Back in Business (III)

Back in Business (III) is an Adventure Mission from the Aurum Alley's Hustle and Bustle event.
==Steps==
#Speak with Mingxi
#Head to the Food Stall and collect the snacks Mingxi ordered
#Confirm the negotiation materials and speak with Mingxi
#Head to the docks and assist the merchant guild to earn funds
#Speak with Sushang
#Speak with Yancui
#*Take a picture of Bailu at the Aurum Alley entrance
#*Let Bailu take a picture of you at the Aurum Alley entrance
#Speak with Sushang and confirm the details of the promotion
#*Take a picture of Bailu and the cycranes
#*Let Bailu take a picture of you and the cycranes
#Speak with Sushang and confirm the details of the promotion
#*Take a picture of Bailu and friends
#*Let Bailu take a picture of you and friends
#Speak with Sushang and confirm the details of the promotion
#Speak with Yancui at Spices Supreme
==Dialogue==
===Speak with Mingxi===
;(Talk to Mingxi)
:Mingxi: In order to reward you and Sushang for your long hours of work, the Merchant Guild has ordered some gourmet snacks from Tall Auntie, so you can rest for a bit and prepare for the revival of Aurum Alley.
===Head to the Food Stall and collect the snacks Mingxi ordered===
;(Talk to Tall Auntie)
:Tall Auntie: I've heard about all the great things you've done for Aurum Alley. Please, take your time! I've packed some for you to take home, too.
:
----
:
===Confirm the negotiation materials and speak with Mingxi===
;(Talk to Lianyan, optional)
:Lianyan smirks but says nothing, simply waiting for the meeting to start.
----
;(Talk to Yukong, optional)
:Yukong's gaze is penetrating, as if she is reminding you that the meeting is about to begin. She will not be biased towards either side.
----
;(Talk to Mingxi)
:Mingxi: Right on time! Xiaohan is about to share his strategy for the upcoming hearing.
:Xiaohan: The president likes to quote past experiences and data. We can do that, too.
:Mingxi: The president and Madam Yukong are here. Ready?
: Ready.
::Sushang: Let's do this.
: I'm not ready yet.
:Mingxi: Before we start, let's review the documents we have.
: Turnover of Aurum Alley Merchant Guild?
::Mingxi: This is the most direct achievement of our revival project. More importantly, it's evidence that the Alley has regained its footing. The money will serve as the bidding deposit for Aurum Alley.
: Sales analysis of Artistry Hardware?
::Xiaohan: Since Artistry Hardware partnered with the dock, its scope of operations has expanded, and its revenue and customer satisfaction have both increased.
::Xiaohan: As a result, we're seeing an uptick in customers visiting the shop — contrary to the president's assumptions.
: The historical trading volume of the Alley?
::Xiaohan: The data suggests that the success of the old Aurum Alley was largely due to the economic circumstances of the past.
::Xiaohan: At its peak, the old Aurum Alley had a trading volume similar to what the Alley has today.
: I've looked over everything.
:Mingxi: The hearing is about to begin.
----
:Yukong: I will be hosting this hearing on behalf of the Sky-Faring Commission. Mingxi, are your people all present?
:Sushang: We're all here... but where's the president?
:Aurumaton President: I'm right here.
:Sushang: ...You're the president?
:Aurumaton President: That is correct.
:Aurumaton President: I know my appearance is a little unsettling... If the hearing weren't of vital importance to the future of Aurum Alley, I wouldn't attend in person.
:Aurumaton President: Still, I didn't expect a reaction like this... Are you so afraid to converse with a piece of metal?
: More surprised than afraid.
::Aurumaton President: Surprised that there's an aurumaton in Aurum Alley?
: I hope there aren't any children here.
::Aurumaton President: *sigh* If there are any children here, just tell them I'm one of those talking toys...
::Sushang: ...that's missing the rest of its body.
: A talking aurumaton head? So cool!
::Aurumaton President: Glad you think so.
:Yukong: Let me remind everyone that we are at a hearing. Mr. President, please share with us your vision for Aurum Alley.
;(Starts Debate)
:Aurumaton President: I can tell that the opposing side is eager to see Aurum Alley thrive. Your passion resonates with me.
: (Continue questioning)
::(Trailblazer): Since we share the same passion, where is it that we disagree?
::Aurumaton President: The prosperity under your proposal means diminishing the Alley's tradition and personality — we can afford neither.
;(Next)
:Aurumaton President: The IPC plans to turn the Alley into a logistics hub. You are practically thinking the same.
: (Continue questioning)
::(Trailblazer): Our proposal is different from the IPC's!
::Sushang: That's right. The IPC will close down Artistry Hardware if they take over. We would never do that.
::Sushang: We protect businesses, the IPC sacrifices them for their own gain.
::Aurumaton President: Protect? Sacrifice? I find that humans rarely understand these concepts correctly. The outcome is what truly matters.
::Aurumaton President: Once the Alley is turned into a logistics hub, shops like Artistry Hardware won't be able to sustain themselves, regardless of what the IPC does.
::Sushang: (He is convinced that the IPC and us are the same...)
;(Next)
:Aurumaton President: The reality is — overdevelopment can only adversely impact customer experience, making the Alley less appealing.
: (Continue questioning)
::(Trailblazer): Do you have data to support your statements?
::Aurumaton President: Historical data has proved my point. .
::(Trailblazer): 
: (Present evidence) 
::(Trailblazer): Take a look at this.
::Aurumaton President: What am I looking at? Please don't waste our time.
: (Present evidence) 
::(Trailblazer): There are actually more customers coming to the Alley!
::Mingxi: This record reflects the change in Artistry Hardware's turnover and the increase in customers since it partnered with the dock.
::Aurumaton President: The shop does better than it used to? Impossible... you must be bluffing.
::Yukong: You know Mingxi better than I do. Would she deceive you with fake data?
::Aurumaton President: The sample size is too small. I'm not convinced.
::Sushang: If I were you, Mr. President, I would think of ways to translate the success of that one sample into something that can benefit everyone.
::Sushang: A guild that doesn't proactively help businesses has no reason to exist.
::Aurumaton President: ...
:;(Continue to next section)
: (Present evidence) 
::(Trailblazer): Take a look at this.
::Aurumaton President: What am I looking at? Please don't waste our time.
;(Next)
:You noticed the aurumaton head spoke with unwavering conviction, perhaps without even a hint of expression, yet this does not necessarily signify the correctness of his stance.
: Ask again and see what happens...
----
:Aurumaton President: You have not witnessed what I have seen, and so you fail to understand my insistence.
: (Continue questioning)
::(Trailblazer): You can't just rely on your age and experience...
::Aurumaton President: There are many things that only time can tell, young one.
;(Next)
:Aurumaton President: The old Aurum Alley achieved a commercial miracle that has not yet been replicated. It did so by following my way of doing things.
: (Continue questioning)
::(Trailblazer): Are you suggesting that the Alley is a shadow of its former self?
::Aurumaton President: That is correct. The number of customers visiting the shops was ten times what it is today. The Alley was alive, and was credited as the best night market on the Luofu.
::Aurumaton President: Things were better in the old days — .
::(Trailblazer): 
: (Present evidence) 
::(Trailblazer): Take a look at this.
::Aurumaton President: What am I looking at? Please don't waste our time.
: (Present evidence) 
::(Trailblazer): Take a look at this.
::Aurumaton President: What am I looking at? Please don't waste our time.
: (Present evidence) 
::(Trailblazer): You've been looking at the past through rose-tinted glasses.
::Sushang: In the golden era you described, the old Aurum Alley had a trading volume similar to today.
::Aurumaton President: You included the delivery cycranes in your math.
::Sushang: We did. So what?
::Aurumaton President: You can't draw simple parallels between then and now using absolute numbers. The trading volume you mentioned may not look impressive today, but it was huge relative to...
:: Correct.
:: Go on, I'm listening.
::Aurumaton President: ...I see what you are saying. While criticizing you for making flawed comparisons, I myself also made the mistake of believing that what worked in the past could be copied to serve the present.
::Mingxi: Mr. President, the way I see it, you shouldn't regard the Alley as a souvenir from the past.
::Mingxi: Aurum Alley should embrace change, as its residents do.
::Aurumaton President: ...
::Yukong: It seems we have reached an agreement. The hearing concludes here.
:;(Debate successful!)
;(Next)
:Aurumaton President: If humans are unable to draw wisdom from history, aurumatons can teach them.
: (Continue questioning)
::(Trailblazer): What makes you think we didn't draw any wisdom from history?
::Aurumaton President: You have indeed learned — about wordplay and logic traps — while ignoring the true lessons.
;(Next)
:The aurumaton head's composure faded, revealing a flaw in the president's facade. There must be something amiss with his words.
: Ask again and see what happens...
----
:Sushang: First challenging an IPC rep, and now winning over the president of the guild! (Trailblazer), you're pretty good!
: I was looking forward to another public apology.
::Sushang: That won't be necessary...
: I got lucky, and it was a collective effort.
::Sushang: The materials that Mingxi and Xiaohan provided were super useful.
:Yukong: Knowing the president, I think he's now ready to entrust you with the future of the Alley.
: He wasn't really against us?
:Yukong: The president commands the trust of many reputable shops in the Alley. Their support for him was likely to be a big obstacle to your project.
:Yukong: His invitation to debate this matter publicly was a chance for the more difficult business owners to hear from you directly.
: He is indeed very wise.
: You are overinterpreting, Madam Yukong.
::Yukong: If you say so.
:Sushang: I almost feel bad for him. Aurum Alley's enemy should be the IPC, not the president.
:Xiaohan: What if... the IPC isn't an enemy?
: Have they decided to drop out of the bidding?
::Xiaohan: Of course not. We'll win the operating rights to Aurum Alley fair and square.
: You still remember Skott, right?
::Xiaohan: He's been transferred elsewhere. I will be handling things from now on.
:Sushang: ...You're with the IPC!?
:Yukong: Xiaohan is the IPC's operation rep in Exalting Sanctum.
:Sushang: You snake!
: You back-stabbing little...
: Can't say I'm surprised.
:Xiaohan: My original plan only involved helping you overthrow the current president... but as we progressed, I saw there was more common ground than I'd anticipated.
:Xiaohan: Since we all agree that the dock is vital to Aurum Alley's development, why not take things further and turn the Alley into a full-blown logistics hub?
:Xiaohan: Imagine cargo ships from all corners of the galaxy docking and departing. This place will be transformed into a renowned commercial port, instead of another run-of-the-mill market.
: I'm intrigued.
: That isn't progress.
:Xiaohan: When the IPC wins the bidding, I'm sure we can continue to work together for a brand-new Aurum Alley.
:Sushang: Hey! Not so fast, it's still anyone's game.
:Xiaohan: ...Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself. In that case, keep up the good work. I'll see you at the negotiation table.
:Xiaohan leaves the dock, the next phase of Aurum Alley's revival has begun.
----
:
===Head to the docks and assist the merchant guild to earn funds===
;(Talk to Mingxi)
:Mingxi: Thanks to your help, the dock is running at full capacity. Just like last time, I told the workers to clear out areas that weren't utilized and use them to store extra cargo.
:Mingxi: We now have the additional capacity to work with more businesses and have also opened a new route leading to the port. With streamlined logistics planning, I think we'll see a revitalized Alley in no time!
;(Complete Aurum Alley's Hustle and Bustle: Inventory Arrangement)
:Mingxi: Some time ago, I asked Sushang to have a chat with Yancui to see if we could secure Spices Supreme as the next client for the dock. I've heard Sushang has made some progress.
:Mingxi: But she could use some extra hands. Would you mind helping her out?
: Leave it to me.
::Mingxi: Thanks so much. I would have helped her myself, but I've been drowning in paperwork in preparation for the bidding.
: Why me?
::Mingxi: Sorry, I would have helped her myself, but I've been drowning in paperwork in preparation for the bidding.
: What's in it for me?
::Mingxi: The guild will make it worth your while. Pleaaaase~
:Mingxi: Sushang is waiting for you at Spices Supreme. Go find her when you have the time.
===Speak with Sushang===
;(Approach Sushang and Bailu)
:Sushang: Over here!
:Bailu: Right on time to pay the bill!
;(Talk to Sushang)
:Bailu: Sushang told me all about what you did to help the shops in the Alley. Very impressive!
:Bailu: *sigh* I wish Spices Supreme would step up their game, though. It'd be a dream come true if I could order takeout from the Alchemy Commission.
: Huh? They don't do takeout?
::Sushang: Unbelievable, right? The food is so good.
: Is the Alchemy Commission outside the delivery area?
::Sushang: Perhaps, but cycranes can make deliveries between delves.
: Why can't I order from the Express?
::Sushang: That's definitely out of their delivery area.
:Sushang: Chef Yancui used to be on the president's side. After she heard about Mingxi's plans, she decided to cooperate with the dock. It's a good opportunity.
:Bailu: Ah! There's finally hope for Spices Supreme takeout!
:Sushang: Not only that, putting Spices Supreme on the map would increase interest in the Alley as a whole.
:Sushang: To get us started, I've proposed a crossover between the Merchant Guild and Spices Supreme — buy a meal box and get a visiograph of Bailu!
: Cool! A Bailu-Spices Supreme crossover!
::Bailu: Wait a second! I'm not sure about that idea... If the elders find out, they'll say I'm tarnishing my image or something!
::Sushang: Yancui has agreed to offer you free meals throughout the crossover.
::Bailu: Happy to help.
: Hmm, I don't know...
::Bailu: What? You think I'm not popular enough?
:: No, I think the high demand might crash the servers...
:: No, I think the high demand might mean Yancui has to grow an extra arm...
::Bailu: Hmm, you have a point. Also, I'm not sure it's a good idea for the High Elder of the Vidyadhara to appear on takeout boxes...
::Sushang: Yancui has agreed to offer you free meals throughout the crossover.
::Bailu: Sign me up.
:Sushang: Come, let's go talk to Yancui.
===Speak with Yancui===
;(Talk to Yancui)
:Yancui: Now, would you mind giving me the low-down on this crossover event?
:Sushang: In short, Spices Supreme will release a series of crossover meal deals. Customers get Aurum Alley shopping coupons when they place an order.
:Sushang: Aaaand in addition to the coupons, you can get a visiograph of Bailu, our Alley ambassador!
: Crossover meal deals?
::Sushang: Yep! Of course, Chef Yancui will have the final say on what to include in these deals.
::Sushang: Although some basic options should include Meal for One, Meal for Two, and Family Meal.
: Shopping coupons?
::Sushang: Yes. When customers are done eating, they can come to the Alley for a stroll.
: Alley ambassador?
:Sushang: We need someone famous for branding! Lady Bailu is the High Elder of the Vidyadhara, and also the most sought-after doctor in the Alchemy Commission. If she can be our ambassador, we'll have queues for miles.
:Yancui: Wow, that's a lot of information... I haven't wrapped my head around it, but I'm sure you'll do a good job.
:Bailu: Leave it to me! About these visiographs — what do you need me to do?
:Sushang: Let's shoot three themed sets: "Bailu at the Alley Entrance," "Bailu and Cycranes," and the last one should be... Hmm, maybe "Bailu and Friends"?
: Only one set mentions the Alley — you sure people will get the idea?
::Sushang: Well, all the pictures will be shot in the Alley. So there you go.
: The last two are a little... random.
::Sushang: As long as Bailu is in the pictures, we should be fine.
: Why can't I be in the visiographs? Aren't I enough?
::Sushang: I mean... why not? "Aurum Alley — A Luofu Top-Ten Destination for Outworlders." So, have you made up your mind? Are we shooting Bailu or you?
:: ...Maybe Bailu is the better one for the job.
:::Sushang: Sure.
:: ...Me, of course.
:::Sushang: Alrighty. "(Trailblazer) at the Alley Entrance".
:::Bailu: Wh—What? I still get the free meals, right?
:Sushang: Let's go, folks.
;(If decided to take a shoot of Bailu)
: Shoot "Bailu at the Alley Entrance."
;(If decided to take a shoot of the Trailblazer)
: Shoot "(Trailblazer) at the Alley Entrance".
====Take a picture of Bailu at the Aurum Alley entrance====
;(If decided to take a shoot of Bailu)
:Sushang: That's it! Cuuuute... Here we go!
:Sushang: Hey Bailu, be natural!
====Let Bailu take a picture of you at the Aurum Alley entrance====
;(If decided to take a shoot of the Trailblazer)
: Enlist Bailu to help with the Camera
===Speak with Sushang and confirm the details of the promotion===
;(If decided to take a shoot of Bailu)
:Sushang: We need a slogan to go with the picture. Ugh... I wish I'd read more books. Any ideas?
: Welcome to Aurum Alley!
::Bailu: Meh, too generic...
: Please Report All Lost Children to the Realm-Keeping Commission
::Bailu: ...Did you just turn into a public service announcement?
::Bailu: Hey! You're trying to set the Commission on me...
: The shocking truth behind Bailu's escape is...?
::Bailu: Aurum Alley!
:Sushang: Hmm, let's leave the slogan to Mingxi. We should head to the next location.
: Shoot "Bailu and Cycranes."
----
;(If decided to take a shoot of the Trailblazer)
:Sushang: We need a slogan to go with the picture. Ugh... I wish I'd read more books. Any ideas?
: Welcome to Aurum Alley!
::Sushang: That's too generic.
: Aurum Alley and Its One True Master
::Sushang: Bold statement to make.
: Favorite Place?
::Sushang: Aurum Alley, of course!
:Sushang: Hmm, let's leave the slogan to Mingxi. We should head to the next location.
: Shoot "(Trailblazer) and Cycranes."
----
:Follow Bailu and Sushang to the next photo spot.
====Take a picture of Bailu and the cycranes====
;(If decided to take a shoot of Bailu)
:Sushang: Three, two, one... What's the word again?
:Sushang: Three, two, one... Cheeeese!
:Sushang: Three, two, one... Mung beaaaan!
:Bailu: ...I'm hungry.
====Let Bailu take a picture of you and the cycranes====
;(If decided to take a shoot of the Trailblazer)
: Enlist Bailu to help with the Camera
===Speak with Sushang and confirm the details of the promotion===
;(If decided to take a shoot of Bailu)
:Sushang: Gotta have another slogan for this one.
: Welcome to Aurum Alley!
::Bailu: Very original.
: Cycranes of a feather ship together!
::Bailu: Sounds like I'm not needed here...
: High, Crycranes' flight. Short, Bailu's height.
::Bailu: Thanks for the reminder.
:Sushang: Hmm, let's leave the slogan to Mingxi. We should head to the next location.
: Shoot "Bailu and Friends".
----
;(If decided to take a shoot of the Trailblazer)
:Sushang: Gotta have another slogan for this one.
: Welcome to Aurum Alley!
::Sushang: Very original.
: Cycranes of a feather ship together!
::Sushang: We're missing the point here...
: Aurum Alley — where I tamed humanity.
::Sushang: I don't think that's on the cycrane agenda.
:Sushang: Hmm, let's leave the slogan to Mingxi. We should head to the next location.
: Shoot "(Trailblazer) and Friends."
----
:Follow Bailu and Sushang to the next photo spot.
====Take a picture of Bailu and friends====
;(If decided to take a shoot of Bailu)
:Sushang: Remember, smile when you say the word!
:Sushang: Cheeeese!
:Sushang: Mung beaaaan!
:Bailu: Hurry up pleaaaase!
====Let Bailu take a picture of you and friends====
;(If decided to take a shoot of the Trailblazer)
: Enlist Bailu to help with the Camera
===Speak with Sushang and confirm the details of the promotion===
;(If decided to take a shoot of Bailu)
:Sushang: Come on, need another slogan.
: But you hated the ones I came up with.
: I'm out of ideas.
:Sushang: Last one, please!
: Welcome to Aurum Alley!
::Bailu: One slogan to rule them all.
: Aurum Alley — Cool! Cooler! Coolest!
::Bailu: You're out of ideas.
: Aurum Alley — Come Meet Some Strangers.
::Bailu: Are you trying to scare people away?
:Sushang: Hmm...
:Sushang: I'll ask Mingxi for some more ideas later. Let's go back to Yancui's place.
----
;(If decided to take a shoot of the Trailblazer)
:Sushang: Come on, need another slogan.
: But you hated the ones I came up with.
: I'm out of ideas.
:Sushang: Last one, please!
: Welcome to Aurum Alley!
::Sushang: One slogan to rule them all.
: Aurum Alley — Cool! Cooler! Coolest!
::Sushang: You're out of ideas.
: Aurum Alley — Come Meet Some Strangers.
::Sushang: Are you trying to scare people away?
:Sushang: Hmm...
:Sushang: I'll ask Mingxi for some more ideas later. Let's go back to Yancui's place.
===Speak with Yancui at Spices Supreme===
;(Talk to Yancui)
:Mingxi: Yancui has just told me to go ahead with the partnership.
:Sushang: Bailu can finally have her takeout!
:Bailu: That's the only good news today!
: Let's get the planning started.
: I love planning stuff. I wanna do it now!
;(Unlocked Merchant Collab: Spices Supreme)
;(Complete Aurum Alley's Hustle and Bustle: Logistics Planning)
:Yancui: If we want to start making takeout, we're gonna need more hands in the kitchen.
:Yancui: Mingxi, how likely is it that the guild will win the bid? I'm trying to work out what the future holds for Spices Supreme...
:Mingxi: I can't say for certain, but with you on board, our chances have greatly increased.
:Yancui: I'm glad to hear it! Dragon Lady, why don't you drop by the restaurant? I'll make you some smoked patty...
:Bailu: Thanks! I'm starving!
:Due to its wild popularity, Spices Supreme has drawn countless tourists to pay them a visit.
;(Merchant Collab Established)
;(Mission complete)
==Other Languages==
==Change History==