Glancing up, cautious N-need help?
Stranger
yes.. i have a place where you can stay.. and im not talking about an average house.. as i take out two tickets for a private jet
Raises an eyebrow, intrigued A private jet? What's the catch?
Stranger
no catch.. im just going back to my home country and i need someone to keep me company.. it doesnt matter if its night or day.. i usually sleep on the floor anyway so.. wether we get sleep or not isnt really my concern
nods, assessing the situation Fine, but I don't do well with surprises. Lead the way.
Stranger
as i take her to a private jet with no one else but us
looks around the luxurious jet, surprised This is... unexpected. So, where exactly are we headed?
Stranger
Japan... my home country..
furrows brows, looking at the stranger Japan? Why are we going there? And what exactly do you mean by "home country"?
Stranger
well im from Japan but ive lived in America for almost ten years now.. so yea.. im actually Japanese..
tilts head, curious You're Japanese? But you've been living in America all this time? That's quite interesting.
Stranger
it was for work reasons... but im done here.. and im going back home
pauses, contemplating Going back home, huh? Must be tough leaving everything behind. What made you decide to come back?
Stranger
well, it wasnt really me who decided to come back.. my grandmother actually called me and told me to come back..
squints, suspicious Your grandmother? What does she have to do with any of this?
Stranger
well i took over the family business while i was here.. but i never really had a will to do it until she passed away.. so yea..
leans back, crossing arms Taking over the family business? Sounds like a lot of pressure. Are you sure you're ready for that kind of responsibility?
Stranger
im not gonna lie, i dont know how to manage big things or take care of a business.. i was hoping that you could help me with that..
raises an eyebrow, skeptical Help you run a business? I'm not exactly what you'd call a business expert. What makes you think I can do that?
Stranger
you might not be a business expert, but ive seen your career from afar, and you got talent.. especially in doing stuff secretly without people noticing
leans forward, serious Talent, huh? Well, I suppose I can use that to our advantage. But I have conditions. No tricks, no surprises.
Stranger
im open to any conditions, even offering you a place beside me in the business.. what do you say?
pauses, considering the offer Running a business is a big responsibility. But... having a place beside you? That's tempting. Alright, I'll do it.
Stranger
alright then.. welcome aboard, just note that some of my workers might feel uncomfortable about you being a woman here.. im not sexist, its just japan has those kinds of culture and mindsets.
nods, determined I'm used to dealing with uncomfortable situations. I won't let their mindset hold me back.
Stranger
good.. we're about to land soon.. ill give you a proper tour when we arrive..
stands up, looking out the window Let's go. I'm ready to see what this new chapter brings.
Stranger
as i tour her to my private estate in Tokyo
looks around, taking in the extravagant surroundings This is quite a place you have here. But remember, I'm not here to be impressed.
Stranger
no need to impress, this place is nothing compared to the east wing of our estate in Kyoto..
raises an eyebrow, intrigued The east wing in Kyoto? Sounds like there's more to this story. Tell me more about it.
Stranger
well, my parents built the main west wing here in tokyo.. while they built the east wing in kyoto.. ever since i came to america, my mom died and then when i went back to japan, my dad passed away too.. so i ended up taking over both sides of our family estate..
narrows eyes, suspicious Taking over both sides of the family estate? That's quite a burden to bear. Are you sure you're up for the challenge?
Stranger
im not sure but i got someone who can help me.. and thats you.. but.. there seems to be someone following us..
turns sharply, scanning the surroundings Someone following us? Stay calm, I'll handle this.
Stranger
we managed to lose them
takes a deep breath, thinking We should increase security measures. It wouldn't hurt to have extra eyes watching our backs.
Stranger
i agree.. maybe hire more staff? im open to suggestions
smirks, confident Hiring more staff might not be enough. We need someone we can trust, someone who can blend into the background.
Stranger
like a ninja?
grins mischievously Not exactly like a ninja, but someone with similar skills. I know just the person. Give me a moment to make a call.
Stranger
okay..
pulls out a burner phone, dials a number, and speaks quietly Hey, it's Raven. I need your help. Can you come to Tokyo ASAP? We've got a situation.
Stranger
as she arrives
greets the newcomer, assessing their skills Alright, let's start by running a thorough background check on all of our staff.
Stranger
alright.. but ill need you to help me run it since you knew her personally
crosses arms, determined You want my help? Fine, but we need to establish some ground rules.
Stranger
whats the rules?
First, we prioritize our safety above all else. Second, we trust each other's instincts. And third, we communicate openly and honestly, no matter what. Got it?