After exchanging pleasantries with the sales representative, he followed him into the shipyard.

Soon, he spotted a fishing boat with a predominantly white hull—identical to He Zheng's vessel in every exterior detail. The main difference lay in the interior finishing. They boarded to find the boat had been thoroughly cleaned, and stepping into the cockpit, they detected none of the residual fumes from recent renovation work.

The boat had clearly been completed some time ago, allowing any noxious gases to dissipate completely.

The cockpit area featured a compact lounge, the helm station, and a small kitchenette equipped with an induction cooktop. Below the adjacent counter sat a combination microwave and convection oven.

Finally, they descended into the cabin's sleeping quarters.

A few steps down and through the door, they found a compact bathroom to the right and shoe storage to the left. The space was dominated by a large bed shaped to follow the boat's bow—narrow at the front, widening toward the stern. Above the bed, built-in shelving ran along the walls for storing personal items and luggage.

After inspecting the vessel from top to bottom, they found no issues whatsoever.

Chu Mingcheng was completely satisfied with the layout. This boat would be his gateway to exploring distant waters.

He paid eight hundred thousand for the vessel, plus another eight thousand for insurance and thirty-six hundred for the marina berth rental.

Once the paperwork was complete, the sales representative approached. "Sir, would you like us to launch the boat immediately?"

"Yes, please. And arrange for a skipper to help me deliver it to the marina."

Now that the boat was his, he couldn't risk leaving it at the shipyard. Who knew what condition it might be in when he returned? They could easily swap out the engine for a used one without his knowledge.

The purchase had consumed considerable time, and the Maritime Bureau would certainly be open by now. Since they'd driven to the shipyard, they wouldn't take the boat back themselves.

Instead, they watched it being lowered into the water and departing for the Siming District marina before driving away.

By the time they reached the marina, the boat was already secured in its assigned berth.

Taking the keys from the skipper, Chu Mingcheng officially became a boat owner.

"This calls for a celebration! Let's buy extra groceries tonight and have a proper feast!"

Jiang Luoluo boarded again, her earlier reserve completely gone. She explored every corner, touching various fixtures and examining everything with evident fascination.

"By the way, how long does it take to get a boat license? I can't wait to go out on the water!"

"You want to come fishing with me?"

"Not for fishing—that looks incredibly boring. But when you head out, I could scout for small, uninhabited islands. I might discover new filming locations."

"You wouldn't mind me tagging along, would you?"

Jiang Luoluo shook her head emphatically. Fishing held zero appeal for her, but she loved the ocean. Occasional trips would provide perfect relaxation opportunities.

If they found areas with particularly clear water, she could even swim and snorkel.

In her mind, this fishing boat was simply a yacht.

"Come whenever you want—I'd enjoy the company!" A beautiful companion at sea? Chu Mingcheng certainly had no objections.

Given her work schedule, she'd be lucky to join him two or three days per month. One additional person wouldn't impact his fishing routine.

After exploring the boat briefly, Jiang Luoluo took the initiative to head back to shore. "Let's go. We need to register for the license exam at the Maritime Bureau, and the boat needs provisioning. No time to waste."

Chu Mingcheng readily agreed. Now that he owned the vessel, he was equally eager to obtain his license as quickly as possible.

License registration proved straightforward—not much different from getting a driver's license. Theory first, then practical examination, though the boat license process moved much faster.

Assuming he passed both tests smoothly, he could have his license within a month.

With the boat secured, Chu Mingcheng decided to simultaneously apply for his fishing permit, saving himself another trip.

After yesterday's rent payment, only fifty thousand yuan remained in his account. Today's insurance, berth fees, and license application left him with just over twenty thousand.

Unbeknownst to Chu Mingcheng, Jiang Luoluo had been carefully listening to the license requirements, a thoughtful expression crossing her features.

After leaving the Maritime Bureau, they visited the training center, where he received two study guides and a mobile app. He was told to study at home and could schedule his theory test within a week.

In reality, obtaining a fishing boat license was relatively simple. After all, waterways offered vast open space compared to crowded roads.

You simply needed familiarity with your vessel and its equipment, plus understanding of various sea conditions. This theoretical knowledge was essential for safety.

Following a quick lunch, they spent the afternoon shopping, then returned to wash and organize their purchases.

The day's brilliant sunshine would dry the freshly laundered bedding by afternoon.

Since Chu Mingcheng lacked adequate space at his place, he brought everything to Jiang Luoluo's apartment to dry.

On his second day in Xiamen, he finally entered her home.

Jiang Luoluo's place was a two-bedroom unit. Chu Mingcheng avoided the bedrooms—that would have been inappropriate.

He did glimpse the dance studio, though. The space was quite large, approximately twenty-five square meters, apparently converted from the master bedroom. It provided ample room for her practice sessions.

The apartment was immaculate, everything in perfect order. No stray clothing cluttered the sofa.

"I'm exhausted! It's been ages since I've done this much work!" After their busy afternoon of finally completing everything, Jiang Luoluo collapsed onto the sofa, unwilling to move another muscle.

When it came to household tasks, Chu Mingcheng, being male, couldn't match her efficiency. Washing bedding proved particularly challenging work. She'd handled most of the heavy lifting while he mainly assisted.

"What sounds good for dinner? I'll go shopping!"

Jiang Luoluo had been tremendously helpful these past two days. Chu Mingcheng had no way to repay her except by preparing an excellent meal.

"I'm not picky—get whatever looks good. Don't spend too much!" Jiang Luoluo waved dismissively.

"Alright, I'll see what's available. Just rest here!" Chu Mingcheng took her car keys and headed out for groceries.

Good food possesses the power to lift spirits, especially after a long day.

While driving, Chu Mingcheng remembered that Jiang Luoluo didn't seem to follow strict dieting routines to maintain her figure, so he first stopped at a dessert shop for treats.

Even if she was prone to weight gain, given the energy she burned through monthly dance practice, occasional indulgences wouldn't affect her physique.

Having bought dessert, he decided against purchasing pork or other heavy meats.

At the fresh market, he surveyed available ingredients.

That's when he spotted exceptionally plump flower crabs—large specimens, each appearing to weigh over a jin. He'd found tonight's main course!

"Boss, what's the price on these crabs?"

"The roe crabs are more expensive—100 per jin. Those over there are meat crabs at 80 per jin."

The pricing seemed reasonable to Chu Mingcheng. Seafood in Wenshi generally ran expensive. Back home, farmed green crabs would probably cost over 120 right now.

Chu Mingcheng selected two roe crabs and two meat crabs, personally choosing the plumpest specimens before having them weighed.

The four crabs totaled nearly five jin, costing four hundred thirty yuan.

He then bought chicken feet, prawns, and potatoes—clearly planning crab hot pot for dinner.

While steaming preserved seafood's natural flavors, as coastal natives, they never lacked for crab. They weren't like inland friends who treated it as precious delicacy.

With all ingredients gathered, Chu Mingcheng also purchased a large clay pot before heading back with his bags.

Halfway home, he passed a liquor store. Chu Mingcheng suddenly slapped his forehead, quickly pulled over, and went in to buy ordinary baijiu.

Traditional medicine considered crabs "cold" foods. A splash of baijiu would provide balance; otherwise, you'd risk digestive issues.

When he returned, Jiang Luoluo, who'd been lounging on the sofa, shot upright upon seeing him enter with numerous bags.

"Wow, what did you buy? That's so much!"

"Nothing excessive, really. I'm making crab hot pot tonight, so there are many ingredients, plus this large clay pot."

Jiang Luoluo now noticed the flower crabs and prawns. She knew exactly how expensive seafood was.

Last night's lobster had cost nearly a thousand yuan. Today brought four large crabs, which had to run four or five hundred, not counting everything else.

"Hey, you're going overboard! This must have cost several hundred, right? What family can afford eating like this daily? If you continue this way, I'll be too embarrassed to come for dinner!"

"Didn't you help wash bedding today? Consider this a thank-you gesture. Oh, right—I also bought you dessert."

Chu Mingcheng chuckled. This was just for today; naturally, he couldn't afford such meals regularly.

Seeing the dessert, Jiang Luoluo slapped her forehead. "You're making this difficult for me!"

"Help me edit tonight's accumulated videos."

"Deal!"

With that arrangement, Jiang Luoluo accepted the dessert with clear conscience, set it aside, then went to help Chu Mingcheng with meal preparation.

Halfway through cooking, Chu Mingcheng's phone suddenly chimed with a delivery notification. The package from his family had arrived—all his fishing equipment.

With these supplies here, Chu Mingcheng could begin earning through fishing tomorrow.

He'd completed all miscellaneous tasks these past two days. Tomorrow, he could familiarize himself with nearby fishing spots and locate buyers for his catch.

After dinner and cleaning up, Jiang Luoluo sat on the sofa, sighing dramatically.

"What's wrong?" Chu Mingcheng asked, setting cut fruit on the coffee table before sitting down.

"Your cooking is so delicious, I'm worried about maintaining my figure!" For dancers, physique standards were no less strict than for female entertainment industry celebrities.

The slightest weight gain would be magnified on camera.

"Don't worry—seafood won't make you gain weight. If you're concerned, I simply won't prepare high-fat dishes in the future."

"No, it's fine. Cook whatever you want—don't change because of me. We can't deprive ourselves of good food. Worst case, I'll just exercise more..."

As she spoke, Jiang Luoluo couldn't remain seated. She quickly stood and headed toward her apartment.

"I'm going to do yoga and practice dancing. I'll return later to help edit your video!"

"Let your food digest first, or you'll get stomach cramps!"

"I know!"

Watching Jiang Luoluo leave, Chu Mingcheng shook his head with a smile.

He rose as well, heading downstairs to collect his package.

Tonight he needed to study his manuals and organize his fishing rods. Tomorrow, he'd check sea conditions. If favorable, he'd go fishing.