"Iwasaki-kun, I plan to use ten times leverage on this ten million dollars. Mitsubishi Bank should have such a service, right?"
The principal was only ten million dollars, but with tenfold leverage, Lin Baicheng wasn't afraid of a margin call. His company could easily top up collateral at any time. As long as he held on, no matter how gold prices fluctuated or dropped, he believed there was no way to lose.
"The bank does have such a business," Iwasaki Mineyoshi nodded, replying, "With my connections, getting ten times leverage won't be an issue, and the interest won't be high. But, Lin-kun, you must promise me — you can only use ten million dollars. No increasing the amount further."
That Lin Baicheng dared to use tenfold leverage truly shocked Iwasaki. A mere ten percent drop in gold prices would wipe out the entire ten million dollar principal.
Still, since he had already agreed to Lin investing ten million, he wouldn't oppose it just because of the leverage. If Lin was only using that much, then at worst, he'd lose ten million — not the end of the world.
"No problem," Lin replied with a smile. "But I plan to prepare thirty million dollars as backup margin. As long as the price drop doesn't exceed thirty percent, we won't lose money."
He wasn't saying he'd immediately put in thirty million — just that he'd be ready to replenish the margin up to that amount if needed. It was better to make that clear now, so if gold prices dipped over ten percent, Iwasaki couldn't back out of topping up funds.
"Alright."
Iwasaki hesitated for a moment, then nodded. He thought to himself — if the thirty million margin were all lost, then their real estate venture would be called off. He'd pull his investments early and recover the remaining thirty-five million; that wouldn't be too bad.
Fifteen million was still a loss, but one he could afford — a payment for his own judgment.
Seeing Iwasaki's acceptance pleased Lin Baicheng. It showed that Iwasaki could afford the loss, and as long as Lin didn't drag the company down too far, their partnership would remain solid.
The two then shifted the topic to lighter matters, chatting over drinks and food.
An hour later, they parted ways.
"Seiko, do you know any reputable massage therapists? Someone skilled — and of course, legitimate."
Lin had been exhausted these past few days and wanted a proper massage to relax. He wasn't looking for any "special services," just genuine relief for his body.
Mouri Seiko thought for a moment. "Chairman, if you don't mind, I've learned a bit of massage myself. I could give you one."
"You don't have to. I can just find a professional," Lin replied, not wanting to pressure his assistant into something inappropriate.
"It would be my honor," she said sincerely.
Building a closer personal rapport with one's superior — that, too, was an art in the corporate world. And Seiko wasn't about to waste this opportunity.
"In that case, I'll trouble you," Lin said, not insisting further.
They went out to buy some massage oils and other supplies before returning to Lin's hotel suite.
"Chairman, please remove your clothes and lie face down on the bed," Seiko said politely.
"Alright," Lin replied, doing as she said — though, of course, keeping his underwear on.
Seiko didn't blush or hesitate. She had already anticipated this when she offered. Climbing onto the bed, she placed the oils beside her, then positioned herself over Lin, sitting astride his back.
The contact of skin against skin made Lin instinctively tense.
Alone together in the quiet room, Lin couldn't help but feel his imagination stir — after all, Seiko was a strikingly beautiful woman.
But he quickly restrained himself. She was his assistant, not a masseuse-for-hire, and he didn't want to embarrass either of them.
"Chairman, is this pressure alright?" she whispered near his ear as her hands began their work.
"Mmm, yes… that's fine. You can continue as you see fit," Lin murmured, his thoughts wandering. He was only human — and in this situation, that was inevitable.
A few minutes later, he couldn't help but groan, "Ah… that's good."
Realizing how that sounded, he cleared his throat awkwardly and forced himself silent. Too embarrassing.
"Seiko, you're really good at this. Who taught you? How long have you been practicing?" he asked, trying to distract himself.
"My mother taught me," she replied softly. "I've been learning since I was young."
"Ah, so it's a family skill," Lin chuckled, continuing small talk.
As time passed, the conversation faded, replaced by the rhythm of her hands.
Before long, the exhaustion of the past few days caught up with him. His earlier restlessness melted into deep relaxation, and without realizing it, Lin drifted off to sleep.
Seeing him asleep, Seiko quietly stopped. She slipped off the bed, put away the oils, and gently turned Lin onto his back.
The next morning.
"Ah… that feels great!"
Lin stretched, feeling fully rejuvenated.
"Didn't realize I'd slept through the whole night," he muttered with a grin. "Next time I'm this tired, I'll have Seiko do it again."
He hadn't expected to fall asleep mid-massage and wake up the next morning.
As his assistant, Mouri Seiko had already arrived, sitting quietly on the sofa outside without disturbing him.
"Good morning, Seiko."
"Good morning, Chairman," she greeted, standing up respectfully.
"Thank you for last night," Lin said as he headed for the bathroom.
After washing up, he stepped out refreshed.
The collaboration with Iwasaki still needed to wait for the company registration to be finalized, and he could leave that to Seiko. For now, he had little else to do in Japan — it was time to return to Hong Kong, where the acquisition business needed his personal oversight.