I (30), Who Works for a Black Company and Died While Regretting My Gloomy Life, Started Over From High School!

Chapter 119: Do Not Easily Fall for the Presidents Invitation

Alright, good job everyone! Im leaving for today! Take care!

After the clock had passed three in the afternoon and my shift was over, I changed into my regular clothes and bid farewell to my colleagues in the back area with a voice that wouldnt disturb their work.

Hey, great job!

Today must have been tough for you To think you ended up dealing with the president

You were right by Manager Mishimas side when she collapsed, werent you? Take it easy today.

The kind words from my now familiar coworkers and fellow part-timers really touched my heart.

Comparing this to my previous job in my past life where being scolded for leaving before the boss was a regular occurrence, its really like a different world in these white-collar companies.

As I thought about this, I stepped out from the back area into the main part of the cafe. There, behind the counter, I spotted Haruka working. I had finished my shift for the day since I had started early in the morning, but her shift had a couple more hours left due to the different timings.

As I caught her eye while she was busy making drinks, she waved at me with a smile that seemed to say, Good job!

Seeing her like that, the staff inside the counter exchanged knowing smiles. It was a bit embarrassing, but I waved back at Haruka with a smile.

Come on, new part-timers. Dont start gossiping and whispering about me and Haruka.

They really are like that and So, those two are actually like that I can hear those comments, you know!

(Sigh, guess its time to head home Huh?)

Suddenly, as I looked around the cafe, I spotted two familiar figures sitting facing each other on a sofa.

One was Shijouin Tokimune, the company president. He seemed to have ditched his overly suspicious disguise the hat, sunglasses, and trench coat and was now casually dressed in a shirt.

Facing him was Manager Mishima, who had recovered from her shock about an hour ago. She was engaged in conversation with Tokimune-san.

It seemed that Tokimune-san was conducting an interview with Mishima about the business operations and issues.

(Manager Mishima is having a conversation with the president just after recovering from that incident I hope she doesnt get so nervous that she cant drink alcohol anymore)

After the incident where Mishima collapsed due to the whole calling the president a suspicious person situation, it had taken her about an hour to recover in the break room. Tokimune-san hadnt shown any particular anger towards her; in fact, he had apologized for causing the misunderstanding with his weird appearance. He had also suggested that they postpone the interview with the manager to another day.

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However, even though she had been forgiven, Mishima seemed to be haunted by a sense of guilt and insisted, No, its not a problem at all! If its not too much trouble, please go ahead with the interview now And so, thats why she was now participating in the interview.

Well, for now, those were the points I wanted to ask about. I really did something wrong today. Once again, I apologize for my mistake.

Oh no, not at all! Its nothing like that! Im the one who made a huge misunderstanding and said something rude. Im so sorry!

Well, I mean you dont have to apologize that profusely Anyway, I think were done here. You can go back to your duties.

Y-Yes, of course! Thank you very much!

Tokimune-san looked apologetic, and Mishima was tense as she quickly retreated from the table.

Ugh I seem to be really frightening everyone

As Tokimune-san sat alone and muttered to himself, I could sense a hint of loneliness in his words. However, given his tremendous authority as the head of a large company, it was only natural for Mishima to react like that. Thats what I thought, at least.

Huh? Niihama-kun.

Suddenly, Tokimune-san noticed me and called out. It seemed like he wanted to talk.

Oh, yes. Ive been working since the morning, so my shift is over

Noticing my gaze, Tokimune-san addressed me.

Honestly, I felt a shiver down my spine, but it seemed that Harukas absence from the scene was calming him down considerably.

Well do you have some time for a chat? I have something Id like to ask you. If youre not in a hurry, Ill treat you to a drink.

Huh!?

Taken aback by this unexpected invitation, I involuntarily made a face reminiscent of a pressure-filled job interview.

Wait, is he planning to pressure me into not getting too close to Haruka!?

Hey now, dont make such an obviously displeased expression. Im asking you this favor, so its only fair that I treat you. After all, Im asking for your time to learn about Harukas situation from your perspective.

Well, I guess That sounds reasonable.

I couldnt possibly say, Well, actually, we already call each other Shinichirou-kun and Haruka in private, so I ignored his comment and decided to accept his offer.

Well, here comes the pressure but maybe he just wants to learn about Harukas performance at work rather than spy on us.

Of course, Id be happy to. After all, Im always watching out for Haruka-san, even when were working.

When you say watching out for, its inevitable to feel uneasy as a father to hear his daughter referred to that way

Well, ha-ha-ha Well, theres not much I can do about that. If I call you Shijouin-san, its unclear which san Im talking about.

I couldnt possibly say, Were already calling each other Shinichirou-kun and Haruka, so I brushed off the topic with a forced laugh.

Well, thats how it was Tokimune-san and I ended up discussing Harukas recent situation over a table.

By the way, the two Chocolate Raspberry Pumpkin Frappuccinos placed on the table were bought by Tokimune-san himself at the counter. (TLN: Being honest that drink sounds gross)

I said, Oh, I can handle ordering for us, but he responded with, What are you saying? Im asking you for your time, so its only natural for me to buy you a drink as a thank you. And he quickly bought them.

This man really knows his manners

Well, I might not be very reliable, but Haruka-san has become stronger. Shes learned to stand up for herself with her opinions and actions.

I see I was honestly surprised. Even though its a cafe, the food and beverage industry is all about speed. To think that Haruka could manage this well

In the midst of the bustling noise of the chattering customers, Tokimune-san and I peacefully talked about Harukas performance without any major disagreements.

By the way, the Chocolate Raspberry Pumpkin Frappuccinos on the table were purchased by Tokimune-san himself at the counter.

Okay, so thats roughly what I can tell you.

Alright, I understand. You seem to be observing Haruka more closely than I anticipated Well, I can finally rest easy.

It seemed that he had heard everything he wanted to know, so Tokimune-san let out a sigh and took a sip of the Chocolate Raspberry Pumpkin Frappuccino. He seemed to be enjoying it, considering how much he had already drunk.

Well, I understand your concern, but I dont think you need to worry too much about this place. The staff here are all very sensible, and the customers are mostly people who just want to read a book and have tea. The atmosphere is really nice.

I see Well, its a bit of a shift, but I have something else Id like to ask you.

Well, its something like what do you think of this cafe?

Uh?

The concept of a book cafe is not yet fully generalized, and there are differing opinions within the company regarding its direction. Whether this will become the new standard for bookstores in the future or not is uncertain.

It seemed that Tokimune was confident I could understand the content of our conversation, and he spoke openly from a business perspective.

I heard from Haruka that youre also a book enthusiast. And you have some experience working here So, from your perspective, how do you see this book cafe? Id like to hear your thoughts, even if its just casual conversation.

Tokimune had completely switched to his president mode and was genuinely seeking my opinion.

Although I wasnt exactly a typical youth, I decided to give an honest answer.

Okay, Ill do my best to answer, although my thoughts might sound like typical teenage ramblings.

Oh, thats more than welcome. Your candid opinion is refreshing. Please tell me whatever comes to your mind.

Nodding in agreement, Tokimune encouraged me to continue.

First of all, I genuinely think this book cafe concept is wonderful. Its a great deal to be able to read many books for the price of a cup of coffee. Especially for a student like me who doesnt have much money but has a lot of free time. And the design is stylish, which makes it really cozy.

Hmm, are you saying that even as a young man, youre concerned about the interior design of the shop?

Yes, actually. Stylish places like this resonate more with ordinary people. When youre drinking a fashionable drink in a trendy place like this with its pop design, it almost feels like youre becoming stylish and having an elegant time.

Moreover, unlike cafes that are filled with sparkling women, this place is a bookstore. Whether youre introverted or a plain middle-aged man, youre allowed to come in and soak up the stylish atmosphere.

Also, this is more from my perspective as an employee rather than a customer, but I think its definitely better to have this cafe integrated than just running a regular bookstore.

Why do you think that?

Well, its simply about expanding the customer base.

Tokimune asked me to elaborate, so I continued.

This format caters to three types of people: those seeking a bookstore, those seeking a cafe, and those who want to drink tea in a cafe while reading books. Moreover, the fact that you can read all the books in the shop increases the enjoyment of exploring a bookstore. By simply attaching a cafe to a bookstore, it gives people more reasons to come here. So, I think we should increase this format as much as possible.

It seemed that Tokimune was interested in my opinion and was quite amused by my perspective, which was different from typical teenage responses.

However, I inadvertently let my guard down and went a bit too far, expressing my thoughts that might have sounded too adult-like and professional.

Ha-ha Wow, that was quite a straightforward opinion for a high school student. I asked for something simple like whether you find it fun or inconvenient, whether the food is good or not.

Tokimune laughed, seemingly finding my reaction entertaining.

But, well Your apology aside, why dont you continue? From your demeanor earlier, I can tell theres more to say. You seem to understand why bookstores are in trouble, and you probably have some opinions on it.

Well, you see

While I certainly wasnt devoid of opinions as someone who had been part of the workforce, I hadnt anticipated that this casual conversation would turn into a presentation to the CEO of a major bookstore chain.

Tokimune, with an expression like an mischievous child, was quite eager to hear my perspective. It felt like the atmosphere had suddenly shifted, and I found myself in a situation that was far beyond what I had anticipated or prepared for.

(TLN) I am back from hiatus, for now. Some things happened that really suck but I will deal with them. For the time being, Im back to translating. I refilled the queue for my other two series last night and will be working on this series tonight. If you want to read ahead, check ko-fi.