"Without your reminder, Young Master, I might have made a grave mistake!"
"Please punish me, Young Master!"
Chen Jian bowed deeply and knelt.
Before he could fully bend, Ye Tian grabbed him and pulled him up.
"Chen Lao, you overthink this. I was simply taking precautions. As the person in charge, this is my responsibility.
As for your actions, they were all based on my instructions to manage the industries under me. If there were any oversight, it's my fault for not clarifying things earlier. How could you be at fault?"
These words filled Chen Jian's aging eyes with gratitude.
The greatest blessing in his life was meeting Young Master Ye Tian!
The young master's generosity and wisdom were unparalleled!
Serving him was truly a privilege Chen Jian cherished deeply.
"Thank you, Young Master, for your care. Still, wrong is wrong. Even if you don't punish me, I must hold myself accountable," Chen Jian said earnestly.
"I request to penalize myself with a year's wages as a lesson for others."
"There's no need for that," Ye Tian said, shaking his head.
"Please don't try to dissuade me, Young Master. If I don't self-punish, this will forever be a hurdle in my heart," Chen Jian replied firmly.
Seeing his resolve, Ye Tian nodded without further persuasion.
Chen Jian then raised a critical concern, furrowing his brow. "Young Master, if we proceed with layoffs, how will we resettle these workers? This is a significant issue."
Chen Jian assured that, under his supervision, the workers would never reveal secrets. But once laid off, uncertainties would grow exponentially. He couldn't guarantee that casual conversations wouldn't leak classified information.
Hearing this, Ye Tian chuckled lightly:
"That's simple. Establish a few large farms in East Sea City and reassign the workers there."
"Meanwhile, offer free training programs at these farms to cultivate skilled talent for the future."
Enlightened, Chen Jian slapped his thigh in realization. "Young Master, you're brilliant! I can't believe I didn't think of this!"
Indeed, this was the optimal solution.
Farm operations were ordinary businesses in Douluo Continent. Even buying a hundred farms wouldn't attract attention.
With workers integrated into the farms, their lives—housing, meals, and activities—would revolve around the farms. Proper management and attractive salaries would ensure loyalty, eliminating risks of leaks.
Chen Jian nodded solemnly. "Once your wedding is over, I'll lead a dedicated task force to implement this plan."
"Good."
With potential risks mitigated, Ye Tian recalled an important matter.
According to tradition, he needed to gift Nana a large fish tomorrow.
The fishing rod was ready, but the assassination attempt by Yu Tianheng had disrupted his plans.
Patting his forehead, Ye Tian hurriedly said, "Chen Lao, I haven't caught the wedding fish yet."
Chen Jian's expression grew more serious than Ye Tian's, his tone even reproachful:
"Young Master, how could you forget something so vital?"
This tradition symbolized a happy and prosperous marriage.
"Thankfully, there's still time. A day is enough to catch one."
"The seaside is cold. Young Master, grab a coat. I'll have a boat prepared immediately."
"No need." Ye Tian waved dismissively. "I'm not catching a 100,000-year sea spirit beast. There's no need for such trouble."
He found the ritual intriguing for its ceremonial value, not as a rigid obligation.
Ye Tian believed that as long as he caught it himself, Hu Liena would cherish it.
Seeing Ye Tian's determination, Chen Jian quietly stepped back. "Understood."
Two Hours Later, East Sea Harbor
Ye Tian sat on a small flat boat with his handmade fishing rod, enjoying a tranquil fishing session.
The sea was calm, but the tiny boat swayed like a swing, adding a playful touch.
An experienced angler, Ye Tian swayed with the boat to avoid seasickness.
Barely five minutes in, a large fishing vessel approached, flying a familiar butterfly flag.
"Isn't that the Butterfly Farm's fishing boat?" Ye Tian murmured in confusion. The flag design was something he had approved himself.
"Such a coincidence, Young Master!"
A voice called out from the ship's deck. A humble fisherman waved cheerfully at Ye Tian.
Ye Tian narrowed his eyes. "Coincidence, my foot."
Butterfly Farm was on holiday for his wedding. There was no reason for their boat to be out fishing.
"Chen Jian sent you, didn't he?" Ye Tian asked flatly.
Caught off guard, the fisherman scratched his head awkwardly, unsure how to respond.
"Come aboard, Young Master. It's better to fish on the big ship," Chen Jian's voice rang out. He stepped onto the deck, abandoning pretense.
Born and raised by the sea, Chen Jian firmly believed a bigger fish symbolized greater happiness for the newlyweds.
"No." Ye Tian didn't even look up, calmly rebuffing him.
Chen Jian sighed inwardly. Ye Tian hadn't considered tomorrow's logistics.
As the groom, Ye Tian would personally present the fish to Hu Liena.
Catching a massive fish wasn't the issue—it was carrying it. Even Hu Liena, with her Soul Emperor strength, could handle it easily, but Ye Tian delivering it in a flustered state would be embarrassing.
Thus, a moderately sized fish would suffice. No need to aim for grandeur.
"Your little rod won't catch a big fish, Young Master!" Chen Jian shouted, straining his neck.
"Not necessarily," Ye Tian replied with a faint smile, uninterested in arguing further.
Just then, his fishing line tightened abruptly.
A massive shadow emerged beneath the water.
Moments later, the boat and Ye Tian were suddenly dragged forward, faster than a speedboat.
Pale-faced, Ye Tian cursed under his breath: "What the hell is this luck!"
The rod was stuck to his hand as if glued. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't let go.
Something felt wrong. "This is trouble," Ye Tian thought, as the mysterious fish pulled him deeper into the sea.
(End of Chapter)
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