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Toyokawa Shoko¹ held a canvas bag in her hand, staring blankly at the luxurious Western-style mansion behind the iron railings.
The young girl wasn't envious that someone could live in such a luxurious house out of vanity; it was merely because this place had once been her home. She had lived in this mansion for over ten years.
She was intimately familiar with everything within this mansion—every single rose tended by the gardener, the spotlessly polished floors and grounds—all were memories deeply buried in her mind.
"Excuse me, can I help you with something?"
Suddenly, Toyokawa Shoko, lost in her thoughts, was startled by a voice beside her. She quickly turned around and bowed.
"Good day. I'm sorry, was I bothering you by standing here?"
Fujiwara Toru² looked at the pretty girl before him. She had the air of a young mistress but was dressed very plainly. He subtly sized her up from head to toe.
No signs of any professional training. Just a very ordinary JK³.
Both her clothes and bag are unbranded, common goods. Very cheap.
But this elegant temperament and impeccable etiquette... aren't something an ordinary family could cultivate.
Fujiwara Toru quickly made judgments about the girl in his mind.
He turned his head to look at the mansion behind the rose bushes, seemingly recalling something about this mansion's past owner.
The young mistress of the Toyokawa Group? No, more accurately, the former young mistress of the Toyokawa Group.
Is she unwilling to accept falling from a high-and-mighty princess to an ugly duckling, returning here to reminisce about the past?
Various thoughts popped into Fujiwara Toru's mind, but he couldn't determine the exact reason for the moment.
Toyokawa Shoko kept her head lowered politely, but the tall man in front of her remained silent, making her feel somewhat uneasy.
Fujiwara Toru composed himself and said with a smile, "No, you weren't bothering me. It's just that seeing someone standing at my gate looking in constantly piqued my curiosity and vigilance, so I came over."
Hearing Fujiwara Toru's words, Toyokawa Shoko couldn't help but lift her head to look at him.
So the man before me bought this mansion?
Toyokawa Shoko took a closer look and felt that the man in front of her probably wasn't much older than herself. He was handsome, with a mature aura.
This mansion is quite expensive. This person must also come from a well-off family, perhaps the young master of some clan or large corporation.
Thinking this, Toyokawa Shoko shook her head, mocking herself internally. When did I become so vulgar, thinking about someone's wealth the first moment I meet them?
Although she inwardly resisted her own "materialism," Toyokawa Shoko also fondly remembered the time when she could say, "I don't care if my friends are rich or not."
But now, forced by circumstances, burdened by the huge debts her family owed, she had no choice but to become a "vulgar" person.
"I'm sorry, I just thought the roses here were very beautiful, so I took a longer look."
Toyokawa Shoko lied subconsciously. She didn't dare say this used to be her home, that she had become an impoverished young mistress.
Even though she was only facing a stranger, not an acquaintance, she didn't want to see the peculiar look in others' eyes.
Fujiwara Toru nodded and said, "I see. The courtyard where this mansion stands used to be famous for its roses, considered one of Tokyo's scenic spots."
"However, miss student, this is ultimately a private residence now. If you really want to admire the flowers, I suppose I could allow you to come inside and see."
Toyokawa Shoko thought the man before her was surprisingly nice.
Usually, young masters from rich families tended to have arrogant personalities. Who would allow a "commoner" into their yard to admire flowers?
Just then, her phone in her bag suddenly rang. Toyokawa Shoko quickly took it out and saw it was an alarm clock. She panicked.
Oh no, if I don't hurry, I'll miss the train! If I miss this one, I'll have to wait for the next, and I'll definitely be late!
She didn't want to lose this customer service job. Although it was tiring and didn't pay much, at least it didn't require face-to-face contact with people. She just needed to answer calls at a computer in a room.
This way, she could minimize the chances of encountering old friends by chance.
Toyokawa Shoko bowed repeatedly again, saying, "I'm really sorry, I have something urgent and must leave now. I'll bring you a gift next time as thanks⁴!"
With that, she kept her head down and walked past Fujiwara Toru, leaving in a hurry.
Only after turning the corner did she reproach herself.
I finally met the new owner of the mansion, and I forgot to ask about getting back the doll that had been with me for over ten years.
It's all because of my pathetic self-esteem.
Although the doll was well-maintained, it looked quite old. I wonder if the new owner just threw it away.
I can only hope he didn't throw it away. If I get a chance to meet him again, I'll ask then...
Toyokawa Shoko didn't muster the courage to run back and ask Fujiwara Toru now; it would take too much time.
Even if the doll held memories of her childhood, compared to her current customer service job, the job was more important.
The once-proud young mistress had ultimately been smoothed out by harsh reality, her pride and willfulness worn away.
Fujiwara Toru simply watched her leave and shook his head. "It's easy to go from frugal to extravagant, but difficult to go from extravagant to frugal."⁵
"Especially for children who grew up in comfort and immense wealth. If they encounter family misfortune after growing up, the blow is extraordinary."
"The vast majority will give up on themselves. Very few can grit their teeth and persevere, let alone make a comeback."
This was just a minor interlude for Fujiwara Toru. He still had a job interview at the coffee shop today.
"Is this the place?"
Near Ikebukuro Station, a sunny-looking young man with short, light-blond hair, healthy wheat-colored skin, and facial features resembling someone of mixed heritage stood before a shop.
Due to his tall stature, handsome features, and the warm smile perpetually gracing his lips, many passing women couldn't help but glance his way.
However, Furuya Rei, or rather, Amuro Tooru⁶, wasn't the "007" type of agent adept at flirting with women. His personality was serious. One could even say he kept women at arm's length⁷, showing aversion to almost all females.
He believed that excessive contact with women could easily make him unable to think rationally and prone to acting emotionally. He didn't need to fall in love with any woman, because his lover... was this country.
Rum⁸ sent me here undercover. I asked Vermouth⁹ for more specific intelligence, but that woman refused to say anything, even getting angry when I pressed her.
Fujiwara Toru, English name "Adam Spencer"... an interesting person indeed.
With this thought, he walked directly into the shop before him.
Truly investigating and surveilling Fujiwara Toru is impossible. But I can't disobey Rum's orders, so I can only go through the motions.
Besides, Amuro Tooru is a member of the National Public Safety Bureau's 'Zero Division'¹⁰. And Fujiwara Toru's biological father, Fujiwara Yoshitaka, is the Chairman of Japan's National Public Safety Commission¹¹ – basically Amuro Tooru's ultimate boss.
Coupled with Fujiwara Toru's CIA identity, from Amuro's perspective, he's definitely one of our own. Providing cover for him is my priority; how could I genuinely work for the Black Organization against him?
But the job assigned still had to be done.
"Hello, I saw the recruitment ad online. I'm here to apply for the supervisor¹² position at this coffee shop."
A waitress working at the first-floor counter saw a handsome man applying for a job. Her eyes lit up, and she immediately said enthusiastically:
"You're here for an interview? The boss is in the office on the second floor. Let me take you there!"
"Okay, thank you for your trouble."
Although Amuro Tooru wasn't interested in women, as a professional, he had to utilize his 'handsome man' advantage.
Arriving at the second-floor office, the door wasn't closed. Amuro thus saw his mission target for this time—Fujiwara Toru.
"Boss, someone is here for an interview."
The young waitress took two steps forward and knocked on the door.
Fujiwara Toru, sitting in the office, looked towards the door, his gaze meeting Amuro Tooru's directly.
He showed no extraneous emotion, as if he didn't recognize Amuro Tooru at all. He nodded and said, "Have him wait outside for a moment. I need to finish interviewing the person before him."
"Okay, Boss."
Fujiwara Toru then turned his gaze to the slightly nervous, black-haired girl with long straight hair sitting opposite him.
"Shiina Taki¹³, studying at Hanasakigawa Girls' Academy¹⁴. First year of high school?"
"Yes."
The girl had a mole near the corner of her eye, looked charming, but wore a very serious expression as she sat on the sofa.
"Relax, it's just a normal interview. Don't be nervous," Fujiwara Toru said with a light chuckle.
"I'm sorry!" Shiina Taki quickly lowered her head, apologizing.
Fujiwara Toru was momentarily speechless. This girl's seriousness is a bit over the top.
However, he didn't dislike serious people; on the contrary, he liked them.
"Why did you apply for this job?"
"I... I want to work part-time to earn some pocket money. The allowance my family gives me isn't enough for my expenses," Shiina Taki said awkwardly.
This reason wasn't actually very good; it could easily make people think she was a spendthrift. But Shiina Taki didn't like lying, so she spoke the truth.
Fujiwara Toru smiled. "A good answer. I appreciate honesty."
Hearing this, Shiina Taki let out a soft sigh of relief.
Fujiwara Toru continued, "The shop is currently in need of part-time student workers."
Well, because student part-timers are paid less.
"Also, Miss Shiina, your appearance is quite good, which helps attract customers."
Fujiwara Toru's words made Shiina Taki a bit shy and also somewhat uneasy.
Why mention my appearance?
Could this boss be planning workplace sexual harassment?!
Fujiwara Toru was unaware of Shiina Taki's wild thoughts. He added, "I only have one requirement for part-timers: you must arrive on time according to the schedule. Can you do that?"
Shiina Taki reined in her scattered thoughts and nodded quickly. "No problem! I don't need to participate in club activities at school, so I can free up time to work every day."
"On weekends, I can also set aside one day for work."
For shops like this, besides weekends, the busiest time is usually weekday evenings when students get out of class. Shiina Taki was applying for a part-time position during this slot.
"Very well, you're hired. Come in for a trial shift tomorrow. We can sign a contract shortly. Is that okay?"
Shiina Taki's expression brightened. This was her first time working a part-time job. She had made countless preparations beforehand and felt extremely anxious.
Finding a part-time job is actually this simple!
She quickly nodded. "Okay, Boss!"
Shiina Taki had heard the other waitstaff in the shop address Fujiwara Toru this way earlier.
"Alright, Miss Shiina, you may leave first. Next!"
After Shiina Taki happily left the office, Amuro Tooru, who had been waiting outside for a while, walked in.
Compared to Shiina Taki's nervousness, Amuro appeared much more composed and experienced—clearly a corporate drone¹⁵ accustomed to being exploited.
Fujiwara Toru held the resume in his hand. It listed all of Amuro Tooru's work experience, but his age was stated as 24.
Although Fujiwara Toru couldn't recall Amuro Tooru's exact age, it definitely wasn't this. He falsified his resume!
"I've looked at your resume. You have various part-time experiences since your student days. Applying for the position of cafe supervisor... honestly, I believe you have the ability to handle this job."
"My only curiosity is, this is just a small shop with limited prospects. With your capabilities, why apply here?" Fujiwara Toru inquired with a standard HR attitude.
Amuro Tooru had anticipated Fujiwara Toru's question. Moreover, having worked countless part-time jobs to complete various missions in the past, he was extremely experienced with interviews.
During his busiest times, he once juggled five part-time jobs simultaneously—definitely superhuman level.
"I enjoy work that involves serving others, and I'm very interested in coffee. My favorite thing is making coffee for people. The location of this shop is also very convenient, allowing me to save a lot of commuting time..."
Amuro Tooru spoke eloquently, rattling off a long list of points. His tone was sincere, his smile sunny, making a good impression.
Just as he thought Fujiwara Toru would easily agree to hire him, Fujiwara Toru shook his head. "I'm sorry, Mr. Amuro, I don't want to hold back your future."
"With your work experience and qualifications, working full-time in our small coffee shop would truly be a waste of your talents¹⁶."
"I believe you certainly have greater opportunities elsewhere, and I trust there are better places where your talents can shine."
What? How could this be? I actually failed the interview?
Amuro Tooru was stunned.
This won't do! How am I going to report back to Rum? Tell him I failed the interview, so the surveillance mission can't be carried out?
Rum would definitely kill me! Gin¹⁷ might come to clean house¹⁸! The Organization doesn't need useless trash like me!
Amuro Tooru grew anxious. He leaned forward, speaking rapidly, "Boss, please reconsider! I really want this job! I wouldn't even mind if the salary was cut in half!"
Fujiwara Toru showed a surprised expression. He immediately stood up, beaming warmly: "Salary cut in half? Oh? Mr. Amuro, you'd really accept that? In that case, I feel no one is more suitable for this job than you! Your talents should definitely be utilized here."
Amuro Tooru froze for a second. He had a feeling he had just been tricked.
Damn it! Just moments ago you said my talent was wasted working here, but now that you hear 'salary cut in half,' your tune changes instantly, huh!
Damn capitalist!
Will that guy Rum reimburse me for the other half of the salary?
Amuro Tooru gritted his teeth. This is basically paying someone else to let me work for them!