Tokyo Agent: Starting with Picking Up a Problem Girl

Chapter 3 An Incredible Determination

If the obedience score can be brought down to a normal level, Asuka might be the closest candidate to the target in the past few days.

With a little training, they will be able to complete the task.

After a moment's thought, Nakajima Hiroshi quickly formulated a plan.

"Asuka, do you have any plans for the future?"

Let's get straight to the point; there's no time to lose right now.

"Not yet... What's it to you!"

Asuka's wariness was practically written all over her face.

Hiroshi Nakajima pointed to the clock on the wall.

"It's almost noon, let's find a place to eat something and chat while we eat."

The intention is clear.

First, keep the child calm, find an excuse to extend the time spent together, and then look for a breakthrough.

She looked much like the spirited young woman from my previous life, and judging from her urgent need for accommodation, she was probably not well-off either. Offering food and lodging as bait would likely be a good way to get her to cooperate.

"I……"

Tomorrow Flower was about to speak but stopped.

Nakajima Hiroshi roughly guessed what she was going to say.

Most likely, they don't even have money for food, and they're too embarrassed to ask.

"Let's go. You've made the trip anyway. Regardless of the outcome, I should at least treat you to a working meal."

"Just consider it making friends. Even if we don't cooperate today, there will be opportunities in the future."

It's all too easy for an adult to give a young girl a way out.

Moreover, this way, even if she ultimately fails to sign the contract, she shouldn't ruin her own plans out of spite.

Save this afternoon first; nothing else matters.

"That……"

My stomach rumbled at just the right moment.

Asuka froze, a blush spreading from her ears to her cheeks and even her neck turning pink.

"I will bring them back!"

She turned her face away.

"it is good."

Hiroshi Nakajima casually grabbed his wallet: "Is there anything you like to eat?"

"What, all..."

The girl's voice suddenly lowered.

The aggressive aura that had been there just moments before had deflated rapidly, like a punctured balloon.

It seems there's a big difference between this kid and the young woman; at least she hasn't learned to bully old men yet.

She's at most a troubled girl.

"If you have no preference, then come with me."

Nakajima Hiroshi gradually gained the upper hand.

"Tomorrow's Flower Honoka: Obedience score 3/20"

...They're so easy to coax.

He clicked his tongue slightly.

Despite his prickly exterior, this child has surprisingly simple values.

She clearly adheres to some extremely lovely principle of exchange.

Over the past six days, Nakajima Hiroshi had explored all the nearby restaurants that offered quick meals, so he had a clear goal: with Asuka in hand, he headed straight for a beef bowl chain known for its speed and low prices.

Given Asuka's pride, a high lunch expense would probably put a lot of pressure on her.

This shop is just right.

For just 500 yen, you can get a generous beef bowl, and the service is incredibly fast, taking only seconds, so you can save your precious time for communication.

Moreover, its seating arrangement is also suitable for fostering closer relationships. The seating is somewhat like a rotating hot pot, where two people can sit side by side, reducing unnecessary eye contact and creating a more harmonious atmosphere.

Upon entering the store, a large number of tired and numb migrant workers come into view.

Everyone shoveled food into their mouths as quickly as possible, trying to squeeze out a little time to dedicate their lunch break, the period with the highest customer activity, to work.

Yes, close one more deal so you don't end up on the next layoff list.

This is the right attitude for working.

Asuka paused briefly, lost in thought.

Nakajima Hiro walked straight to the bar and placed his order with practiced ease.

"Beef donburi, served together."

"Bingsheng" means standard portion. Generally, adding rice makes it a large portion, and adding meat on top of that makes it a special portion.

In addition, there is the small portion, which is basically a children's portion.

"Here, order what you want."

Asuka opened her mouth, but in the end she didn't refuse. She ran a few steps to catch up and whispered.

"Tondon, and... no, Komori, I guess."

Pork rice bowl (銀丼) is much cheaper than beef rice bowl (銀丼).

However, since the small cake is intended for children, it would probably be difficult for a girl of Asuka's age to even feel half full.

She was just picking the cheapest spots.

Despite frequently asking about salary and accommodation during interviews, demonstrating a direct and urgent need for money, they exhibit an almost allergic resistance to the idea of ​​"receiving and giving."

Perhaps the child wasn't as bad as she seemed; she just lacked experience and discipline.

Perhaps in Tomorrow Flower's mind, the salary is something she earned herself; she should clarify that...

No problem, we should definitely ask.

Having been poisoned by the terrible recruitment environment for so long, I now feel that asking about salary is a rash thing to do.

However, if she were to eat a small portion, she would likely become hungry early in the afternoon, and if the score were to get close, she would be distracted during training.

Let's fix it.

Considering the girl's pride, Nakajima Hiro didn't say anything. He simply took a few steps, stared at a customer's table, and casually spoke.

"Boss, your salad and dumplings look pretty good too."

"Add one for each."

Tokyo's gyoza isn't actually that good, and Nakajima Hiro had no interest in it; this was just a simple excuse to protect the young girl's dignity.

The owner clearly understands the positioning of his restaurant.

He glanced at Asuka, then swept his gaze over Nakajima Hiro's less-than-perfect suit, and kept pursing his lips.

He thought to himself, "Such a beautiful girl, how could she end up with a poor guy? He must be blind."

Looking at his burly wife, he couldn't help but shake his head repeatedly.

Of course, the tapping of the ordering machine didn't stop him either.

Jealousy aside, business still needs to be done. Besides, if his wife knew what he was thinking, she would probably slap him so hard his ears would ring.

The food was served quickly, and soon the two of them found a corner and sat down side by side.

This seating area is far from the front desk and windows, so it's relatively quiet and undisturbed, making it ideal for conversation.

"Asuka, those who are just starting out in the industry are usually referred to as trainees by us."

The girl slowed down her chewing.

She smoothed her hair to the side, revealing her small ears to indicate that she was listening.

"The salary for candidates is very low. Even in large agencies with good conditions, they usually only pay around 30,000 yen per month, and most of them do not provide room and board."

"Were you aware of these things beforehand?"

As he spoke, Nakajima Hiroshi observed Asuka's expression.

"No, I don't know..."

The voice was very low.

Hiroshi Nakajima noticed that Asuka didn't seem to mind the meager monthly salary of 30,000 yen, but her eyes immediately dimmed when she heard that room and board weren't included.

Sure enough, she's now having trouble finding food and shelter.

Dealing with someone like her is less effective than being direct and less indirect.

"Asuka, you really need to find a place to live right now, don't you?"

Upon hearing this, the girl's fingers froze, and the rice ball on her chopsticks fell back into the bowl with a "plop".

Her gaze was fixed on the table, her breathing became erratic, and it was unclear what she was thinking.

But clearly, it's not the right time to ask further questions.

After a long while, he nodded silently.

"……Um."

The voice was so low it was almost inaudible.

"What a coincidence."

Nakajima Hiroshi smirked: "My apartment in Shimokitazawa, the lease expires today."

He carefully chose his words, trying to make his statement as truthful as possible and avoid offending Asuka.

"In fact, if I can't find a suitable replacement today, I'll have to consider looking for someone in another city, and naturally I won't renew my lease."

Not only will they not renew their lease, they might even have to sleep under a bridge.

Nakajima Hiroshi smiled bitterly to himself.

Then, he tentatively said, "But if we can sign up a suitable person today, I think I'll continue to stay."

The girl did not respond.

"To be honest, I have high hopes for you, but by the standards of a reserve candidate, you do have some shortcomings."

"If you'd like, you can come with me this afternoon and see the other interviewees."

"If you can find a direction and grow a little, you might be able to meet the signing criteria. At that time, the company can naturally help you with food and accommodation."

"Of course, if I can recruit other artists, you can stay there temporarily."

Asuka didn't reply, but just stared at the little food left in her bowl.

After a long while, she put down her chopsticks, looked up, and said earnestly.

"I can't afford it, not even for a short-term rental."

The child clearly didn't want to stay for free.

As she spoke, she struggled unwillingly, saying, "Am I really that far from meeting your requirements?"

"Is it possible... for me to give it a try?"

"Otherwise, any suitable job that can be used as a deduction would be fine too."

"or……"

The girl bit her lower lip, her slender fingers tugging at the hem of her dress.

I heard...

She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, as if she had made some incredible decision.

"Tomorrow's Flower Honoka: Obedience score 13/20"