Chapter 383: Are You Complimenting Him or Setting Him Up?

“Hey, don’t underestimate my boss! He can do anything,” Brother Hu boasted proudly. “I won’t say he’s mastered all three hundred and sixty trades, but at least three hundred and fifty-nine.”

Wang Yun shot him a helpless look. This guy really knew how to talk him up.

Xiong Sheng, listening to Brother Hu’s exaggerated praise, nodded perfunctorily. “Alright, then I’ll go first. Watch closely.”

With that, he skillfully cast his fishing rod. His movements were quick and precise, a sign of years of experience. The rod itself was a professional-grade sea fishing rod, heavier than the ones used for casual fishing. Most people would find it difficult to hold for long periods without their arms getting sore, but for him, it was second nature.

He placed the rod against the boat railing, using it as a fulcrum—though he didn’t bother explaining this detail.

For one, he assumed it was common sense. And for another… well, since Wang Yun supposedly knew everything, he figured he could let the “genius” figure it out on his own.

Wang Yun glanced at Xiao Gang and Brother Hu, who were staring at him with blind admiration, and suddenly felt a bit of pressure.

But before he could even worry about that, the system chimed in.

[Ding!]

[Detected that the host intends to show off his skills. Exchanging 16 million shock points for the Sea Fishing Master skill.]

[Host consent not required. Exchange successful.]

Wang Yun was stunned.

‘What?! Since when could you spend my points without asking?!’

[No host consent required,] the system replied matter-of-factly.

Wang Yun almost choked.

Ever since the fire rescue, when the system used up all his accumulated shock points to keep him alive, it had started making executive decisions on its own. This was already the second time it had done so.

‘This thing is getting way too bold,’ he sighed internally. ‘Oh well. It wasn’t like he could do anything about it now.’

He glanced at his status. Just as he feared, his shock value had been completely drained again.

This time, the points had come from the massive reaction to the director’s announcement that he was injured and the show was being temporarily suspended. But now, just like that, they were gone.

And since he wouldn’t be broadcasting for the next month, there was no way to earn more.

He could only sigh again and accept his fate.

“What’s wrong, Mr. Wang?” Xiong Sheng asked, catching his sigh. His tone was lighthearted, but there was a trace of amusement in his eyes. “Haven’t even started fishing yet, and you’re already discouraged?”

Wang Yun smiled faintly. “Nah, I was just wondering if this speedboat can handle the size of the fish I’m about to catch.”

Brother Hu and Xiao Gang immediately chimed in with dramatic gasps of admiration.

“Pfft.” Xiong Sheng shook his head, chuckling. He cast his line deeper into the water.

“The first step is to watch the float on the water’s surface. That’s how you tell if a fish is nibbling at the bait,” he explained. “Once the float starts moving, give it about two seconds, let the fish bite down properly, then reel it in. Fishing is simple. All you need is patience, sharp eyes, and quick hands.”

“That’s it?” Brother Hu scoffed. “I knew it! It’s all about having the right bait. As long as the bait is good, the fish will come on their own.”

Xiong Sheng raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

Xiao Gang, on the other hand, was more skeptical. “Sounds easy, but it’s actually tricky. I’ve fished before. Timing is everything. If you don’t set the hook properly, the fish will steal your bait and swim away. Not to mention, even if you do hook a fish, pulling it in takes skill. If you’re not careful, it’ll thrash around and escape.”

Brother Hu waved him off. “Bah, you’re overcomplicating things. I’ve got the eyes of a hawk and the grip of a bear. Even if it’s a shark, I’ll reel it in today.”

Xiao Gang rolled his eyes so hard they nearly fell out of his head.

Xiong Sheng, meanwhile, remained unfazed. “If we’re lucky, we’ll get a bite within ten minutes,” he said. “But honestly, the weather’s not great, and the earthquake from the other day may have affected the fish. Plus, you guys didn’t give me much time to prepare a proper fishing spot.”

“Eh, small problem,” Brother Hu said confidently. “Even if there aren’t any fish, my boss could summon every fish within a hundred miles.”

Wang Yun’s face twitched. 

‘Is this guy complimenting me or setting me up for failure?’

Either way, what a loyal brother.