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The two drank a little wine, ate a little meat, and chatted idly, feeling especially comfortable.

Chubby lay beside them, gnawing on a bone and keeping them company the whole time.

After the Dragon Boat Festival, the captains in Lu Ao's WeChat boat captains' group sprang into action and began preparing for the voyage.

Lu Ao also spent more time chatting in the group every day.

They customized equipment, planned routes, and gathered crews, refining their respective plans day by day.

By June 5, everyone involved had been confirmed.

Everyone had bought their equipment and insurance and made arrangements at home. They agreed to gather in the Qianming Waters at seven o'clock on the morning of June 8.

Lu Ao and Song Zhou arrived on time that day.

Before setting out, they had their boat serviced. With its white railings, white cabin, and natural wood-colored trim hanging outside the cabin, it looked particularly beautiful from afar and stood out among the other vessels.

As one of the organizers of the fleet, Xu Jian'an specifically came over to speak with them before the boats set off.

"How is it? Getting used to it?"

"Not bad." Lu Ao glanced ahead and asked Xu Jian'an quietly, "Why are there reporters here today?"

"Old Dai invited them." Xu Jian'an smiled. "This is the first fleet from Qianyong City, after all. Old Dai said we had to get reporters to cover it. We couldn't just set off without a fuss."

Old Dai, the middle-aged man standing ahead, was looking around. The moment they spoke, he noticed them and called out happily, "Lu Ao, Jian'an, come over and do an interview!"

Lu Ao waved in refusal.

Dai Yuesheng came over to pull him. "Don't be shy. What are you being shy about? Come on, come on,