"Hey, you should have said so earlier." Vivian's eyes instantly turned into dollar signs when she saw the money pouch in Alan's hand.
"Boss, just tell me what you need. From the day I met you, I knew Alan Wilson was an outstanding young man who valued loyalty and had a conscience. He would never forget his friends when good things came along." Vivian's expression changed faster than flipping a book. Just moments ago, she was grumbling with a look of indignation, but now she had transformed into a total bootlicker.
"Alright, alright, you can talk less." Alan sighed helplessly. If he had another choice, he wouldn't have sought out this gossipy girl. Wherever she went, she turned the place into a bustling market.
"So, what kind of job do you have for me? You weren't very clear in your letter. With your strength, you surely don't need me to fight, do you?" Vivian chuckled, then surveyed her surroundings. "Wow, you said you got a house in Diagon Alley—is this it? You've waited so long and didn't even invite me over to visit, how heartless. Hmph, Gringotts is right across from your house? This environment is pretty good. Isn't it convenient for shopping in Diagon Alley? By the way, can I stay at your place for a few days? I've never seen Diagon Alley at night."
Vivian completely ignored Alan's advice and began touring the house on her own, touching this and looking at that. She even stuck her head out the window to admire the scenery of Diagon Alley. To be honest, Alan was already regretting it a bit. Having Hog at home was annoying enough, and now there was another chatterbox.
"Enough, I called you here for serious business. If you can help, then anything you want to do can be discussed." Alan quickly stopped Vivian, who was touching things everywhere. Her hand had just been holding a chicken leg, greasy and sticky, and she had smudged his curtains.
"So, what exactly do you want me to do? But I'll tell you now, I don't do manual labor. As a lady, I wouldn't do anything so undignified," Vivian said, feeling quite pleased with herself.
*Your so-called lady is the one who knocks people off their brooms with a bat during Quidditch,* Alan rolled his eyes, unable to help but grumble inwardly. "Don't worry, this is very simple for you. I just need your advice on business matters."
Alan briefly explained his current difficulties. Vivian came from a prominent family, was a half-blood wizard, and enjoyed gossip and fun; she had insightful views on the thoughts of both pure-blood and half-blood wizards.
"So, in just one summer, you opened a company? Good for you, you actually secretly opened a shop when we weren't paying attention." Vivian's thought process was unique. Compared to helping out, she was clearly more surprised by the business itself.
"I told you about this a long time ago. It's just that you were distracted all the time and didn't pay attention. Whose fault is it that you're always late and leave early for every training session? Besides, I asked you to help, not to complain." Alan glared at her.
"Is that so?" Vivian looked at Alan blankly. She vaguely remembered that Alan had indeed mentioned something, but she had completely forgotten it once summer vacation started. "Alright, so you mean you want me to advise on your products and see if there's room for improvement, right?"
"Only the appearance. The product's functions are already complete. You've seen what I sell; they're the alchemy tools I had you help me test." Alan breathed a sigh of relief; they were finally getting to the point.
"Alright." Vivian recalled briefly, then nodded. "Then take me to see the finished products first. But I'm telling you now, if you're not satisfied with my ideas, I won't refund you."
Alan nodded helplessly, then led Vivian to the first-floor storefront. Due to dismal sales yesterday, he had closed the shop today, preparing to reopen after making adjustments. As soon as Vivian entered, she began observing with great curiosity, not at all like someone who had come to help, but more like an ordinary girl out shopping.
"Wow, this raven magic lamp is really interesting. Aren't your products quite fun? They look very appealing!" Vivian's eyes were immediately drawn to the small items on the counter. She looked at Alan with a puzzled expression. "Aren't your products pretty good?"
"Uh, that's just a lamp I made for auxiliary lighting; it's not a product," Alan said awkwardly.
*I'll develop the magic lamp into a product later. Even Vivian can see it has a bigger market. Why didn't I realize it before? Am I really not suited for business?* Alan was starting to doubt himself.
"Then instead of selling those dangerous weapons, you should sell this instead; many people would surely like it." Vivian, without much tact, twisted the knife in Alan's wound again.
"I know, stop staring at the lamp and help me look at other things," Alan said, changing the subject.
"Alright." Vivian pouted, somewhat bored, then looked around. "Your decor here is quite distinctive. Are you sure you really don't have an aesthetic sense? By the way, how did you get those magic patterns on the walls and chairs? They're beautiful. Why don't you just sell furniture? With chairs like yours, priced at three to five Galleons, someone would definitely buy them!"
"No, these pieces will lose their effectiveness once they are moved out of this house. The reason they have magic patterns is because the entire house is connected to a magic supply. Without it, the patterns will naturally fade." Alan shook his head. These pieces glowed at the cost of consuming magic. They were made of ordinary wood, and even if runes were inscribed, they wouldn't last long without expensive materials.
"Oh, I see." Vivian pouted helplessly, then finally turned her attention to the products. "You only sell so few things here?" She looked at the shelves, her eyes widening in disbelief. "I remember you developed quite a few tools, didn't you? Where are your Tactical Vests, your Magic-Suppressing Handcuffs? Why aren't they displayed?"
"Those products are more dangerous and can only be purchased by professionals; they cannot be sold to civilian wizards," Alan briefly explained.