I (30), Who Works for a Black Company and Died While Regretting My Gloomy Life, Started Over From High School!
Chapter 108: Part-Time Job Interview for a Corporate Slave

“I would like to thank you for taking the time today! My name is Niihama Shinichiro. Nice to meet you!”

Upon entering the manager’s office, I energetically greeted the manager, who was the interviewer.

Then, I bowed at a thirty-degree angle, turned around to close the door, and waited to be prompted before taking a seat. I placed my hands on my knees and straightened my back.

(I surprisingly remember this… kind of stuff.)

Although I didn’t consciously focus on this sequence of movements, due to having repeated interviews during my job-hunting days after high school, it seems to have become ingrained in my body, much like riding a bicycle.

Seeing me, the young and attractive eyeglasses-wearing female manager—Ms. Mishima, who had a slightly reserved appearance—seemed somewhat puzzled and muttered, “… Job seeker…?” I admit I didn’t come across as a typical high school student applying for a part-time job.

“Cough… Yes, I am Yuko Mishima, the acting store manager. Thank you for coming today. So, well… I’m curious, why were you waiting in front of the store so early?”

“Huh…!?”

At the slightly perplexing question from Mishima, I inadvertently let out a surprised voice.

Until just a moment ago, I had been waiting outside for the interview. Mishima had come out and called me in earlier than expected, so the interview started much sooner than the scheduled time. However…

Could it be… Did my distorted personality come across again!?

“Uh, well… May I ask if it’s not common to wait several hours in advance in situations like this…?”

“Well, I mean, it’s far from common… Early arrival is a good attitude, but if you just don’t end up being late, it’s fine.”

“Is, is that so…!? I, I apologize for that…!”

Mishima’s exasperated tone made me lower my head in apology. While it makes sense if I think about it calmly, the curse ingrained in me seems to run deeper than I thought.

“Phew… Seriously, who on earth taught you something like that? Did you watch some sketchy etiquette tutorial or something?”

No, it’s not like that… It’s just that the environment where I learned workplace common sense, or rather, the company’s common sense, was quite different…

“Um, actually… At my previous… no, my previous part-time job, whenever I made an appointment for a meeting or discussion with my supervisor, I was often severely scolded with remarks like ‘I came two hours early because I had time, so why weren’t you waiting?!’… And I’ve been repeatedly told, in my workplace overall, that ‘it’s only natural for a subordinate to be prepared to accommodate changes in plans by superiors’…”

“…………Huh?”

As Mishima seemed unable to comprehend what I was saying, her young face displayed a bewildered expression.

“Or rather, does it seem like such an environment would be normal?…”

“That’s far from normal, you know!?”

Her voice, tinged with exasperation, interrupted me. While she gave off an impression of being rather composed, it seems she’s the type to show her emotions more than I thought.

“What kind of company is that!? To demand that you unilaterally adjust your schedule to changes made at the convenience of your superiors… It’s one thing to be prepared, but expecting that is a whole different level of social ineptitude!”

“……….”

Her anger was quite refreshing to me.

While it’s obvious that what I’m saying doesn’t make sense, the fact that a working adult, a figure from the world I once admired, is criticizing this abnormality makes me feel somewhat relieved.

“Got it? Forget everything those pathetic adults told you! Don’t ever step foot into a workplace where people like that are! Even after graduating, avoid those places like the plague!”

“Y-Yes…!”

These words, expressing concern for the future of the younger generation, were repeated once again, and my opinion of this female manager increased significantly.

(Ah, this person… She’s someone from the world I admired…)

A workplace with common sense and ethical behavior of a proper working environment.

This wasn’t just a figment of my imagination; it was indeed a reality in this world. Witnessing this person, a grown-up, openly criticizing the abnormality within the workplace and working conditions, made me feel somewhat relieved about my trauma associated with “labor.”

“……? Well, alright. Since I understand your motives a bit better now, shall we proceed with the interview? … Ugh, geez, you’ve written so much here that I hardly have anything to ask…”

It seems she decided to take a more straightforward approach, and while saying this in a somewhat laid-back manner, Mishima looked at the resume I had written with a mix of exasperation and admiration.

Normally, this is where they’d inquire about when I can start working and such… For the time being, I’ve jotted down everything I could think of.

Distance and commute time from home to the store, preferred work hours and days, expected duration of the part-time job, exam periods… and there’s even a consent form from my parents and school attached.

I thought I had included all the information the hiring side would want… but maybe that also didn’t come across as typical of a high school student. Mishima-san had a wry smile as she followed the content with her eyes.

“Well, let’s see, about your motivation for applying… Hmm, this is pretty standard. Matching the hourly wage and commuting conditions, right?”

“Yes, the part-time job conditions that this store is offering align very well with my preferences.”

When she said “this is pretty standard,” I was slightly taken aback, but it seemed my straightforward and simple motivation was accepted.

…Well, that’s not the only reason I wanted to work at this store.

“Hmm, I see. These conditions would be very much appreciated here—”

(……Huh?)

Suddenly, a shadow crossed Mishima-san’s expression.

A mixture of anxiety and anticipation emanated from her, and a faint hint of wariness and distrust appeared.

(Hmm, could it be… she wants to believe, but she’s afraid of being let down?)

I understand that surge of emotion quite well, having experienced it many times myself.

That feeling you get from suppliers who promise, “Leave it to me! I’ll have the delivery done in three days!” or bosses who boast, “If anything happens, I’ll take full responsibility!”—it’s the manifestation of doubts like, “Are they really going to keep their promises?”

“I have a question I’d like to ask. Do you know about the company behind this store? Also, there should be a few book cafes within your commuting range. Why did you choose us? It’s probably not just because of the pay, right?”

This question might seem unnecessary for a regular part-time job interview.

While it’s somewhat toned down, it’s a question akin to the confirmation of “interest in the company and the extent of research” or a similar inquiry regarding a respectable motivation that’s beyond “for the money.”

(I see… probably trying to gauge how serious I am about this part-time job.)

Mishima-san is observing my face intently.

In other words, she wants to see my reaction.

The question itself likely doesn’t matter all that much.

It’s probably about assessing whether I can respond quickly under pressure as a high school student, whether I’ll scramble to answer or answer casually with a reluctant expression… It’s a way to get a sense of how seriously I’m taking this.

Alright then, I’ll answer with all my might and seriousness, to make sure she understands I’m not someone who takes things lightly.

“Yes, first, regarding this Book Cafe Rakunan: I’m well aware of it. It’s a test store where Chiaugaku Bookstore, in search of new bookstore business models, has combined the concepts of all-you-can-read books and a cafe, following Zone A and Zone H, it’s the third store. I’ve heard that based on the results, there are plans to expand to F, H, and K prefectures.”

“Huh?”

Mishima-san’s eyes widened, perhaps surprised by the content of my nonchalant answer. She probably didn’t expect such a clear response.

“And as for why I was drawn to this store beyond the wage, it’s definitely because of its innovative concept. I’ve always been interested in working at a bookstore… With the rise of e-books, your company’s foresight in exploring the future of bookstores is truly remarkable. I have a strong interest in this forefront Book Cafe store.”

“Um, well…!?”

Mixing the store’s origin and concept with my motivation, I saw Mishima-san becoming increasingly bewildered.

But for me, I had researched this store’s details and my motivation was genuine when I decided to apply, and even though I had initially included this part in the motivation section of my resume… looking at the tightly filled-in form, I suddenly wondered, ‘… Could it be that all they expect from a high school student’s motivation is a desire for spending money?’ So, I simplified it.

So, well, this part about research and motivation is well-covered from my job-hunting preparation days.

“And… among the rival stores with a similar concept, I felt most drawn to work at this store, which is trying to attract a stylish and wide range of customers. My answer might be a bit clumsy, but that’s about it from my perspective.”

“I-I see…”

When I finished answering, Mishima-san responded with a mix of admiration, exasperation, and a somewhat horrified expression.

…It reminds me of the pressure-filled interview with Tokimune-san from some time ago.

When I explained my thoughts about the future during that time, that person also had a similar expression…

“…W-Well, I’ve been surprised by a lot, but anyway, I do understand that you’re extremely diligent. And… yes, that’s actually what our store needs the most right now.”

Although I did my best to earnestly answer what was asked, Mishima-san’s reaction was a bit strained, her face looking quite serious.

If I strained my ears, I could faintly hear her mutter under her breath, “I did want someone serious, but this is a bit extreme…! Is there no middle ground…!?”

…I wonder if I should have acted a bit more carelessly?

“Phew… Ahh… Yes, you’re hired, Niihama-kun. Can you start from next Saturday?”

“! R-Really!? I’m incredibly happy!”

I seemed to have puzzled Mishima-san as the interviewer, but it appeared I managed to pass after all, and I felt genuinely elated.

Even though it takes some courage for me to face labor, considering my cause of death in my previous life… It’s a part-time job, but this opportunity to work again can be considered a step forward in my revenge life.

“In that case, I’ll do my best, so please take care of me! Oh, by the way, since I’m a new employee, should I clean the entire store from early morning on my first day?”

“We don’t have such a draconian tradition for newbies like that!? Just forget that outdated idea and throw it away!”

Confirming something that used to be the norm in my past life’s company, Mishima-san shouted loudly in an exaggerated manner.