After this woman transferred to Teiko Real Estate's Shinjuku office...
...my life as an ordinary office worker was totally transformed.
GO!
It's a fire!
Beautiful as a dream yet terrible as an ogre...
...the other employees kept their distance from Chief Sangen'ya.
You could say they resented her.
But only the Section Chief was different.
8 Family Members Brutally Murdered
Why Chief Sangen'ya had rented a dirt-cheap home...
...where eight people had been brutally murdered...
...and why she had been homeless in the past...
...made her a presence full of mystery.
Teiko Real Estate Co, Ltd.
Good morning.
'Morning.
Going up.
My heart has been pounding recently whenever I meet Chief Sangen'ya.
I'm sorry.
What is it?
No, it's nothing.
Is it due to stress?
Or else is it...
Then everyone, today like everyday...
...do your energetic best!
Yes.
You're not energetic at all, Section Chief.
Well, I wouldn't be energetic.
What with my current personnel.
Ah.
All those who joined the company the same time I did have passed me by.
Even though just a little while ago you had a commanding lead to the top, right Yashiro?
If it goes on like this...
...I could be transferred to some office in the middle of nowhere.
Since there is no Second Place when it comes to sales results, right?
The problem is Shirasu Mika.
Ah...
She's set a new record for months with zero sales!
If Shirasu keeps this up, I'll be finished, too.
I'd be great if someone turned a sale of theirs over to Shirasu Mika.
That'd be simple to do, right?
Either one of Adachi's or one of Chief Sangen'ya's would do.
I will not hand one of my sales over to her.
I think it would be best if Shirasu Mika just quit.
Stop saying such things...
Huh?
Ah... That is...
The Section Chief wants to go in a direction where she doesn't quit, right?
That's it, that's it.
Didn't you say this before, Chief Sangen'ya?
"I will not raise a subordinate, but if there is a guy who is an eyesore..."
"...I will energetically forge them until they are an employee who is no longer an eyesore."
So do that, more and more.
With Shirasu. Shirasu Mika.
That's right, that's right.
If I do so in my own way, will you promise not to interfere?
He promises.
Promising is fine and all...
But you mustn't turn her into a sandwich man.
Section Chief.
Yes?
That is what I mean by interfering.
Shirasu Mika.
Yes?
You will hand out these flyers for a condo.
To Himura-cho, 2-chome, Yamamura Manor, 3-chome, Iwaida Manor, Iura Apartments...
...and Tsunoyama-cho in 5-chome, Toda House, Apartment Mikura...
...and Hanaki-dai in 7-chome, Casa Hirari and Okawa Manor.
Just what are those apartments?
They are all over thirty years-old wood/mortar apartments.
You keep things like that in your head?
Distribute these.
Cabinet Court, Nagata-cho, Room 708.
Cabinet Court, Nagata-cho Room 708
I will record it.
Eh?
Take out your smartphone.
Features of this property.
With headquarters from each political party located in Nagata-cho, there is good security.
The entrance has an IC card lock installed.
Equipped with a round-the-clock monitoring system...
...the complex's security will give even a woman living alone peace of mind.
There are four subway stations within walking distance...
...while six routes are possible and transportation facilities are perfect as well.
No, no... No one living in a thirty year-old...
...mortar/wood apartment is gonna be able to afford a wonderful condo like this!
I do not want your thoughts on it! Go and post those flyers immediately!
GO!
Even the Section Chief... How terrible!
Ah, she forgot the flyers.
Adachi, chase after her with them.
Me?
GO!
Chief Sangen'ya's favorite phrase is "GO!"
GO! GO! GO!
No one is able to defy that "GO!"
What is it?
No, it's nothing.
Heiwa Fansubs Presents
Ie Uru Onna (House-selling Woman)
Hiuga Shifumi
Married Status
Not Married
Other
Freelance Journalist
Here.
Eh?
Only "husband," "wife" or "child"?
Tenants
I have nothing to put my circle around.
What's with this prejudicial questionnaire?
Just who you are in general will be fine.
Single person
Thank you very much.
You're a freelance journalist-sama, huh?
Drop the "sama." Just call me a "journalist."
Please excuse me.
Though I am freelance, I do have a contract with Weekly Fact magazine.
And so, since I have to do lots of footwork...
...it'd be a pain unless it's a place near downtown, with plenty of stations around.
And a wide set of transportation facilities.
When you say "Weekly Fact," didn't they run an article about Cabinet Minster Sadoi's slush fund earlier...
I was the one who forced Cabinet Member Sadoi into retirement.
Ehh...
My article moved public opinion and got the Diet to act.
I won't let dirty guys like him sleep.
You have an incredible job, don't you?
Since I risk my life at it.
There is no evil deed I can't uncover.
Eh?
Any other questions?
Ah, um... Your future plans are...
I have no interest in getting married.
All younger men are unsatisfactory to me...
...while any reliable, thinking men out there already have wives and children.
So I don't want a man.
Everything I do revolves around my work.
Gather up the properties you have today and I'll tour them all tomorrow.
Yes.
Then take care of it. Ah... you don't have to see me out.
Thank you very much.
She reminds me of someone...
I have returned.
How did it go?
A single woman.
One woman, right?
It seems she's a freelance journalist who uncovered Cabinet Minister Sadoi's slush fund.
She's an employee of that new downtown publication, Weekly Fact?
She did say that though she's a freelance journalist, she does have a contract with Weekly Fact.
And, how old is she?
She's 36.
That's scary!
Just hearing her say she wants a house, I'd pull out.
You'd better make a sale this time around.
Yes, I'll do my best.
Don't say, "I'll do my best," but say, "I will make this sale!"
I will make this sale!
Section Chief, you've gotten more like Chief Sangen'ya recently, haven't you?
You even said "GO!" earlier.
I'm just being me. I don't imitate anyone.
Sir, would you like to buy a condo?
Ain't no way ya could ever buy one!
Cabinet Court, Nagata-cho Room 708
Features of this property... With headquarters from each political party...
Ah... my ears are getting hot!
The entrance has an IC card lock installed.
Equipped with a round-the-clock monitoring system...
Shut up!
...will give even a woman living alone peace of mind
Ah... it's calling me.
There are four subway stations within walking distance...
Latte... On ice...
You have a new message
Shirasu Mika
It's hot, but I'm doing my best
Deleting
I put your bento for today inside your desk, Adachi-san.
"Mika."
Send.
Sent
I'd like to order.
Yes.
Um, could you throw these flyers away?
And I'd like to order another Iced Latte.
Maybe I should try a Royal Milk tea...
No, an Iced Latte.
Kusakabe Ayumuko
Married Status
Not Married
Place of Employment
New City Publishing - Proofreader Section
Tenants
Husband
Wife
Child
Me alone
A Proofreader.
It's my job to correct any mistakes in original documents.
Yes.
But, um... I've already decided that this is the propery I want to get.
Eh?
This one.
Cabinet Court, Nagata-cho Room 708
This is a flyer you saw today?
It was placed into my mailbox earlier.
This is a wonderful flyer.
Even with all these characters in it, there were no mistakes.
Given my profession, I usually find mistakes right away...
...but this one is perfect.
That alone made me want to come.
Thank you very much. This flyer was made by me.
I've looked at many apartments up till now, but none of them hooked me...
But this one struck me like a flash.
Because real estate is an encounter.
I truly think it is.
This property is 41 million yen. Are you okay with that?
Yes. I have 21 million yen saved.
I'm not popular; I have no friends; I don't travel anywhere...
I don't even buy nice clothes.
As a rough estimate, in the case of a down payment of 21 million yen...
...with a monthly payment of 50,000 yen at current interest rates, it will take you 35 years to pay off.
Or at 70,000 yen a month, it would take you 25 years to pay off the loan.
Either is fine.
Well then, Kusakabe-sama, shall we go and have a look at the property now?
Yes.
Sangen'ya-san, are you single?
I am.
Is that why you didn't ask me? "You don't have any intentions of getting married?"
I got asked that by every real estate agent.
Marrying and buying a house have nothing to do with one another.
With the number of men and women who will never marry on the increase...
...it would be strange labeling a single person as incomplete...
...for being part-way to a goal of being married.
Buying a house by yourself for yourself...
...is both wonderful and cool.
Thank you very much.
It is the real estate agent who must give thanks.
Ah... an ant.
An ant has managed to get all the way up here.
Do you hate ants?
No. Because I'm a ground ant.
In my work as a Proofreader, I do hate it when writers from the Editorial Department...
...tell me, "you're annoying" or "you word hunter"...
...but because it's the only thing I can do...
...I do my job as best I can and save my money.
And so I want to live carefree and do as I please...
...in a house I've bought with that money.
I'll want to repaper this dull white wallpaper with with my favorite color, too.
Would it be okay if I thought it over for one more night...
...and then came in tomorrow to fill out the application?
I will be waiting for you.
Cabinet Court, Nagata-cho Room 708
Ah, the flyer for that property at Cabinet Court, Nagata-cho.
I was thinking of showing that listing to a client myself.
Oh, that single journalist?
That's right.
Give that up. Since I will be having my client sign the application for this property tomorrow.
Tomorrow...
Chief Sangen'ya's client is a single woman, too...
This really has become an era where a growing number of single women buy homes.
Things have changed.
Kinda sad that while still young...
...they'll buy a house to live in all alone in.
I also want to get married and find a house for me and my boyfriend to live in.
Those are the feelings of a respectable woman.
Respectable.
I don't think that's anything you could be taken to task over.
Our job is to sell houses.
Regardless if they are a woman or single...
...it is only natural for us to sell them one if they have the wherewithal to buy it.
In regards to the prejudice of a single woman buying a house...
...what would be respectable is to change that.
I want to change.
Ah... I'm back!
Ah, it's hot out there!
Shirasu, one of the residents of the apartments you handed flyers out to...
...came to buy that condominium.
Really?!
Yeah. All of us were just talking about it.
It had an immediate effect, huh? I, Shirasu Mika, did it!
It was worth all that effort.
Section Chief, the client who came in with the flyer that I put into their mailbox...
...will be MY client, right?
But that person has already decided to buy it.
Eh? It won't become a sale for me?
Shirasu Mika.
Why are you passing out flyers at over thirty year old apartment complexes?
It is because those are precisely the modest apartments that people rent...
...who are saving up to buy their own homes.
Eh?
As you do not understand even that much, this will become ALL my sale!
But that client came because I almost suffered a heat stroke...
...passing out those flyers, right?
Hmm...
For the time you spent taking a break drinking lattes today, you can pass out flyers tonight.
I wasn't drinking lattes!
There's a stain on your blouse the color of latte.
If you do not like your work at this company, then quit.
Well, Chief Sangen'ya...
You promised not to interfere!
Section Chief! She's telling me to quit!
When that's all you can do, that's what you do.
I've just returned! Ah... feels good...
...working up a good sweat...
Such good timing you have, Prince.
I'll be changing clothes.
Sorry. I had to have lunch with a client today...
...so I can't eat your bento.
I'll do my best at it again tomorrow.
Look... I've got lunch plans for tomorrow, too...
...so don't bring in bentos anymore.
Well... I'm not getting the feeling that she's gonna say...
..."I want to make a sale."
Is she gonna be okay?
Do not worry. To prepare for handing out flyers tonight...
...she went to fortify herself with a meal.
Excuse me. Another cafe latte, please.
Yes...
Tastes awful...
How about this one?
The view from here is terrible. Next.
Yes.
It's too far from the station. Next!
Yes.
Too dark. Next!
Yes!
This street is unfashionable.
But it's the one closest to the station...
It's unfashionable.
Geez, is this all you had prepared for me?
You're a real estate agent, aren't you?
Hmm...
Um...
What is it?
Actually, there is one more listing in Nagata-cho you could look at.
Nagata-cho? That's where I do my primary work! It's also close to Weekly Fact's Editiorial Department...
Why didn't you show me that one first?!
This is a good one.
Nagata-cho is the best and it has good security.
I like this place.
Niwano-kun!
Yes?
When say, "I like it," don't drift off into a daze while at work.
Well then, we'll go to my company and have you fill out the application...
...right away...
I'll sign for it right here and now.
Right now the documents would be...
Why don't you have them with you!?
I'm very sorry!
Kusakabe Ayumuko
Real Estate Purchase Application
If you would please.
Thank you very much.
This way.
Someone you know?
Hiuga-sama, this is our company's Brokerage Sales Chief, Sangen'ya.
Nice to meet you; I am Sangen'ya.
Um, could it be you've finished the application for...
...Room 708 of Cabinet Court, Nagata-cho?
It is finished.
Be firm. Since an application doesn't have any legal binding, after all.
As you say, it is not legally binding.
But first in line goes first.
Please leave the rest to me.
If you would please.
Excuse me.
Excuse me as well.
Hold on a minute.
What is it?
She's a famous employee in New City Publication's Proofreader Section.
Since I think you wouldn't know this, I'll tell you.
The duty of a "Proofreader" is to take the articles...
...of writers and reporters and journalists such as me and check their sentences.
Well, it sounds fine when you say they correct errors and such...
...but her corrections are almost as if she bears a grudge against writers...
...as her revisions are tiny and particular about every little thing.
I believe Proofreaders feel it is their part to protect writers.
A certain part is.
But the way she does it, it's an infringement on freedom of expression.
Gloating over the faults they've found in the sentences someone has written is the lowest.
Though I battle 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to try and uncover great evil...
...she works nine to five and gets Saturdays and Sundays off.
Which of us do you think is more valuable?
Since there's no real point for her to live in Nagata-cho...
...I should be the one living in that condo.
I understand your feelings.
But first in line goes first.
That is the only thing I have to say.
Please excuse me.
Niwano-kun!
Why didn't you show me that condo from the start?
I'm very sorry. I'm truly very sorry!
Don't just give up by groveling and apologizing!
Before apologizing, try making a breakthrough in this situation.
You're a pro too, aren't you? How about showing me your skills?
I won't lose to either that beauty boss or to Kusakabe Ayumuko!
Since I will be the one to buy Room 708!
I give up.
If the client is particular about that condo, there is but one thing to do.
Eh?
Ah! It'd be great if there was one more vacancy in that complex!
I'm off!
Shirasu Mika, you go with him, too!
Go where?
With Niwano to Cabinet Court, Nagata-cho.
GO!
Cabinet Court
Nagata-cho
This is where we can call out to each person who comes to this complex one by one, isn't it?
There's mosquitoes.
The thing I hate most is mosquito bites.
Then please use the intercom and try door-to-door.
What do I say?
"I am Shirasu with Teiko Real Estate's Shinjuku office."
"This is sudden, but were you planning on selling your home?"
Tell me that once more since I'll record it.
Just go with that sort of feel.
Ah, excuse me!
I'm Niwano with Teiko Real Estate's Shinjuku office.
Yes?
Um... I'm with Teiko Real Estate.
Are you planning on selling your home?
We're not!
Fool! Idiot!
Excuse me.
I'm Niwano with Teiko Real Estate's Shinjuku office.
You live at this complex, don't you?
I don't.
Excuse me.
What is it? That's so annoying!
Um... I'm with Teiko Real Estate.
My! You're just in time!
Eh?
Suidobashi
Um... I'm with Teiko Real Estate...
Hey, hey! You came at a good time!
You're a real estate agent, right?
That's right...
My toilet is clogged; can you fix it?
Eh?! No, I'm a real estate agent...
...and not a plummer...
Don't say such rigid things.
Hurry up!
Wait, wait...
Do you live in this apartment complex?
Eh?
I'm Niwano with Teiko Real Estate's Shinjuku office.
There's a person who really wants to buy a condo here...
...so were you planning on selling yours?
I'm not!
Well? Is it running?
What on earth did you clog it with, Ma'am?
Nothing really. Just the usual...
Whaa!
Whaa! Hey, hey!
Did it open up?
Hey, hey, hey...
Where are you going?
To bring someone.
Who?!
Hey! Hey, hey, hey!
What's the matter?
There's hope for Room 208.
Really?!
Hurry and go!
Room 208?
Hurry and go!
But...
HURRY!
Yes!
Wonder if I should go see a movie?
How's it going?
It seems to be running a little better.
Let me know when it's unclogged.
Yes.
Got it!
It's running!
Hey, don't wave that around.
Ah...
You truly are a man, huh?
Since you're here, change that light bulb next.
Eh?
Ah! Thank you!
Say, I want to put this out with tomorrow's trash.
Could you tie it up with string and take it downstairs to the trash?
Eh?
Your children don't come?
Don't have any.
A single woman.
Huh?
No, it's nothing. Excuse me.
You...
...think I'm lonely and pitiful, don't you?
No, that's not...
You and I...
...and all other human beings...
...are born into this world alone and will die alone.
That's why fundamentally, humans lead a lonely existence.
Ah...
The home where I was born...
...was part of a large family.
I had many siblings.
So my Mother was always being stolen away by one or another of them...
...leaving me lonely.
Even though I lived in a crowd...
...there were lonely times and I was lonely.
But I'm not lonely now.
Even though I'm alone, I'm not the least bit lonely.
I don't know how it is for young people...
...but so that I don't have to bother anyone now...
...I've put all my stuff into order.
And I'll be selling this place, too.
You're going to sell this place?!
Yeah.
Um... I'm with Teiko Real Estate's Shinjuku office.
Please allow me to sell this house.
That's right; that girl earlier was saying she's a real estate agent, too.
That's right. Please allow me to sell it.
Sure.
If you'll carry these books to the garbage site.
I'll carry them! I'll sell your house myself, too!
Okay...
That's good.
I never thought of wanting to get married...
...but it would have been nice if I could have had a son like you!
Yes.
Chinese Cuisine
You come to these sorts of places, huh?
Those guys who drink at stylish restaurants in Roppongi and Nishiazabu are fools.
If you're out drinking, it has to be gyoza and beer.
That's true, isn't it?
Two orders of gyoza and beer.
Comin' up.
And? What is it? Something good to tell me?
Another Room at that Nagata-cho complex has come up for sale.
It has the exact same floor plan that Room 708 does.
What floor is it?
The second floor.
The second floor... That woman Proofreader on the seventh floor and me on the second.
But it has the same size and same floor plan and is 5 million yen cheaper.
That means its value is 5 million yen lower, doesn't it?
Ah...
Since it was Cabinet Minister Sadoi, I think you'd understand...
...but I gambled my life to uncover the injustices of an influential man in power.
I provided information that the people should know about.
So in my heart I just can't comprehend...
...why I have to live in a lower value room...
...while that ogre of a Proofreader lives in a higher-value room on the seventh floor.
After all the trouble to get Room 208...
Drink up.
Yes.
Ahh...
And thing is, just what are you doing?
Since you're with the same company as her, do something about this.
Give that beauty boss of yours a thunk and kick her butt.
Well but, Chief Sangen'ya's no ordinary boss.
She never smiles and does nothing but work...
...and the way she speaks is such that she says the most terrible of things.
Sounds just like me.
Eh?
Your gyoza. Thanks for waiting.
Thank you.
Ah... when the time comes to do it, I'll do it. I'll kick her butt.
I'll give Chief Sangen'ya a thump.
That's right. Kick her butt, Niwano.
Kick some butt.
Kick her butt
Go kick it.
I'll kick it!
Welcome.
Perfect timing, isn't it?
Eh?
He was just saying how he would kick your butt.
Won't you give her a kick?
Ehh...?
This is why Niwano cannot sell a house.
Gyoza and beer.
Sure thing.
Ah! Say, do you come here a lot?
When I met you earlier at Teiko Real Estate, I thought I had seen you somewhere before...
...but it was here, huh?
I knew it was you.
No way...
We're quite similar in being women who come alone...
...to dirty Chinese restaurants such as this.
You don't have a man either, do you?
I do not right now, but I do feel I want a partner sometime soon.
But since you don't have a partner now and as we both don't have a man...
...do something about that condo for me.
That I cannot do. However I might manage to do something...
...if you switched to me being in charge of your account.
Chief!
Forget about that condo...
...and I will find you a splendid property.
Really?
Ah, just a moment please.
Hiuga-sama, I'll do something or other about this.
What "something or other" will you do?
Don't say such things if you can't follow through.
Yes. I'm sorry...
Your gyoza and beer. Thanks for waiting.
Sales Report Table
Adachi
Good night
Shirasu Mika
Deleted
My weak point is with strong women.
Liar! Because you're in love with a strong woman.
I'm not in love with her. I'm definitely not in love with her.
In that case, give them both a kick in the butt.
A kick...
You can do it, you can do it.
A kick in the butt.
That's right.
A kick, a kick...
I've come again...
Welcome!
What is this...? I want a beer.
I was telling Niwano-chan to go kick some butt.
I'm gonna kick some butt myself.
And whose butt are you going to kick?
Don't tell me it's mine?!
Chief Sangen'ya's. Chief Sangen'ya.
And recently you've been tied to Chief Sangen'ya's apron strings yourself.
No, I haven't! What are you talking about?
I know.
What do you know?
Thing is, how do you feel about Chief Sangen'ya?
I found out the other day...
What did you find out the other day?
What was it...
Remember, remember...
...remember, remember.
I'm going home!
Eh?
Yashiro-chan, what did he see?
Who knows.
Eh? Wasn't it something that happened between you and this Sangen'ya person?
Don't joke around.
New City Publishing
Proofreader Section
You have a visitor. Niwano-sama of Teiko Real Estate
Where is Sangen'ya-san today?
I wanted you to switch who is in charge of your account to me from here on...
But you're in charge of Hiuga Shifumi-san, aren't you?
That's true. But by chance, while coming and going to that complex...
...I found out the owner of Room 208 wants to sell her apartment.
It has the same floor plan as Room 708 that you have currently booked...
...but as it is on the second floor, the sale price is going for 5 million yen cheaper.
Eh?!
And so I felt I should inform you about it, Kusakabe-sama.
So you could sell the seventh floor one to Hiuga-san.
There is that, but it's not the only reason.
Hiuga-sama wants the seventh floor, regardless of the price...
...but I felt you might find value in this one being 5 million yen cheaper, Kusakabe-sama.
As both of you are clients of our company, I felt you would understand this as well.
5 million yen cheaper would be a help.
But what does Sangen'ya-san say about this?
If you feel uneasy about it, please call Sangen'ya.
If you're willing to go that far, I'll take Room 208.
Thank you very much!
Welcome back!
You're back.
Chief Sangen'ya.
I have sold Room 208 of Cabinet Court, Nagata-cho...
...to Kusakabe Ayumuko-sama.
208?
Room 208.
I found that Room myself, and as it was 5 million yen cheaper...
...I sold it to Kusakabe Ayumuko-sama.
You snatched away my client.
I went to kick butt. And, now that Room 708 is vacant...
...I will sell Room 708 to Hiuga-sama myself!
I'll kick butt and sell it.
Wait, wait...
You never talked to me about this. What's this about?
Section Chief.
Yes?
Niwano has sold Room 208 of Cabinet Court, Nagata-cho.
Niwano outwitted me and sold it!
Eh?
With Niwano Seiji-san's first sale of this month...
...our company's profits will be...
How much is it?
2.28 million yen!
Excuse me!
I'm very sorry!
I acted without telling you, Chief Sangen'ya...
I don't understand it all that well myself...
...but I just had to win against you, Chief Sangen'ya, no matter what.
Why are you apologizing for selling a house?
But, I...
Going down.
Don't relax until you have a formal contract signed!
It'll happen to you, too.
You had best be careful not to let her rip you off.
Rip me off?
I'm saying don't let yourself get used.
Everyone misunderstands this...
...but I am not a gentle-hearted Prince.
Going down.
The door is closing.
Hiuga-sama, Room 708 has become available for you to purchase.
Let us please discuss your payment.
At long last, huh.
Although the banks will eventually perform the final review of it...
...I thought I would discuss the details of the plan with you.
How much were you thinking of putting as a down payment?
No down payment.
Eh?
I don't have any savings.
I can't get a loan without any savings?
As you are a freelance writer, the checks on you will a bit heavier...
But my income is far higher than a salaried worker of my age.
And then?
A journalist should be freelance.
I couldn't tell the truth if I had to work under the special privileges of the Press Club.
But my revenue is erratic and since I don't have the backing of a company...
...I have to wear nice clothes, carry expensive purses and watches...
...or I'd be made a fool of for not looking the part and so not given a chance.
So lots of money flies out the door.
Without a down payment, how much would it cost me per month?
Ah... please give me a moment.
Eh... this is just approximate...
...but at minimum, about 120,000 yen per month.
If it is 120,000, then that's not any cheaper than what I'm paying in rent right now.
I'm definitely buying that condo.
Yes!
Teiko's Brokerage
Thank you for waiting.
So we will now go over the sales contract for Room 208 at Cabinet Court, Nagata-cho.
I believe the owner will be here soon as well.
Please wait a moment.
Huh?
I guess I... I do want that condo...
...but when I think of my savings going from 21 million to zero...
...I'm so filled with anxiety that I can't sleep at nights.
That if I got sick and had no savings, that would be a problem.
I should cancel buying this condo.
Please wait a moment.
If we lowered the down payment for the loan a little...
I'm sorry.
Kusakabe-sama!
I've been thinking it over, and 120,000 yen a month for 35 years is pushing things.
I think if it was for ten years, I could do it.
But when that loan ends, I'll be 70, won't I?
It'd be impossible for me to work at my current pace until I'm that age.
No... Though you passed the initial checks...
I want it, but I can't!
Please wait a minute!
What are you doing?
After you came to our Section, Chief Sangen'ya...
...only surprising things have happened...
To be honest, I thought you were strange.
I felt opposed to you, too.
But now... I feel I want you to approve of me.
And so, for the impertinent things I did...
I'm very sorry.
It's 100 years too early for me...
...to be kicking your butt, Chief Sangen'ya.
And?
And why are you here, anguishing?
Come with me.
Eh?
Do not put on the airs of an actor in a love scene! Hurry and come!
Yes!
Proofreader Section
Kusakabe Ayumuko-sama, please allow me a moment of your time.
Eh?
Who are you?
A real estate agent.
Kusakabe-sama, do you know the tale of "The Ant and the Grasshopper"?
Niwano.
Yes?
Tell it.
Eh... Me tell it? Here?
"The Ant and the Grasshopper."
START!
Let's see, um...
The ant worked diligently every day...
...and had saved up food before winter started.
But the grasshopper didn't take work seriously...
...and thought the ant a fool.
But when winter came, and the grasshopper had no food and went hungry...
...this time it was the ant, who had plenty of food saved...
...who laughed at the grasshopper...
The story goes like that.
That is right, Kusakabe-sama.
You are the ant of "The Ant and the Grasshopper."
Ant?
She has worked diligently as a Proofreader for ten years and saved her money.
Kusakabe-sama is exactly like that ant.
And again, is not the diligent work of the Proofreader Section itself...
...just like that of the ant?
The figure of an ant, working diligently and seriously...
That diligence is the virtue of us Japanese.
Thanks to all of you, the Japanese language is not yet dead...
...as you nurture and protect our culture of the printed word.
I am grateful to you!
Even for those readers who love books...
...there are few among them who know of the existence of Proofreaders.
Behind the writers upon whom the spotlight strikes...
...there is the irreplaceable work of the Proofreader Section...
...that no one knows about nor thanks.
Nor do they even receive thanks by the writers in the afterwards of their books.
However!
All of you should not mind such things.
Continue working diligently to protect the making of quality products!
You are magnificent! I am impressed with you! I lower my head to you!
I believe that now is the time to be proud of your diligence!
That's right! Buy that home. Room 208!
Do not say unnecessary things, FOOL!
Thank you very much for your attention.
Kusakabe-sama, we have bothered you during your work.
With this, please excuse us.
What was that just now...
She said she's a real estate agent...
Are you buying a home?
Yeah.
How will it go? Will she say she'll buy it with this?
Next!
Eh?
Excuse me! Please don't run away!
On July 22nd, you gave to former Cabinet Minister Sadoi...
...money for a hotel in Nagata-cho, didn't you?
Back off!
Excuse me! Please answer!
What business do you have? I'm not buying that condo.
Do you know the tale of "The Ant and the Grasshopper"?
Niwano.
Yes?
Tell it.
The ant worked diligently every day...
I already know the story.
It seems that in some parts of Europe...
...that story is not "The Ant and the Grasshopper," but "The Ant and the Cricket."
So what about it?
When the ants with their full stores...
...see the cricket who is starving, they ridicule it.
That the cricket was a fool for always just singing songs.
Thereupon, the cricket answers them.
"Did you guys come to sing the songs you should have sung?"
"Did you come to have lives that you enjoyed?"
"Or can it only be said you lived lives of hoarding food?"
You want to say that I'm a cricket?
That is right.
Just like the cricket, you live a life where you enjoy the moment.
If you want it right now, then buy a house right now...
...and sell it if things become difficult.
It is Hiuga-sama's proud mission to glory in her life.
Sell it if things become difficult...
That is right. Like a cricket. Like a grasshopper.
I am a cricket. I am a grasshopper.
That is right.
Anxiety over the loan needed to purchase it...
...will increasingly push you on to work for your bread.
That would indeed be like you, Hiuga-sama.
Pushy, aren't you? Just like me.
I am honored.
Let's go together.
She fell for it.
Section Chief, I have sold two properties at Cabinet Court, Nagata-cho...
...Rooms 208 and 708.
It was not Niwano. I sold them.
Ah, I see...
Um... Um, I think I was quite useful this time around though.
I was the one who handed out the flyer that the client called on...
...and I was the one who found the Room 208 that the client bought.
Couldn't it be said that this was really my sale?
I think it is.
It is NOT!
That's true, isn't it...
3 Weeks Later
Yes?
This is Niwano of Teiko Real Estate.
I have come to celebrate your moving in on behalf of Sangen'ya.
Come in.
Thank you very much.
I haven't seen you in a long time.
Come in.
Welcome, Niwano-kun. Come in, come in.
Here will be fine.
Come in! C'mon!
This way.
Since buying this place, I suddenly became popular.
Wonder if things are going in a good direction?
Please have a seat.
Ah, um... this is a housewarming gift from Sangen'ya and myself.
Ah... thank you.
Though I was firm in saying I'd live alone, I'll be getting married.
Wonder if wouldn't be best to turn this into a 3 LDK?
Since I might have children, too.
It's all thanks to you, Niwano-kun. Thank you.
Since I'll bring in the coffee now, please have a seat.
Give my regards to Sangen'ya-san, okay?
Kusakabe
Coming!
Good afternoon. Please come on in.
No, I'm fine right here.
This is a housewarming gift from Sangen'ya and myself.
Ah... Thank you very much!
I've been re-papering the wallpaper.
Since I've finally completed it, please come in and take a look.
It's been my dream since forever.
To turn bland white walls to my favorite color.
Well then, just to look at the wallpaper.
Come in.
Come in, come in.
I'm really glad that Sangen'ya-san told me to buy this house.
Please tell her, "I'm grateful to you"!
I have just returned.
I am leaving.
Chief Sangen'ya!
What is it?
Nothing really.
There are all sorts who are alone, aren't there?
I was surprised by Hiuga-sama and Kusakabe-sama.
I really was surprised, but...
Ah...
Ah!
Let's take shelter!
Ah, I'm sorry.
The rain...
A roof to stave off the rain... A wall to stave off the wind...
That... is splendid thing.
In other words, that's...
...a "house," isn't it?
Um...
You said before that you had been homeless...
...but was that true?
I'm sorry.
My parents died in an accident...
...when I was in my second year at high school.
My father had left behind some enormous debts to me, his only child.
Even after the sale of the house, there was still 50 million yen of debt left.
Why didn't you just renounce your inheritance?
If you had renounced it, you could have renounced the debt, too.
I did not have any adults around me who could have taught me such things.
As there was no one to take me under their wing or take charge of me...
...I began living in a park.
During the rainy season, it would rain every day and get cold.
After collapsing from pneumonia, I was given shelter for one week...
It was just for one week...
...but it felt like those three years had been so long... and painful.
Whatever happened to me, I felt nothing could be more painful than that time had been.
After getting better at the hospital, I was placed into an institution...
...hated it there and flew away...
After that, working morning, noon and night...
...I finished paying back that 50 million yen debt last year.
You've been alone ever since losing your family and home?
This Drama is Fictional