23
Dusk slowly enveloped the city.
The hustle and bustle remained.
But deep within, a hint of quietude began to peek out.
As Kosaku walked, he thought.
Hilton and Rush's journey
is by no means a tale of the past.
Conrad Hilton is known as the man who built luxurious hotels.
Paul Rush is remembered as a man who dedicated himself to education and community development.
But what they truly left behind was not a building or a system.
It was "standards."
Standards that never waver, no matter the era.
Standards that are upheld even when no one is watching.
Standards that are not lowered even in unfavorable circumstances.
Winds change.
Times change.
The economy and politics fluctuate.
But standards remain the same.
Minjun said, gazing into the distant sky.
"Kosaku, where are you heading next?"
Kosaku didn't answer right away.
He knew.
This journey wasn't about visiting places.
It was about visiting questions.
Business?
Education?
Diplomacy?
Or perhaps family?
"First-class" is such a big word.
But its beginnings are so small.
One person's decision.
One choice for the day.
One standard.
Night deepens.
The city lights are beautiful.
But they also cast shadows.
Those who don't see the shadows can't speak of the light.
Hilton spoke quietly,
and Rush nodded gently.
"If you want to change the country,
change one person first."
"If you want to change one person,
first get yourself in shape."
The wind never stops.
It can't be stopped.
But it can be read.
And those who read
will eventually cease to fear the wind.
Kosaku took a small breath.
"It's not over yet."
Minjun smiled.
"In fact, it's just beginning."
The two of them are still on a journey.
Their next subject is still unknown.
But there is one thing that is certain.
Being first is not a distant ideal.
It is found in how they handle today.
Quietly.
Surely.
And, unknown to anyone.
--Until the next question calls to them.
