On the second floor of Huibundang Bookstore, the Kagawa sisters were talking across the long bar-like counter during working hours.
"Say it, I'm listening."
My elder sister, Miyoko, responded to her sister's needs with her mouth and did not stop working with her hands.
She was behind the counter, skillfully operating in front of the coffee machine, making the coffee that the customer had just ordered.
My younger sister Rinko stood outside the counter, took out a plate of Chinese dim sum from the glass cabinet, and placed it on the tray on the counter along with a few paper towels.
However, amidst the strong aroma of coffee brewed with hot water, Kagawa Rinko said something that surprised her.
"I think...I want to quit my job."
Miyoko turned around suddenly.
"What? Resign? You mean the official job in the clothing company?"
"Yes." Linzi nodded without hesitation.
"Why? Don't you want to be a fashion designer anymore? Do you want to give up?"
Miyoko didn't understand her sister's thoughts, and Rinko explained accordingly.
"Of course I want to continue to pursue my dream, but I have also recognized the reality. Even if I continue to stay in the company, I will not get this opportunity. Although the company I am currently working for is nominally a foreign-funded enterprise, I have long discovered that
Well, in fact, the company's internal atmosphere and operating model are still a typical Japanese company. Our President Hasegawa is not even willing to try a multi-channel clothing sales model, and is only willing to cooperate with department stores. An old man like him
, concept
I am completely behind the times, but I am so stubborn that I believe that everything the company is doing is right. If I had stayed there, even if I worked for ten more years, I would still be just an ordinary handyman, having to work every day.
Help the front desk staff make tea and coffee for other male employees. If this is the case, why don't I concentrate on making coffee for the guests here? At least I am the one making the decisions here, and I can often hear the guests' compliments and see the guests.
Satisfied smile."
Rinko Kagawa talked about the most frustrating problem in the Japanese workplace.
In fact, the so-called "Gender Employment Equity Act" is nothing more than a decree that the Japanese government reluctantly promulgated in order to please the values of the Western democratic world.
Therefore, this law emphasizes form over content.
At most, it only gives Japanese women the opportunity to participate in work and social activities. In fact, it does not really allow Japanese women to obtain equal rights with men in the workplace.
At this stage, male superiority and female inferiority is still a chronic disease in Japanese society.
Regarding this kind of workplace discrimination and differential treatment that can be seen everywhere, most people have a tacit attitude, including most women.
After all, there are too few outstanding people, and most mediocre people are not only weak by nature, but also often have no higher career pursuits. They still pursue the life trajectory of getting married and being housewives.
As a result, those outstanding women who are truly enterprising are in misery.
Just like Kagawa Rinko, she obviously has both ability and hard work, but she never sees a chance to get ahead in Japan.
"I understand your feelings very well, but this kind of thing needs to be carefully considered."
Miyoko took a deep breath.
"I'm not against it, but I always think it's a pity for you to resign. After all, you are working in a foreign company now. No matter what the actual atmosphere of the company is, the salary and benefits are always much better than those of pure Japanese companies. The salary gap between you and male employees
Isn't it only a quarter of the summer? If you want to apply for another company, not only will everything have to start over, but the salary gap will be at least one-third. Have you ever thought about this?"
Miyoko advocates acting with caution, and she has to consider more issues than her sister actually does.
"I know what you're talking about, but no matter how much money you have, time is not as valuable. I have this preparation and don't want to waste my time."
"Have you told the club?"
"I haven't said it officially yet, but I have made up my mind and plan to submit my resignation before the year. I am going to resign anyway, so it is better to resign early than later."
Miyoko didn't speak for a long time. She actually didn't think much of her sister's dream now. She only knew that once her sister resigned, her life would lose the stability and guarantee.
So when she finally made the coffee and brought it over, she did not hesitate to use herself as a negative example to try to win back her sister's opinion.
"Rinzi, I know that you have been strong and hard-working since you were a child, and you have never given up. You have never thought of relying on a man. But the problem is that after resigning, there will be many things that are difficult to handle. Things that you think don't matter now may not matter by then.
It’s completely different. Look at me, what will happen after we get married? Your brother-in-law and I overestimated our expectations.
At the same time, I also underestimated the financial guarantee needed for marriage. Fortunately, you let me work part-time here, so my life can be lived. Now I miss the job very much, but it is too late to regret. If I could
If I had to choose again, I would definitely not resign so rashly. So how about thinking about it carefully?"
This time Rinzi didn't speak, but there was a wry smile on her face.
Looking at her sister's restless expression, Miyoko sensitively realized that something must have happened.
"Is there something you're hiding from me? Is there something wrong at work?"
"It's nothing. It's just that after the New Year's Eve party in the first few days, the department boss refused to leave and dragged everyone to Karaoke for a 'second party'. He didn't know whether he really drank too much or used drunkenness as an excuse to deliberately sit next to me.
He hugged me and forced me to sing, and even touched me, so I slapped him hard. As a result, everyone in the department was stunned, and everyone left unhappy."
Rinko whispered and briefly described the situation to her sister.
He spoke in a rather calm tone, and after finishing speaking, he went to deliver things to the guests.
But despite this, as a biological sister, Miyoko still felt her sister's grievance and anger in surprise.
Only then did she realize that her sister had been harassed by her boss, and that she was seeking comfort and approval from her boss.
Damn it!
How could I have such a disgusting boss?
Why are you bullying my Rinko!
Miyoko regretted greatly that she didn't show the attitude her sister expected just now.
So when Rinko returned to the counter, Miyoko completely changed her words.
"Rinzi, I'm sorry, I didn't know that such a thing happened... How should I put it... This is really abominable, and it really makes you wronged. In this case, my sister is very supportive of your decision. I remember it happened once before
Something like this, right? It’s better not to wait for such a company.”
"It's okay, it's not your fault. I also know that my sister is doing it for my own good. Sure enough, she still understands me." Linzi was obviously pleased, otherwise there would not be a look of relief and relaxation on her face.
Miyoko, on the other hand, became angrier as she thought about it.
"But, this is still unfair. This kind of bastard can actually enjoy a high salary in a down-to-earth manner, but forces you to leave. How can this be? How about we go talk to President Ning? Isn't he also in your company?
The senior management of the company should be able to uphold justice for you, right?"
"No, no, sister, you don't understand. President Ning is from the Huaxia branch and has only a cooperative relationship with our company. Moreover, President Hasegawa himself does not like Huaxia Company very much. Our company is currently selling trolley suitcases from Huaxia Company in Japan.
I was very unhappy about the sales matter, and the negotiations with Chairman Ning were also very unpleasant because of the licensing fee issue. Chairman Hasegawa even thought that the headquarters was too biased towards China. So don’t tell Chairman Ning about this matter.
It will embarrass him."
Rinko's words convinced Miyoko, and she realized that although they both belonged to Pierre Cardin, there was already such a gap between the Japanese company and the Chinese company.
"That's it. Then...have you thought about your future plans? Are you planning to interview at other clothing companies? In that case, I will help you pay attention to the recruitment notices."
Rinzi was very satisfied with her sister's efforts to comfort her and her dedicated suggestions.
"I haven't decided yet. If I choose a clothing company, I'll wait until next year. Moreover, President Ning has started publishing some Chinese books translated into Japanese in the name of a bookstore. I can help with the design of book covers.
I have been busy designing these things recently, so I should wait until I finish all these things and celebrate the New Year before I think about finding a job again."
However, Miyoko happily made another suggestion.
"That's right. How could I have forgotten that there is also President Ning's bookstore? Fortunately, it is absolutely fine for Rinzi to live on the store manager's income. In fact, to be honest, I think Rinzi should consider working full-time at
I would like to be the store manager of the bookstore. President Ning will definitely agree, isn’t that good?”
"Huh? Why would sister think so? Isn't this bad? In fact, bookstores don't make much money. If I were full-time, wouldn't it increase the financial burden on President Ning? I don't want that..."
"Oh, why do you think so? I see that the flow of customers here is increasing. Everyone is attracted by the unique atmosphere, reading materials and tea and food here. This kind of customer base is very stable. In the future,
Business will get better and better. Now the profit has reached tens of millions per month
Yen, sooner or later the monthly profit here will be stable at more than 15 million yen. What's the problem in paying a few people's salaries? Besides, you can't just look at the business content of the bookstore for income, President Ning is here
Those industrial and artistic works of art sold should also be included, after all, they are
It has created profits for him as the boss. The key is that I think President Ning’s expectations for this bookstore may not be based on whether it is profitable at all, otherwise he would not be indifferent to the management of the bookstore. As for the management of the bookstore he bought
Being able to get on the right track may be just an extra bonus for him.
Gain. I think you should at least mention this to him, talk about your business ideas, and listen to his opinions. Maybe he can have higher expectations for the future of the bookstore, and your goals can also be achieved.
Consensus. If we can really come to an agreement, it would be a good thing for both of you."
Miyoko is worthy of being a sister who is several years older. Her advice is very mature. At least in terms of human relations, it gives Rinko more perspectives to think about.
After a moment, Rinzi nodded seriously with an open mind.
"Okay, if I have the chance, I will follow my sister's words and talk to the president. I just hope that I won't overestimate my abilities and let the president laugh at me."
"Don't be so unsure. President Ning has said in public more than once that the bookstore's prosperity is all due to you." Miyoko encouraged her sister with a smile.
Unexpectedly, Rinzi also said sincerely, "Actually, my sister is also a good candidate for the store manager. Your suggestions are always so pragmatic. No wonder you are the former gold medal broker of Aoba Real Estate. I think it is better for me to suggest to President Ning.
, it’s better to let my sister be the store manager. It would be good for me to find another job. Or I can just stay and help my sister..."
This was undoubtedly a kind of recognition, and Miyoko felt warm in her heart, but she knew better that this was completely impossible.
"Okay, okay, stop making fun of my sister. I have a family now, how can I compare with you? This part-time job is already very difficult."
Following her, she subconsciously glanced at the clock on the wall.
"Ah, it's almost time. Oh, Rinzi, I have to get off work first and need to go home to prepare dinner. Otherwise, if I go back late, your brother-in-law will find out and he will definitely ask me where I went."
"So what?"
Seeing that her sister cared so much, Linzi said a little dissatisfied, "You have made such a big sacrifice for this family, why don't you let him know? Do you want him to always think that it is his salary that supports our family?"
Can you be a master at home with peace of mind?"
"Jing Hu, you kid, why don't you understand your brother-in-law at all now? It turns out you are not like this..."
"It turns out he's not like this. Sister, have you never thought about whether you spoiled him? Did you find a man to marry him just to be his nanny and let him lose his temper at you at will?
?”
"Don't say that, your brother-in-law's career has been a bit unsatisfactory recently. Although he didn't buy stocks, the stock market crash affected many people. Some of his customers have canceled their insurance policies, which made him very embarrassed. And President Ning's new store policy seems to be
I didn’t give it to him either. He couldn’t figure it out..."
"This makes even more sense. Who said that Chairman Ning must have his insurance policy signed by him? It's not me who said that my brother-in-law is always so self-righteous and wishful thinking."
"Okay, okay, I wouldn't have told you if I had known better. Okay, I'm leaving first. I'll make your favorite fish stew today, okay? I'm not busy with dinner for Yujiro, but for you.
Okay, okay, stop pouting and be happy. You are the store manager."
Saying that, smiling softly, Miyoko left like a gust of wind.
Like most housewives, she went straight to the supermarket.
Only Rinko, who was full of disgust for married life, was left behind.
At the same time, Yujiro Sakai was in a bank branch in Tokyo, getting the credit card he urgently needed.
No one would know that if he hadn't relied on Nagase Yasuo's relationship, he finally applied for this thing in time.
The debts he owed due to those small loan companies outside may not even be able to pay the interest for the month.