I returned to Yoshimoto's house and relaxed on the sofa while watching TV. Eventually, Yoshimoto returned home. He laughed and asked me why you suddenly decided on Las Vegas and did you had developed a passion for gambling? I told him that the girls had come from Las Vegas and that the city was experiencing rapid growth, resulting in a labor shortage. I also mentioned the possibility of meeting a Japanese guy named Johnny Takahashi.

Yoshimoto was surprised and said, "Is that so?" The next day, I secured tickets for the Amtrak train and plane. In the extreme cold, I strolled through the bustling city of Boston, browsing through photo albums at a bookstore, peeking into thrift stores, and passing the time by drinking coffee at a café. The next morning, I handed Yoshimoto fifty thousand yen. He protested, saying, "This is too much," but I insisted, saying, "It's fine. You've taken care of me," and forced the money into his hand. Due to my manic state, I was feeling more generous than usual.

Then I asked Yoshimoto about his romantic life. He explained that Asian men, especially of Japanese descent, don't find it easy to date in the predominantly white American society. However, he added that it's a different story if you're a high-earning professional like a doctor. He also mentioned that Japanese men are quite popular in Southeast Asia.

"But don't you have to be a well-off Japanese expatriate or a successful entrepreneur for that to work?" I asked. He replied, "Well, that's one way, or you could be a successful entrepreneur, for example." I encouraged him, saying, "You should focus on your graduate studies. I'm more interested in America than Japan anyway. I'm coming for a green card," to which he responded with a laugh, "I see. Do your best!"

I enjoyed the pizza Yoshimoto prepared along with some tea. Later, he drove me to the Amtrak station where I was meeting Kelly and Julia. We sat on a bench, waiting, and when they finally arrived, I greeted them.

"Hi, Kelly and Julia. Good morning. How are you?"

"Hi, Kakun and Yoshi. We're good. Kakun, are you ready?"

"Yes."

"Yoshi, the sushi was delicious. Thank you. Let's go."

"Goodbye, Yoshimoto. We'll be in touch."

"Yeah, once you're there, let me know what's happening."

Afterwards, I went to JFK International Airport in New York with them. Kelly had given me her phone number. Later, I returned to the city and checked into the YMCA. I wanted to explore New York, a vibrant city despite the cold. I walked through the bustling streets, similar to Boston, had a beef bowl lunch at a Chinese restaurant, visited Central Park, and in the evening, made my way to the Blue Note hoping to catch a live performance by Mike Stern.

Back at the YMCA, I called Kelly and managed to get in touch with Johnny Takahashi. He had arranged for me to stay at his apartment and even offered to pick me up from the Las Vegas International Airport. The next morning, I checked out and left New York on the midday flight. When I arrived in Las Vegas, Kelly, her boyfriend Jack, and Johnny Takahashi were there to welcome me.

"Are you Mr. Kakun? I'm Johnny Takahashi."

He was also full of life. Jack, Kelly's boyfriend, was studying law at a law school with the goal of becoming a lawyer. After parting ways with Kelly and Jack at the airport, I hopped into Takahashi's Toyota 4WD.

During the drive, Takahashi asked me a few questions. When I told him I was 30, he said, "You're one year older than me, so I'll use honorific language from now on." I said, "Well, I'm in America, so it's fine," but he insisted, "In American football, seniority is absolute."

The all-you-can-eat buffet at the Rio Hotel was truly delicious, though I was disappointed that alcohol wasn't included. While we were seated, I asked Takahashi about work. He informed me that there were plenty of opportunities for tour guides. Then he explained that the first step would be to study and obtain a Social Security Number. He also mentioned that there were community colleges with lower tuition fees than universities.

However, I expressed my weariness with studying and Takahashi shared his own plans to pursue a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) at a university. He said, "That's right, an MBA. You just need to slowly recharge your energy."

"By the way, Kakun, would you like to join me for tonight's night tour job?"

"Night?"

"It's on the Strip."

"Ah, sure."

First, he went to the company he was working for, then we switched to a van for the tour. We went to pick up customers at the MGM Hotel. There were seven Japanese men, all coworkers. We headed to the Strip, where there were around a hundred young and beautiful girls in swimsuits, putting on a show!

"Takahashi, what is this? It's an amazing world!"

"Well, this is Las Vegas. The quality is top-notch."

"But Takahashi, you make a great guide."

"Kakun-san, you'll get the hang of it with a little practice."

I couldn't help but envy the lively Takahashi living in America. It's worth noting that in 1997, the Asian currency crisis began with the introduction of the flexible exchange rate system for the Thai Baht by the Thai government. Additionally, the IMF-led Korean bailout was underway.