95: Chapter 95 General White's Hint, Tomoko Suzuki's Shock

The early morning sunlight filtered through the barbed wire of the US military base, casting mottled shadows on the ground.

Armored patrol vehicles rolled over the asphalt with a dull rumble, and soldiers at the guard posts, armed with live ammunition, scanned the surroundings with vigilant eyes—this was the core base of the US military in Tokyo's western suburbs, and General White's 'kingdom.'

A black Rolls-Royce Phantom slowly entered the base, its bulletproof windows isolating it from outside prying eyes.

In the back seat, Suzuki Shiro adjusted his tie, his fingertips tightening slightly; Suzuki Tomoko rested with her eyes closed, appearing calm, but her long eyelashes revealed a hint of imperceptible tension beneath her eyelids.

"Tomoko, do you think... White will agree?"

Suzuki Shiro asked in a low voice.

The purpose of this trip was not just to deliver 'sponsorship,' but also to test the US military's bottom line—if they really pushed Suzuki Shiro to run for Prime Minister, would the US military intervene?

Suzuki Tomoko opened her eyes, her gaze clear:

"Don't you know General White's character by now? He's more of a businessman than we are; as long as the price is right, there's nothing he won't agree to.

But what we need to listen for isn't an 'agreement,' but the subtext in his words."

The car stopped in front of a gray-white office building, where the Stars and Stripes fluttered loudly in the wind.

The car door opened, and General White was already waiting at the bottom of the steps, dressed in a sharp military uniform, chest covered in medals, with a warm smile on his face—this was treatment that even the Japanese Prime Minister had never received during a visit.

"President Suzuki, Mrs. Suzuki, welcome, welcome!"

White strode forward to meet them, proactively extending his hand and firmly shaking Suzuki Shiro's hand with an unusually strong grip. "I've long heard of the Suzuki Conglomerate's great name; seeing you today, your presence is indeed extraordinary!"

Suzuki Shiro was stunned for a moment before quickly returning the handshake. "General White is too kind; it is our honor to visit your base."

Suzuki Tomoko stood to the side, observing White calmly.

She had met many high-ranking US military officials; most were supercilious, their gaze toward Japanese people always carrying a hint of charitable arrogance.

But the White before her had a sincere smile and a warm attitude, and even the greed in his eyes was perfectly concealed—this was too abnormal, so abnormal that it made her heart tighten.

How could it not be abnormal! Ever since General White heard Lin Long mention his interest in the Suzuki Family's second daughter, Suzuki Sonoko, he had increased his level of attention toward the Suzuki couple.

He was afraid the Suzukis would feel mistreated at his place, or that the couple would be offended. If Lin Long really became the son-in-law of the Suzuki Conglomerate, and then Suzuki Sonoko whispered in his ear, he'd be in deep trouble.

After all, General White couldn't afford to provoke Lin Long.

"Please, come in!"

White stepped aside to lead the way, his tone enthusiastic. "I've already had coffee prepared, authentic Blue Mountain; try our US military special supply!"

Walking into the office building, the corridors were lined with combat photos of the US military, from the Normandy landings to the Gulf War, showcasing the hegemony of this military empire everywhere.

In the conference room, the long table was polished to a shine, and the projector was already on, displaying a list of supplies donated by the Suzuki Conglomerate—from canned goods and medicine to generators, a dazzling array.

"The generosity of the Suzuki Conglomerate truly commands my admiration!"

After sitting down, White was the first to give a thumbs up. "These supplies have solved our urgent needs; the soldiers all say they want to salute President Suzuki!"

Suzuki Shiro gave a couple of dry laughs. "The General overpraises us; maintaining Tokyo's stability is our corporate responsibility."

After the pleasantries, Suzuki Tomoko got straight to the point: "General White, to be honest, we came today not only to donate supplies but also to ask for your guidance on a matter."

"Please go ahead, Madam." White picked up his coffee and took a leisurely sip, acting nonchalant.

"The situation in Tokyo has been turbulent lately, and the public has many grievances against the government."

Suzuki Tomoko's tone was steady, but every word was precise. "Our Suzuki Conglomerate hopes to do something for the country, such as promoting certain livelihood policies to help the government stabilize the situation. It's just... we don't know how the US military views this?"

She didn't explicitly say 'running for Prime Minister,' but she made her meaning crystal clear—we're going to touch the government's cake; will you, the US military, interfere?

White put down his coffee cup, his fingers lightly tapping on the table as he pondered for a moment:

"Mrs. Suzuki, you are a clever person. To be honest, we US military are in Tokyo to 'protect our allies,' not to interfere in internal affairs.

As long as it doesn't affect the safety of our garrison, we have always refrained from intervening in Japan's internal matters."

He spoke the words 'refrained from intervening' with absolute certainty, yet his eyes flicked toward the tablet on the table—it was displaying a massive sum of money that had just arrived, an amount double what the Suzuki Conglomerate had promised.

Suzuki Shiro was delighted and was about to speak, but he was stopped by a look from Suzuki Tomoko.

"Since the General says so, we can rest easy."

Suzuki Tomoko smiled slightly. "With these words from the US military, we can act with more confidence."

But in her heart, she rolled her eyes. "Not interfering in another country's internal affairs? I don't know where he gets the nerve to say that. They've already sent troops to surround the capital, yet he has the gall to say they don't interfere."

"Of course, of course."

White smiled even more brightly, while in his mind, he was calculating Lin Long's instructions—now that he'd taken the money, it was time to 'hint' at the marriage alliance.

He cleared his throat and suddenly lowered his voice: "President Suzuki, Mrs. Suzuki, we are 'one of our own' now, so I'll speak from the heart."

The Suzuki couple exchanged a look and signaled for him to continue.

"Your desire to do something for the country is a good one."

White's tone became serious. "But to gain a foothold in Japanese politics, relying solely on public support and our US military's 'neutrality' is far from enough."

Suzuki Tomoko raised an eyebrow. "What does the General mean?"

"There is one person you must win over."

White's voice dropped even lower, until only the three of them could hear. "If this person doesn't nod, never mind promoting policies—I'm afraid you won't even get the qualification to run."

Suzuki Shiro's expression changed slightly. "Who? Could it be His Majesty the Emperor?"

"The Emperor? He's nothing. The person I'm talking about has much more weight than the Emperor."

White shook his head and uttered a name, "Lin Long of Lins Information Consulting Company."

"Lin Long?"

Suzuki Shiro was stunned; the name sounded somewhat familiar, as if he were a young entrepreneur who had suddenly risen to prominence. His company did information consulting and occasionally appeared in financial news, but how could he have such immense power?

Suzuki Tomoko's brow furrowed tightly. She had investigated Lin Long; the records showed his background was excessively clean, as if he had appeared out of thin air.

But the more it was like this, the more she felt it wasn't simple—someone who could make an old fox like White so wary could never be an ordinary businessman.

"General, this Lin Long... what exactly is his background?"

Suzuki Tomoko pressed, her tone carrying a hint of caution.

White gave a mysterious smile and deliberately lowered his voice:

"I can't say much about the specifics, but I can tell you that his connections in Washington are incredibly solid. Several big shots at The Pentagon have to be very polite when they see him.

With just one word from him, he could make Congress increase our US Forces Japan budget by thirty percent—how much power do you think he has?"

This was half-truth and half-lie.

Lin Long's influence in Washington was indeed not small, but it hadn't reached the point of being able to dictate military spending. After all, given the Eagle Nation's situation, military spending... the military-industrial complex! Right! Those who know, know!

White deliberately exaggerated to make the Suzuki couple realize Lin Long's 'value.'

The Suzuki couple was completely shocked.

Able to influence The Pentagon? Even dictate the Congressional budget? This wasn't an entrepreneur; he was practically an invisible statesman! They finally understood why White was so warm toward them—it probably wasn't because of those donations, but because of this Lin Long!

"If... if we could get his support?"

Suzuki Shiro's voice trembled slightly; he realized that his previous plans might have overlooked this most important piece on the board.

"Then you'd be set."

White said decisively, "With him backing you, never mind the position of Prime Minister—even pushing for constitutional amendments wouldn't be impossible."

Suzuki Tomoko's heart began to race. Amending the constitution? That was something many Zaibatsu wouldn't even dare to dream of! If they could really do it, the Suzuki Family would become the most powerful family in Japanese history!

But she didn't let it go to her head; instead, she became even calmer:

"Is the General very well-acquainted with this Mr. Lin?"

"Not exactly well-acquainted, but we've had a few dealings."

White dodged the question and changed the subject, revealing a meaningful smile. "Speaking of which, I did hear Mr. Lin mention once that he quite admires the Suzuki Family's second daughter, Miss Sonoko."

"Sonoko?"

Suzuki Shiro blurted out, his face full of bewilderment.

Suzuki Tomoko was also stunned, but then a flicker of realization flashed in her eyes—White had gone in such a large circle only to end up trying to broker a marriage alliance!

She instantly understood the connections: Lin Long had a deep background, and White needed to curry favor with him;

The Suzuki Family wanted to run for Prime Minister and needed Lin Long's support;

And a marriage alliance was the most direct and stable bond. White's enthusiasm was likely because of this too, fearing he might offend a future 'in-law.'

"Mr. Lin... admires Sonoko?" Suzuki Tomoko feigned surprise while her mind raced with calculations.

For the Suzuki Family, a marriage alliance had both pros and cons.

The pro was being able to instantly connect with Lin Long, removing the biggest obstacle to the Prime Minister's seat;

The con was that Suzuki Sonoko was the heir the Suzuki Family was cultivating; once she was sent off for a marriage alliance, the Suzuki Family would have no heir.

As for having Lin Long marry into their family, that was even more ridiculous. Even General White, who could be called a regional overlord, was so wary of Lin Long, let alone their Suzuki Family, a small Japanese Zaibatsu.

"Yes,"

White looked at their expressions, knowing the fish were about to bite,

"Mr. Lin said that Miss Sonoko is lively, cheerful, bold, and courageous—she's the most special girl he's ever met. Those aren't words spoken lightly; Mr. Lin has very high standards, and ordinary people don't catch his eye."

As he spoke, he observed the Suzuki couple's expressions; seeing they didn't immediately refuse, he continued to add fuel to the fire:

"I shouldn't say this, but if the Suzuki Family and Mr. Lin could unite through marriage, it would truly be a union of powers. At that time, never mind the Prime Minister, wouldn't the entire economy and politics of Japan be in your hands?"

This sentence completely struck Suzuki Shiro's weak point. He looked at his wife, his eyes shimmering with desire—the Prime Minister's seat was within reach; as long as they took this step, it would be theirs for the taking.

Suzuki Tomoko felt her husband's gaze, took a deep breath, and put on a proper smile:

"Thank you for telling us so much, General. Regarding Mr. Lin's matter, we will consider it seriously once we return."

She didn't agree, nor did she refuse, giving an ambiguous answer.

Seeing this, White didn't push further, already having a good idea of the situation—he'd said everything that needed to be said, and the rest depended on how large the Suzuki Family's ambition was.

"Good, good!"

White nodded with a smile,

"Take your time, no rush. Once you've made up your minds, contact me anytime; I can help make the introduction."

The rest of the conversation became lighthearted as both sides chatted about inconsequential topics. When they left the base, White still enthusiastically saw them to the door, his attitude even more respectful than when they arrived.

Once inside the car, Suzuki Shiro could no longer contain his excitement: "

Tomoko! This is an opportunity! A massive opportunity!"

Suzuki Tomoko didn't speak, just watched the street scenes flying by outside the window, her eyes complex.

She knew better than anyone that pies don't just fall from the sky. Why would a figure like Lin Long suddenly be interested in Sonoko? What purpose was hidden behind this?

"Do you think... this Lin Long is trustworthy?" Suzuki Tomoko asked softly.

"Who cares if he's trustworthy!"

Ambition flickered in Suzuki Shiro's eyes,

"As long as he can help me become Prime Minister, never mind a marriage alliance, even if I have to be his groom, I'm willing!"

"Besides, Tomoko, I think you're overthinking it. If the connections General White mentioned about Lin Long are real, do you think it would be difficult for him to deal with us?"

"I reckon if it wasn't for Sonoko, he probably wouldn't even give us a second look," Suzuki Shiro said self-deprecatingly.

Suzuki Tomoko fell silent.

She knew what her husband said was true; if Lin Long's power was really that great, he might truly look down on a small place like Japan.

But... in these matters, you have to be careful of the one-in-a-million chance.

She looked at her husband's excited profile and thought of her own years of planning.

If it could really place the Suzuki Family at the peak of power, taking a risk seemed worth it.

"Investigate this Lin Long first."

Suzuki Tomoko finally said, her tone carrying a hint of decisiveness,

"See if we can uncover his true background before making a decision."

The car drove away from the US military base, heading toward the Suzuki Manor.

The sunlight was blinding, yet it couldn't penetrate the calculations deep within human hearts.

Meanwhile, at the Lin Family Manor, Lin Long was listening to Ghost's report.

"White followed your instructions and passed the word along. The Suzuki couple had a big reaction, especially Suzuki Shiro, who seemed very tempted."

Lin Long smiled and picked up his teacup. "It's good that he's tempted. Once ambition is ignited, it's very hard to extinguish."

He knew Suzuki Tomoko would definitely investigate him, but he wasn't worried at all.

As for his background, they would naturally see what he wanted them to see; what they weren't supposed to see, they would never find.

"Next, we just wait for the Suzuki Family to come to us."

Lin Long looked out the window, a hint of playfulness flashing in his eyes,

"I wonder what kind of expression that boisterous Miss Sonoko will have when she hears this news?"

This grand drama revolving around power, profit, and marriage had only just reached its climax.

And Suzuki Sonoko, at the center of the vortex, was currently in the Mouri Detective Agency, excitedly discussing where to go shopping over the weekend with Ran, completely unaware of the impending turning point in her fate.