CHAPTER 805: CHAPTER 664: MARCHING TOWARD DANGER DESPITE KNOWING THE RISKS

By September, Hokkaido already had a chill in the air.

In the cold morning wind, Aoyama Xiu Xin, dressed in a suit, stood barefoot on the ground, gently supporting a woman with disheveled hair, swollen eyes with tears, wearing ill-fitting shoes.

Click!

This scene was captured by the cameras of people in the crowd.

It was expected to be on the newspapers the next day.

"I had just seen my husband off when someone came to the house under the pretext of borrowing a phone and kidnapped my daughter, asking me to report to you, saying only you could save her," Nanako stammered.

Upon hearing this, Aoyama Xiu Xin already regretted choosing to inquire about the case in public as part of an act.

Damn, I overdid it with the pretentiousness.

Because it was clear that the kidnappers were targeting him.

If he had asked about the case in private, even if in a despicable way, he could’ve selfishly ignored the case upon realizing it posed a danger to him.

But now, under the watchful eyes of so many, having heard the woman’s words, even knowing the kidnappers were targeting him, he had to respond.

Since he couldn’t avoid it, Aoyama Xiu Xin immediately frowned, gave a cold snort, and said, "A bunch of vile, shameless thugs! If they have a problem with me, they should come directly to me instead of harassing the innocent, madam, rest assured I will save your daughter and bring these people to justice so they spend the rest of their lives rotting in jail!"

"Good!" Someone in the crowd shouted in approval.

This was followed by a round of enthusiastic applause.

For politicians, as long as there’s an audience, anywhere can be a stage, and they must act at any moment.

"Oh, there’s also a letter, they have a letter for you." Nanako took out a wrinkled envelope.

Aoyama Xiu Xin took it and opened it on the spot.

Knowing he couldn’t hide his identity, Imamura Masafumi revealed himself directly in the letter.

If Aoyama Xiu Xin wanted to save the girl, he was to bring fifty million US dollars to Makunai Takino Spirit Garden, a well-known cemetery, by 11 a.m. and call the number on the letter upon arrival.

If he wasn’t there by 11 a.m., the girl would be killed, and Aoyama Xiu Xin would see his reputation ruined, falling from grace to disgrace.

Aoyama Xiu Xin’s face turned terrifyingly dark, gripping the letter so tightly his knuckles turned pale; Imamura Masafumi was truly despicable for coming up with such a plan against him.

Since the other side specially asked him to deliver the ransom alone, it indicated their goal wasn’t just money; they probably wanted his life.

Going meant a slim chance of survival.

But if he didn’t go, as Imamura Masafumi’s letter warned, not going meant his public persona would collapse.

If the persona he built collapsed, then his future would be gone, equivalent to social death.

"Cheif Aoyama..." Nanako, seeing his face changing, felt anxious and cautiously called out to Aoyama Xiu Xin.

Aoyama Xiu Xin snapped back to reality, took a deep breath, and said to Nanako, "It’s okay, these people want me to go alone to pay the ransom. I know they’re targeting me, but don’t worry, I won’t back down. I’ll personally ensure your lovely daughter returns safely."

Even knowing it’s nearly certain death, he must go, preferring physical death over political death because without power, living or dying makes no difference.

So, he has to take this risk!

There’s no choice, having reaped the benefits of being a justice champion, he naturally has to endure the troubles that come with it.

Going doesn’t mean certain death.

But not going means certain death.

Wow!

The crowd burst into an uproar hearing this.

"Cheif Aoyama, you can’t go! These criminals clearly mean you harm, if you go, your life will undoubtedly be in danger!"

"Yes, you mustn’t go, it’s too dangerous, they won’t let you off."

"Cheif Aoyama, please reconsider..."

Aside from those silent, many were urgently persuading Aoyama Xiu Xin, since it wasn’t their daughter who was kidnapped; they naturally didn’t want Aoyama Xiu Xin to take the risk. If anything happened to him, it would be a national loss!

Hearing these remarks, Nanako could only sob quietly, aware that asking Aoyama Xiu Xin to risk himself to save her daughter was excessive, but as a mother, she couldn’t bring herself to say she’d give up her daughter.

"Ladies and gentlemen! Ladies and gentlemen!" Aoyama Xiu Xin raised his hand and shouted twice, waiting for the scene to quiet before smiling and saying forcefully, "Your concern delights me, but why are you so concerned about my safety? Isn’t it because I’ve never betrayed your trust? If I back down today, it would be undeserving of your concern, and I can’t bear to watch an innocent child suffer because of me, so even knowing the danger, I must move forward. No need to persuade me further, it’s my responsibility."

"The safety of the people is paramount in my heart!"

Having decided to take the risk, he must use this matter to gain enough advantage; surviving this time would bring boundless reputation benefits.

"If I’m unfortunately sacrificed, I’d die with a smile, for I’d not have betrayed the public trust. Even living to an old age without going would be miserable. Time is tight; I need to attend a meeting to arrange matters. Goodbye for now, everyone."

Having said this, he looked at Nanako again.

"Madam, please go back and wait for news, and prepare a meal for your daughter’s homecoming."

With these words, he turned and strode towards headquarters, his face calm and unmoved.

It had a certain bleak heroic sense, reminiscent of the old warriors heading to battle, inspiring endless admiration among onlookers, with some more sentimental ones crying softly.

"Thank you, Cheif Aoyama! Thank you! Thank you!" Nanako once more knelt down, crying and thanking Aoyama Xiu Xin.

Aoyama Xiu Xin waved his hand without looking back.

Showing complete ease.

Damn, stepping on this ground is really rough! Aoyama Xiu Xin grumbled inwardly without shoes.

But he couldn’t show it outwardly, enduring silently, lest he ruin everything.

Jin Yucheng shook his head and drove off.

He went home to get Aoyama Xiu Xin’s shoes.

He knew his boss would be averse yet obligated to the risk, finding his boss’s fame-tied actions amusing at times.

He sincerely hoped his boss could come back alive this time.

Otherwise, he’d be out of a job! Where else could he find such a high-paying, high-benefit job?