On the other side, Toru looked at the man standing before him—his nominal biological father.
Toward this so-called father, Toru felt more resentment than affection.
This wasn't just because he was a transmigrator. In this life, all his bitter childhood memories were tied to this man.
Especially his mother, who had cared for him alone, working herself to death through endless fatigue and hardship.
Fujiwara Yoshitaka opened his mouth. The Chairman of the Japan National Security Committee suddenly looked anxious. He stammered for a while before finally asking, "Are you used to living in the new house?"
Toru replied calmly, "Yes, I'm quite used to it."
Seeing Toru willing to respond, Yoshitaka was surprised. He quickly said, "If you need anything else at home, just tell me."
Toru shook his head. "If I need anything, I can get it myself."
Yoshitaka was left speechless.
Sometimes, having a son who's too exceptional is also a problem.
If Toru were just an average person, Yoshitaka could slowly win him over with the wealth and power of the Fujiwara. He believed ordinary people couldn't resist such sudden prosperity.
But Toru was too outstanding. Just as he said, if he needed something, he truly could get it on his own.
Even in America, Toru had done very well. The Fujiwara held considerable influence in Japan, but in America, Toru's personal connections might far exceed that.
Relying on his adoptive father's identity, Toru could speak directly with the current American President and had close ties with the leading candidate, MAGA.
Yoshitaka understood he couldn't rush things. He softened his tone and spoke like an old father,
"I know I didn't treat you or your mother well. I'm not asking for forgiveness, but the old master is getting on in years and has always wanted to see you. Do you have time to visit the Fujiwara main house?"
Hearing this, Toru nodded. "Alright. I'll find time to visit the old man."
"That's good, that's good. I won't bother you anymore. If you need anything, feel free to contact me."
Yoshitaka knew that pushing too hard would backfire. Toru agreeing to visit the old master was already an unexpected gain. This was enough for now.
As for the fiancée, he didn't bring it up. He'd seen the girl from the Shinomiya family. Her looks weren't a problem, and whether Toru liked her or not didn't matter. It was just a title.
If Toru didn't like her, he didn't have to marry her. He could find other women on the side. Yoshitaka was aware of how messy Toru's past relationships had been and didn't care about such things.
How many people in high political or business positions are paragons of virtue? Finding even one is rare.
Yoshitaka turned and walked toward his wife.
Unlike the gentle attitude he showed Toru, he faced his wife with a cold stare. His brows furrowed. "You cried?"
There was clear displeasure in his voice. As his wife, crying in public was a disgrace to the Fujiwara name.
Haruno quickly stepped in to help her aunt. "Uncle, we were just talking about some family matters. Aunt hasn't been home in a long time, so she got a little emotional."
Yoshitaka glanced at Haruno, his expression easing slightly.
Of course he knew her explanation was nonsense. His wife had long cut ties with the Yukinoshita and had a terrible relationship with her older sister.
But he appreciated Haruno. This girl understood social cues, handled situations well, and was quick to smooth things over, just like now.
He didn't want to make a scene either, so he nodded. "Let's go. I've finished talking with Toru. Let's head back. I still have work."
Madam Fujiwara quickly responded with a "Yes." She gave Haruno a grateful look, then followed her husband away.
After seeing her aunt's family off, Haruno returned to the backstage area of the auditorium and approached Toru with a bright smile. "That Madam Fujiwara is my aunt. I didn't expect Fujiwara-kun and I to be related."
Toru hadn't expected that either. That his nominal stepmother was from the Yukinoshita surprised him. He nodded. "Yeah, I didn't see that coming. But my relationship with the Fujiwara isn't exactly good."
Haruno didn't want to dwell on that. Her uncle had no previous marriage but still had a son like Toru. That pretty much confirmed Toru was an illegitimate child or something close to it.
That kind of identity was sensitive, and Haruno wasn't going to step into that minefield.
She smiled warmly, like a caring older sister. "Are you done, Fujiwara-kun? If so, come with me to the club so we can finish the application form."
"We're relatives, after all. From now on, I'll take care of you in the club."
As she spoke, Haruno casually took Toru's arm and began to pull him away.
She knew very well how to quickly shorten the distance between people. As a woman, she had a natural advantage. Just slightly blurring the line between men and women would make things feel intimate fast.
Her attitude toward him had shifted. Before, Haruno had kept a respectful distance, her boundaries clear.
But now, she'd dropped those boundaries and acted like they were already close.
Is she treating me as prey? Must be because of my connection to her aunt.
But Miss Haruno, while entering the game with your body might let you win half a step against the heavens... it can also be a step into the abyss. In the end, who's the prey and who's the hunter? That remains to be seen.
Toru let her pull him along, laughing. "Then, from now on in the club, I'll be in your care, Yukinoshita-senpai."
(To be continued.)