Tokyo, 1991: Starting as a bank clerk.

"So."

Masakazu Yamada glanced at everyone present.

"The Baishi Refrigeration case is now closed. Although there are still a lot of things to do after the loan is issued, at least we've passed the first hurdle. Everyone has worked hard these past few days."

The crowd responded in hushed tones:

"Thanks for your hard work."

"In addition, the personnel department has also issued a notice. Kiryu Yaya will be officially assigned to the Financing Review Division starting May 1st."

Masakazu Yamada looked at Kiryu Yaya, who was sitting in the lower seat.

"Kiryu."

"Yes."

“You have indeed made achievements. But don’t forget, you are still a newcomer. The financing review course is not a place where you can stand firm with just one or two cases. In the future, if you don’t understand something, ask your seniors; if you are unsure, report to the department head; and when you feel confident, you must confirm it first.”

Kiryu bowed his head.

"I've got it."

Masakazu Yamada nodded.

"Today's event is both a consolation party for Shiraishi's case and a welcome party for Kiryu."

He raised his glass.

"Well then, thank you for your hard work."

Everyone raised their glasses in unison.

"Cheers."

"Cheers."

The glasses clinked together, the sound not exaggerated, but neat and crisp.

Kiryu Yaya then took his first sip of beer.

The cold, bitter taste went down my throat.

He put down his cup, immediately stood up, placed his hands on his knees, and bowed deeply to everyone.

"Dear seniors, I am very grateful for the welcome party you are holding for me today."

The private room fell silent.

Kiryu Yaya maintained a low profile, his voice not loud, but clear enough:

"I've only been in this industry for less than a month, and I'm still quite inexperienced in many areas. The fact that Fuji Metals and Shiraishi Refrigeration have come this far is thanks to the section chief, Section Chief Chihaya, and all the senior colleagues who have been constantly pointing out and supplementing my work."

He paused.

“Starting in May, I will continue to work hard as a member of the financing review team. I look forward to your continued guidance.”

After he finished speaking, he bowed again.

This conversation was short.

There were no grand pronouncements, nor was the atmosphere raised too high.

But in this context, it's just right.

Yusuke Hashimoto was the first to speak with a smile:

"Nice to meet you, Kiryu-kun."

Others followed suit:

"Please give me more advice."

"You'll have a tough time from now on."

"Don't let Chihaya-sama scold you until you cry."

I don't know who said the last sentence.

A soft chuckle came from the table.

Chihaya Yuri raised her eyes and smiled, a rare occurrence for her:

“I won’t yell at people if the report is well-written.”

Kiryu Yaya immediately chimed in:

"I will definitely work hard."

The laughter became a little louder in the private room.

After the opening ceremony, the atmosphere gradually relaxed.

The dishes were served one by one.

Salt-grilled mackerel, fried chicken nuggets, dashi-mahi tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelet), beef tendon stew, and several side dishes to accompany drinks.

Kiryu Yaya didn't rush to eat.

He sat near the door, observing the cups of his seniors while also noting where the staff served the dishes.

When the plate was full, he would casually move it to the doorway; when someone's glass was empty, he would pick up a wine bottle or a teapot and ask in a low voice:

"Excuse me. May I have some more?"

In Japanese drinking parties, a newcomer's ability to "get things done" doesn't mean simply sitting around giving speeches while holding a drink.

Instead, they know to pour wine when they see an empty glass, and to move dishes that are blocking their way.

In his previous life, when he was a corporate account manager, Kiryu Yaya attended far too many drinking parties.

Those experiences cannot be directly copied when applied to Japan.

But the underlying logic is the same.

The lively atmosphere at a dinner party is often a business process.

The Japanese process is simply more restrained and emphasizes timing and discretion.

Kiryu Yaya, holding a beer bottle, slowly began "pouring drinks and exchanging pleasantries" from the seat of honor.

When he returned to his seat, half of the fried chicken pieces on his plate were gone.

Wakako Kishimoto casually picked up a piece and put it into his small dish.

"Kiryu-kun, have some too. If the newcomer just keeps drinking without eating, he won't be able to keep going."

"Thank you, Section Chief Ansho."

Kiryu Yaya bowed his head and thanked him.

Masakazu Yamada glanced at him.

How's your alcohol tolerance?

"I can drink a little."

Kiryu Yaya used a very Japanese way of speaking.

Masakazu Yamada smiled.

"Such answers are generally not very credible."

Yusuke Hashimoto said from the side:

"He just had a few drinks, and his complexion didn't change. He should be alright."

Kiryu Yaya quickly said:

"Today is a welcome party, so I won't be impolite. But I have to go to work tomorrow, so I'll be mindful of my behavior."

Upon hearing this, several veteran employees nodded and smiled.

Drinking alcohol is fine.

But if drinking it affects your work the next day, that's a different story.

No matter how lively the drinking party at the Bank of Japan is, being on time for work the next morning is still the bottom line.

Midway through the meal, the staff brought over a few more bottles of beer.

The new employee, unaware of the situation, casually placed a beer mug in front of Chihaya Yuri.

Before Kiryu Yaya could speak, Kishigami Wakako gently said:

"This oolong tea will do."

"Ah, okay."

The shop assistant quickly replaced the cup.

The whole process was very natural; no one egged them on or offered any explanation.

Chihaya Yuri didn't even lift her eyelids, as if she was already used to it.

Kiryu Yaya saw this and knew that Section Chief Chihaya probably couldn't drink alcohol.

After a while, Chihaya Yuri picked up her oolong tea and looked at him.