Chapter 22: The Stock I Manipulated Turned Out to Be Myself

In the next room, Yosuke Ueno, who had given his collection of comic books to Miko, was listening intently as well.

In the living room, Naoya Murai spoke earnestly, “The president has already discussed Tao’s proposal with the chairman. The elders were very impressed by Tao’s idea. At this moment, the president is advising headquarters to prepare for the establishment of a dedicated real estate company. Its planning department is in great need of talented individuals like Tao. The president has asked me to convey to Tao that you will join the new company’s planning department as deputy manager, in the capacity of special assistant to the president. Of course, your salary and benefits will be matched accordingly.”

Yosuke Ueno felt a shock in his heart.

Deputy manager... For an ordinary university student, no matter how outstanding, it’s more appropriate to start as a regular employee in a large company. Afterwards, it would likely take at least three to five years to be promoted to a section chief. Then there would be department head, division manager, before reaching the level of department manager. Typically, those who reach this stage are around forty years old.

That’s the true core management layer within a company. One step further up would be executive director, managing director, or president. For most ordinary employees, the department manager position is the peak they can hope to reach in their careers.

Now, though only the position of deputy manager in the planning department was promised, it was unheard of treatment.

What kind of proposal had Da Lang Tao made to the president of Tomokazu, such that, after describing himself as “having been discriminated against,” he received such an offer?

He had no seniority at all!

The shock was shared by Runa Onodera and Tatsuya Someya, but in contrast, Zhiming Tao felt a hint of vigilance.

Although Da Lang Tao hadn’t actively participated in interviews before, he had some understanding of the internal promotion mechanisms of Japanese companies.

So Zhiming Tao knew this as well. Moreover, he himself had served as an executive in companies.

If Naoya Murai had conveyed the president’s sincerity with an assistant position and improved salary, Zhiming Tao wouldn’t have thought much of it.

But to directly appoint a freshly graduated young person as deputy manager—even in a newly established company—was unreasonable.

His mind turned briefly, and soon he guessed Hiroshi Omiya’s intentions.

The core purpose was to keep him stable.

The new company’s preparation might be fast or slow, so nothing could be guaranteed there. In the meantime, they could use more opportunities to interact with him, to communicate about the core points of the Wanda model, and extract the most valuable experience and ideas in advance.

Once they felt confident, why wouldn’t they assign more trusted and capable subordinates to handle the matter?

Zhiming Tao immediately said, “That’s not appropriate. If I assume such a position right after graduation, it would be hard to gain a foothold in the company. I appreciate the president’s kindness, but truly, starting as a regular employee would make me feel more grounded.”

Naoya Murai hadn’t expected such a reply.

If the company made a promise and he was willing to sign an employment contract, the details about position and salary would be reflected.

Yet Da Lang Tao, faced with such a high position, status, and benefits, refused so quickly.

Starting as a regular employee would feel more grounded...

“Tao, with the president’s favor, what are you worried about?” Naoya Murai, now consistently using honorifics, said in a proper manner. “With your abilities, your colleagues will surely be impressed, and you will fulfill your tasks diligently!”

“Mr. Murai—” Zhiming Tao put on a wry smile, “I myself don’t have such confidence. I worry that I’m merely a student talking big; please, spare me.”

“In any case, I have conveyed the president’s sincerity.” Naoya Murai gestured toward the bags, “That is a personal gift from the president, who asked me to present it to you if I met you soon. It’s a set of formal suits, a personal gesture of goodwill. If the size isn’t right, you can contact Tatsuya for an exchange anytime!”

“...Thank you very much.” Zhiming Tao thought to himself, it would be better to just give cash.

Naoya Murai pondered for a moment, then added, “It seems that Sumitomo also appreciates your proposal. Although they’ll surely assign capable officers to refine such ideas, I, Naoya Murai, believe your insight can bring even deeper perspectives!”

He took an envelope out of his bag, placed it on the low table and pushed it forward, “Tomokazu may not rival Sumitomo for now, but when betting on the future, we’re no less determined! Tao, please seriously consider the president’s sincerity!”

“...This really isn’t necessary.” Zhiming Tao didn’t reach out; since it was already presented, it would be awkward to take it back. “I truly feel the president’s boldness! Please tell him: No matter what, I, Da Lang Tao, will contribute to Tomokazu’s development. At this point, I need to be honest about my situation.”

“Due to various matters, I only started attending explanation sessions from the end of last month. There are still eight companies’ sessions to attend. Having been invited, I want to train myself and see a broader world. By the 23rd of this month at the latest, I’ll give the president a definite answer!”

Naoya Murai felt a pang in his teeth, but nodded seriously, “I understand completely! I won’t disturb you further.”

“I’m sorry for not being able to properly entertain you when you came, Mr. Murai...”

“It’s almost nine o’clock, Tao still has another appointment.” Naoya Murai glanced at his watch with a friendly smile, “I believe there’ll be many opportunities in the future. I’ll take my leave; Miss Runa, after hearing the bank’s evaluation, please have your president consider Tao’s terms carefully. As you’ve seen, Tao is earnest, not easily yielding, and won’t be swayed by mere money.”

Runa Onodera bowed awkwardly and said, “Yes, yes...”

“Well, goodbye then!”

Seeing Yosuke Ueno come out to bow in farewell, Naoya Murai smiled, reciprocated, and left with Tatsuya Someya.

Once they’d gone, Yosuke Ueno couldn’t help but approach the low table, “How much did they give this time? I’ve never heard of such a thing...”

Zhiming Tao smiled, watching him take out the money from the envelope, and with a glance he exclaimed, “Another five hundred thousand!”

Though he hadn’t counted, the thickness was familiar.

Zhiming Tao then inspected the bags, and upon seeing their contents, complained, “Armani... Really, wouldn’t it be better to just give cash? Who wants to wear such old-fashioned clothes?”

“You brat!” Yosuke Ueno gritted his teeth a little.

Zhiming Tao’s eyes twinkled, “Yosuke, do you want it? I’ll sell it to you cheap. If you wear this to other companies, they’ll think: ‘Oh, Mr. Ueno must be valued by a big company, gifted with expensive clothes!’ Then the bonus they give you will be higher—it’s an investment!”

“...” Yosuke Ueno was wounded, “Don’t underestimate me!”

Runa Onodera’s eyes sparkled, “Tao, won’t you try it on? If it doesn’t fit, you can exchange it.”

“Well... Might as well try.” With that, he picked up the bags, scooped up the money from the table, and went to the bedroom in good spirits.

Inside the room, Runa Onodera exclaimed, “I’ve finally seen how popular Tokyo University students are. Miko, you have to work hard!”

Miko nodded, bewildered.

“...Sister, there’s another Tokyo University student here, who didn’t get so much money and is feeling sad.” Yosuke Ueno wore a bitter face.

“Ah! Sorry!” Runa Onodera covered her mouth, laughing, “Ueno, you’re amazing too—I heard you got offers from many companies.”

“...So, how did this guy suddenly wake up and become like this?” he muttered.

“Eh?” Runa Onodera understood and sighed, “Yes, compared to before, Tao seems to be facing life with an entirely different attitude and presence...”

“That’s why, in such good times, you must invest in yourself. If you perform well, your value rises like a stock being speculated on.” Zhiming Tao said as he walked out, “So, does it fit?”

Yosuke Ueno stared at him in a daze.

Runa Onodera’s eyes shone, smiling, “Handsome! Looks like the department manager did his homework!”

Zhiming Tao saw her expression, and a slight smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.

Runa Onodera lowered her head—the aura he exuded was truly not something a young person could possess.

She could feel the momentum pouring forth.