Phoenix Arrival

Time is such a ruthless thing... In the blink of an eye, it's the New Year again! But our dreams are still far off in the distance.

President Chiraha! I came here at the risk of being followed. You must help me! Those Eastrise elites have ruined my business!

Oh? That doesn't sound like my business. The Watchtower is not a tool for you merchants to compete for the market.

But the Shiyu family doesn't play by the rules at all! They use their connections with the Eastrise government to suppress me, not only rejecting my goods but also secretly spreading rumors that my products have quality issues. This is bullying!

Miss Lorine, the Watchtower is fighting for the future of Eastrise, not for someone's commercial interests. If you're just here to find someone to vent your anger, I'm afraid you've come to the wrong place.

I can join you! I also want to change Eastrise, so that those families can no longer do whatever they want! Moreover... the Bio-Chips I have in the business world of Eastrise are very useful.

I admire your courage and determination, but the ideals of the Watchtower are not just about confrontation.

Today I have an even more important guest to meet - Awakener from Teslovik. He might be more suitable than me to discuss business with you.

Awakener? Sounds like a very important character. But, is the 'important guest' that President Chiraha talked about really reliable?

Hehe, he may not necessarily be reliable. But that guy is indeed interesting. Despite his low status, he has good relationships with important people! Even Raeon turns a blind eye to him.

Raeon?! Even Raeon knows him?

Don't underestimate him. That guy is warm-hearted, always lending a hand to anyone, sometimes even getting himself into a heap of trouble. However, it's this kind of personality that makes him friends all over the world.

Hmph, having too many friends can also leave you flustered, right? Sometimes, I really don't understand what those people who like to socialize are thinking.

Don't you also wish to have more regular customers?

I'm a businesswoman, of course, I socialize with people for the sake of making money... Once I meet this captain of the Teslovik, I'll know if he's capable or not.

Uh... I'm sorry for being late. This is a small gift prepared for the president. I hope it's not too impolite.

Thanks a lot, Awakener!

You're the captain of Teslovik? You do have a smile that's good at pleasing people...

Awakener, this is Miss Lorine, a well-known merchant from Eastrise.

Since we're going to work together, I won't hide anything. You know I'm a merchant from Eastrise, but what you might not know is that my business... isn't going so well.

Hmm, I've heard some from Chiraha. What's the matter, is the competition too fierce?

I used to be the most competitive merchant in the Eastrise market, but because I was too eager to expand, there were some issues with the quality of my products. The An family seized this opportunity and put pressure on me... Then, my reputation plummeted.

It sounds like the problem lies not only in them but also in you. Are you seeking help from Chiraha and the Watchtower this time to solve your business problems?

You're right. I did make a mistake, but I can't accept it! The business I've built with so much effort was ruined because of one mistake. Shiyu is not a saint. They are just taking advantage of the situation to eliminate their competitors!

Let's do this, we'll first find out the specific situation. If it's just a misunderstanding, then Shiyu might still be willing to talk to you. If it's not a misunderstanding, then we'll think of other ways.

Hmph, you still think I'm wrong... Fine, let's see if you're capable of helping me, partner.

Don't be nervous, the people at An's house are quite polite, at least they won't kick us out directly.

Humph, I'm just worried that Shiyu is not at home, and it would be a wasted trip.

Welcome to the An's house, may I ask what can I do for you two? ...Huh, Captain?

Hello, Anina. This is Miss Lorine. We want to talk to Ms. Shiyu, but we don't know if she is available now?

My sister has been busy with a big year-end project recently, so she hasn't been home these days. If you two have any urgent matters, you can tell me first, and I will pass it on to my sister.

Seems like a wasted trip. But... isn't it better that she's not home? We can directly investigate if there's any evidence against me in her house.

Stop, stop, stop, it's better not to voice such thoughts. Just wait a bit longer, there will always be a chance to see Shiyu.

If you don't mind, please take a seat for a moment. I can prepare some tea for you as an apology...

Long time no see, Awakener. I thought you were too busy to remember me recently.

Well, I've been thinking about you all the time. This time I'm reaching to you for some information about Shiyu's family.

About another woman? Oh... Shiyu has been very busy lately. I'm afraid she doesn't have time to deal with you 'minor characters'. However, since you have asked, I will give you some Bio-Chips.

Raeon is planning to hold a grand New Year's Fair in the capital, where merchants from all over the country and abroad will bring their special goods and performances to Mo Capital. It is said that Shiyu is in charge of the related affairs.

A New Year's Fair? Sounds like a lively event. What do you think, Lorine?

Hmm... sounds good. If I can make a big success there, maybe I can revive my company. But, would Raeon have any objections to a 'problematic businesswoman' like me?

Well... to be honest, Raeon probably doesn't have time to learn of these things about you.

Alright... then this time, I must make her look at me with new eyes!

Do you know, Captain, that this New Year's Fair is not just an opportunity to make money, but also a stage to prove oneself?

It does sound good, but with such a large-scale fair, the competition must be fierce. What do you plan to sell to stand out?

Of course, it has to be unique! However, to truly attract guests in Eastrise and abroad, I still need your help. Sigh... I admit, I may not make it all on my own.

That's unusual, Miss Lorine admitting she needs help?

Don't get me wrong, I am just thinking, having a partner to run errands and smooth things over would allow me to focus more on designing truly outstanding products... What do you think, Captain? Would you like to partner with me and help me win this battle?

Partnering sounds good, but if we fail, don't push all the blame on me.

Failure? What a joke! I, Lorine, never fail. At most, I just succeed a little later than expected.

Alright, partner. I fully support you, just remember to include my share when it's time to distribute the profits.

Of course, I will give you the shares you deserve!