Although Panasonic Youkang, like Miyashita Hidekatsu, was an official of a city, he completely lacked Miyashita Hidekatsu’s "simplicity". His study alone was over fifty square meters in size, with two walls of bookshelves neatly filled with various books. Besides a valuable solid wood desk, there was also a set of sofas in the room. Instead of books, the wall behind the desk was filled with various antiques and collectibles.
In an era of high average income but low individual income, any decorative piece in his study could be enough for an ordinary cattle or horse to work to death its entire life.
Panasonic Youkang, with a grave expression, sat down on the sofa, while Akimoto Jiancheng stood beside him with his head lowered.
With the host not speaking, the guest naturally did not dare to speak first. Neither of them spoke, creating a very oppressive atmosphere.
"Akimoto, we have always gotten along very well, but this time you have really put me in a difficult position!" After about three to five minutes, Panasonic Youkang finally broke the silence in a low tone.
Akimoto Jiancheng hurriedly bent lower, and in a humble and earnest tone said, "Mayor, as the saying goes, ’The faults of the child are the father’s responsibility.’ My son has behaved improperly, and as his father, I cannot shirk my responsibility. Please consider our years of friendship and give me a chance to make amends!"
"Make amends?" Panasonic Youkang noncommittally echoed in a faint voice, "How do you think you can make up for the emotional hurt suffered by Izumi? And how can you make up for the damage to our Panasonic family’s reputation?"
"I have already had someone collect and destroy those photos taken by the journalists. Tonight’s event will absolutely not leak out!" Akimoto Jiancheng quickly assured.
Of course, it wasn’t just about destroying the photos. He would also warn those journalists, and after warning them, he would bribe them with money, using both carrot and stick to ensure they did not report.
Panasonic Youkang shifted his sitting position, giving Akimoto Jiancheng a sharp glance, and coldly said, "But there were so many people at the scene. Can you shut their mouths?"
"This..." Akimoto Jiancheng suddenly found himself at a loss for words. Everyone present last night, apart from those journalists, was someone of importance who could discuss this matter without any reservations.
With nothing else to say, and after a while, he lowered his head and said in a subdued voice, "Please just give me a chance to compensate Miss Izumi. I am willing to pay any price!"
Looking at Akimoto Jiancheng groveling, Panasonic Youkang could feel his sincerity and knew that such an incident was definitely not what he wished for, and from a business perspective, he had no choice but to forgive him.
But forgiveness could not be unconditional, otherwise, not only could he not get satisfaction, it would also be viewed dismissively by others.
"No need for compensation, just let Akimoto Hidekazu go to jail for a while under charges of indecency," Panasonic Youkang proposed after pondering for a moment.
He could indeed take advantage of this situation to make harsh demands from Akimoto Jiancheng, but he chose not to, realizing that since forgiveness was necessary, why perform actions that would cause resentment?
Dealing with it legally, sending Akimoto Hidekazu to jail would not only give him satisfaction but also show others the consequences of provoking him. And he believed that Akimoto Jiancheng would surely offer Izumi financial compensation privately.
Upon hearing this, Akimoto Jiancheng’s expression changed unpredictably.
Panasonic Youkang’s proposal relieved him, as it affirmed that tonight’s issue was entirely the personal act of Panasonic Izumi and had nothing to do with Panasonic Youkang.
However, he also had concerns. He did not mind sending Akimoto Hidekazu to prison, as being inside meant only loss of freedom without suffering, and he could be out before long. But he feared this would send a signal to the outside world that his relationship with Panasonic Youkang had deteriorated.
Panasonic Youkang saw through Akimoto Jiancheng’s concerns and added, "We can have a private trial for this case, not open to the public. After the trial is over, I will come to inspect your company."
Although the trial would not be public, only ordinary people would not have access to it; anyone with some social status would find out through various channels.
This way, the issue wouldn’t escalate, and Panasonic Youkang would still fulfill his objective of maintaining his dignity.
"Ah! Mayor, you have thought of everything. I will fully cooperate; my son indeed needs a place to cool off," Akimoto Jiancheng quickly agreed.
Although he knew his son was wronged.
But given the circumstances were against him and there was no evidence to prove his innocence, he could only grit his teeth and swallow it. Otherwise, antagonizing Panasonic Youkang over this could lead to even greater losses.
Panasonic Youkang exhaled, stood up, and patted Akimoto Jiancheng’s shoulder, "Akimoto, being a parent myself, I understand you, and I believe you can understand me as well. We can’t always be busy with business; we must strengthen our children’s education, or if they offend someone else next time, they might not be as reasonable as me."
"Ah! Thank you for the advice, Mayor. I have indeed been negligent in the past," Akimoto Jiancheng said, his face flushed with shame.
But inside, he didn’t take it to heart. You’d better educate your own vicious-minded, pretentious daughter.
He couldn’t understand why Panasonic Izumi would do such a thing and, lacking evidence, did not dare tell Panasonic Youkang, as it would imply stirring discord between father and daughter. Thus, he decided to investigate secretly.
After sending Akimoto Jiancheng away, Panasonic Youkang knocked on his daughter’s bedroom door, "Izumi, it’s dad."
"Dad, come in, the door is unlocked." Panasonic Izumi quickly hid her novel under the covers, then pretends to be frightened and pitiful.
Upon entering, Panasonic Youkang saw his daughter curled up in bed, her lush hair falling over her pale, wan face, as she clutched the sheets tightly around her body, which pained his heart deeply.