Just as everyone was looking at one another, still hesitating over whether to stand and present what they had prepared in advance, Blacksmith Yuan, who was extremely close to Quan Yi, was the first to raise his hand.
"Since none of you want to be the first to speak, let me start things off."
Blacksmith Yuan met Quan Yi's eyes, and both of them could not help revealing smiles of tacit understanding.
Quan Yi knew Blacksmith Yuan was supporting him through his actions.
And Blacksmith Yuan also knew that at a time like this, they needed a representative figure—especially someone who represented the mortal class—to stand up and speak first, setting an example for those who followed.
As partners who had worked together the longest in their youth, they could understand each other without needing to exchange a word.
"Please feel free to offer your valuable opinions, Master Yuan."
Quan Yi showed an attitude of humbly listening and invited him onto the stage.
With the help of the Megaphone, Blacksmith Yuan began to state his views with a serious expression.
"I am attending this meeting on behalf of the Blacksmith Association, and my opinions are all focused on forging.
At present, as demand for metal products across every part of the island grows increasingly strong, we are facing shortages in both personnel and energy.
Because the Young Master discovered new metal veins on the island, we are not temporarily lacking in high-quality metal resources.
However, from mining, to refining, to forging, and throughout the entire series of related processes, there are major vacancies in all kinds of personnel involved.
These vacancies are not simply a matter of numbers. Part of the problem is also professional expertise.
The operation of today's factories is vastly different from the working methods of the