Gao Shan was not a fool. If only Matsumoto was angry, there might still be room for resolution, but if he got involved too, things wouldn’t be so easy to discuss.
"Our dear nephew must be joking with us, after all, we..."
"You watched me grow up, right?"
Gao Shan originally intended to be a peacemaker, but this time Dongchuan Ichiro didn’t give him the chance.
Hearing Dongchuan Ichiro’s words and seeing the serious look on his face, Gao Shan decided not to pretend anymore; the smile on his face vanished, replaced by a cold expression.
"I know what you’re thinking, and you know what I’m thinking. We’re all foxes in the mountains; no need to tell ghost stories here."
Seeing that Dongchuan Ichiro had revealed some of his thoughts, Matsumoto and Gao Shan stopped pretending as well.
"Actually, my idea is very simple this time. We’re going to take back what originally belonged to the Dongchuan Clan, and we’ll also take what doesn’t belong to us."
Hearing Dongchuan Ichiro’s words, Matsumoto and Gao Shan exchanged a glance and then burst into laughter, as if they had heard the funniest joke in the world.
"Did I hear you right? You plan to take what doesn’t belong to you too? Isn’t that banditry?"
"Winners take all!"
Dongchuan Ichiro seemed to lose patience with their squabble. He stood up, looking at the two people in front of him, hands pressed on the table, leaning slightly forward.
"I’m not negotiating with you. I’m informing you that if I don’t get a clear answer within six hours, neither of your families needs to exist."
Although Dongchuan Ichiro appeared very forceful, and his men displayed strong tactics, Matsumoto and Gao Shan’s families didn’t believe he had the power to destroy both their clans simultaneously.
Seeing Matsumoto and Gao Shan’s indifference, Dongchuan Ichiro chuckled and shook his head.
"If you don’t believe me, you can call your families now and see if they’re safe."
After saying this, Dongchuan Ichiro walked out of the room.
"I’ll give you some time to think. I’ll be dining in the restaurant downstairs, and I won’t leave for an hour and a half. Give me your answer then."
With Lin Beichen and others accompanying him, Dongchuan Ichiro went downstairs to dine. As he left, the smile suddenly reappeared on Gao Shan’s face.
"I thought this kid had improved a lot, and although he’s made noticeable progress since childhood, his temperament is still not steady."
"What do you mean by that? Do you have other plans?"
Hearing Gao Shan’s words, a hint of confusion appeared on Matsumoto’s face.
Given Matsumoto’s understanding of Gao Shan, he knew Gao Shan wouldn’t react this way without being fully prepared.
Seeing Matsumoto’s confused expression, Gao Shan felt greatly satisfied. Even though they stood united against the Dongchuan Clan, their two families were also competitors.
Most of the time, Matsumoto had the upper hand. Now that he’d managed to surprise Matsumoto, Gao Shan was naturally elated.
"I don’t know if he has stationed people around our family, but I’ve definitely planted Deadpools in the restaurant."
Gao Shan intentionally played mysterious, seeing Matsumoto’s surprise, before Matsumoto rolled his eyes.
"You didn’t also plant people around me, did you? Who knows what you’d do?"
Gao Shan was overjoyed, but his face showed a feigned displeasure.
"Matsumoto, dear brother, how could you say that? With our relationship, would I do something as low as kidnap a child?"
Seeing Gao Shan’s serious demeanor, Matsumoto firmly nodded.
"You would!"
Matsumoto intentionally acted serious and nodded.
Meanwhile, when Dongchuan Ichiro, accompanied by Lin Beichen, reached the revolving restaurant downstairs, he noticed a few unfriendly glances directed his way.
However, deep in his joy, Dongchuan Ichiro didn’t realize it. Lin Beichen had arranged for Gale and others to ensure his safety.
"I think this guy needs to experience it himself; otherwise, he’ll always rely on us."
Gale grumbled to Lin Beichen, clearly still upset about Dongchuan Ichiro’s past betrayal.
Hearing Gale’s words, Lin Beichen smiled and shook his head.
"Whatever happens in the future, we must ensure his safety now. If anything goes wrong, you all will return to the Dragon Army."
Lin Beichen’s words surprised Gale and the others.
Although his tone was not harsh, it was the first time Gale had heard Lin Beichen speak to them so seriously, especially over someone from the Divine Light Country.
In Lin Beichen’s eyes, while Dongchuan Ichiro was indeed from the Divine Light Country, controlling the Dongchuan Clan mattered for a particular plan in the future.
So no matter what, he couldn’t let Dongchuan Ichiro be put in danger.
As they spoke, a waiter brought the dishes to the table according to Dongchuan Ichiro’s orders.
"I never thought I’d have this moment."
Dongchuan Ichiro still looked excited.
"Never thought you’d have what moment?"
Though understanding his thoughts, Lin Beichen teased him.
"That I’d be able to stand up to such senior figures."
Though Dongchuan Ichiro tried to appear mature, he still showed some immaturity when dealing with figures like Matsumoto or Gao Shan.
Lin Beichen noticed but never mentioned it. To him, the more reliant Dongchuan Ichiro was, the better for his future plans.
Although circumstances didn’t permit Lin Beichen to act out, he still had plans for revenge.
"I suggest you be cautious; don’t think no one else can handle you besides me."
Lin Beichen exaggeratedly covered his face, hearing which Dongchuan Ichiro laughed.
"Of course, I know many can handle me, but none of them can control you."
At that moment, Dongchuan Ichiro looked less like a leader and more like a younger brother sassing his older brother.
As they chatted, another waiter approached with a tray of drinks. Unlike the first, this waiter had a sharp gaze, constantly scanning the surroundings.
Lin Beichen noted the waiter’s actions but said nothing. Gale and his team moved through the crowd.
Following Lin Beichen’s orders, they were only to identify the assassins, not eliminate them immediately. Without a real threat, they couldn’t pressure Dongchuan Ichiro further.
"Sir, here’s your wine."
As the waiter placed the bottle on the table and prepared to hand over the glasses, he suddenly smashed one and lunged at Dongchuan Ichiro’s throat.
It all happened in a flash. Although Dongchuan Ichiro saw it, his body couldn’t react in time.