"How did you know?"
"Heh, I knew it had to be you! The whole town's been talking about how you bought a big boat and brought it back." The old man offered him a cigarette and asked with a smile, "Will this boat be docked here long-term from now on?"
"That depends on whether it's suitable. If it is, then there won't be a problem."
What he meant was that he would definitely dock it here if it was convenient. If it wasn't, he would have to find somewhere else.
After hearing that, the old man led him forward, walking ahead with his hands behind his back. "Come, come, let's talk inside first."
Lu Ao did not stand on ceremony.
The old man first squinted as he examined Lu Ao's Certificate of Competency, then looked over the information on his boat. Once he confirmed there was nothing wrong with it, he became even more welcoming.
"You can dock your boat here. Our harbor has pretty good conditions and is well-known among the nearby towns. Go ahead and register first."
"How are the management fees calculated?"
"The small fishing boats docked here pay two hundred a month. Your boat is too large, though, and managing it here is more difficult. According to our regulations, it'll be around a thousand a month."
"A thousand is too expensive. Eight hundred."
"That's not expensive. Your boat is so big—if you docked it somewhere else and a few little thieves climbed aboard in secret to steal things or cause damage, that would be troublesome. If you dock here, aside from the good harbor conditions and the convenience of getting in and out, we'll also keep an eye on it for you."
"That's still expensive." Lu Ao said, "If it costs a thousand a month, I