They worked solidly in the sea all morning. By the time many of them climbed back aboard, they were so exhausted they saw stars, their lips pale.
Even so, no one complained. After boarding, they casually ate a few crackers and drank several bottles of mineral water, then urged Xiang Xingchang, "Captain, it's still early. How about we go take a look around Hu Qizigang?"
"Yeah, let's make a trip there. There are so many of us—finding one Platypus shouldn't be a problem."
Xiang Xingchang rubbed his hair dry with a towel. "Let's go this afternoon. We should at least eat first, right? How about the usual for lunch—find a seafood restaurant and have a good meal?"
"Sounds good. The fish and shrimp are nice and fat this season. Perfect time to treat ourselves."
As they talked, everyone called to one another and headed for a restaurant where they often gathered for meals. Swept along in the crowd, Lu Ao went with them.
Volunteers were generally outgoing. Everyone chatted and laughed, and even those who had not known each other before soon became familiar.
Lunch lasted until after two in the afternoon. When they left the restaurant, a north wind had begun to blow. The sky was dark and overcast, with no sun in sight.
Someone wondered, "With weather this cold, can the Platypus survive outside? Could it have frozen to death?"
"Probably not, right? Didn't the Platypus injure someone just a couple of days ago? It was so full of energy. As long as we find it soon, it should be fine."
That was what they said, but once the worry had arisen, no one was in the mood to stroll leisurely toward their destination. They all picked up the pace.
Hu Qizigang counted as a suburban area. There