Yan Bugui had already found a comfortable spot to sit nearby. Crossing his legs and squinting his eyes into slits, he began chatting enthusiastically with the neighbors who had gathered upon hearing the commotion. It was supposed to be a simple chat, but in reality, he was showing off his bountiful haul of fish from the day. He described the fishing process with vivid gestures, waving his arms and spitting as he spoke.
"You lot didn't see it! Those fish were biting one after another—my bucket was nearly overflowing!"
As the neighbors listened, they cast envious looks his way, their mouths filled with exclamations of amazement. After all, in these times of scarcity, such a large amount of fish could either improve their own daily meals or be sold for a considerable profit; who wouldn't be green with envy? Among the crowd, a few quick-witted individuals tried to pry the fishing location out of Yan Bugui. They laid on the flattery thick, praising him incessantly.
Chapter 40