Shibuya, Ebisu.
Saito Luxury Apartments.
The landlord, Saito Masao, was busy "bringing warmth" to the tenant of unit 301. His face wrinkled, the lines seeming to pile up from his broad smile. "Mrs. Akino, I know work has been difficult for you recently. This is a small token of my appreciation; I hope you'll accept it."
As he spoke, he presented a new LV handbag.
Mrs. Akino waved her hands. "I'm sorry, this bag is too valuable. Please take it back."
"Not at all. As the saying goes, designer bags only avoid 'crying' in the hands of a beauty like yourself."
Saito Masao, grinning from ear to ear, didn't take back the offered gift. Instead, he grabbed Mrs. Akino's soft, pale hand, forcibly stuffed the LV bag into it, and closed her fingers around it.
Before Mrs. Akino could refuse again, he waved his hand proactively. "If there's nothing else, I'll be off now."
"Oh..."
A conflicted expression flickered across Mrs. Akino's face.
With her high level of education, how could she not know this old lecher had ill intentions? Yet, the bag in her hand was too tempting to refuse. To maintain a glamorous lifestyle, one must have designer items. But such designer items were very expensive. In the current difficult economic climate, someone like her, who considered herself middle class, had significant daily living expenses.
She sighed and put the bag away. At worst, I can just return it later, she thought.
When Saito Masao, walking away, heard the door close, a smug expression crossed his face.
At fifty-six years old, if he had any pleasure in life, it was probably "interacting" with the young wives of his tenants. He was merely "fulfilling some responsibilities" for husbands who were too busy with work or otherwise didn't have time to spend with their wives. After all, as the landlord, he had to ensure his tenants' living experience was satisfactory. Not just here—he had to "take good care" of the young wives in all thirteen luxury apartment buildings.
Humming a tune, he returned to his apartment, went straight to the study, and sat down in his chair.
Saito Masao skillfully turned on his computer.
Modern technology is so convenient. In the past, if I wanted to spy on someone, I had to physically go outside their room. Now, all I need to do is install hidden cameras in the rental units to peer into their lives. This was how Saito Masao learned about people's situations. Then, he would launch a financial offensive or, if he identified someone with a weak personality, resort to threats. Today, let's have a look at Little Ai-chan, he mused.
A lecherous expression spread across Saito Masao's face.
He had his eye on the girl in unit 403 for some time. With a click of the mouse, the screen displayed the girl lying on her bed, seemingly troubled by something.
Heh heh, before long, you'll be mine, he thought. Young girls like her are the easiest to handle. I just need to find some Yakuza thugs to intimidate the popular kid in her class, get that person to lead the bullying against her, and slowly destroy her mentally. Then, I'll be able to have my way.
Excited by the thought, Saito Masao picked up his phone and called the girl in unit 604.
"Nanase, come to my apartment immediately. I'll help you with your studies."
"Mr. Saito, I'm busy."
"Nanase, you wouldn't want your parents to worry about your affairs, would you? Don't forget, who paid the compensation when your boyfriend injured someone?"
Saito Masao's voice was laced with threat.
After a brief silence, a response came from the other end. "Okay."
"Good girl." Saito Masao hung up and switched the surveillance feed to unit 604. He watched as the girl spoke a few words to her parents, then stepped out the door.
A smile spread across his face.
"Is this your... hobby?"
The voice, suddenly sounding right beside his ear, made Saito Masao's heart nearly leap out of his chest. He was so frightened that