[CH.37] Formidable Rival (Part 2)
"Asakawa-san, good morning. It's been a month, hasn't it? I'm sorry I couldn't come to see you recently."
"No, Mimasaka-san, you're quite busy. But I'm glad to see you today. And who is this gentleman?"
"Hanamura-kun, you can go ahead and put the items down."
With permission granted, I decided to unload the items. When I tried to take out my business card from my suit pocket, I glanced at Asakawa-san.
...She's beautiful.
"Come on, say hello."
"Yes, of course!"
Phew, that was close; I was almost mesmerized. I quickly switched to work mode. In work mode, I wouldn't be so easily flustered. I handed my business card to Asakawa-san.
"Thank you for always taking care of us. I've been transferred to the Hamayama branch since April. I'm Hidaka Hanamura. I've heard about Asakawa-san from our Manager Mimasaka-san. Nice to meet you."
"Yes, I accept your card. I'm Akane Asakawa. So, you're the famous Hanamura-san, right? I've heard about you too."
I felt a bit surprised. When she said "famous," I almost misunderstood it as being related to my books. But it was clearly about my work.
"Mimasaka-san mentioned that a serious and rewarding colleague has joined us. I'm looking forward to working with you."
"Manager, is that true?"
"Asakawa-san, really... Hanamura-kun, don't pry into unnecessary details."
"Yes!"
"Hehe, it seems you two get along well. I feel relieved now."
Oh, was that just a test? To see how well we get along and if the transition is going smoothly between me and Manager Mimasaka? I see, Manager Mimasaka evaluates me from different angles, just as she mentioned. I can't afford to let my guard down.
"Now, let's proceed with the estimate for the requested items. Please follow me to the meeting room."
Asakawa-san guided us to the meeting room for the discussion.
---
"The explanation of the estimate ends here."
"I see... As for the base amount, I think..."
An intense intellectual battle is unfolding. The fact that there's a woman who can keep up with Manager Mimasaka's arguments...
Uh-oh... I can't even find an opportunity to chime in. With only two months of sales experience, it seems quite challenging. This time, my expertise in devices doesn't seem to be much of an advantage. I need to learn more in these areas...
"Phew... shall we have lunch soon?"
"Yes, shall we continue at the usual place?"
Lunch? Continue? It's almost 12 o'clock now. Come to think of it, this meeting started at 11 o'clock... Was there a specific reason for starting at 11 instead of 10?
"Hanamura-kun, please bring the car. We're going to our regular place."
"I'm always being invited, I'm sorry."
I see, Asakawa-san is going to have lunch with us as well. Two beautiful women for a meal, that's perfect!
I drove as instructed by the manager, and we arrived at a diner about 10 minutes away from S Company. It seemed crowded, but we were able to reserve a private room at the back.
So, they had planned to have lunch here in advance.
We sat at a four-person table, and we ordered the daily lunch special.
"Well, shall we begin?"
The manager smiled with enthusiasm.
I see... It's going to be a second round of negotiations while having lunch. We've had a cool-down period, and now the second round begins.
Asakawa-san's face also relaxed. I wonder... she seems more excited than she did during the work discussion. I'm getting excited about what kind of tactics will be used in this second round.
The manager and Asakawa-san faced each other and spoke.
"Is childhood friendship precious?"
"Or should it be condemned?"
"The discussion has begun!"
Wait, what are these people saying?
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