The award ceremony was incredibly spectacular. No one knew who came up with the idea, but all the prize money was presented in cash. Each award stand was piled high with stacks of brand-new banknotes, creating a powerful visual impact.
While the prize money for the lower ranks was still substantial, it only looked about the size of a shoebox when piled together, resulting in a moderate visual effect. However, the fifteen million for the first prize was piled like a small mountain. With the new one-hundred-yuan banknotes weighing 1.15 grams each, fifteen million would amount to 172,500 grams, or 345 pounds, making it difficult for even two or three people to move. The visual effect was so overwhelming that anyone with a weaker heart might need to prepare a rescue pill.
As Li Haochen stepped onto the stage, he glanced triumphantly at Murong Yanran, who was seated in the main VIP chair, with a rather smug expression.
Murong Yanran responded with a massive eye-roll, seemingly implying he would face consequences when they got home that evening.
The top three prizes were presented by provincial leaders, the fourth, fifth, and sixth by the Binhai city officials, and the last two by Murong Yanran herself. The event was very well-organized, catering to all aspects and allowing everyone to have their moment.
During the award and photo session, Li Haochen deliberately swapped positions with the person in eighth place, standing next to Murong Yanran. He whispered, "Wifey, miss me? Heh heh!"
"Miss you, of course. Especially with a million yuan. I just told Auntie Lian that I'm planning to get a new handbag tomorrow. This money is just right, teehee," Murong Yanran giggled, covering her mouth.
"Uh, I'm being targeted again, oh my heavens..."
Due to the immense amount of prize money, Binhai Bank staff were specially arranged on-site to ensure security. Winners could choose to deposit their money at the bank. Without exception, all the winners deposited their winnings. Who would be foolish enough to walk around with tens or hundreds of thousands of yuan on the street? Even with excellent public security nowadays, it couldn't prevent those with envious eyes and a sudden impulse from occasional psychotic episodes.
The month-long competition officially concluded amidst the host's passionate announcement, "The Binhai City National Sea Angling Elite Competition has successfully concluded. We look forward to seeing you next year."
"Next year?"
Even the provincial leaders on stage looked at Ling Hanfeng beside them in confusion, seemingly awaiting his report.
Ling Hanfeng jogged over, bowed, and whispered. A few minutes later, he patted Ling Hanfeng's shoulder with satisfaction. "Comrade Hanfeng, this event was executed exceptionally well. We need to start planning for next year's competition early. If you encounter any difficulties, please bring them to our attention."
Upon hearing this, Ling Hanfeng's heart leaped with joy. The mention of "next year" had completely secured his position as the Chief of Binhai.
As the provincial leaders departed, they made a point to approach Murong Yanran, shaking her hand with great satisfaction and exchanging a few words with a smile. Murong Yanran felt a surge of excitement and nervousness, but her humble demeanor deeply impressed the leaders.
The reason the provincial leaders came over to shake hands and talk with Murong Yanran was her commitment to continue supporting and even increasing her sponsorship for next year's competition. This would significantly boost their political achievements, and as such, the provincial leaders felt obliged to show her respect and give her a prominent role.
This scene had already been publicized by the major media outlets, serving as a deterrent to Mu Zhengtao, preventing him from acting too excessively in the short term.
After receiving his award, Li Haochen had Yang Tao arrange for his subordinates to transport all the catch back to the hotel. Murong Yanran had official duties and did not accompany them.
The leaders' dinner was also arranged at the Binhai Grand Hotel. The meal prepared for the VIPs that evening was exceptionally well-executed. The large yellow croakers Li Haochen had brought back were served, albeit simply referred to as "yellow croakers," which greatly pleased the leaders.
Back on the boat, he finally had time to clean it. He first went to the kitchen to make some noodles to tide him over. He had been on the go continuously, and by the time he finished the award ceremony, it had been nearly seven or eight hours. He was already famished.
After eating and cleaning up, it was past eight in the evening. He secured the boat, locked it, and then went to the security office. As usual, he presented Wang Xiaoming with a pack of cigarettes, chatted with him for a bit, and then rode his little Aima home.
The moment he stepped through the door, the fatigue began to dissipate. This was the special quality of home.
After putting down his luggage, he took a relaxing hot shower to ease his weariness. When he came out, Murong Yanran and Xie Baolian had not yet returned, suggesting that such events wouldn't conclude so quickly.
With his body and mind relaxed, sleepiness overcame him. Li Haochen couldn't resist and fell asleep within ten seconds of lying down on the bed, his sleeping posture rather impertinent. It was likely he was still dreaming of his unexpected windfall that day.
That night, Li Haochen experienced "sleep paralysis" once more, this time accompanied by an incredibly beautiful female ghost. Of course, this female ghost was none other than Murong Yanran. As soon as the banquet ended, she rushed home, showered, and stealthily slipped into Li Haochen's room.
She embraced Li Haochen, kissed him, and a blissful smile spread across her face. Soon, sweet dreams also enveloped her.
Waking up the next day, Li Haochen did not experience his hand going numb again, perhaps he had gotten used to it. However, he was somewhat puzzled by a faint, pleasant fragrance on his body.
He left his room to find the house empty. The two women had already left for work. After eating the lovingly prepared breakfast by Murong Yanran, Li Haochen began to contemplate his next steps. "I unexpectedly received a million yuan in prize money. Combined with the fish catch, I've gained over 1.3 million this time. There's still a shortfall of about two million for the house, and the land reclamation project at Butterfly Bay cannot yet be implemented. I'm still short on funds."
Without dwelling on it too much, Li Haochen maintained his optimistic outlook, believing that things would resolve themselves as they unfolded – a significant strength of his.
After three days at sea, the coconut supply for the coconut stall and Yipin Stewed Soup was once again running low. This situation always occurred whenever Li Haochen went out to sea. Chen He and the others had grown accustomed to it, though they were naturally curious. However, they didn't press for an explanation, having developed their own methods to cope whenever he sailed out.
Li Haochen hopped on his electric scooter and reached the warehouse in about ten minutes. The inventory was not large, but he didn't immediately enter his personal space. He locked the main door securely, carefully inspected it to ensure everything was in order, and then entered.
Upon entering his space, he first checked the condition of Jiuzhou Island. The island's daily growth rate had reached approximately 50 centimeters, which came as a pleasant surprise to Li Haochen. At this growth rate, it would expand by over a hundred meters in a year, a truly remarkable figure.
He picked up his fruit-picking tool, replaced the blade, and began his slow journey to earning money.
Picking coconuts was indeed arduous, but he had no choice but to do it, as it was one of his primary means of income. Moreover, he had his brothers to consider, having vowed to provide them with a lifetime of wealth and honor. What was a little hard work in comparison?
Li Haochen tirelessly picked coconuts all morning, filling the beach. Once he felt he had enough, he stopped.
Drenched in sweat, he leaped into the sea for a saltwater bath. Watching the increasing number of baby fish frolicking before his eyes brought an unstoppable smile to his face. They would be his ATMs when they grew up.
He carried all the coconuts out of his space, locked the warehouse door, and rode his scooter home.