"It's not just about feeling sorry for these things; it just feels like this guy's approach is a bit odd. But that move of tasting the bait to discern its composition was truly impressive!
When it comes to repositioning, you have to be wary of someone watching. Don't let this friendship match be ruined by him!"
"The fact that he's willing to come already shows some respect! Those experts who hang out with professional anglers every day, none of them are easy to deal with.
Spending a bit to get a good rank is definitely worth it! You remembered what he used in the bait mix, right? Prepare a few more batches!"
"Prepare more?"
"Of course, the backbone of the store supports you in organizing the competition, and you won't gift some bait to show your appreciation? Will swapping positions be easy without this little bit of bait?"
"Alright, I'll prepare another fifteen pounds!"
...
Meanwhile, Chen Xueqiang, after driving away, quickly called a friend.
"Hey, Xiao Tao? Do you still need the black pit carp bait I made for you last time? It's just freshly prepared and still warm, all top-notch imported stuff, 60 a pound, I can set aside 5 pounds for you! And I've got some imported small medicine, offering it to you at cost price, a hundred bucks a bottle! Yeah, alright, pick it up at my place this evening!"
...
On the following Friday and Saturday, Zhang Yang continued to mind the shop, while Zhao and his team gathered at the shop early every morning and then headed to the Wen River for practice.
By noon, Zhang Yang had bought lunch to deliver to the riverside, guiding and correcting some training issues.
In just two days, it's impossible for Zhang Yang to achieve mastery, but they've grasped the basics.
Against professional anglers, they're definitely outmatched, but for a small-scale local friendship match, they've gained preliminary competitiveness.
On Saturday afternoon, around three o'clock, Zhang Yang called his buddies back to the shop.
"There are still several hours until dark, why call us back so early?" said Wang Jun, who busied himself with tea instead of work.
Zhang Yang: "You've got the basic techniques down, the rest can't be sorted out in a few hours.
Tomorrow morning is the competition, I'll walk everyone through the possible fish conditions and the proper responses from start to finish!
This evening, when the fish arrive, Brother Meng's info is that the market's best fish, fresh fish should first..."
Zhang Yang meticulously explained numerous precautions, including basic fish condition judgment, drawing position differences, and subsequent adjustments for varied fish conditions.
These analyses and adaptation details are usually shared piecemeal, but today is different. Zhang Yang addressed every possible scenario he could think of in detail with corresponding responses.
The four of them, including the eldest, Zhao, listened intently like eager students attending class as Zhang Yang lectured on, until the sky darkened unnoticed.
...
Early the next morning, just past four, Zhang Yang was awakened by his alarm.
He got up and did a quick wash; then, without breakfast, he rode his bike over to nearby Meng Village.
At the fishing ground by four fifteen, no anglers had arrived yet.
Lights were on in Meng Xiangqiu's prefab house, and Zhang Yang parked his bike in a corner, knocked, and entered.
To ensure the best fish condition and quality, Meng Xiangqiu had hardly slept last night.
The fish truck arrived just after eleven; once the single basket was weighed and the fish released, it was already midnight. The oxygen pump roared all night, and Brother Meng frequently patrolled the pondside, fearing slight accidents.
"Brother Meng!" Zhang Yang greeted upon entering.
"Little Zhang, here so early? Have you eaten?" Meng Xiangqiu rose from his camp bed, rubbing his bloodshot eyes.
"Not yet; a friend will bring me breakfast later! Are the fish okay?"
"No issues! One thousand one hundred thirty-one pounds, to ensure quality, I unloaded an extra basket! Genuine Tanghai carp! All in good condition, except their size isn't consistent!"
"Size isn't consistent?"
"Yes, averaging over two pounds six to seven ounces; the smallest are two pounds one to two ounces, and the largest are over four pounds! They're all two-year-old fish!" explained Meng Xiangqiu.
"Alright, got it!" Receiving the info he needed, Zhang Yang nodded.
He chatted idly in the prefab house, and a little past four thirty, the roaring of cars could be heard outside as people arrived.
Four cars, sure enough, Zhao and his team showed up at the fishing ground on time.
Zhang Yang unloaded his gear from Zhao's car, while Wang Yan retrieved a colossal red plastic basin, nearly a meter in diameter, from the seat.
This washbasin was specially arranged by Zhang Yang for preparing a large quantity of scattering bait; smaller basins are hard to handle.
The five of them; Zhang Yang prepared fifteen pounds of scattering bait in one go, pouring in a large bottle of black syrup like it's free, and after ten plus minutes, the first batch was ready.
Next was the hand feed for kneading bait, which Zhang Yang personally attended to, adjusting the water ratio, consistency, and flavor for optimal bait performance.
Each of the five had a small basin full; after all the bait was distributed, about three and a half pounds were left for Zhang Yang, which he packed into a zip-lock and stashed in his tackle box.
Once all preparations were completed, daylight broke at five plus o'clock, and other early anglers began to arrive ahead of time. It was then that the five of them took their bought breakfast inside, waiting for the upcoming competition.
Once they've eaten to their satisfaction, daylight fully broke outside.
Due to organizing the event, all thirty-six fishing spots at Meng Village Fishing Ground were fully booked today, and small cars parked all the way to the village edge under Meng Xiangqiu's guidance.
The whole fishing ground was bustling with anglers of varying familiarity, preparing for the reel opening.
Such occasions are the best places to test an angler's renown.
Among the thirty-something anglers, except for his few team members, Zhang Yang only recognized around ten, whereas the older Zhao knew many, greeted all around.
Just at six, a commotion arose.
Zhao Bing guang peeked over and said in surprise, "Old Ma is here!"
"Old Ma?" Zhang Yang's heart stirred upon hearing the name.
"Ma Yuhua, Teacher Ma! Vice-president of the City Fishing Association!" Zhao Bing guang mentioned Old Ma with visible respect.
"Teacher my ass! A deceitful piece, not deserving the title! Both Strong Brother and I used to hang out at his shop; the trash line cut was bought from his shop!"
Wang Yan glanced out from the prefab window, dismissed them while scratching his nose dismissively.
Zhao Bing guang frowned slightly, quietly explained to Zhang Yang, "Indeed his stuff is pricey, but his credentials are there!
The tiny circle of competition folks around W City's vicinity mostly hang with him! Old Ma's disciples have a reputation higher than Old Lan in the local fishing circle!"
Though no explanation was needed, Zhang Yang knew of Old Ma too. In a previous life, Zhang Yang had frequented his store – decent skills, but not much character.
However, Zhao was right about one thing, heaps of disciples, significant local notoriety and influence.
Unexpectedly, even for such a minor friendship match, he showed up.