[CH.12] Welcome Party (Part 3)
Oh... I think I get it now.
Before I realized it, the door of the adjacent restroom was open, and several male customers were looking at me. They must have been peering in because the other three had come out of their restroom stalls earlier.
"They're colleagues... What's the matter?"
"Man, you're so lucky to work with those beautiful ladies... Hey, how about joining us for a drink? We happen to have three guys here."
"I'd appreciate it if you could refrain... They don't want that."
"Don't decide for them without asking!"
This guy is quite drunk. He's acting annoyingly, so I believe my judgment is correct. Those three don't seem like the type to drink with unfamiliar men.
"What's the matter? You're probably just schmoozing with men for business, right? We're offering to be your practice partners."
"Huh?"
"Women's job is to win clients with their looks! They're trying to seduce men."
"Well, there might be people like that, but can you please not lump my colleagues together?"
I was so irritated by this guy's argument that my tone became a bit rough.
"Sure, they have beautiful looks. But what determines their job is knowledge, hard work... and sincerity towards their clients. What do you know about them?"
"W-what... You're giving me a scary look."
They work hard every day to make better choices to maintain a win-win relationship between clients and our company. Certainly, their looks are a talent, and that might be an asset. However, looks alone can't move people's hearts. Sincere interactions are essential.
It's only my third day working with them, but I quickly understood their work ethic. I could tell what kind of interactions they had with clients by observing video conferences and email exchanges that I started receiving.
They truly respond sincerely and have earned trust from their clients. I respect their work and want to learn from it.
"Could you please refrain from making baseless assumptions about their efforts?"
"I... didn't mean it that way."
"I apologize for my rudeness as well. Our company is a manufacturer that deals with office equipment. If Daito Trading is interested, I'd be happy to handle your requests."
The guy in front of me hastily tried to hide his company badge. He ended up like this because he was annoyingly pestering us... There's only one Daito Trading in this area. Since our companies have only a minor business relationship, it's better to stop further pursuit. We don't want any lingering grudges.
I took out a business card from my pocket and handed it over before bowing.
After moving away from the guy, I didn't want to risk going back to the private room where the three were. It originally was a restroom for stepping out, so it's not an issue. I decided to return to the individual restroom.
"It was quite noisy outside... Did something happen?"
As soon as I returned, Manager Mimasaka spoke to me.
"It seems like there was a commotion over there. There was nothing here, though."
"Nothing... happened?"
I was startled by Manager Mimasaka's somewhat ambiguous smile, but I decided not to say anything and just took my seat. The private room had soundproofing, so although voices might be heard from outside, the content of the conversation shouldn't have been understood.
Wait... come to think of it, did I properly close the door? How was that?
"It's so typical of you, Hanamura."
"Oh, really?"
"Yes, yes. Like during the newbie training..."
"Wait a minute! I have a bad feeling about this, so please stop!"
"I apologize!"
The voice of a staff member sounded, and the sliding door to the individual room opened abruptly. It seemed they had come to collect the glasses. My drink was also finished, so I decided to order another.
"Excuse me, I'll have a shÅchÅ« with hot water, please."
(ShÅchÅ« is a Japanese distilled beverage. It is typically distilled from rice, barley, sweet potatoes, buckwheat, or brown sugar.)
To my surprise, Kuhou-san, who had been drinking oolong tea until now, was there, ordering with a completely calm expression.
I had noticed that her gaze met mine, and Kuhou-san blushed.
"I, I also felt like having a drink..."
Cute.
It feels like the atmosphere in the room has changed slightly.
Nishina-san and Manager Mimasaka also seemed to have softened expressions for some reason.
---
"Thank you for the enjoyable welcome party. I'm sorry for having you pay."
"It's a welcome party, so it's only natural. You better earn your keep from tomorrow."
The enjoyable welcome party came to a close, and it was time for the bill. Since it was a welcome party, it was natural for me to pay, but I felt somewhat guilty having the three women pay.
However, as Manager Mimasaka said, it's important to reciprocate through work.
"Ah, I'm starting to feel good."
"Nishina-san, don't get too rowdy."
Both Manager Mimasaka and Nishina-san were in high spirits due to the alcohol. Surprisingly, Kuhou-san was also there, and she had been drinking quite a bit of shochu, yet her face remained unflushed. She must have a strong tolerance for alcohol.
"Shall we walk to the station?"
"Oh, well, considering that everyone has been drinking..."
Two taxis were waiting on the road outside the izakaya.
"I called them."
"You called them, Hanamura-kun!?"
"Since we've been drinking quite a bit, I thought it might not be a good idea to take the train immediately. I recall that both Nishina-san and Kuhou-san live nearby, right?"
"Yes, that's correct. But how did you know that?"
"We needed to have emergency contact information on the company network drive, right? At that time, I noticed that both of you live in the same town... but I don't remember anything beyond that!"
Oh no, if it's thought that I remembered their addresses, my favorability might drop!? But Kuhou-san was smiling.
"Hehe, it's okay. Since Nishina-san is cheerful, I'll take you up on your offer."
"Thank you, Hanamura! Manager, thank you for your hard work!"
"Nishina and Kuhou... don't be late tomorrow!"
"Yes! Thank you for your hard work."
In one of the taxis, Nishina-san and Kuhou-san got in, and it drove away.
"Are those two okay with money?"
"Oh, I gave the driver 2,000 yen in advance, so it should be enough."
"Eh, Hanamura-kun... you paid in advance?"
"Yes! Well then, I'll be heading home by train. Thank you for your hard work."
"Wait."
Just as I was about to leave in a good mood, Manager Mimasaka firmly grabbed my shoulder.
"Why are you planning to walk home?"
"Well, because I'm a man... I'm unlikely to be attacked or anything."
I'm a tall guy, over 170 cm, and it's rare for someone to pick a fight with me. As long as I don't wander into any strange places, I should be fine.
I didn't understand why Manager Mimasaka was insisting on this.
Is it really necessary for Manager to take a taxi too?
"You're planning to walk, right? Just take a taxi."
"Well, calling three taxis seems like a bit much, so I'll walk home."
"Your house isn't that far away if you take a taxi."
"It's not too far from my place either."
"It's only about 3 kilometers away. Just get in the taxi!"
"Y-yes, okay!"
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