Chapter 69: The Rise

In the dead of night, Hisashi, drenched in sweat and breathing heavily, placed a heavy box into a van. He appeared utterly exhausted. 

All around him, numerous vans were being loaded by a throng of workers, and Hisashi was among them, visibly worn out from the relentless labor.

Suddenly, the manager stormed over and yelled at Hisashi, "Hey, you! No time for rest! We need all of this loaded within the hour!"

Hisashi nodded, quickly went over to the stack of boxes, and picked up another heavy one. He walked towards the van and placed the box inside, breathing heavily. Just then, his phone started ringing.

He retrieved his phone from his pocket, and Hanae's name flashed on the screen. Hisashi answered the call, his voice strained, "Yes Hanae?"

Hanae, lying on her bed, quickly sat up and asked, "Hisashi, are you okay?"

Hisashi, still catching his breath, replied, "Yeah, I'm fine."