranyamaSouren doesn't even look up, just glances at him before continuing to deal with the documents in her hands.

Chongzong is neither surprised nor upset by this treatment, as it is to be expected.

The relationship between him and ManranyamaSouren is not one of friendship or deep camaraderie, but of collaborators who help each other only when they share common interests.

Given his unannounced visit and their established familiarity, it's natural she wouldn't be overly warm.

"So, how have you been recently?" (Chongzong)

Despite the urgency of the Usagi family matter, Chongzong does not immediately bring it up.

The tougher the times, the more important it is to stay calm and positive.

With a deliberately light-hearted tone, Chongzong greets ManranyamaSouren.

"Not great, on the verge of going crazy." (ManranyamaSouren)

Manranyama Souren replied to Chongzong without even lifting her head.

"What's the matter?" (Chongzong)

"You'll know how it feels to compete with the Manranyama Consortium yourself." (Manranyama Souren)

"While Bai Yaxin may be scum, we have to admit, he has some skills to have climbed to his current position." (Manranyama Souren)

"But if he can't handle it, then I won't even need to bother with facing off against Manranyama Uminari." (Manranyama Souren)

It seemed that Chongzong had hit a nerve with Manranyama Souren, as she went off like a machine gun, letting out a long stream of grievances that seemed to have built up in her heart for a long time.

After the tirade, it seemed that Manranyama Souren had finished her work, finally setting down her pen and paper, standing up and stretching lazily while emitting a "Hmm~" sound of contentment, joints cracking as she did so.

"...No more beating around the bush, why are you here today?" (Manranyama Souren)

Finally, they got to the point.

"I'm here to propose a collaboration with you." (Chongzong)

"Spill it, what valuable information do you have?" (Manranyama Souren)

With her arms crossed, Manranyama Souren stared at Chongzong, her deep eyes sparkling with wisdom.

"There's a group, called the Kuroda Group, working for Bai Yaxin." (Chongzong)

"The Kuroda Group is currently transporting a shipment for Bai Yaxin, stored at the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine." (Chongzong)

"You mean... Fushimi Inari Taisha at the foot of Mount Inari?" (Manranyama Souren)

Clearly, at this point, Chongzong had struck a chord with Manranyama Souren.

What Chongzong was saying was potential ammunition for Manranyama Souren to use against Bai Yaxin.

"Yes, the Fushimi Inari Taisha in our Kyoto City." (Chongzong)

"What kind of goods are they transporting for Bai Yaxin?" (Manranyama Souren)

"I'm not sure, but I have a feeling there's something fishy going on. Otherwise, Bai Yaxin wouldn't resort to getting help from these underground groups, likely to keep his hands clean." (Chongzong)

"Hmm... indeed suspicious." (Manranyama Souren)

As Manranyama Souren pondered on what to ask next, the doorbell rang.

"That must be my friend. I invited a friend over, his name is Eiji Hayamizu." (Chongzong)

"It seems like you're not just here today for Bai Yaxin's business." (Manranyama Souren)

"Well, while providing you with intelligence, I also have a favor to ask for your help with." (Chongzong)

The conversation unfolded as expected by Chongzong.