[CH.1] Sudden Transfer
"Hey, Hanamura, starting next term, you'll be in Hamayama."
"Huh? Haa..."
I, Hidaka Hanamura, was momentarily surprised by the sudden order from my department head, but I quickly understood.
It was my fourth year at Forest Corporation. I knew that it was about time for a transfer, and since I was single and living alone, it was considered reasonable, as I could go anywhere in the country with just my body.
I've been with Forest Corporation for four years now. I knew it was about time for a transfer, and being single and living alone, it seemed reasonable since I could go anywhere in the country with just my body.
"Is the reason for the transfer... still because it's my hometown?"
What surprised me was that I was being transferred to an office in Hamayama City, which is right near my hometown.
I had moved to Tokyo for the job four years ago. I never expected to return to my hometown at this point.
I had thought that if I were to be transferred, it would be to a more distant location, but in this era of cost-cutting, they might be trying to save on expenses like housing assistance.
"That's right. You've been a member of the development team for that device since you joined the company, haven't you?"
"Yeah, that's true."
Forest Corporation is a manufacturing equipment company, and one of its business divisions develops analysis equipment and sells it to specific companies.
I was one of the design and development members within that division, working on popular products.
"There's been a huge demand for that device in Hamayama, but with the current staff, we can't handle it if there are any issues."
"It's quite a peculiar device. So, I, who was part of the development team, will be explaining its operation to customers... and also providing training to our staff, right?"
"Hanamura, you'll learn the sales know-how from the members in Hamayama. That's what they're thinking upstairs."
"Hmm, I see." I couldn't really oppose the transfer order as a fourth-year employee, so I just nodded in agreement.
However, my department head had a smug grin on their face.
"It's not a bad thing at all for you, Hanamura. Because the Hamayama Sales Office is composed of only three women, and all three of them are incredibly stunning beauties!"
"Oh, I see..."
"The branch manager there is Rion Mimasaka. You've heard of her, right? She's a rising star who became branch manager despite being a mid-career hire, thanks to her outstanding performance."
I don't know her personally, but I've heard about her. She's the one who became the office manager at the youngest age in history and is considered an executive candidate, right? I've seen her being recognized in the company newsletter and at the monthly meetings a few times... She was indeed a stunning beauty.
But there are rumors about her being strict and a perfectionist... Working under her, huh...
"And then there's Kuhou-san and Nishina-san, right? I wish I could go on a business trip to Hamayama too, but getting permission is tough as nails. Damn it!"
"Nishina..."
"Hmm, you know Nishina-san?"
"We're from the same year. So, she's in Hamayama Sales Office now, huh?"
"Hamayama and its surrounding areas have a high market value for women-centric companies, and there are many female representatives. That's why there's a sales office consisting of only women to cater to this market. Hanamura, give it your best shot to transfer some of the guys there! Wahaha!"
This person sure is laid-back...
"But... there are some strange rumors about that place."
My department head looked puzzled.
"It seems like none of those three ever want to work overtime."
"Well, it's something that's often talked about with work-style reform... Isn't that a good thing? It might not involve unpaid overtime. Some department heads hand out work after punching the time card."
"Shut up! Well, the sales figures are more than satisfactory, and there are plenty of leads. No one can complain about not working overtime... But it still bothers me, and if there's a better way on-site, let me know quietly."
"Sure, sure, I understand."
"Since you're there, try to bring one of those three down."
"You know I'm not good with women!"
"Yeah, you turned all red when you got teased at the hostess club."
"I'm just not comfortable around pretty women."
He had no immunity to women because he had gone to an all-boys high school and a male-dominated science university.
He had never had a girlfriend, and he didn't even have female friends.
However, thanks to four years as a working adult, he had become comfortable talking to women in a professional context. Besides, the women in his department saw him as just Hayabusa from the design and development team, so keeping things professional was essential.
"No one would be interested in me, so I'll focus on my work."
Well then, time to do my best in this new environment!
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