The commercial district was about to open, and guests from all sides arrived in succession. The entire city-state was enveloped in a joyous atmosphere.
"Steward Chen, congratulations, congratulations."
Words of congratulation were endless. Chen Yu, who was receiving guests at the commercial district, smiled at the beastman before him.
He felt rather apologetic.
He didn't have a strong impression of the beastman congratulating him. He vaguely recalled that this might be the owner of a shop he'd encountered during previous procurement.
Whether they were acquaintances or not, a smile was the appropriate response at this moment.
Most of those attending the opening of the city-state's commercial district had trade partnerships with their city-state, while some were there out of reputation.
It couldn't be helped!
Chen Yu's city-state was simply too wealthy.
In just this period, the personnel dispatched by Kailin to procure goods from various places had spent tens of millions of gold coins. Even some prominent families in towns might not have total assets of ten million gold coins, let alone liquid funds to procure materials.
With such a prosperous emerging city-state, which merchant wouldn't want to make contact?
Chen Yu stood amidst the guests, engaging in polite conversation. He didn't find the phrase "polite conversation" to be negative; rather, it was fitting.
It was all for profit.
If Chen Yu's city-state wasn't such a wealthy patron, no matter how well he promoted it, people might not be willing to come.
Chen Yu understood this.
Why should he expect others to offer help in times of need? Those who could offer such help were heaven-sent benefactors, rare and hard to find.
Being able to add splendor to an already bright occasion was enough for him.
However, Chen Yu's label for these people was mere acquaintances. They might have commercial cooperation, but becoming friends was still a long way off.
Suddenly, his wristband chimed, and Chen Yu received a message.
"Camp Leader, the Elton family has arrived."
The message was from Kailin.
Upon receiving the message, Chen Yu raised his head slightly and happened to see Kailin, who was surrounded by many people, also looking in his direction and giving him a subtle signal.
"My apologies, everyone. I need to excuse myself for a moment."
Chen Yu smiled and nodded at the bosses around him. Kailin also extricated herself from the crowd of bosses, and the two met.
"You invited the Elton family as well?"
Chen Yu couldn't help but raise his eyebrows in surprise as he came beside Kailin.
His small city-state was unknown. At most, it was somewhat renowned in its immediate vicinity. It was already a great honor for merchants from other city-states to be willing to come.
A prominent family like the Eltons making a personal appearance was truly flattering.
"Shouldn't I have invited them?" Kailin asked, feeling a little apprehensive. "Aren't you and Miss Ronnie always on good terms?"
"Pfft!"
Chen Yu almost spat out his drink.
He and Ronnie Elton being on good terms? Did Kailin misunderstand something?
"Did I do something wrong?" Kailin looked worried. Seeing this, Chen Yu smiled and shook his head. "Their willingness to come is naturally very beneficial to our city-state. I was just afraid they might refuse the invitation. Since they're here, we should fulfill our duties as hosts."
With a slight smile, Chen Yu walked half a step behind Kailin towards the east gate to greet them.
The Elton family was indeed a prominent family of the underground world. The procession arriving was grand, and anyone could tell at a glance that they were of a different caliber than the shop owners before.
There were also many acquaintances of Chen Yu among them.
For example, Ronnie, the young lady of the Elton family, and her several Golden Realm bodyguards, whom he had met several times.
However, the imposing middle-aged man leading them seemed unfamiliar to Chen Yu.
"Hmm, look quickly, the Elton family has arrived too."
The appearance of the Elton family also caused other guests in the city to exclaim in surprise. It wasn't that they recognized the individuals from the Elton family, but rather the Elton family's banner. Larger towns and city-states in the underground world displayed it, and their business spanned very widely.
"Even the Elton family is here, it seems this city-state really has potential."
Many shop owners' thoughts began to stir, seeing the potential interests within this city-state.
They were invited primarily for financial reasons. Kailin's previous procurement was too aggressive, and no one wanted to offend such a patron.
However, this was limited to attending an opening ceremony.
Investment was not something they were considering.
"Righteousness does not preclude wealth."
How many businessmen were not astute? Upon entering the city-state, they had observed its construction. In their eyes, this was a city-state that was starting from scratch.
The commercial district was rushed into completion, eager for use.
Although the city-state had a considerable population, they did not believe this could stimulate the city-state's economy. Furthermore, this city-state was an isolated one, not yet recognized by the royal city.
Without recognition from the royal city, safety could not be guaranteed.
Bandits would freely encroach.
This city-state would have difficulty finding peace.
How could they do business?
Whether to invest or not was still in a state of observation.
Now, the arrival of the Elton family had begun to shift their thinking.
For any city-state, the presence of Elton family shops would greatly boost its economy. Perhaps they should follow behind the Elton family and gain some benefit.
"Esteemed guests have arrived, we apologize for not welcoming you properly. We hope you will forgive our shortcomings."
Kailin, walking at the front, was full of apology. Chen Yu stood beside her and glanced at Ronnie, only to receive a fierce roll of her eyes.
Immediately, Chen Yu was somewhat bewildered.
He believed he hadn't offended Ronnie in any way. Even if there were some past grievances, they were from a month ago. Why was she so vengeful?
"City Lord, you are too kind."
The middle-aged man at the forefront, with a smile, lightly raised his hand. A person standing beside him, holding a gift box, stepped forward.
"A small token of our appreciation, it is not much."
"You are truly too polite."
Kailin replied courteously, and Noah beside her stepped forward to receive the gift box.
"You must have had a tiring journey. I presume you nobles have had a difficult trip. Perhaps you would like to sit in the rest area?" Kailin inquired softly.
"Sitting is unnecessary."
The middle-aged man smiled and shook his head, glancing around.
"I am here to discuss business, not to rest. I also want to take a good look at this newly established city-state of yours, of course, depending on the City Lord's wishes."
"Of course, no problem."
Kailin agreed without hesitation. The group then departed. Suddenly, someone among the guests attending the opening ceremony's attendees widened their eyes and pointed in the direction the Elton family was leaving.
"That... that..."
"What is it? The Elton family, don't you recognize them?" the guest beside him whispered. The beastman, whose lips quivered and couldn't speak, shook his head vigorously. "No, I mean the middle-aged man at the front of the Elton family. He, he seems to be..."
"Who? An elder of the family?"
The guests raised their eyebrows. The stuttering beastman continued to shake his head. At this moment, Kailin also smiled and asked softly.
"It is truly impolite that I haven't introduced myself yet."
"Ah, how rude of me, not to have introduced myself," the middle-aged man leading the Elton family said with a smile. "I am Fuhua Elton, the current patriarch of the Elton family."