After finishing the interview on Wednesday, August 19, 1991, Sayuri stepped out of ZAGE's modest office building. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows on the pavent as she walked toward a nearby public phone booth. She inserted a coin and dialed a familiar number—Zanichi Renkonan's office at Sonaya.
After a few rings, a deep and familiar voice answered, "Yes, Zanichi Renkonan here."
Sayuri smiled slightly. "Good afternoon, senpai."
"Oh, Sayuri-san!" Zanichi's tone imdiately beca more relaxed. "So, how did it go with my son?"
Sayuri leaned against the booth, reflecting for a mont before replying. "He's good, senpai. I honestly wouldn't have guessed he's only seventeen. He has passion, respects people, and—though a bit inexperienced—I can see potential in him. I'm actually excited to be part of his company's growth. If he keeps going like this, I believe he can achieve sothing great."
On the other end, Zanichi grinned ear to ear. His son being praised like this filled him with pride. "Well, he is my son, after all. He's always exceeded my expectations. I have complete faith in him."
Then, after a brief pause, he continued, "Sayuri, since you've agreed to work with him, I have another favor to ask. Can you help convince Shinsuke to join ZAGE? My son's company could really use his negotiation skills."
Sayuri frowned slightly, her brows knitting together. Shinsuke Yamaguchi—her husband—was an exceptional marketing professional, but his past made things complicated. He had worked at Sonaya, just like her, but his career took a hit when he retaliated against her forr boss.
After learning that Sayuri had been sexually harassed and falsely accused of embezzlent, Shinsuke had tracked the man down and beaten him. The boss pressed charges, but the truth eventually ca to light during the trial. In the end, Shinsuke was fined 600,000 yen, while the disgraced boss was ordered to pay 1.5 million yen in damages. The case had caused a stir, but the boss used his connections to suppress the news as much as possible. Even though justice had been served, Sayuri and Shinsuke had both struggled to find employnt afterward. It was clear the boss had pulled strings to make sure neither of them would be rehired easily.
Sayuri sighed. "I've tried talking to him, senpai, but he's not convinced. He's worried that if he fails at this job, he'll never recover."
Zanichi humd thoughtfully. "Did he ever play video gas? Even arcade ones back in the day?"
Sayuri thought for a mont. "I think he loved them when he was a teenager or in college, but I don't think he's played anything recently."
Zanichi grinned. "Then here's what you do—tell him to at least try my son's gas. I guarantee he'll change his mind after that. All you have to do is convince him to visit ZAGE's office and give the console a shot."
Sayuri was skeptical but nodded. "Alright, senpai, I'll try. Let's hope you're right. Anyway, thanks for introducing to this opportunity. I appreciate it."
"No problem. Good luck, Sayuri-san."
With that, Sayuri hung up and headed ho, determined to persuade her husband.
After a short commute, Sayuri arrived at their small apartnt. Inside, she found Shinsuke sitting on the couch, sipping coffee while watching television. He looked relaxed, but she knew he carried a lot of silent stress.
She approached him, standing behind the couch. "Shin-chan, I visited ZAGE today—the company Zanichi-senpai recomnded. It's his son's company. The company hasn't officially launched yet, and the salary isn't amazing right now, but... I have a good feeling about it. I think it's the right place for ."
Shinsuke glanced up at her with a small smile. "Is that so, Sayu? But the video ga industry is in bad shape. You know that, right? Really bad. A year ago, so people at Sonaya tried to push into gaming, but it backfired. The products were canceled, and the higher-ups said the market was dry. That's why I don't want to gamble on this."
Sayuri sighed, knowing this wouldn't be easy. "Then let's give them a chance. Tomorrow, let's visit Zanichi-senpai's son's company. I'll ask him to let you try their console and gas. If you're impressed, please reconsider working there. It would be a waste not to use your marketing skills. Pretty please?"
She leaned closer, tilting her head slightly, her eyes big and pleading.
Shinsuke groaned, already feeling himself give in. "Fine, fine! I'll go with you tomorrow and try their gas. But if I'm not impressed, I'm leaving imdiately. Got it?"
Sayuri bead and nodded. "Got it!" She then sat down beside him, resting her head on his shoulder as they spent the rest of the evening together.
With that, Sayuri had taken the first step in bringing her husband into ZAGE. Tomorrow would be the real test.
To be continued...
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