"Thank you both for helping the local government tackle such a tough mission. We're truly grateful," Li Desheng said, waiting at the entrance to greet Hayashi and Todo early.
Hayashi glanced at the crowd around them and waved a hand dismissively. "Skip the pleasantries. Just send the money."
Everyone froze for a second. That blunt? They'd expected to at least treat the duo to dinner, hold a commendation ceremony, and maybe plan a few days of sightseeing.
Hayashi didn't have time for pointless detours. He rattled off the card number Yajima had set up for him, telling Li to wire the cash.
Li had no choice. Hayashi was insistent, and right now, he was Tianjin's hero. Li couldn't argue.
After nearly two hours of waiting, the higher-ups approved it layer by layer. Finally, ten million hit Hayashi's account.
To an average family, ten million was a fortune. To a national government, it was pocket change—barely more than a hundred bucks.
Especially against curses. Solving one to cut losses and stabilize the economy? Ten million was nothing.
For trickier curses, the price could climb higher.
These half-unsolvable incidents were a nightmare. If even jujutsu sorcerers found them tough, military intervention wasn't trivial—artillery bombardment would rack up way bigger bills.
"You two sure you won't stick around for the ceremony? We've got a lavish dinner and hotel rest lined up. No rush to decide—think it over," Li said earnestly, genuinely wanting to host Hayashi and Todo.
Talent was respected everywhere. He'd figured they'd go in and never come back. Yet here they were, the ones who'd cracked it. Shocking, really.
A quick check could reveal their backgrounds—not hard to do.
Foreign jujutsu sorcerers coming to China for commissions was common. But from Japan? That got trickier—their oversight was strict.
Not Li's problem, though. Hayashi and Todo could deal with that.
Hayashi had already pawned it off on Gojo Satoru. Five million wasn't pocket change for nothing.
"Thanks, but we've got other business. Won't stay long," Hayashi said with a nod, then walked off.
Li couldn't push further. Still, he mentally filed away Hayashi and Todo. Next time Tianjin had a nasty curse, he'd call them.
Better to avoid tapping China's own curse users if possible. Every jujutsu sorcerer was precious—especially locals.
Hayashi chartered a taxi straight to Beijing. Next stop: Longyuan. He'd retrieve that white tail and meet the folks there.
On the ride, Hayashi gazed out the window at the passing scenery, soaking in a rare moment of peace. Handling this incident was expected—he'd been to the mirrored world before, so it was old hat.
"Todo, thanks for tagging along on this trip. I'll toss you a few ten thousand back home as a bonus," Hayashi said, turning to Todo, who was resting with his eyes closed.
"No need to get formal. Money doesn't interest me," Todo replied coolly.
"You sure?" Hayashi pressed.
"Sure," Todo answered.
"Takada's handshake events and stuff—tickets aren't cheap, right? A few ten thousand could get you into a bunch of her solo gigs. Unless you don't wanna see her—or you're loaded?"
Hayashi's words jolted Todo's eyes open. He stared ahead, then spoke slowly. "Brotherhood's one thing, women another. But you can't fight money. I'll take it. Wire it when we're back."
Hayashi: "…"
Todo: "Regretting it?"
Hayashi: "No way. I'll make it a hundred thousand."
Todo: "Good brother!"
They reached Longyuan in Beijing hours later. The driver had spent the whole ride listening to Hayashi brag—tens of thousands thrown around like it was a game.
"Kids these days love to boast. Charters a cab and acts like a big shot. Why not claim he's the mayor?" the driver thought.
"Driver, I sent the cash. Check it," Hayashi said, pocketing his phone after the transfer.
"Mm." The driver lazily pulled out his phone, unlocked it, and checked the payment. His eyes nearly popped out. "W-Why's it double?"
"Oh, you looked rough out there. Seemed like you were in pain the whole way—sick or something? Use the extra to hit up a clinic in Beijing. World-class care here," Hayashi said.
"Oh, man, you're too kind! I'm embarrassed. Next time you need a ride, call me—here's my card," the driver gushed.
Hayashi pocketed the card and left with Todo toward Longyuan. A bad vibe crept up on him.
It grew stronger the closer they got.
"This is Longyuan territory. What's your business?" Four suited men blocked their path at the grand outer courtyard.
"Tell someone inside that Hayashi's here to visit," Hayashi said.
The lead suit had pegged Todo as the main guy—his cursed energy was palpable. But it was the black-haired kid beside him who spoke first. Hayashi seemed ordinary—no cursed energy to speak of.
"Hayashi?" The man didn't recognize the name, but since he'd said it, he might be known to Longyuan. He hurried in to report.
Inside Longyuan's main courtyard, a group gathered. At the head was the patriarch, Long Qiannian. Beside him stood Shangguan Xuemeng, Xiahou Zhiwen, Su Xia, and One-Eyed Dong.
Their faces were grim—like they'd swallowed dead flies.
Around them, a dozen Longyuan members mirrored their sour looks.
In the tense silence, the suited man slipped in, whispering to One-Eyed Dong. Dong's eyes sharpened, glancing outside. "You sure?"
"Yes. He calls himself Hayashi," the man replied, noting Dong's reaction. Clearly, he knew the name.
"Go back out. I'll handle it myself soon," Dong said, then darted to Long Qiannian's side, murmuring, "Patriarch, the Hayashi we've been looking for—he's right outside."
Long Qiannian's stern face shifted. He looked at Dong. "Bring him in."
"Understood." Dong spun and left the room.
Hayashi didn't wait long before One-Eyed Dong emerged.
"Which of you is Hayashi?" Dong asked politely, eyeing both.
Visually, Todo stood out—tall, muscled, a street-stopper. Hayashi, beside him, was calm, composed, strikingly handsome—but his cursed energy was near zilch.