The handover of the Commercial Federation spokesperson's work was much more troublesome than Noah had imagined. While Maria was diligently training with Zofia, Noah was also wrestling with a large pile of reports and such. She really wished she had a capable assistant by her side. She couldn't see, so Kuro had to read all the documents for her. After a day of this, Kuro's voice was almost hoarse. Compared to those who could directly read reports, Noah indeed needed a capable subordinate.
So, where could she find this capable subordinate… Speaking of which, Noah remembered that young man named Markowitz, who worked under the previous spokesperson, seemed quite good… But he was someone from the previous spokesperson's team, so poaching him might not be ideal, and his trustworthiness would also be a concern… If he misread a few numbers when reporting, her judgment of the situation could go seriously wrong.
Although such mistakes were easy to catch, and she could easily tell if someone was lying, she personally didn't want such things to happen… So, while Markowitz was capable, she definitely needed an even better… subordinate.
"…Kuro, who do you think I should hire to help me solve these… trivial matters?"
"You're asking me?"
"…Mainly because it's strange for me to talk to myself, so I just asked you."
"…."
"First, they must be reliable, then they must be patient, preferably obedient to their superior, and finally, they must be capable…" As Noah spoke, she felt an increasing sense of familiarity. She slapped her forehead, "…I suddenly thought of a candidate."
"…." Kuro looked at Noah's smile and suddenly shivered. This girl always showed this kind of smile when she was thinking up bad ideas.
—
"…Transfer?" Manner was in his office, still processing reports, and was about to make a cup of coffee when his boss called him in. After listening to his boss's arrangements, he asked with some confusion, "Am I being transferred to another department?"
"No, strictly speaking, this is not a normal personnel transfer… I'm sorry, our company can no longer employ you." The boss was clearly a bit helpless. Although Manner wasn't particularly likable, his professional ability and attitude were excellent; he was the boss's favorite employee. If it weren't for his sour face, he would have been promoted long ago. More importantly, Manner didn't like taking holidays; in all these years, he had never even taken a day off.
Which boss wouldn't like such an employee?
This time, however, the other party personally requested to poach Manner and offered a reward he couldn't refuse, so there was only one answer!
"Although it pains me, Manner, for the sake of the company, I hope you make a small sacrifice. Starting today, you are dismissed."
"…."
"But there's also good news. Although you've been dismissed by the company, another company thinks highly of you and has already sent an employment contract. Take a look; the benefits are very generous. It's to be a private assistant to a major CEO." The boss handed the contract to Manner, "I don't know why such a big boss would take an interest in you, perhaps they value your abilities… Well, what kind of abilities, I'm not quite sure."
"…." Manner didn't answer. Instead, he meticulously read every clause of the contract from beginning to end. Indeed, the salary was significantly higher than his original, the benefits were excellent, there were even weekends off, and overtime had normal overtime pay and bonuses, with year-end bonuses also included. Looking solely at the contract itself, there were no problems whatsoever, and it had already been notarized, even bearing the Commercial Federation's official seal.
The question was, who was this boss who was employing him… and for what purpose did they want to poach him? Based on Manner's understanding of his current boss, the only way he would agree to let him go was if the price of selling him was truly irresistible. Manner couldn't help but wonder what he should do next. Of course, quitting his job was impossible; he still needed to earn money to support his family. Even the proudest vagrant had to temper their edge in this city.
Manner looked at the job location; it wasn't far from home, about a ten-minute walk. As it stood… there was no reason to refuse.
Manner nodded, took the contract from his boss, but didn't sign it immediately. He planned to first check out what kind of tricks the company that was poaching him had up its sleeve.
After leaving the company he had served for several years, Manner quickly arrived at the new company for an interview. The company was located in a newly built office building, and everything about it felt advanced and fresh. Walking into the workplace, Manner's first feeling was surprisingly—warmth.
In Kazimierz, few workplaces specifically built supporting facilities for employees. As soon as Manner entered the company, he immediately felt that the internal temperature was completely different from outside, meaning there was a constant temperature system. After a few steps, he saw the employee cafeteria. Although it wasn't mealtime, having an employee cafeteria itself was already very good. Then he walked a few more steps and saw an area specifically providing coffee and various beverages. It seemed that it was free for internal employees.
Free coffee… Manner was somewhat tempted.
His original company also had a coffee machine, but most of the time you had to pay to use it, whereas here it was not only free but also had dedicated staff to prepare it for you, make coffee, and milk tea. Just now, Manner had seen a young girl bring out a strawberry sundae from inside.
The further Manner walked inside, the stranger he found it. Was this place really a workplace? He had just seen a game room, an indoor sports arena, a library, and even internal dormitories with accompanying bathhouses. The dorms were all single rooms, and there was even… a dedicated cat café?
Manner truly saw cats running around inside, and company employees looking blissful, submerged by cats. These company employees didn't have the resentful air that his own company's employees had, nor did he see any dark circles under their eyes. Each workstation was adorned with various decorations and personal items, and the atmosphere in the company was excellent. Hardly anyone loudly reprimanded others. There were a few who were clearly new, and an older employee always watched over them, seemingly in a mentor-mentee model.
No matter how he looked at it... this company was too benevolent...
So benevolent that Manner suspected it wasn't a normal company...
However, he had already reached his destination, the CEO's office. In front of the office door, he took a deep breath and steadied his mind.
No matter what, even if the other party made unreasonable demands, he had to respond with a very stable demeanor. Years of being a corporate slave had cultivated his composure; he was confident that he wouldn't change his expression even if a mountain collapsed before him.
"Excuse me--"
Bang-- Just as Manner entered the office, two streamers were set off. Noah, sitting in a wheelchair, and Kuro, wearing a mask, appeared on either side, each holding an empty party popper.
"Welcome, Uncle Manner!"