When Merlin and a group of student union members were about to step out of the supermarket door with slightly tired but satisfied steps, a loud and uniform shout suddenly came from behind: "Boss Merlin!"
The voice was full of respect and gratitude, instantly breaking the silence of the night.
Merlin paused and turned around subconsciously. The scene before him made his heart warm slightly.
Bolt's tall and sturdy body stood straight, Sally was in a strong posture, and Laken looked sincere. The three of them were like three solid pillars, leading a group of employees behind them, who were of different types but all looked enthusiastic at the moment, to bow to him in unison.
That deep bow not only bent their backs, but also expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Merlin.
Bolt spoke first, his voice slightly hoarse with excitement: "Boss Merlin, if you hadn't given us this opportunity today, we wouldn't know where to live. This heavy bonus is your kindness, and it is also the beginning of our new life."
Tears glistened in Sally's eyes. She raised her head slightly to prevent the tears from falling, and then said, "Yes, Boss Merlin, I have been able to make money honestly from being the leader of the Thieves Guild, all thanks to you. Your trust is more valuable than this coin."
Laken also nodded in agreement: "Boss, your planning has shown us what real ability is. Following you is rewarding!"
Merlin listened quietly, the corners of his mouth slightly raised, outlining a trace of relief. He waved his hand with his back to them and deliberately teased them, "This money is not given to you for free. You must work hard for me in the future, you bunch of cattle and horses! Just wait to be exploited by me!"
When the employees heard this, instead of showing any fear, they burst into laughter. Bolt responded loudly: "Boss, if this is exploitation, we are willing to be exploited by you for the rest of our lives!"
Everyone nodded, with determination in their eyes.
After Merlin and the student union members disappeared completely into the night, the employees still stood where they were, looking in the direction Merlin had left, praising him one after another.
"Boss Merlin is so handsome, he's the best human I've ever seen!" A young shopping guide held her hands to her heart, looking infatuated.
"That's right, I knew it would be a good idea to follow him, it's so cool!" The cashier nearby also joined the discussion, his tone full of admiration.
"A real man should be like Boss Merlin, courageous and righteous!" said the security guard, patting his chest.
Amidst all the praise, the employees set out on their journey home with their visions for the future.
They knew that under Merlin's leadership, life would only get better and better, and everything today was just the beginning of a bright future.
In the student union office building of the Arcane Academy, the lights are as bright as day, dispelling the darkness of the night, like a lighthouse standing in the ocean of knowledge.
After a busy day, Merlin dragged his slightly tired body and slowly pushed open the door of his office. The warm yellow light in the room poured out, instantly enveloping him.
As soon as he entered the room, he saw Yuna standing there gracefully. She had a graceful figure and a gentle face. When she saw Merlin coming back, the corners of her mouth turned up, revealing a gentle smile, and she said softly, "President Merlin, you are finally back."
As she spoke, she walked lightly to the table, where a set of exquisite tea sets had already been placed. Steaming hot tea was rising from the cup, and the fragrance of tea filled the entire room.
Merlin nodded slightly to show his gratitude, then walked to the chair and sat down, picked up the teacup and took a sip.
Yuna also sat down opposite, her eyes full of joy, and she congratulated him, "Merlin, congratulations on the successful opening of your supermarket. I heard that the scene was very lively, and several of my friends asked me to go shopping in the supermarket together tomorrow. It's only the first day, and you've made a lot of money. You've really slapped the faces of those nobles in the upper and middle city. They laughed at you behind your back before, and were sure that no one would come to support you on the opening day. Now, they've been slapped in the face by reality, and they must be furious."
Upon hearing this, Merlin just smiled faintly and took another sip of tea without saying anything, as if all this was within his expectations.
However, after this moment of peace, Yuna's expression suddenly became serious, and she changed the subject and said, "Merlin, although the opening today went smoothly, you may also be in big trouble next."
Merlin put down his teacup, a hint of doubt flashed in his eyes, and he became interested. He leaned forward slightly and asked, "Oh? What's the trouble? Tell me."
Yuna said calmly, "You know, in this Arcane City, the nobles have long controlled everything, especially the areas related to people's livelihood, such as food, clothing, housing and transportation, which are almost monopolized by them. Take food for example, they buy it from farmers in the territory at a low price, and then sell it at a high price in the Arcane City. The residents of the lower city can only be forced to accept the high price and suffer terribly. As soon as your supermarket opens, all kinds of daily necessities and food are cheap and of high quality, which directly breaks their monopoly, which undoubtedly cuts off their source of income. Those nobles are used to extravagance and debauchery on weekdays, how can they tolerate others snatching food from their mouths, and they will definitely not give up."
Merlin frowned slightly and nodded gently, motioning for Yuna to continue.
"Moreover," Yuna paused and emphasized, "They not only control the business, but also support gangs in the Lower Town to make money wantonly. They use various means, such as privately raising taxes and manipulating land rents, to make the residents of the Lower Town live in dire straits. Now that you have appeared, you have brought hope to the residents of the Lower Town. They see the possibility of improving their lives and will naturally support you. But in the eyes of the nobles, this is a blatant provocation. They will think that you are inciting public opinion and trying to subvert their rule."
Merlin crossed his hands and placed them under his chin. After thinking for a moment, he said, "I had expected that their interests would be affected, but I didn't expect trouble to come so soon. Anything else?"
Yuna looked embarrassed, hesitated for a moment, and continued, "Also, the success of your opening this time is inseparable from the support of the Arcane Academy, both in terms of manpower and material resources. But the academy is not monolithic, and some professors are closely connected with the nobles. They can't stand your popularity, and they are afraid that you will dominate the academy in the future and affect their sphere of influence. Therefore, they are likely to trip you up behind your back."
After listening to this, Merlin leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling with deep eyes, and remained silent for a long time. He knows very well that the road he has come along has been full of thorns. Although the opening of the supermarket has fired a successful first shot, the road ahead will probably be more difficult than he imagined.
However, Merlin's mouth soon raised a determined arc. Since he had chosen this path, he would never back down. As for tripping him up in the Arcane Academy? Isn't it known that the Arcane Academy is almost becoming his territory now?
Looking for trouble with him? I, Merlin, haven't caused any trouble for you yet, yet you're still thinking of causing trouble for me. It seems like it's time to let those nobles know who owns the Arcane City.
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