Mrs. Yukinoshita's residence wasn't far.
At the foot of the mountain was a villa district.
Mrs. Yukinoshita's villa was at the top.
According to Yukinoshita Haruno, the residents in this villa district were all senior executives of Yukinoshita Construction Company.
However, Yukinoshita Construction wasn't just a construction company—it had investments in multiple industries, including dining, fashion, hotels, and even the automobile industry.
In short, it had stakes in everything related to daily life.
Mrs. Yukinoshita's investments weren't just about profit—they also helped solidify the Yukinoshita family's power.
For example, funding the construction of welfare homes, nursing homes, hospitals, schools, and providing financial aid for underprivileged children.
Haruno had only been allowed to invest in projects that Mrs. Yukinoshita personally approved.
It was evident that her mother was grooming her.
But this "training" was just to turn Haruno into another Mrs. Yukinoshita.
She had no say in her future marriage or how she would live her life.
That was why Haruno wanted her freedom.
The car entered the villa's courtyard.
Haruno and Su Yu stepped out.
A maid approached the moment she saw Haruno.
"Young Miss."
"Is Mother busy?" Haruno asked.
"Madam should be in the study," the maid responded, sneaking a glance at Su Yu.
"I see. You may go," Haruno said indifferently.
The maid bowed and left.
Haruno led Su Yu into the villa.
The living room was decorated in an extravagant style, with paintings, calligraphy, and artworks adorning the walls.
"Some of these calligraphy pieces come from the other side—they are part of Father's family collection, bought from auctions," Haruno said softly.
"Any particularly valuable ones?" Su Yu asked curiously.
"There was one, but when Father went there, he donated it to a museum," Haruno replied.
"And after that, the Yukinoshita family gained connections over there?" Su Yu quickly understood.
Haruno nodded. That calligraphy piece had allowed the Yukinoshita family to establish ties in that region.
The two of them ascended the stairs and arrived at the study's door.
Haruno knocked.
"Come in," a woman's voice called from inside.
Haruno pushed open the door.
Inside the study, a woman in a purple kimono stood at the writing desk, practicing calligraphy.
When she looked up and saw Su Yu, she froze slightly.
Clearly, she knew who he was.
Su Yu didn't speak; instead, he glanced at her writing.
Mrs. Yukinoshita, noticing his gaze, finished the last few strokes and then set down her brush.
"Su Yu-kun, what do you think of my calligraphy?"
"Your writing has form, but no spirit," Su Yu said bluntly after a few seconds.
"Oh?" Mrs. Yukinoshita wasn't angry—she was intrigued.
"Your strokes are modeled after someone else's. True calligraphy should not be imitated," Su Yu stated.
"I did reference the style of a renowned calligrapher… How did you know?" Mrs. Yukinoshita was surprised.
"There's a piece by that very calligrapher in the living room," Su Yu pointed out.
Mrs. Yukinoshita paused before remembering—there was a calligraphy piece by that master on display downstairs.
Realizing this, she smiled.
"Su Yu-kun, your observational skills are impressive."
"Thank you for the compliment," Su Yu replied, finally offering a respectful bow.
"Haruno, prepare some tea—use the finest blend I reserve for honored guests," Mrs. Yukinoshita instructed.
"Understood," Haruno shot Su Yu a look before leaving.
"Please, have a seat," Mrs. Yukinoshita gestured with a smile.
Su Yu sat down in a chair that was obviously expensive.
"I've always admired ancient culture from the other side," Mrs. Yukinoshita said as she settled into her own chair. "This study's design was inspired by it. The desk and chairs are made from rare wood, and the bookshelf contains antique books from over there."
Su Yu listened quietly, not interrupting.
After a while, Mrs. Yukinoshita turned her sharp gaze toward him.
"I've been keeping an eye on you, Su Yu-kun. To be honest, I hold you in high regard."
"Thank you for your praise," Su Yu replied—without a hint of false modesty.
"I have no objections to your relationship with Yukino. However… your connection with Haruno seems rather unusual. Care to explain?" Mrs. Yukinoshita's tone suddenly shifted.
"My relationship with Haruno? We are friends and close business partners," Su Yu replied calmly.
"Close business partners?" Mrs. Yukinoshita frowned.
"Haruno is aware of my business plans and controls a large portion of my assets. We trust each other," Su Yu met her gaze.
"And what about Yukino?"
"I will marry Yukino," Su Yu answered firmly.
"Su Yu-kun," Mrs. Yukinoshita's voice turned icy. "You claim to be Haruno's close partner, yet you intend to marry Yukino. Don't tell me… you're after the Yukinoshita family's business?"
"I have zero interest in your family's business. What I care about are the two of them," Su Yu shook his head.
Mrs. Yukinoshita's expression darkened immediately.
Zero interest in the Yukinoshita family's wealth?
Only cares about her daughters?
That was possibly the most ridiculous thing she had ever heard.
"Mrs. Yukinoshita, please don't get angry yet," Su Yu spoke before she could lash out. "The reason I can talk to you like this… is because I know your secret—and I have evidence."
"What did you say?" Mrs. Yukinoshita shot to her feet, her face filled with disbelief.
"Roughly 6 PM, in a lavishly decorated hotel suite. You were wearing a purple kimono. The woman with you was likely your secretary, dressed in gray professional attire with glasses. You ordered her to—"
"Enough!" Mrs. Yukinoshita clenched her fists.
"Don't ask me what I want. All I ask is that you relinquish control of Yukinoshita Construction and hand over all its associated businesses to Haruno. That's all." Su Yu stood up.
"100 billion yen," Mrs. Yukinoshita stretched out her hand. "Give me the evidence, and I'll forget this ever happened."
Su Yu shook his head.
"200 billion."
Su Yu still shook his head.
"300 billion! Don't push your luck," Mrs. Yukinoshita's gaze turned icy.
"I'm already 500 billion yen in debt," Su Yu said indifferently. "A certain young lady lent me 500 billion yen. Tell me, Mrs. Yukinoshita—who do you think has that kind of financial power?"
"You… you know her?" Mrs. Yukinoshita's cold expression vanished instantly.
Notes-You can read advanced chapters in patreon.com/Shadow_D_X, i have finished translating the whole story