Chapter 79 The Dam Project <TOC> Chapter 81 Mixed Joys and Sorrows
Translator: SumTLMan
Zheng Tao opened his eyes and gazed out the window.
Some falling snowflakes clung to the glass, quickly melting into droplets that trickled down.
This winter was very quiet. Inside, it was as warm as spring. By touching the protruding stone on the wall, the room would be filled with light—even offering two types of illumination, yellow and white.
His servant, Zheng San, had been chattering incessantly, saying he’d never seen such a magical house; even the high-end mansions in Tianjin couldn’t compare.
Zheng Tao walked out of the bedroom and found Zheng San curled up on a thick rug on the floor of the outer room.
The young man was softly snoring, sleeping soundly.
The old man tiptoed to the adjacent lavatory. He washed his hands and face with hot water from the faucet, then sat on the toilet, which, although made of stone, wasn’t cold at all.
As Zheng Tao stood up, he began to break out in a cold sweat and had difficulty breathing. The discomfort lasted for a while, and he nearly fell.
He leaned against the wall as he came out; Zheng San was already awake.
“Master, are you feeling unwell again?”
Zheng San hurriedly poured water for the pale-faced old man, found his medicine, and prepared some dry biscuits for breakfast.
“It’s alright, not as bad as last time.”
Zheng Tao took his medicine and rested on a chair by the floor-to-ceiling window in the living room.
He now very much enjoyed looking outside.
It was different from any place he’d stayed before. The perilous and wild Dead Sea was just a stone’s throw away, but because of the presence of abominations, a thin pane of glass had become an impenetrable barrier for the monsters.
This experience was quite marvelous—thrilling yet reassuring.
? ? ?
Something outside caught Zheng Tao’s attention.
His eyesight wasn’t very good. Pointing to the edge of the Dead Sea outside the window, he asked: “What’s that?”
Zheng San looked carefully and said: “Master, it looks like a dam, and there’s a boat.”
“Was it there yesterday?”
“It was there yesterday.”
Zheng Tao frowned: “What about the day before yesterday?”
“It wasn’t there the day before yesterday,” Zheng San shook his head.
So, in just one day, that huge dam was built outside?
Zheng Tao glared at the young man: “Why didn’t you tell me about this?”
Zheng San scratched his head: “Master, didn’t you say we’re here to mind our own business, just take care of ourselves, and not disturb your rest for the winter—and besides, when you’re reading, you never allow me to interrupt.”
The old man was so angry that he gave him a flick on the forehead: “When will you be a bit more perceptive!”
“Sorry, Master,” Zheng San hugged his head and shrank his neck, shivering.
This bout of anger actually made Zheng Tao feel much more spirited. He put on his coat and said: “Let’s go out.”
He had Zheng San knock on the neighbor’s door.
The door next door opened. Qian Su was tightening her right arm with a wrench: “Uncle Zheng, up so early? What’s the matter?”
“That dam outside——”
“Oh, that. They say it’s for collecting Light Sand on the Dead Sea,” Qian Su said: “But I don’t know the specifics; it was just built.”
Zheng Tao immediately understood.
Jade Emerald City had absolute dominance in this area, and with those Warrior Crabs, it was enough to deter the Light Absorber species in the sea from approaching.
As a result, the nearby sea became a safe, developable area.
Building an artificial sea to collect Light Sand was a very wise long-term plan.
“Why didn’t I feel anything while staying inside the house?” The old man expressed his confusion.
The girl moved her newly attached arm: “That’s because the sound insulation here is too good. Even if there’s an explosion outside, you wouldn’t feel it unless you step out.
“Mr. Zhou said it’s also for everyone’s sleep consideration. Many people are light sleepers and can be easily awakened. He specifically requested this, and Jade Emerald City did soundproofing in the foundation.”
Zheng Tao nodded. That makes sense.
People tend to sleep poorly as they age.
In Sand Port, Zheng Tao was always easily awakened. The houses there weren’t bad, sufficient to keep out wind and rain, but they couldn’t block the various noises and strange cries made by monsters. Once he was woken up, it was very difficult to fall back asleep, and his mental state was poor.
Since officially moving into Jade Emerald City, Zheng Tao slept until he naturally woke up. He used to be like this in his thirties, but after forty, it was difficult without relying on alcohol.
“Uncle Zheng, why don’t we go down and take a look at the dam?” At Qian Su’s suggestion, the three of them went downstairs.
As they got closer, Zheng Tao discovered that Jade Emerald City and the artificial sea had become integrated, especially Building Nos. 2 and 3; stepping out the door, they could walk up a raised slope directly onto the Dead Sea.
A large number of residents had gathered here.
On the dam were people carrying buckets, chatting as they walked.
These people wore tattered clothes, but their faces showed an obvious enthusiasm and excitement; everyone seemed full of energy.
Zheng Tao asked Qian Su: “Did Mr. Zhou make any promises to them?”
“Not any specific promises.”
Qian Su also observed the passing Light Sand workers: “As far as I know, the salary is good. Mr. Zhou is paying them 6,000 mushrooms a month.”
“How much?”
“6,000. This wage is very attractive, close to home, and there’s free housing. Everyone is working hard.”
Zheng Tao wondered if he had misheard.
As someone who climbed up from the bottom, he was very sensitive to prices.
In towns like Grub Grain Town, the average monthly income per person was probably less than 2,000 mushrooms.
The farming group in Chicken Head Town could be considered a benchmark, with monthly pay around 3,000 mushrooms. Considering they provided food and lodging, it was already a place most people dreamed of.
Under normal circumstances, port workers’ income was lower than that of the farming group.
Senior craftsmen were the standard high-income group in Sand Port, with a monthly salary of about 5,000 mushrooms. Including the piece-rate earnings from crafting and repairing, it totaled about 6,000 mushrooms a month. Only a very few people could break this ceiling.
The Wasteland Development Company recruited these scavengers to be Light Sand workers and directly offered near-top wages.
Zheng Tao was puzzled: “Can Mr. Zhou really make money doing this? Doesn’t he consider profitability?”
Qian Su showed a mysterious smile: “Who knows? Perhaps some people don’t care about making money, just doing it out of interest. Some individuals can’t be viewed in the same way as ordinary people.”
From her words, Zheng Tao vaguely sensed something.
But Qian Su stopped there and then said: “The real work area is under the dam.”
Inside, the dam was a hollow structure.
After walking down, Zheng Tao realized that the dam was made up of stone houses stacked and connected. The window openings of each stone house became natural collection ports. Workers tied grass ropes around their waists, with the other end fixed on the dam, and used nets through these openings to collect Light Sand.
People worked indoors, not afraid of wind and sun, and it was very safe.
Zheng Tao watched the workers, each with a beaming smile, thinking that earning such an income, even his younger self would be happy, probably wishing to do this job forever.
He didn’t doubt Mr. Zhou’s financial resources.
He even provided free housing for infants with abominations, let alone this bit of money.
Zheng Tao couldn’t help but ask: “What is Mr. Zhou’s background?”
Usually very talkative, the girl now just put her finger to her lips.
Zheng Tao immediately understood.
Qian Su did know his background, but it was a kind of taboo.
Zhou Yi’s background was probably a bit intimidating.
Various thoughts flashed through the old man’s mind.
Suddenly, someone nearby came over with a bucket and shouted loudly: “Folks, the company’s farm had a bumper harvest! The Chairman is treating everyone to freshly harvested roasted sweet potatoes! Come on, everyone gets one—they’re hot!”
The workers immediately gathered around.
They all cherished the current environment and work. Each took only their allotted one, savoring this rare winter delicacy.
Zheng Tao and the others also received theirs.
The old man peeled the sweet potato skin and slowly chewed the sweet tuber, feeling a bit melancholy: “In a place like Sand Port that doesn’t produce sweet potatoes, this thing would cost about 300 mushrooms each. Mr. Zhou is as generous as ever.”
Qian Su gnawed on the sweet potato and said: “Uncle Zheng, about the matter we discussed before regarding the Elders’ Association—could you help write a recommendation letter?”
“Those retired Enhancers are not easy to convince. You serve as a mediator in the Elders’ Association. With your recommendation, they would be willing to come here for retirement. I asked Mr. Zhou about this; he supports it.”
Zheng Tao nodded: “Alright, I’ll write it.”
“But you also help me with something.”
“Please, go ahead.”
Zheng Tao looked at the girl in front of him: “I probably won’t live for another month. After I die, if you can, help Zheng San find a worker’s job.”
He pointed to the somewhat dazed servant beside him: “He’s not a quick-witted person, but he’s diligent, obedient, and capable. He’s taken care of me for several years. I want to find him a path. I think this place has prospects.”
Qian Su nodded: “That shouldn’t be a problem, because the Light Sand Dam still needs many workers.”
“Then I’m relieved.”
Zheng Tao looked at the servant next to him.
Zheng San suddenly said seriously: “Master, you won’t die.”
“Everyone dies, you fool,” the old man smiled and scolded.
“You won’t die. You’ll live a long time.”
“Why?”
Zheng San said: “My mother said that good people should live long lives. Master, you’re a good person.”
Zheng Tao was stunned for a moment. Finally, he nodded: “Alright.”
Chapter 79 The Dam Project <TOC> Chapter 81 Mixed Joys and Sorrows