After a long period of practice and exploration, their blacksmith had finally overcome the technical hurdles and no longer needed to rely on directly purchasing Iron Ingots to forge Wu Lan equipment. In comparison, directly procuring iron ore was not only more cost-effective but also ensured the quality of the raw materials.
Wutan City, a bustling and vibrant metropolis, gradually came into view before everyone.
The Yodel Trading Company was originally an important stop on John's journey. However, when he stepped through the doors of the Chamber of Commerce, he was surprised to find that it had undergone significant changes.
The prominent sign of the Yodel Trading Company that used to hang above the entrance was now missing, replaced by the bold letters of the newly established Noxus Chamber of Commerce.
Upon entering the Chamber of Commerce, John noticed a man busily tidying up items in the shop, as if preparing to leave. This man was Luni, a merchant John had met during his previous visit for trade.
At that moment, Luni appeared listless, focused solely on his work with his head down, completely unaware that someone was approaching. As a result, he accidentally bumped right into John, who had just entered.
Startled, Luni quickly bent down in a humble posture, instinctively apologizing profusely without even looking up to see who he had collided with. Just then, a strong hand steadied him.
"Luni, no need to be so formal. It's me, Knight John!" The familiar voice reached Luni's ears.
Hearing this voice, Luni abruptly lifted his head, his face lighting up with surprise. "Oh! It's you, John! I’m so sorry; I was too careless just now."
Clearly, Luni still remembered John well from their previous significant transaction.
John looked at the sign before him and felt a wave of confusion wash over him: What had happened to the Yodel Trading Company? Why had it suddenly changed its name?
He turned to Luni beside him and saw a look of bitterness and helplessness on his face. Luni opened his mouth as if wanting to say something but ultimately couldn't find the words.
After a long sigh, Luni condensed all his unspoken thoughts into one poignant remark: "Ah, life can be so cruel!"
This statement only piqued John's curiosity further. He grabbed Luni's arm and quickly led him toward a nearby stall. Once they found an empty seat and sat down, John enthusiastically ordered food from the vendor and generously offered to treat Luni. As soon as the food arrived at their table, John eagerly asked, "Now tell me what happened."
As Luni slowly recounted the events, John finally understood the situation. It turned out that this once-thriving Yodel Trading Company had always been a staunch supporter of the Third Prince. Not only did it continuously supply high-quality Wu Lan equipment and ample provisions for his army, but it also provided full assistance in various matters.
However, fate took an unexpected turn; with the unfortunate demise of the Third Prince, the Yodel Trading Company immediately became a target for retribution and faced brutal scrutiny.
The high-ranking board members were mercilessly stripped of their titles; some even resorted to extreme measures like suicide to escape their fate. Yet who would believe that these so-called suicides were actually orchestrated by unseen forces?
As an experienced employee within the Chamber of Commerce, Luni naturally found himself unable to escape the oppression and exclusion from the new management.
At this point in his story, a hint of desolation flashed in Luni's eyes as he bitterly smiled at John and said, "I must apologize for my situation; after so many years out in the world, I return still alone and with nothing."
"Oh? Would you be interested in working with me?" John asked thoughtfully as he looked at Luni. His territory was in need of someone skilled in commerce; recruiting Luni would be an excellent opportunity.
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