Even though two or three days had passed, the team members still called Lin Yuan "Captain."
They had gotten used to it and didn't want to change.
Lin Yuan didn't mind. He wasn't leading the team for training or going out to fight zombies with them anymore, so being called "Captain" was fine; it sounded pleasant enough.
The dishes were served very slowly, but each dish had solid alcohol underneath to keep it warm.
This was the last of their camp's supplies, brought out by Wu Mengyao, and they were saving it for today.
Once all the dishes were served, everyone started to eat.
Lin Yuan's table was still the usual group, but with the addition of Lin Shouyi and Wang Yixin.
Lin's parents were now chatting with Wang Yixin about family matters.
Lin's parents were naturally very familiar with their son's dear childhood friend. They had even considered setting them up before, but Lin Yuan had persuaded them otherwise. On second thought, it made sense; they were too familiar with each other, which wouldn't be suitable for teenagers.
So, they let it be.
Lin's mother had always had a good impression of this girl whose name was only one character different from hers. However, out of consideration for Wu Tian, her future daughter-in-law, she didn't show any particular warmth.
"What? Xiaoxin, you said you're going to fight in a war in the future!?" Wang Yixin was flustered when Wang Xiaoxin mentioned joining a special forces team, her eyes filled with worry.
Seeing his mother's gaze, Lin Yuan quickly said, "Mom, don't worry. Lao Wang's physical fitness is about the same as mine, and she came all the way from Yuzhou by herself. She might be even more capable than me. The special forces have good benefits. If she's saving up for her dowry, you shouldn't worry.
Just relax."
Wang Yixin wanted to say more, but she felt Lin Yuan had a point and didn't press the matter further.
"Let's eat, let's eat!"
"Oh right, Lao Lin, when are you and Sister Wu Tian getting married?"
Exchanging a glance with Wu Tian, Lin Yuan said, "Everyone has been notified. It's tomorrow afternoon at 6:30 PM, ending at 7:00 PM. I checked the almanac, and it's a propitious day and time."
Indeed it was.
February 10, 2024, Saturday, the first day of the Lunar New Year.
Auspicious for marriage, consecration, seeking offspring, and meeting friends.
The Shen hour was auspicious, and the You hour was auspicious.
The team members' work shift ended at 6:00 PM.
With everything arranged in advance, starting at 6:30 PM and ending at 7:00 PM, it was a perfect day and time, exactly as Lin Yuan wished.
"I've only invited my former teammates and Brother Zeng, along with Lao Wang, Minister Ying, and a few of my colleagues."
"Brother Lin Yuan, how will things be handled tomorrow? Do we need to treat people to a meal? How can I help you?" Jiang Ziqi asked, as she was also free tomorrow. She was scheduled to depart for the Liaozhou Peninsula Military Security Zone the day after.
So, tomorrow was her last day of leave, and she wanted to help.
"Hey, it's obvious you weren't paying attention in class. Of course, we're treating people to a meal, but we're not buying from the security zone market. We ate a lot of work points at the New Year's Eve dinner, so tomorrow we're going to the Minjiang River to the north to catch fish and eat!"
"May there be abundance every year!"
Except for essential personnel, the security zone was closed for three days during the Spring Festival. The authorities knew that freshwater fish were most plump in March and April. Therefore, yesterday, they had posted notices on community bulletin boards stating: "For the first two days of the Spring Festival holiday, you can accompany troops to the Minjiang River bank north of the gate for fishing and netting. After registration, fishing rods, bait, fish traps, and small nets will be provided."
"The security zone does not provide boats or life jackets, so all personnel going out must pay attention to safety, refrain from going more than 800 meters away from the main group, do not cross the river, and do not cross the warning line."
The security zone took the biggest share. There were too few boats, and this was the only opportunity for large-scale fishing each year, so they had to seize the chance.
In any case, a portion of the caught fish would be sold at a discount to survivors in the security zone, another portion would be made into dried fish and canned fish for emergency reserves, and fish with higher nutritional value or other aquatic creatures would be sent to schools, guard troops, and high-risk occupations to supplement their nutrition.
Rational utilization to maximize value.
Would there be overfishing?
Please, there was only one security zone left along the 1600-mile Minjiang River. How could they possibly deplete the resources?
The New Year's Eve dinner was very enjoyable. Since Jiang Ziqi wanted to sleep in the large communal room with Wu Tian and the others, Lin Yuan and Wu Tian had to call it a night and take a break, giving his kidneys some respite.
Fortunately, the double-decker bed was slightly wider than a regular school bed. Combined with the stools Lin Yuan and the others had borrowed, they could fit three people. Jiang Ziqi hugged Wu Tian, and Wu Tian wrapped his arms around Lin Yuan (How did Wu Tian end up as the big winner!! (#ﾟДﾟ)).
The three of them slept soundly.
Peiqi and George (another cat's name, also given by Lin Yuan) couldn't stand it, jumped onto the bed, and squeezed in, separating Lin Yuan and Wu Tian.
"..."
Don't you realize how excessive it is for you two 20-jin cats to do this!
Helplessly, Lin Yuan had to get another quilt to prevent any drafts from getting in.
The first day of the Lunar New Year.
As the morning sun streamed in, Lin Yuan and the others were already awake. Only Jiang Ziqi was holding Peiqi and muttering in her sleep.
"Hehehe, Brother Lin Yuan, Sister Wu Tian, you are both mine, hehehe (º﹃º), come and play with me!"
Lin Yuan: d(ŐдŐ๑)
Wu Tian: (๑˙ー˙๑)
Peiqi: (눈_눈)
I never expected you to be like this, Jiang Ziqi!!
Fortunately, she wasn't crying anymore. Ever since she learned that she could have weekly calls, Jiang Ziqi had no more sadness about parting. She cooperated with the laboratory researchers in every way and was eager to see the vast ocean.
Without disturbing Jiang Ziqi, whom they knew wouldn't be allowed out of the city, Lin Yuan and Wu Tian went fishing with Zeng Yilong, Wang Zhihai, and others.
The weather was excellent today. The lingering dark clouds had dispersed, and the sunlight felt very warm on their faces. Sitting together, the fish cages placed in front of them were already full of their catch. Most of them were carp and crucian carp, but there were also catfish and mandarin fish, rarer catches.
"Good luck today, let's go home." The two of them each pulled up another carp and looked at the four buckets of fish they had already filled.
After a rough estimation, combined with everyone else's catch, it was definitely enough.
The main expenses would be covered by Lin Yuan, with a small portion coming from the team members' contributions.
They exchanged smiles, "We're in for a treat today!" Pushing their small carts, they transported the five large buckets of fish back into the city.
It was already late morning, so they had to hurry back.
A queue had formed at the city gate, indicating that others had already returned home with their bountiful catches.
When it was their turn, the guard soldier said, "Weigh your catch, register your personal information. We will clean the fish on-site, removing internal organs and scales. Only the swim bladders will be kept, and other remnants will be recycled. You can wait here or go home. Waiting at home requires a transportation fee: 5 work points for the north district, 10 work points for the south district, regardless of weight. If you need transportation, please record the weight and the number of fish of each type. Both parties will take photos for record. If the delivered catch does not match, you can appeal to the Inspection Department."
Lin Yuan and Wu Tian exchanged glances and chose to pay the 10 work points for transportation because they still needed to select a venue for their wedding dress fitting.
The processed fish parts here were used to make feed for chickens and pigs, keeping them nourished. They could also be used as fertilizer to water crops.
Even the leftover fish bones from Lin Yuan and the others' meals were to be recycled and not thrown away carelessly; they had to be disposed of in designated areas.
Bone meal was a valuable commodity.
"Can it be expedited?"
The guard soldier looked at him and said, "Yes, it requires an additional 20 work points, and it will be delivered within an hour."
"Alright," Lin Yuan promptly paid the fee and went with Wu Tian to choose their wedding attire.
This was one of the most important events in life, and it had to be chosen carefully.