187: Wu Qiuqiu: Those who accomplish great things do not concern themselves with trifles.

Xiao Wang was in a very good mood today because he had managed to invite Director Li out for fishing. He had heard some rumors recently that his position might be changing—not a promotion, but a lateral transfer.

This had kept him from sleeping well for days. Although his current position at the County Tourism Bureau didn't hold much real power, there were always some perks since Taiping Lake was a scenic area. Most importantly, it was a relaxed job.

At his age and with his lack of connections, reaching the section-level was pretty much the end of the line for him. Retiring peacefully was better than anything else. Moving him to another department now? What, were they going to make this old ox keep plowing the fields? That was impossible.

One day on his way home from work, he happened to see Director Li from the city's Organization Department opening his trunk. The trunk full of fishing gear caught his attention.

Good heavens, no wonder he heard that Director Li's style had changed drastically recently. It turned out he didn't love beauties anymore; he loved fishing.

Xiao Wang's mind immediately began to race. He had tried to curry favor with Director Li before, but the problem was where he could find beauties for him. Now it was fine; fishing was quite simple, wasn't it?

He immediately sought out Wu Qiuqiu, a homestay owner within the Taiping Lake scenic area. The two of them had been in frequent contact over the past few years. When Wu Qiuqiu heard that his local official was being transferred, he also became anxious.

“Director Wang, did you see what was in that leader's trunk?”

“I have photos; I took some. Take a look.” Xiao Wang sat in his chair, calmly drinking tea, appearing not to be in a hurry at all.

Wu Qiuqiu looked at the photos sent to his phone. He didn't fish and didn't understand it, but that didn't stop him from asking others.

After running a homestay for so many years, out of every 1,000 guests, 800 were Anglers. He had specifically set up several fishing groups. As soon as February arrived, he would arrange for shills to post photos of the fish species they caught in the groups. By March, the entire group would be buzzing. It had to be said that Wu Qiuqiu had a knack for business.

Sure enough, as soon as he posted the photos, the fishing friends began to discuss them.

“Whoa, Old Wu, these rods of yours aren't cheap. 1,500 for a set? Is that...?”

“The gear is complete! But if you're going to fish at Taiping Lake, you're still missing a Fishing Platform!”

“Hahaha, you're also missing a beautiful woman to serve you. Old Wu, arrange it!”

Seeing these comments, Wu Qiuqiu grumbled inwardly. Did his big boss's big boss even lack beautiful women? What a bunch of idiots who only knew how to fish.

Many people came to fish every year, and they were all very well-behaved, making them a group of customers Wu Qiuqiu liked very much. But to be honest, he looked down on them a bit. They left early and returned late every day for those few fish, getting tanned like Africans. If they wanted to eat fish, couldn't they just buy it at the market?

Wu Qiuqiu complained in his heart while tapping on the keyboard.

“Everyone, recommend a Fishing Platform. I want an expensive one!”

After a while, the Anglers all started chiming in.

“Kaiwo Crossover 2nd Generation!”

“It has to be Beiou. Only that fits these rods.”

“Makes sense. Beiou's carbon fiber is indeed good, but it's over 2,000 yuan.”

After reading, Wu Qiuqiu nodded with satisfaction and looked at Director Wang sitting in the seat of honor. He couldn't help but admire the man's steady and calm demeanor.

“Director Wang, we're still missing a Fishing Platform. We can buy one; the price is about 3,000.”

Xiao Wang nodded. “Then let me know once you've sorted it out. I have some things to do, so I'll head back first.”

Wu Qiuqiu obsequiously saw him out. When he returned to the room, his face was contorted with pain.

He had to pay the 2,000 himself. Sigh!

After sitting down, he took out his phone to place the order. There was no choice; his business over the years relied on his connection with Director Wang. If he really got transferred, he would suffer a huge loss.

“Old Wu, I have a Beiou here, a '21 model that's almost brand new. Do you want it?”

Wu Qiuqiu's eyes lit up as he saw a message in the group. He felt like the world had brightened up.

In his view, all that carbon fiber stuff was nonsense. It was just an iron frame, yet it cost over 2,000 yuan. Only idiots like these Anglers would buy it, right? Couldn't he just weld one himself?”

Wu Qiuqiu quickly sent a private message: “Do you have pictures? Better yet, give me a video call so I can see it!”

The other party quickly made a video call. After looking, it indeed looked exactly like the one in the flagship store. He looked closely at the surface; there wasn't a single scratch. It was brand new.

“Old Wu, this has never even touched the water. If my wife hadn't scolded me, how could I possibly sell it!”

Hearing this, Wu Qiuqiu believed most of it. Looking at the chat history, this Angler came to play once every year, which made him feel even more at ease.

“How much?” Wu Qiuqiu typed expectantly.

“2,500.”

“Then I might as well buy it from the official website.” Wu Qiuqiu felt insulted.

“2,000.”

Hearing this price, Wu Qiuqiu did some mental calculations. He checked Xianyu and found that some used ones were around this price. Regardless, it was over 600 yuan cheaper, which was a saving.

“Fine, send it to me!”

“Sending it is fine, but you pay the shipping.”

Wu Qiuqiu was speechless but agreed after thinking about it. To do great things, one must not fret over trifles.

The delivery was via SF Express and arrived the next day. After receiving the goods, Wu Qiuqiu inspected them carefully. They were indeed brand new without a single scratch. He immediately contacted Director Wang.

Director Wang came to pick up the Fishing Platform immediately. Watching Wu Qiuqiu load the things into his car, he was in a great mood.

“Name, you've done a good job with this.”

“It's only right, it's only right. It's all thanks to your guidance, leader,” Wu Qiuqiu said obsequiously.

Director Wang patted Wu Qiuqiu on the shoulder with satisfaction and drove off.

The Fishing Platform was delivered that same night. After Director Li received it, he seemed like a changed person.

“Oh, Xiao Wang, you're truly thoughtful. I can tell you fish too. I hid it so well, yet you still found out.”

Director Li sighed, his tone desolate.

Xiao Wang was stunned. Why would he fish? Who in their right mind fishes? But in that situation, he had to play along.

“Ah, I'm not that good. I usually just play around secretly by myself.”

Director Li looked at the obsequious Xiao Wang. Hearing his words, he felt like he had found a soulmate.

“Yes, at our age, we're in our prime in the organization. If people knew you liked fishing, it would be over for you! What's that called? It's called losing one's ambition through play! How could the organization give you more responsibilities then? That's why I also fish in secret.”

Director Li had become obsessed with fishing in the past few months. This thing felt even more terrifying than drugs. He no longer cared for the beauties he used to like, not to mention his body was already starting to feel a bit inadequate.

Everyone noticed the change in Director Li, but no one knew why. Was he completely finished?