Summary
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealthbrings Zhao back fromLike a Dragon 7as he retains his status as a party member among Ichiban’s team. The years between the two games see him grow from who he once was, however, as the merits of a humble life are put on full display. Having seceded from the Liumang and given Seonhee control over his previous forces, Zhao’s presence in the criminal underworld has turned toward his true passion; becoming the chef of his own restaurant, his journey mirrorsKiryu’s own past, showing how the characters make up two sides of the same coin.
Zhao’s Drink Links have him converse withLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth’s Kiryu, dual protagonist of the game and series legend in more ways than one. Zhao is quick to invite Kiryu to his restaurant, as the two talk about his past affiliations and newfound work as a chef. Stressing his love for cooking, something that he held dear even in his Liumang days, Zhao relays his love for the art and his desire for Kiryu to try out his food. Much like the rest of the cast’s Drink Links, however, an interpersonal conflict arises that allows Kiryu to offer guidance while building his bonds with the team.
How Zhao’s Drink Links Show the Merits of Living a Humble Life in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
A Feud with a Food Blogger
Zhao confides in Kiryuover a struggle with a food blogger, as the situation becomes more unwieldy than expected. After Zhao tells the blogger that photography is not permitted in his restaurant, the man ends up retaliating by leaving negative reviews online, the comments quickly gaining traction with Zhao’s old Liumang crew. Knowing the talent of Zhao’s cooking and the desire to uphold his honor, the Liumang crew wish to seek vengeance against the blogger, though Zhao is adamantly against this, going so far as to tell his boys that he’ll quit working as a chef entirely if any harm comes to the man.
The situation seems to be resolved, before Kiryu and Zhao make their way to the restaurant and find that the Liumang members have brought the blogger there for revenge. The Liumang remark that Zhao’s changed, as he would never let something like this slide in his days as their boss, lamenting his separation from the crew and the path he’s chosen for himself. Zhao and Kiryu take them on as they defend both the blogger and his turn toward a humble life, remarking that the boys are in good hands withSeonhee as a leader. This defense gives the blogger clarity on the virtues of Zhao as both a person and a chef, reinforcing Zhao’s passion and confidence in the new world he’s exploring.
A Turn From the Criminal Underworld
Zhao’s journey draws clear parallels to Kiryu’s own, as the two empathize about how difficult it can be to shake the past. After all, the merits of a humble life are not lost on Kiryu, who took on the mantle of caretaker for the Morning Glory orphans back inYakuza 3. Being pulled into the affairs of the Tojo Clan time and time again, the desire to be with the ones he loves conflicting with his ability to protect them made it so that his pursuit toward civilian life was never as clearcut as it should have been. Drawing on this central conflict is what results in both his stoicism and selflessness as a character, thoughthe Drink Links inInfinite Wealthhighlight the importance of being vulnerable.
Zhao’s Drink Links hone in on what it means forInfinite Wealth’s castto be supported by Kiryu while offering their own guidance in return. Though Kiryu remarks that Zhao’s talents as a leader might be lost in his newfound profession, Zhao affirms that his turn toward being a chef is the correct one. Having been molded by his father to be head of the Liumang, Zhao is able to take the reins of his life and explore a different path that’s opened up to him. The heat of the wok as he cooks, along with the smiles of customers' faces as they eat, is a reminder that he’s chosen right.
