Harry Potter and the Candy Factory

Honestly, I hope Harry has already opened the gift I sent him.

Finally back in the familiar office, Charlie sat leisurely behind his desk as usual, his fingers habitually tapping the armrest of the chair, while his other hand held a freshly brewed cup of coffee.

He spoke to Russell, who was standing not far in front of him, blowing on the rising steam from the coffee, and then took a light sip.

"Mmm…"

As the coffee entered his mouth, Charlie couldn't help but close his eyes, his expression relaxed and full of enjoyment as he savored the familiar taste.

Indeed, this is what coffee should taste like!

A voice cried out from the depths of Charlie's heart.

He slowly opened his eyes, and when he looked at Russell again, there was a hint of appreciation in his eyes.

He had been drinking Russell's coffee all along and hadn't felt how good it was… But after returning from Malfoy Manor, he suddenly realized that Russell's coffee was actually so good.

Indeed, there is no harm without comparison…

Although saying this was very unfair to Narcissa, who had been taking care of him attentively for the past seven days, Charlie couldn't help but utter this complaint.

However, Russell, standing in front of Charlie, was unaware of the rich emotional changes in his heart, nor did he notice the praise in his eyes.

Because at this moment, Russell lowered his head, focusing all his attention on the notebook he always carried with him.

"In fact… Russell still has some doubts about Master Charlie's actions."

As he spoke, he raised his head, looking weakly at Charlie, and said,

"Russell believes… sending out a secret flagship product that hasn't even hit the market as a gift is really not…"

Having said that, Russell's neck shrank involuntarily, and he didn't continue the rest of his words, but the meaning was self-evident.

"Don't worry."

Charlie gently placed the coffee cup on the coaster, the smile on his face unchanged, but with a bit more confidence and pride than before.

That expression was like…

Russell, with his neck shrunk, couldn't help but think, but didn't say much, continuing to wait for his master's next words.

"It's just a few candies, you should have some confidence in the factory's products. So what if the new product is leaked in advance? Those clumsy imitations will only highlight the excellent quality of Charlie's Candies in another way. Besides…"

Charlie paused, picked up the coffee that had cooled down quite a bit, took a sip, and then slowly continued,

"This is actually not just a gift for Harry…"

Russell scratched his head. Although he didn't understand what Charlie was up to, looking at his master's unfathomable demeanor, admiration reappeared in his eyes.

"As expected… Master's genius-like wisdom is not something I can easily understand!"

Saying this, most of Russell's original worries were dispelled.

"Of course."

Charlie unceremoniously accepted Russell's admiration, the corners of his mouth slightly raised.

"Alright, let's talk about something else."

Before long, the coffee in the cup was gone, and Charlie finally began to prepare to talk about work.

"How are the production lines I told you about when I left?"

"Yes!"

Russell's expression also became serious, and he subconsciously stood up a little straighter.

The notebook in his hand flipped quickly, and at the same time, he spoke non-stop, beginning to report.

"The rectification of the production line related to the Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans you mentioned when you left has been completed. Only one line is left to supply the Hogwarts area, and the rest have been converted into production lines for liqueur-filled, limited-edition Ice Plum Sweeties."

"What about the distributors our people in America are talking to?"

Charlie nodded and continued to ask.

"Progress is smooth, and they are very sincere. They plan to come to England in person in a few days to sign the contract with you face-to-face."

Facing Charlie's question, Russell responded quickly, almost answering precisely the next second after the other party's voice fell.

"Just to sign the contract?"

Charlie's expression was a half-smile as he asked again. However, this time, without waiting for Russell to open his mouth, he answered himself,

"I'm afraid the Americans are worried and want to come and see our production line in person."

As he spoke, Charlie deliberately emphasized the word "see".

"Then…"

Listening to Charlie's words, Russell also frowned for a moment, tentatively saying with some doubt in his tone,

"Should we not let them come?"

"How can we do that?"

Charlie shook his head, seemingly tired of sitting, and simply stood up as he spoke. Turning his head to look at the traffic outside the window, he couldn't help but stretch.

"It's normal to be worried about the first cooperation… Hiding it like this will only make us seem less sincere."

"As for visiting the factory… let them see whatever they want. There's nothing to hide…"

Charlie's figure was faintly reflected on the glass.

He gently placed his hand on the glass, interlocking it with the reflection, and said faintly.

"After all, I can't hide you here forever.

When I first created the House-Elf Liberation Front, the original intention was not just to provide the house-elves with a paradise…

But to allow them to be truly accepted by society, like other magical races, as independent individuals, living in the world openly and honestly."

"The wizards of the British wizarding world avoid talking about the fact that all the employees in the factory are house-elves, as if it were a scab that everyone needs to cover up together."

Saying that, Charlie paused, his tone gradually becoming firmer.

"But what I want is not such a simple default. The more they don't want to mention it, the more I should show it to everyone… Let them adapt, let them understand, let them learn to accept it."

"And the arrival of the Americans this time, in my opinion, is a very suitable opportunity."

Russell's eyes couldn't help but turn red. He looked up at the back, which was not dimmed in the sunlight, and still dazzling, and couldn't help but sniff.

At this moment, his mood was so excited that he didn't know what to say.

He only knew that the most correct thing he had ever done in his life was to hide in that inconspicuous broken bamboo basket when he escaped from Voldemort's lair.

Because it was precisely because of this that he would meet Mr. Charlie Black, and be able to follow him, become his right-hand man, and together with him, witness the house-elves regaining a new life someday in the future.

He firmly believed in this.