Chapter 2053

Jasmine's vehicle sped out of downtown Tokyo, heading toward the mountains in the western suburbs. Although Japan is mountainous, Tokyo itself lies on the Kanto Plain. The city is largely flat, with few mountains for dozens of kilometers west, until reaching West Domo County. The mountainous areas beyond are characterized by winding, but well-maintained, roads. As the commercial vehicle climbed these roads, its altitude gradually increased.

From above, only Jasmine's car, its lights on, was visible as it wound through the mountains. Jasmine felt happy. While the Moore family had relinquished its controlling stake in the final cooperation proposal with New Nippon Steel, it hadn't fallen into New Nippon Steel's hands—a compromise she considered acceptable.

Since inheriting the headship, Jasmine had worked hard, though hadn't yet achieved spectacular results. This cooperation with Nippon Steel was therefore immensely important to her. She hoped to use it to prove her ability to improve the Moore family's fortunes.

By now, the car had nearly reached the top of Pan Mountain Road. Occasionally, when the car was on the mountain's eastern side, the night view of Tokyo spread out below.

Clarice, beside Jasmine, excitedly pulled out her phone, sighing as she photographed the view. "The Tokyo night view from the mountains is incredible" she murmured, then added with regret, "Oh, my phone doesn't take good night pictures. It can't capture the mood at all!"

Jasmine smiled. "Night photography requires longer exposure times due to low light," she explained. "For a night scene like this, you need a wide-angle lens, an SLR camera, a tripod, and a long exposure setting."

Clarice was surprised. "Lady Moore, you know photography?"

Jasmine smiled. "College students join all sorts of clubs. I'm not much of a singer or dancer, so I chose photography."

Clarice smiled. "I'll have to learn from you sometime!"

Jasmine nodded. "If the contract is signed, let's relax in Tokyo for a few days. I'll buy an SLR and tripod, and we'll come back here to shoot the night scenes."

"Great!" Clarice exclaimed. "That will give me a chance to explore Tokyo!"

As she spoke, the vehicle entered a U-shaped bend on Pan Mountain Highway. The driver slowed down, and after smoothly navigating the turn, a low roar suddenly came from ahead. The driver instinctively switched on the high beams, only to see a fully loaded heavy truck barreling downhill toward them in the middle of the road.

The truck was enormous, traveling incredibly fast. On such a narrow mountain road, a collision would have unthinkable consequences. The commercial vehicle's driver frantically flashed his lights and sounded the horn, but the truck didn't react. Worse, the road was only two lanes wide, and the truck occupied the center, leaving no room to maneuver.

Several questions instantly flashed through Jasmine's mind: "What's wrong with that truck? Why isn't it slowing down?!"

Before she could process it, the truck slammed head-on into the commercial vehicle. Loaded with debris and descending a steep incline, the truck possessed immense tonnage and inertia. The commercial vehicle Jasmine was in crumpled like paper mache.