Chapter 44: I Didn't Expect Such Good News

One didn't even need to ask; just from the tone of their voices, it was clear that these old gentlemen were not only acquainted but very well-acquainted.

"What are you talking about? I just came over to lend this little girl a hand."

"Whoa, this little girl is something else. That fish is quite large."

One of the old men leaned closer to Chuxue. "Little girl, are you willing to trade this fish?"

Since she had already intended to trade it for money or tickets, she naturally saw no reason to be coy. "I'll trade it."

Before the old man could say anything more, Old Man Xiao, who had been helping earlier, quickly spoke up: "Old Man Guo, I've already put a reservation on that black fish. Don't you dare try to snatch it from me!"

Old Man Guo replied, not to be outdone, "You just said you were only here to lend a hand. Is this your true colors showing already?"

Having been exposed, Old Man Xiao stopped pretending. "Alright, alright, we all know each other's business. Regardless, I've claimed the black fish. Just don't try to compete with me."

Old Man Guo took a glance into the bucket and looked at Chuxue. "Girl, are you going to cast the hook again?"

Liu Chuxue glanced at the simple fishing rod in her hand. "This thing isn't very handy; I can probably only manage one more cast at most."

Old Man Xiao hurried back to his seat and brought over a set of fishing gear. "Little girl, I love fishing, but coming home empty-handed is a common occurrence. This is the gear I used before; I bought new ones, so this set became my backup. Since we are destined to meet today, how about I trade this old set of gear for that big black fish of yours?"

Liu Chuxue hadn't expected such a good deal. "This... I don't think that's right. Even if this gear is second-hand, it isn't cheap. I can't take such a huge advantage from you."

"Ah, don't look at it that way. That black fish isn't cheap to begin with; yours must weigh at least eight or nine catties. This old set of gear has been with me for several years; though it hasn't seen much heavy use, it has depreciated quite a bit. Besides, as they say, a good bow deserves good arrows. Since we've crossed paths today, it would be a waste to let this sit in my hands. It's better if we both benefit."

Since the old gentleman had put it that way, further refusal would seem pretentious. "Alright, then. Thank you, sir. You can take that carp as well; consider it a token of respect from a junior."

"Ha! This girl is quite straightforward. Alright, then I shall accept your kindness."

Old Man Guo grew anxious at this. "Then that remaining grass carp is mine! None of you can compete with me for that one."

Another old man behind him chimed in, "Yours, yours... it's a deal then. If the little girl catches another one later, no matter what kind of fish it is, it's mine."

Good heavens, Liu Chuxue was a bit stunned. She hadn't even agreed yet, and these old gentlemen had already arranged everything among themselves.

Old Man Xiao had already opened the gear set, showing it to Chuxue piece by piece. "Girl, although this gear is old, I've taken good care of it. There are no issues at all. You'll just need to get yourself a landing net later to complete the set."

Old Man Qi, who had come along with them, teased, "It's not that there are 'no issues.' You've barely caught any fish with it in the first place, so what issues could there possibly be?"

His words caused the surrounding crowd to burst into laughter.

Old Man Xiao wasn't angry. "Go on, go on! A hero doesn't dwell on past glories. Old Man Qi, stop exposing my shortcomings."

As he spoke, he turned to teach Chuxue. "Let me tell you about this fishing rod..."

It had to be said that there were wealth gaps in every era. Although this wasn't the modern age, fishing rods still varied in quality.

One could tell at a glance that the old man came from a well-off family. In an era where ordinary people were still struggling to meet their basic needs, the fact that he could afford top-tier gear just for a hobby was telling.

How many people could even afford to buy gear that had been relegated to "backup" status?

(End of Chapter)