Merlin's insight left the owner shocked, but he soon nodded in understanding. "I won't lie, sir—I have never even thought about all the things you've just said. It seems that I am very much lacking as a businessman, only knowing how to keep afloat what I have instead of showing vision and helping it grow and succeed."

Merlin shrugged. "Well, in this case, you just have to stick to the plan—once we sign the agreement, you can send your workers home. Be sure to tell them that they are on paid leave, that they will be paid half in the next few months, and the remaining half will be given when they come back to work. In addition, they must maintain secrecy and most definitely not work elsewhere, or we will ask them to return our money or ask for further compensation."

The owner nodded repeatedly. "No problem, sir! I will make sure that they take this very seriously—they all respect me enough and won't break regulations on purpose, anyway."

Pausing, he then asked Merlin, "By the way, you