Chapter 10: Meeting

"Nangong, please ask them to join me for a meeting in my office after a few dinners," Lei Jiu instructed Nangong, holding a bowl. Despite his role as an island owner, Lei Jiu could barely manage a few bites of rice each night, with the rest of his meal dominated by fish in various forms: dried, soups, and more.

Nangong Di nodded, taking a sip of fish soup before closing his eyes to savor it slowly. Lei Jiu couldn't help but feel bemused by Nangong Di's behavior. Ever since a potential master chef arrived on the island, Nangong Di had been lost in culinary bliss, particularly when it came to fish soup.

Shaking his head, Lei Jiu decided to let it pass, finishing his fish soup hastily before heading back to his office. Before long, several individuals arrived: Luo Zheng, Nangong Ding, Hei Gen, Li Quan, Yun Zhou, Lang Yongning (a potential master blacksmith), and Tang Yongxin (a master fisherman).

"Please, take a seat," Lei Jiu gestured, grateful that the carpenter workshop had provided desks and chairs for his office. Once everyone settled, Lei Jiu cleared his throat and addressed the group.

"Thank you all for your hard work during the spring ploughing. We've seen great success with 120 hectares of fertile land. I appreciate your dedication and support," Lei Jiu expressed his gratitude, prompting immediate responses from the group, insisting that it was their duty.

Lei Jiu gestured for them to sit back down, continuing, "I've gathered you here to discuss our future tasks and assignments. Hagen, as spring ploughing concludes, we must maintain our farmland. Select a skilled group to handle ongoing maintenance tasks like weeding, watering, fertilizing, and pest control."

Hagen nodded in understanding, absorbing Lei Jiu's instructions diligently. Lei Jiu turned to Tang Yongxin next, assigning him the task of constructing a fishing boat with Lian Carpenter to expand fishing capabilities beyond the island's shores.

Addressing Lang Yongning, Lei Jiu inquired about the quality of hematite, which proved suitable for tool-making but lacked purity for weapons. Lei Jiu adjusted his expectations, settling for standard weapons instead.

For Yun Zhou, Lei Jiu delegated the task of producing ordinary ceramics to the team, allowing Yun Zhou to focus on crafting top-quality porcelainâ€"a venture Lei Jiu hoped would elevate Huanghuang Island's prestige and economic potential.

Turning to Li Quan, Lei Jiu inquired about brick production progress, pleased to hear that the first batch was ready for use. Despite challenges with cement production due to gypsum scarcity, Lei Jiu urged perseverance and innovation.

Lei Jiu briefed Luo Zheng on recruiting and training a military force, providing ten knives for armament. With these tasks delegated, Lei Jiu concluded the meeting, instructing everyone to rest. Nangong Di remained behind, signaling the end of a productive day's work.