With his immense strength, Chuck could lift a hundred-pound rock or log with one hand without much effort. Even chopping trees, mining, and hauling materials felt like a light jog to him.
So, active weight training became the only way to reactivate his body's adaptability.
Coincidentally, Valentina, Janet, and Julia used to work out. Kaede was an athletic girl. The weaker members, lacking exercise, could also benefit from training.
At least they'd have more stamina at night.
With life becoming easier, the gym, once built, would likely be popular.
But to expand the house, he needed a design.
Previously, blueprints provided ready-made plans; he just added materials. Now, he had to plan it himself. Although DIY blueprints optimized his design, such a major project was irreversible. A good plan was foundational.
Chuck thought of asking Momo as usual, but then had an epiphany.
Didn't he have an industry insider right here?
...
Chuck remembered Yunshang Group as a famous developer in his city. Reaching a department manager position there, Yitong must be better than him at design, even if not an architect.
"...Design a house blueprint?"
"Yes. The current house is sturdy enough. I plan to expand it, but I need a basic expansion plan first."
Under the palm shed, a pot of hot water held a bled pheasant. Yitong, in loose linen clothes, squatted on the ground, plucking feathers softened by the hot water.
Ignoring the snowy, heavy breasts bursting from her loose neckline and her exquisite face, she looked like a farm woman. Where was the corporate executive?
Chuck hesitated. Yitong had become a full-time housewife. Asking this might be too much.
But hearing Chuck's request, the mature beauty switched modes. Her expression turned serious. She stood up calmly, dried her hands, thought briefly, and asked proactively.
"Hubby, by 'expansion,' do you mean adding rooms on the platform like before, or adding a floor?"
Chuck froze, then smiled, his worries gone. He answered truthfully.
"Both. The first floor currently has the living room, dining room, storage, and bedroom. I want to redesign it. Expand left and right of the current bedroom. The left becomes the new storage. The right connects to the old storage, eventually becoming the main bathroom."
Chuck gestured at the corners and the ceiling as he explained his plan.
"An extra floor is a must. Considering humidity and bugs, I plan to move the bedroom to the second floor. The old bedroom becomes an activity room. The fireplace needs to extend up. More space, drier sleeping. Ideally, add a second bathroom upstairs so we don't have to queue for showers or toilets."
A two-story island villa with three bedrooms, one living room, a kitchen, and two bathrooms. This was Chuck's vision.
Yitong listened, eyes shining with thought. Moments later, she spoke slowly. "Hubby, your idea is great, but... to add a second floor, we probably need to dismantle the existing roof first."
"Don't worry about that."
Chuck shook his head.
The beauty of the blueprint function was automation. It handled demolition and reconstruction; Chuck just needed to supply materials.
So his problem was a solid design plan and collecting massive materials.
Hearing this, Yitong didn't ask further, trusting Chuck's ability to build the stone house alone.
She thought for a moment, then asked tentatively.
"So Hubby... you just need a design plan?"
"Exactly."
Chuck patted her shoulder happily and squeezed her big breast.
Yitong's keen observation was comforting. She understood his intent quickly, saving him trouble.
"Mmh~"
Yitong moaned, blushing. She nodded, about to agree, then looked hesitantly at the steaming pot.
Chuck used his own observation skills, squeezing her other breast with a smile.
"No rush. Finish your work first. It's a big project; won't be done in a day or two."
"Oh... o-okay, I'll study it slowly."
Yitong, flushed and dripping nectar from Chuck's groping, looked restless despite wanting to work.
Seeing this, Chuck smiled and took off his pants. The mature bitch's legs gave way; she knelt, eyes glazed.
Chuck shook his hips. The magnificent, hot dragon slapped her beautiful, mature face like a rolling pin.
"Eat. After eating this chicken, everyone is waiting to eat that chicken."
...
Water diversion couldn't be rushed. House expansion waited for Yitong's design.
But there was always work on the island.
Priority: water, housing, then clothing. To save time, Chuck wanted to prepare reeling and weaving tools before the silkworm selection finished.
But before working, filling the stomach was paramount. Don't waste hard-earned food.
...
After slurping and swallowing Chuck's chicken, Yitong, with a stray hair on her lip, resumed processing the meat.
Plucking, cleaning, draining blood, gutting, beheading, and butchering...
A tricky problem arose.
A whole chicken was a rare treat—the best ingredient in a long time. Stewing it with casual seasoning like before would be tasty but wasteful to Yitong, the household manager.
Marinating to flavor and remove gamey taste would elevate it.
Hesitating, Yitong sought Chuck, who was sunbathing. He thought briefly and clapped.
"I know. Follow me."
He led Yitong to the artificial cave, finding the four sealed jars in the corner.
"Hubby... these are?"
Yitong asked curiously.
"Mulberry juice Momo stomped a while back. Been here a while. Don't know if it's fermented, let's check."
Chuck explained, opening the nearest jar.
A sweet scent of mulberry juice mixed with faint alcohol hit them.
Chuck smiled, looking at the purple liquid with floating pulp.
He scooped a spoonful, smelled it—no weird odor—and tasted it.
Similar to juice, with unique freshness but a hint of alcohol. Not spicy, just mellow.
Nice taste. He took another spoonful, savoring it. Lower alcohol content than draft beer.
Actually perfect. Even Momo could handle it. Alcohol is better shared than drunk alone.
Though weak, it might work for marinating to remove gamey taste.
"Should work. Try it."
Chuck carried the jar to the kitchen. Yitong skimmed impurities, filtered the low-alcohol wine through cloth into the pot, covering the chicken chunks.
Yitong took over. Chuck sipped wine from a bowl, watching her score the chicken, add herbs, pepper, salt, and dried chilies, massaging the meat.
Time passed. Chuck got bored and waited for the meal.
Noon arrived. Rich chicken soup aroma wafted from the kitchen.
The island was small; news traveled faster than scent. Knowing lunch was stewed chicken, the women finished work early, washed hands, sat at the table, or hovered near the kitchen, drooling.
Even calm Janet and Valentina fidgeted, debating whether to "help" in the kitchen for a taste...
With the island's ingredient bonus, the scent would make anyone hungry, let alone the women living on plain food. They became greedy cats.
Leaning by the door, Chuck felt grounded joy.
For a man, the best moment isn't defeating enemies or getting stronger, but providing a happy life for loved ones and seeing their satisfied smiles.
That brings true fulfillment.
Finally...
"Hehe~ Chicken soup is here~"
Apron-clad Yitong, holding the pot with cloths, walked out smiling. She placed the enticing pot on the table. Kaoru followed with cold wild vegetable salad and roasted taro/pancakes.
The women looked at each other, drooling but not moving. All eyes turned to Chuck.
In this moment, the reality of being the head of the household hit Chuck. Like an old geezer at the main seat during family reunions or forced company dinners.
But unlike those geezers who make everyone wait while they speechify, thinking their words are gold when no one cares...
Chuck knew their reaction was out of love, care, and respect. So without a word, he lifted the lid, grabbed a big drumstick, sat down, and started eating with a pancake.
With his move, the women no longer held back. They stood up, not scrambling but with speed and discipline, devouring half the pot in thirty seconds.
For once, no chatter or laughter. Only the sound of focused eating.