Suzuki Financial

At Suzuki Financial Company, a subsidiary of the Suzuki Group, Shiko held the position of CEO. Despite being 25 years old, he was considered young by the employees. His position owed much to his status as the son of Suzuki Group Chairman, Shiro Suzuki.

Shiko was reclining in his comfortable chair, enjoying a massage administered by an attractive female secretary.

*Knock* *Knock*

Shiko allowed his forehead to be massaged as he inquired, "Who's there?"

From behind the door, Seki chuckled and replied, "Seki!"

Shiko gave a faint smile and responded, "Seki who?"

"I'm here to discuss a 'seki-rit' business!" Seki announced in Japanese, which added a humorous touch due to his accent.

The female secretary, Ino Sakamura, chuckled in response.

Shiko noticed but didn't mind, joining in the chuckling. "Alright, you can come in," he told Seki.

Seki entered the office without hesitation and saw his elder brother receiving a special massage from his secretary.

"Damn. I'm jealous! You get this special treatment while I have to deal with a male secretary!" Seki lamented as he glanced at Ino's curvy figure.

Shiko chuckled and teased, "Then you should fire him and find a female secretary."

Seki shook his head, saying, "You know Father would never agree."

Shiko chuckled again. He understood that Seki couldn't do whatever he pleased until he achieved something within the family's company.

Seki added, "Our cousin is living a life in America; I really envy him."

Shiko looked at him and commented, "Our cousin? I heard he's just studying at a prestigious university there."

"If he returns with all that knowledge, be sure to keep an eye on him," Shiko reminded.

"I know. Uncle has had his eye on the Suzuki Group for a long time. It's not just us; Father should also be watching his back," Seki agreed.

Shiko remained calmly in his soft chair, still being massaged, and asked Seki, "So, what brings you here, anyway?"

Seki smiled and said, "Didn't I tell you already? I'm here to discuss a secret business with you."

Shiko's expression turned serious. "Enough with the jokes, Seki."

Seki maintained his smile and responded, "I'm not joking. I'm really here to discuss a business opportunity for your financial company."

Shiko, intrigued, touched his chin thoughtfully and asked, "Oh? What is it?"

Seki merely glanced at Shiko's secretary in response.

Shiko observed this and understood the meaning behind Seki's look. He asked, "Why is it so secretive that you want me to dismiss my secretary? Don't you trust her, Seki?" Shiko inquired, turning his attention to Seki.

Ino, the secretary, glanced at Seki in response.

Seki felt slightly awkward and explained, "It's crucial for the business I'm about to discuss."

Shiko contemplated this for a moment before instructing his secretary, "Ino, please leave us alone for now."

In response, Ino nodded and took the towel and facial care products with her as she exited the room.

Once she was gone, Shiko turned his attention back to his brother, Seki.

"So, what's the matter you wanted to discuss?" Shiko asked as he settled further into his comfortable chair.

Seki nodded and retrieved some papers from his suitcase, handing them to Shiko.

Shiko perused the documents, and upon finishing, he became intrigued. "KiShin Electronics? I wasn't aware of such a rapidly growing company in Tokyo," Shiko remarked, a bit surprised.

Seki nodded, also surprised. "You're running a financial company; how could you not be aware? Monitoring the small business market is essential for identifying investment opportunities."

Shiko shook his head. "KiShin isn't the only growing company in Tokyo, and our brokerage doesn't consider arcades in our investment portfolio."

Seki nodded, conceding, "This company has generated quite a buzz around Tokyo and even in other cities in Japan."

Shiko mused, "It's indeed surprising for an arcade-focused company to thrive in this era."

Seki then asked, "What do you think? Can we invest in it?"

Shiko considered it carefully before responding, "The board of directors may not agree. You know that, despite being the CEO, I don't have sole decision-making power in this company. Plus, investing in such a company isn't in our current portfolio or plans."

Seki nodded and suggested, "We could pool our own money and invest in it."

Shiko shook his head, explaining, "You're aware of how strongly Father opposes the arcade industry, right? If he finds out we invested in such a company, it could bring us a great deal of trouble."

Seki recalled their younger brother, Shinro. "Even though he's become independent, he still causes us problems. Just his name alone is enough to infuriate Father."

Shiko nodded in agreement.

Seki then added, chuckling, "That's why I asked for your secretary to leave. So, we can discuss this privately."

Shiko grasped the implication in Seki's words. "You want to invest secretly?" Shiko inquired.

Seki nodded with a smile.

After contemplating for a moment, Shiko made a decision. "Alright, I'll risk 200 million yen for this. How much will you invest?"

Seki smiled and agreed, "Good decision. If this small company becomes profitable, it could bring us substantial returns. I'll invest 100 million."

Shiko nodded and smiled, saying, "In investing, you should be prepared to accept losses and withdraw when necessary. Invest only what you can afford to lose, but also anticipate the rise of stocks that can yield profits. That's the approach."

Seki agreed with a smile.

"Speaking of which, KiShin Electronics focuses on arcades. It really reminds us of that wastrel," Seki remarked, chuckling.

"I wonder how our troublemaker brother is doing now," Shiko pondered aloud.

Seki shook his head and said, "I wonder what his reaction would be if he found out we planned to invest in and support an arcade company, apart from him."

Shiko chuckled and replied, "He'd probably feel frustrated and curse us, saying, 'You're supporting others but not your poor younger brother!' Hahaha."

Seki laughed along and said, "Hehe, that's enough. Your jokes are almost as bad as my secretary's."

Shiko suddenly stopped laughing and lost his smile. Seki didn't notice at first, but then he saw Shiko's expression.

"Do you really think I act like your secretary? Your 'secretary'?" Shiko exclaimed angrily.

Seki felt flustered and quickly apologized, "I'm truly sorry, Elder Brother!" However, his apology was cut short when he saw Shiko chuckling.

"Hahahaha!" Shiko burst into laughter as he observed Seki's bewildered expression.

Seki pouted, gritting his teeth, and muttered, "Damn it."

Shiko couldn't contain his laughter, slapping his legs in amusement.

Seki, in embarrassment, hurriedly exited the office.