Before Nana could even fully lower her hand after the photo was taken, Chen Hao had already stuffed his phone back into his pocket and rubbed his hands together.

"Now it's time to do something to celebrate, isn't it?"

"The equipment is still under monitoring and it is not advisable to carry out non-essential activities."

"I didn't say I was going to dance. I just wanted to go to the warehouse to check if there were any leaks after the water pumps were connected. If there are leaks, our First Power Project will become the First Flood Site."

Nana glanced at him, didn't refute him, and turned to walk towards the base.

Chen Hao followed behind, his steps light and quick, humming the line from earlier, "A great river with wide waves," but the tune was off-key, like a kite string blown away by the wind.

The warehouse door slammed open with a dull thud, as if it hadn't been touched in a long time. Inside, metal pipes brought back from the mine were neatly stacked in a corner, next to several idle old motors and a pile of half-disassembled parts boxes. On the shelves against the wall, plastic bags were bulging with seeds, some with moldy edges, the rice-grain-sized grains stuck together like scabbed wounds.

"How long have these things been here?" Chen Hao picked up a bag, shook it gently, and it made a rustling sound.

“Thirty-seven days.” Nana glanced at the label. “The original plan was to move it to a temperature-controlled storage room within two weeks, but it has been postponed until now due to adjustments in power priority.”

"So they're basically running around naked right now?"

To be precise, it's 'lacking in moisture protection'.

Chen Hao put the bag back and opened the metal box next to it. Inside were dried beans covered with a layer of grayish-white powder. "They're all moldy. Shouldn't we consider changing how we store them? Plastic bags and metal boxes sound reliable, but they break more easily than the trash can downstairs from my apartment."

“The existing containers are not airtight enough, and metal boxes are at risk of rusting, while plastic bags are prone to aging and breaking.” Nana walked to another row of shelves and opened a torn cardboard box. “There is currently no alternative.”

Chen Hao stared at the pile of messy grain, then suddenly grinned and said, "You know... could we make a big jar? Like the kind with a round belly, a small mouth, and that can be sealed tightly? Like the kind used for pickling vegetables."

Nana turned to look at him.

"You mean ceramic containers?"

"That's right! The ancients used this, and it wouldn't rot even after being buried in the ground for thousands of years. If we make a modern version, wouldn't that solve the problem?"

Nana paused for two seconds, then the terminal screen lit up, displaying a rapidly scrolling list of entries. "Search complete. The ceramic jar possesses excellent heat insulation, moisture resistance, and chemical stability, making it suitable for long-term storage of dry goods. The manufacturing process is fully recorded in the database, including raw material ratios, shaping methods, and firing procedures."

"See, I just said it offhand, and you actually believe me?"

"I don't have a plan, but all feasible solutions will be archived."

"Shall we do it now?"

"cannot."

"Again?"

“You can’t even choose the right soil.” She pulled up a chart. “The clay type needs to have a plasticity index greater than 15 and a sand content of less than 20%, otherwise it will easily crack during the drying process. In addition, an appropriate amount of fine sand or rice husks should be added as a skeleton material to prevent shrinkage and deformation.”

Chen Hao's head was throbbing: "So it's not just about molding clay?"

"If your goal is to make something that breaks into eight pieces in three days, then you can certainly mold it however you like."

"I just wanted to contribute to the team," he said, scratching his head. "Besides, our kiln can control the temperature, right? How difficult is it to fire a pot?"

“Low-temperature sintering is feasible, but the heating rate must be controlled to avoid excessive vaporization of internal moisture, which could lead to cracking. The ideal firing temperature range is 800 to 900 degrees Celsius, lasting for more than four hours.”

"Oh my, you actually think this is a legitimate project?"

“Any aspect that affects the quality of life is a legitimate project.”

Chen Hao sighed, sat down against the shelf, picked up a small pebble, and drew a crooked outline of a jar on the cement floor. "How about we try a small one first? Let's not start with a huge jar that can hold ten bags of rice, only to have it explode and we'll have to clean up the mess."

“A reasonable suggestion.” Nana closed the terminal. “The first phase goal is to produce small experimental pottery jars with a diameter of no more than 20 centimeters to verify the feasibility of basic shaping and firing.”

"That's right, start small and take it one step at a time." He looked up. "Where are the tools? We can't exactly use our hands to dig, can we?"

“The standard ceramic turntable is missing, but it can be modified using existing equipment.” Nana pointed to a scrapped servo motor in the corner. “The reduction gear set is intact. With the bearings and plate, a simple rotating platform can be assembled.”

"I'll go dismantle it." Chen Hao stood up and patted his butt. "You make a materials list, and I'll see if there's anything in stock that will do."

In less than ten minutes, the motor casing was unscrewed. Chen Hao squatted on the ground, pulling out wires while muttering, "This thing was fine when it was installed, how come it's full of rusty screws after I took it apart?"

"The service life has exceeded the design life."

"So it's waiting for me to come and see it off in its final moments?"

"You are saving it."

"You've really touched me." He put the disassembled gears into the bucket. "What's the next step?"

Nana had pulled up a list and projected it on the wall: "Initial materials include: neutral clay, fine sand, scraper, mallet, masking cloth, and several shaping tools. Kitchen spatulas, old sandpaper, and whetstones can be used as substitutes for the tools."

Can plastic bags be used as coverings?

"It's a temporary solution, but it has poor breathability and is prone to condensation on the surface."

"How about we go to Dongpo to dig some soil tomorrow? I remember the mud there sticks really well to shoes after it rains."

"Soil samples need to undergo three tests: plasticity, drying shrinkage, and sintering hardness. Only if they meet the standards can they be used for batch collection."

“Okay, let’s set off tomorrow morning.” Chen Hao piled the parts in a corner of the workbench. “Anyway, the waterwheel is turning on its own now, so we can at least take a break and do something else.”

"This is not a break, but the start of a new mission cycle."

"You have to make happy things sound like clocking in for work."

"I'm just stating the facts."

"Then at least admit that if you succeed in doing this, you'll get more kimchi with your meals from now on?"

"Improved food storage will enhance the stability of nutrient intake, indirectly affecting work efficiency."

"Couldn't you just say, 'This would be more comfortable'?"

"Comfort is not included in the performance evaluation system."

"Sigh." Chen Hao leaned back in his chair, his legs dangling over the edge of the table. "Only when robots can learn to say 'I think it's great' will this desolate planet truly be a restart of civilization."

Nana didn't reply, but simply printed out the list and clipped it to the clipboard on the workbench.

A night breeze slipped in through the cracks in the warehouse door, causing the pages to tremble slightly. In the distance, the waterwheel was still turning, its low hum like that of a tireless old ox ruminating in the night.

The next morning, just as the sun climbed over the ridge, the two were already standing on the gentle slope on the east side of the farm.

The ground was half-dry and a little soft to the touch. Chen Hao squatted down, grabbed a handful of soil, and rubbed it in.

"It's sticky, so it must contain a lot of mud."

Nana took out a portable detector and inserted it 15 centimeters into the soil. A few seconds later, the screen displayed the data.

"The surface moisture content is moderate and the pH value is neutral, indicating that it has plasticity. Three samples were collected and brought back for analysis."

Chen Hao took out the empty can he had brought and began digging. With each shovel stroke, he brought up a few grass roots and small stones.

"This soil looks alright, but it has quite a few impurities."

"Later screening is possible. The key factors are structural uniformity and ductility."

"You say that since ancient people didn't have instruments, how did they know which piece of clay was suitable for firing pots?"

"Accumulated experience. The failure rate of early pottery exceeded 70%."

"No wonder the museum is full of masterpieces; the rest were probably smashed under the stove."

After taking the samples, the two returned to the base. In the workshop, the motor parts that had been disassembled the night before were spread out on the table. Chen Hao wiped his hands and poured the soil sample into a sieve.

What's next?

"Practice the clay." Nana took the sieve. "After removing impurities, add water and stir until a homogeneous clay mass is formed. Let it stand for 24 hours to allow the clay to rest."

"It sounds like kneading dough."

"The principles are similar."

"Does that mean I have to massage for another half hour?"

"Machine assistance is more efficient. A mixer on low speed can be used to simulate hand kneading."

"Great, finally there's a step I can get involved in." Chen Hao poured the sifted soil into the basin. "How much water should I add?"

"The initial ratio is mud:water = 3:1, adjust according to the condition."

He turned on the tap and poured the water while stirring. Mud splattered onto his sleeves, but he ignored it and kept stirring.

"Would you say we're rebuilding human civilization from scratch?"

"Current progress: The hydraulic drive system is already operational, and the food storage solution has entered the testing phase. Following the historical development sequence, the next step may be textiles or metallurgy."

"Don't jump so far yet, let's finish making this jar first. Otherwise the seeds will rot, and we won't be able to farm next year."

The mud lump gradually took shape. Chen Hao reached out and pinched a piece, pulling out a thin strip that didn't break.

"Hey, this mud is pretty obedient."

"The plasticity meets the standard." Nana nodded. "We can proceed to the shaping preparation stage."

"Where are the tools?"

"The turntable has been assembled and is awaiting testing. The shaping tool has been modified from a kitchen spatula, and the edges have been polished smooth."

Chen Hao walked over to look at the rudimentary device—an iron plate was welded onto the motor, connected to a switch and a speed controller; it looked like a vehicle someone had cobbled together from parts salvaged from a junkyard.

"Can this thing spin steadily?"

"Test data shows that the rotation speed fluctuation is less than 5%, which meets the basic shaping requirements."

“Okay, let’s try making it spin.” He pressed the button.

The iron disc rotated slowly, emitting a soft hum.

“Next step,” Nana handed him a lump of mud, “center it, apply pressure with your palm, and make an opening.”

Chen Hao took the lump of mud, slapped it onto the center of the turntable, covered his hands in wet mud, and carefully pushed it upwards.

The clay figure slowly rose up, crooked and twisted, like a drunken mushroom.

"This is harder than I imagined."

"Uneven application of force and excessive differences in wall thickness."

"Don't just point out the problems, give me some hints."

"Fix the outer wall with your left hand, place your right palm on the inside, lift it up at a steady pace, and breathe steadily."

He took a deep breath and started again.

This time, the clay body finally resembled a jar, although the rim was crooked and the whole thing was tilted, but at least it was a complete shape.

"How about it?"

“The shape is not up to standard, but it can be used for the drying test.” Nana reached out and touched the edge lightly. “Keep this sample and mark it as t-01.”

"T-01? It's being made to look like a scientific research project."

All test samples must be numbered and managed.

Chen Hao carefully moved the clay pot onto the wooden board next to him and covered it with a damp cloth.

"So, we just wait for it to dry?"

"Let it air dry naturally for at least 48 hours, avoiding direct sunlight or strong ventilation."

"Then burn it?"

"First, conduct a preliminary hardness test, and then determine the firing parameters."

"Okay." He patted the mud off his hands. "Shall we use this time to prepare the next batch of mud?"

"Yes. At the same time, check the furnace temperature control system to ensure a stable firing environment."

Chen Hao nodded and scooped up another clump of mud and put it into the basin.

Outside, the waterwheel continued to turn slowly, driving the conveyor belt to transport freshly ground cornmeal. A new day had begun, and new troubles were slowly emerging from a lump of wet mud.

He rubbed his shoulder, looked at the hardening clay, and suddenly said:

"You know... if we made a double-walled one and vacuum-sealed the middle, wouldn't it be able to be used as a thermos?"