Chapter 606 - Woman from Japan
Although Qin Meimei was doubtful about Su Tao's words, she still went to make arrangements according to Su Tao's instructions, changing the topic for the press conference in the afternoon. It wasn't difficult to get it done, but it required her to be meticulous enough to make sure that there's no mistake.
However, the advertising department of the Qihuang Charity Funds was more professional than imagined. They altered the topic In just an hour. After Su Tao looked through it and made sure that there's no mistake, he approved them for printing to be distributed to the reporters later.
Meanwhile, Su Tao gave a call to Jiang Qinghan to narrow down the scope once more, focusing on Jiang Mingxuan.
Jiang Mingxuan was a C to D-rank listed celebrity in the entertainment circle in the past century, who starred in many roles. After that, he converted into business and became a manager of a charity foundation with shares in several other charity foundations. At the same time, he also had a special relationship with Li Yede.
He often ran around in Nanyue Province and Xiangdu's special district, so he had connections with the celebrities there. In the past, there was news of a female singer being kidnapped, and it was done by him. It was because that celebrity wasn't willing to participate in the charity activity held by him, so he took revenge on her.
When the clock was ticking to afternoon, Su Tao received a call, it was from Asaka Ochi, informing him that she had arrived in Hanzhou City.
Despite the trouble that he's currently facing, Su Tao still had to take the time and meet with Asaka Ochi. After all, the other party came all the way from Japan to support him, not to mention that she's going to provide donations to the Qihuang Charity Funds and participate in the auction.
Hence, he couldn't neglect this favor.
After making an appointment to meet in the café on the second story of her hotel, she was dressed differently from the last time Su Tao saw her. She wore a fashionable Chinese-styled costume that permeated with the aura of a young girl. She gave off a refreshing feeling, but when Su Tao saw her, he felt a little peculiar in his heart. After all, Kohei Koizumi's lifespan was running out, so it's a pity for her to be a widow.
"What would you like to drink?" Asaka Ochi was similar to every other Japanese who placed importance on etiquette. She wore a humble smile with her body slightly bent forth.
"A cup of Longjing tea!" Su Tao smiled and continued, "You're the guest here, so let me treat you. What would you like?"
"No need for that!" Asaka Ochi immediately waved her hand and continued, "I was the one who invited you over, so how can I possibly allow you to treat me?"
Waving his hand, Su Tao smiled. "In China, it's a gentlemanly behavior for the man to pay. You can't be thinking of embarrassing me, right?"
As he spoke, he purposely put on a solemn expression.
Japan's culture deeply influenced Asaka Ochi, so she's a traditional woman. In Japan, many cultures were advanced, but the status of women hasn't risen. So this was the reason why Chinese men would find them obedient, sweet, and easy-going.
"Then, I will not insist any longer to put you in a difficult position!" Asaka Ochi held onto the menu and ordered a cup of Jasmine tea. The price was pretty cheap since she wanted to save money for Su Tao.
Su Tao knew that Asaka Ochi didn't lack money, but he felt touched by how considerate she was. Women were truly not the same. Some women would especially pick expensive stuff when meeting a man, behaving as if they could increase their worth in that manner. But truth be told, the temperament belonged to an innate characteristic, and nothing could enhance it. Hence, you could tell a person's manners from their actions.
Under close examination, Su Tao noticed that Asaka Ochi had undergone excellent education. She did not marry Kohei Koizumi out of money, and perhaps they really did have feelings between them.
Since Asaka Ochi was pretty introverted, she narrowed her eyes when she looked at Su Tao out of habit with dimples near her lips. Her rosy lips were ample, making Su Tao feel ticklish in his heart. All of a sudden, he was shocked. He couldn't have fallen for her, right?
He had no idea if the Gaudy History that he often read influenced him. He seemed to have a thing for married women since he found those women to be more understanding. He wouldn't have to talk much, and perhaps just an exchange between glances would do.
Furthermore, young married women were more charming than young women. They had grace in their actions that displayed the best of their charm.
Su Tao analysed that he had watched too much Japanese AV, and this was the reason why his heart throbbed when he saw Asaka Ochi.
He tried his best to convince himself that Japanese women might be outstanding, but Asaka Ochi was married, and that he should stop daydreaming.
Taking a sip of the tea, Asaka Ochi pondered for a long time before she said, "Someone told me that your Qihuang Charity Funds seems to have encountered a huge problem."
With a weak smile, Su Tao knew that Asaka Ochi had a significant corporation standing behind her, so it's impossible for him to hide this from her. Hence, he sighed, "We're currently dealing with this matter, but please have trust that I will handle it well."
Nodding her head, Asaka Ochi immediately explained, "Please don't misunderstand. The reason why I mentioned this isn't to put you in a difficult position or the change of my mind on the donation, but I just want to let you know that I can help you if you need it."
Feeling touched, Su Tao smiled. "Your words alone are the biggest support to me. But for the time being, I'm fine. I believe that it won't take long for the truth to come to light."
Thereafter, he tried to change the topic, "How is Mr. Koizumi's condition? You and he have never separated, so I was a little surprised that you would travel over by yourself."
Hearing that Su Tao rejected her help, Asaka Ochi felt a little disappointed. As she took a sip of the tea, she smiled. "My husband places great importance on the Qihuang Charity Funds, and he tasked me to deal with it well to repay you."
Su Tao knew that there were some true and false in her words. However, he did not nitpick it and humbly smiled. "Mr. Koizumi is too humble. Please, you have to stay in Hanzhou City for a few days. I'll bring you around and introduce you to the scenery here."
Hearing those words, Asaka Ochi's eyes lit up in excitement. "I've loved Chinese culture from a young age, and I have some understanding of Hanzhou City as well. This was once the most prosperous city in China, and many people are full of praises for it."
Thereafter, Asaka Ochi used her unique voice to recite a poem made by Li Bai from the Tang Dynasty.
"I never expected that Mrs. Ochi knew so much about China's culture." Su Tao smiled as he clapped.
"You must have forgotten that my father is a physician, so I am also one as well. Since young, I have been coming into contact with Chinese culture, it's just that my attainment in TCM isn't great, and I did not inherit my father's medical skills. I'm pale compared to you." Asaka Ochi smiled.
Asaka Ochi's words were somewhat modest. Truth be told, her medical skills weren't ordinary. Otherwise, she wouldn't have been able to treat Kohei Koizumi for so long and still allow the latter to retain his mobility. If it wasn't for her, Kohei Koizumi would have died a long time ago.
Then again, Asaka Ochi's words also represented her admiration for Su Tao. Comparing her father and her medical knowledge with the latter, it had toppled her knowledge of TCM.
It's just like a basketball fanatic suddenly meeting an NBA celebrity, feeling excited and nervous.
Patting his forehead, Su Tao smiled in self-ridiculement. "I do remember, but that doesn't mean that all physicians study China's culture as well."
Shaking her head with a grave expression, Asaka Ochi rejected Su Tao's words, "If you want to learn TCM well, you will have to start by researching China's culture since they're interlinked."
Her words made Su Tao speechless, but he wasn't annoyed. He only felt that this Japanese woman was pretty cute and nodded his head. "But it's a pity that not many students know about this in China. They only feel that ancient medical books are simplified versions of modern TCM."
"How can that be? Although they're simplified, they're also easier to be understood. When more views are added in, it just overcomplicates things. As the saying goes, a millimeter apart is as good as a thousand miles. It's not a good thing for TCM's long-term inheritance." Asaka Ochi was shocked.
Hearing those words, Su Tao was shocked by Asaka Ochi's insight. Even a Japanese woman who learned TCM understood this logic, but it's a pity that students in China didn't.
Looking at Su Tao's complicated expression, Asaka Ochi thought that she said the wrong words and lowered her head. "Did I say anything wrong? Please forgive me for that."
Upon hearing her words, Su Tao was briefly stunned. Asaka Ochi really had a soft character. How many women in China have a soft character like her? Thus, Su Tao sighed that Japanese men were indeed fortunate. Women in Japan were truly soft like the water, while women in China were all fiery, fighting for glory with their men.
When they finished their tea, Su Tao ordered lunch as well since it was almost lunch time. They might be from two different countries, but they shared the same profession. They're both students of TCM, so there's no barrier between them when they conversed, especially for Asaka Ochi. She asked many questions that she couldn't solve in the past, and they were all resolved by Su Tao, which made her feel like she saw a new light.
"It's getting late, and it's about time for me to attend the press conference!" Su Tao smiled. Although he did not spend a long time with Asaka Ochi, it was a pleasant experience.
"I'll go with you!" Asaka Ochi stood up and blushed. "Although I can't help you, I will definitely support you."
Nodding his head, Su Tao smiled. "Sure. I will have more confidence with another person supporting me."