Diagon Alley was sun-drenched today, and the bustling crowds would instinctively slow down as they passed Lynn's shop, peeking inside.
'Epoch-Making Alchemy Shop'—the name was outlined on the shop sign with flowing runes.
Through the display window, various exquisitely crafted items could be seen displayed under the interior lights.
The most eye-catching were undoubtedly those flat squares called 'mobile phones.'
However, the shop's main door remained tightly closed.
A simple sign hung on the door: 'Under Preparation, Please Stay Tuned.'
"I really don't get it," a Witch in a pointed hat muttered to her companion. "The goods are all out, so why won't they open for business?
Does this owner have a grudge against Galleons?"
Her companion, a plump Wizard, shrugged.
"Who knows? I heard the shopkeeper is a genius; maybe geniuses just have eccentric tempers."
At that moment, inside the shop, Lynn was sitting bored on a high stool, his fingers unconsciously tapping the glass counter.
Behind him, two Alchemy Golems were silently organizing the shelves, ensuring every item was in its best display state.
"Only a fool wouldn't want to make money..." Lynn muttered to himself with a sigh.
The problem wasn't that he didn't want to do business, but rather that he was stuck at the most fundamental stage—a stable supply chain of raw materials that met his requirements.
His requirements for core materials were extremely high.
Ordinary Mithril and Dragon Nerve fibers simply couldn't satisfy the needs of 'Epoch-Making' products.
He had contacted several so-called 'senior' suppliers, but either the material quality was uneven or the output simply couldn't meet production demands.
He had even recruited two shop assistants through The Daily Prophet early on; at this moment, they were doing nothing at home while receiving generous 'on-call' salaries.
"Sigh, one cannot make bricks without straw..." Lynn stood up and brushed off nonexistent dust.
It seemed today would be another day without progress. He might as well go back to play with his pets or head to the alchemy workshop to tinker with some other gadgets.
He waved a hand at the golem assistants.
"Watch the shop."
The golem assistants bowed in unison.
Just as he pushed open the back door of the shop, a slightly urgent voice rang out.
"Lynn! Lynn!"
Lynn turned around and saw Draco Malfoy jogging over.
"Malfoy?" Lynn was somewhat surprised to encounter him at the back door of his own shop.
He remembered Draco had bought a broomstick from him last semester.
"Is something wrong... did the broom break?" That was the only reason Lynn could think of for the boy to seek him out.
Hearing this, Draco immediately shook his head, trying to make his expression look more sincere.
"No, the broom is fine. I'm here to... well... invite you to my home as a guest."
He seemed to feel this reason wasn't sufficient and quickly added, "My father, Mr. Lucius Malfoy, also wants to meet you."
"To your home as a guest?" Lynn repeated, his mind quickly calculating.
The Malfoy family, one of the wealthiest families in the British Wizarding World, had extensive connections, especially within the circles of pure-blood families. To be honest, he didn't have much of a favorable impression of them.
"Yes," Draco paused, seemingly making up his mind as he lowered his voice slightly. "I... want to be friends with you."
When he said this, his eyes shifted away; clearly, even he found this line of reasoning stiff.
Eh, friends~ Can't even lie convincingly, friends~
"Are you... sure?"
Draco's face turned even redder.
"Fine, it was my father who invited you to visit.
He said... he might be able to provide what you are looking for—a stable, high-quality supply of raw materials."
Lynn was about to ask how his father knew he was looking for raw material suppliers.
But the thought was suppressed as soon as it emerged.
He had made such a stir in Diagon Alley these past few days, with a shop full of goods that refused to open; anyone with a bit of a brain could guess there was a problem.
It wasn't surprising at all that a shrewd Wizard like Lucius Malfoy could guess the issue was material supply.
Might as well give it a shot.
There was nothing to lose by meeting him; what if a deal could actually be made?
The Malfoy family's resources and channels would certainly be much stronger than him running around like a headless chicken.
Thinking of this, a smile appeared on Lynn's face.
"I see. Very well, I've received Mr. Malfoy's invitation. How about the day after tomorrow? I have time then."
Draco visibly relaxed.
"That's great! I'll go back and tell my father right now!"
As if he had completed a major mission, he turned to run out of the alley, stopped after two steps, waved back at Lynn, and then quickly departed.
The appointed day arrived.
Lynn stood before his full-length mirror, carefully adjusting his robes.
This was a dark green robe made of extremely exquisite material, with the cuffs and lining embroidered with intricate yet understated vine patterns in silver thread. The fabric shimmered with a faint luster under the light, looking expensive at a glance.
When facing a family like the Malfoys, first impressions were vital, especially when there was potential cooperation; one's momentum and style could not be inferior.
He had also carefully selected his mode of transport.
He didn't choose the common Knight Bus or Apparition but instead rented a Thestral carriage.
"No matter what, I can't let the prestige drop."
"Set off for Wiltshire."
Malfoy Manor was situated in the center of a vast estate in Wiltshire, England. It was a typical 17th-century French castle-style building.
Lynn noticed that as his carriage drove in, a figure was already standing before the manor's main entrance.
It was indeed Lucius Malfoy.
He wore a perfectly tailored black robe, holding a snake-head cane inlaid with a snake's head in his hand, his long hair draped meticulously over his shoulders.
As the carriage came to a stop, Lynn leaped lightly down, nodding slightly to Lucius with a slightly apologetic smile.
"I've kept you waiting, Mr. Malfoy."
Malfoy took a small step forward.
"When facing friends, we have always been very patient, Mr. Lynn. Besides," his gaze swept over Lynn's carriage and attire, his tone seeming a bit more sincere, "I just arrived at the door myself."
Whether it was true or false, Lynn certainly felt satisfied hearing it.
Lynn felt a secret thrill in his heart, but his outward smile remained unchanged.
"It is my honor."
"Please follow me; Draco is waiting inside."
Lucius made an elegant "please" gesture and turned to lead the way.
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