The Amazing Son-in-Law: Chapters 1656-1660 (Cleaned-Up Passage)
Table of Contents
The Amazing Son-in-Law, Chapter 1656
Kobayashi Pharmaceutical's flagship product, Niranex, accounts for most of its revenue and profits. If Oracle's Nova Dias surpasses it, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical's viability will be severely threatened.
An associate asked Masayoshi Kobayashi, "Mr. Kobayashi, we can't simply wait for disaster! What solutions do you propose?"
Masayoshi Kobayashi replied, "We must increase investment in research and development and quickly upgrade Niranex. If we surpass Oracle in efficacy, the market will remain ours!"
The R&D head responded, "Sir, increased R&D investment requires a substantial budget. The company suffered significant losses recently. Can we afford it?"
Masayoshi Kobayashi smoothly replied, "That's what I'm addressing. Our current cash flow is poor. The Osaka production base investment, coupled with previous losses, has reduced our R&D budget to under $50 million. My plan is to raise at least $1 billion to upgrade our R&D laboratory."
The news of fundraising galvanized the room. Someone asked, "Sir, do you have a suitable funding partner?"
Masayoshi Kobayashi nodded. "Chairman Jiro Kobayashi negotiated with Yuhiko Ito of the Ito family. You're all aware of this, aren't you?"
Everyone nodded. Jiro Kobayashi sought Ito's investment, even aiming for a marriage alliance— evidenced by his sponsorship of Nanako Ito in the Sanda competition. Kobayashi Pharmaceutical expected a merger with the Ito family.
Unfortunately, Jiro Kobayashi disappeared before the marriage progressed. Everyone assumed cooperation with the Ito family was over, but Masayoshi Kobayashi intended to proceed.
Interest piqued, someone eagerly asked, "Sir, what valuation is the Ito family offering?"
Masayoshi Kobayashi cleared his throat. "Yuhiko Ito is willing to invest $4.5 billion at a $15 billion valuation, acquiring 30% of Kobayashi Pharmaceutical's shares."
"A $15 billion valuation?!" Murmurs erupted.
Jiro Kobayashi's previous negotiations suggested a minimum $20 billion valuation.
Someone questioned, "Mr. Kobayashi, why the significant reduction?"
Another added, "Yes! At least $22 billion is appropriate. $15 billion is highway robbery!"
Masayoshi Kobayashi's expression darkened. "We face internal and external crises. Jiro's disappearance and Oracle's Nova Dias in China are significant threats. If we don't secure funding now, and Nova Dias reaches Japan, our valuation will plummet— perhaps below $10 billion!"
The Amazing Son-in-Law, Chapter 1657
Masayoshi Kobayashi's assessment was accurate. Yuhiko Ito lacked full information. He believed Kobayashi Pharmaceutical was invincible, unaware of Oracle Pharmaceuticals and Nova Dias's superior efficacy in China and Aurous Hill.
The Kobayashi family's knowledge changed the board's perspective. Initially, they deemed a $15 billion valuation unacceptable. Now, with the threat of Nova Dias, $15 billion seemed quite reasonable. They unanimously supported Masayoshi Kobayashi's decision.
Overjoyed, Masayoshi Kobayashi realized that he would receive a $500 million remuneration from the deal, regardless of the future of Kobayashi Pharmaceutical. He immediately contacted Yuhiko Ito to finalize the contract.
Yuhiko Ito, thrilled at the prospect of a low-price acquisition with high potential returns, promptly dispatched his assistants and lawyers. The companies' proximity in Tokyo's Ginza district made a quick meeting possible.
Masayoshi Kobayashi excitedly informed his family: "Mr. Ito will arrive to sign the contract. $4.5 billion will be transferred immediately. This secures us against Oracle Pharmaceutical’s impact."
The executives rejoiced. $4.5 billion was a massive sum, enough to sustain Kobayashi Pharmaceutical for many years, even with annual losses. Their financial security was guaranteed.
The Amazing Son-in-Law, Chapter 1658
Yuhiko Ito, accompanied by two bodyguards and his assistant Koichi Tanaka (who had previously accompanied Nanako Ito to China), traveled to Kobayashi Pharmaceutical in a Lexus convoy.
In the car, Yuhiko Ito analyzed Kobayashi Pharmaceutical's financial reports and felt confident in his investment. He anticipated at least a threefold return on his investment.
He sighed, "I wonder what happened to Jiro Kobayashi. Such a vital person… simply vanished."
Koichi Tanaka added, "Jiro Kobayashi visited Nanako before the finals, eager to attend and present her with an award, yet he never appeared."
Ito sighed, "I intended to make him my son-in-law. His disappearance is a shame." He then voiced concerns for Nanako's health, and Tanaka pledged to secure the best American experts for her treatment. Ito dismissed further treatment for Yamamoto Kazuki, blaming him for Nanako's injuries. Tanaka attempted to defend Yamamoto, attributing it to the opponent’s coach's skill. Ito dismissed this notion, asserting the superiority of ninjutsu and onmyōdō over karate.
The Amazing Son-in-Law, Chapter 1659
Tanaka was stunned by Ito's mention of the Yakuza leader's death at the hands of a ninjutsu master. He knew better than to question Ito's claims. He understood the Ito family's secrecy regarding their use of ninjutsu masters.
The Amazing Son-in-Law, Chapter 1660
Masayoshi Kobayashi instructed his team to avoid mentioning Oracle Nova Dias to secure the Ito family's investment. He planned to conceal the information later.
Ito, unaware of this deception, was received with great respect. Masayoshi Kobayashi even yielded the chair to him.
Ito expressed optimism for Kobayashi Pharmaceutical and readiness to sign the investment agreement immediately. The contract details were reviewed, revealing no hidden clauses. Masayoshi Kobayashi signed the contract, and the $4.5 billion was quickly transferred. The remaining step was to officially transfer shares to the Ito family.
Just as Masayoshi Kobayashi celebrated with Ito, Charlie Wade entered, announcing himself as a major shareholder. Ito and Masayoshi were incredulous. Tanaka recognized Charlie, revealing his identity and connection to Yamamoto Kazuki.