Of course, Mitsui Bank kindly told Toyota that this was only one bank in Japan, and that other foreign banks would also provide funds to Xing Baohua.

This is not a scare tactic; it's the truth.

So, Eiji Toyoda only had two options left.

They can either pay to refuse Xing Baohua entry, or let Xing Baohua in and see if he can lead Toyota out.

This is just a good idea; we should also consider the worst-case scenario.

If Xing Baohua joins the board of directors and seizes control of Toyota, he could dismantle the car factory that the Toyota family has painstakingly built over fifty years to maximize his profits.

The Toyota brand has thus become a thing of the past.

Speculators won't put in the hard work of building a brand.

Even if Xing Baohua gains control of Toyota, he cannot move Toyota away because many technologies and equipment will be resisted by the alliance.

He could only package and break up the Toyota vehicles and sell them to make a profit.

The local shareholders are somewhat willing to stick together out of respect for the Toyota family, but if Xing Baohua were to go, they would complain about the foreign shareholders.

Yes, these foreign shareholders don't care how Toyota survives. As long as their interests aren't harmed, that's all that matters, and Xing Baohua happens to meet their requirements.

After another busy day of handover work, with so many financial accounts to check, Zhao Shanhai was getting a little numb.

But it's not enough to be ignorant; you must have a clear understanding of it.

Unexpectedly, Mitsui Tousaburo continued to invite him for drinks that night.

Zhao Shanhai ate dinner early before going there, but the place wasn't in the bustling city center; instead, it was a very elegant courtyard, all made of wood.

A beige lantern with unfamiliar black characters hung at the main entrance.

According to our customs, if someone hangs a white lantern at their front door, it means there has been a funeral.

A member of this household has passed away.

If an elder passes away, the dutiful sons and grandsons should wear mourning clothes and kneel before the guests at the main gate.

Seeing white lanterns so late at night.

Zhao Shanhai hesitated whether to go in. He had come out in a good mood to have a pleasant drink, but instead, he found himself at a banquet? This wasn't going to be a pleasant experience at all!

When Mitsui Tousaburo saw Zhao Shanhai hesitating at the door looking at the white lantern, he understood what Zhao meant and explained that it was similar to the big red lanterns in the inland areas.

It is a mascot.

So, while inviting Zhao Shanhai into the quaint courtyard, they explained Japan's fondness for white, believing it to be a festive color.

Many people wear white suits to their weddings.

Zhao Shanhai couldn't say much about it, but he was thinking to himself: Wow! What a bizarre nation! White lanterns, white wedding attire, this must be a ghost marriage! Is this where the nickname "little devils" comes from?

While it's true that white wedding dresses or gowns are sometimes used for celebratory weddings in some foreign countries, the customs and traditions are indeed different. However, the style here in Japan is more like that of China!

Let's not even talk about the bride wearing a wedding dress; everyone who's seen her has commented that she looks like she's dressed in mourning clothes. Especially that white hat—it looks exactly like a mourning cap!

Stepping into the courtyard, one is greeted by an elegant and clean environment.

You must take off your shoes when entering the house.

Zhao Shanhai was actually quite uncomfortable with this. First, his feet smelled bad, and second, his big toes and heels had holes in them.

You're so rich, why wear these kinds of socks? People will laugh at you.

Since I was already there, I was too embarrassed to go in wearing my torn socks, so I just took them off and stuffed them into my shoes.

It's just the taste...

It seemed that Mitsui Tousaburo also smelled a strange odor, and nonchalantly found a bottle of spray from the shoe changing area. It smelled like perfume.

Let Zhao Shanhai spit it out.

The Japanese soldiers would take off their shoes before going inside to deal with the odor, which involved spraying other scents to mask the smell of their feet.

Without tables or chairs, and having to sit cross-legged or kneeling, Zhao Shanhai found it even more difficult to adjust.

It's particularly awkward, mainly because he can't cross his legs.

After properly sitting cross-legged, instead of leaning forward like everyone else, you lean back.

You can either kneel or sit with one leg sticking out and leaning to one side.

Mitsui Fujisaburo and Zhao Shanhai sat down, then clapped their hands.

Another door opened, and two girls in kimonos walked in, carrying trays.

There are several dishes on the plate.

Unlike yesterday, a group of beautiful girls walked in.

On the contrary, girls wearing kimonos have no skin visible at all around their necks, as they are completely covered up.

After the food and drinks were served, Zhao Shanhai said, "Yesterday we only drank, not ate. Today we're providing both food and drinks. What does that mean? I made sure to eat two extra bowls of noodles before I came."

"I'm very sorry, Mitsui Fujisaburo didn't explain clearly. You can eat less, and we can go for drinks alone later. Did you have fun last night?" Mitsui Fujisaburo asked with a smile.

It would have been better if we hadn't brought it up, but now that we have, how can we possibly talk about this?

Feeling depressed, Zhao Shanhai picked up the wine pot on the table and poured himself a glass.

I didn't want to drink it after just one whiff, and I had no appetite either.

He said, "Why don't you eat first?"

"An important guest is coming soon, will you please wait a moment?" Mitsui Tousaburo said after a slight pause.

In China, if you invite someone to dinner and say a friend is coming, that's their decision.

Zhao Shanhai is no longer the small factory director he once was. He is now the general manager of a branch of a large group, and with some money of his own, his status has risen accordingly.

Not just anyone can be introduced as a friend to have a meal together.

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