Rewrite Our Love? Too Late-Chapter 102: The Phoenix Spreads Its Wings – Laplace Corporation’s Rise

Chapter 102 - The Phoenix Spreads Its Wings – Laplace Corporation’s Rise

Yukima Azuma had worked tirelessly up to this point.

All of it—every calculation, every sacrifice—was so that in moments like this, he could speak calmly and with dignity in front of people who mattered. So that he could look the ones across from him in the eye and not be underestimated.

Otherwise, why struggle?

Why push so hard?

He could have taken the easy road. Marry Eriri and coast on her wealth. Or tie the knot with Kasumigaoka and drift through life without worries.

But no—that wasn't the life Yukima Azuma wanted.

He waved his hand lightly, his voice steady. "It's fine. I was hoping to talk to both of you anyway."

His polite tone and modest posture put the Gotoh couple at ease. They'd been nervous—worried that the boy sitting across from them might be brash or entitled.

So far, so good.

Until—

"When I was in junior high, my family faced some hardships," Yukima said softly. "Now, I'm the only one left."

He said it gently, as if recounting a mundane memory. No drama. No pity.

But to the Gotohs, it was like a blow to the chest.

The mood turned heavy in an instant.

Mr. Gotoh's eyes widened in horror. "Ah—! I'm sorry, Azuma-kun! I didn't mean to bring up anything uncomfortable!"

Mrs. Gotoh didn't say a word. She simply reached out and pinched her husband's waist hard. He winced in pain, but didn't dare let out a sound.

Azuma gave a light chuckle. "Really, it's fine. I brought it up myself. You don't have to worry."

Still, the atmosphere lingered like a fog.

The couple exchanged glances—guilt etched deep in their faces. How old was he? Just a high schooler. Yet he had carried burdens most adults would collapse under.

If not for how awkward it'd be, they might have offered to let him move in with them right then and there.

But the next thing Yukima said left them both speechless.

"I'm currently enrolled at Toyogasaki Academy—the same school as Bocchi."

"I've also been studying shogi since I was a child. Now, I'm a professional 7-dan player."

He paused, then added casually, "It's true that pro shogi income fluctuates, but since this year began..."

He raised his hand and wrote a number in the air with his fingertip.

The Gotohs stared at the invisible figure. Based on their stunned expressions, they got the gist.

It was a staggering sum—especially for someone his age.

In Japan, professional shogi wasn't just a niche sport. It was a prestigious battlefield. Only a handful of players rose to its ranks every year. And among those, few reached the elite 7-dan level.

No women had yet entered the top ranks. No flukes. No shortcuts.

A 7-dan professional was equivalent to an Olympian in their field.

Even if Yukima Azuma were fifteen years older, he'd still be considered a prime candidate for marriage in Japan's conservative social climate.

But this boy—this phoenix—had risen from nothing.

And soared.

"So please," he said earnestly, "don't worry. I'll make sure Bocchi is cared for."

He sat up straighter, his tone soft but firm, a model of humility and resolve.

The Gotohs were stunned silent for a moment.

Then came their response—dry throats and strained chuckles:

"Ah... I see."

"Umu... guess we're really getting old, huh?"

"Indeed. Let the young ones handle their own future."

And with that, they stood up, as if the weight on their shoulders had lifted.

They scooped up little Gotoh Futari—who had been crawling toward Azuma—and disappeared into their room with a slight grin.

Bocchi stood frozen in place, her eyes wide.

She had been wound tight with anxiety this whole time, fully expecting disaster—like the melodramas she'd secretly binge-watched. Parental opposition. Tearful farewells. Maybe even a dramatic "I won't let you take my daughter!"

But none of that had happened.

Instead...

"Azuma-kun... you didn't need to go that far," she whispered, her voice soft and fragile.

He understood at once.

Raising his hand, he gently lifted her chin.

"Don't worry," he said, eyes locked on hers. "I didn't do it to change anything between us. I just wanted your parents to feel at ease."

"You may be an airhead, Bocchi—but even an airhead deserves someone who won't let her down."

He pinched her cheek playfully, drawing a flustered pout from her.

Honestly, this girl wasn't cut out for being a wife or girlfriend. Her reactions were always too slow, too genuine. She was like an open book, vulnerable to the wind.

But maybe... that was exactly why Azuma didn't want to let her go.

"Besides," he murmured, his tone quiet but resolute, "if you've decided not to regret this, then I won't give you the chance to."

Bocchi deflated like a balloon, slumping into his hand.

In short—she was done for.

She belonged to him now.

That afternoon, they shared a simple lunch with the Gotoh family. Conversation flowed more easily now, light and familial.

Then, Yukima Azuma stood, bowed deeply, and took his leave.

The sun was blazing above, heatwaves distorting the asphalt. Azuma raised a hand to block the light.

There was still much to do.

If he couldn't change Japan—its laws, its archaic systems—then some of his dreams would remain impossible.

Marriage, for one.

He needed more power. More legitimacy. And more stability for the girls in his life.

As he stepped to the curb, he raised his hand.

A taxi pulled over.

"To Shibuya," he said. Then, after a pause: "Laplace Corporation."

The driver blinked. "Laplace...? That new company? Just to confirm... you mean the office building they bought recently?"

Azuma smiled. "That's the one."

"Ah, so you work there! Must be nice—heard the company's been making waves."

"Just a small start-up," Azuma replied modestly.

"Don't sell yourself short, young man. In this economy, who else buys an entire building in Shibuya? You've got a bright future."

Azuma chuckled. "Well, I'll gladly take your blessing, then."

The taxi pulled up in front of the building. Azuma stepped out and looked up.

The once-faded signage had been replaced by a dazzling LED display:

LAPLACE CORPORATION

Every letter gleamed like a brand new era.

No more renting. No more squeezing into co-working spaces. Each department would soon have its own floor. Maybe not one person per floor—but eventually, why not?

In a future where Japan's bubble burst was long behind them, real estate in central Tokyo—especially in Shibuya—was a king's investment.

And Laplace Corporation was here to dominate.

As Azuma entered the building, the security guards straightened and bowed.

No slapstick. No smug disrespect. Everyone here knew who he was.

As the elevator doors closed behind him, hushed murmurs filled the lobby.

"Was that really the President?"

"He's even more handsome in person!"

"I thought the photos were all filters..."

"Nope. Real deal."

Azuma stepped out onto the 22nd floor.

The hallway was quiet—just the hum of air conditioning and the soft tap of his shoes against polished tile.

He walked to the far office and knocked twice.

A familiar voice called out: "Come in."

Yukinoshita Yukino was seated at her desk, papers spread out like a war table. Her eyes never left the documents.

"Which department are you from? What do you need?"

She finally looked up—and froze.

"Azuma-kun...?"

He walked toward her and placed a hand on her shoulder. It was stiff—she'd been working without pause.

Gently, he began massaging the tight muscles in her neck and shoulders.

A soft gasp escaped her lips.

"Mm~..."

Yukino tried to maintain her composure, but her face reddened.

"You... What's gotten into you, President? Acting so kind all of a sudden... makes me suspicious."

"Should I stop then?"

"No. Keep going," she muttered quickly, eyes averted.

Despite her words, her embarrassment was clear. She wasn't used to being cared for.

But it felt nice.

Warm.

Familiar.

"By the way," Yukino asked, her voice lighter, "what brings you here today?"

"Just checking in. Haven't been back in a while."

"Well, I'm shocked you noticed," she replied flatly. "You leave everything to me."

"And you do it flawlessly. But you really should hire a secretary, you know."

"I'm fine."

"Stubborn as ever."

"Likewise," she said with a smirk, finally meeting his gaze.

And just like that, in a skyscraper that touched the sky, surrounded by whispers of the future, Yukima Azuma and Yukinoshita Yukino shared a quiet moment.

The empire was just beginning.