Although hiring people to come over would cost more, it was still better than having an accident.
Brother Xian had been on edge these past few days and slept poorly every night. He no longer wanted to take any risks.
Lu Ao said calmly, "It's fine. I'm confident. We don't need to go into the water; we can search from the bank."
"Getting close to the water's edge isn't safe either. The crocodiles could suddenly rush out and attack people."
"I'll take another look. Let's talk after we've eaten."
Brother Xian could not really say anything.
The rivers around here were not deep. It was now the summer flood season, and the water averaged around an adult man's thighs.
That depth still made it easy for crocodiles to hide. If they lurked underwater, there was no way they could spot them.
Lu Ao did not mind.
He quickly finished eating, sat where he was and rested with his eyes closed for a while, then led the others along the river to search.
He was highly skilled and bold, unafraid even as he walked along the riverbank.
Lin Man Zhang knew something of his personality and had a rough idea of his capabilities. Seeing Lu Ao insist, he knew Lu Ao had it under control and said no more.
Only Brother Xian followed behind them, trembling, while layer after layer of sweat beaded on his forehead.
"Careful. Step back. There's a crocodile here."
The moment Lu Ao spoke, everyone else instinctively retreated in unison. Before long, they had backed far away.
Brother Xian called out shakily, "Where is it? Why can't we see it? Is there really a crocodile under there? Be careful, don't let it bite you."
Lu Ao nodded. "It's fine."
The summer water was somewhat murky, and they