Back in Business (I)

Back in Business (I) is an Adventure Mission from the Aurum Alley's Hustle and Bustle event.
==Steps==
#Go to Exalting Sanctum and speak with Bailu
#Enter Aurum Alley under Bailu's guidance
#Speak with and buy snacks from Tall Auntie
#*(Optional) Speak with the customers and get their recommendations (0/3)
#Give the snack you bought to Bailu
#Go to Elegance Pagoda
#Go to the docks and see what's happening
#Learn about the rough details by talking to Sushang
#Find out about recent logistical developments at Heron Express
#Discuss the next steps with your companions
#Speak with Miss Secretary and inform her about your decision
#Head to the Oldies Depot and obtain the approval of the Merchant Guild President
==Dialogue==
===Go to Exalting Sanctum and speak with Bailu===
;(Talk to Bailu)
:Bailu: You're easy to spot, haha! Are you going to Aurum Alley?
: Indeed I am.
::Bailu: A new arrival like you should get a tour guide!
:: Seems fair.
:::Bailu: Mm-hm, as a renowned doctor, I regularly go out for street food. A—After I'm done treating my patients, that is! Anyway, basically I'm an expert on all the culinary delights the Xianzhou has to offer, so... Ugh, hire me as your tour guide already!
:::Bailu: I won't change anything for my services... except for food, of course!
:: Aren't you... a doctor?
:::Bailu: Yeah, so what? I go out all the time to see patients, so I know the food establishments around here like the back of my hand. I'm the best tour guide around!
:::Bailu: I won't change anything for my services... except for food, of course!
:: "Tour guide"? Sounds like a fancy way of getting free food.
:::Bailu: ...Eh-he, was it that obvious...?
:::Bailu: But the more the merrier, right? I go out all the time to see patients, so I know the food establishments around here like the back of my hand. I'm the best tour guide you could ever hope for!
: Aurum Alley? What's that?
::Bailu: Wait, you've been to Exalting Sanctum before but you never visited Aurum Alley?
:: I'm too busy to wander around random places.
:::Bailu: Really? You didn't have time to look around? What a pity...
:: I didn't know there was anything else to see in Exalting Sanctum.
:::Bailu: Didn't know? There's lots to see around here!
::Bailu: Looks like you're in need of a professional tour guide!
:: Aren't you... a doctor?
:::Bailu: Yeah, so what? I go out all the time to see patients, so I know the food establishments around here like the back of my hand. I'm the best tour guide around!
:::Bailu: I won't change anything for my services... except for food, of course!
:: "Tour guide"? Sounds like a fancy way of getting free food.
:::Bailu: ...Eh-he, was it that obvious...?
:::Bailu: But the more the merrier, right? I go out all the time to see patients, so I know the food establishments around here like the back of my hand. I'm the best tour guide you could ever hope for!
:::Bailu: I won't change anything for my services... except for food, of course!
: Before you continue — I'm not a free meal ticket.
::Bailu: ...Eh-he, was it that obvious...?
::Bailu: But the more the merrier, right? I go out all the time to see patients, so I know the food establishments around here like the back of my hand. I'm the best tour guide you could ever hope for!
::Bailu: I won't change anything for my services... except for food, of course!
:Bailu: And if you get into medical trouble — gastrointestinal discomfort, sprained ankle, yadi yada — you'll have a professional doctor right by your side! That's a two-in-one deal!
: A two-in-one tour guide doctor?
::Bailu: It's called an "all-inclusive package."
: Sounds like an offer I can't refuse...
::Bailu: Yay!
: Let the food tour begin.
::Bailu: Yay!
===Enter Aurum Alley under Bailu's guidance===
;(While following Bailu)
:Bailu: Hurry up! Do you want the snacks to sell out!?
----
;(Approach the plaza)
:Bailu: (Trailblazer), we've reached our destination — Aurum Alley! Of course, the main feature of this tour is the endless selection of tasty delicacies.
:Bailu: The folk dishes at Spices Supreme are a must-try. This is the only place on the Luofu you can find them.
:Bailu: So, now that we're here...
: You're the tour guide. What do you recommend?
::Bailu: ...Recommend? I think you mean: "I'd like to treat you to some Xianzhou delicacies."
: *sigh* Which Xianzhou delicacies would you like?
::Bailu: Ooh! Garlic-infused Pork, Crisped Melon and Diced Chicken, Star Taro Braised Pork, Chili Oil Beef Offal Stew, Granny Chen's Tofu... Ugh, I'm getting tired saying them all! Reciting medicine ingredients is easier than this!
:Bailu: Let's start with the snack stands. You can browse around for a bit — I'll go find us a seat while you make up your mind.
===Speak with and buy snacks from Tall Auntie===
:(Trailblazer): (I should see what the other customers have to say about the food here...)
----
;(Talk to Bailu, optional)
:Bailu: (Trailblazer), I'm counting on you to go buy all the snacks — don't keep me waiting too long!
----
;(Talk to Outworlder Diner, optional)
:Outworlder Diner: This travel guide needs an update.
: Excuse me...
:Outworlder Diner: ...Oh, you wanna know which snack stalls I recommend around here?
:Outworlder Diner: Well, you've come to the right person. It's my first time here too, but I've tried everything.
:Outworlder Diner: There's a lot of things here that I've never even heard of — I was kinda scared to try them.
: Is there anything good?
::Outworlder Diner: I recommend the tuskpir wraps — they're very similar to cake rolls, but the hawker said they're made from something called... well, "tuskpir..." What do you suppose that is?
::Outworlder Diner: I'll admit, I was hesitant to try it at first. But once I worked up the courage and took a bite, it turned out to be just another delicious snack.
::Outworlder Diner: Very unique taste — crispy melt-in-the-mouth type texture too... Y'know, the flavor kinda reminded me of a lot of stuff I'd eaten before, but I couldn't put my finger on anything. That's the magic of "tuskpir," I guess...
: Is there anything I should avoid?
::Outworlder Diner: Have you heard of mung bean soda? The Xianzhou locals say it's delicious. So I bought one, took a sip, and then sprayed it all over the diners at the next table.
::Outworlder Diner: It has a grayish green color and a sour, rotten flavor... I reckon there's a handful of food connoisseurs that actually like it. Try some if you dare, but don't get your hopes up.
----
;(Talk to Local Diner, optional)
:Local Diner: *sigh* Same great taste...
: Excuse me...
:Local Diner: ...Oh, interested in the food? In Aurum Alley, there's no such thing as a bad food stall. Just close your eyes and pick one at random.
:Xiaohan: My name's Xiaohan. I'm originally from Aurum Alley, but this is my first visit in a long time. When I was away, I'd stay up at night reminiscing about the flavors and aromas of this place.
: Do you have any recommendations?
::Xiaohan: Are you feeling adventurous or cautious?
:: A little caution can't hurt.
:::Xiaohan: Then I recommend trying a bowl of steamed puffergoat milk. It has a mild, sweet flavor and a smooth texture. People say they feel lighter after drinking it! Of course, it's no substitute for a balanced diet.
:: Depends on what you mean by "adventurous."
:::Xiaohan: If you're really feeling adventurous, you could try some mung bean soda.
:::Xiaohan: I'd describe the taste as... unique. And a little sour.
:::Xiaohan: It's best to drink it in big gulps, and let it fizzle in your stomach. That's a great feeling.
: So you're a wanderer returning home.
::Xiaohan: The Xianzhou gets plenty of visitors, so it's only natural that we should venture out and see what other worlds are like.
::Xiaohan: I spent 100 years away from home, and I have to say... Aurum Alley has seen better days. It's looking kind of run-down. The only thing that hasn't changed is the mung bean soda.
:: I don't think it's that bad.
:::Xiaohan: Haha, maybe I'm just nostalgic.
:: Was this place more prosperous back then?
:::Xiaohan: That it was. Many years ago, Aurum Alley was the most popular night market on the Luofu.
::Xiaohan: I had a good career going out on the other worlds, but I always missed the Alley. In the end, I decided to come back.
::Xiaohan: ...Now I'm keen to do my part and make this place a little better.
----
;(Talk to Jing Fang, optional)
:Jing Fang: Tsk...
:Jing Fang: Do these people know nothing about the value of brand exposure? That's marketing 101!
: I'm wondering what's good to eat around here...
: Have I seen you somewhere before?
::Jing Fang: Me? No, no, no, no, no, we've never met... Oh, are you wondering what's good to eat around here?
:Jing Fang: Well, I can help you with that — I'm known around here as the "forager" — I venture into all manner of culinary establishments to taste test their food.
:Jing Fang: The seller at this food stall won't let me do any taste testing because I'm not a "paying customer." Well, if they don't want free publicity, that's their loss.
: Do you have any recommendations?
::Jing Fang: Ah, with my discriminating taste as your guide, you'll never go wrong. Give the berrypheasant skewers or songlotus cake a try.
: Don't taste testers pay for their own food?
::Jing Fang: You're clearly not familiar with this line of work. Taste testing gives the restaurant publicity — that means a higher sales conversion!
::Jing Fang: ...Ah, forget it. There are other food vendors here waiting for me to appraise them...
----
;(Talk to Tall Auntie)
:Tall Auntie: Oh, a visitor from afar? May I ask you a question — do you like Aurum Alley?
: It's my first visit here, I can't say yet.
::Tall Auntie: Then I'll have to make sure your first visit here is a good one.
: Yes, the people here are very friendly.
::Tall Auntie: Glad to hear. We always try to treat visitors from outside well.
: ...To be honest, not really.
::Tall Auntie: Oh, well, that's regrettable.
:Tall Auntie: ...I hope you don't mind me prattling on, but since you're an Outworlder, are you familiar with the IPC? Do you know if it has a good reputation?
: It's been a great help to pan-cosmic business.
::Tall Auntie: That's true, and they made it much more convenient to exchange strale and credits.
: They're a cabal of predatory sharks.
::Tall Auntie: I was a little worried when I heard the president say that the IPC is going to destroy Aurum Alley.
: ...All I know is its Findie ads are really annoying.
::Tall Auntie: Findie? I've never heard of that before.
::Tall Auntie: Anyway, sounds like you know as much about them as I do...
:Tall Auntie: Well, I can't just leave you here empty handed — take a look at the menu. Order whatever you want — it's on the house.
: I'll have a tuskpir wrap.
:;(Obtained )
: I'll have a songlotus cake.
:;(Obtained )
: I'll have a berrypheasant skewer.
:;(Obtained )
: I'll have some steamed puffergoat milk.
:;(Obtained )
: I'll have some mung bean soda.
:;(Obtained )
:Tall Auntie: Alrighty.
===Give the snack you bought to Bailu===
;(Talk to Bailu)
;(If mung bean soda wasn't chosen)
::Bailu: So, is there anything good?
:: (Take out the snack)
::Bailu: Fantastic! Hey, how did you know my favorite food?
:: I just know you that well.
:: Lucky guess.
:: I'm pretty sure you'll eat anything.
::Bailu: Great... but it looks like you only brought enough for one person... what am I supposed to do?
:: You can have it — I'm not really hungry.
:::Bailu: Alright, if you say so!
:: The stallholder gave me this for free, and I'd feel embarrassed asking for more.
:::Bailu: Yeah, I would feel bad asking for more, too.
:: This one's mine. Now you can go buy your own.
:::Bailu: ...Hmph!
::Tall Auntie: Ah! It's the Dragon Lady... Here, I'll get you another serving — no need to be shy.
::Bailu: Thank you, Auntie!
::Amidst the bustling of the diners, time flies by before you even notice.
::When you return to your senses again, you find yourself immersed in the atmosphere of Aurum Alley's bustling night market.
;(If mung bean soda was chosen)
::Bailu: Is there anything good?
:: (Take out the snack)
::Bailu: Mung bean soda... Is this some sort of prank?
:: The foodies here all say it's a must-try!
:: Tee-hee, I did that on purpose~ *giggles proundly*
::Bailu: Okay — you drink it then.
:: No, thanks, I'm not really thirsty.
:::Bailu: No, no, no, you're our honored guest — you can drink it.
:: Fine. How bad can it be, anyway?
:::Bailu: It's just like drinking medicine — close your eyes and cross your heart.
::Tall Auntie: Ah! It's the Dragon Lady... Here, I'll get you another serving — no need to be shy.
::Bailu: Huh!? W—Wait, Auntie, I—I'm not thirsty, please... *sigh* Thank you, Auntie...
::Amidst the bustling of the night market, you and Bailu share news and fun stories. Time flies by before you even notice.
::When you return to your senses again, you find yourself immersed in the atmosphere of Aurum Alley's bustling night market.
----
:Bailu: *sigh* I'm so full of snacks I can hardly move. I haven't even gotten around to business yet.
:Bailu: I wanted to stop by Elegance Pagoda to buy some medicine jars while I'm out. Come on, let's go.
===Go to Elegance Pagoda===
;(Approach designated location)
:Heckler: Hey, what's going on at the dock?
:Concurring Voice: Some of the dock workers got into an argument with the IPC folks.
----
:Vigorous Female Voice: Watch your words, no need to be aggressive here...
:Bailu: ...How about we go see what's happening at the dock?
: Sounds exciting.
: Sounds like trouble...
::Bailu: What if someone gets hurt and needs medical attention? Come on.
===Go to the docks and see what's happening===
;(While approaching designated location)
:Sarcastic Voice: When did you decide to show up, little miss feisty? How is this any of your business?
:Sushang: As a Cloud Knight, I can't just sit back and do nothing when I see civil unrest. And for your information, my name isn't "little miss feisty" — it's Sushang!
----
:Person Appearing as Merchant Guild Secretary: Please, miss, allow Aurum Alley Merchant Guild to take care of this matter.
:Sushang: You're from... the Merchant Guild?
:IPC Sales Rep: What a joke! You people can't "take care" of anything!
:IPC Sales Rep: Everyone here knows that the Aurum Alley Merchant Guild is as incompetent as it is dysfunctional. The lease for the docks isn't even paid yet — anyone care to guess whose fault that is...?
:IPC Sales Rep: I'll tell you —the Merchant Guild's!
:Person Appearing as Merchant Guild Secretary: ...I'm not denying that.
:IPC Sales Rep: Then say it out loud so everyone can hear: Aurum Alley Merchant Guild apologizes to every vendor here for defaulting on the lease and leaving us to pick up the mess!
:IPC Sales Rep: Better yet — get down on your knees and beg for forgiveness!
: This guy sucks!!!
::Bailu: I agree.
: (Keep watching the drama)
: (Prepare to beat this guy up.)
::Bailu: Wait — easy! We just came to watch!
:Sushang: Ugh, you're being completely unreasonable. Why can't we talk this over?
:IPC Sales Rep: I'm not being unreasonable, I'm making a friendly inquiry — when will the IPC receive its lease payments?
:Person Appearing as Merchant Guild Secretary: ...I'm afraid we can't pay at the moment.
:IPC Sales Rep: We leased this whole dock to your Merchant Guild hoping that it would rejuvenate Aurum Alley, and look at it now — a perfectly good freight dock has gone to waste!
:Sushang: They said "at the moment." That doesn't mean they'll never make the payments... right?
:IPC Sales Rep: Haha, don't be so gullible.
:IPC Sales Rep: How about we make a little bet — if the Merchant Guild can pay back the money it owes, I'll get down on my knees and apologize to all the people of Aurum Alley...
:IPC Sales Rep: I'll shout it loud and clear — "I'm a raving idiot howling into the wind!" And then I'll bark like a dog. How does that sound?
:Sushang: Okay... and if they can't?
:IPC Sales Rep: Oh, that's simple. You apologize to me in front of all the people of Aurum Alley, and you bark like a dog.
: This is so childish. Don't accept.
::Bailu: I agree.
: (Keep watching the drama)
::Bailu: Psst, what should she do?
: Take the bet!
::Bailu: ...You're not being very helpful, are you?
:Sushang: Hmph! Deal!
:IPC Sales Rep: You all heard that, right? I'll be waiting for you, hahaha. Come on, let's get out of here!
===Learn about the rough details by talking to Sushang===
;(Talk to Sushang)
:Person Appearing as Merchant Guild Secretary: Miss, there's no reason for you to take such a bet... we're the ones who dragged you into this.
:Sushang: It's okay — seeing that arrogant sneer on his face made me sick to my stomach. I had to do something.
:Friendly Worker: We appreciate you sticking up for us, but this...
: Standing up for what is right, mad respect!
::Sushang: ...Now that I think about it, if I lose the bet, it'll reflect badly on the Cloud Knights... but you can't give in to bullies!
: You just got yourself into trouble...
::Sushang: ...Now that I think about it, if I lose the bet, it'll reflect badly on the Cloud Knights... but you can't give in to bullies! He's the one who'll be barking like a dog.
: Merchant matters should be left to the Merchant Guild to handle...
::Sushang: Maybe... but you can't give in to bullies!
:Mingxi: My name is Mingxi. I'm the secretary of Aurum Alley Merchant Guild — most people just call me Miss Secretary. This leasing dispute is between the IPC and the Merchant Guild — you shouldn't have been dragged into it.
: I think it's a little late for that.
::Sushang: Sure is, I've already started placing bets.
: If I knew it'd come to this, I wouldn't have gotten involved.
::Sushang: It was me who accepted the bet. You're not involved at all...
:Bailu: So, is it true that the Merchant Guild can't pay back the lease?
:Sulking Worker: ...Miss Secretary, just tell it like it is.
:Mingxi: As things stand now, the Merchant Guild is in no position to pay back the lease.
: This dock was leased out to the Merchant Guild?
::Mingxi: Yes, the entire port... Now we owe the IPC an arm and a leg.
: Aurum Alley looks like it's flourishing though?
::Mingxi: The food hawkers are thriving, but dock operations and other businesses are stretched to the breaking point.
: What can we do to fix Aurum Alley's balance sheet?
:Sushang: If we can make the businesses more profitable, then maybe we have a chance of paying back the IPC?
:Mingxi: If we cut costs and tap into new revenue streams, we can turn things around. A lot of vendors in Aurum Alley don't want anything to do with the dock though, so it may be hard to find new sources of revenue...
:Sushang: What about cutting costs?
:Mingxi: Cutting costs means reducing expenses. As you can see, the dock isn't even fully utilized, and the workers, well...
:Sulking Worker: Hey, hey, hey, don't get any funny ideas about laying people off!
:Friendly Worker: Miss Secretary is just helping us think of ideas. If you ask me, I think our ordering system is rather inefficient. I'm sure we could reduce our costs if we found a way to improve it.
: Can I give it a try?
::Mingxi: I didn't realize you were such an entrepreneur.
: I don't think that would save much...
::Bailu: It's better than doing nothing. (Trailblazer), you're smart — why don't you give it a try?
:: Couldn't hurt, I guess...
:::Mingxi: You'd be more than welcome.
:: When did you convince yourself I was smart?
:::Mingxi: Don't worry, the situation is already bad as it is, so it's no big deal if things don't pan out. You can be on this project as our consultant.
:: What if I mess up? You'd have to wave bye to your snacks.
:::Bailu: Think about it this way — what if you succeed? We'd have free meals forever!
:::Mingxi: Don't worry, the situation is already bad as it is, so it's no big deal if things don't pan out. You can be on this project as our consultant.
:Sulking Worker: Even the president hasn't been able to solve anything — is this short-lifer really up to the job? *sigh* At this point, I guess we've got nothing to lose...
: Let's get started!
: Enough of that. Let me do it.
;(Opens Aurum Alley's Hustle and Bustle: Inventory Arrangement)
----
:Mingxi: Hahaha, this will certainly save us on shipping costs.
:Sushang: Isn't this... a little unsafe?
:Friendly Worker: Don't worry, our motto is "safety first."
: I'm so awesome. I've done such an amazing job!
::Bailu: Geez, don't get too full of yourself...
: So, you've never thought of this before? *shaking my head*
::Bailu: Hey! What's gotten into you?
:Sulking Worker: Impressive... but if you ask me, inventory efficiency isn't enough to save us. If Heron Express doesn't deliver the goods, then they're just gonna sit around collecting dust.
:Mingxi: I see your point. If you have the time, could you accompany me to Heron Express' Aurum Alley branch office?
:Sushang: Of course! It's just... I'm better with brawn than brains...
: Looks like Aurum Alley is counting on me again.
: Seems like I could make a career out of this.
===Find out about recent logistical developments at Heron Express===
;(Talk to Yuanfeng)
:Mingxi: Mr. Yuanfeng...
:Yuanfeng: Why, it's Miss Secretary. And who do we have here?
:Sushang: I'm Sushang of the Cloud Knights. I think you already know the little girl with horns on her head. And this is...
: I'm (Trailblazer).
: I'm the savior of Aurum Alley.
: It doesn't matter who I am.
::Bailu: You don't need to keep a low profile anymore...
:: Well, if I mess things up...
:: It'll be easier to escape if nobody knows my name.
:Yuanfeng: Good to meet you all... Miss Secretary, I heard you made a bet with the IPC... and if you lose you have to bark like a dog?
:Mingxi: ...The word got out pretty quickly, huh?
:Yuanfeng: *sigh* Those outworlders from the IPC are the worst — how did you get bogged down with them?
: This noble Cloud Knight here is the one who made the bet with the IPC.
::Sushang: That's right, no one else in Aurum Alley needs to worry — it's all on me.
: You didn't ask what'd happen if we win...
::Sushang: Right — if the Merchant Guild pay back what they owe, the only one barking will be that IPC stooge.
:Mingxi: We made our inventory more efficient, but the dock workers said we still need a way to distribute the goods. I was wondering if Heron Express would be interested...
:Yuanfeng: Those dock workers don't want to take responsibility, and I'm afraid it's not our responsibility, either.
:Sushang: Then who should we blame? The IPC?
:Yuanfeng: The IPC said that they would handle operations at Aurum Alley and promised to give subsidies to the vendors... I suspect they secretly told all the vendors not to use the dock for logistics.
: That doesn't explain why orders are so low, though.
::Mingxi: ...That's a good point.
: ...Sounds like the IPC set a trap for the merchant guild.
::Mingxi: *sigh* We can only blame ourselves for letting them get away with it for so long.
: I think my brain is about to explode from all this.
::Mingxi: Don't worry, I'll explain all the details to you later.
:Mingxi: If we can't pay back the rent, the financial damages will be manageable, but the reputational damage will be irreparable. If the Merchant Guild loses everyone's trust, it'll become an empty shell of its former self... and without the Merchant Guild, the IPC will have no competitors in Aurum Alley's business district.
:Yuanfeng: The IPC wants to turn this place into a big logistics warehouse. By then, the food hawkers and used goods stores will have to move away...
:Bailu: Ah... So no more Aurum Alley?
:Yuanfeng: Correct. The physical space will still exist, but the Aurum Alley we all know — its fragrances, its bustling tourists — will be nothing more than a memory.
:Sushang: Let's not get ahead of ourselves — what are we gonna do about the matter at hand?
:Mingxi: On the logistics side, we can reduce costs by making sure the delivery routes are planned efficiently.
:Mingxi: Mr. Yuanfeng, please allow (Trailblazer) to try hand at it. has some skills that could prove useful in this area.
: I can't make any promises, but I'll try my best.
::Mingxi: Please give it a try.
: I'll *deliver* us a *route* to success...
::Sushang: See? a quick thinker.
: Why not use a jade abacus to calculate the routes?
::Mingxi: After the Ambrosial Arbor disaster, the use of jade abaci for any kind of strategic planning was restricted to certain departments. For business planning in Aurum Alley, we can only rely on our brains.
::Mingxi: Also, the duties of a Merchant Guild consultant include planning, negotiation and strategy... We're going to be relying on you for more than just delivery routes.
:: Let's get the planning started.
:: Let me try. If that doesn't work, put someone else in.
;(Opens Aurum Alley's Hustle and Bustle: Logistics Planning)
:;(Obtained )
----
:Yuanfeng: With these routes in place, logistics costs will be reduced significantly.
:Mingxi: I knew it! You're the heroes who can help us revitalize Aurum Alley.
:Sushang: Now can you tell us what really happened to Aurum Alley?
:Mingxi: ...Well, Aurum Alley was originally the busiest night market in Exalting Sanctum. In days past, this alley, famed for its food and commerce, was brimming with aurumatons collecting goods for their masters... but that prosperity has long since passed.
:Mingxi: Restrictions were placed on civilian aurumatons, and new commercial centers began to spring up. It was like being on a gentle downhill slope — everyone knew things were changing, but no one thought it was serious.
:Mingxi: When the Luofu was moored for maintenance and trade with the IPC increased, a new threat emerged for the Merchant Guild — the IPC's announcement of a bid for the development of Aurum Alley. Their promises were visible, tangible, and extremely aggressive.
:Mingxi: When the "gentle downhill slope" suddenly became the edge of a cliff, no one could pretend to ignore it anymore. Both the Merchant Guild and Aurum Alley itself were in jeopardy.
: Can you fill us in on the details?
::Mingxi: The contract for operating Aurum Alley's business district is about to expire, and the IPC's regional director has seen an opportunity. They orchestrated the dock debt crisis, and that's just the beginning.
::Mingxi: Meanwhile, vendors in Aurum Alley have expressed mixed feelings about the IPC — some see it as a crouching tiger with malicious intentions, while others see the IPC's promise of high profits as a chance to turn things around...
::Mingxi: But now the chill is setting in — everyone is worried that Aurum Alley is going to disappear. The Merchant Guild has to do something to help the merchants here.
: I get the gist of it.
:Mingxi: Therefore, on behalf of the Merchant Guild, I would like to formally extend an invitation to you all to serve as in the plan to save Aurum Alley.
: Leave it to me. I'm sure I can be of some use.
::Mingxi: Excellent.
: How favorable is the compensation for this position?
::Mingxi: The Merchant Guild is tight on funds, but we'll be sure to make it worth your time.
: Sorry, but I'm not a business strategist.
::Mingxi: ...Is that how you feel? Well, don't turn down the offer just yet.
:Mingxi: Why don't you talk it over with everyone first?
;(Merchant Collab Established)
===Discuss the next steps with your companions===
;(Talk to Yuanfeng, optional)
:Yuanfeng gazes at Aurum Alley anxiously. Seems like he's actually more meticulous than he appears.
----
;(Talk to Sushang)
:Sushang: I really hope you can help out.
: Of course. You'd be in big trouble if I don't.
::Sushang: I'm not worried about that, I just want to help save Aurum Alley.
: What if I refuse?
::Sushang: ...You don't want me to have to bark like a dog in front of all those people, do you? Besides, I'd really like to help the people in Aurum Alley.
:Sushang: My home, the Xianzhou Yaoqing, had much closer ties with the IPC. Initially, people thought they were just engaging in a little interstellar investment... but over time, things changed.
:Sushang: Gradually, the Yaoqing's younger generations began to enjoy the immersia produced by the IPC's Entertainment Division. Once they started wearing IPC clothing lines, you could hardly tell if they were Xianzhou locals or IPC employees.
:Sushang: After their Coming of Age Ceremonies, a lot of them aspired to join the IPC to make it big.
:Sushang: The architecture across the whole delve began to change. The graceful flying eaves I saw as a child became fewer and fewer, and the glazed tiles and Fallow Earth bricks gradually disappeared. Sleek, monolithic IPC buildings started sprouting up everywhere.
:Sushang: Any of the Yaoqing locals older than 500 — like my mother — will say the Yaoqing has changed. But they're not sure whether this change is leading to a better future, or if it's allowing short-life species to dictate their way of life... It's making everyone anxious.
:Sushang: When I saw Mingxi being confronted by the IPC, I felt the same uneasiness. She's been around several life-spans longer than that stooge, but somehow she was still at a loss for how to deal with him.
:Sushang: If our opponents were martial arts types, I could hold my own against them... but Aurum Alley's problems aren't something we can fight off with a sword.
:Sushang: I want to help the Merchant Guild, I want to help everyone at Aurum Alley... please help me help them!
----
;(Talk to Bailu)
:Bailu: *sigh* I only came here for the food... I didn't expect to get tangled up in all this dock leasing stuff.
:Bailu: Still, if you're willing to give it a shot, maybe Aurum Alley doesn't have to disappear.
: Wait a sec... You haven't contributed anything so far.
::Bailu: That's not true, I'm doing something right now — persuading you to help us! An admirable contribution.
: You're just worried all your favorite food stands are gonna disappear.
::Bailu: So what!? Hmph, the food's the best bit... Aurum Alley without food would be like a pill without medicine... meaningless!
: You can count on me.
::Bailu: I knew you'd help us! A truly reliable friend!
:: By "friend" you mean "free meal ticket," right?
::Bailu: Hey!
===Speak with Miss Secretary and inform her about your decision===
;(Talk to Mingxi)
:Mingxi: What do you think? Will you become a business advisor for Aurum Alley?
: Yes, I'll do it.
::Mingxi: Great!
: After much consideration, I'm still not up to it.
::Bailu: ...Huh? Go consider some more, then!
:: *sigh* Fine... I'll do it.
:::Mingxi: Glad to hear.
:: I don't know the first thing about business or consultancy...
:::Mingxi: A willingness to help is all we need.
:Mingxi: I still haven't discussed any of this with the president — let's go pay them a visit.
===Head to the Oldies Depot and obtain the approval of the Merchant Guild President===
;(Talk to Lianyan)
:Mingxi: Miss Lianyan, please tell the president that I have someone who can help us with the leasing situation at the dock... and also bring Aurum Alley back to its former glory.
: Hi, I'm (Trailblazer)!
: Hi, I'm that "someone" who can save y'all.
::Lianyan: Well, seems like you have plenty of confidence.
: I hate job interviews.
::Mingxi: I've already seen your abilities — there's nothing to be nervous about.
:Lianyan: I'll go ask the president's opinion on the matter. Please wait a moment.
:Lianyan approaches the store's doorway and quietly conveys something to the one within. No one hears what she said to the president.
:Lianyan: Okay, the president trusts Miss Secretary's judgment, but the applicant still needs to pass a test... You must integrate Oldies Depot into the logistics plan.
: I'ma flex my skills for you real quick.
: Don't get your hopes up too high...
;(Opens Aurum Alley's Hustle and Bustle: Logistics Planning)
:;(Obtained )
----
:Lianyan: The president acknowledges your expertise and agrees to confer management responsibilities accordingly.
:Lianyan: Aurum Alley Merchant Guild would like to issue a formal request... Please help us emerge from this crisis and revitalize Aurum Alley!
: I will rise to the occasion.
: You make it sound so formal.
: Is it too late to back out?
::Bailu: Don't mind , talking silly again.
:Mingxi: Now that that's settled, please come see me at the dock when you have time.
:Mingxi: You'll be able to help the dock workers and help Heron Express with .
:Mingxi: I keep tabs on all the goings-on in Aurum Alley, If we can solve some of the problems in the community, it could help in rejuvenating Aurum Alley.
:Sushang: If it involves helping people in need, count me in too.
: Could you repeat that?
::Mingxi: Sure.
::Mingxi: Just come see me at the dock when you have time.
::Mingxi: You'll be able to help the dock workers and help Heron Express with .
::Mingxi: I keep tabs on all the goings-on in Aurum Alley, . If we can solve some of the problems in the community, it could help in rejuvenating Aurum Alley.
: So basically I just need to go talk to you at the dock?
::Mingxi: Anytime you need anything, come find me.
:Mingxi: The important thing right now is to generate enough revenue before the payment due date.
:Mingxi: I'll be off to the dock then. Stop by anytime.
;(Merchant Collab Established)
;(Mission complete)
===Post-mission===
;(Talk to Lianyan)
:Lianyan: I know you want to ask about the president, but I suggest you focus your energy on managing the dock for now.
:Lianyan: Don't worry, the president is paying very close attention to our progress in Aurum Alley.
----
;(Talk to Sushang)
:Sushang: Any problem facing Aurum Alley is also my problem. If you encounter any difficulties, don't hesitate to come find me.
:Sushang: Also... I should probably ask... Do you really think we'll be able to pay back everything owed on the dock?
: You betcha.
::Sushang: (Trailblazer), you're the best! You remind me of the friend I made when I first arrived on the Luofu — she had the same eagerness for saving people, and the same tenacity for solving problems.
: I can't make any guarantees...
::Sushang: ...I understand, (Trailblazer). But even then, it's impressive that you are willing to step up and help!
:Sushang: I have a mission from the Cloud Knights, so I have to leave for now. If I have time, I'll definitely come back to Aurum Alley to help out.
----
;(Talk to Bailu)
:Bailu: So strange — saving Aurum Alley is a critical issue, but the president didn't even make an appearance...
: Perhaps we haven't won their trust yet.
::Bailu: Then why would they put you in charge of things at the dock...?
: Perhaps they weren't feeling too well.
::Bailu: If that's the case, I can give them a check-up and prescribe some medicine.
:Bailu: Wow, time sure does fly when you're trying to save the world. (Trailblazer), I need to get back to the Alchemy Commission. Keep up the good work around here!
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