Chapter 655: Chapter 449 Gordon’s Thoughts_2
As for the complete malfunction of the equipment on that ship, and its appearance inland during the last flood disaster, one can only say that a large ship does not rely on oars, only on the waves.
Madeline was actually quite interested in the news provided by Gordon; after all, it was simpler to renovate this ship compared to those docked at sea.
Although the ship was now grounded inland, Madeline’s reason for wanting to purchase it was only to prepare for potential floods, providing them with a safe haven when disaster struck.
After learning about this from Gordon, Madeline immediately took people to the stranded ship for an on-site inspection, while Gordon sought out Dong Tianyu at his home concerning this matter.
After informing Dong Tianyu of his purpose, Gordon directly asked him, "Do you think Madeline’s idea is feasible?"
Hearing this, Dong Tianyu responded with a smile, "This idea was actually mine, what do you think, do I find it feasible?"
Surprised by Dong Tianyu’s words, Gordon’s face showed shock, then he immediately asked, "It seems that money isn’t an issue for you, and obtaining qualifications to board an aircraft carrier might be difficult, but getting onto the Platform should be quite simple, so why would you have such an idea?"
Hearing this, Dong Tianyu replied with a bitter smile, "I am well aware that boarding an aircraft carrier or the Platform would be safer, and I understand that our Imperial Court is indeed different from other countries, but you cannot deny that the goodwill from above, once passed down, can be altered and distorted by some, and by the time it reaches the bottom, it might become a lot less friendly.
Take me for instance, I might have a certain status in Pengcheng, but in Kyoto, I’m at most considered a rich man.
Once on the ship, we rich folks will definitely become lambs to the slaughter in the hands of the wealthy.
Think about it, when we board the ship, in order to maintain our standard of living, we’ll surely bring a large amount of supplies because, unlike other disasters, food stocks in the Granary must be well-sealed and buried to wait out the flood before they can be used again.
Now imagine what would happen to the supplies we bring on board."
Following Dong Tianyu’s reasoning, Gordon sank into contemplation. Unlike land, although he believed that both the aircraft carriers and the Platform would definitely have areas to produce food,
he knew that the food there wouldn’t be anything of good quality, forget about being delicious or nutritious, at best it would be just enough to prevent starvation.
In such a scenario, those in power aboard the ship would not stand to watch those who had hoarded a great deal of supplies before boarding eat and drink well while they couldn’t bring many people with them after boarding. If this situation arose, they would indeed be at the mercy of others.
With this realization, Gordon took a fearful cold breath. Although all of these were just his speculations, it was undeniable that if the flood lasted only a short time, it would be manageable, but if it persisted for an extended period, such a scenario would not just be likely but certain to occur.
Just like that joking saying often shared online, "In the apocalypse, while my neighbor stocks up on food, I stock up on guns, making my neighbor my Granary."
At any time, never stake the success or failure of anything on the goodwill of others.
After coming to this understanding, Gordon suddenly found Dong Tianyu’s suggestion very useful, and he also wanted to join Madeline’s plan.
By this time, Gordon no longer held back and directly asked, "How many people do you plan to accommodate on the ship?"
Upon hearing this, Dong Tianyu didn’t hesitate and answered, "You’ll have to ask Madeline about that; matters like this are best handled unilaterally. Others are at most there to identify and fill in gaps; never turn it into some seemingly fair voting decision.
So don’t ask me about these details. In this matter, my role is actually just to provide the funding; I don’t handle anything else."
"I did mention it to Ye Liuyun, though," he said. "Even though we are not going to be involved in the construction of the water platforms overseen by the Imperial Court, if we really have our own ship, then we can model it after the Platform.
"Besides us privileged folks paying our way, we will need to find some practical workers. Otherwise, we won’t be able to maintain normal operation of the ship."
Upon hearing Dong Tianyu’s words, Gordon instantly understood the meaning behind them.
The implication of Dong Tianyu’s words was straightforward. Once they boarded the ship, they would definitely be the privileged class not expected to work. To avoid compromising their standard of living, there had to be a search for laborers who were willing to work without complaint.
To ensure the quality of life on board and to decrease the daily consumption of resources, the number of people allowed on the ship would also have to be restricted.
Having understood all this, Gordon realized that Dong Tianyu was reminding him to approach Ye Liuyun early. After all, joining before everything was ready and reaping the benefits once everything was set up would certainly grant different privileges.
Watching Gordon preparing to stand up to leave, Dong Tianyu hastily spoke, "Okay, don’t rush off now. Ye Liuyun just went to inspect that place you mentioned. The whole plan hasn’t officially kicked off, so there’s no need for you to hurry to him now. After all, the most basic ship hasn’t even been settled on.
"By the way, tell me the truth. Does that ship you mentioned currently have a definitive owner?"
Upon Dong Tianyu’s questioning, Gordon thought for a moment, his voice uncertain as he replied, "I’m really not sure about that. I only discovered the ship by chance. When I got curious and took some people to inspect it, it was already in a state of abandonment with no one living inside.
"When it ran aground, although part of the hull was buried in the mud, I reckon the distance from the ground to the deck was about twenty meters. I don’t think anyone would consider living in it.
"Besides, the position where the ship was stranded is in the wild. Normally, I suppose it would be ownerless."
Hearing the lack of confidence in Gordon’s answer, Dong Tianyu was somewhat speechless. If it was as Gordon had said, with the ship aground in the wild and out of people’s concerns, that would be fine. But once someone took an interest in the ship, they might not need to pay for the purchase of the ship, but they would certainly have to pay with their lives.
At this thought, Dong Tianyu shook his head. These were matters for later consideration. He would wait for Ye Liuyun to see the situation with his own eyes, fussing over those details now was unnecessary.
"Have you really thought it through and are prepared to join our plan?" Dong Tianyu asked seriously.
Upon hearing Dong Tianyu’s earnest inquiry, Gordon also became serious and sincerely said, "I won’t lie to you. Actually, I have three options in front of me.
"I can return to my hometown for now and stay there until the next natural disaster occurs. If it’s flooding, even though my family sent me away to make my own life in Kyoto, if I shamelessly refuse to leave, to be honest, they wouldn’t do much to me.
"Secondly, I could spend a considerable amount to buy a berth on an aircraft carrier or water Platform. With the protection of the Imperial Court, there is a great chance of surviving the next disaster.
"Before I came to find you, I was actually torn between these two options. Like you said, no matter which I choose, it’s going to cost me a great deal.
"That is exactly why, when I heard Ye Liuyun’s plan, I came to you in such a hurry, eager to know your thoughts."
After Gordon’s explanation, Dong Tianyu asked, puzzled, "Why didn’t you go to Yara and Franklin?"
At Dong Tianyu’s question, a bitter smile appeared on Gordon’s face again. "How could I not ask? Yara has already bought a ticket for an aircraft carrier, and Franklin is planning to return home."
