Chapter 125: All Because of Wu An
Lao Mai said: "If it really won't work, let Boss Gao know."
Wu An said: "Let's discuss later."
It's still unclear what Guang Liangjun is up to; speaking carelessly and saying irrelevant things will only cause trouble for Gao Qiangqi.
It's not the time yet, and it's also inappropriate.
Soon after, A Qing cleaned the deck and moved the gear aboard.
Wu An checked the time; it was already 9:30 a. m.
Let's set off.
Lao Mai started the engine, adjusted course, and the fishing boat slowly pulled away from the dock.
Wu An and A Qing sat properly in the cabin shelter; this was their second time out at sea, and A Qing was clearly much improved.
But he still got seasick, though the symptoms felt a bit lighter, and he wondered if it was just his imagination.
Seeing Lao Mai at the helm, Wu An said: "Lao Mai, can I give it a try later?"
Min Ge had already sent him the exam material; the theory part was no problem, like an open-book test, so he had nothing to worry about.
But there was still the practical test.
Min Ge said it was very simple, easier than a motorcycle test.
He thought he should still prepare ahead, lest he slip up and embarrass himself, causing Min Ge, who was helping, to lose face as well.
Lao Mai nodded: "All right, should we head back to yesterday's spot today?"
Wu An thought it over; he actually had no preference, the sea was unfamiliar to him, so it didn't matter where they went.
At this point, the value of an experienced fisherman became clear.
He casually said: "Let's go check that spot first."
The boat reached the vicinity of the sluice gate, and Wu An looked toward the bank.
Both banks of the sluice were crowded with anglers.
Don't assume these anglers came after breakfast; many hadn't left yet, and night fishing with lights makes catching fish easier than in daylight.
A Qing also watched and exclaimed: "There are so many people fishing!"
Lao Mai added: "There are also plenty of people fishing at sea, many hiring boats for offshore fishing."
There are also people who make a living from this.
A Qing listened with keen interest.
Wu An knew that making money this way was hard-earned, just enough to make a living.
Unless they go upscale, such as using large fishing boats to take people deep-sea fishing.
Or luxury fishing boats, making money from the wealthy.
He had no intention of running a fishing‑trip service, but he thought of a similar business.
Offshore fish farm.
This involves leasing sea areas for fish farms; while fishing‑spot fees are minor, the main profit comes from ancillary businesses.
On the fish farm, anglers need to spend on food, drink, and restroom facilities.
That's where the big money lies.
Such a model needs to reach tourist scale, with steady foot traffic, and most importantly, it can create many jobs.
Why does he know this so well?
Because the fish farm business itself is one of the village's future industries.
Wu An thought he could make it work: it would earn money and also help his father hold his own in the village.
It's best to start now rather than later; he could get it going right away.
First, the sea area can be leased.
He plans to handle this when he returns; it shouldn't cost much, his funds should suffice, and if he really can't raise 30,000 yuan, he can pay in installments.
First, lease it for twenty years.
Wu An mused as the fishing boat drifted away from the sluice gate, until the shore shrank to a thin line.
He didn't realize many anglers were also watching him, with some acquaintances whispering, "Whose fishing boat is that?"
It looks like it belongs to that gambler, Guang Liangjun.
I heard his boat had been sold.
Oh, really?
Putting out to sea at this hour, the buyer must be a lazybones.
Exactly, even eating shit can't beat the heat; going out to sea just wastes fuel.
Hearing the sour remarks, Lin Hu fell into thought—so… did Wu An buy this boat?
Lin Hu stared at the red‑green fishing boat, unblinking.
Hey, buddy, buddy…
Hearing the call, Lin Hu snapped to attention and turned to look at the angler next door.
The angler pointed at the water and said, "A fish is on!"
Lin Hu reacted, hastily lifting his rod, but the fish got away—he couldn't tell if he'd lifted too late or the fish just wasn't biting.
Damn it, it's all Wu An's fault!
He muttered curses under his breath.
Looking off in the distance, Wu An's fishing boat was already fading from view.
The neighboring angler teased: 'Buddy, quit staring; your jealous eyes are all red.'
Whoever's envious, whoever's eyes are red.
Bullshit!
Damn it!
Lin Hu jumped up like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, fur bristling as he shouted curses.
The neighboring fisherman blinked, not a nice guy either, and cursed: "Damn, I was just saying it casually, look how worked up you got, and you still claim you're not jealous."
Several fishermen stood up; they were a group.
Lin Hu was alone; though fierce, he wasn't stupid, knowing that a wise man doesn't suffer immediate loss. He tossed off "I'm not fishing anymore," packed up his gear, and left.
As he walked, he kept cursing Wu An in his heart.
But he didn't really leave; instead, he found a more distant fishing spot, sat down, and kept fishing.
This is his job.
If he caught nothing and went home, his wife would surely complain.
……
On the fishing boat, Wu An sneezed twice, heard Lao Mai calling him, quickly rose and walked to the helm, sitting down and operating it with some excitement.
The sea was vast, with only a few fishing boats far in the distance.
Lao Mai explained.
Operating the small boat is relatively simple, not difficult; there are just a few points to note.
"Watch the waves."
"Look far ahead."
"Most importantly, you need to watch for any danger—collisions or running aground at sea are deadly."
"Deadly" here is not an adjective but a statement.
It's exactly the literal meaning.
Wu An nodded; today was pretty good—pleasant weather, calm seas, Lao Mai nearby—if anything urgent happened, he could handle it right away.
Wu An took hold of the helm and gently gave it throttle.
The fishing boat forged ahead through wind and waves; he thought, and called up the system.
Luck Value: 110
Daily Luck: (55)
He planned to add a point to the fishing boat to test it out.
Result.
Standard Small Fishing Boat: (+10)
Introduction: This is merely a boat that can sail on the sea, randomly encountering fish schools; boosting Luck Value increases the chance.
Then…… nothing?
Wu An blinked, feeling the description was too simple; after a moment he realized, yeah, it's just a fishing boat, not a trawler.
Being able to increase the chance of encountering fish schools is already pretty good.
Then add it!
After boosting Luck Value, he wasn't sure if it was an illusion, but the boat felt much more stable than before; does this also come with a hidden buff attribute?
Wu An muttered, focusing his attention on steering the boat.
Soon they arrived at the island from yesterday; in the distance, they saw a boat docked beside the island.
Someone had already gotten there first.
End of Chapter
