The Amazing Son-in-Law

Chapter 1671

Ito Yuhiko sat in his car, cursing. Hiroshi Tanaka, nervously and aggrieved, covered his face. "Mr. Ito," he said, "Mr. Wade is extremely powerful and unpredictable. Yamamoto Kazuki merely uttered the phrase 'sick man of East Asia,' and was severely beaten. If you truly intend to harm him, the consequences are unimaginable. Please, even if you're angry with me, I implore you—don't antagonize this man."

Ito Yuhiko's expression was grim. He knew Koichi Tanaka; the man was fiercely loyal. Koichi Tanaka's warning, therefore, was sincere. Ito Yuhiko wondered, "Could this young man truly be so powerful? Powerful enough that even the patriarch of the Ito family cannot afford to offend him?"

He frowned and asked Koichi Tanaka, "What should I do? Can I not simply forfeit the $4.5 billion?"

"Impossible," Tanaka replied. "Chairman, the $4.5 billion, remitted through Ito Corporation's public account, is clearly documented. Kobayashi Pharmaceutical didn't provide the corresponding shares. We can sue them and win."

Ito Yuhiko's expression darkened. "Sue him? Have me, Ito Yuhiko, go to court and complain that this young man hasn't paid me?!!"

"It's the safest option, with the highest success rate," Tanaka insisted.

"Impossible!" Ito snapped. "If the world knew a Chinese man stole $4.5 billion from me, and I couldn't recover it legally where would my face be? Where would the Ito family's face be? This would set a precedent; everyone would walk all over me!"

Many Japanese families and consortiums are involved in the underground world, even cultivating their own forces, as it's legal under the Japanese government.

Chapter 1672

The Ito family is not only Japan's top family, but also a leading power in the Japanese underworld. Three organizations dominate; the Yakuza is first, followed by the Ito family. Survival in this world depends on strength; the weak are consumed by the strong. It's not inherent cruelty, but the law of survival that forces this ruthlessness. If you retaliate forcefully, you'll be left alone; if you swallow your pride, you become a target. Furthermore, external forces—the police or courts—are taboo; using them invites the underworld's scorn.

Ito Yuhiko couldn't legally recover the $4.5 billion. He needed Charlie Wade to return the money willingly. He gritted his teeth. "Two options: Wade returns the money quietly; or, he dies."

Tanaka said anxiously, "Mr. Wade may refuse your request."

Ito coldly snorted, "Then choose the second option."

Although Tanaka didn't know Wade's true strength, he sensed something extraordinary about him—not just strength, but influence. Otherwise, Ichiro Kobayashi wouldn't have handed over Kobayashi Pharmaceutical's shares. He wanted to avoid conflict.

"Mr. Ito," Tanaka said, changing the subject, "don't worry about the $4.5 billion. It will return, eventually. Don't forget—the Banks family from Eastcliff, China, are arriving soon!"

Ito frowned. "Have they set a date?"

"No," Tanaka replied. "They'll arrive anytime; they're using a private jet." He continued, "The Banks family, and the Takahashi family, are both watching. The Banks family may choose a partner among the Takahashi. You mustn't do anything rash!"

Ito nodded. "I'll hold off on Wade. Keep an eye on him. If he doesn't leave Japan, I'll wait. Securing the Banks family cooperation is priority!"

Chapter 1673

Thinking of the Banks family's cooperation, Ito sighed. "Koichi, for the past ten years, Japan's economic growth has slowed, weakening top families, including ours. Our successors are weak"

Tanaka asked, "Mr. Ito, Japan led the world after the war. Why the slowdown?"

Ito explained, "Several reasons: scarce resources and land; a lack of innovation in internet and high-tech fields" He continued, "Many Japanese companies that once dominated have declined. Sony, Panasonic, Hitachi, Toshiba Sony's TVs were once the best, Sony Ericsson phones world-renowned, Panasonic and Hitachi's appliances, Toshiba's semiconductors—all top-tier. Now? Declining."

"China produces most of the world's affordable TVs; Apple and Chinese companies like Huawei dominate mobile phones. Japanese phones? Even Samsung is ahead. They're decadent!"

Tanaka agreed. "We've lost our advantages, especially in electronics"

Ito sighed, "More than electronics. Japan's steel industry was once top-tier, but Kobe Steel's fraud scandal devastated it. Our Shinkansen technology was world-leading, but China's high-speed rail surpassed us, relegating Japan, Germany, and France to second-tier."

Tanaka sighed, "The Ito family holds shares in these companies. Their decline shrinks our assets. This is serious"

Ito lamented, "Worse, our young people lack creativity. Look at China—Tencent, Alibaba, Toutiao, JD.com, Pinduoduo, DJI drones Japan hasn't produced a comparable internet company in years! If this continues, we'll lose everything!"

Tanaka nodded. "Chinese top families are growing wealthier and more influential, directly challenging Europe and the United States. They disregard Japanese companies."

Ito said, "They used to chase us. Now they've surpassed us and are challenging the U.S., while we lag behind. To make progress, we need to cultivate relationships with Chinese families. The Banks family cooperation is crucial."

Tanaka eagerly nodded, "Mr. Ito, I'll do my best!"

Japan's economy has been sluggish in recent years.

Chapter 1674

The Ito family, and the Takahashi family, are weakening and seeking breakthroughs through partnerships with top Chinese families. The Banks family's influence is growing rapidly with China's economy. After consolidating its position in China, the Banks family is expanding overseas. Many Japanese families seek cooperation.

China's import-export trade has boomed, increasing shipping demand and port development. China owns seven of the world's top ten ports by throughput. Global trade relies heavily on shipping; oil, ore, and goods are transported by sea. East Asia and Southeast Asia's oil comes from the Middle East; iron ore from Australia and Brazil.

The Banks family, with years of experience in port businesses, is building Asia's largest shipping company and fleet, complementing their domestic ports. They're seeking cooperation with Japanese and South Korean consortiums, offering them shares.

Japan and South Korea are developed countries with high shipping demands and major ports (Busan, Tokyo, Yokohama). Controlling these ports would give the Banks family control over East Asia's trade lifelines, creating immense profit.

Japanese and South Korean consortiums are eager to partner with the Banks family, especially the Ito and Takahashi families.

Chapter 1675

Charlie Wade dramatically dismissed almost half of Kobayashi Pharmaceutical's staff. They had planned a strike, but Wade fired them all. This shocked the Japanese business community.

First, no one expected Kobayashi Pharmaceutical's change of ownership to a Chinese company. Second, no one expected the mass layoffs. In Japan, this is unprecedented outside of bankruptcies. Kobayashi Pharmaceutical employs nearly 10,000 people; firing half is a huge shock. It affected R&D, sales, and marketing, not just production.

Wade didn't need Kobayashi's brand or patents; he needed the production line for Nova Dias. The remaining employees are production staff.

Wade appointed Liam as general manager and Ichiro Kobayashi as deputy. He warned the remaining employees: "Work honestly, follow my instructions, and your jobs and income are secure. Disobey, and you're fired!"

The remaining employees, initially angry and united, were now individually vulnerable after Wade's action. The layoffs created economic crises for thousands of families, leaving the remaining staff compliant and eager to keep their jobs. They quickly submitted to Wade's authority.