Chapter 183: Power in Silence ( 183 )

Words : 1194 Updated : Oct 1st, 2025

Chapter 183: Power in Silence ( 183 ) Meanwhile, downstairs... Haruki pulled up to the entrance of the grand five-star hotel—on his scooter. He stopped smoothly at the edge of the polished valet lane, drawing more than a few passing glances from the suited staff and drivers. This wasn’t the kind of arrival the hotel usually saw on a night like this. One of the uniformed staff stepped forward quickly, bowing politely despite the clear hesitation in his eyes. "Sir, I’m afraid scooters aren’t allowed to park here. You may use the motorcycle parking area just around the corner." Haruki nodded with his usual calm, unbothered. "Ah. Got it. Thank you." The staff blinked at his quiet politeness—surprised. Haruki gave a small smile, then rolled the scooter away, circling toward the designated motorcycle lot. He didn’t mind. He wasn’t here to make a show. Tucked in his jacket pocket was the only thing that mattered tonight— A direct invitation to the Fujiwara Exclusive Gala. Personal. Official. And in a few minutes, he’d be walking through those same polished doors. Haruki walked calmly toward the hotel entrance, adjusting the collar of his jacket and brushing a hand through his slightly wind-blown hair. The lobby shimmered with warm light and polished marble, the air filled with soft music and expensive perfume. He approached the reception counter, where two staff members stood with perfect posture. "Hello," Haruki said politely. "Could you show me the way to the top floor?" The receptionist blinked, offering a professional smile. "I’m sorry, sir. May I ask the purpose of your visit?" Haruki smiled gently. "Ah... I was invited to the dinner event being held tonight." There was a slight pause. Just a flicker of doubt. "May I see your invitation card, sir?" "Of course." Haruki reached into his inner pocket, producing a simple black envelope with a silver seal. He handed it over. The receptionist opened it carefully. The moment she saw the insignia inside, her posture straightened instantly. "I see," she said quickly. "Please forgive me for the delay." She bowed slightly and gestured to a nearby concierge. "Kindly escort this guest to the exclusive elevator." The concierge bowed as well. "This way, sir." Haruki nodded once, calm as always, and followed. Not one person in the lobby had expected it. Not the scooter. Not the quiet entrance. Not him. But now... The elevator doors opened. And Haruki stepped in. The elevator rose in smooth, silent ascent—each floor a blur of soft light behind the glass panel. Haruki stood quietly, hands in his pockets, his reflection calm and unreadable in the polished metal walls. Finally, with a soft chime, the lift slowed. The elevator boy turned to him with a professional smile, bowing slightly. "We’ve arrived, sir." Haruki gave a polite nod and stepped forward, slipping a small folded tip into the boy’s hand. The young man blinked, surprised. "Ah! Thank you very much, sir!" Haruki offered just a faint smile in return and stepped out into the golden-lit hallway. The carpet was velvet underfoot. The air carried the scent of imported wine and high society. And just beyond the tall glass doors. The Fujiwara Gala waited. As the ballroom doors opened, a new presence stepped into the golden light. Haruki. Dressed simply. Calm posture. No flash. No announcement. Every head turned. Who was he? Whispers stirred quietly between wine glasses. A few furrowed brows. A few glances toward the reception staff. Kazuma saw him. From across the room, the man representing the Takahashi Group smiled. And lifted a hand to wave. Several executives around Kazuma turned, surprised. He never waved. Not like that. Not even to Fujiwara. Haruki noticed the gesture and gave a small smile of his own, lifting a hand in return. Without hesitation, he made his way straight through the crowd. Eyes followed him. Curious. Cautious. Who the hell is he, to get Kazuma’s attention like that? "Haruki-kun!!" Haruki smiled as Kazuma stepped forward, closing the distance with easy familiarity. "Kazuma-kun! What are you doing here?" Haruki asked, laughing softly as the two clasped hands. "Same question to you!" Kazuma grinned, resting a hand on Haruki’s shoulder like they hadn’t just walked into a room full of sharks in suits. "Well... I’m here as a representative," Haruki said, voice low but relaxed. "Oh? For who?" "Yamashita Corporation." Kazuma’s eyes lit up, voice rising a bit. "For real?!" Haruki nodded casually. "Yeah." There was a moment of stunned silence from those near enough to hear. Yamashita Corporation? Takahashi Group and Yamashita... both represented tonight? Kazuma chuckled. "Well, I guess I forgot to tell you something too." Haruki raised an eyebrow. "Oh?" Kazuma leaned in slightly, keeping his tone light. "I work for Takahashi Group and was sent here tonight as their representative." Haruki blinked. Then gave a low laugh. "Wait. Seriously?" Kazuma smirked. "You’re not the only one keeping secrets, huh?" They both laughed, two men who had far more power than their appearances gave away—standing calmly at the center of a room that now buzzed with silent tension. The moment Kazuma and Haruki laughed together—comfortable, natural—the atmosphere in the ballroom changed. Immediately, several nearby guests began drifting closer. Slowly at first. Then with quiet urgency. Executives from mid-tier firms. Directors from tech startups. Advisors, consultants, and seasoned players from smaller trading groups. They surrounded the two men casually—but with purpose. "Ah, Kazuma-san—thank you again for the introduction last spring." "Haruki-san, a pleasure to meet you. May I...?" Business cards appeared. Elegant, minimalistic, printed on fine stock. Haruki accepted them calmly, returning each one with a gentle bow. Kazuma offered nods and brief phrases. He didn’t need to speak much. His name—and the name behind him—did most of the work. Some guests shook hands. Others simply bowed and offered their cards with both hands, heads slightly lowered. These two men... Yamashita and Takahashi Group. Standing together, relaxed, speaking casually? Everyone saw it now. This wasn’t a coincidence. This was the center of power in the room. As the quiet murmur of corporate greetings continued around him, Haruki’s phone buzzed in his hand. He glanced at the screen. Yamashita. He raised the phone slightly, gave a small nod toward Kazuma. "I need to take this." Kazuma simply gestured with his glass, understanding. Haruki turned slightly, stepping away from the cluster of executives just enough for privacy. He slid his thumb across the screen and lifted the phone to his ear. "Hello, Mister Yamashita?" His voice was low, even. Polite—but not stiff. "Yes. I’m here right now." A pause. He smiled faintly. "Oh—I’m with the Takahashi Group representative at the moment, actually." Another short pause. "Yes, sir. I’ll try to have fun here," Haruki added with a quiet laugh. "Hmm? Ah, yes... about the project. I’ll check on it later." He glanced briefly toward the glass walls, watching the city lights shimmer below. "Alright... Yes. Understood." Another moment. Then, gently: "Have a good evening, Mister Yamashita." He ended the call and lowered the phone. The few guests who had overheard his tone. Not only was he attending as a representative... He was speaking directly to Yamashita himself. ( End Of Chapter )

Chapter 183: Power in Silence ( 183 )

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