Tao Daqiang came over that afternoon to set the nets. Since Li Long had gone into the mountains, he had let the air out of the big inner tube beforehand. They inflated it again, tied it securely, and took the paddles and nets to Little Haizi.
Once again, Tao Daqiang witnessed Li Long's "special skill" of paddling with both hands while paying out the net with his mouth. He was very envious.
They set eight nets this time. Li Long mainly wanted to catch more because he and Tao Daqiang would be selling fish separately tomorrow.
After setting the nets, Li Long saw that it was still early. He found a suitable spot again and began practicing with the Cast Net.
Using the Cast Net was not something to rush. First, he had to shake it out, spreading it in a small circle in front of him as though scattering grain for chicks, then begin gathering the rope.
Watching Li Long methodically gather the net, Tao Daqiang stood beside him, full of envy.
Suddenly, he said:
"Brother Long, do you think I could get myself a Cast Net? Just practicing all day like this would still get me some fish."
"Sure. Why not?" Li Long nodded. "Cast Nets aren't expensive. Buy one... once I sell the water rat pelts, I'll buy one for you."
"No, no, no. I was thinking, if I make some money selling fish tomorrow, then sell for a few more days, I'll be able to buy a Cast Net." Tao Daqiang was not greedy at all, and hurried to explain, "I don't need many fish tomorrow, either. Ten kilos will do..."
Li Long glanced at him, then smiled and shook his head.
"How would ten kilos be enough? With eight nets tomorrow, we should get sixty