Chapter 31: Celebration
Li Ming and Li Xuan continued their work, heading outside the town to supervise the construction. Thanks to the swift relocation of the Dragon Houses, the construction progressed rapidly. Each worker was skilled and strong, understanding their tasks and proceeding with efficiency. Even without machinery, they managed to clear the surrounding trees within a day. Li Ming couldn't help but be amazed by their progress.
With the foundation in place, Li Ming's main role was supervision. Meanwhile, the Li Clan helped him recruit experienced craftsmen to expedite the completion of the necessary tools, especially the refinery. However, time was of the essence for several reasons. Firstly, he still had the truck hidden in the forest, and the longer it stayed there, the higher the possibility of discovery. Additionally, Li Ming wanted to generate profits to demonstrate the benefits of the collaboration to the Li Clan, encouraging further investment in the development of his oil company. Lastly, Li Ming anticipated numerous future challenges related to oil and desired to understand and resolve them preemptively.
After another day, the first oil well was completed, potentially becoming the world's inaugural oil well. Li Ming and Li Xuan visited the well, with Li Xuan noticing the adjusted spring pole reaching the desired depth, while Li Ming focused on examining the drilling hole.
Li Ming asked, "How is the hole's condition?"
One of the workers pointed at the hole and explained, "There aren't many problems for the time being. Currently, we can see some sand in the oil, but it's not at a level where we should be worried. In fact, the oil we previously gathered is similar to this."
Li Ming took a moment to think. According to Eyses, it would be better to remove the sand content to produce pure oil products. However, the current conditions didn't allow for it.
Li Ming asked, "Have you started extracting it? Even a small portion?"
"Yes. According to your request, we have gathered these." The workers showed a few bamboo bottles filled with crude oil.
Li Ming nodded and turned to Li Xuan. "When will the extraction tool be completed?"
Li Xuan replied, "Are you talking about the pumpjack? The structure itself is not a problem, but the craftsmen are having a hard time with the suction pipe. They should be able to complete it within two days."
"And how about the distillation barrel?"
"They're making steady progress. We should be able to get it within three days."
Li Ming thought for a moment and said, "In that case, let's close this well for the time being. Make sure it's protected."
"Understood." Li Xuan then turned to everyone. "Thank you for your help. Since you've finished your work, please return home and get some rest. We'll call you when there is another request."
The workers nodded, grateful for the opportunity to earn a month's worth of wages in just a few days. They were excited and eager to continue working in this manner to accumulate a year's worth of wages. However, Li Xuan insisted they take a break and wait for the next project.
Li Ming pulled Li Xuan aside and expressed his concerns about the lack of tools and the potential costly mistakes that inexperienced workers could make. He sighed, realizing the need for caution.
Li Xuan considered the situation and made a suggestion. "How about taking this chance to look around the city? You've been working so hard, and you deserve some rest."
Li Ming thought about continuing without rest, but he almost forgot that he didn't need to work during the weekend. The urgency and his work in the army had caused him to overlook it.
Li Ming nodded with a serious expression. "Now that I think about it, I have been too occupied with this project."
"That's right. Since we've just completed our first oil well, shouldn't we celebrate it?" Li Xuan smiled.
The proposal was quite good, considering they could rest and continue working hard the following day.
But before accepting it, Li Ming moved away to ask Eyses. "How does an oil worker usually work?"
"Depends on the job. In drilling and production activities, usually, they work in shifts for several consecutive days followed by several days off. Exploration or drilling activities usually work in rotations, spending a certain period, such as weeks, followed by an equal period of time off."
"There are also maintenance and operations where they work regular daytime hours or scheduled maintenance. If you're working in remote locations, you might have to live onsite for extended periods. Workers may work longer shifts."
"I see." Li Ming nodded with understanding. It seemed that, other than workers who usually did their jobs from the office, oil workers didn't have regular working hours. In fact, they might have to work overtime depending on the situation. Most of them worked an extended amount of time followed by an equal period off.
Li Ming thought for a moment and said, "In that case, I should enjoy some time off."
Now that Li Ming understood the typical working conditions, he felt a bit more relaxed.
"I guess we can use this day to be more relaxed." Li Ming nodded.
"In that case, how about we celebrate this first oil well in a restaurant? I have a good restaurant in mind that I want you to try. I've been meaning to ask you, but we were too occupied."
"Alright then." Li Ming agreed while Li Xuan informed the workers, "To commemorate this achievement, let's go to the Chicken Boar Restaurant to celebrate."
"Thank you, Young Miss!" All of them seemed excited.
In the end, Li Ming returned to the city shortly before sunset after gathering a few more data from the site.
With this, all he needed to do was begin extracting the oil, separating it, and selling the products.
He had a few things he wanted to improve, such as a three-legged derrick, but that could wait until tomorrow.
They immediately headed to the so-called Chicken Boar Restaurant. This might be the first time he experienced the city since arriving in this world. However, Eyses had a recommendation that he would never forget.
Eyses had warned him not to get drunk because he might disclose unnecessary information. If the Li Clan discovered Eyses, they might take advantage of him. Luckily, Li Ming had never drunk alcohol before and didn't plan to do so, not wanting to spend too much money on just a drink. It was due to his living circumstances, but it allowed him to avoid a lot of trouble.
Once they reached the restaurant, Li Ming couldn't help but observe the interior. The wooden beams crisscrossed the high ceilings, giving a spacious feeling. Soft golden lighting cast a gentle glow, creating a warm and welcoming ambiance.
A young man approached them with a smile. "Welcome, Young Miss Li. Is there anything I can help you with?"
"I want two tables. One is for them, and the other one is in a private room. Can you arrange it?" Li Xuan answered, pointing at the workers.
"Understood." The young man nodded and extended his hand to the side. "In that case, please follow me. I shall guide you to your private dining room."
Li Xuan nodded and asked Li Ming to come along. In the end, they reached the second floor and arrived at a corner room with a view of a portion of the city. The other workers had to remain on the first floor, but they could eat whatever they wanted since Li Xuan was treating them.
It didn't take long for the food to start filling up the table.
"I don't know what you like, but I've ordered everything delicious in this restaurant." Li Xuan smiled.
"Oh?" Li Ming nodded. He didn't care much about the workers since this dining experience felt more like a meeting between two bosses.
Li Ming and Li Xuan raised their glasses in celebration, the clinking of glasses filling the room.
This might be the first time he ate with someone else since arriving in this place. He had always stayed away from others during lunch breaks because that was the time he usually communicated with Eyses.
The aroma of the delectable dishes wafted through the air, tempting their taste buds. Li Ming couldn't resist devouring the food before him, enjoying the strong yet delightful flavors he had never tasted on Earth.
Li Xuan also began eating but in a more delicate manner. However, it seemed that fate had other plans. They couldn't relax because they had uninvited guests.
Li Xuan abruptly stopped eating when she noticed a few presences surrounding their room.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone