Chapter 47 – Screwing Over Dad

After receiving Ritsuko's approval, Jingū Akira let out a breath of relief.

He wasn't a superman, nor some kind of genius. Before reincarnating, he had simply been a mid-level corporate employee. Managing a small team was within his ability, but going straight into corporate acquisitions—something he had zero experience with—was asking too much.

That was exactly why he had decided to start studying. Akira planned to read more books on business and economics, and more importantly, take advantage of his current status to learn through real-world experience.

He had already made up his mind: whenever Yokoyama Ritsuko was handling business, he would do everything he could to observe her process and understand the workflow, so he could absorb as much as possible.

"Then, shall we talk about shares?"

Having made up his mind, Akira decided to settle everything today.

"No need to give me too much…"

Ritsuko waved her hand casually.

"…Five to ten percent will do."

"That little?"

Akira asked in surprise.

"Don't take me for some woman who's never seen the world, young master... If this company turns profitable, do you think it'll be because of my skills or a bit of spare cash? If I really had that kind of talent, I'd have started my own company ages ago—why bother working for someone else?

"If the company makes money, it'll be because your books are good. It has nothing to do with me.

"If I asked for too much now, you'd just dilute my shares later on because I couldn't keep up. Instead of making everyone feel bitter over a few bucks, I'd rather just make things clear from the start."

She downed her beer in one go. At just twenty-five years old, Ritsuko had the clarity to restrain herself from greed. She spoke with ease, holding nothing back—and that honestly left Akira stunned.

"Don't look at me like that. I did graduate from Tōdai, after all. I've been working for the Jingū Group ever since. I've seen plenty of these kinds of things…"

She added with a hint of amusement:

"…Maybe right now you're still idealistic, young master, but in the end, you'll become just like your father—someone who prioritizes profit above all else. As a lawyer, I have no interest in getting into a power struggle with the likes of you conglomerate elites."

"Lawyers, you see, aren't some champions of justice—we're people who take money to keep others out of trouble. We're just here to create the illusion for the poor that the law works for everyone. But you people… you're our real clients."

"Can you not be so brutally realistic, Miss Ritsuko…? I'm only seventeen. Is this really the kind of talk I should be hearing?"

"Life forces your hand."

She placed the empty beer can on the table. A faint flush spread across her cheeks—not quite drunk, but enough to amplify her charm.

"All right, I get it. Once I'm back, I'll help you find a suitable company as quickly as possible. Your request is a bit tricky, you know... Anyway, it's getting late. I've got work to get back to. I took leave today using the excuse of giving you mental health counseling!"

She swayed slightly as she stood up, slinging her bag over her shoulder.

"Not staying for dinner?"

"Better not. Feels like I'd be giving you physical therapy instead."

Ritsuko mumbled with her usual bluntness.

"How did you get here? Want me to take you back?"

"Took a cab. I'll just do the same on the way back. Your family's covering the expenses anyway."

She staggered slightly, nearly tripping. Akira rushed forward to steady her, his hand accidentally brushing against the curve of her chest—and the instant softness made his heart skip a beat.

"Didn't expect you to be such a lightweight, Miss Ritsuko. If that's the case, why force yourself?"

Akira frowned. He had assumed a woman like her—capable and professional—would have high tolerance. How else did she handle business meetings?

"Hahaha… True enough… But sorry, young master, I just can't get over the psychological hurdle. Otherwise, I really might've wanted to try things with you."

She raised an eyebrow, her alcohol-laced eyes brimming with seduction. The heady mix of perfume and beer filled the air around her, and the mature hormones she gave off made Akira's pulse race.

"Don't tease me like that."

Akira chuckled bitterly. Even drunk, she wouldn't stop seducing him—this woman was dangerous.

If he hadn't sensed her internal resistance, he probably would've gone for it right then and there!

Supporting this enchantress who radiated temptation from every pore, Akira guided her to the door and suddenly asked:

"But Miss Ritsuko, why were you so quick to agree? I don't think you believe I'll succeed based on confidence alone."

"It's simple... I'm the one lending you the money, and all I'm doing is helping out here and there. If we make money, we split the profits. If we lose it all, I'll just go after your dad. He'd never try to stiff me over such a small amount."

"I see. So, no matter how you look at it, I don't lose, you don't lose… the one who gets screwed is my father."

Akira nodded in understanding. Just as he thought—this woman was someone who never took a loss either.

"Exactly. That's why, young master, you really are the type to screw over your own dad."

"Well, too bad… We're going to succeed."

Akira shrugged. He never imagined that one day, he'd end up pulling a fast one on his old man.

"Forget it. I'll drive you home. There's no way you're making it to work like this."

"Hehe, how thoughtful~ No wonder little Kanade's such a lucky girl."

Ritsuko licked her lips, exhaling a breath of alcohol into Akira's face. The two playfully bumped into each other, and amidst the occasional flirting, Akira managed to stuff her into his Ferrari FXX.

He started the car, confirmed her address, and drove off.

"Eh? We're interviewing Jingū-sensei? And I get to be part of it too?"

Inside a magazine's editorial office, a young man in his early twenties cried out in surprise.