~New Kyoto, Nippon~
~Apparitions Consultation Office~
In an office in a tall building, Hitoshi Uegaki, a young lad with black hair and white lightning strips across it, sat at the consultation desk. He wore a small black and white jacket with black jeans.
Opposite Hitoshi sat a short woman with heavy makeup and extravagant clothes.
"So, what's the problem, ma'am?" the young lad asked.
"I didn't feel comfortable giving the job to a minor. Are you even qualified to take on jobs? Where's your boss?" the woman replied.
'What's up with her?' Hitoshi couldn't help but wonder.
"Sorry, but I'm afraid that the boss hasn't arrived yet. And trust me, I'm no minor. I have my fair share of experience. And as for if I'm qualified for the job, well, you can say I'm overqualified if you know what I mean." Hitoshi showed a long smile and a wink that made the lady frown.
"No, I'm not saying another word till Kento comes," the lady said as she folded her arms.
"This is going to take a while," Hitoshi sighed inwardly.
5 minutes passed.
"Would you care for some tea?"
Silence.
10 minutes passed.
"You know you haven't touched your tea, right? It will get cold at this rate."
Silence.
15 minutes passed.
"Hey, we changed the sitting fee, just so you know."
Silence.
30 minutes passed.
"You know, there has been no new client since you came. You might just be the reason for that."
Silence.
"Na, I'm sure of it now. Your arrogant aura is chasing th-"
"This is getting annoying. I'm leaving," the lady stood up and began to storm off.
"Huh, what about the job?"
"I'll go somewhere else."
"Wait!" Hitoshi shouted, but the lady paid no heed to him as she continued to head for the door.
"Hah!" Hitoshi sighed. 'Guess I'll have to use it after all, my secret technique.'
"You know, it's a shame really. By not giving us the job, you're missing out on a limited deal."
The lady froze as she was about to turn the doorknob.
"What limited deal are you talking about?" The woman turned to look at Hitoshi.
"Well, you see, our consultation office is offering a 50% off deal to regular customers like you. And that's not even the whole thing. Come, sit down, and let me tell you more," Hitoshi smiled as he pointed towards the seat opposite him.
The short lady hesitated for a moment before letting go of the doorknob and going to sit down.
"Continue, I'm listening," the short lady said while folding her arms.
'As expected of the classic 50% off deal trick," Hitoshi thought. "Attack potency: over 9000, efficiency: about 1000%, target resistibility: nonexistent. It is the perfect strategy for stingy rich people who are hell-bent on saving every penny.'
"I'm glad that you're open for consideration because we also offer a free environment clean-up after the operation has been exorcised, a 20% payback if the permission is at or lower than phantom class, and not to mention a no-charge service policy that will be in place if there are other apparitions found in the surrounding area, usually within a 30-mile radius," Hitoshi said proudly.
"I see, I see," the short lady nodded with approval as her eyes flashed with a glint of greed.
"Now that you've heard our benefits, which they don't offer anywhere else, I'm sure you're willing to open up and offer us the job."
"Hump! I guess I don't have a choice," the short woman sighed.
'Of course you do, you rich hag, but I'm not complaining though.'
"The story is very bizarre, and I sometimes even find myself finding it hard to believe," the short lady said as she looked around.
"I see. Please do speak up," Hitoshi reviewed the serious face and gave rapt attention to what the woman was about to say.
"It all started one night when I visited a certain building that I wanted you to add to my collection of housing estates."
______
Ozen_Ice has left the lab 👨🏽🔬