"Boss? Is it real fishing combat? How do we arrange it?" Meng Fan felt a bit nervous seeing Zhang Yang agreeing so readily to Ding Wen's fishing contest.
There's an old saying that men remain boys until they die, and while this may not apply in every situation, it's definitely true for those in competitive platform fishing.
People say fishing is an outdoor activity for cultivating oneself, which is partially true, but not entirely. For instance, fishing combat is an essential aspect that nearly all competitive anglers can't avoid.
Meng Fan and Liu Zi have been practicing competitive platform fishing seriously for a while now, mainly basic training, and this will be their first time competing against outsiders.
At this moment, both of them felt a complex mix of feelings, nervous excitement on one hand, and on the other, uncertain about their skills, afraid of losing too badly.
Zhang Yang glanced at the duo in front of him and grinned, "What's wrong? No confidence?"
"Son lies, confident for sure, we can afford to lose, but we've never faced them, so there's uncertainty. Since there's still time, maybe you can give us some tactical advice?" Meng Fan urged.
To their surprise, Zhang Yang, who always met requests, decided not to intervene this time.
"The tactic is to have no tactic. Go with your gut and fish however you think best!"
"Uh... Boss, you're leaving us hanging at this critical moment, isn't that kind of unbrotherly?" Meng Fan pouted, not too happy with the response.
"You've had the necessary training, the basic competitive knowledge framework has been built. What's left is gaining real combat experience!
I could tell you the tactics, but I won't, because revealing them would actually harm you!
To stand alone and succeed, you must develop the habit of independent thinking.
The tournament is still several days away, today's goal isn't about winning money but to experience real combat atmosphere and spotlight issues!
Did you get what I'm saying?"
Zhang Yang, like a mother hen, repeatedly shared his sincere thoughts, his wise eyes scanning the duo in front of him, with a smile on his lips.
"Got it! So that's the consideration! Alright, Liu Zi and I will just go with the flow! Liu Zi, any problem?"
Meng Fan nodded after hearing the explanation, turning to look at Liu Zi.
Liu Zi, filled with fighting spirit, said with wide eyes, "No problem! If you die, you go to heaven, if not, you live forever! Let's do it!"
Zhang Yang saw Liu Zi's intense fighting spirit and was satisfied, smirking, "That's the right attitude!
You guys are new to competitive fishing and aren't well-known, so don't carry any psychological burdens! Losing is normal; winning is a bonus. Those arrogant ones should be the ones feeling tense!
Seeing you both performing satisfactorily, I'll make an exception and offer you some advice.
Later, during the fishing contest, the first bite will definitely be quick, but don't be overly optimistic.
Everyone is fishing side by side, so don't predict the fish situation like when training alone in a pond. Keep a two-handed preparation.
If actual conditions don't meet expectations, being slightly conservative might work better!
The upcoming contest will likely involve small crucian carp, so you can prepare ahead now! Prepare on your own. I won't interfere, you two go with your own flow!"
"Understood!" Meng Fan nodded thoughtfully.
In the next ten minutes, Zhang Yang stayed true to his word, not giving any input, calmly observing Meng Fan and Liu Zi's pre-tournament preparations, occasionally jotting down notes in a small notebook, recording some of their preparations' details.
Twenty minutes later, Ding Wen had already rounded up the fishing team, with at least a dozen anglers, marching towards the southeast corner of Pond No. 1, where the fewest people were.
"President Yang, is your team ready? We've organized our side!" Ding Wen asked Zhang Yang as he approached, puffing on a cigarette.
Zhang Yang grinned, "We're ready too, it's at Pond No. 1, right?"
"Yes, Pond No. 1, small crucian carp, mixed breeding will be discussed later in the afternoon!
The initial rules for the fishing contest are thirty yuan per round, then an hour per game, winner takes half, the rest get to break even!
No problem on your side?"
Upon hearing Ding Wen's rules for prize distribution, Zhang Yang slightly frowned but laughed, "These rules aren't very friendly, are they?"
Ding Wen, unbothered, laughed, "We're just a bunch of amateurs playing around! Four people landing each round isn't a bad chance considering we've only a bit over ten people!"
Zhang Yang nodded, "Fine, that's settled. We have three people here!"
Hearing Zhang Yang say he has three people, Ding Wen intentionally glanced at Liu Zi and Meng Fan, saying, "Little Meng and this young brother are joining the fishing contest family? Nice, pretty good!"
Meng Fan grinned, "Just having fun, mainly here to learn from the masters. You know my level, Brother Ding!"
"Okay, that's set then, head to the southeast corner, draw lots and switch spots on-site to start the contest! Can't have too many rounds in a day, let's hurry!"
Zhang Yang immediately got up from his fishing spot and called out, "Let's go, change places!"
The three of them each carried their gear and walked toward the southeast corner.
Upon arriving at the southeast corner, Zhang Yang scanned around, seeing not only Ding Wen and Chen Xiaodao but also several regulars from Old Ma's shop.