Chapter 317

Liyue is abundant in marine fish.

However, due to technical limitations, the fishing industry has not developed significantly.

Additionally, the boats used are too small, so Liyue's fishermen can only catch a limited amount of fish each time they venture out to sea.

This has resulted in seafood being extremely expensive.

Among Liyue's two major culinary styles, Yue Cuisine specializes in seafood, while Jade Cuisine focuses on mountain delicacies.

Whether it is seafood or mountain delicacies, the high prices stem from a monopoly on the ingredients.

Why does Xinyuexuan have a monopoly on seafood?

The answer is simple—the underdeveloped fishing industry.

They purchase all the fish caught daily at high prices from local fishermen and then resell them at an even higher price.

But if the fishing industry were to improve, breaking the monopoly would be inevitable.

Even Yue Cuisine currently requires reservations up to three months in advance.

If fishing technology advances, Xinyuexuan will be the first to feel the impact.

However, given their expertise, they will likely continue to thrive despite increased competition.

Beidou had a fishing boat docked at the pier.

Its arrival quickly attracted the attention of many onlookers.

What stood out the most was the massive hook attached to the boat.

People were astonished.

"Is that a hook on the boat? And such a large one?"

As the ship docked, Beidou leaped off.

Seeing her, a crowd quickly gathered around.

"Miss Beidou, is this your new ship?"

"What do you mean, 'new ship'?"

"This is obviously a fishing boat!"

"Think before you speak—why would Captain Beidou use a fishing boat as her new vessel?"

The first person who spoke was immediately corrected.

Anyone with a discerning eye could see this was not a cargo ship but a fishing vessel.

Everyone quickly realized the purpose of the large hook—it was meant for hauling in fish.

Hearing the murmurs of the crowd, Beidou chuckled.

"Everyone, listen up!"

"This is a newly built fishing boat from Liyue Shipyard."

"It is now officially available for purchase."

"If you're interested, come aboard and take a look!"

Upon hearing this, the crowd suddenly fell silent.

"We can't afford it!"

"A fishing boat? I'll pass!"

Despite Beidou's introduction, many people immediately dispersed.

Why buy such a large fishing boat?

Fishing wasn't exactly the most profitable venture.

They figured they might as well continue manual labor at the docks.

Without hesitation, they turned away.

In the end, only about ten people remained.

These individuals, however, didn't rush forward.

Instead, they quietly calculated costs in their heads.

They either came from fishing families or relied on fishing for a living.

So they understood the potential profit.

If they had a boat like this, how many fish could they catch in one trip?

Though there were risks at sea, the rewards were also high.

Many of them began to consider the opportunity seriously.

Soon, the first person stepped forward.

A sturdy young man ran up to Beidou.

"Miss Beidou."

"How much does this fishing boat cost?"

His curiosity was evident.

Was it expensive?

Could he afford it over time?

Beidou grinned at him.

"Good question!"

"Unlike those other guys who ran off the moment they heard 'fishing boat.'"

"Come aboard, and I'll show you around."

"Anyone else interested can join us."

Beidou didn't immediately mention the price but instead invited them to explore the boat first.

Hearing this, the remaining people hesitated briefly before following her aboard.

Beidou then proceeded to introduce the vessel.

She demonstrated its capabilities and explained its functions.

She even lifted a section of the deck to reveal a spacious fish storage compartment below.

With this design, their catches could be kept fresh for longer periods.

Seeing the boat's features, many of them began to imagine the potential.

How many fish could this boat hold per trip?

They were getting excited.

The fishing boat's speed was also impressive.

Unlike their current boats, which were slow and inefficient, this vessel could travel faster and carry a significantly larger load.

Currently, small fishing boats could only bring back limited catches before the fish perished.

With this new boat, however, they could catch much more and keep the fish fresh until they returned.

The fishing industry in Liyue was about to change drastically.

For the first time, many of them felt truly motivated.

Beidou continued to showcase the boat.

Then, she addressed them again:

"Actually, this is just a small fishing boat."

"Larger ones exist, but they are not yet in production at the shipyard."

"This model here is a standard size."

"As for the price, it's around 20,00000 Mora."

"Anyone interested can register with me."

"The shipyard has already produced several units. If you make your payment today, you can get your boat by tonight."

Hearing the price, many people hesitated.

20,00000 Mora?

That was a hefty sum.

Noticing their expressions, Beidou quickly added:

"Of course, if you don't have enough money, you can apply for a loan."

"Liyue Bank offers financing options."

"You can take out loans for houses and vehicles—why not for a fishing boat?"

"Additionally, for larger boats, you can buy them as a group."

"It's impossible for one or two people to operate such a big ship alone."

"My suggestion? Partner up with others."

"Each person contributes a share, and in return, you split the profits."

Hearing this, their eyes lit up.

Indeed.

Spending that much alone wasn't realistic.

But pooling their resources?

That was an option.

And Beidou was right—running a fishing boat required more than one person.

If they bought one together, they wouldn't need to hire extra workers.

They could handle it themselves.

Excitement filled the air.

This could actually work.

However, they needed to discuss the details further.

Beidou gave them space to deliberate.

Meanwhile, news of the fishing boats spread, and more fishermen arrived at the docks.

At Beidou's invitation, they eagerly climbed aboard to inspect the vessel.