At this point, the little secretary paused briefly.
She gritted her teeth and clenched her fists, but relaxed them again a moment later. She simply lowered her head, a faint loneliness showing in her eyes.
"The Xianzhou Luofu has temporarily docked to rest and recuperate, and trade with the IPC has grown increasingly frequent. The merchant guild has encountered a real threat-the IPC has publicly announced its bid to develop Aurum Alley. Its promises are tangible and extremely aggressive.
"The gentle downward slope suddenly broke apart and collapsed. No one could pretend not to see it anymore. Both the merchant guild and Aurum Alley itself are already in a precarious position.
"The operating contract for Aurum Alley's commercial district is about to expire. The IPC's regional supervisor has set his sights on it and begun making arrangements. The dock's debt crisis is only one part of those arrangements.
"Meanwhile, the various shops in this district are also wavering-some see the IPC as a predator beside their bed, harboring ill intentions; others see the high profits it promises as a turning point...
"The unease has only grown worse-now everyone is worried that 'Aurum Alley is about to disappear.' The merchant guild has to do something, at least to secure a few more benefits for the local merchants."
"I see." Stelle nodded.
"So, on behalf of the merchant guild, I would like to formally invite you to take part in our plan to save Aurum Alley as business consultants," the little secretary said.
Stelle blinked. "May I ask if business consultants are well paid?"
"Uh..." The little secretary fell silent for a moment before saying, somewhat lacking in confidence, "Although the merchant guild is short on funds, we certainly won't shortchange you."
"No problem. I can pay the consulting fee, can't I?