Chapter 193: Aurum Alley's Hustle and Bustle 『 Part Eight 』
「 After Xiaohan departed from the group chat, the team exerted considerable effort and finally amassed the capital necessary to bid against the IPC.
During this period, Trailblazer and the others assisted establishments like the Spices Supreme in launching collaborative promotions. Through these maneuvers, they successfully integrated the majority of the snack stalls into their logistics network.
With the backing of these storefronts, Trailblazer's confidence in confronting the Corporation surged.
On the day of the bidding conference, the group arrived at the Sky-Faring Commission to commence a formal debate against the IPC team led by Xiaohan. As long as they could out-argue—or rather, out-debate—their opponents, they would secure the support of the panel.
"Next, I invite both parties to explain their management philosophies for Aurum Alley to the Sky-Faring Commission's Bid Evaluation Committee." Yukong looked up at Xiaohan. "Young Master, let us begin with you. Tell us of your vision and considerations for Aurum Alley."
Xiaohan nodded, offering a genial smile to Trailblazer and the others. "Greetings to the members of the Aurum Alley Merchant Guild."
Trailblazer's gaze sharpened as she stood with hands on her hips. "And what if we aren't doing well?"
"Uh…" It was a verbal sucker punch that left Xiaohan momentarily speechless. He awkwardly wiped sweat from his brow. "Are you certain you want to start contradicting me from the very first sentence?" 」
「 .....」
〜Shingeki No Kyojin World〜
"Pfft… Trailblazer has completely evolved into a 'Contradiction Personality,' hasn't she?"
Armin couldn't help but burst into laughter. He had expected a solemn debate within the Palace of Astrum, but he hadn't anticipated that Trailblazer would start trolling right out of the gate.
"Contradiction Personality? What on earth is that?"
Eren looked at him, utterly bewildered.
"Hmm… how should I explain this? Let me give you an example."
Armin thought for a moment.
"Who do you think is the strongest among humanity?"
"Isn't that obvious? It's the Captain, of course."
The image of the "Midget Titan's" formidable silhouette immediately sprang to Eren's mind.
"Wrong!"
Armin crossed his arms, a slight smirk playing on his lips.
"It's Levi."
"???"
Eren was stunned.
"Aren't we talking about the exact same person?!"
"It is the same person,"
Armin explained.
"That is the essence of a Contradiction Personality. Regardless of whether what you say makes sense, their first instinct is to shut you down."
"Uh… but why would anyone do that?"
Mikasa's head felt a little fuzzy.
"Who knows? Perhaps Trailblazer just wants to tilt her opponent's mental state."
—
「 "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."
"How are interastral cargo ships supposed to dock? There isn't enough room."
"To address this, most of the shops will need to be relocated." Xiaohan nodded. "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."
"Please rest assured, the displaced shops will receive ample compensation. The figures involved are grand enough to ensure everyone leaves with a smile on their face."
"Classic IPC... The IPC is flexing its 'Money-Is-Power' Path again…" Sushang realized she was nearly swayed by his rhetoric and shook her head vigorously. "Wait, shouldn't we ask for the opinions of the Aurum Alley shopkeepers first?"
Trailblazer threw the Aurum Alley merchant intent survey directly into his face. "The majority of the shops here have established partnerships with the Guild and wish to preserve the current business model—including the Workshop of Wright."
"Even if many Aurum Alley merchants desire this, it does not mean they possess far-reaching vision," Xiaohan said, his irritation beginning to show. 」
「 .....」
〜Dragon Raja World〜
"He's right. If Aurum Alley is to develop, one cannot lean too heavily on the opinions of a few shopkeepers… This Xiaohan is a competent leader."
Caesar tilted his chin up slightly.
"Development requires vision and efficiency, whereas shop owners are often confined by immediate interests, obsessing over short-term issues like rent and foot traffic."
"When Paris was being renovated, if Baron Haussmann had sought the opinion of every bakery, the Champs-Élysées would likely still be a medieval alleyway today. A decision-maker should steer the ship like a captain, not act as a waiter."
Watching the projection of Trailblazer and Sushang running back and forth through Aurum Alley, Caesar felt a touch of disdain. As leaders, they should grasp the big picture rather than getting bogged down in the perspectives of individual shops.
"Indeed, spoken like a true Student Union President,"
Chu Zihang said expressionlessly.
"But have you considered that the merchants' opinions represent actual demand? For instance, a time-honored brand like Spices Supreme needs to maintain its traditional layout, and Auntie Gao's snack stall relies on a specific flow of people… Ignore these, and your planning becomes nothing more than a castle in the sky."
"Haussmann's renovation did indeed create a magnificent Paris, but it also displaced tens of thousands of the poor…"
Chu Zihang shook his head.
"Development should not come at the cost of sacrificing ordinary people."
Hearing this, Caesar set down his champagne flute and finally turned to look at Chu Zihang.
"What? They're debating on the screen, so we have to have a debate of our own? Just like back at the Academy? I wouldn't mind."
"Forget it. I merely have some reservations regarding your previous statement."
Chu Zihang spoke unhurriedly.
"You say Xiaohan is a competent leader, but in my view… a leader does not look down upon all things from a height. A leader stands in the rain to hear the sound of every single drop. Compared to him, I find myself more in agreement with Mingxi and Trailblazer."
—
「 "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'!" Mingxi declared with soaring passion.
"'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." Xiaohan countered.
"No! Someone will definitely care!" Trailblazer thrust the Spices Supreme collaboration event flyer before Xiaohan. "People will always need the Aurum Alley food street."
Utilizing modern methods such as promotional gifts and virtual shopping vouchers, the number of tourists visiting Aurum Alley had more than doubled. This was proof enough of the food street's status in everyone's hearts.
To this, Mingxi added: "Young Master, you invest astronomical sums to build a port, but once you drive the shops away, will the Aurum Alley of that time still be Aurum Alley?"
"The future we wish to choose is the one that is 'Most Aurum Alley'."
Mingxi's words caused even Yukong, watching from the sidelines, to let a small smile slip. After both parties had clarified their stances, Yukong announced that the time for free discussion had ended and instructed both sides to await the results.
Not long after the group returned to Aurum Alley, Mingxi couldn't wait to drag the Young Master back into the group chat. She announced that the evaluation results were out: they had successfully won the bid, and the Merchant Guild would continue to manage the Aurum Alley commercial district.
As for Xiaohan, he would represent the Corporation in establishing a storefront to move into Aurum Alley.
"Phew, this matter is finally settled." Trailblazer looked at the now bustling and prosperous Aurum Alley, a sense of accomplishment welling up in her heart.
Beep beep—
Just as Stelle was about to find a spot to enjoy a hearty meal with Sushang, March 7th suddenly sent her a message. She mentioned wanting to head over to the Seat of Divine Foresight with Uncle Yang and Dan Heng to check on the General's current condition. 」
「 .....」