Chapter 582: Saionji Tower

“Satsuki.”

Tsutsumi Yoshiaki had just stepped into the VIP reception lounge when he saw the young girl walking toward him.

He nodded to the staff member guiding him, then turned his gaze to Satsuki.

“Congratulations.”

This time, he didn’t start with a joke as he usually did.

“On my way here just now, I specifically had the driver loop around the plaza. Once the surrounding buildings are all completed, this tower of yours will likely look even more magnificent.”

“Thank you, Uncle Tsutsumi.”

The smile on Satsuki’s face grew a little more genuine.

“I thought you’d come straight through the main entrance.”

“It’s a rare occasion, so of course I had to take a good look.”

Tsutsumi Yoshiaki said as he took a warm towel handed to him by a staff member and wiped his hands.

“Speaking of which, the last time I came to Odaiba was at the end of last year. Back then, there were still plenty of construction hoardings around, but now it’s finally starting to look like a central business district.”

“What do you think of it?”

“Very nice.”

Tsutsumi Yoshiaki handed the towel back to the staff member.

“However, when I passed by Prince Hotel earlier, I still felt a bit of regret.”

“Oh?”

Satsuki raised her eyebrows slightly.

“Is something not up to standard?”

“Not at all.”

Tsutsumi Yoshiaki waved his hand.

“Construction progress is actually faster than previously expected, and the hotel has already begun preparing operational plans.”

As he spoke, he suddenly turned to look at Satsuki.

“I just feel that back then, we should have shifted that hotel a bit closer to your side.”

“Why is that?”

“Why else?”

Tsutsumi Yoshiaki gestured toward the massive central plaza outside the window.

“Look, Saionji Tower is now the tallest skyscraper in the world. In the future, countless foreigners visiting Tokyo will probably make a special trip just to see it.”

He paused briefly, a touch of regret surfacing on his face.

“If the hotel had been situated a bit better, allowing more guest rooms a direct view of this building, that would have been quite a lucrative business.”

Hearing this, the corners of Satsuki’s lips curled up slightly.

“I see.”

She picked up a cup of tea from a passing waiter’s tray and handed it to Tsutsumi Yoshiaki.

“So that means Uncle Tsutsumi came all the way here today to see how much Seibu’s assets have appreciated?”

Tsutsumi Yoshiaki, having just taken the teacup, paused mid-motion upon hearing her words.

“…Must you put it like that?”

“Am I wrong?”

Satsuki took a cup of tea for herself, looking thoroughly innocent.

“You were practically running the hotel’s balance sheet just now.”

Tsutsumi Yoshiaki looked at her and ultimately shook his head.

“Fine, I’ll grant you that.”

He raised the cup to take a sip, then suddenly thought of something else.

“Still, Satsuki, since you know Seibu’s hotel will benefit from this, shouldn’t you throw more of Saionji’s major business events our way in the future?”

“Of course.”

Satsuki answered without hesitation.

“Once the hotel officially opens, the group can give priority consideration to it for conventions and hospitality. However, that will ultimately depend on pricing and service.”

“…”

Tsutsumi Yoshiaki lowered his teacup slightly.

“You little girl, can’t you even let me get away with a small favor on a day like this?”

“You misunderstand me.”

Satsuki looked at him, a glimmer of laughter in her eyes.

“I just believe that between friends, business should be conducted even more properly.”

Tsutsumi Yoshiaki stared at her for a couple of seconds before finally letting out a helpless sigh.

“I truly wonder who taught you to be like this all these years.”

“You, of course.”

Satsuki answered completely naturally.

At that, even Tsutsumi Yoshiaki couldn’t hold it in.

He lowered his head and took a sip of tea, using the gesture to mask the smile on his lips.

“All right, then it seems I really have taught you quite a lot over the years.”

The two walked slowly forward along the corridor beside the VIP lounge.

Along the way, several familiar business tycoons noticed Tsutsumi Yoshiaki and stopped to greet him.

Tsutsumi Yoshiaki responded to each one, occasionally exchanging a few pleasantries.

Satsuki stood by his side, waiting for him to conclude his conversations before continuing to discuss Odaiba with him.

As they passed through the lounge area, a manager from Seibu happened to walk toward them.

“Chairman Tsutsumi, Miss Saionji.”

The man hurried to halt his steps.

Recognizing him, Tsutsumi Yoshiaki asked casually,

“Have the tour arrangements on your end been confirmed?”

“They’ve been confirmed. Once the ceremony concludes, dedicated staff will escort our partner enterprises to tour the hotel construction site.”

“Mm, keep safety in mind. There are a lot of guests today; make sure no one wanders into areas that haven’t passed inspection yet.”

“Understood.”

The manager bowed slightly to Satsuki once more before departing.

Tsutsumi Yoshiaki watched him leave, then turned back around.

“Speaking of which, with so many guests here today, Shuichi must be thrilled, right?”

“Father has been in high spirits since morning.”

Satsuki paused briefly.

“However, he still has to deliver a speech later. When I went to see him earlier, I noticed he had taken out his speech draft to review it once more.”

“Oh?”

Tsutsumi Yoshiaki’s interest was piqued at once.

“Shuichi’s giving it himself?”

“Yes.”

“Then I’ll certainly have to listen closely.”

Tsutsumi Yoshiaki looked toward the center of the VIP lounge and soon spotted Shuichi chatting with several guests.

Just as he was about to head over, he remembered something and abruptly slowed his pace.

“Satsuki.”

“Yes?”

“I haven’t had the chance to properly tell you this yet.”

Tsutsumi Yoshiaki handed his teacup to a passing waiter and turned to face her.

“Being able to bring this tower to completion is truly remarkable.”

His expression became uncharacteristically serious.

“I’ve been in real estate for so many years and seen plenty of large-scale construction projects. When some projects start, everyone says the prospects are fantastic, but when funding issues, construction hurdles, or market shifts actually hit, how many are able to reach successful completion?”

“Not to mention the current economic situation in Japan, which everyone is well aware of.”

Having said that, he gazed out the window.

“For you to finish Saionji Tower at a time like this is enough to make many people look at Saionji with newfound respect.”

Satsuki listened quietly.

After a moment, she nodded softly.

“Thank you, Uncle Tsutsumi.”

Looking at the familiar elder and rival before her, her tone turned earnest as well.

“You’ve also helped immensely over the years. Especially after Seibu and Saionji coordinated the Odaiba project again last year, many troublesome issues were resolved smoothly.”

“A share of today’s achievement belongs to you as well.”

Hearing this, Tsutsumi Yoshiaki’s gaze lingered on her face for a moment.

Then, a subtle smirk curved his lips.

“Then I won’t be modest.”

He raised his hand, gesturing in the direction of Shuichi.

“Let’s go. I should congratulate your father first.”

“Mm.”

Satsuki accompanied him across the lounge area.

Seeing the two approaching, Shuichi promptly wrapped up his conversation with the guests beside him.

“Chairman Tsutsumi.”

“Shuichi.”

Tsutsumi Yoshiaki stepped forward and shook his hand.

“Congratulations. After knowing each other for so many years, I truly never imagined that one day I’d attend the opening ceremony of the Saionji House’s world’s tallest skyscraper.”

Shuichi felt quite moved upon hearing that.

“Indeed, even I find it somewhat unbelievable.”

He glanced around at his surroundings.

“Back when Satsuki first proposed this plan, I worried whether the project was too massive. Now that it’s actually built, it gives me an indescribable feeling.”

“Haha, then you’ll definitely have to drink a few extra glasses today.”

Tsutsumi Yoshiaki patted Shuichi on the arm.

“After all, a day like this might not come along a second time in one’s life.”

“Naturally.”

Shuichi nodded in strong agreement.

“Though that will have to wait until tonight. With so many guests here today, I must ensure everyone is well hosted first.”

“What, you don’t even plan on taking a break today?”

“Chairman Tsutsumi, on such a joyous occasion, asking me to sit and rest would actually make me restless.”

Shuichi said as he accepted tea brought by a server and gestured toward their surroundings.

“Look, so many old friends have come today. Quite a few haven’t seen each other in two or three years, so this is the perfect opportunity to catch up.”

“Hehehe, that’s true.”

Tsutsumi Yoshiaki raised his teacup and gestured to him.

“Just don’t get so caught up entertaining guests that you forget your speech later. I’m waiting to hear it.”

“Don’t worry, the draft has long been prepared.”

Shuichi spoke with complete ease.

“I’ve handled all kinds of occasions over the years—would I really mess up at our own house’s opening ceremony?”

“Then I shall look forward to it.”

“Listen all you like, and if it’s good, remember to toast me an extra cup tonight.”

The two smiled at each other.

Standing nearby, Satsuki felt in high spirits as she listened to her father and Tsutsumi Yoshiaki chat with such gusto.

In truth, it had been a long time since she had seen her father this happy.

Ever since arriving at Saionji Tower in the morning, Shuichi had hardly stopped. First, he showed several old friends around the building, then conversed with numerous political and business figures who came to offer their congratulations, and even personally hosted a few business partners who had just flown in from overseas.

And judging by his demeanor, he seemed to feel there wasn’t nearly enough time.

As they were speaking, the staff member in charge of protocol arrangements walked over.

“Mr. Saionji, the main venue is ready.”

“Alright, thank you for your hard work.”

Shuichi handed the teacup back to the waiter and turned to Tsutsumi Yoshiaki.

“Chairman Tsutsumi, see you later then.”

“Alright, I’ll go over and sit down first.”

Tsutsumi Yoshiaki waved to the father and daughter, then walked toward the venue under the guidance of the staff.

…

10:00 AM sharp.

Inside the central hall, as the host stepped onto the podium, the originally lively chatter gradually quieted down.

The invited guests had taken their seats one after another, and reporters from Japan and overseas had also set up their cameras.

On one side of the backstage, Shuichi was confirming the final schedule with the staff in charge of the ceremony arrangements.

“After the speech, should I stay directly on the stage, or come down first?”

“Mr. Saionji, you may return to your designated seat first. When the unveiling ceremony begins, we will invite you and the eldest miss back on stage together.”

“Understood.”

Shuichi nodded.

“Then let’s proceed according to the original arrangement.”

He handed the schedule in his hand back to the staff member, turned around, and happened to see Satsuki walking over.

“Father.”

“Satsuki, why did you come over?”

“I came to see how your preparations are going here.”

“Everything is ready.”

Shuichi raised his hand to tidy his cuffs, the enthusiasm on his face still very high.

“Come to think of it, today’s guests are even more numerous than I expected. Just now, several old friends I haven’t seen in years even came. After the ceremony, I’m planning to ask them to stay and have a good chat.”

“Then it seems that tonight, Father probably won’t be able to stay idle either.”

“It’s rare to have such an opportunity, what does it matter if we’re a bit busy?”

Shuichi smiled slightly, then suddenly glanced back toward the hall.

“However, Satsuki.”

“Hmm?”

“Looking at those people just now, I happened to think of things from seven years ago.”

Satsuki was slightly startled.

“1985?”

“That’s right.”

Shuichi shook his head with emotion.

“At that time, we were still worrying about the operations of the Osaka factory. When you first came to me with that plan, I never imagined that Saionji House could actually reach this step today.”

As he spoke, he looked toward the huge S.A. logo in the center of the hall.

“Seven years…”

There was a bit of thinly veiled pride in his tone.

“Nowadays, we’ve even built the world’s tallest skyscraper.”

Satsuki looked along her father’s gaze.

From 1985 to 1992, the changes in Saionji House were truly too massive.

Back then, for a loan of 5 billion yen, the father and daughter had discussed it in the study for a long time.

And now, just the construction cost of the skyscraper in front of them already far exceeded the funds the entire family could mobilize back then.

Thinking of this, Satsuki couldn’t help feeling a bit emotional.

“That’s right, Father.”

She looked back at Shuichi.

“Back then, you asked me several times, does Saionji House really need to develop so fast?”

“Is there such a thing?”

Shuichi gave her a look of feigned puzzlement.

“Why don’t I remember?”

“Father…”

Satsuki was somewhat helpless.

Shuichi finally stopped teasing her.

“Alright, alright.”

He reached out and patted his daughter’s shoulder.

“Looking at it now, we really should have been bolder back then.”

“However…”

Shuichi looked back toward the hall.

“Being able to stand here today and watch so many people come to congratulate Saionji House, I am truly happy.”

Listening to her father’s heartfelt sentiment, Satsuki couldn’t help but hold his hand.

“Me too.”

The father and daughter stood like that for a while.

Until a reminder came from the staff ahead.

“Mr. Saionji, it’s almost time for your speech session.”

“Alright.”

Shuichi let go of his daughter’s hand, tidied his suit, and walked toward the podium with high spirits.

Walking a few steps out, he suddenly turned his head back.

“Right, Satsuki.”

“Hmm?”

“Listen carefully later.”

Shuichi blinked at her.

“Your father has prepared quite seriously today.”

Satsuki was finally amused by him.

“I know, Father.”

Just at this moment, the host’s voice had already come from ahead.

“Next, let’s invite the head of Saionji House, Mr. Saionji Shuichi, to deliver a speech!”

Warm applause immediately sounded in the hall.

Shuichi calmly walked up to the podium and slightly bowed to the crowd below.

Years of experience as a member of the House of Peers had long made him thoroughly familiar with such formal occasions.

Facing the numerous political and business figures from Japan and overseas below the stage, he showed not the slightest awkwardness; instead, because of this special ceremony today, his entire person appeared exceptionally spirited.

He adjusted the microphone and slowly swept his gaze across those familiar faces below the stage.

Afterward, he spoke with heartfelt joy:

“Distinguished guests, dear friends.”

Shuichi stood in front of the podium and slightly bowed to the crowd.

“First, please allow me to represent Saionji House in thanking everyone for attending the opening ceremony of Saionji Tower today.”

“Today is a day worth remembering for Saionji House.”

He raised his head and looked toward the upper part of the hall.

“A few years ago, when we decided to move the group headquarters to Odaiba, there was still a large tract of land waiting for development here. Many people had asked me why Saionji would invest such huge funds in a land that was not yet mature?”

“I think everyone has already seen a part of the answer today.”

Shuichi looked back toward the audience.

“Over the past few years, Saionji’s business has continued to develop, and our employees, partners, and business network have also spread all over Japan and even overseas.”

“As the group’s scale continues to expand, we need a central headquarters capable of supporting development for the next few decades. And Odaiba has provided us with such an opportunity.”

“The Saionji Tower completed today will become an important center for the group’s future operations. At the same time, we will also continue to promote the construction of surrounding facilities, and together with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and all our partners, gradually develop the Waterfront Sub-center into Tokyo’s new commercial and economic center.”

Speaking to this point, Shuichi’s voice became even steadier and more powerful.

“Nowadays, Japan is facing a new economic environment. Regarding the future, perhaps many people hold different views.”

“But Saionji has always maintained confidence in Japan, in Tokyo, and in the long-term development of our various businesses.”

“We will continue to invest, continue to explore new businesses, and look forward to establishing broader and deeper cooperative relationships with everyone present here in the future.”

Shuichi paused slightly, his gaze slowly sweeping across the venue.

“Finally, I also want to express my heartfelt thanks to all employees and engineering personnel who participated in the construction of Saionji Tower, as well as friends from all walks of life who have given us help over the years.”

“It is precisely because of everyone’s support that Saionji has been able to reach today.”

He bowed to the crowd again.

“I hope today can become a new starting point.”

“Thank you everyone.”

…

Next was the official inauguration ceremony.

According to the previously announced arrangement, Shuichi, Satsuki, Isomura Naonori, and representatives of several major partners would jointly unveil the new headquarters.

The staff quickly guided everyone to the center of the hall.

A metal plaque covered with a dark curtain had been installed in advance on the wall directly opposite the entrance.

The photographers around immediately raised their cameras.

“Mr. Saionji! Could you please move a bit more towards the middle!”

“Governor Isomura, please look over here!”

“Miss Saionji, please take a look over here as well!”

The succession of shutter sounds made the entire scene exceptionally lively.

Shuichi and Satsuki stood right in the center.

Isomura Naonori stood beside Shuichi with a proper smile on his face.

Tsutsumi Yoshiaki stood on the other side, and seeing the photographer adjust the angle, he casually tidied up his suit.

“Alright, everyone!”

The staff member in charge of on-site arrangements signaled toward the photography area.

“Please step aside a bit, we are getting ready for the official unveiling next!”

The reporters hurriedly retreated to their designated positions.

The host also picked up the microphone again.

“Distinguished guests.”

“Now, let us invite the representatives of Saionji House to jointly unveil the official inauguration of Saionji Tower!”

The hall gradually quieted down.

Under everyone’s gaze, Shuichi and Satsuki reached out together and grabbed the ropes beside the curtain.

“One, two, three!”

As the host’s countdown fell, the dark curtain slowly slid down.

A matte-finished black metal plaque finally appeared in front of everyone.

Above it were several lines of concise and eye-catching silver-white text.

Saionji Tower

Saionji Group Tokyo Headquarters

Officially Inaugurated on January 10, 1992