Chapter 356: As Your Brother, I Am Deeply Saddened

After the conversation ended, Kaguya returned home with her own thoughts. Hayasaka followed her back to the Shinomiya estate.

Since from now on, including tomorrow, Hayasaka would work at Rinji's home every Friday through Sunday, she had to return to her own place to collect some things.

She said she needed some "equipment."

Rinji didn't really understand what she was up to, but he let her go.

Instead of going home, Rinji visited Shirogane's place.

After all, Shirogane would be managing the company, and there were many things to discuss before the official handover.

"So, President, when do you plan to take over the company?"

"To be honest, Rinji, I'm not ready to take on the role of chairman yet," said Shirogane. "I still lack the knowledge, and I don't think I'm capable of managing a company."

"...Are you backing out at the last minute?"

"It's not that," Shirogane said, clutching his head. "As you said, this is a training opportunity. But I told myself I wouldn't take over unless I was at least 70% confident I could run a large enterprise. Right now... I'm not even 7% confident."

"That's... quite the problem."

He only managed to become the president of the Dainippon because Rinji forced him into the position. Once seated, he couldn't back out and had no choice but to push forward.

But this time was different. Though Shirogane had made up his mind, without intense pressure, even his fast learning speed wasn't enough to grasp everything about managing a company in a short period.

Moreover, during his time at the bank, there were many subordinates running things. As company chairman, he would have to take full responsibility, which made him hesitant.

"Hmm... If you don't want to do it, then I've got no one else in mind," Rinji sighed. "When do you think you'll be ready?"

"After I finish learning everything systematically."

"I see..."

Click.

While they were talking, the front door opened.

In came Shirogane's father and Kei, back from their part-time jobs.

"Huh? Rinji-nii, you came over?"

"Yep, Kei." Rinji waved at her with a smile. "Just discussing something with the president."

Kei quickly changed shoes and headed into the kitchen, returning with a cup of tea which she placed in front of Rinji before casually sitting beside him.

"...Kei, where's my tea?" Shirogane asked.

"Make it yourself."

"..."

"By the way, Rinji-nii," Kei asked, "what are you discussing with my brother? Student council stuff?"

"No, I want the president to get some training at a company."

"I see."

Kei nodded and turned to Shirogane. "Then just do it."

"...Kei, do you know what position Rinji offered me?"

"Why are you being so picky—"

"It's chairman."

"...Eh?"

"Chairman of a company with assets over one trillion yen."

"..."

Kei fell silent.

That number was one she'd only seen in newspapers. Companies with assets in the trillions usually belonged to entire industries.

"I just wanted the president to get some experience, but who knew he'd chicken out at the last moment," Rinji said.

"No... I don't think most people would have the courage, even less so my brother."

The Shirogane family used to be dirt poor. The only reason they could afford to live in a luxury apartment now was because Shirogane once worked at the Dainippon Bank (Bank of Japan) and earned a high salary. But even with that, after rent, their daily expenses still required Kei and their father to work part-time nearby.

They were a family traumatized by poverty.

"Rinji-nii, don't you worry about the company going bankrupt if you hand it to my brother?"

"Not at all."

Rinji answered.

"You might not know this, Kei, but your Rinji-nii is..."

"Hmm?"

"Very rich."

"I can already tell from the ingredients you bring over."

"No, when I first met you guys, I was poor—only had 23 million USD to my name which are about 2.3 Billion Yen. Now I'm rich—assets in the trillions."

"Even if you're rich, don't waste money."

"I just want to train the president and improve your family's situation a little," Rinji sighed. "I don't have any family in Japan—you guys are my family."

"...I see."

Kei accepted his words.

"And it's not like I'm throwing money away. The president will be on a fixed salary. I'll eventually hand the company over to someone else. I'm just offering a good salary. Even my maid earns 500,000 yen a month."

"What!?"

Kei shouted in shock.

"You hired a maid!?"

"Yeah, she's working for me right now. I pay her 500,000 yen monthly."

He was talking about Hayasaka.

That was her salary at the Shinomiya house, so Rinji just rehired her at the same rate.

"...What does a maid do?"

"Clean the house... and that's about it. My place isn't that big."

"...Cleaning, huh? Rinji-nii's apartment is about 175 square meters. Cleaning it takes two hours, and with that salary, she earns about 16,000 yen a day. That's like doing five days of newspaper delivery..."

"Hmm? Kei, what are you muttering?"

"...Rinji-nii, can I work at your place?"

"Absolutely not."

"..."

As Kei looked disappointed, Rinji suddenly patted her shoulder.

"You're my little sister. If you need pocket money, just ask me. It's not just in Japan—you're my only sister in the whole world."

"Eh..."

"A girl your age should enjoy youth. Working all day breaks my heart. Do you think I can bear seeing you suffer?"

"Well..."

"You call me 'bro,' so I have an obligation to make sure you live well. Or do you see me as an outsider?"

"Of course not! I've always liked Rinji-nii!" Kei blurted out, blushing.

"Really?"

"Of course!"

"Good, then take this."

Rinji pulled out a black card from his wallet and handed it to Kei.