Han Qiang scratched his head: "I won't argue with you on that! But it doesn't change the fact that you're still a rookie!"
"Alright, you two, always bickering right when you meet, just fishing, what's there to argue about? Aren't you embarrassed at your age? Xiao Zhang, don't mind them, they've always been like this since we worked together!"
Zhou Chu looked irritably at these two jesters, worried about annoying Zhang Yang.
Watching the duo bicker, Zhang Yang grinned: "No worries, I'm young, not so particular!
It's normal to bicker, even when Brother Zhao Jun and the others drink tea at my place, they start bickering too! Brother Jun even has a nickname called the 'Bickering Captain'!"
"Brother Xiao Zhang, get me a set of rods! Always talking about equipment, I'll buy my own set, won't need to use my master's anymore!" Wang Yan glanced at the fishing rods on the wall.
"Alright, what length do you need? What price range?" Zhang Yang nodded and started asking for details.
"Length… I'm not too sure, just what we'll use tonight! A bit cheap, I only have 310 yuan left, still need to pay the fishing fee, do what you can! I spent all my money on a camera, I'm broke!"
Wang Yan candidly revealed how much money he had left.
Now, Zhang Yang was in a bind.
The fishing fee at Oil House Fishing Ground is 120, so he'd only have 190 left after that, which barely leaves any room for choice in that price range.
At least a 3.6-meter and a 5.4-meter rod are necessary for the Oil House Fishing Ground.
An average rod costs less than a hundred yuan, and based on the shop's pricing, he could only afford entry-level wild fishing rods, which wouldn't be suitable for black pit fishing.
"Well, I do have cheap rods in the store, but since you're a friend brought by Brother Qiang, I won't mislead you!
Entry-level rods, in terms of performance, feel, and overall strength, aren't suitable for black pit fishing!
Moreover, you can't just have a rod and start fishing.
You need a landing net, a fish protector, some bait materials, a bobber for the line, right?" Zhang Yang explained with a troubled expression.
After Zhang Yang finished speaking, Wang Yan nodded in understanding and immediately turned around with a cheeky grin: "Master, Brother Qiang, help a brother out who's short on cash for equipment! I'll pay you back as soon as I have money!"
Wang Yan's shamelessness won Zhang Yang over again.
One moment they're arguing passionately, the next he's calling them brothers and borrowing money, without even brewing the emotion.
Since he called them brother and backed down, Han Qiang and Zhou Chu didn't hesitate, pulling out the cash they had in their pockets.
Zhou Chu: "After deducting fishing fees and bait money, I have 230 left, I can lend you 200!"
Han Qiang, not pulling out his wad of cash, shrugged: "I'll cover the rest! I'm just a bit flush right now!"
"Master, you're awesome, Brother Qiang rocks! Love you two!" Wang Yan hugged Han Qiang, planting a kiss directly.
"Damn! Keep it together! I'm not your girlfriend, what are you kissing me for!"
Han Qiang struggled desperately, but it was in vain, his face was still covered in saliva from the kiss.
After the antics, the next thing was to get the equipment.
Though Han Qiang confidently covered the rest, Wang Yan didn't choose extravagant gear. After some simple communication, he bought two reasonably priced rods.
A 3.6-meter Battle Black Club, a 5.4-meter Guangwei 3-7 mixed-use rod, plus a simple folding fishing chair costing over a hundred yuan, along with a stainless steel landing net and a 40-caliber competitive fish protector.
An entry-level equipment set, totaling 767 yuan, with Zhang Yang rounding off the change, ended up costing 750 yuan.
Before he knew it, it was past 2:30, the three brothers said their goodbyes to Zhang Yang and set off for the fishing ground early to claim their spot.
The roar of the old Nissan Bluebird gradually receded, as Zhang Yang sat back inside, replaying the series of bold social moves Wang Yan made from arrival to departure.
For ordinary people, nine out of ten would think this guy's head was a bit off.
But having seen various uniquely individual online streams in his last life, Zhang Yang didn't think it was an unacceptable issue.
Wang Yan left an impression on Zhang Yang that he was carefree and perceptive, seemingly unreliable in actions, yet strong in performance craving, while having a firm sense of boundaries when it came to serious matters.
In an instant, Zhang Yang thought of a job that suited Wang Yan perfectly.
Online streamer!
Or more precisely, fishing streamer!
With this guy's ability to clown around while still getting things done, if he could let loose during fishing streams and showcase his personality, it would definitely be a hit.
With this thought, Zhang Yang started pondering.
According to his entrepreneurial plan, later on, he's planning to create fishing-related video public accounts and online streams.
If he could invite Wang Yan to join, whether for video appearances or serving as a live assistant interacting with water friends, it would be a tremendous asset!
Now having this idea, Zhang Yang grew more fascinated by Wang Yan. The timing wasn't ripe yet, so he'd observe for now and wait for the right moment.
After Han Qiang and the trio left, two sets of customers arrived one after another, before he knew it, it was past five in the evening.
Thinking about the clients going fishing at Oil House that night, Zhang Yang locked up early and cycled towards the Oil House Fishing Ground.
It was 5:30 by the time he arrived at the fishing ground, and the fish delivery truck hadn't come yet.
Diao Changhe wasn't kidding about business being bad in their phone conversation.
It was less than an hour until fishing began, and there were only about 17 people at the fishing ground, including 6 or 7 fishing buddies Zhang Yang organized.
Parking his bicycle in front of the shed, Diao Changhe soon greeted him with enthusiasm.
"Brother Zhang Yang, how come you're cycling? Where's your equipment? Help me pull the fish out, this batch is still the best fish!"
Diao Changhe's attitude towards Zhang Yang had evidently improved, offering cigarettes and water warmly.
Zhang Yang grinned: "Took some mates to Meng Village in the morning, not fishing this time, just hanging out for a bit then leaving!
Have to open the store early tomorrow Sunday, playing too late would affect business!"
"Heard the new fishing ground at Meng Village is quite nice? All the people from Lang Junfeng's side went to Meng Village, right?" Diao Changhe inquired further.
Zhang Yang grinned, ambiguously responding: "Saw a few familiar faces, but I couldn't name them!"
Diao Changhe gritted his teeth: "Lang Junfeng, that bastard, is really devious, causing you all trouble is him, now he's got better prospects, and won't come around anymore! I was thinking of asking him to organize some anglers to come over, but he hung up immediately after I called!"
"Maybe he's got other things going on, I'm not really in touch with him, so I'm not sure!" Zhang Yang answered vaguely.
After a bit of forced small talk, the fish delivery truck arrived, attracting anglers' attention, allowing Zhang Yang to escape from Diao Changhe and move towards the fish truck.
No idea about today's fish quality, but since he's here, he should definitely check out the fish for the anglers.