The Steel Giant Ship was originally projected to be completed by the end of December 1665, marking the sixth year since Chen Zhou had arrived on the island.
The finishing work on the hull proceeded very smoothly, following the plan almost perfectly.
Most of the crucial interior structures were already assembled, and just as everyone was bubbling with excitement, pondering what special name to give this warship, a mysterious reward arrived bearing a great gift—
Modern thin steel plates piled up on half the beach, waterproof coatings specifically for the hull, along with various rivets, welding machines, and adhesives.
The appearance of these items completely disrupted Chen Zhou's planned schedule and brought about a happy dilemma—
Should these materials be used in the construction of this ship, or should the hull construction continue as planned, saving them for the next ship?
...
On the morning of December 28, 1665, at the break of dawn, Chen Zhou arrived at the shipyard.
