CHAPTER 785: CHAPTER 644: YOUR EX-BOYFRIEND WASN’T THAT CHARRED, WEDDING DAY

"At one o’clock this morning, an old residential building in the Harbor District suddenly caught fire, resulting in the death of three people inside. Fortunately, the fire was controlled and did not spread to the surrounding area. The identities of the deceased are currently unknown, as is the cause of the fire. The Police Headquarters have already intervened in the investigation, stating they will expedite the..."

This was a piece of news on the morning TV broadcast.

"Three people were burned to death just like that, it’s really pitiful." Aoyama Haruko sighed with compassion, unaware that the culprit was sitting right across from her.

Xiu Xin nodded, "Yes, it’s really pitiful. I hope they get a better life in their next reincarnation."

With those words, he put down his chopsticks, wiped his mouth, and said, "I’m done eating. I’m off to work."

"Hi!" Aoyama Haruko immediately got up with the baby to see him off, waving the hand of little Aoyama Tianze, who couldn’t speak yet, and said, "Say bye-bye to daddy."

"Daddy’s leaving to work hard for your future luxurious life of indulgence," Xiu Xin went over to pinch his son’s cheek and said.

Aoyama Tianze giggled, his two chubby hands flailing about, his short legs kicking wildly.

"Daddy’s leaving, bye-bye."

Xiu Xin grabbed his briefcase and walked out.

Aoyama Haruko cradled the child and watched Xiu Xin get in the car and leave before closing the door and going inside.

She sighed softly, with Asai Ayumi and Xiu Xin’s wedding approaching, in the future the two of them could no longer interact like a couple with a child.

This made Aoyama Haruko’s heart twinge with bitterness.

Yet there was nothing she could do.

Upon arriving at the Police Headquarters, Xiu Xin summoned the officer in charge of the early morning fire case for some instructions.

He told the officer to close the case as soon as possible and not to waste too many police resources on what was obviously an accidental incident.

With Xiu Xin’s urging, the fire incident was resolved within three days. On May 18th, the morning news reported the identities of the three deceased and the cause of the fire identified by the police: fire caused by aging electrical wiring.

While the news was broadcast, Iihara Nishi, who was home alone nursing her baby on the sofa, was stunned when she heard the name Sato Kenji. She looked up at the TV screen in shock. Although there were no photos, she had a premonition that this was not just someone with the same name, and waves of emotion stirred within her.

With breathless urgency, she picked up the phone to call Xiu Xin, and upon connecting, she emotionally asked, "Xiu Xin, was one of the three people burned to death a few days ago my ex-boyfriend?"

Sato Kenji was dead. She first suspected Xiu Xin was behind it, and the facts later proved her right.

"No, your ex-boyfriend wasn’t that crispy nor that blackened," Xiu Xin responded airily.

Tears instantly burst forth, and Iihara Nishi felt like she couldn’t breathe, screaming, "You bastard, why did you do it? There was never any chance of us getting back together, so why kill him?"

The first love is the most unforgettable, especially a first love forcibly broken apart. Although Sato Kenji’s choices back then were disappointing, genuine feelings had been involved. Now that he was murdered because of her, Iihara Nishi was deeply pained.

"Don’t think that just because you’re my sister-in-law you can make baseless accusations and slander me. I’m a policeman, and you’re making me sound like an outlaw. You’re showing neither respect for the law nor for me," Xiu Xin said nonchalantly, pausing, "just like some people who neither respect power nor respect me, take my money and still dare to come back, dare to find you. Was he coming back for love and dignity? He was looking for death."

With that, he hung up the phone and returned to his work, feeling no emotional ripple within.

"Beep~ Beep~ Beep~" Listening to the busy tone from the call, Iihara Nishi held the oblivious child in her arms and began to sob softly, tears streaming down her face.

The ex-Police Director General’s two sons were burned to death.

Anyone with a bit of status and insight knew there was more to the matter, but no one intended to investigate further.

The case was concluded as an accident.

May of 1994 passed in a blur of activity.

Time quickly moved to June 1st.

Children’s Day.

The wedding day of Xiu Xin and Asai Ayumi.

Thanks to Yanchuan Shilang, the wedding was elevated to an unwarranted level, with half the cabinet personally attending. Even those unable to attend sent family members or secretaries.

Figures from business, parliament, Land Guard, Sea Guard, Maritime Security Bureau, courts, and the prosecution hall gathered.

Most people thought all the guests came because of the Yanchuan Family, but in fact, many had a deep relationship with Xiu Xin himself. He was happy to let others believe this misconception, as he didn’t want to expose his personal power and influence just yet.

Laying low for a big future announcement.

On that day, Xiu Xin even personally funded a small gift for all grassroots police officers in Tokyo. The cost wasn’t high, but it showed consideration.

After the wedding, Xiu Xin took Asai Ayumi back home, and as soon as they entered the bedroom, Asai Ayumi collapsed on the bed without even taking off her clothes, muttering exhaustedly, "I don’t want to have another wedding like this in my lifetime. I’m worn out, my face is almost stuck in a smile."

"How many times do you want to get married otherwise?" Xiu Xin quipped while taking off his tie, "You’re just lucky. The last wedding this grand was the Crown Prince’s. So many people envy you."

"I think it’s too flamboyant," Asai Ayumi sat up from the bed, frowning slightly, "What level are we? What status do we have? Even the Crown Prince was here today, it just feels too over the top and not good."

"What’s not good about it? A life event like this should be grandiose," Xiu Xin said indifferently, wrapping his arms around her, "Besides, you need to get used to this sort of high profile, otherwise, how will you become the Prime Minister’s wife in the future?"

"You’re painting too big a picture," Asai Ayumi rolled her eyes. I’m just a minor Police Chief right now, and he’s already thinking about being the wife of the Prime Minister.

"It won’t take many years." Xiu Xin muttered to himself, then suddenly pressed her down on the bed. "On the wedding night, we should get down to business and aim to make a child in time for Children’s Day, so the celebration will be even better."

"Oh no, I’m too tired today, and I haven’t showered yet, ah! Don’t... sob sob..."

"Forget the shower, seafood should be enjoyed with its natural flavor."

Asai Ayumi’s rejection failed; she had no choice but to comply.

..................

The next day, when Xiu Xin and Asai Ayumi got up and went downstairs, their sister-in-law had already prepared breakfast.

"Xiu Xin, Ayumi, come and have breakfast."

Aoyama Haruko smiled warmly at them as she spoke.

"Hi! Thank you for your hard work, sister-in-law." Asai Ayumi smiled politely and bowed, but didn’t rush to the dining room. Instead, she picked up Aoyama Tianze from the baby crib in the living room for some affectionate interaction, "Is our cute Tianze hungry?"

Aoyama Haruko looked a bit guilty at the scene.

She quickly stepped forward to take the child, "Ayumi, you both have to go to work later, so go have breakfast quickly."

Technically, they were supposed to be on a marriage leave, but neither Xiu Xin nor Asai Ayumi had any particular place they wanted to visit.

So they decided to save up the leave for future use.

After breakfast, the two headed together to the Police Headquarters.

"Tianze is so cute, how can my brother just not care? Even after divorcing my sister-in-law, he’s still his blood." In the car, Asai Ayumi asked, puzzled.

Xiu Xin shook his head and said, "It’s not about whether he cares or not. Sister-in-law was hurt too deeply by him, so she won’t let the child recognize him."

"But this way, the baby doesn’t have a father; as the uncle, you have to put in more effort. Otherwise, it’s not good for his mental and physical health." Asai Ayumi felt sad for her nephew, who grew up without a father, and sighed.

Xiu Xin replied without hesitation, "Of course, I promise to treat him as my own son."

After all, he was indeed his own son.

"My brother too, how could he mess around outside when he had such a beautiful wife, even ending in divorce..." Asai Ayumi shook her head, glanced at Xiu Xin, and clicked her tongue, "Can’t say I’m surprised; after all, they are brothers."

"I’m not like him at all; my moral standards are much higher. No matter how chaotic things get, I wouldn’t divorce you and abandon my wife and child." Xiu Xin shamelessly declared.

"Sure, sure." Asai Ayumi rolled her eyes, annoyed, "Do you even have anything called morals?"

"Why are you starting with the personal attacks now?" Xiu Xin was displeased and changed the topic, "The godfather talked to me; I’ll be returning to Hokkaido as the minister soon, and you should take over as Director of the Criminal Affairs Department."

"We just got married, and now we’re going to be separated?" Asai Ayumi grumbled unhappily and then frowned, saying, "Aren’t our promotions happening a bit too fast?"

"Fast? Not at all; your husband has earned solid merits by supporting the dragon, so this is my deserved reward for helping the godfather in his election campaign. Otherwise, what’s the point of working so hard?"

Asai Ayumi looked displeased at his smug face, nodded, and said, "Well, it’s indeed not too quick. It’s just a Police Chief position; we’re still far from the Prime Minister’s wife position you promised me last night."

She was deliberately teasing Xiu Xin.

But Xiu Xin just laughed, "Some things seem far away but are actually close. When that day truly comes, I hope you’ll have a good mindset."

According to his plan, he could take action in six years.

A new era, a power shift.

After all, after the year 2000, with the rapid development of the internet and widespread information flow, trying to gain power through brute force was much more challenging than in the nineties.

"Ha ha, don’t worry; I’m already mentally prepared and can’t wait." Asai Ayumi curled her lips, speaking as if it’s true, yet it was amusing.

"Minister Aoyama, congratulations on your new marriage."

"Minister Asai, congratulations, congratulations."

Upon arriving at the Police Headquarters, all they met along the way were voices of blessing, and the two responded with smiles.

As soon as he arrived at the office, Xiu Xin received a call from his father-in-law and direct supervisor, summoning him to the office.

"Knock knock knock." Xiu Xin raised his hand and knocked on the door.

"Come in."

Xiu Xin pushed the door open and went in, closing the door behind him, then stepped forward and bowed, "Dad, what did you want to see me about?"

"Ahem." Calling out "Dad" gave Asai Youki goosebumps; it was so awkward and unfamiliar. He coughed and said, "Use your title at work."

"Director General." Xiu Xin smoothly adjusted.

Asai Youki nodded slightly and tossed a document over, "You know about the Nagoya crash incident, right? This is the preliminary investigation report. Take a look first."