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

Chapter 122: Digression Assistant Manager Mishimas Ingenious Deduction

I, Yko Mishima, the acting manager of Book Cafe Rakunichi, and the unbelievably beautiful heiress part-timer, Haruka Shijoin, were both at a loss for words.

At the moment, we were in a very peculiar situation, hiding behind a pillar in the caf, and we were drawing curious looks from the surrounding customers.

However, there was a reason why we were playing this hide-and-seek-like game, and that reason was the presence of President Shijoin and the part-timer, Shinicirou Niihama, who were sitting face-to-face on the other side of the pillar.

It all began a dozen minutes agoafter President Shijin and I had finished our confidential investigation.

Being bombarded with razor-sharp questions by the highest authority of our company was truly torture. I was sweating profusely, enough to want to change my underwear, and my stomach was making gurgling noises like a drain.

But that hellish time had finally come to an end, and I returned to work with a sigh of relief. But then, I happened to notice that Niihama, who had just finished his part-time shift today, had been caught by the president, and the two of them were deeply engrossed in conversation.

I-Is it possible that theyre discussing how I, as the acting manager, usually handle my duties? Could this be a sign of my demotion!? I couldnt help but imagine the worst, and without realizing it, I ended up hiding behind a nearby pillar to eavesdrop on their conversationonly to discover that Haruka-san, an employee at our caf, was already there, listening intently to their conversation with a troubled expression.

I was taken aback, and I asked her what she was doing

Miss Mishima, I know youre working, but please give me a moment! If my father had stopped Shinichirou-kun and said something strange again, I have to intervene as a member of the family! Every single time, I feel so apologetic!

Uncharacteristically, Haruka-san, who usually had a gentle and relaxed demeanor, responded with a touch of anger.

While it was well-known within the company that the president doted on his daughter, from the looks of it, Haruka-san was not the typical spoiled heiress. She seemed to be a decent girl with a genuine sense of rebellion against her father.

For over ten minutes, we both eavesdropped on Niihama and the presidents conversation due to our respective circumstances. During that time, our faces continued to show increasing astonishment and perplexity.

(??? Wait, no huh? What on earth is going on? Why is Shinichirou, whos just a high school student, speaking so fluently about our companys business strategies? And the president, while a bit surprised, is accepting it normally?)

U-Um, Miss Mishima didnt Shinichirou just now talk about something incredibly complicated?

Y-Yes, it was quite a complex discussion. I was also listening intently.

Both Haruka-san and I, unable to contain our surprise, whispered to each other in hushed tones.

Even among the employees at headquarters, there arent many who can discuss things so eloquently. Actually, it seems the president is genuinely impressed as well.

I-Is that so!?

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Of course, if given enough time, I could submit a reasonably well-prepared business strategy. However, it would inevitably be a safe and low-risk proposal.

In that respect, Niihama was fearlessor rather, he approached it as if saying, Its impossible to stick to just selling books, which was considered a taboo for bookstores, and his proposal was close to a complete overhaul of the business.

Not only his eloquence, but I was also genuinely impressed by his audacity.

Speaking so boldly in front of the president of a major company, and to do so with such confidence

Shinichirou-kun really is amazing That he can discuss work matters with your father

Eh?

Ive invited Shinichirou-kun to my house before, you know. For some reason, my father has been strict with Shinichirou-kun since then. Mother, on the other hand, was overjoyed

Wha!? Invited to your house!?

Wait, hold on. Meeting your girlfriends parents is one thing, but to suddenly meet both of them!?

Moreover in Japan, one of the leading prestigious families and an overprotective father like the president Didnt Niihamas mental state collapse!?

Thats why Im happy. That theyre having such a pleasant conversation. After meeting a few times, it seems my father has finally accepted Shinichirou-kun.

Oh

Stealthily peering at the scene between father and boyfriend from behind the pillar, Haruka-san was genuinely smiling with joy.

It seemed to be a heartwarming sight for Haruka-san, as her expression carried a sense of relief and happiness, like a reconciliation between previously estranged family members.

(However, Shinichirou-kun is really fortunate Haruka-chan, who is unbelievably beautiful, cares for him so earnestly. It seems like hes also recognized by the Shijin family Huh!?)

In an instant, a revelation flashed in my mind.

The uneasiness I had felt about Shinichirous presence multiple times. A revelation that could explain everything suddenly descended upon me.

(Thats right Without much thought, its clear that something is off about Niihama. Theres no way hes just an ordinary high school student)

First of all, its strange for Haruka-san, a super-celebrity heiress of the Shijin family, to be dating a regular boy.

In a modern setting, families like the Shijin, akin to aristocracy, would surely be concerned about lineage and wealth (I dont know for sure, but Im guessing), and its hard to believe that their princess would be able to have a normal romantic relationship.

(However, Shinichirou has already been introduced to the President and his wife at the Shijin residence, and it seems hes well-liked by the lady of the house)

Moreover, Shinichirou is unbelievably talented himself, skilled at understanding others emotions and leading them. Frankly, he could become a full-fledged employee starting tomorrow without any issues.

Yet, he also has some oddly unconventional aspects, and hes aware that hes out of sync with ordinary people, which has left him oddly shocked.

(And then, his exceptional ability to discuss corporate strategies from a macro perspective Unless he can foresee the future, theres no way he could acquire that in a short period of time)

Considering all of these factors together, Shinichirous true identity is

(He comes from the prestigious Niihama family, respected even by the Shijin family to the point of being a prospective son-in-law! His relationship with Haruka-san isnt just a cute boyfriend-girlfriend thing, but theyve been engaged since childhood!!)

Reaching this truth, I was left astounded.

Ive never heard of the Niihama family, but surely theyre a well-known prestigious family in the upper class.

That extraordinary talent of Shinichirous, which far surpasses that of a high school student, and the reason hes able to date Haruka-san, a presidents daughter, everything fits if thats the case.

(While part of it might be due to the fathers affection for his daughter, hes surely testing whether Shinichirou is suitable to be a part of the Shijin family! If Shinichirou is working here to get used to the company hell inherit as the son-in-law, it all makes sense!)

Wait a moment, if thats the case

(If Shinichirou becomes the presidents adopted son it wouldnt be strange at all for him to inherit Chiaki-rou Bookstore as the future president, would it!?)

A chill of sweat washed over me with that premonition.

Actually, today feels like Ive sweated enough for ten years.

(Y-Yikes! Im in trouble! I gave him so much work thinking he could handle anything! In about ten years, Ill probably be stuck in the basement organizing documents for the rest of my career as retribution!)

I was wracked with anxiety, faced with the potential landmine that might be buried in my future.

Why, whether its Haruka-chan, the president, or Shinichirou, do members of the Shijin family set traps for this pitiful single woman whos just an ordinary employee!?

Um, Miss Mishima? You seem to have suddenly become flustered and downcast, what happened?

Before I knew it, Haruka-san, who was next to me, was looking at me with a very pure concern in her eyes.

Yeah, she really is cute. Shinichirou will definitely give his all for her.

Haruka-san um, please tell Shinichirou later that Mishima bowed down and said, Im so sorry for being impertinent!

Eeeeh!? Wh-What are you saying, Miss Mishima!? Please hold onto your feelings!

While hearing Haruka-sans voice, who was now genuinely worried about my mental state, I quietly let out a sigh, realizing my own pettiness for wanting to intervene so quickly once I understood that the stakes were high.