Before they knew it, the time had passed eleven, and some anglers started selling their catch while Zhang Yang and his group packed up their gear.
"Boss, we've got fish!" Zhang Yang shouted, and soon Meng Xiangqiu responded from across the water.
In no time, Meng Xiangqiu came over, pushing a modified wheelbarrow.
"How did the fishing go this morning? How many did you catch?"
"Not bad, 26 fish, weighing about sixty or seventy pounds!"
Zhang Yang knew the temperament of his friend, so he wasn't secretive at all. With a grin, he bent down, squatted, and pulled the fish net from the water.
Previously, seven or eight anglers had already sold their catches; most were around forty pounds at most. Upon landing, no one expected Zhang Yang's catch to be so large.
"Wow, not bad, you've done a lot this morning!"
"Just lucky," Zhang Yang modestly said with a grin.
"Selling the fish is one thing, but you can't just sell and leave. Let's have a drink at noon, I've already prepared the dishes, they'll be ready to cook once we're done, and nothing will be delayed!"
Meng Xiangqiu reminded them as he loaded the fish.
"Uh, maybe next time? Just opened up, quite busy, it's not too late to drink when there's more free time later!"
Zhang Yang hesitated a bit, knowing the opening was indeed busy and didn't want Meng Xiangqiu to waste too much time.
"I've just started running this pit, there's a lot I still don't understand, I was hoping to take this chance to learn from you guys, don't refuse!"
With that said, Zhang Yang had no choice but to nod and agree.
Soon, the fish weights were calculated.
Zhang Yang caught 26 fish, weighing 69 pounds, ranking second in the entire pit.
The owner mentioned the pit champion was from the middle of the north bank, weighing 73 pounds, having certain casting advantages, beating Zhang Yang by 4 pounds of catch.
Both Zhao Bing and Wang Jun caught less, with Zhao Bing having 47 pounds and Wang Jun 44 pounds.
Though satisfied with the fun, considering total catch in a single round, both having experienced a bounty at Oil House Fishing Ground before, felt slightly unsated, expressing they hadn't fully enjoyed themselves.
Shortly, Meng Fan returned from selling fish as well, with a bag of ice creams in hand.
"Yang, Zhao, Jun, have some ice cream, I bought plenty!"
Zhang Yang accepted a small pudding, casually tearing open the package: "Meng, how much did you catch today?"
"Not bad, 52 pounds! Wasn't fully prepared, used too thin a line, lost a few while cutting hooks!"
"Damn, Meng, you caught 52 pounds?"
Upon hearing the figure, Wang Jun couldn't hold back, realizing Meng's performance was better than both his and Zhao Bing's, only slightly less than Zhang Yang among the group.
"Yep! I got lucky, number 9 spot, near the middle, more fish there!"
Hearing number nine, Wang Jun nodded.
That made sense, with a decent spot, catching a few more fish was expected.
The group chatted and ate ice cream, when Han Qiang, who hadn't packed up, walked over to Zhang Yang with a carefree attitude.
"Zhang Yang, how much did you catch?"
Zhang Yang: "69 pounds! Are you packing up too?"
"Not yet, my friend hasn't had enough, we came from a distance, planning to fish a bit longer! I heard the boss saying they cook meals here too! If you're free at noon, why don't we grab a few dishes and have a casual lunch together?"
"Uh, today might not be convenient, I've promised a few fellow anglers!"
Hearing this, since he only knew Han Qiang casually, Zhang Yang fidgeted, feeling slightly awkward and unsure what to say.
Being invited to eat by the pit owner was one thing, didn't expect Han Qiang, whom he'd just met, also wanted to treat him to a meal.
Zhang Yang wasn't sure if Meng Xiangqiu had invited everyone or just the ones he brought, feeling somewhat unsure how to respond appropriately.
"No worries, if everyone's together, let's just eat together, we're all anglers, just order a few more dishes!" Han Qiang didn't get Zhang Yang's reasoning and thought he was making excuses to decline.
"Uh, then let's eat together! But there's no need for you to treat! Let the pit owner treat us! When we paid this morning, Boss Meng said he'd cover lunch and drinks!" Zhang Yang had to clarify the situation.
All adults, Han Qiang quickly caught on.
So, the pit owner already planned to treat, nearly a coincidence like a comet hitting earth!
While Zhang Yang and Han Qiang felt a bit awkward, Zhao Bing waved his hand: "It's no big deal, just adding another pair of chopsticks!
We're all anglers, meeting is fate, today we're forming a group to go for a big meal!
What's your name, let's formally get to know each other, my name's Zhao, Zhao Bingguang!"
"Han Qiang!"
The two shook hands socially, formally exchanging names, thus becoming acquainted.
"Let's not linger out here, find some shade, it's too hot! Behind the prefab there's a grove!" Zhang Yang called out, and everyone headed towards the shelter behind the prefab.
It was too hot inside the prefab, more comfortable in the grove with a breeze. Zhang Yang brought out a folding table and stools from inside and set up tea, everyone seated on small stools drinking tea in comfort.
They chatted for a while, only then Han Qiang learned from the conversation that Zhang Yang was a fishing gear shop owner.
"I was wondering why you're so familiar with fishing lines, turns out you're a professional! Where's your shop? I'll visit sometime!"
Zhang Yang smiled broadly: "I'm not a pro, just know a bit, it's in town, on the commercial street behind the government street!"
"Are all the anglers with you friends from your shop?"
"Yes! Actually, my shop hasn't been open long, just a bunch of fishing buddies, planned to come for this opening event!"
"I remember, the boss called your name this morning during the draw!"
...
The time spent chatting passed quickly, after handling the fish returns, Boss Meng Xiangqiu peeked into the prefab upon hearing the noise, quickly heading to the grove behind to join them.