Chapter 516 - 43: The Clash Between Old and New
Although constructing a small port pier is quite a formidable task for the forty-some able-bodied laborers on the island.
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and a port pier meant to be used for at least twenty years must be completed with quality and durability.
Chen Zhou planned to set out for the Archipelago again to capture natives by July 1665, and with nearly 10 months still ahead, he was not overly anxious.
He intended to gather manpower to first build the foundational parts of the pier and tackle the troublesome tasks of dredging and water diversion, then prioritize the construction of a temporary anchorage and simple dock.
The temporary anchorage was located outside the port and used for mooring ships or sheltering from the wind, thus fishing and native-catching expeditions could rest there, escaping the storms of the rainy season.
The simple dock was meant for repairing the hull and maintaining the sailing vessels.
Although the two main vessels on the island were quite "young," and so far showed no signs of hull damage or other issues.
As time goes by, maintaining the old ships will become inevitable.
One can’t just build a new one when an old ship wears out, even if the island is rich in resources, it’s unwise to be so wasteful.
Chen Zhou believed it necessary to prepare ahead by building the dock in advance, saving much hassle when the need arises—
Pulling a sailboat onshore for repairs would indeed be a grand undertaking.
Repairing it in a dock would be much more convenient.
...
A qualified port pier, besides a temporary anchorage and simple dock, also requires facilities like a temporary warehouse, open-air yard, market, defense structures, waiting sheds, and closing port amenities.
To make the port fully functional, warehouse areas for storing trade goods, markets for trading, walls and watch towers to defend against the sea, even turrets, hotels and waiting areas for passengers are all indispensable.
However, as the islands have yet to open trade routes, with not even a basic currency system, the port is primarily being built for its own use, thus many facilities are not yet necessary.
Nonetheless, Chen Zhou has already reserved space for these areas during planning, so that when needed, he can mobilize the islanders to build.
Opportunities are always reserved for those who are prepared.
He hoped that one day, if this isolated island could indeed influence the world, it would be attributed to his foresight.
...
The laborers were tending to the crops while working on the port pier.
In the long construction process, naturally many diligent workers who quickly improved in skill emerged as new islanders.
Their talent stood out among their companions, like riding a rocket, they swiftly moved out from "four-person rooms" into double or even single rooms.
...
These promising individuals were all targets for zebra’s recruiting.
His social skills didn’t seem to match his rather honest-looking appearance.
After finishing work each day, zebra would deliberately approach the newcomers who had moved into standalone homes, chat with them, and learn their preferences.
To solidify his "little Leader" status and perhaps advance further, zebra never hesitated to use his resources and wealth.
The island was changing every day, and not many could climb upward amidst the ever-rising tide of progress, zebra being one of the most active.
However, as the population grows, the competitiveness in doing things will also increase.
Previously, there wasn’t anyone quite like zebra among the islanders, which made zebra’s recruiting efforts always go swimmingly.
But now, among the new islanders, a young fellow named Wang Lin emerged, doing an excellent job with masonry.
Through his outstanding performance while building the pier, he earned the overseer’s recognition and has even been named and praised by the Leader, a distinction that transformed him into a newly rich figure.
He was younger than zebra, tall, with a somewhat lean face, bright eyes, and when speaking, his words flowed ceaselessly, giving people a refreshing feeling with just two or three exchanges.
Zebra had extensive networks among the old members, yet when befriending new members, he didn’t have that unhindered effectiveness.
Wang Lin, equally skilled in socializing, undoubtedly became his biggest rival.
...
The struggle between the new and old always existed.
New islanders had faced plenty of sarcasm and ridicule from the "old-timers" during their education, and this experience was deeply engraved in their minds.
After moving into the four-person rooms, when interacting with the old members outside, they often saw the old-timers with a condescending attitude—
Yet single rooms were indeed more superior than four-person ones.
Under the influence of such factors, even though the old-timers and new members gradually became familiar, an unbreakable invisible barrier remained between them.
New islanders preferred to trust companions who came onboard with them.
Together they were captured, they learned together, lived together, and faced the pressure from the old-timers together.
Just like the camaraderie in modern society’s four great ties.
Having shared experiences, the innately simple nature of the natives naturally gave rise to a distinct bond of friendship.
Due to their large numbers, although the new islanders lagged in knowledge and skills compared to old-timers, their influence was not inferior.
While zebra was the elite among old members, Wang Lin was the rising star among the new islanders.
With his strong affinity, exceptional craft, and the Leader’s praise, Wang Lin achieved a "triple jump" within a few months, moving into his own single-occupancy suite.
Thereafter, he frequently hosted banquets for fellow new islanders he was familiar with, making the "core residential area" near the factory a place where new faces often appeared.
Which new islander wouldn’t want to meet the Leader, or the legendary trio Chen Fu, Chen Lu, and Chen Shou, and the reputedly fierce Sunday?