21st Century Necromancer

In a ryotei in Ginza, Chen Yu sat waiting for the arrival of Fengjian Chongsheng.

Since he had taken the initiative to invite Fengjian Chongsheng, it was only natural that he arrived earlier than his guest. As for the location, he had asked Kyuuzai Ryousen for assistance in booking, but he hadn’t expected Kyuuzai Ryousen to book a ryotei for him. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Although ryoteis are considered high-end dining places in Japan and are definitely suitable for entertaining Fengjian Chongsheng without any disrespect, Kyuuzai Ryousen’s arrangements were without any issue, but Chen Yu still felt that he didn’t quite like and wasn’t accustomed to such places.

It wasn’t that he disdained ryoteis, as they were high-end places after all and not uncomfortable per se, but as a Chinese, even though Chen Yu had been in Japan for several years, he still disliked the seating posture that required tucking one’s legs in while eating.

Back when he lived alone, due to limited circumstances, he made do with sitting on the floor in his apartment. But after he moved in with Jounouchi Hiromi, he insisted on buying a dining table, preferring to eat at the table so that he could stretch out his legs a bit more.

From a medical standpoint, it was because the bones in Chen Yu’s legs had developed and grown in a state where they could be straightened, making him unaccustomed to the everyday Japanese lifestyle that required tucking in one’s legs.

Despite these miscellaneous thoughts, Chen Yu wasn’t about to be impolite while inviting someone to a meal. Even though he didn’t like the seating posture of having to tuck in his legs, he still sat cross-legged, waiting for Fengjian Chongsheng’s arrival.

Fengjian Chongsheng did not make Chen Yu wait long. Arriving about ten minutes earlier than the scheduled time, Fengjian Chongsheng was led into the room by the ryotei’s hostess.

"Hahaha, Professor Chen, it’s been such a long time! I never expected to receive an invitation from you today, it’s truly an honor for this old man!" As soon as he entered the room and saw Chen Yu already seated at the table, Fengjian Chongsheng began to laugh joyfully.

Regardless of whether his happiness was genuine or feigned, and how much of it was an act, his smiley demeanor definitely gave off a good impression.

"Director Kazama, you are too modest. Please, take a seat. Today, I’ve had someone specially prepare some good wine, and I would like you to join me in tasting it!" Seeing Fengjian Chongsheng being cordial, Chen Yu naturally wouldn’t display any impoliteness and quickly stood up to welcome him.

After both host and guest had taken their seats, Chen Yu then signaled the hostess to start serving the meal.

However, what came first, perhaps as per Kyuuzai Ryousen’s instructions, were four young geishas with their faces painted white. Read the latest on empire

Noticing Chen Yu’s surprise, Fengjian Chongsheng smiled at Chen Yu and said, "Professor Chen, there’s no need to be surprised. This was my doing. How can one go to a ryotei and not have a geisha performance? Since you are Chinese, you probably haven’t experienced much of our traditional Japanese culture, right? Today, you should enjoy it to the fullest!

Japan’s geishas are a national treasure, after all!"

Hearing Fengjian Chongsheng say this, Chen Yu didn’t have much to comment, and although he felt somewhat uncomfortable with the stark white makeup, he still allowed one of the geishas to sit next to him.

Among the four Geisha, one cradled a Shamisen and, after entering and bowing, very consciously seated herself in a corner of the room. Another Geisha sat beside Fengjian Chongsheng, leaving only the youngest-looking and most vibrantly dressed Geisha standing in place. Then, accompanied by the Shamisen, she began to dance.

As one of Japan’s quintessential arts, the Geisha indeed possessed an unique charm. The one dancing before them was performing a traditional Japanese dance. Her knees were constantly bent; her upper body remained mostly still, relying solely on the movement of her arms, the gestures of her hands, and the slight turning of her head to convey the dance’s meaning.

Although it appeared simple, it was a dance of great difficulty. Each turn gave the impression that she was not moving her legs at all, but was instead rotating her body with her waist.

The smooth and fluid dance, coupled with the slightly sorrowful expression and the already somber and poignant sounding Shamisen, unconsciously intoxicated the onlookers... drawing them into the sorrowful and beautiful love story expressed by the melody and dance...

At the conclusion of the performance, Hiromi also found herself unconsciously clapping as the Geisha, now kneeling and bowing before her, concluded her dance.

After the dance, this Geisha and the one playing the Shamisen, respectfully bowed to Chen Yu and Fengjian Chongsheng before exiting the room, leaving behind the other two slightly older Geisha, who were dressed in simpler and more elegant attire, to pour drinks for Chen Yu and Fengjian Chongsheng.

"Hmm? Are they only responsible for dancing?" Chen Yu curiously asked the Geisha beside him as he watched the two leave.

"Yes, they are still Maiko and have not reached the level to entertain guests yet," the Geisha sitting next to Chen Yu promptly and softly explained, her gentle and melodious voice indeed very comforting to the ear, making even her originally pale makeup appear much more pleasing.

"Professor Chen, are you very interested in Geisha? The old man here has some connections with a distinguished establishment in Tokyo, specializing in training Geisha. If you’re interested, how about we arrange a visit sometime? Let the old man treat you well!" Hearing Chen Yu inquire about Geisha, Fengjian Chongsheng cheerfully extended an invitation.

Upon hearing Fengjian Chongsheng’s invitation, Chen Yu modestly shook his head, "We should talk about that another time, I at least have to inform my girlfriend first."

"Hahaha, so our Professor Chen is a man who loves his wife? What a good man!" Fengjian Chongsheng burst into laughter but did not tease Chen Yu about being henpecked; instead, he chose to say he loved his wife, poking fun while preserving Chen Yu’s dignity. "Speaking of which, why did you invite the old man for a meal today?

If there’s anything you need the old man’s help with, rest assured I won’t hesitate if it’s within my capabilities."

Hearing Fengjian Chongsheng, Chen Yu didn’t beat around the bush and directly said, "Director Kazama must know the current President of the Medical Association, right? I have a friend who once offended the previous president of the Medical Association, resulting in a ban from practicing medicine in Japan. This friend has recently returned from overseas, and I hope to help lift this ban.

Could Director Kazama lend a hand?"

"Ah, this is related to the former President from Uchikanda... That may be a bit tricky," Fengjian Chongsheng’s brow furrowed slightly, and his expression turned more serious, yet he quickly smiled at Chen Yu again, "Although it’s tricky, I think the current President Ninomiya should be more approachable. Let the old man try asking on your behalf first!"

"Then I must trouble you, Director Kazama." Hearing Fengjian Chongsheng agree, Chen Yu quickly poured him a cup of wine, and both men laughed heartily together.