Chapter 312: Becoming Enemies

Kojima Hideko continued, "My brother is in a very difficult situation and needs your help. I also want to save myself through my own efforts. So, I'm asking you to please contact my brother and reassure him. I'd also like you to contact my family and inform them of my current circumstances."

Chen Qingdi was silent for a moment after listening, then said, "Mr. Kojima, I understand how you feel. I will do my best to help you contact your brother and your family. But you also need to understand that these things take time and effort. In the meantime, you need to remain calm and patient."

After listening, Kojima Hideko said gratefully, "Thank you, President Chen. I will remain calm and patient."

Kojima Hideko glared furiously at Chen Qingdi. His only brother had refused to pay his ransom, which made him feel like he had been used.

He no longer wanted to be his brother's pawn, so he decided to join Mingyue Group and pledge his loyalty to Chen Qingdi.

Chen Qingdi sat in his office, looking at Kojima Hideko, feeling at a loss for words. 'I don't really want another pawn,' he thought, 'but Kojima Hideko has nowhere else to turn, and I can't just stand by and watch Kojima Tetsumaro use him.' So, he proposed a condition: an act of commitment.

"An act of commitment?" Kojima Hideko asked, surprised. "What does that mean?"

"It means doing something that leaves you no way of turning back," Chen Qingdi said coolly. "Once you do, you will be considered a member of Mingyue Group, and there will be no reneging."

"I understand." Kojima Hideko nodded. "As long as you let me out, I'll bring you Kojima Tetsumaro's head."

Chen Qingdi was stunned for a moment. He hadn't expected Kojima Hideko to possess such resolve. He began to re-evaluate the young man; perhaps he truly could become a member of Mingyue Group.

"Good." Chen Qingdi nodded. "I will have people help you escape. But you must remember, once you are out, there is no turning back."

"I understand," Kojima Hideko said resolutely. "I will not regret this. I am making the wisest choice of my life."

Chen Qingdi nodded, satisfied. He believed in Kojima Hideko's resolve. He started planning how to help Kojima Hideko escape, while also preparing for Kojima Tetsumaro's inevitable retaliation. 'This will be an interesting showdown,' he thought.

Meanwhile, Kojima Hideko began formulating his own plan. 'This is my only chance—my last chance,' he thought.

'I have to seize this opportunity and bring Kojima Tetsumaro's head to Chen Qingdi.'

In the brightly lit office, Chen Qingdi sat at his desk, quietly observing Kojima Hideko.

The young man's face was a mask of determination and resolve, but his eyes burned with resentment for Chen Qingdi. Chen Qingdi just smiled, took out a pill, placed it in his palm, and offered it to Kojima Hideko.

"This is called May Intestine-Breaking Powder. It's what I use to control my people. If you are willing to take this pill, it will prove you want to cooperate with me, and I will treat you as one of my own," Chen Qingdi said, his voice deep and steady.

Kojima Hideko took the pill without hesitation and swallowed it in one gulp. A determined glint shone in his eyes; his mind was made up.

"President Chen, just let me out of here. I will bring you back Kojima Tetsumaro's head," he said, his voice brimming with confidence and resolve.

Chen Qingdi smiled, his eyes betraying his appreciation for Kojima Hideko.

"Then I'll be waiting right here in this office. You have three days. Bring me his head anytime within that window to claim your credit." His tone held a hint of challenge and anticipation.

"Get it done, and I'll make you a senior executive at Mingyue Group with an annual salary of one million US dollars." Chen Qingdi's words were laced with temptation and promise.

Kojima Hideko gave a slight nod, his eyes filled with anticipation for the future and a hunger for success. The showdown was only just beginning, and he was ready to meet the challenge.

As Kojima Hideko departed, Chen Qingdi's thoughts began to wander. He, too, was filled with anticipation for the future and a hunger for success.

He knew the outcome of the showdown depended on Kojima Hideko's actions and resolve. But he also knew he had already succeeded in bringing the young man under his control.

His plan was now in motion, and the contest had only just begun.

After Kojima Hideko was released, the first thing he did was find a place to buy a dagger.

With the dagger concealed on his person, he went straight to the private villa where his brother, Kojima Tetsumaro, was staying.

Kojima Tetsumaro was there, drinking tea and reading a book. He was completely stunned to see his younger brother suddenly walk in. Setting down his teacup, he asked in a panicked voice, "Little brother, how did you get back? Aren't you supposed to be locked up in a Mingyue Group dungeon?"

Hearing this, Kojima Hideko's expression instantly darkened. He snarled, "Chen Qingdi told you to pay to ransom me, but you refused! How dare you ask me that now? You don't deserve to be called my brother!"

Kojima Tetsumaro heard this and knew his brother had misunderstood. He tried to explain, but before he could open his mouth, Kojima Hideko lunged at him with the dagger.

"AH!" Kojima Tetsumaro cried out, not expecting his brother to attack. He quickly dodged to the side.

Seeing his first strike miss, Kojima Hideko swung the dagger and charged forward again. Though he was usually spoiled and pampered, he showed no weakness now.

Kojima Tetsumaro reacted quickly, dodging his brother's attacks while trying to explain, "Little brother, listen to me! It's not what you think..."

"'Not what I think?' Then what is it?" Kojima Hideko yelled, thrusting with the dagger again.

Kojima Tetsumaro dodged again and scrambled for the door. He knew he was no match for his enraged brother and could only try to get away.

But Kojima Hideko had no intention of letting him escape. He gave chase, his next slash tearing through Tetsumaro's clothes. Fortunately, Kojima Tetsumaro was quick enough to avoid the worst of it; otherwise, the blade would have sliced open his arm.

Kojima Tetsumaro finally reached the doorway. He grabbed the handle and turned to shout back at his brother, "Little brother, calm down! Just let me explain!"

But Kojima Hideko was now beyond reason.

He charged at his brother, thrusting the dagger toward his chest. This time, Kojima Tetsumaro was ready and twisted his body aside to dodge.

However, the blade still caught his shoulder, and blood instantly blossomed across the fabric of his shirt.