Back in Business (IV)

* Rewards
* Characters

 200 40 5 5 *Paean of Indulgence* 45,000

Aurumaton President, Mingxi, Sushang, Tall Auntie, Trailblazer, Xiaohan, Yukong

***Back in Business (IV)*** is an Adventure Mission from the *Aurum Alley's Hustle and Bustle* event.

## Steps

1. Speak with Mingxi
2. Head to the Food Stall and collect the snacks Mingxi ordered
3. Speak with the Aurumaton President
4. Confirm the negotiation materials and speak with Mingxi
5. Speak with Sushang
6. Find out about the merchant guild's recent happenings in Aurum Alley
7. Talk with Mingxi at the docks

## Dialogue

### Speak with Mingxi

 **Mission Description**

There should be new developments at Aurum Alley. Would you like to go back and check it out?
Visit Aurum Alley regularly Aurum Alley

**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

 **Step Description**

Miss Secretary has officially informed you that, with your help, the Aurum Alley Merchant Guild has successfully achieved their revenue goal for this phase, and will spend part of the revenue on dock maintenance and renovations. She also ordered plenty of snacks from Tall Auntie for you to enjoy.
Though Miss Secretary didn't state it directly, you should take this as a reward for helping everyone reach the revenue target for this phase. Aurum Alley

**Tall Auntie:** Miss Secretary asked me to prepare some refreshments for you earlier. Make yourselves comfortable — I'll bring them out shortly.
**Tall Auntie enthusiastically packs a full bag of takeout for you.**

(Opens Aurum Alley Revival Project group chat)
**Mingxi:** Before the bidding begins, there's something the president wants to tell us
**Sushang:** Why does it feel like a BBEG situation?
 What a long trip...
**(Trailblazer):** What a long trip it has been! It really makes you feel all sorts of emotions looking back on how far we've come.
**Sushang:** Too soon
**Mingxi:** Wait till we've won
 I'm going home to get married...
**(Trailblazer):** When this battle is over, I'm going back to my homeland to get married
**Sushang:** Stay alive
**Mingxi:** Stay alive
**Mingxi:** Oldies Depot, see you there
**Sushang:** Kay
 See you there
**(Trailblazer):** See you there
 I'll take my sweet time
**(Trailblazer):** I'll take my sweet time

### Speak with the Aurumaton President

 **Step Description**

You'll be bidding on behalf of the Aurum Alley Merchant Guild soon. The Aurumaton President wishes to speak with you.
Now that you think about it, the Aurumaton President placed such an important mission in your hands because he trusts you. Listen to what he has to say. Aurum Alley

(Approach designated location)
**Mingxi:** Mr. President, they've arrived.
**Aurumaton President:** You'll forgive me for not shaking hands.
 No worries.
 You don't have hands to shake.
**Aurumaton President:** ...My point exactly.
 Good to speak to you directly.
**Aurumaton President:** Indeed.
**Aurumaton President:** I must admit I didn't expect much when Mingxi first brought you to me. I thought you were just another group of strangers who meant well but wouldn't make a difference.
**Aurumaton President:** To my disbelief, not only did you manage the lease, but you stayed to convince others — including me — that our cause is one that is worth fighting for.
**Aurumaton President:** Even now it's hard for me to imagine how you are going to win the bidding. As slim a chance as we have, there is still hope.
 We got this.
 Don't blame me if we end up losing.
**Aurumaton President:** I won't. I've seen enough miracles in all the years I've lived — miracles achieved by short-life species. Even if you fail, you still have my gratitude, (Trailblazer).
 Don't go getting mushy on us.
**Aurumaton President:** One last word from this old piece of metal:
**Aurumaton President:** Go, and may good tidings come with you when you return.

### Confirm the negotiation materials and speak with Mingxi

 **Step Description**

The time of negotiations is drawing near. You should go over your negotiation materials first.
Confirm your negotiation materials with Miss Secretary and strive to claim the advantage in the upcoming clash of words. Central Starskiff Haven

**Mingxi:** It never struck me that someone as humble and kind as Xiaohan would work together with the likes of Skott.
**Sushang:** Before I met Xiaohan, I always imagined everyone at the IPC would be like Skott — overbearing and dodgy.
**Sushang:** Now I understand, the IPC has many faces.
**Mingxi:** Palace of Astrum is up ahead. Ready?
 Ready.
**Sushang:** Let's do this.
 I'm not ready yet.
**Mingxi:** Before we place our bid, let's go over our key points again.
 The Guild's bidding desposit?
**Mingxi:** This is the most tangible achievement of our Alley revival project. It demonstrates that the Alley still has plenty of life in it.
**Mingxi:** Having enough funding to back up our bid is key to competing with the IPC.
 The Spices Supreme crossover event?
**Sushang:** Because of the crossover meal deals, the Alley has seen an uptick in customers.
**Mingxi:** It goes to show that the Alley still lives up to its name as one of the best food destinations.
 The Aurum Alley business opinion poll?
**Mingxi:** The president conducted a poll to gather the shops' opinions on the future of the Alley.
**Mingxi:** More and more shops have voiced their support for the guild and expressed their confidence in our revival project.
 I've looked over everything.
**Mingxi:** Let's go. The bidding is about to begin.

**Yukong:** On behalf of the Sky-Faring Commission, I am invited to host the public bidding of the Aurum Alley commercial district. With members of all parties present, the proceedings may begin.
**Yukong:** I hereby ask all parties to submit your support documents for evaluation. The documents should include scope of business, ratio of contributions, and registered capital.
(Submit  Aurum Alley Merchant Guild Bidding Deposit ×1)
**The Sky-Faring Commission confirms all parties' bidding documents and bidding evaluations commence.**
**To no one's surprise, the IPC and the Merchant Guild are the only two contenders left standing.**
**Yukong:** Representatives of all parties, please be ready to brief the review committee on your business plans.
**Yukong:** By personal request of the committee, a discussion session will be added to allow all participants to raise and answer questions.
 So, debates are not usually required in public bidding?
**Mingxi:** No. Usually you just submit your bid and wait for the result.
**Mingxi:** But Madam Yukong wants us to have a proper debate to better understand each other's points.
 She's not making it easy for us.
**Mingxi:** Indeed. Xiaohan is eloquent and knows exactly what he wants, not to mention the funding he gets from the IPC. It will be an uphill battle.
**Mingxi:** That said, this is also our chance to make a strong case for ourselves.
**Yukong:** Xiaohan, whenever you are ready. Tell us about your plan for Aurum Alley.
(Starts Debate)
**Xiaohan:** Members of Aurum Alley Merchant Guild, I hope you're all keeping well.
 (Continue questioning)
**(Trailblazer):** And if we're not?
**Xiaohan:** No need to be quite so aggressive...
(Next)
**Xiaohan:** By utilizing the dock, the guild managed to repay outstanding rents and also raised sufficient funding to stand at the bidding. That just goes to show how vital the dock is.
 (Continue questioning)
**(Trailblazer):** We did much more than simply utilize the dock!
**Xiaohan:** But you don't deny that the dock was vital to your operations, correct? Your partnership with the shop owners and the increase in cargo handling capacity — none of it would have been possible without the dock.
**Sushang:** Wrong. None of it would have been possible without winning the hearts of local businesses.
**Mingxi:** Well said, Sushang.
**Xiaohan:** Haha, I think you understand my point.
(Next)
**Xiaohan:** The IPC seeks to unleash the full potential of the dock, taking full advantage of its role as a logistics center — thus transforming Aurum Alley into one of the most advanced commercial ports in the galaxy.
 (Continue questioning)
**(Trailblazer):** How are interastral cargo ships supposed to dock? There isn't enough room.
**Xiaohan:** To address this, most of the shops will need to be relocated.
**Xiaohan:** The IPC will redesign the layout of the whole area to make sure ships can move in and out smoothly. We expect at least the same trading volume as Cloudford.
**Xiaohan:** Rest assured, all the shops that need relocating will receive generous compensation from the IPC. The package we've prepared will make everyone happy.
**Sushang:** Classic IPC...
(Next)
**Xiaohan:** And that, honorable ladies and gentlemen, is the rejuvenation that everyone has been hoping for.
 (Continue questioning)
**(Trailblazer):** How can you be sure that everyone's vision aligns with yours?
**Xiaohan:** ...I was using a figure of speech — but our vision of "rejuvenation" will benefit the majority.
**Sushang:** **Shouldn't you gather people's opinions first?**
**(Trailblazer):** **(Do we have any proof?)**
 (Present evidence)  Aurum Alley Merchant Guild Bidding Deposit
**(Trailblazer):** Take a look at this.
**Xiaohan:** I admit that the guild has made a fortune from the dock, but the IPC can offer much more.
**Xiaohan:** You should retract this — I wouldn't want to embarrass the guild.
 (Present evidence)  Spices Supreme Crossover Event
**(Trailblazer):** Take a look at this.
**Xiaohan:** You can't just present something irrelevant and expect me to respond.
**Xiaohan:** I can't say what this has to do with our discussions. Please remove it.
 (Present evidence)  Aurum Alley Business Opinion Poll
**(Trailblazer):** The shops think otherwise!
**Mingxi:** According to the poll we conducted earlier with business owners, most of them have already partnered with the Merchant Guild and wish to preserve their current business model. Artistry Hardware is among the shops that registered this answer.
**Xiaohan:** ...Father has never been the shrewdest when it comes to business matters. I'm afraid his opinions don't constitute the most valuable insights.
**Xiaohan:** In agreeing with your approach, those shops may risk missing the bigger picture... and opportunities for future growth.
 So you think they don't know what's best for themselves.
 You think too highly of yourself.
**Xiaohan:** ...
**Yukong:** Mingxi, please share with us what the guild has in mind.
**Mingxi:** As Xiaohan mentioned, the IPC sees the dock as the most valuable asset the Alley has to offer, but for us, the local shops are what makes the Alley special.
**Mingxi:** The guild serves the sole purpose of helping local businesses. We will help the Alley reclaim the title of "the best night market on the Luofu".
(Continue to next section)
(Next)
Although Xiaohan's considerations may have some validity, based on what you have witnessed with the merchants in Aurum Alley, you know that his words are problematic.
 Ask again and see what happens...

**Xiaohan:** "Best night market on the Luofu"? With the IPC's funding pouring in, hundreds of commercial centers will sprout. Why would people come to Aurum Alley when they have so many other options? Nobody cares about that title anymore.
 (Continue questioning)
**(Trailblazer):** Say what you want, but we care.
**Xiaohan:** What makes you so determined to hold onto this idea of a "food street"? Why can't the revival of the Alley take on other forms?
**Sushang:** Because people want it to retain its food street. **We have proof of that**.
**(Trailblazer):** **(Do we have any proof?)**
 (Present evidence)  Aurum Alley Merchant Guild Bidding Deposit
**(Trailblazer):** Take a look at this.
**Xiaohan:** I admit that the guild has made a fortune from the dock, but the IPC can offer much more.
**Xiaohan:** You should retract this — I wouldn't want to embarrass the guild.
 (Present evidence)  Spices Supreme Crossover Event
**(Trailblazer):** When people think of Aurum Alley, they think about its food. The two notions can't be separated.
**Sushang:** We organized a crossover between the Merchant Guild and Spices Supreme.
**Sushang:** By sending out coupons and gifts, we attracted twice as many customers as we normally would. This shows that food is still a big reason why people visit the Alley.
 Building on an existing strength is much easier than starting out from scratch.
 The Alley's identity as a "food street" is what makes it so competitive.
**Xiaohan:** ...
**Mingxi:** The revival you envision involves throwing pots of money into building a port while forcing away most local businesses. Wouldn't that erase the very identity of the Alley?
**Mingxi:** Our approach protects the people who made the Alley what it is today.
**Yukong:** That concludes our discussion. We will inform all participants of the result when a decision has been made. Thank you all for coming.
(Debate successful!)
 (Present evidence)  Aurum Alley Business Opinion Poll
**(Trailblazer):** Take a look at this.
**Xiaohan:** You can't just present something irrelevant and expect me to respond.
**Xiaohan:** I can't say what this has to do with our discussions. Please remove it.
(Next)
**Xiaohan:** Aurum Alley needs to adapt and reimagine itself. The future that the IPC offers will ensure its name is known in the most remote corners of the galaxy.
 (Continue questioning)
**(Trailblazer):** You are sacrificing its identity in exchange for a fancy brand.
**Xiaohan:** A brand so fancy that everyone will remember it.
**Xiaohan:** Wouldn't it be better for the Alley to take on a new life and stay known forever? If it remains a market, I can assure you it will die quietly over the course of the next two centuries.
**Sushang:** You don't know that!
**Xiaohan:** ...
**Sushang:** I'm only concerned with what's best for the Alley here and now.
(Next)
You noticed a hint of wavering in Xiaohan's demeanor, indicating that there were likely some intentionally misleading elements within the words spoken.
 Ask again and see what happens...

**The result of the Commercial District bid is not announced, but both parties leave with a good idea of the outcome.**
**Mingxi:** ...
**Mingxi:** Sorry, I was zoning out.
**Mingxi:** I'd heard that Xiaohan had matured a lot since returning from his study abroad. It would appear the time he spent outside the Xianzhou really did make him a better person.
 We change as we live.
 I've matured as well, right?
**Mingxi:** You're right.
**Mingxi:** It really got me thinking... Even though it seems like we're doing the right thing, will we still think so ten years from now?
**Mingxi:** ...Sorry, you don't have to listen to me daydreaming. I'll head back to the dock for now.

### Speak with Sushang

 **Step Description**

The open bidding in the Palace of Astrum for the Commercial District has concluded. As for whether all your hard work thus far will pay dividends, that needs to wait until the Palace of Astrum makes its formal announcements.
The ever-martial Sushang probably never expected that she would end up as a negotiator one day. Find her and speak with her. Central Starskiff Haven

(Talk to Sushang)
**Sushang:** Do you think the guild won the bid?
 Of course, we're the protagonists.
**Sushang:** It sure feels like it sometimes...
 Surely the IPC will win?
**Sushang:** I'm not that pessimistic...
 Is it too late to blow up the IPC?
**Sushang:** Not the brightest idea.
**Sushang:** Anyway, no point in standing around here worrying. I'm heading back to the Alley. Talk to you soon!

### Find out about the merchant guild's recent happenings in Aurum Alley

 **Step Description**

There should be new developments at Aurum Alley. Would you like to go back and check it out?
Visit Aurum Alley regularly Aurum Alley

(Enter Aurum Alley)
(Opens Aurum Alley Revival Project group chat)
 Mingxi added Xiaohan to the group chat
**Mingxi:** I added the young master again
**Xiaohan:** Ohai
**Mingxi:** The bids resulted a while back
**Mingxi:** I received news from the Sky-Faring Commission. We got it
**Sushang:** Wow
**Yukong:** Wow
 Wow
**(Trailblazer):** Wow
 Didn't see that coming
**(Trailblazer):** Didn't see that coming
**Mingxi:** The merchant guild will continue to manage the Aurum Alley commercial district
**Xiaohan:** You could've said all that before adding me to the group
**Xiaohan:** We lost to you
 We won!?
**(Trailblazer):** We won? Unbelievable
**Sushang:** Is it true, Madam Yukong?
 Thank Madam Yukong! Quickly!
**(Trailblazer):** Say "thank you" to Madam Yukong, quickly!
**Yukong:** This is the result from the Sky-Faring Commission's evaluation panel, I was not involved.
**Yukong:**
 **Sushang:** Yippeeee!
**Sushang:** Don't be sad, young master
**Xiaohan:** \*sob\*
**Mingxi:** One more thing, the Exalting Sanctum branch of the IPC will join the guild as a retailer
 The IPC counts!?
**(Trailblazer):** The IPC is such a huge franchise. It counts as a retailer?
 In that case...
**(Trailblazer):** In the case, doesn't that mean Xiaohan is also part of the guild?
**Xiaohan:** As the regional manager of the corporation, I already had plans to establish connections with the local business community
**Xiaohan:** In the future, I kindly request your assistance to work together in rejuvenating Aurum Alley
**Mingxi:** Oh. (Trailblazer), Sushang, can you come to the docks?
**Mingxi:** I have something to tell you
**Sushang:** Sure, on my way
 Be there right away
**(Trailblazer):** I'll be right there
 Imma legit gonna be late
**(Trailblazer):** Imma legit gonna be late

### Talk with Mingxi at the docks

 **Step Description**

Though matters have been resolved, Mingxi still has something to tell you.
Go and meet with her again. Aurum Alley

(Approach designated location)
**Mingxi:** Ah, you're here. I'm the one who dragged you into all this — I must thank you again.
**Mingxi:** Thank you for everything you've done for the guild and the Alley.
 That's too kind of you.
**Sushang:** Yeah, all in a day's work.
 Fancy giving us some more rewards?
**Sushang:** (He/She) meant to say "thank you very much."
**Mingxi:** You two have done a lot to help us. You deserve every bit of praise.
**Mingxi:** Now that I've finally got some free time, I'm starting to reflect on the choices I made and the reasons behind them.
**Mingxi:** The president and Xiaohan had different perspectives because they came from different backgrounds... and I can't help but feel the decisions I made were somewhat restricted by my own background.
**Sushang:** The same can be said for all of us.
**Mingxi:** If that's true, the only way to get a wider perspective is to leave my comfort zone and look outward. The answer to reviving Aurum Alley isn't necessarily within the Alley itself...
**Mingxi:** ...and that's why I secured an internship opportunity at Pier Point with the help of Xiaohan. Once I wrap up here, I'll be on my way.
 It's always good to broaden one's mind.
 Who'll look after the Alley while you're gone?
**Mingxi:** I plan to entrust the Alley to you two. If you ever need any help, just ask the president.
**Aurumaton President:** That's right. If you wish to continue with the inventory or logistics planning, come and find me.
 Oh, didn't see you there.
**Mingxi:** I hope I can come back with new insights. Bye for now, I'll see you when I get back.
(Mission complete)

(Obtained  *Paean of Indulgence* ×1)

### Post-mission

(Talk to Sushang)
**Sushang:** Guess we can say "that's it for today's episode."
**Sushang:** "Be eager to help those in need and do one good deed a day..." I like to practice what I preach, but I never thought we'd accomplish so much.
 All thanks to your bet with Skott...
**Sushang:** I couldn't have backed down, could I? Besides, we got him good.
 All thanks to your shouting match with Skott...
**Sushang:** Bailu told me you two heard me yelling before you showed up. Is that true?
 All thanks to Bailu looking for trouble...
**Sushang:** I don't blame her. I got excited when I heard people arguing at the dock... and the rest is history.
**Sushang:** It feels surreal that everything worked out for the Alley.
 Pretty crazy.
 Indeed. The Alley got lucky.
 Things worked out because of our hard work.
**Sushang:** Yeah... Everything could have easily gone wrong.
**Sushang:** Sure, there were clashes and distrust, but virtually everyone was acting in the best interest of the Alley. If that hadn't been the case, the whole thing would have fallen apart.
**Sushang:** I say "virtually" because of Skott, of course... Lucky for us, he wasn't as smart as he thought he was.
 Cheaters won't prosper.
**Sushang:** Exactly. Madam Yukong would never allow malicious competition. If we hadn't taught Skott a lesson, the Sky-Faring Commission would have done so anyway.
 If Skott has turned out to be Xiaohan's superior...
**Sushang:** Then the IPC would've been more brutal, and the situation would've been much harder for us... Thankfully, Xiaohan turned out to be upright and reasonable.
**Sushang:** Taking all that into account, did we get lucky, or was Aurum Alley always destined to pull through?
 Not sure... but I don't think it matters.
**Sushang:** Agreed!
 It was all thanks to my literary mind.
**Sushang:** Hmph, I may not be as well-read as you, but my mom taught me a thing or two!
**Sushang:** I guess the love and care for the Alley brought everyone together, and that's why despite all the difficulties, things turned out for the best.
 Well said, Sushang.
**Sushang:** Hehe.
 Never heard so many wise words from you before.
**Sushang:** Ha, better start getting used to it.
**Sushang:** Monologues aside, there's still plenty of work to do to get the Alley back on track. The dock still needs your help.
**Sushang:** Let me know if you run into trouble again, I'll be there. Talk to you later!

## Change History

Released in **Version 1.3**[Create New History]