"I didn't think so either... at least, not at first!" Daziel said, his voice sharp with anger. "That Scott, the bastard, and that airhead girl... Sushang. One of them said it, and the other had the nerve to agree. Honestly, I just can't fathom it."
He jabbed a finger towards Sushang, then gestured angrily in the direction Scott had disappeared, a clear expression of disbelief at their combined behavior.
Sushang blinked at Daziel, an innocent look on her face. She stammered slightly, "I... I wasn't really thinking that much into it, Mr. Daziel. I just figured, if it was something you were asking for... then it must be okay."
Daziel felt a prickle of guilt under Sushang's guileless gaze.
He had to admit, in the hidden corners of his heart, a small part of him had been curious to see it play out...
But how could he possibly admit that now?
"Ahem!"
Daziel abruptly looked away, clearing his throat loudly. "I... I really don't mind at all. It's perfectly fine if you don't learn. Completely okay."
Mingxi, who had been quietly observing the exchange between Daziel and Sushang, caught the subtle nuances of their interaction. A flicker of understanding crossed her eyes.
"Truthfully," Mingxi began, her tone shifting, "we are in no position to repay this rent right now. And if we can't... well, it might become far more than just Miss Sushang facing a little... humiliation."
Her face hardened, and she continued with gravity, "The Chamber of Commerce itself will suffer significant losses. Financial loss is one thing, but a breach of trust? That's far more serious. If we lose the faith of the shop owners, the Chamber of Commerce becomes meaningless, just a title. And without the Chamber of Commerce, one company would hold a complete monopoly over the Aurum Alley commercial district."
Her words landed heavily, silencing both Daziel and Sushang.
They had been so fixated on the silly bet that they had completely missed the deeper web of financial implications at stake.
Daziel frowned, confusion creasing his brow. "Wait a minute. If you understand all of this, why aren't you in a panic? Start thinking of solutions! This is a pier, remember? The main revenue is trade, logistics. If you optimize your routes, consolidate cargo, save on transport space… you can cut costs effectively."
In the original scenario he knew, the problem was solved by optimizing logistics and cargo stacking. It was straightforward, certainly less convoluted than that Belobog mess.
However, Mingxi's response was entirely unexpected.
"Mr. Daziel," she said, a hint of something unreadable in her voice, "I'm surprised you know so much about the Aurum Alley Pier business."
She studied him intently, a subtle defensiveness hardening her gaze. "In principle, you are correct. But the rent is due imminently. This long-term approach, while valid, simply isn't fast enough."
"If this method you suggest was a real moneymaker, don't you think we'd already be using it, and able to pay our debts? We do have other methods in play to repay the debt, but right now... we just need a little more time."
Daziel's frown deepened.
No, something was definitely off here again!
In the story he knew, Mingxi had practically begged the protagonist and Sushang for help. But now, she was actively rejecting his suggestion...
What exactly was she playing at?
Seriously, arranging cargo and planning routes? How difficult could that actually be in the real world?
It was absurd to think they couldn't manage this kind of thing without some 'Trailblazer' intervention.
This kind of ridiculously simple solution only seemed plausible in a simplistic game plot like Star Rail.
So, what was the real solution to this whole debt crisis?
Thinking aloud, Daziel asked, his curiosity piqued, "Then what do you intend to—"
"Mr. Daziel, please, don't ask," Mingxi interrupted smoothly. "Rest assured, the Aurum Alley Chamber of Commerce will repay its debt. But the specific method is a commercial secret, and I must apologize, but I cannot disclose it to either of you."
Her words were carefully chosen, perfectly balancing an assurance of their resolve with a firm wall against further questioning.
Daziel and Sushang exchanged a look, understanding dawning in both their eyes.
The situation in Aurum Alley was far more complex than they had initially assumed.
Well, there was clearly nothing more to be gained by staying.
"In that case," Daziel said, cupping his hands in a gesture of polite farewell, "we'll take our leave then."
"Take care, both of you," Mingxi replied, her smile slight but enigmatic. She watched them depart, her eyes holding a depth of unspoken meaning.
Daziel beckoned to Bailu. "Dragon Girl, time for us to go."
"Coming! Brother Daziel!"
Bailu, who had been patiently waiting, perked up at Daziel's call and bounded over, a cheerful expression on her face.
Although she had overheard the conversation, the complexities of it were clearly lost on her.
Yet, true to her promise to Daziel, she had waited obediently exactly where he had left her.
The Dragon Girl is really too good for this world, Daziel thought wryly, especially one polluted by this game system!
Moved by a sudden surge of affection, he couldn't resist reaching out to ruffle Bailu's hair again.
Bailu leaned into his touch, nuzzling against his hand. "Brother Daziel, let's go!"
Daziel nodded. "Let's go!"
…
After walking away from the pier, Sushang finally broke the silence. "Mr. Daziel, do you think the Aurum Alley Chamber of Commerce really can repay the debt?"
"I honestly don't know," Daziel admitted, shaking his head. "But judging by that little secretary's demeanor, she certainly seemed confident."
"I hope so," Sushang sighed. Even with her simple nature, she understood that this wasn't just about her; it was about the future of Aurum Alley itself.
"Well, you two," Daziel said, pausing. "Looks like this is where we part ways for now. If anything comes up, you can reach me on your phone."
Sushang and Bailu nodded in unison.
"Goodbye, Mr. Daziel (Brother)!"
…
Daziel stood at the edge of the pier, gazing out at the starlit sea stretching before him, his chin resting thoughtfully on his hand. He began to ponder…
Could it actually be that this whole situation would resolve itself without him lifting a finger?
No. That was just too improbable. It would never be that simple.
If solving the crisis wasn't about loading and unloading cargo, what outrageous scheme was brewing at Aurum Alley Pier?
Daziel couldn't even begin to imagine.
But a strong premonition tugged at him: he couldn't leave just yet. If he left now, big trouble was almost guaranteed.
It seemed he was destined to remain in Xianzhou a bit longer. He'd head back to the inn later, reassure the Astral Express crew about his safety, and tell them he'd be staying in Xianzhou for a few more days.
Daziel sighed again.
March was probably already worrying her head off about him. And when he finally did return, he'd undoubtedly be greeted by a flurry of her playful pink fists…
…
Back at the inn, Daziel refreshed himself before finally pulling out his mobile phone. He opened the chat group and saw several unread messages waiting for him.
[Astral Express Family]
[March 7th: @Daziel, are you doing okay in Xianzhou? When are you coming back? [Picture] [Picture]]
The pictures were two selfies of March 7th. The adorable girl was lying on her bed, gazing at the screen with a deliberately pitiful expression.
[Welt: Be careful.]
[Himeko: New coffee blends are ready, waiting for your return [chuckle].]
There was also a private message notification.
[March 7th: Himeko and the others know about 'us' now, you don't have to sneak in at midnight for 'that kind of thing' anymore. Pom-Pom even prepared some 'adult toys' for us [Picture] [Picture]]
The two pictures in the private chat mirrored the group chat images – same pose, same movement, same expression.
The only, significant, difference was that in these private photos, March 7th was adorned with suggestive accessories: sex handcuffs and anklets, barely-there lingerie so sheer it revealed her snow-white skin underneath, and a strategically placed purple vibrator nestling within her blue and pink triangle area, its power cord snaking visibly into view.
_____
Hey there! I'm Wallnut-chan! 🌸 I'm translating this fanfic and restoring some +18 scenes that were cut from the original work—since explicit content isn't allowed in China. I went through everything carefully and reinserted the scenes while staying true to the story! Hope you enjoy it!
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