The next morning, the students could hardly wait to check on the crabs and shrimp.
Most of the shrimp had died, but all six crabs were still alive and well, blowing bubbles in their separate basins.
In fact, the crabs had not settled down all night. They kept crawling around their basins, filling the room with rustling sounds.
Fortunately, the students were exhausted. Their excitement had used up their last scraps of energy, so the rustling of the crabs became a lullaby, and they soon fell asleep.
After everyone got up, the six basins were carried into the courtyard. More students saw the crabs as they came and went to wash up, and learned that Li Qiang had taken his classmates out to catch them. Li Qiang consequently attracted even more attention.
Li Qiang was usually fairly steady and reserved, and was not particularly well known at school. After today, though, his name would probably spread throughout his year. That left him a little embarrassed and uneasy, but also excited.
Who did not have a little vanity when they were young?
Four of the six crabs were taken home by the students who had caught them. The biology teacher asked for the extra one Du Wenlong had caught, while class monitor Chen Shuxia had claimed Li Qiang's early on.
The classmates who had acted too late could only take one or two shrimp each.
Fortunately, there were different varieties among the shrimp. Some chose horse shrimp, others took river shrimp, and some wanted both.
The coach carried the students away. Following Li Qiang's instructions, Du Wenlong wrapped his crab in a damp towel and took it aboard, then opened the window and waved to Li Qiang.
"See you the day after tomorrow. That book rental shop probably has new books