It was a clear, sunny day.
The early summer sea breeze was warm without being hot. It blew in from the water, bathing the shore in mild, moist air that made people want to lie down right there and fall asleep.
Xu Yi shook his head hard, driving away that trace of drowsiness.
Today was the day the Xinfei Merchant Guild's first deep-sea fleet officially set sail on its maiden voyage. This departure ceremony was immensely significant, and nothing could be allowed to go wrong.
"President, are you all right?" Nevall asked from beside him, looking concerned when he saw Xu Yi's movement.
"I'm fine." Xu Yi drew a breath, taking in air tinged with the smell of the sea.
Though it made him feel slightly nauseated, it actually left him more alert.
Turning to look at Nevall, whose face and body had been tanned dark, Xu Yi couldn't help laughing.
Nevall was thrilled to have been appointed commander of the first deep-sea fleet by Xu Yi. These past few days, he had spent almost every waking hour aboard the Wingspan and the two large Mana-Powered Ships completed this year, the Sunrise and the Goddess of Victory Iris, tanning himself as black as charcoal.
"Is everything ready?" Xu Yi asked with a smile.
"Yes, everything's ready!" Nevall nodded firmly. "We can leave at any time!"
"Good. Then we can officially begin the ceremony."
Xu Yi nodded and walked onto the platform that had been set up on the beach well in advance.
A large crowd had gathered on the beach early for the ceremony. Most were Xinfei Merchant Guild employees, while the rest included local residents who had come to watch the excitement, along with all sorts of people who had traveled from other countries after hearing the news.
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