407: Commendation

Hearing Bai Xue's words, Yang Qi nodded and said:

"Yeah, you're right. However, the Grouper in this den aren't very valuable. I think I can let my dad bring guests here for fishing."

Since the Tidal Cottage B&B officially opened, Yang Qi's father, Yang Limin, had been taking guests out to sea to fish, and the daily fee had risen from 280 per person to 380 per person.

With the fishing spots provided by Yang Qi as a guarantee, the guests' harvests were excellent. As a result, business hadn't declined, but had instead grown better and better.

Take this current Grouper den, for instance; there were quite a few Grouper below. Though they weren't very large, averaging two to four pounds, and the species weren't particularly valuable.

But Grouper was still Grouper, and even the cheapest would cost eighty or ninety yuan per pound. So, basically, catching more than two fish would cover the cost of the trip.

If the Anglers knew about this situation, it would be a wonder if they didn't swarm the place.

After the two of them caught over thirty Grouper and marked the coordinates, they left. They spent the day stopping and starting like this, finding four more dens.

Even if they only caught a few fish at each den, they ended up with a total catch of over three hundred pounds.

In the evening, the "setting sail" returned to the Sea View Villa's small pier, where the homeowners were already waiting.

After selling most of the fish to them, Yang Qi and Bai Xue returned home with the remaining catch.

While Bai Xue was cooking, Yang Qi sent the coordinates of these dens to his father and father-in-law according to their needs.

Just as the two were about to eat, Yang Qi received a call from Tang Long.

"Yang Qi, my second uncle is sending someone to your place tomorrow morning. They will be giving you a non-public commendation. I'll let you in on a secret—there's a surprise!"

"Regarding what you said last time about wanting to sell the gold bricks to the state, my second uncle also thinks that's for the best. Get ready; they'll take them back tomorrow. I'll be coming along too!"

"Oh, one more thing. Our Brother Long is getting promoted. We'll have to make him treat us then."

Yang Qi was also delighted to hear this. This matter had been dragging on for nearly half a month, and it was finally coming to an end.

"Great news! Brother Long must treat us! I'll be waiting at home tomorrow for the grand arrival!"

As for the surprise Tang Long mentioned, Yang Qi didn't have very high expectations.

After all, once he made the decision to hand it over to the state, he hadn't prepared to receive much in return.

Of course, if there really was a surprise, then let it come with full force!

To be honest, having handed over nine boxes of gold bricks, Yang Qi did feel a bit of heartache. It would be nice if there were some compensation.

Throughout the night, the young couple's moods fluctuated with uncertainty.

Early in the morning, Yang Dad and Mother Yang, who had received the news, also arrived at the Sea View Villa early to wait for the visitors from the capital.

The family waited until about nine in the morning when Tang Long arrived with four or five people.

After Tang Long's introduction, Yang Qi shook hands with the other party. He was a leader from the Ministry of Agriculture in charge of fisheries, surnamed Li.

"Comrade Yang Qi, Comrade Bai Xue, hello! My visit today is primarily at the instruction of our leadership to present you both with a commendation."

"And once again, on behalf of the state and the Ministry of Agriculture, I would like to express our gratitude for your contributions!"

Then he gestured to the staff behind him, who hurriedly handed him a long, red object.

"It's here, the silk banner is here. It really is a silk banner!"

Yang Qi shouted inwardly.

Leader Li unfurled the object in his hand. Most prominent were the ten large golden characters on it:

"Patriotism as firm as a rock, dedication as gentle as a spring breeze."

In the upper right corner were several small golden characters: Presented to: Comrade Yang Qi and Comrade Bai Xue.

In the lower left was: (Respectfully presented by the State Council of the CPC Central Committee, Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Agriculture, and National Nuclear Safety Administration).

The main body of the banner was China Red, and the golden font embodied the solemn tradition of the silk banner.

What truly gave this banner the weight of a thousand pounds were the donating units listed in the lower left.

Any one of those units would command respect. The gold content of a silk banner issued by these four units together was extraordinarily high.

After Yang Qi finished reading, he felt goosebumps all over, and his breathing quickened significantly.

He took a deep breath, suppressed his pounding heart, and with slightly trembling hands, solemnly accepted this banner that felt as heavy as a mountain.

"Thank you for the kindness of the leaders!"

Bai Xue took the banner from Yang Qi with both hands, her eyes turning red.

At this moment, Yang Dad's smile stretched from ear to ear, impossible to suppress. Mother Yang had already begun to wipe her eyes.

Their son had made it; the state had sent a silk banner. What a great honor! As parents, they were naturally the happiest.

"Come, come, you two take a photo with the banner."

Leader Li invited Yang Qi and Bai Xue to hold the banner while the accompanying staff took photos.

Later, he also stepped forward to take a commemorative photo with the two of them.

Standing to the side, Tang Long also took a few photos with his phone.

Just as Yang Qi thought the surprise was over and was about to invite the leaders to sit down,

"Comrade Yang Qi, no rush for tea, we're not finished yet!"

Leader Li stopped Yang Qi. Then he took a box from the accompanying staff, handed it to Yang Qi, and said,

"Comrade Yang Qi, our Leader Tang from the Ministry of Agriculture learned that your greatest wish is to go fishing in the deep sea. He specially prepared a gift, hoping it will be of help to you."

"Open it and see if you like it!"

Curious, Yang Qi took the box. Upon opening it, he found it was a key. He looked at Leader Li with confusion.

"Our leader has specially approved for you a recently decommissioned small scientific research vessel with global coverage. We hope it helps you realize your ideals."

"Once you've finished the modifications, call me for all the necessary permits, and I'll give them special approval. Here is my business card."

"Currently, this scientific research vessel is docked at the Zhoushan Shipyard in Zhejiang Province. You can go see how you want to modify it when you have time."

Leader Li said with a smile.

"Thank you, Leader Tang, and thank you, Leader Li! I like this gift very much."

Yang Qi thanked them, overwhelmed by the favor.

He knew that the certificates needing signatures from the central ministry were actually extremely difficult to obtain, such as the 'High Seas Fishing Permit', 'Specific Area Fishing Permit', 'Specialized (Special) Fishing Permit', and so on.

With these permits, it basically meant that Yang Qi could go to more sea areas to catch more species of fish.

This gift was truly a magnificent one!

At this moment, Yang Qi felt an urge to go to Zhoushan immediately to see that scientific research vessel.

But of course, that was impossible now; the leaders were still here! He had to entertain them properly.

At this time, Bai Xue began to bring tea to the leaders, inviting everyone to sit and drink.

...

PS: Thanks to all the readers for staying with me! Thank you everyone!