Chapter 10

"Understood. I'll check later, but for now, I'll trust you."

Every action seemed too suspicious when considered logically.

However, if he were lying and trying to deceive, his lies would be too shallow and his actions too incomprehensible.

He had the confidence and ability to carry out everything he claimed.

It made more sense to think that way.

Oranze took a small bag from her desk and placed it in front of Ji.

"Normally, I don't hand these out more than once a day, but this time it's special. It's six copper coins per person per day, so 18 coins for three people. But if there are no complaints today and we can have a peaceful day, I'll give you 20 coins as a special favor."

The bag felt heavy when Ji picked it up. He took out the contents to check the copper coins.

In the merchant world, verifying money is important and natural, so he didn't find it unpleasant.

There were two piles of 10 coins each. Even though Oranze was dealing with a child, Ji knew she wasn't the type to cheat. This was a gesture to show that they were on equal footing.

"Can you come back tomorrow? If you intend to work, we should sign a contract."

"Understood. I'll leave for today, then."

To sign a contract with a child who can't even write and who just arrived recently—Oranze was truly straightforward.

"Is that okay?"

After seeing Ji off, a woman descended from the second floor. She had dark navy hair and a face that left a cool impression.

"I don't know. Medo, I have a favor to ask."

"You want me to see if that child insists he did it, right?"

"Yes. We'll know if he's just insisting or if there's more to it."

It wasn't easy to persuade Medo, who also handled the accounts.

Handing over three people's daily wages to a mysterious boy who made grand claims without verifying his work, and even considering hiring him in the future, was a hard sell, even for Medo.

Medo's cold gaze pierced through. If the garbage wasn't cleaned up and Ji ran off with 20 copper coins, it would be a significant loss.

It was a merchant's intuition. Oranze sensed a depth in Ji that didn't match his appearance.

A depth that could swallow up an opponent, like when she faced her grandfather in the past.

Moreover, he occasionally looked at her with a hint of affection. This bothered her.

"By now, he's probably fled to another gathering in the slums with just the money."

"Maybe not."

Oranze looked out the window. Her father had lost everything due to a failed business venture, guided by his merchant's intuition.

She sold the store and the house in the noble district, and with the remaining money, Oranze started this business.

Despite deciding not to believe in merchant's intuition, she found herself hoping for that boy's success.

She couldn't afford to fail. But being too cautious would mean only making a small fortune even in old age.

"No matter what, I will dominate the economy with garbage."

Oranze's eyes burned quietly with ambition.

For Ji, who was praised for his composure, the reason for his calmness was that Oranze was not an unknown to him.

In fact, Ji had worked with Oranze in the past.

When Ji grew up, Oranze had already expanded her business to most of the city and was even called the "Garbage Queen" in some circles.

To Ji, she was a benefactor. The idea to use a slime's digestive abilities for garbage disposal came from Oranze herself.

Using the method his benefactor had conceived to get a head start and make a little money was a bit selfish of Ji.

But thinking about repaying her for all the hard work she put in, his heart didn't ache.

Ji wasn't trying to exploit her one-sidedly.

He intended to earn a little money and show his gratitude properly.

At this stage, it was about building trust, so he wouldn't interfere. But in the future, he would help accelerate Oranze's business.

Using his knowledge and a bit of persuasion, he could pique Oranze's interest.

"Well, for now, let's enjoy our youth."

With money and time, there was no need to worry about complicated matters just yet.

Relaxing as he felt the weight of the money in his hand, Ji returned home.

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