I arranged to meet Michael ir for lunch, our conversation today focused on the future of QuantumLyfe Technology, and I had one ce in mind—


    that


    hidden gem of a sushi restaurant,


    Shinsei


    .


    It wasn''t just about the food. This small, unassuming spot, tucked away in the heart of the city, held a secret that few knew.


    I had stumbled upon it in my past life, a discovery made by sheer ident when I was craving something different from the usual high-end venues.


    The moment I walked in back then, I was captivated—the ambiance, the artistry, and the authenticity of the food was beyond anything I had ever tasted. The experience had stuck with me so deeply that, when I came back into this life, I knew I had to invest in it.


    And I did. Not for profit, but because I wanted to protect this ce I hade to love, to ensure it stayed the hidden gem it always was.


    The owners were a family of chefs who hade all the way from Japan, seeking a fresh start. Their skill was undeniable, passed down through generations, but they were struggling now—still unknown to the world.


    I, however, knew what their future held. In time, this restaurant would be a sanctuary for the ultra-rich, a ce where billionaires would fight for a reservation and pour their fortunes into keeping it exclusive.


    I had seen it happen before, in my past life. Back then, I watched as they skyrocketed to sess, toote to seize the opportunity myself.


    But this time, I was first.


    I had already made my move, investing heavily with only a modest 5% return in mind. It wasn''t about the money. It never was.


    As long as they had a private room waiting for me whenever I came, I''d consider it more than worth the investment. Privacy was my only demand—my sanctuary from the outside world.


    But right now, the ce was still new, and the private rooms were unfinished, their construction dyed by the usual chaos of a fledgling business.


    The restaurant was small, humble even, with just a few patrons scattered around, enjoying the incredible food that most of the city hadn''t yet discovered.


    Today, I craved its delicate vors once more, the way the sashimi melted on the tongue, the scent of freshly prepared fish mixed with the faint aroma of soy and wasabi, the hum of soft Japanese tunes ying in the background.


    We stepped inside, I couldn''t help but feel a quiet satisfaction seeing it thrive, knowing that I yed a part in its sess.


    I greeted the familiar staff with a nod, their respect and warmth making it clear they knew exactly who I was—not just another customer, but the one who had secured their ce in the world.


    We took our usual table, one by the window where the sunlight filtered in, casting a soft glow over thecquered wood.


    Michael noticed the slight grin creeping across my face and raised an eyebrow. "What are you grinning there for, like an idiot?"


    I tilted my head and smiled sweetly at him. "I''m grinning because you finally decided to cut your hair and dress nicely for once."


    I was genuinely taken aback by this new version of Michael ir. Previously, I''d seen him as somewhat handsome beneath the unkempt beard and weary face, often hidden beneathyers of scruffyb coats and tangled hair.


    But now, with a clean-shaven look and a fresh haircut, he resembled a respectable businessman—or even a model for some luxurious brand. The transformation was stunning; he exuded an aura of confidence and poise that was hard to ignore.


    Michael adjusted his necktie, and cleared his throat. He wasn''t use to this. "I''m practicing wearing this," he said, gesturing to his crisp attire. "Thanks to you, QuantumLyfe is nearing its final phase and about to beunched into the world, so I had to look my best. After all, you said that the CEO should look the part."


    I couldn''t help but chuckle. "Good. You''re learning. We should go shopping afterward and buy you more suits."


    He frowned, and for a moment, I was taken aback by how his mature charm shone through. His bushy brows entuated his striking features, and the eyesses perched on his nose transformed him from a disheveled scientist into someone who looked like he belonged in a boardroom or on the cover of a magazine.


    "Don''t bother. I can buy my own clothes. I''m not so poor that I need a woman to dress me," he replied, a hint of pride in his tone.


    Iughed lightly. "That''s right. You''ve got the enemy on your side now, thanks to my millions of investments."


    Michael pursed his lips, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "You''ll get your money back soon enough once weunch QuantumLyfe. You''ll not only recover your investment but make even more."


    "Good. I expect nothing less," I replied, and began to eat.


    We continued discussing business as we ate, the conversation flowing easily, until I paused, my attention suddenly snagged by a new arrival. My heart dropped.


    This can''t be . . . Why is


    he


    here?!


    I mentally screamed as Cole Fay strode into the restaurant, apanied by the Johnson brother and sister, Zachary and E. The sight of him sent a rush of conflicting emotions through me, as if a tidal wave had crashed into the calm of my day.


    When our eyes met, I forced myself to remain unfazed, maintaining my conversation with Michael as if nothing had changed. But I could feel the shift in the air, the tension thickening around us.


    Michael, perceptive as ever, caught on to the change in my demeanor. He turned his gaze toward the neers, his curiosity piqued.


    "Aren''t they like the son and daughter of Fay and Johnson? What are such high-profile people doing in this little restaurant?" he asked, his toneced with disbelief.


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    || A/N ||


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