Chapter 5: A Rather Dull Person’s Quiet Days

Youhe Trading primarily operated in the field of commerce, and its scale was not insignificant. Behind it stood one of Japan’s prominent conglomerates. At this time, Japan was still a manufacturing powerhouse, and both the domestic consumer market and international trade were in the midst of rapid expansion—so much so that even across the Pacific, America had begun a campaign to boycott Japanese goods.

Seated among the applicants, the head of Human Resources delivered an enthusiastic introduction. The promising future of Youhe was painted in vibrant colors, and many students listened with sparkling eyes; even Yamane Yokohisa and Ushino Yosuke, who were mainly here to make a quick buck, looked thoroughly impressed.

This segment, after all, was simply meant to leave a favorable impression of the company on the applicants.

Tao Zhiming listened attentively, wanting a clear understanding of the details of this era. He only had a general outline of Japan’s trajectory at this time, and such broad strokes were not enough.

What irked Tao Zhiming a little was that, despite having submitted his resume earlier as Da Lang Tao, he now had to fill out three identical, more detailed forms on the spot.

Yes, three, all the same.

This was because the first round of interviews was about to begin, and there were three interviewers.

What further vexed Tao Zhiming was the memory of interview etiquette from Da Lang Tao’s past. When it was his turn, he would have to knock before entering, say “Excuse me” upon entering, wait for the invitation to sit, bow to thank them for the opportunity, and even the posture while sitting had its prescribed form.

Every step was rigidly formal.

The more Tao Zhiming experienced this, the more he felt this was not a place to linger for long. Even if he had to seize the opportunity here and stay for a few years, he’d better become someone of prominence soon—someone others would bow to!

As luck would have it, while waiting in the interview area, the person who came out before him was none other than Yamane Yokohisa.

Grinning broadly in front of everyone, Yamane said, “Da Lang, do your best! Let’s try to land our first job offer today—no more losing streaks!”

The HR staff glanced at Tao Zhiming with a peculiar expression. Wasn’t he a Tokyo University student? Was this oddly coiffed young man really that hopeless?

Tao Zhiming could only marvel at how shameless this guy was. Did he find this kind of jest amusing?

Well, it made sense. He was only here for money, vanity, and girls; he didn’t care in the least what impression the company had of him. Apparently, his moved demeanor during the introduction was just an act.

Tao Zhiming couldn’t be bothered to argue. He adjusted his mindset and focused on making money. As for etiquette—well, making money was nothing to be ashamed of.

In fact, being reborn here came with an added benefit: he directly inherited a practical foreign language.

Imagine in the future, he wouldn’t need subtitles to enjoy interesting Japanese films and TV shows.

Having inherited fluent language skills, Tao Zhiming possessed both Da Lang Tao’s memories of everyday life and the experience of a seasoned professional. Faced with this level of campus recruitment interview, he performed with calm assurance.

His aim was simple: I’m outstanding—if you want to keep me, prepare a bigger welcome bonus.

Sure enough, gradually, despite the interviewers’ attempts at composure, their body language betrayed their growing interest and satisfaction.

“Mr. Tao,” the man in the center finally asked, “What kind of company do you think Youhe Trading is?”

The two beside him glanced over, a hint of surprise in their eyes. Until now, he had been silent, only occasionally jotting notes on the resume.

Tao Zhiming understood the question was not about his knowledge of Youhe Trading, but rather why he had chosen to apply here.

It was a question of intent.

“I studied management,” Tao Zhiming answered promptly. “Youhe’s extensive supplier and distribution network would allow me to apply and grow my skills. I’m drawn to Youhe’s international trade strategy. I am fully prepared and hope to create greater value within a forward-looking company.”

The interviewer simply continued, “Do you have any other questions?”

This was not the time to say no. Tao Zhiming replied without hesitation, “Currently, exchange rate fluctuations have a significant impact on exports. I’d like to know what strategies the company has in place to address challenges in the export trade sector.”

The interviewer’s gaze sharpened, but he responded without delay, “Youhe is advancing toward global enterprise status, building a lower-cost supplier network and expanding into broader emerging international markets with stable capital support. As Japan’s influence grows, the company is accelerating the development of higher value-added premium brands.”

Tao Zhiming nodded with apparent satisfaction. “Thank you for your answer. If I join the company, I’d like to know which areas I should further improve to meet the requirements of the job.”

A faint smile appeared on all three interviewers’ faces. The man in the center replied, “In practical terms, spoken English communication is essential. If you have the time, it’s also important to familiarize yourself with trade regulations and laws in different countries.”

“Thank you very much. I have no further questions.”

With that, Tao Zhiming’s first-round interview concluded. Upon exiting, the HR staff member escorted him to the lounge.

Inside, the HR person asked, “Vice President, what do you think?”

The man in the center nodded. “Remarkable. It’s rare to see such composure and poise in a mere student. His interview was flawless.”

“Then—”

But the vice president frowned, circled something on Tao Zhiming’s resume, and said, “I wonder if this might be his weakness…”

Tao Zhiming was oblivious to all this. In the lounge, he once again ran into the bothersome fellow.

“Hey, Da Lang, that took longer than expected—did you manage to say anything?” Yamane started ribbing him as soon as he entered.

With a sincere smile, Tao Zhiming replied, “You must have a pretty dull life.”

Yamane stared at him, puzzled.

Tao Zhiming had spoken in Chinese, which the fellow didn’t understand.

He wasn’t about to waste time with people like that. Spotting a girl sitting alone nearby, he approached and asked, “Excuse me, may I sit here?”

“Oh?” The girl was flustered, shot him a quick glance, then lowered her head. “Of course, please…”

“Thank you.” Tao Zhiming sat down naturally and asked, “How did your interview go?”

“Huh? It was… alright, I guess…”

“What do you think of Youhe?”

“Eh?”

She glanced at him again, even more nervous—why was he asking this? Was he a manager from Youhe?

She quickly bowed her head, replying respectfully, “It’s a wonderful company! The seniors here are all very kind, and they speak so gently…”

Tao Zhiming replied gently, “Is that so? Do your best.”

“Yes!” She nodded eagerly, her heart lightening.

“If you join the company, practical English communication skills are very important. If you have time, it’s also good to become familiar with trade rules and laws in different countries,” Tao Zhiming continued kindly.

The girl was overjoyed—did this mean she’d passed this round? Was this a special company manager, advising her on what to focus on next?

She sneaked another look at Tao Zhiming.

This senior looked so young and handsome, yet his eyes were mature and gentle—a reliable presence.

Her heart fluttered uncontrollably.

Not far away, Yamane watched in astonishment—was this the same timid Da Lang as before? Why was he chatting with the women as if he were a company manager?

Seeing the Japanese girl smiling and chatting with him, Yamane felt his blood pressure soar and alarm bells ringing in his head.

His gaze sent wave after wave of unspoken threats, but Tao Zhiming ignored him completely.

Bantering was obviously a far more pleasant pastime with a girl.

“Tao-san, what are you two talking about?” Yamane couldn’t hold back, walking over and pretending they were close friends.

“Huh?” The girl glanced at Yamane, then asked Tao Zhiming, “Are you his father?”

Tao Zhiming sighed, “Yamane, must you call me that? It puts me in an awkward position.”

Yamane’s blood pressure spiked: Why did this bastard have to be named Tao?

Tao Zhiming felt even more reassured. Only when he calmed down did he show a bit of cleverness—this guy really wasn’t all that bright.