Chapter 4: Chapter 4
"Two units?"
Hearing Sayuki's words, Shuichi Chiba was momentarily stunned. He had almost given up on this deal, thinking it was going south and suggesting they check other places.
To his surprise, the situation took a turn.
"That's right. I also plan to open a shop here, alongside my sister."
Sayuki's lips curved into a mysterious smile as she nodded, her gaze wandering over Shuichi Chiba from head to toe.
She had not paid much attention before, but now, examining him closely, she found that the young male manager was indeed quite good-looking.
Moreover, he appeared fragile and harmless, which evoked a curious sense of... wanting to have some fun with him.
Shuichi Chiba didn't notice the dangerous glint in Sayuki's eyes and was instead puzzled by her sudden change of attitude, given how cautious she had been just moments ago.
He glanced over at the corner where Fumika was, who seemed flustered and hastily averted her gaze, as if avoiding eye contact was her only escape.
Unable to gain any useful information from that, Shuichi Chiba pushed aside his curiosity and addressed Sayuki. "What kind of business do you plan to run? Have you decided on a particular shop?"
"A fitness center." Sayuki tilted her head slightly to one side. "The one next door looks perfect. It's right next to my sister's shop, and I'll be the manager. We can sign the contract today."
"A fitness center?" Shuichi Chiba frowned slightly. "In that case, the shop next door might not be suitable. Its space is similar to this one, and it might not accommodate all the equipment."
"It'll be enough." Sayuki smiled. "I'm planning to open a women's fitness center with small group personal training and a membership system. We're not relying on high foot traffic."
Sayuki continued, "Our focus will be on shape-enhancing and fat-burning courses like Pilates and yoga, with less emphasis on strength training. So, we won't need many large pieces of equipment."
Shuichi Chiba nodded in understanding. "Indeed, I've heard that women's fitness centers have been quite popular lately. I remember seeing a report about a women's gym making 20 billion yen in profit last year."
Sayuki nodded, her expression turning serious as she spoke about her professional plans. "That's right. Plus, it complements my sister's beauty salon perfectly. After a workout, clients can go straight to her place for an essential oil spa treatment to relieve muscle soreness."
The mention of an essential oil spa made Shuichi Chiba's eyelids twitch slightly. His mind involuntarily drifted back to the image of the previously seen smooth, white thighs and the depth that seemed to capture one's attention.
Sayuki's sharp eyes detected his unease, and her smile took on a more enigmatic quality. "So, how about it? Can we take both spaces? Once we're officially open, Chiba-san can enjoy a free trial."
Shuichi Chiba quickly snapped back to reality. He appeared to ponder seriously but was actually checking the system interface before giving his response.
"If you choose the space next door as well, the rent will also be 200,000 yen per month, with zero deposit and zero key money."
Sayuki nodded in satisfaction. "Deal. Let's sign the contract now."
"This will have to wait a bit." Shuichi Chiba said, shaking his head slightly.
Sayuki's eyebrows rose immediately. Was there still a problem? Perhaps he wanted some sort of "bribe" first?
Shuichi Chiba noticed her change in expression but didn't dwell on it. He shrugged and said, "I need to wait for the Butler to handle the paperwork."
"Butler, you say…." Sayuki was momentarily stunned by the mention of a "Butler" and wondered if Shuichi Chiba was the heir of a wealthy family.
Shuichi Chiba nodded and downplayed it, "Yes, that's correct."
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The two sisters followed Shuichi Chiba to the management office, where they sat in chairs, waiting for the so-called butler, their feelings complex.
Sayuki thought to herself, no wonder he's so devious at such a young age—he must be a rich family's heir...
On the other hand, Fumika was restless, her legs fidgeting. Her sister's earlier words had left her feeling uncomfortable and anxious, unsure of how Shuichi Chiba might perceive her.
She wanted to tell her sister to leave, but each time she tried to speak, the words stuck in her throat. Her head felt fuzzy, and she didn't know how to voice her concerns.
Shuichi Chiba sat behind his desk, busily reviewing the rental documents and preparing the standard contract provided by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. He glanced at the two women from time to time, pondering the sudden change in their decision.
After about ten minutes, an elderly man with graying hair and dressed in a butler's uniform arrived. He bowed respectfully to Shuichi Chiba.
Without any unnecessary words, he promptly signed the contract and then nodded to the two women before leaving.
Shuichi Chiba, having met the butler during the system appearance, recognized him as a tool arranged by the system. The butler was the designated manager of the shopping street and also served as the representative of a distant wealthy relative who had left behind the estate.
As long as it involved contract matters, the butler was available at any time until Shuichi Chiba fulfilled the system conditions and became the true owner of the shopping street. The subsequent paperwork and formalities would also be handled by the butler, so Shuichi Chiba wouldn't need to worry about them.
With the contract signed, the Ogawa sisters exchanged glances.
"Alright, from now on, you two are part of the shopping street. Please take care of me." Shuichi Chiba said with a smile as he sat in his chair.
Fumika Ogawa hurriedly responded, "We should be the ones saying that. Please, Chiba-san, take care of us."
"Indeed, we will need to take care of each other." Sayuki Ogawa said with a knowing smile, casting a sidelong glance at Shuichi Chiba. Fumika Ogawa, standing next to her, was so embarrassed that her face was almost buried in her chest.
Seeing their reactions, Shuichi Chiba contemplated for a moment before pulling out his phone.
"Both of you use LINE, right? Let me add you. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out anytime."
"Of course we do. Do you think Chiba-san we're old ladies?"
Sayuki Ogawa gave him a pointed look. Despite her slightly annoyed tone, her alluring eyes gave her an enchanting air.
Shuichi Chiba couldn't help but chuckle. He turned to Fumika Ogawa and said, "If old ladies could look like you two, then it seems Fumika-san's beauty would be worthy of a Nobel Prize."
"Oh, no, it's not that impressive." Fumika Ogawa said, blushing and waving her hands.
"Alright, Chiba-san was just joking. Don't take it so seriously; it makes you look silly." Sayuki Ogawa said, sounding slightly irritated but with a smile.
After adding each other on LINE, Sayuki Ogawa looked at Shuichi Chiba and said, "You've already spent quite a bit of time with us today. We'll visit again tomorrow morning. Although there's no need for key money, it's customary to bring a gift for our first visit."
"I'm fine with it being informal, but it would be good to get acquainted with the other shopkeepers in the street." Shuichi Chiba said responsibly.
"This shopping street, as you've seen, has quite a historical atmosphere. Most of the shopkeepers here are older and place importance on etiquette." He added.
"Thank you for the advice," Sayuki Ogawa said, understanding the good intentions behind it. As she prepared to leave, she gave Shuichi Chiba a mysterious smile.
"Chiba-san, look forward to the gift we'll bring tomorrow morning."
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