Out of the blue, just as Aoto was meticulously examining the appearance of the middle-aged man he had heard so much about, Shimizu Eiichi slowly turned to face Aoto.
“Lord Niō, I sincerely apologize for tonight’s events.”
“My nephew was disrespectful and offended you.”
“It was my lack of discipline that led to this. I humbly ask for your forgiveness.”
After speaking, Shimizu Eiichi slightly bowed, offering a respectful yet dignified bow to Aoto.
It was as if time, previously frozen, resumed; the noise started once more.
The formidable leader of the “Shimizu Clan” was apologizing to Aoto with such humility... this scene stirred varied expressions and murmured discussions among the onlookers.
“...,” just moments ago able to force his lips to speak, uttering “Niō”, Ozuki Minoru was now speechless.
She and Chang Ci’s group were like wooden statues... or more accurately, their expressions and emotions were numb.
Since Aoto’s sudden appearance, a series of shocking realities unfolded before them, leaving them awestruck...
Among these waves of “mental shocks”, the ones unfolding in “real time” delivered the largest impact.
Before being harassed by Shimizu Gosaku, they had been discussing how formidable the “Shimizu Clan” was, and how remarkable it was for them to have the opportunity to conduct major business with such a titan...
Yet in the blink of an eye, they witnessed the leader of this “colossus” bowing respectfully to a young man not even twenty years old.
Witnessing this, Ozuki Minoru and the others couldn’t help but feel a sense of absurdity.
What felt even more surreal was that this young man receiving such treatment was the “Blockhead Don” they had just been mocking...
They felt enveloped in clouds, experiencing a strange sense of “floating” and unreality.
Chang Ci and his friends turned their stiff necks, once again shooting questioning looks at Ozuki Minoru as if to say, “You call this guy ‘Blockhead Don’?”
In reality, even Aoto was surprised at this point.
Shimizu Eiichi had shown him excessive respect... Aoto felt some of the gazes upon him start to heat up.
Despite this, Aoto did not feel prideful or complacent.
After all, regarding the issue of “‘Shimizu Clan’ treating him too warmly”, he had always held a skeptical and doubtful attitude.
Shimizu Eiichi’s courteous treatment made Aoto even more cautious.
“...the conflict between me and your nephew was purely accidental.”
Aoto slightly bowed in return to Shimizu Eiichi, equaling the gesture.
“It was entirely due to your nephew’s sudden violence on the street...”
Aoto recounted the scenes he had witnessed of Shimizu Gosaku and his men assaulting Ozuki Minoru’s group, thoroughly detailing them without omission or exaggeration to Shimizu Eiichi.
Shimizu Eiichi listened intently to every word, every sentence Aoto spoke.
Once Aoto finished speaking, he turned to look at the still sitting Ozuki Minoru and the others.
“I deeply apologize. My nephew’s disrespect offended all of you.”
Shimizu Eiichi also bowed to Ozuki Minoru and her group, but the degree of his bow was far less than the one offered to Aoto.
“I am willing to apologize on behalf of my foolish nephew to all of you.”
Having said this, Shimizu Eiichi straightened up, casting a glance at Sasaki behind him.
“Sasaki.”
Sasaki, who was quite perceptive, nodded vigorously, responding loudly with “Yes”.
Then, he reached behind his waist to take down a pouch larger than an adult’s fist, and handed it to Shimizu Eiichi with both hands.
Shimizu Eiichi did not even glance at the pouch, grabbing it directly.
As an experienced judge of people, Shimizu Eiichi instantly identified who among Ozuki Minoru’s group was the decision-maker.
Quickly, he strode over to Chang Ci, crouching down to match his gaze.
“A small compensation, I hope you will accept graciously.”
“A-alright...”
The size of the “Shimizu Clan” was much larger than that of the Ozuki Family. It was Chang Ci’s first time encountering figures of such magnitude, and he responded with a humble demeanor, stammering “Alright” while mechanically accepting Shimizu Eiichi’s compensation.
“Fool! Come over and apologize at once!”
Shimizu Gosaku jolted suddenly.
Reflexively, he quickly got up and hurried to Shimizu Eiichi’s side, respectfully bending his knees to deeply bow to Ozuki Minoru and her group.
“I am truly sorry! My foolishness has caused trouble to all of you, please forgive me!”
“Are these the only people you need to apologize to?”
Shimizu Gosaku blinked in confusion, then hastily turned to face Aoto.
“Lord Niō! I am deeply sorry! I did not recognize Mount Tai! I offended you, please forgive me!”
Originally, Aoto had intervened to help Ozuki Minoru’s group.
Thus, Aoto naturally welcomed the peaceful resolution of the current situation.
Aoto nodded lightly, indicating his acceptance of Shimizu Gosaku’s apology.
In front of a top-level boss like Shimizu Eiichi, Ozuki Minoru and her group wouldn’t dare to say “I do not accept your apology”.
They hastily nodded, continuously expressing that they had received Shimizu Gosaku’s sincere apology, and were willing to forgive him.

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