Chapter 1457: 983 All encounters in the world are reunions after a long separation?

People like Cao Jinse are described as having a tough mouth but a soft heart. Despite scolding Boss Jiang, she still insisted on assigning them a “guide.”

Jiang Chen definitely didn’t see this as “surveillance.”

If one always suspects others with malice, life would be very hard.

The Japan Palace, or as Dongying people call it the “Imperial Palace,” is situated in the bustling city center, surrounded by moats and lush shade, offering tranquility amidst the chaos.

Although it’s the residence of the Emperor, it isn’t as majestic as one might imagine. Except for the core inner area, places like the Imperial Garden, East Garden, and Kitanomaru Park are open for public visits anytime.

If it were just him and the Taoist nun sister, Jiang Chen would probably forego visiting this “Dongying holy site.” After all, taking this hot-headed youth to visit the spiritual leader’s lair doesn’t feel very reassuring. But since they have a guide skilled in Dongying culture, some of their worries are naturally dispelled.

The guide assigned by CEO Cao was none other than Yan Guangyi, who rescued Jiang Chen and companion from a surrounding police car convoy last night.

I felt something unusual at first sight last night, and sure enough, he’s a senior cadre in charge of the Dongying area affairs at Jiuding Group. CEO Cao temporarily reassigned such a key person, which was indeed very cordial.

“I troubled Director Yan last night.”

Jiang Chen thanked once again, not putting on airs because of the relationship with CEO Cao.

The Imperial Palace’s liveliness is naturally beyond description.

Just the perimeter is full of runners.

I heard there’s a rule about running outside the Imperial Palace.

You have to run clockwise; counterclockwise is not allowed.

Although monarchies are beginning to die out globally, with the remaining royal families being largely nominal, the aristocracy remains high and mighty to the general populace of a nation.

“It was just a misunderstanding; the culprits who attacked the police cars have already escaped. The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department asked me to convey their apology, and we sincerely apologize for the scare.”

Jiang Chen gave a slight smile.

It seems that different regions have similar characteristics.

Just like every country has its bad apples.

Seeing the Japan Palace gradually approaching, Jiang Chen made small talk: “Director Yan, have you met the Dongying Emperor?”

“Not yet. The Dongying Emperor is currently a symbolic figure and does not handle specific affairs, so we don’t need to interact with the Imperial Family.”

Yan Guangyi responded in a straightforward manner.

At the Imperial Palace gates, tourists continuously take photos as a memento.

Jiang Chen deliberately took a look around as he entered.

Luckily.

There were no signs saying “People of Shenzhou, please do not enter.”

“It’s said that Dongying people are great business partners; Director Yan, you often work with them, how do you feel?”

Yan Guangyi laughed, the charm of a middle-aged man was evident on him, even the wrinkles at the corner of his eyes carrying an appeal that could easily seduce many young women.

“Dongying people, Mr. Jiang has already realized what they’re like last night. What is your impression, Mr. Jiang?”

Jiang Chen, having faced a “test” upon his arrival, smiled wryly and sighed, “A bit disappointed.”

After the guards checked their passes, the three of them entered the Imperial Palace.

“Mr. Jiang, you need not feel disillusioned so soon. Dongying’s upper class is quite amiable; it’s just that the lower class, living long-term in a repressive environment, tends to have more extreme mindsets.”

“Repressive? Tokyo’s nightlife is so lively; I saw Dongying people thoroughly enjoying life last night.”

Last night at a renowned bar in Edo, so many white-collar workers went drinking after work; in Shenzhou, except on days off, most workers lack such leisure and ease, rushing home exhausted to wash up and sleep.

“Mr. Jiang, you only saw white-collar workers going drinking after work; did you see workers in their fifties still lifting goods on construction sites, or a logistics courier in their sixties, a seventy-year-old cab driver?”

Jiang Chen was surprised.

Those are things he indeed hasn’t had the opportunity to witness yet.

“Don’t developed nations have decent welfare systems?”

“No matter how good the welfare is, it cannot bear the burden of a severely aging population’s retirement security. The Japan Government has long been advocating for lifelong employment and plans to raise the retirement age to seventy.”

What’s the retirement age in our country?

Being vibrant and energetic, Jiang Chen hasn’t really paid attention to this, but it’s surely nothing as drastic as Dongying’s.

Seventy years old for retirement.

In the past, this age was already considered exceptionally old.

“Dongying people are truly dedicated to their work.”

Jiang Chen remarked.

“A society that never retires is like a road without an end, so Dongying’s society is generally rather repressed, hence the high suicide rates.”

The high suicide rate in Dongying is indeed a well-known topic.

It’s reflected in many horror movies.

For instance, the famous Suicide Forest is at the foot of Mount Fuji, and because it’s so eerie, Jiang Chen didn’t take the Taoist nun sister, influenced by Jin Zhuxuan, to visit it yesterday.

After all, the Taoist nun sister is in the Daoist Sect, not the Buddhist Sect, and isn’t skilled in appeasing spirits.

“Is the suicide situation in Dongying really that serious?”

“Number one in the world, certainly.” Yan Guangyi replied, “This is also a significant reason why their horror films are so well-made.”

“Seems they really can’t figure it out. Is lifelong work and never retiring so hard to accept? What could be more precious than life?”

Look at this.

The vile face of a capitalist.

“Those who can’t figure it out are just a minority; if not, Dongying wouldn’t have only two or three thousand people choosing to commit suicide each year.”