HLM – Chapter 1045 The Little Steam Paddlewheel

Schroeder showed a photograph. In a quiet corner of the harbor, a small paddlewheel ship sat still, waiting.

The vessel looked only a dozen or so meters long. Its design was simple, its wooden hull weathered, exuding a strong sense of history. Compared to the surrounding boats, a large smokestack rose from its center. Although the ship wasn’t big, the smokestack gave it a presence that made it stand out.

Looking at the photo, Wang Bo asked, “Is this a steamship?”

Schroeder smiled and nodded. “Yes, Mayor. This is the Tà Làng Bái Mǎ—the ‘Surfing White Horse.’ It’s a steam-powered vessel that once served the Doflo Tourism Group. As you may know, the Doflo Tourism Group went bankrupt earlier this year. Their assets were auctioned off by the bank, and this ship ended up in our possession.”

Wang Bo understood why the Layne four had said this ship was suitable for Sunset Town. Originally built for a tourism company, it was still in excellent condition. Bringing it to Lake Hāwea would immediately create a ready-made tourist attraction.

Currently, Lake Hāwea only had yachts, inflatable rafts, and small wooden boats. A steamship-based tourism model was still untapped.

“I’ve been observing Sunset Town since I arrived,” Schroeder continued. “Your town is developing quickly and well, but it seems to lack a certain historical charm. I think having the Surfing White Horse would improve that.”

Steamships do carry historical significance. In 1763, Jouffroy built the world’s first steamship, the Pyroscaphe, but just thirty minutes into its maiden voyage, the boiler exploded. The true solution for marine steam engines came from James Watt, who invented the double-cylinder steam engine in 1765. In 1768, he collaborated with Matthew Boulton, owner of the Birmingham Steam Engine Works, to develop a steam engine specifically for ship propulsion. This became the famous early Bolton–Watt engine, widely used on early steamships. With steam engines aboard, the age of steamships began.

Although the first steamships performed poorly, their potential was immense. Once Watt perfected the steam engine, the Industrial Revolution reached the seas. By the 19th century, oceans were dominated by steamships, and sailing ships gradually became museum pieces or competitive vessels.

However, because steam engines were large, low-powered, and inefficient, steamships were eventually phased out. Modern ships rely on internal combustion engines or turbines.

Seeing the steamship, Wang Bo became interested. “How about its navigation and safety?” he asked.

Schroeder nodded. “Absolutely no problem. In fact, a friend of mine initially won it at auction. After I heard the Sunset Band perform the other night, I thought of this ship. So I purchased it on behalf of our company.

“The Echoing Songs album was produced very simply, especially the music videos. We need to redo them, and without a doubt, this ship fits perfectly with the album’s theme.”

Wang Bo nodded. “So you want the Laynes to film on the ship?”

“Yes.”

“But you’re not giving them the ship outright, right? How much does it cost? At least a million, I suppose?” Wang Bo asked, puzzled.

Schroeder chuckled. “No, a new ship doesn’t have to be that expensive. Besides, this was an auctioned asset. My friend got it for 120,000, and I purchased it for 125,000.”

“Only that cheap?” Wang Bo was surprised. “Does your friend’s company have more ships like this?”

Schroeder shrugged. “I think so. When I bought this one, there were four more docked there. I don’t think they’ll sell in the next day or two.”

Wang Bo immediately grew interested. “That’s great! Help me contact your friend. I can take over those ships if he’s willing to sell.”

Schroeder was taken aback. “Mayor, are you serious?”

Of course Wang Bo was serious. He saw the ships as a valuable tourism project that could further develop Lake Hāwea.

Schroeder made a call and quickly replied: “If you want to buy the remaining four ships in a package, the total would be 600,000.”

The price was acceptable, and there was room for negotiation. But Wang Bo needed to see the condition of the ships first—they had to be seaworthy to have any value.

The two of them continued discussing the steamships in detail. Wang Bo wanted more concrete information, while the Laynes stood there dazed, watching the heated discussion. Eventually, one couldn’t help but shout: “Boss, that’s not fair! We’re the main characters here!”

Wang Bo scratched his head in mild embarrassment. “Right, right. But haven’t your issues been settled? Congratulations on joining ACT Records. Sunset Town will always be your hometown—whenever you want to come back, the town will welcome you.”

Layne said, “We’ll come back often, boss. Staying in town is the most comfortable. We’re going to earn big money, and the newly built villas… save one for us.”

“No, four,” Tutu corrected. “Four next to each other.”

Wang Bo waved his hand, laughing. “No problem. Four villas, at internal cost.”

The villa sales were doing well. Even before the official launch, around ten units had been reserved. Lancaster himself reserved a villa before leaving, even paying the deposit.

Wang Bo treated Schroeder and the ACT Records staff to a lavish meal, letting them taste the fresh ingredients from Sunset Ranch.

Schroeder wiped his mouth and exclaimed, “No wonder Sunset beef and lamb are so expensive—they’re worth every penny. I’ve decided—my kids will eat Sunset beef from now on.”

The Laynes didn’t leave Sunset Town immediately; there were still many tasks to hand over, as they had managed the Volcano Bar. Wang Bo needed someone to take over their responsibilities.

Once Schroeder got the information he needed, he returned to Wellington, easily transported by Wang Bo via helicopter.

Following Schroeder’s guidance, the helicopter landed on a vacant area at Wellington Harbor, where a tall man with red hair awaited them. This was the owner of the steamships, Rodette Playton.

After brief greetings, Rodette led them to a corner of the harbor where small vessels were docked. Five steamships were moored together. They were similar in size but differed in style and color: white, bronze, brown, and black.

What looked one way in the photo appeared quite different up close. Wang Bo noticed details that the photograph had not revealed.