This agreement is valid for one year, beginning on the date it is signed. Since Hisao remained silent, his grandfather was the one doing the talking. I wanted to ask Mr. Yamada why he had chosen me.
“Before I sign this agreement, I’d like to ask Mr. Yamada what he actually expects from me in this role as a companion. What goal are you trying to achieve?”
“Kanna-san is a woman with a sharp mind. I clearly made the right choice. Hisao is my first grandson, and he has a sharp understanding of the family business’s development. I have high hopes for him. But he is weak when it comes to women’s charms, and he is far too loyal without considering where the boundaries lie. I want someone who can keep him in line. And I don’t want him bringing a woman like Aoki to business events. It’s humiliating. She made me the subject of embarrassing news in front of my friends throughout Kyoto because of that champagne tower and how famous she is in Roppongi.” He paused for a moment.
“I want to restore Hisao’s image. Beyond that, I want him to know and see what it’s like to have an honorable, respected woman standing beside him. Everyone sees Kanna-san as a source of pride. She has good relationships with and knows many of Japan’s prominent businesspeople, and she can create a positive image by standing beside him. Everything I’m doing is to help him. That’s why I needed to ask Kanna-san personally. Hisao, you understand what your grandfather means… Say something to Kanna-san, or she won’t agree to help you.” Mr. Yamada was now giving Hisao an order.
“Kanna-san, I would be extremely fortunate to have a partner like you. I’m personally asking you to accept.” He gave me a formal bow.
Now I had gotten what I wanted: his respect for this work agreement.
“I’m honored to be able to help Mr. Hisao.” I also made it clear that I would carry out my duties according to the agreement. I would accompany him, but I would not give him any reason to expect me to act like the other women from Roppongi.
I signed the work agreement, with Mother, Mrs. Suguira, as a witness, and Mr. Yamada as the one assigning me the job. Hisao merely watched everything without saying a word.
On top of that, I received an additional five million yen to buy attire suitable for my duties, along with an advance payment of my work bonus. Mr. Yamada was truly generous to me. I needed to go shopping soon and prepare everything in case I was called in. Fortunately, my schedule for this month was already fixed and couldn’t be canceled. I could only fit the assignments in between.
At this rate, I might be going to Tokyo often.
“In that case, everything is settled. Kanna-san, is there anything you’d like to ask?” Lawyer Hiroka brought our meeting to a close.
“Does Mr. Hisao have any special requests for me? I’m listening.” I looked at Hisao.
“I want to make sure that while Kanna-san is accompanying me, she doesn’t try to flirt with other men, either directly or indirectly.” My eyebrows shot up when I heard that. Was he still offended because I’d turned down his date invitation and gently sent him away?
“When I’m accompanying you for work, I understand that applies during banquets and official events. But you also need to understand that I’m not your companion every moment of the day.” I emphasized my own condition.
Mr. Yamada laughed as he listened to us.
“Kanna-san, I like your style!” It turned out this old man was on my side. I flashed him a broad smile. “What Kanna-san said is right. If a man wants to have all of a woman’s time and attention, he needs to behave appropriately. Add that to the agreement, Mr. Hiroka. By ‘accompanying him,’ we mean official events and gatherings with colleagues. She has no obligation to accompany him privately, one-on-one.” Mr. Hiroka added the clause to the agreement by hand, and we signed it again.
“Thank you for agreeing to that, Mr. Yamada.”
“You work for me, Kanna-san, not Hisao. If he tries anything unpleasant with you, I’ll make sure he learns his lesson. And if he loses your help, I’ll stop helping him as well.” Mr. Yamada seemed to be enjoying himself, cornering his own grandson while working with me.
“I understand, Mr. Yamada. Mr. Hisao, I’m happy to help you.” I smiled victoriously, but Hisao’s face remained stiff. Apparently, he wasn’t used to a woman increasing her bargaining power by confronting him directly to his face.
Don’t take it personally, Mr. Hisao. This is business, not personal. Your grandfather asked for my help. You obviously can’t force me to do what you want, or I’ll complain to him.
“In that case, I have one special request.” Hisao suddenly spoke. Apparently, he intended to get back at me.
“I’m listening.” I challenged him.
“I don’t want you wearing any colors other than black and white while you’re accompanying me.” Hmm… Did he think that meant he would win? He was about to see what I could do with only those two colors.
“Agreed.” I smiled arrogantly.
Mr. Yamada laughed at our exchange.
“I think you two will make great partners.” He gave me a wide smile. “Kanna-san, don’t let him beat you.” Now he was whispering to me.
“Mr. Yamada, when have I ever disappointed you?” For some reason, I suddenly felt happy seeing how much he trusted me. It made me glad to receive the recognition of someone so experienced.
Mr. Yamada and the others left, leaving Hisao and me alone in the room. This time, I waited for him to speak. I thought I’d already had enough fun.
“Kanna-san, next time you’re with me, you’d better drop that double-faced act. Your overly polite way of speaking is actually irritating.”
“You’ve never been in my position, Hisao-san. I’m only trying not to offend anyone.”
“I’m more offended when you say yes, but your actions afterward say no. So don’t put on a double face around me. I’m a straightforward person, and it bothers me when I have to think over the meaning of your words again and again.” He glared at me angrily. I smiled.
“I’ll remember that. I’m sorry if I offended you, Hisao-san…”
“Really? Then answer my question. Do you like me now?” He folded his arms and challenged me.
“Like you in what way?” I looked back at him.
“Why do you keep going in circles when answering one simple question? I already told you I like people who are open… It’s a simple question, and I already know the answer. You don’t need to dance around it in front of me.”
“No.” I answered curtly. Of course I didn’t like him. At least, not for now.
“That’s better.” He gave a small smile. “You prefer types like Daniel Tan, don’t you?”
“I don’t think that’s any of your business.” And I wasn’t willing to answer a personal question. He wanted me to be straightforward. Fine. I would answer him honestly.
“Hmm… You’re right. It’s none of my business. My grandfather thinks very highly of you. We’ll see how right he really is.”
“My assistant will contact you later. Remember the rule I gave you: black and white only.” He stood up.
“Understood.” I bowed as I saw him out.
He really didn’t like me.