To ordinary people, this is a prestigious profession, but in the eyes of the powerful, there is little difference between selling one's art and selling one's body.
There is a classic line from the movie 'Hail the Judge' that sums it up perfectly.
"If I don't pay after I'm done, then it doesn't count as buying, right?"
Yuriko Takagi's mother was such a geisha in her youth.
One day thirty years ago, when Yuriko's mother made her debut, she met Saya Takagi's grandfather, who was then a high-ranking officer in the military.
A man of wealth and a woman of beauty; the two hit it off like a fated couple.
Perhaps protection wasn't as common back then, or perhaps they simply hadn't used any.
After that day, Yuriko's mother unexpectedly found herself pregnant—a turn of events that was both surprising and yet entirely logical.
However, Saya's grandfather had already established a family of his own and even had a son.
Naturally, he would not allow a child of unknown origin to be born into the family. He simply gave her a sum of money and sent her away.
Yet, Yuriko's mother might have hoped to use the child as leverage to enter the Takagi family later, or perhaps it was simply a surge of maternal instinct due to the pregnancy.
Regardless of the reason, she chose not to have an abortion. Instead, she gave birth to Yuriko in secret and raised her alone.
Although the Takagi family eventually discovered Yuriko's existence, perhaps because they saw she was a daughter, they did not make things too difficult for the mother and child.
They even provided child support at regular intervals.
Beyond that, there was almost no contact between them.
This situation continued until Yuriko graduated from university.
Yuriko had studied finance at a prestigious university in the United States.
Perhaps her talent in this field was simply extraordinary, or perhaps her intuition for financial investment was exceptionally sharp.
During her internship on Wall Street, Yuriko displayed astonishing skill during a major financial event, making a name for herself overnight.
Following this, Yuriko rose rapidly, soon becoming one of Wall Street's most prominent 'iron ladies.'
It was precisely at this time that she unexpectedly encountered Soichiro Takagi, Saya's father, who had traveled to the US for business.
Soichiro was struck by Yuriko. He recognized her capability and simultaneously entertained the idea of finding a stepmother for Saya.
He immediately began to pursue her.
But at that time, Yuriko was in the prime of her life, immersed in the financial industry she loved, making waves on Wall Street.
How could she accept his proposal, give up the career she loved, and be content as a devoted wife and mother?
Let alone a stepmother?
Naturally, she gave Soichiro the cold shoulder.
Although disappointed by the rejection, Soichiro did not act like a fool or try anything against her.
It wasn't until he returned home to take over the family affairs that he discovered a fixed expense being sent to the same account every year.
Driven by curiosity, he investigated and finally discovered that Yuriko was actually his half-sister.
Surprised and delighted, he sought out Yuriko's mother.
No one knew what agreement he reached with her, but she successfully convinced Yuriko to give up her career in the US and join the Takagi family to assist Soichiro.
Soichiro succeeded.
Although Yuriko was reluctant at the time, she felt indebted to the mother who had raised her alone and to the Takagi family for the years of financial support.
Furthermore, the timing coincided with a global financial crisis.
Yuriko had no choice but to retire early and enter the Takagi family.
As for why she eventually became Saya's 'mother'?
It wasn't because of any scandalous affair between her and Soichiro.
Even if Soichiro had no shame, she certainly did.
It all stemmed from a beautiful misunderstanding.
When Saya was born, her biological mother died from complications during childbirth.
As a father, Soichiro did what most single parents do for their children.
He lied!
He constantly coaxed Saya, telling her that her mother had gone to a very far-off place.
As time passed and Saya grew up, having never seen her mother, she began to doubt her father's story.
It was at this moment that Yuriko entered the Takagi household.
With just one look, Saya mistook her for her mother and threw herself into her arms.
Perhaps seeing a reflection of her own childhood in Saya and remembering the difficulties of growing up in a single-parent home, Yuriko felt a pang of sympathy.
She did not correct Saya's way of addressing her.
Thus, a beautiful misunderstanding was born.
If nothing unexpected had happened, this misunderstanding might have lasted forever.
But, as fate would have it, the unexpected occurred.
Su Yan appeared!
Previously, Yuriko had only known of Su Yan's existence through Saya's descriptions.
Given her background as a high-powered financier, she easily deduced that a student with poor historical grades who could suddenly rank second in the year was likely aiming for Tokyo University.
A genius who held onto his principles.
This was the impression Yuriko had of Su Yan before she ever met him.
Until today, when she saw him in person.
She was instantly impressed.
It is well known in the world of finance that one doesn't invest in projects, but in people.
The moment she saw Su Yan, Yuriko was certain that he was the most worthwhile 'project' in the world to invest in.
It was like a time traveler arriving in the Qin Dynasty and meeting the young First Emperor.
She simply couldn't suppress the intense desire to invest that surged within her.
As for the Takagi family?
Her mother had passed away several years ago, and she felt she had already repaid her debt by doing so much for them, growing their influence to a pivotal level in Tokonosu City. The debt of gratitude had long been settled.
More importantly, a terrifying zombie crisis had suddenly erupted in the city today.
Yet, the Takagi family, whose foundation was in this city, hadn't received a whisper of warning beforehand. From her sharp perspective as an investor who excelled at discerning the truth from small details...
Either Japan was finished, or Tokonosu City was finished.
Regardless of the outcome, one thing was clear: the Takagi family was doomed.
If Su Yan were interested in Saya, there might be a chance for salvation.
Unfortunately, when she mentioned Saya to him, he had refused without hesitation due to the family's political leanings.
Therefore, only one choice remained for her.
To gamble her life on the project she believed in most.
Su Yan!
The story ended.
Yuriko Takagi winked playfully at Su Yan and said, "Well, Su Yan? Are you interested in accepting my investment?"
[Reviews - Power St0nes - Comments are highly appreciated to keep me going.....(+50 chapters) patre0n.c0m/talecrafter]