Zhang Yang gave Wang Yan some pointers, and soon Wang Yan was busy following his advice.

In the hardcore fan group, he first released a small gathering invitation for a live fish-catching contest three days later, inviting friends from nearby cities to join if they were free.

Along with it, according to Zhang Yang's idea, the originally straightforward competition was turned into an internal fan interaction activity on the live stream platform.

The next afternoon, the guy going by "Eight Hundred Pounds Brother" showed up in W City with two local expert friends, keeping in touch with Wang Yan, who followed Zhang Yang's instructions for a high-standard reception.

As soon as they got off the highway, the two groups met up.

Despite the fierce online arguing, Wang Yan, who had set the tone for the whole affair, didn't act provocatively in person. In contrast, he was surprisingly warm.

Wang Yan warmly greeted the sturdy men from Hebei who got out of the two big Toyota Tundra pickups.

"Hello, hello, welcome, welcome! Long trip, right? Let's get you checked into a hotel first. Tonight, let's have a drink. You've come from so far, got to show you some hospitality!" Wang Yan said with a constant smile.

The real name of "Eight Hundred Pounds Brother" is Zhu Wentao, 178 cm tall, weighing 180 pounds, looking sturdy with a face tanned from frequent outdoor fishing.

Although boasting about catching eight hundred pounds online was a bit exaggerated, he was a genuinely skilled angler in the local black pit circles. His attacking scatter gun fishing technique is considered his signature skill locally.

With him came two others: one tall and thin named Liu Yingxiong, wearing black-rimmed glasses, always serious, and a short and stout one named Wu Dong, under 170 cm tall but weighing at least 200 pounds.

Liu Yingxiong has competitive fishing experience and is skilled at handling complex fish situations. Wu Dong is a pure black pit player, a staunch buddy of Zhu Wentao, a fishing gear shop owner, known for his use of bait and nicknamed Pharmacist Wu, quite famous in the local black pit community.

The trio looked formidable. On their way, they came with a determined mindset, not expecting to be disarmed by Wang Yan's hospitality upon meeting.

"We booked a hotel in advance!" Zhu Wentao said somewhat stiffly.

"What are you saying? Now that you're in our W City, you're not sorting out your accommodations by yourselves! That would be disrespectful, wouldn't it? Our boss has ordered that we've arranged suites at Jinmao for you! Four-star standard, all costs covered by the company!

No need to argue, let's settle your baggage quickly while we still have time, and I'll show you the venue for tomorrow's contest!

We'll also treat you to local specialties tonight!

Don't feel burdened, fish contests are just business exchanges, wins or losses depend on skills, but when fellow anglers come from afar to visit, we must fulfill our duty as hosts!"

His courteous words completely dispelled Zhu Wentao's initial defenses; with such an attitude, it was hard to nitpick!

"Alright, then we'll impose upon you!"

Zhu Wentao and Wu Dong exchanged a glance and accepted Wang Yan's invitation.

Soon, the four vehicles drove from the highway into the city center, and after arranging accommodations at Jinmao, Wang Yan drove the three towards Meng Village Fishing Ground.

On the way, Wu Dong, Zhu Wentao, and Liu Yingxiong used a video call function on WeChat to discuss among themselves.

Zhu Wentao: "Old Wu, Hero Brother, what's their game? Are they feeling guilty and trying to set us up?"

Wu Dong: "Hard to say, but this posture indeed leaves no room for criticism! Four-star suites, that's not a low accommodation standard, do these black pit folks have so much money?"

Liu Yingxiong: "Stay stable, don't show fear! The more they act like this, the more we need to present a steady image! Drink less at dinner, first gauge their intentions! If they're reasonable, giving them a way out tomorrow is possible!"

Zhu Wentao: "Damn! Before coming, I thought it would be a tough battle, but now, damn it, feels a bit off!

This Wang Yan, his real-life demeanor is different from the live stream! Didn't you see his enthusiasm earlier? Made me feel like I'm not here to challenge, but a brand inspector!"

Liu Yingxiong: "Coming from far away, even with their enthusiasm, let's not let down our guard! Don't overlook any pertinent preparation; they are playing on their home turf. Especially watch out for possible setups at tomorrow's contest venue and fishing spots. Don't be blinded by appearances and later find yourself in an indefensible situation!"

Zhu Wentao: "Rest assured, just go for it!"

...

Three cars followed Wang Yan's vehicle promptly arriving at Meng Village Fishing Ground. Wang Yan had already informed the owner, so the group's arrival was no surprise to the owner, Meng Xiangqiu.

The three vehicles parked neatly side by side, and Wang Yan led the three into the fishing ground.

As Wang Yan walked ahead, he introduced the general setup of the fishing ground. "Here is the Meng Village Fishing Ground, highly regarded among local anglers!

The place isn't big, but it's well-kept. Especially Old Meng's stocking is well managed, with an average catch rate of at least eighty percent!

Moreover, Old Meng's cooking is also his forte; after tomorrow morning's fish contest, we'll taste Old Meng's special dishes in the grove!

After greeting Meng Xiangqiu, Zhu Wentao and his companions mostly listened quietly, also observing the fishing ground's general conditions, collecting information relevant to the next day's fish contest results.