Chapter 119: Do Not Easily Fall for the Presidents Invitation

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.

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.

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.