arc2 · 053-ch53

Chapter 53: The Aftermath of the Two Guides

side Hachioji Mansion Guide Ichinomiya

"Ah man, what a complete waste of time today."

"Huh? What's wrong, Ichinomiya-san? You seem kinda down."

I vented to my coworker as soon as I got back to the office. But I suppose I can't be blamed—the reservation I'd gotten for a viewing at Hachioji's premium tower mansion had turned out to be nothing but a time-waster.

"Yeah, that Hachioji place... it was just a cold lead."

"Oh no, you went all out for that one and got shot down? That's rough, Ichinomiya-san. Your sales numbers have been dropping lately, so I figured you'd want to close this deal."

That's why I wanted to vent to at least one person who stayed behind at the office. But this guy—just because he's playing along with my conversation doesn't mean he has toadd those unnecessary comments. Honestly, is there anyone normal around me?

"Well, if it wasn't a cold lead, I would've gone all in. The guy was wearing an outfit that screamed poverty, plus he brought his mom and little sister—some college student. And get this: he had the audacity to ask to see the top floor. Makes you wanna complain, doesn't it?"

"Wow, a family trip, huh? College students with that kind of mentality these days are something else."

"Mentality?"

The word was unfamiliar, so I asked my coworker to clarify.

"You know, most young people these days are super conscious of what others think of them. So someone doing something they know they'll get mocked for later—it's rare to see that."

For a moment, my coworker's explanation made me uneasy. Wait, that student... he wasn't actually serious about buying that place, was he? If he was, then I just lost the opportunity of a lifetime!

"No way—a college student actually serious about buying THAT room?"

I threw the question at my coworker to shake off my uneasiness. Just to make sure my judgment wasn't wrong.

"No way that's possible, right? I mean, that place is 200 million yen, right? Way more than any college student could afford."

I was relieved by that response...

"Ah, but you know, if he's an Explorer, he's got a shot at coming up with 200 million! If that's the case, Ichinomiya-san, you totally blew it!"

"...Seriously, this is only making me more anxious now, thanks."

Ichinomiya's brow furrowed as more unsettling thoughts filled his head.

side Nishi-Hachioji Mansion Guide Nikaidou

"I'm back!"

"Oh, welcome back! How was the viewing?"

When I got back to the company after the viewing, my supervisor, Abe-san, immediately greeted me. This senior colleague was the one who taught me everything about customer service from scratch.

"Fufufu, this time I think I actually got somewhere!"

"Seriously!? Oh, but wait—you went to Nishi-Hachioji's premium tower mansion, right? You think it'll actually sell?"

Abe-san was surprised too. It's rare for someone to call, go see a place for the first time, and immediately decide to buy—this basically never happens.

Since it's a property over 100 million yen, only extremely wealthy people would even consider it, and we've got all the wealthy candidates on file. So I never expected it to sell this fast.

"I mean, it's technically a 'hold,' but they seemed pretty interested!"

"Wow, first visit, huh? Was he some kind of rich kid or something?"

I knew the client who came for the viewing was a college student because Abe-san knew too, which is why he asked...

"No, he looked like a regular college student. He brought his mother and a little sister in elementary school, and he said he wanted to buy the top floor AND the rooftop for some reason."

"The top floor!? And the rooftop... wait, you're not saying that was a cold lead, are you?"

Abe-san looked worried that I might've been strung along. But I had a conviction. That was definitely NOT a cold lead.

"You taught me not to judge people by appearances, Abe-san. That family—they seemed really nice. Didn't seem like a cold lead at all."

"If you say so, then I won't say anything. But if you sell that tower mansion's top floor, there's no way I'm taking monthly top salesperson this month. Heck, maybe even the yearly record's in jeopardy. Please don't let it sell!"

Abe-san said that jokingly. But I mean, I've only just joined the company—monthly top salesperson is already a stretch, let alone yearly. I'd love to grab at least once. The bonus would be amazing.

Abe-san's had monthly top salesperson multiple times, and he even won yearly once, so he says. Since the viewing was something he let me handle, I really wanted to make something of it.

Even after getting back to the office, there was a ton of paperwork to do, but I just couldn't focus. I kept thinking about how the viewing went. The client said they'd "think it over," so I knew there was no way they'd call right away, but...

(200 million yen for the top floor of a tower mansion. I'd buy it if I won the lottery.)

I was lost in thought when my work phone rang. I picked up without thinking.

"Um, er, hello? This is Soramine, who conducted the viewing in Nishi-Hachioji today."

"Oh, yes! Huh!? Miss Soramine!? W-w-what's wrong!? Did something happen!?"

It was the call I'd been waiting for, but it came so suddenly that I got flustered and my speech went weird!

"Ah, um, yeah... I'd like to buy the room we viewed today. And the rooftop too. It was 200 million total, right? I can pay right away. When can I move in?"

Huh? What did she just say?

"I'm sorry, I didn't quite catch that. What did you say?"

I thought I heard "purchase" just now, but there's no way...

"So I'd like to buy the room we viewed today. The rooftop too. It was 200 million, right? I can pay right away—when can I move in?"

"Yes, um... please hold on for a second."

I put the client on hold and looked at Abe-san. Calm down, me.

"What's wrong, making such a blank face? Don't tell me that property actually sold?"

"It sold. Top floor and rooftop, 200 million. What should I do?"

"Are you serious!? Nice! Get the paperwork going! Seal the deal before they change their mind!"

"Yes, understood. I'll do my best."

Following Abe-san's advice, I put the receiver back to my ear.

"Thank you for waiting. As soon as the paperwork and payment are processed, we can hand over the property. We can handle the procedures as early as tomorrow morning—would that work for you?"

I had no idea what I was saying. Was I even handling this properly?

"Yes, then my mother will stop by tomorrow morning, so please take care of the paperwork."

"Understood. What name should we put on the title?"

"Would it be a problem if it's under my mother's name?"

"If your mother's paying, there's no issue. But if YOU were paying, a huge gift tax would apply."

"I see, then put it under my name—I'll pay."

"Got it. I'll send the necessary documents by email."

"Yes, please."

I felt like I'd been floating through the conversation, but I think I got all the important info. I also noted that the mother would be visiting tomorrow morning.

After hanging up, I looked at Abe-san again.

"Wow, Nikaidou, you're finally going to get monthly top salesperson! I knew you'd get it eventually, but I never thought it'd be this soon! And maybe even yearly! Hey, next time, buy me dinner!"

Slowly, what Abe-san said started to sink in.

(I did it! I might get my first monthly top salesperson! Thanks, Soramine-san!)

After sending the paperwork documents, I finished work and stopped by a convenience store on the way home to treat myself to a slightly fancy dessert. I went home and ate it with a big grin on my face.

(End of file)