The Great Thief

In Marin Noggenfogger’s eyes, Lu Li was very powerful and the boss of many other adventurers.

Those players who worked hard for him never talked badly about Lu Li. If someone dared to, they wouldn’t hesitate to cross swords with them. This was what Marin Noggenfogger was scared of.

“My friend, it’s been a long time,” Lu Li said. He almost had to kneel down to give his Goblin friend a hug.

“Of course, but now that we meet again, I fear I haven’t lived up to your expectations. You have transformed me from a poor wretch to an unfortunate soul,” Marin Noggenfogger sighed. He looked like he was on the verge of tears.

When he thought about the contract that he signed in the beginning, he felt like this was the biggest disgrace in all of Goblin history.

Perhaps in one hundred years, someone would write his story down for the generations. Just because you thought that you had found a life-saving line doesn’t mean that it couldn’t be a poisonous snake. There was once a poor goblin named Marin. One day, he was just about to starve to death, but when he was at his most desperate, he met a demon more evil than Sargeras…

“Don’t cry – smile a little,” Lu Li said as he hailed at the waiter. “My friend and I want four cups of the most expensive wine here, to celebrate the fact that Mr. Marin will soon be the richest person in Gatgetzan.”

Some of the other patrons began whistling for more cups of the most expensive wine as well. Lu Li had decided that the he would pay for the drinks of everyone at the tavern.

Gadgetzan was a commercial centre, and the wines here came from all over Azeroth. All kinds of rare recipes could be found here – even a dragon’s favorite drink – but it obviously wouldn’t come cheap.

There were two cups for Lu Li and Marin Noggenfogger, and another for ‘White Bread’, who was quietly sitting next to them. She was the current logistics director of Ruling Sword, who managed the delivery of materials for Marin’s research. All of the materials requested by Marin were almost exclusively provided by her.

The last cup was for Shen Wansan, Lu Li’s friend and businessman.

When Shen Wansan heard that there was a big project, he immediately came over to make an appearance.

Upon seeing the wine that had been placed before him, his face broke into a wide smile.

“It looks like it must be a pretty big project. Otherwise, big boss Lu Li wouldn’t be spending so much money on drinks.”

“Have a bit of elegance; there are girls here,” Lu Li chided. He was helpless as this fat guy knew no limits. Perhaps it was also bad sometimes to get too close to someone.

White Bread just smiled but didn’t respond. She was a very quiet girl and was not particularly beautiful, but had a temperament that made people feel comfortable when they were with her. She had a good relationship with most members of the guild and everyone else generally had a good impression of her.

“Hey Bread, long time no see. Are you feeling better now?” Shen Wansan asked. He and White Bread seemed to be close.

“Thank you Shen Big bro. I’m feeling much better,” White Bread answered with a smile.

“What happened? If you aren’t feeling well, then get more rest. If you need any help, just ask the guild.” Lu Li had a sick sister, so he was particularly concerned when this kind of thing happened.

“Thanks boss. I’ll let you know if I need anything,” White Bread said in gratitude.

She knew that Lu Li wasn’t just saying that to be polite. In fact, Lu Li never said anything to be polite. He wouldn’t say anything that he didn’t mean.

“Who is he?” Marin Noggenfogger was a little worried after seeing Shen Wansan, who appeared to be a businessman like himself. There would always be a feeling of conflict between businessmen.

“My friend. As you can see, he is also a businessman,” Lu Li answered as he stopped the goblin who wanted to run away. “I will give him 10% of what has been apportioned to me, and he will be responsible for distributing the goods. Mr. Noggenfogger, his distributions channels are completely beyond what you can imagine.”

Half of a tenth would be a twentieth.

“That’s fine. I’ve already signed the contract anyway,” Marin Noggenfogger said, feeling his heart skip a beat.

“White Bread, you can take another tenth from me as well. Thank you for all your hard work.”

Lu Li wasn’t a mean or stingy boss. He had seen all that White Bread had done for the guild and had been waiting for an opportunity to compensate her for it.

A guild that developed quickly and healthily couldn’t be the result of people like Lu Li and Square Root 3 alone.

There had to be some public servant that could coordinate relationships between guild members. This would guarantee a warm and welcoming environment within the guild.

White Bread was talented in this respect.

Right at the beginning, when she didn’t even have the title of Logistics Manager, she would spontaneously take a group of players out to do quests together and direct the Life Profession players to perform their duties.

What Lu Li respected the most about her was her selflessness. The guild would occasionally reward her with some equipment and gold coins, but she was always giving out her own items and money to help those in need. Lu Li always wished that someone like that had come across him and his sister in his previous life.

“No, you don’t have to. I haven’t done anything,” White Bread refused.

“I’ve already made a decision,” Lu Li interrupted, before turning to tell Shen Wansan about the Noggenfogger Elixir.

Shen Wansan was stunned and looked at Marin Noggenfogger in a daze.

“You’re giving him half of the profits? Are you okay?”

Marin Noggenfogger’s face was blue with embarrassment as he mumbled, “I was really desperate at the time. Mr Lu Li, given what your friends are saying, did you give me too big of a cut…?”

“Cough cough…” Shen Wansan coughed twice and patted Marin Noggenfogger on the shoulder before saying, “But Mr. Goblin… you have already signed the contract. Going back on your word is not a good look on your character as a merchant. Don’t allow us to look down on the Goblins like this. Come everyone, let’s have a toast for our future filled with gold coins… cheers!”

This was a big business, and it was also a long-term one. Shen Wansan was well-informed and already understood the profits that were to come.

He didn’t even try to get a bigger share because he knew it would be too greedy. If he missed this opportunity, he would regret it for a lifetime. Besides, he still had other sales on the side.

Lu Li also had no choice – it was unrealistic for him and Marin Noggenfogger to sell these potions to every region of Azeroth.

He couldn’t do this alone either; he was going to have to hire a large number of people to coordinate the sales for this project.

Teamwork was the fastest way to quickly sell these Noggenfogger Elixirs and rake in cash. If you couldn’t engage in teamwork, you would never turn a big profit.