Chapter 182: Blue Pearl, Island Hotel Completed

(The previous two chapters were poorly written, so I've made major revisions. Sorry, sorry, sob sob sob)

Rainy days when you can't go out are perfect for staying home and idol-watching!

As Zhu Tingting's photos swept through the drama's fan base, Chen Jianhai was sitting in the restaurant, distressed, eating.

"The association just called, asking about the progress on our island. How should we respond?" Wen Zifan asked.

"Tell them it's under construction," Chen Jianhai replied, his face dark. The mention of this issue made his stomach ache. He had no idea what was happening on his construction site, and the continuous rain prevented him from going there. The signal on the island seemed affected by the storm too, as Lao Yan and Feng Di hadn't responded to his messages, making him anxious.

Wen Zifan hesitated before asking curiously, "Boss, are we opening a branch on the island?"

"Yes," Chen Jianhai admitted directly.

As Chen Jianhai was gloomily munching on sausage, the familiar and cold voice of the system echoed in his mind.

"Ding!"

"Congratulations to the host for unlocking the golden achievement: United Effort of the Island Residents!"

"Achievement Reward: The island hotel will be built with the help of the island residents, construction and upgrade speed increased by 100%, functional radiation area expanded by 50%. Hotel building's compatibility with the island environment increased by 80%, and socio-cultural influence increased by 30%."

With a "snap," the half-bitten sausage rolled onto the plate, and Chen Jianhai's face showed a look of disbelief, thinking he had misheard.

But before he could react, the system's voice continued,

"Ding!"

"The island hotel progress has reached 94%. Due to the speed increase, the hotel is expected to be completed by 7:58 tonight. Please visit the site for acceptance."

"Ding! Congratulations to the host, island residents' approval rating for the hotel has reached 60%, unlocking the overwater villa."

"Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining a one-time rare purple item, the Object Finder Magnifying Glass."

"Ding! Congratulations to the host for additionally receiving 20,000 points."

A series of system notifications rang in Chen Jianhai's mind, leaving him in a daze.

"What's going on?"

In an instant, confusion, excitement, shock, and bewilderment all appeared in Chen Jianhai's eyes.

Then, his phone chimed, and a message popped up on the screen.

"Chen Ge, there's a storm here and the signal is bad, so the message didn't go through. That night you asked, we went to help build a dam for the island hotel."

A picture was sent. Chen Jianhai quickly opened it and saw a high stack of sandbags in front of the construction site on the northern coast of the island, forming a makeshift dam.

Investor Chen: "Why did you suddenly build a dam on the north coast?"

Feng Di: "Ge, you don't know. Although the north coast is elevated, the sea level rises during heavy rains."

"The hotel owner helped us before, so everyone spontaneously went to help to prevent the construction site from flooding."

Investor Chen: "So, during the big storm last night, you all went out to build a dam for the hotel?!"

Feng Di: "Yes, we worked until the early morning. I'm just resting today."

"And I'm one of the better off ones."

"The guy who delivers parcels on our island is still too tired to get out of bed..."

"I don't know where that dog of an owner found the construction team, but the fence gate was so tight we had to pry it open..."

Chen Jianhai couldn't believe the messages and pictures on his phone, trying hard to stay calm. He took a trembling sip from his water cup.

Love and hate are but a moment apart! The island residents he had cursed to the eighteenth generation were now the most lovable people in his heart!

All his previous resentment towards the island residents dissipated completely because of their spontaneous help.

"They curse me and kick me out of the group, but secretly help me."

"These hypocritical yet kind-hearted people!"

...

Two days later, the rain had cleared, the sea was calm, and it was a rare good day. 

As soon as the weather cleared, Boss Chen eagerly boarded the bus from Blue Sky Travel Agency and headed straight for Xiaomajia Island. 

The Coconut Umbrella Hotel Association had no idea what had happened, and the originally scheduled cooking competition was repeatedly postponed, finally only issuing an "event time to be announced" notice.

"Boss Chen, you haven't been to Xiaomajia Island for a long time."

On the tour bus, the guide Xia Xia enthusiastically approached Chen Jianhai.

"Yes, it's been a while." Chen Jianhai's eyes showed anticipation.

He was extremely curious about his new hotel!!!

From a distance, Chen Jianhai saw a familiar figure sitting at the island's pier. Waving his hand high, he shouted,

"Da Ye!"

"Oh, the gourd baby is back!"

As soon as he got off the boat, Chen Jianhai saw Da Ye in a tank top sitting on a bench, with a wrist support on his arm, still looking relaxed. 

According to Feng Di, on the stormy night, every man on the island, without exception, had gone to help. The two owners of the vegetable and flower shops were so exhausted they hadn't gotten out of bed for two days. The delivery guy was in even worse shape, dragging his sore legs around to make deliveries, wincing in pain with every step, clearly suffering from muscle strains.

Thinking of this, Chen Jianhai felt warm inside. 

After exchanging greetings, Chen Jianhai headed straight to the north coast, eager to see his new hotel.

Just after climbing a small hill, Boss Chen saw through the green trees a small patch of blue arched roofs on the white beach.

The hotel walls were made of white cement and dark stone, with a deep blue roof blending seamlessly with the sky and ocean.

From a high vantage point, the hotel looked like a blue pearl nestled in the white sand. The semi-circular coastline of the north shore of Xiaomajia Island, like a shallow crescent, gently cradled this blue pearl, creating a visually pleasing scene.

Chen Jianhai's eyes lit up with joy. He hurriedly ran down the hill.

The once desolate beach on the north coast had been transformed into a wide path paved with smooth white pebbles, winding forward and connecting directly with the arched corridors, creating a visually endless extension. 

It made one want to walk barefoot along the path.

At that moment, Chen Jianhai couldn't describe his feelings. The hotel and the path before him were simple and unpretentious, yet under the blue sky and white clouds, they exuded a sense of cleanliness. It was a stark contrast to the luxurious decor of his Langai Hotel. 

If Langai Hotel catered to guests' luxurious needs, making them feel they were enjoying a refined life, then the island hotel before him offered a sense of self-abandonment, tranquility, and leisure.

Far from the intricate carvings and decorations, away from the dazzling opulence, everything here was simple and pure, without any impurities.

The whole place was filled with a sense of aimless holiday relaxation and laziness.

*Note: The previous chapters' plots were mainly to give Boss Chen a reason to forgive the island residents. After all, doing so many good deeds while being constantly scolded and kicked out of groups would make anyone sad and want the island residents to stay far away. This indirect apology from the island residents can eliminate misunderstandings and help them work and live together harmoniously, building the branch together.

Sorry if my handling of emotions wasn't good and made everyone unhappy. Sorry, sorry, sob sob sob.