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

Chapter 121: We won! The job hunt in this world is over!

Put yourself in my shoes. I thought it would be nothing more than vague suggestions like, Maybe this would work. But practical business ideas kept coming from a high schoolers mouth, which seemed like something youd hear anywhere. Its nothing short of a horror story.

Uh

In response to the somewhat withdrawn comment from Tokimune, I could only groan. The gap between my current childlike body and the words I was speaking was indeed unsettling.

But well thats why it turned out to be an incredibly valuable time. Its far more engaging than attending meetings where all we get are suggestions for maintaining the status quo or minor reforms that lack substance.

Tokimune lightly chuckled, then revealed a mischievous expression. His eyes seemed to glitter slightly, and his face appeared somewhat rejuvenated. In a word a fire had been kindled within him.

Your recognition of the issues is accurate, and the ideas you presented were refreshingly free from conventional thinking. I was genuinely interested and wanted to hear it through.

Well, um Im really sorry

I could only respond to the presidents lavish praise with a wry smile. After all, the ideas I just shared were by no means original; they were merely references from my memories of how the struggling bookstore industry had survived in the future. To say they were my ideas would be a blatant lie.

Thank you, Niihama. Thanks to you, I feel more resolute now.

Huh?

As you mentioned, I had considered something similar regarding the crisis in bookstores. However, I hesitated due to the opposition from the internal status quo advocates, shareholders, and the executives sent by the Shijouin Group. If it were my younger self, I would have followed my instincts without hesitation.

Tokimune said with a self-mocking smile. Yet his eyes were shining, and his expression seemed to have regained some vitality. In short a fire had been lit within his heart.

So, Ive decided to incorporate the ideas you provided and implement a full-scale reform without holding back starting tomorrow. The opposition will probably make a fuss as if a fires been lit, but Ill trample over them without mercy.

Wha what!?

Wai-wait a minute! Is it just me, or has this become a massive deal!?

(Huh? Now that I think about it In my past life)

While utterly shocked by his resolute declaration, I suddenly remembered something.

In my past life, there were countless news articles about the serious financial troubles of Chishu Bookstore and the entire Shijouin Group.

In response to this, the president, Tokimune, had given a comment during an interview.

The crucial mistake was the delay in deciding on a reform for Chiaki-rou Bookstore. Everything that followed was a matter of being on the back foot. And I was so consumed with trying to rebuild my own company that I couldnt offer sufficient help to the Shijouin Group as a whole. Theres no other way to put it its regrettable

That was what I remembered seeing in an online news article.

The delay in initiating reforms if that was the cause of Chiaki-rou Bookstores decline in my past life then

(Could it be Ive inadvertently had a massive impact on Japans economic scene?)

Fu, are you shocked that a big company is going to be in an uproar because of something you did? But youve provided a proposal with significant potential. I recognize you have that much power. In fact, the reason I prompted you for your opinion was because I faintly hoped that you, being an exceptionally unique individual, might help dispel my doubts.

So he genuinely listened to my story and was even willing to incorporate it into the companys policies thats what Tokimune subtly conveyed.

But his analysis of my inner self was rather accurate, given that I had unintentionally shown two instances of not behaving like a high schooler.

Moreover, its truly perplexing Youre an utterly incomprehensible existence. Its not just that youre exceptionally talented; theres also a wealth of experiences that dont match your age evident in your actions and words.

I groaned involuntarily at his assessment.

The description was pretty on point.

Also, considering all this, its strange how our paths crossed like this. Youre not just outstanding; its hard to comprehend your actions and decisions. Your age-defying experiences and wisdom are just bewildering.

Tokimune chuckled.

Furthermore, its like a peculiar twist of fate that you, of all people, would be the savior at this critical juncture for Chiaki-rou Bookstore I found that amusing.

Huh? Savior?

For the first time, I widened my eyes at the unfamiliar word.

While I could vaguely grasp the meaning of savior or something along those lines, it seemed to have a deeper connotation.

Oh, its like one of those exaggerated stories passed down in the Shijouin family. Its like a legend of divine intervention that serves as a comforting tale during tough times.

Tokimune began with a wry smile. It was a laughing matter with plenty of room for retorts, more like an urban legend or superstition.

It seems the Shijouin family faced adversity many times over its long history and every time, a savior appeared, who, in a strangely convenient manner, helped them through the hardships or showed them the path to prosperity. The fact that the Shijouin family has thrived for so long is thanks to this, supposedly.

Speaking with a mix of amusement and disbelief, Tokimune seemed to dismiss the legend, perhaps because he had married into the family from an external clan.

Thanks to this, when I married into the Shijouin family and saved the entire group from financial trouble, the members of the family began to call me their savior or something like that. I couldnt help but make a face like, What are they even saying?'

Indeed, it sounded like nothing more than a comforting superstition that had survived in an old family.

Even if it was a concocted piece of lucky charm, the settings and episodes were far too haphazard.

But something about it bothered me.

(A savior appearing when the Shijouin family faces adversity a person who conveniently saves everything)

Indeed, Tokimune seemed to embody that to an infinite extent

Well, putting aside this ridiculous tall tale I must express my gratitude for prompting me to make up my mind. Please accept this.

Huh

Tokisane took out a business card from his pocket and, using a ballpoint pen, wrote something on it before handing it to me.

Without understanding, I accepted it and checked its contents. Next to Tokisanes name was a handwritten note that said, Employment confirmation, valid only for Niihama Shinichirou himself.

Whats this? Employment?

In plain words, its a ticket guaranteeing your employment at Chiaki-rou Bookstore. You can use it right after high school graduation, after university graduation, or even when you decide to change jobs.

My brain short-circuited for a moment at the sudden announcement of the value of this business card.

Huh? What? Did he just say something like fulfilling my lifelong dream in an instant?

Of course, Im not forcing you to come to Chiaki-rou Bookstore. Its just that if you wish, Ill make arrangements for you to work at our company in the future.

Uh, no This is a joke, right?

I moved my trembling lips, torn between wanting to cling to this hope and knowing that such a convenient thing couldnt possibly be real.

No, its not a joke. I have to acknowledge your ability and courage; youre an attractive talent. When we talked at your home before, you expressed a strong desire for a white-collar company. This not only secures a future employee for me but is also a gesture of gratitude towards you. I believe its a mutually beneficial reward.

Tokimunes face was dead serious, devoid of any hint of jest. Although we hadnt known each other for long, he wasnt the kind to lie about something like this.

In that case, this is

Yeessssss! A white-collar company!

I stood up with such force that the chair toppled over, shocking not only Tokimune but also the other customers around. Except for Haruka, this might be the first time in my life that Id been so overwhelmed with emotion over something other than her.

I did it! I did it! I now hold in my hands a ticket to Chishu Bookstore, renowned as one of the best white-collar companies I could find in my research!

Thank you! Thank you! Oh, thank you so much! I-I wont have to go to a black company anymore! Ill be free from a place where Id cough up blood and suffer nightmares, where my hair would fall out in clumps, and where my stomach would churn every time I saw my boss!

Id like to say what kind of hellish torture chamber of a company is that but I must admit, there are such workplaces indeed

While Tokimune was clearly amazed at my unbridled joy, he said with a touch of nostalgia.

Yes, those shitty workplaces do exist! In the end, I was killed there. Frankly, it would do the world and humanity a favor if I blew up the entire building right now!

I humbly accept it! And Im so happy! Im grateful that someone as amazing as you, Tokimune-san, would go this far for me!

Hey, hey, dont flatter me any further. There wont be anything more coming out of it.

Even though I was completely elated, I repeatedly bowed my head to Tokimune, who was now wearing a wry smile that matched my own beaming grin. In truth, this was a reward worthy of tears for me, who had yearned for a white-collar company.

And separately from this, there was one more thing that made me happy.

And its also so gratifying that youve acknowledged me, Tokimune-san. After all, that means you recognize me as a man worthy of Haruka-san!

Haaah!? Hey, wait a minute, kid!

As I voiced my joy, Tokimune momentarily tossed aside his cool businessman persona and reverted to the familiar overbearing fatherly figure.

What are you suddenly blabbering about!? I do acknowledge your abilities, and Im grateful for what you did today, but thats a completely different matter! Dont get carried away!

Hahaha! Anyway, Ill gladly use this ticket after graduating from university! Please take care of me as a regular employee then!

Dont just ignore what I said! And seriously, have a bit more respect for my presence! What happened to the you who was trembling and looked like you were about to puke when we first met!?

While Tokimune scolded me with a hint of frustration, I couldnt help but beam with joy, my smile expressing the overflowing happiness.

Hahaha! Farewell, cursed black companies that were my regrettable mistake in my past life! Ill never see you again!

(TLN) This chapter made me laugh at the end. XD