Chapter 19: The Flower of the Kendo Club

Sumitomo’s scale was even grander, and their interview process far more efficient than Tomokazu’s. The group interviews, split into just two rounds, managed to complete all of the student interviews in no time. The lunch arrangements were also quite different from Tomokazu’s; everyone who participated in the first interview was invited to dine at the company restaurant.

This gave Taoming the chance to meet up with Yosuke Ueno.

“So, how was it? As expected of Sumitomo—they actually use this kind of method…” Yosuke still looked a bit shaken. “Dairyo, you didn’t take part in any of the school’s mock interviews before. Was it alright?”

Taoming replied with his usual calm, “No problem at all! What about you—do you feel confident you passed?”

“I think so… Maybe. What kind of questions did they ask you?”

“That’s not important now, and we shouldn’t be discussing it here.” Taoming hadn’t really exerted himself that morning, and wasn’t as hungry as Yosuke. “We’re free tomorrow. While you’re still sleeping, I’ve already made plans to meet Kyoko tomorrow evening.”

“Really?” Yosuke’s eyes lit up.

Taoming looked at him with amusement. “By the way, you’re always so polite to Miss Runa, and seem quite interested in Kyoko as well. Yosuke, I have a feeling you’ll be quite the ladies’ man in the future.”

“Cut it out!” Yosuke glanced nervously around at the nearby people, lowering his voice. “I’m just a gentleman with girls, that’s all! You, on the other hand, can be a bit rude sometimes.”

Taoming simply chuckled. Then, looking him in the eye, he asked, “Seeing how Miss Runa treats me, that doesn’t bother you, does it?”

“Hey!” Yosuke protested, “I told you—she’s like a big sister to me. That’s all!”

“Runa… chan?”

“She likes it better when you call her that!”

“Ah, so you do get it.” Taoming teased, clicking his tongue.

Yosuke gave him a strange look. “That’s odd—we came to that conclusion together, didn’t we?”

Taoming was momentarily at a loss. It seemed he hadn’t fully digested all of Dairyo’s memories; if he wasn’t careful, he was bound to overlook some things.

While they chatted, Yamane Yokohisa approached with a woman Taoming didn’t recognize.

“Yamane Yokohisa! Are you going to say something inappropriate here too?” Yosuke called out as soon as he saw him.

The woman with Yamane was tall, with a face marked by a certain regal sharpness. If that air of strength were softened a bit, she would be strikingly beautiful. As it was, now that she came closer, her looks were quite impressive; it was only the business attire she’d worn earlier that made her seem less remarkable from afar.

She smiled at Yosuke’s words. “How could you say that? We’re all from the same university—we should look out for each other.”

“Nice to meet you, I’m Shana Ueda, from the Architecture Department.” She addressed Taoming directly. “Yokohisa tells me you were quite remarkable at Tomokazu the other day, and today you’ve made some impressive observations.”

Taoming was a little surprised. He looked at Yamane. “Is that how you described me?”

Yamane scowled and remained silent, as if he’d been dragged here against his will.

“Is there some misunderstanding?” Shana smiled. “I also heard your comments about our Kendo Club.”

Taoming looked at her, somewhat astonished. “You’re in the Kendo Club too?”

“Show some respect!” Yamane snapped, clearly annoyed. “Miss Ueda is our Kendo Club’s vice president!”

Taoming shot him a glance, then turned to Shana. “So, Shana-chan, what can I do for you?”

The way he addressed her sparked a flash of anger in Yamane’s eyes.

Shana was taken aback as well, surprised by his easy familiarity and nonchalance. “Actually, I know Sugiko Kawashima—we were classmates in middle school,” she said.

Both Taoming and Yosuke paused at that.

Then Taoming’s gaze became calm. “And so?”

Sugiko Kawashima—the manipulative woman who’d driven Dairyo to despair.

Shana smiled. “I’ve heard about your conduct, Taoming, and find it hard to reconcile with the rumors surrounding you. I’m very curious.”

“Sorry, I’m not interested in satisfying your curiosity,” Taoming replied lazily. Damn it, Dairyo’s mess is cropping up again out of nowhere.

“In any case, there will be some free time after the company session,” Shana said with a meaningful smile. “I look forward to chatting with you then.”

With that, she politely led Yamane away, the latter trailing behind her like a servant.

Taoming was left a little perplexed. He asked Yosuke, “What’s her story?”

“You really haven’t heard of her?” Yosuke looked baffled. “She’s known as the Flower of the Kendo Club—the untouchable third lady of the university, a descendant of Ueda Manojo, one of the Four Kings of the Momoi Dojo of the Kyoshin Meiji school. That’s Miss Shana Ueda!”

Taoming glanced at him, amused by his “How can you not know this?” face. “You sure know a lot. What’s that Kyoshin Meiji school? Is her family famous?”

“Well… not exactly, but her swordsmanship is said to perfectly embody the grace and elegance of the Kyoshin Meiji school. She’s trained hard since she was young!”

“And what does that have to do with me?” Taoming still couldn’t figure out why she’d brought up Sugiko Kawashima. From her tone, it sounded as though she was practically guaranteed to make it to the next round. And Yamane, following her like a shadow, was certainly interesting.

What Taoming hadn’t expected was that, after lunch, Yosuke was quietly given travel expenses and left. He seemed almost too ashamed to look at Taoming, slinking away with his head down. Had he performed poorly that morning? Or had something gone wrong with their entire group? Taoming didn’t dwell on it. Among those who remained, Shana Ueda and Yamane were indeed still present.

In the afternoon interview, Taoming didn’t deliberately try to impress Hiroshi Omiya with new ideas as he had before, but focused on practical matters. He felt it would be best to reinforce the impression of maturity and competence he'd already established with the interviewers. After all, there seemed to be another round—the company president hadn’t appeared yet.

But, as it turned out, there wasn’t another round.

“Mr. Dairyo!” The HR Director beamed at him after the interview, exchanging glances with his two colleagues. “You made a remarkable impression. Will you be available for a phone call tomorrow morning? Once the president returns, we need to finalize the schedule for a very special interview!”

Taoming was puzzled. “A special interview?”

“Yes!” The director replied earnestly. “What I can already confirm is that we hope you’ll join Sumitomo! The special interview isn’t something offered to everyone. The president is forming a new department, and this is a rare opportunity to join it!”

Taoming was less interested in that than in his prospective bonus.

“So… the time won’t be set until tomorrow morning? I have other appointments already scheduled…”

“That’s fine,” the HR Director said, still smiling. “For those on the accepted list, the timing of the special interview can be adjusted to fit the president’s schedule. But please, do treasure this opportunity.”

“No problem,” Taoming replied easily, “I understand.”

A new department at Sumitomo? It didn’t matter to him so long as it meant another bonus. Though… surely they wouldn’t withhold today’s payment, would they?

The HR Director nodded with satisfaction. “Then please relax and join us for the celebratory dinner later.”

“Actually…” Taoming spoke up, “I’m sorry, but as I mentioned before, I have some ongoing issues with a real estate company. The bank is waiting for me to come by after this to resolve things. So unfortunately, I won’t be able to attend the dinner. As much as I’d like to network with everyone, I really need to handle this myself.”

“Oh?” The director, recalling his earlier introduction, asked, “Is it complicated?”

“Not really, just troublesome. To be precise, the real estate company has enlisted some yakuza to pressure me. I’m working with the bank to make clear that my terms are reasonable.”

Taoming kept his explanation brief, but all three interviewers looked surprised. “Yakuza? Taoming… can you handle that?”

“It’s no problem.” He smiled with confidence. “Thank you for your concern. I can handle it alone—I’m sure of it.”

His composure was not an act, and it left the three even more impressed. These days, even seasoned adults rarely handled yakuza matters with such calm, let alone a student.

“What a shame,” the director said. “If you need any help, please don’t hesitate to contact me. From today on, consider Sumitomo your own home!”

His sincerity was touching, though Taoming remained unmoved, maintaining his polite facade.

Once outside, the HR assistant quickly brought over an envelope. “It’s such a pity you can’t join us for the dinner, Mr. Taoming. Here is your official offer letter!”

Taoming was a bit surprised at how quickly and formally it was delivered. Taking the envelope with a smile, he chatted with the assistant as he made his way out.

In the foyer, Shana Ueda and Yamane, waiting to head to the dinner, watched Taoming walk straight out the door, exchanging glances.

“He…” Yamane was a little surprised. “Did he not make it to the final round?”

Shana, sharp-eyed, shook her head. “He’s holding Sumitomo’s bonus envelope.”

“Why did he leave early? That’s so rude!” To Yamane, the dinner was an integral part of the company’s recruitment process.

Shana smiled with great interest. “How intriguing… Even so, the HR staff were clearly treating him with exceptional respect.”