"You must be old man Nakiri. A pleasure to meet you."
Having ascended the steps to the main entrance, Luo Shu extended his hand towards Senzaemon Nakiri.
"Director Luo is remarkably accomplished for his youth." Senzaemon Nakiri concealed his surprise upon seeing Luo Shu and reciprocated with a smile.
Before their meeting, he'd heard numerous accounts about Luo Shu's reputation.
Titles like the Black Reaper, the Exterminator, the youngest SDS director in history—both flattering and damning reports had reached Senzaemon's ears.
Yet only upon seeing the man in person did Senzaemon realise how understated those rumours had been.
Luo Shu appeared no older than twenty, his face still bearing traces of youthful innocence.
Yet, at such a young age, he already held a high-ranking position in a transnational mystic organisation, his status comparable to that of a Japanese cabinet minister.
'To rise so high so young... there's something unnatural about this boy.'
Senzaemon suspected Luo Shu's purpose extended beyond mere research and application of special ingredients—there were likely deeper motives at play.
But as this was their first meeting and he remained unfamiliar with Luo Shu's temperament, Senzaemon suppressed his misgivings and focused on welcoming his guest.
After briefly shaking hands with Senzaemon, Luo Shu turned to Daichi Fujiwara with a smile:
"This meeting owes much to Daichi-kun. Without him, I wouldn't have found such an excellent partner as old man Nakiri so quickly."
"Oh, by the way—does old man Nakiri know why I've come?"
'After saying that, how could I pretend ignorance?' Senzaemon found himself torn between laughter and exasperation.
He'd discerned that Luo Shu hadn't even considered the possibility of refusal regarding this collaboration.
Then again, for any chef, rare ingredients were indeed an irresistible temptation.
Were he not burdened by family enterprises and still a simple chef, Senzaemon wouldn't have hesitated to work for Luo Shu gratis—so long as more special ingredients were provided.
With a sigh, Senzaemon conceded:
"I've heard some details. Director Luo has acquired certain... special ingredients and wishes our Totsuki to handle their research and development, correct?"
With both granddaughters present, Senzaemon deliberately kept his wording vague, using 'special ingredients' as a euphemism.
He remained undecided about exposing the girls to the mystic side.
In his heart, Erina Nakiri—as the family's most talented member—would inevitably be initiated. As for Alice Nakiri, if his plans came to fruition, she might also be informed to some degree.
Though this might eventually split the Nakiri family, Senzaemon could accept the division if it meant expanding their influence manifold.
"And old man Nakiri's thoughts on the matter?" Noting Senzaemon's amenable attitude, Luo Shu pressed his advantage.
"This old man has aged and can no longer strive as vigorously as in his youth." Senzaemon stroked his beard, affecting the demeanour of one resigned to his years.
Witnessing this performance, Luo Shu privately scoffed.
'Old man, do you take me for a fool? With that finely honed physique and restrained yet formidable aura - a martial arts master telling me he's past his prime?'
'What, past his prime to punch through cars one-handed?'
Though mentally scoffing, Luo Shu maintained his polite smile:
"So it seems old man Nakiri wishes to nurture the younger generation?"
"Is it Miss Mana or Mr Soe we're discussing?"
Luo Shu deliberately named two impossible candidates, knowing both had already engaged with the SDS in America and Europe while researching special ingredients there.
But awareness aside, he couldn't resist teasing:
"Though both currently have extensive research commitments - surely they can't spare the time?"
Senzaemon Nakiri's eyelid twitched. 'You've said it all - what's left for me to add?'
"Unless..." Luo Shu suddenly raised his pitch, gaze drifting towards Erina and Alice Nakiri standing behind their grandfather:
"The old gentleman isn't considering entrusting such vital research to the Nakiri family's third generation?"
"Surely not?" Luo Shu adopted a mocking tone. "Grandfather would really place such faith in his granddaughters?"
Senzaemon found himself speechless. 'This brat can't take a joke, can he? I merely showed humility, and he counters with this?'
Meanwhile, Alice Nakiri grew visibly agitated:
"Director Luo, am I to interpret those remarks as belittlement?"
Noting Alice's predictable reaction, Luo Shu maintained his smile while deliberately asking Senzaemon:
"And this is...?"
"My eldest granddaughter, Alice Nakiri." Senzaemon now detected the underlying strategy.
'This provocateur's tactics... Could he actually be targeting my granddaughters?'
"Ah, Miss Alice Nakiri." Luo Shu feigned realisation before posing: "Does Miss Alice believe herself capable of overseeing the SDS-Totsuki Group collaboration?"
Alice's defiant expression froze.
'SDS? That European conglomerate whose single research topic kept my parents so occupied they had to dump me in Japan with Erina? You've chased me all the way here?'
Watching Alice's stunned silence, Luo Shu's smile never wavered:
"Miss Alice appears to grasp the situation now."
Alice instinctively shrank back, abandoning further confrontation.
She knew her limits - if even her world-class chef parents struggled with SDS projects, she'd best steer clear.
Alice's retreat didn't surprise Luo Shu, who turned back to Senzaemon:
"Grandfather hasn't fully briefed his granddaughters, it seems?"
"That world remains premature for these girls."
Though suspicious of Luo Shu's motives, Senzaemon remained unperturbed.
'My granddaughters must marry eventually. If he sets his sights on Alice, who can't inherit the main household - all the better.'
Naturally, this depended on Luo Shu's trustworthy character - he'd no intention of welcoming another scoundrel like Erina's father into the family.
"Too early?" Luo Shu gave Senzaemon Nakiri a meaningful look before saying, "It seems the old man has already made his decision."
"Now then, the official business is more or less concluded. Next comes the private matters."
As he spoke, Luo Shu patted his stomach and gave Senzaemon Nakiri a knowing smile.
Seeing this, Senzaemon Nakiri was momentarily stunned before bursting into hearty laughter:
"Indeed, it's time for private matters."
"The ingredients are already prepared. Today, let this old man show everyone what he's made of!"
Under Senzaemon Nakiri's enthusiastic invitation, Luo Shu stepped through the gates of Totsuki Resort.