385: No one should be idle

Before long, Dili Abasi arrived at the villa; the moment she stepped inside, she froze in place.

Pan Han and Cheng Xiao were already dressed in their military uniforms, checking themselves out in the mirror.

"Holy cow! They're already done?" She immediately dashed over, circling the two of them to get a closer look.

Having personally participated in the design, she naturally felt a different sense of pride.

After circling them a few times, Asiba exclaimed with genuine admiration, "Handsome! Absolutely perfect!"

"Hurry up and put yours on; there's a set for you, too."

Asiba hugged Pan Han and gave him a kiss, then scampered off to change into her own uniform, acting like a giddy child.

When she emerged, Pan Han and Cheng Xiao were both stunned.

Asiba’s figure was even more striking, filling out every detail of the uniform perfectly.

Cheng Xiao stared with wide eyes and her mouth agape. "It looks incredible."

Pan Han nodded in agreement, then burst into laughter. "What do you think? If the young men from the other states saw this uniform, would they surrender to us immediately?"

"It’s highly likely!"

"Absolutely! These days, who even has new clothes to wear? And these look so good—so sharp!"

"Commander, when will everyone switch to the new uniforms?"

"In half a month. Use this time to design a uniform-changing ceremony. When the time comes, we'll have the Dawn Army hold a military parade—looking sharp, clean, and impressive." Pan Han pulled them both into his arms and planted a kiss on each of them.

"Yes, Commander!"

Suddenly, Asiba stared at Pan Han, looking him up and down.

"What’s wrong? Is my physique not good enough?"

Asiba slapped her thigh. "Oh no! I forgot to design a Marshal’s uniform for you."

Upon hearing this, Pan Han realized his uniform was identical to everyone else’s.

"I'll get right on it!" Asiba didn't even bother changing out of her uniform before dashing out.

"That woman! Haha!" Pan Han shook his head with a laugh. He really liked her carefree personality.

No sooner had Asiba run out than Qin Zhong approached.

His expression was just like Asiba’s—he was completely stunned.

"Commander, have our uniforms arrived?"

"Yes. We'll hold a ceremony in a few days to officially switch to them. What brings you here?"

"Oh! Commander, we now have 100 pilots. As soon as I heard you were here, I came to report."

"Good work, Old Qin! You've done well with this." Pan Han nodded with satisfaction.

"Actually, there’s one thing I need you to confirm."

"Oh? What is it?"

But Qin Zhong glanced at Cheng Xiao, hesitating.

Cheng Xiao smiled. "Big Brother, just say it. I still disagree, so let the Commander decide."

"What’s wrong with you two? Are you arguing?" Pan Han had never seen them clash before; this was a first.

"It’s not really an argument, just a difference of opinion. I proposed that the pilots’ rations be distributed separately, guaranteeing them sufficient meat, rice, and eggs every day. Cheng Xiao suggested paying them a higher salary instead, but keeping their basic rations as cockroach cakes."

"Oh, I see." Pan Han understood immediately.

Debates over operations were normal; back when Pan Han had a regular job, he’d argued with his own bosses too.

"In our base, even the Commander eats cockroach cakes. Since the policy was only just implemented, if we give the pilots special treatment, I’m worried it will cause resentment," Cheng Xiao explained.

"Hmm, you have a point."

Pan Han had taken the lead in eating the cockroach cakes, which quickly spread throughout the base, allowing the policy to be promoted very effectively.

If even the Commander was eating them, who would dare to complain?

"But pilot training must respect science. They can’t handle the training on just cockroach cakes," Qin Zhong insisted.

"Cheng Xiao, go get Old Qin’s uniform so he can try it on. Let me think this over." Pan Han pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and walked to the window.

Cheng Xiao nodded and went into the room to get the uniform.

As a smoke ring drifted toward the ceiling, Pan Han watched the busy base and began to organize his thoughts.

"It seems there are two things that need to be done."

"Issue gold coins and develop the service industry."

"Once salaries are set, we’ll issue gold coins. As for the service industry, we’ll prioritize opening various restaurants and eateries."

"At the same time, we’ll have the gold coins permeate the surrounding three states. Using my infinite resources, I’ll get them to accept the currency, and then we’ll collect gold in exchange for supplies."

"We can pay the pilots well. If they want to eat well, they can just buy it at the restaurants."

...

Ten minutes later, Pan Han made up his mind. He would leave the gold coin matter to Asiba and the service industry to Cheng Xiao.

One would be responsible for distributing the money, and the other for managing consumption.

Get these two engines running first.

Additionally, I need to arrange for a group of armed merchants to go to the three states to promote the gold coins. I’ll leave that to Qin Zhong.

Everyone has a job to do; nobody stays idle.

When he turned back, Qin Zhong was still looking in the mirror, clearly unable to get enough of the new uniform.

"Old Qin, you look sharp!"

Qin Zhong was taller and more imposing than Pan Han; in uniform, he carried quite a menacing air.

"Haha! This uniform is sharp and comfortable! It’s wonderful. I haven’t worn new clothes in years. Thank you, Commander." Qin Zhong was so excited he even started marching in place.

It seemed he hadn't forgotten his days in the barracks.

It made Pan Han and Cheng Xiao burst into laughter.

Once the mood lightened, Pan Han pulled the two of them together to discuss his plan.

Seeing that Pan Han had it all figured out, Qin Zhong had no objections.

"Commander, since the planes haven’t arrived yet, we can lower the pilots’ training intensity for the time being. Once the gold coins and restaurants are ready, we can give them an extra meal allowance."

"Fine, go ahead."

"Yes, Commander!" Qin Zhong happily saluted, then turned and ran off while still wearing his uniform.

Pan Han couldn't even stop him if he tried!

"That Old Qin, he’s a soldier to the bone. As soon as he sees a uniform, he’s like a different person!"

"Commander, who wouldn’t love this uniform?" Cheng Xiao suddenly wrapped her legs around Pan Han, leaning in to whisper near his lips.

Seduction! Blatant seduction!

"Shouldn't we wait for Asiba? She'll definitely be back soon."

"I don't want to! Let her deal with that when she gets back. I want you now."

...

Half an hour later, Asiba returned, excitedly clutching the design draft for the Marshal’s uniform.

Upon entering, she found Pan Han lying on the bed, smoking a post-coital cigarette.

Seeing this, Pan Han immediately blurted out, "Don't come any closer!"

No sooner had he finished speaking than Asiba’s uniform vanished, and she pounced on him.

...

Half an hour later, Pan Han started smoking another cigarette!

But his hands were trembling uncontrollably, and he dropped the cigarette several times.

"You two, hurry up and get to work. One of you handle the gold coins, the other handle the restaurants. Stop hovering in front of me," Pan Han said weakly.

The two women laughed like silver bells, then left hand-in-hand after getting dressed.

"If this keeps up, am I going to die?" Pan Han clutched his lower back and sank into deep thought.

He didn't get out of bed until evening, and the two women even brought his dinner back for him.

Asiba’s efficiency was truly impressive; the design draft for the gold coins was already slapped down in front of Pan Han.

The obverse of the gold coin featured Pan Han’s portrait, with small text running along the edge: "Dawn Base Mint." The reverse featured a sun above an outline of Dawn Base, with "One Yuan" written in the center.

"Is using my portrait really appropriate?" Pan Han frowned, still feeling a bit uncomfortable with the idea.

"If not yours, then whose?" Asiba glared at him.

"Does it have to be a portrait? It makes it look like a wanted poster."

"Don't all gold coins feature portraits? What’s the problem?"

"It’s not appropriate right now. Change it to the words 'Dawn Coin' instead."

"Ugh! Your taste is… questionable."

"What do you think, Cheng Xiao?"

"Whatever you say is fine." Cheng Xiao replied immediately.

"Sister, why do you spoil him with everything?" Asiba felt betrayed and became annoyed.

"Even if the King of Heaven himself came down, whatever he says is fine!"

"Exactly! Comrade Asiba, please proceed."

"Hmph! You two are bullying me." Asiba stomped her foot in frustration.

"Once I’ve unified the world, then we can issue gold coins with my portrait. Otherwise, it’s just too flashy!" Pan Han said with a straight face.