Chapter 2: The Call from the Ocean

This is a placeholder text.

Mr. Hansen, settling accounts only once every half month is certainly prone to errors! Ideally, it would be best to settle accounts at the end of each business day, but you always..." Zhang Haino shook his head kindly, knowing that Mr. Hansen always braved the elements to go out for drinks and chats with his old friends after closing, leaving no time for daily settlements.

Hansen said with a self-deprecating tone, "If we settle accounts every day, that would be the end of me! Alright, Haino, enough with the nonsense, come over and help me calculate it!"

On this modest-sized cruise ship, most of the tourists embarking on their first diving experience appeared quite excited, including Zhang Haino, who was already fully equipped. Although the weight of the oxygen tank did not render him immobile, it did impose a certain strain on his shoulders, which were not accustomed to physical labor. The diving suit, specialized snorkel, and large diving mask made him feel both intrigued and somewhat uncomfortable.

Well then

Half an hour later, Haino finally let out a long sigh of relief

Hearing Zhang Haino's voice, Hansen finally shifted his gaze away from the screen of the cash register

Zhang Haino has performed the accounting here several hundred times over the past few years, making it an exceedingly easy task for him

However, Zhang Haino was astonished to find that he could not rise no matter what; the scepter-like object was emitting a mysterious blue light in the darkness Suddenly, a tingling sensation akin to an electric shock spread throughout his body, and Zhang Haino immediately lost consciousness

It was this small shop that allowed Zhang Haino to truly understand Germany, to seriously recognize the modern history of this country. It is neither a simple narrative of glory nor is it as filled with sorrow and regret as some might imagine; rather, it encompasses both aspects.

The tourists who have gradually adapted to the underwater environment naturally will not miss such an opportunity; they either pick up the rented underwater cameras or camcorders to capture things that interest them, or embark on their underwater shopping journey.

The Greek female guide, possessing a beautiful face and an attractive figure, was the most popular figure on the boat. She fluently reminded the dozen or so tourists from various countries aboard the cruise. Although everyone had practiced diving equipment and basic knowledge indoors for the previous two days, when it came time to actually go into the sea, the guide and staff tirelessly reiterated the key techniques and precautions for sea diving several times. Although everyone had practiced diving equipment and basic knowledge indoors for the previous two days, when it came time to actually go into the sea, the guide and staff tirelessly reiterated the key techniques and precautions for sea diving several times

Only the staff are equipped with walkie-talkies, so after receiving the captain's instructions, they must swim over to notify each and every visitor here. Although they are all excellent swimmers, the visitors have already spread out quite a bit by this time. As they go back and forth, the most precious time is slipping away in large quantities.

Faced with such a somewhat absurd explanation, Zhang Haino could only smile and let it go. Indeed, he is not the type of person who loves to take small advantages, just as his mentor said, "For those who study economics, the greatest taboo is to use their knowledge to engage in fraud and embezzlement in their work. I do not wish to see any of you spending your most precious years in some prison!"

After checking the equipment on each individual, the well-built staff member, who was the envy of many, signaled to the beautiful female tour guide that everything was ready. Next, led by a staff member, the tourists entered the water one by one in a headfirst manner, splashing like a group of penguins embarking on a hunt.

Zhang Haino pulled hard, but this object did not budge at all; it seemed that a long section was still buried in the mud and sand. What on earth could this be? His intense curiosity was greatly stimulated. Therefore, he continued to diligently dig through the surrounding mud and sand.

A piano that is about 70% new, two rather old large clocks, several pairs of semi-used wooden tables and chairs, some used old electrical appliances, over ten vases of various sizes and materials, three large cabinets filled with old books, and numerous old records occupying several long compartments, along with some items that can be considered antiques—medals, awards, commemorative coins, old currency, and some yellowed scrolls and certificates displayed on a glass table on a tiered shelf. The walls are adorned with various musical instruments and picture frames, and in the corner against the wall, there are several large barrels containing miscellaneous items. Additionally, there are some items that can be regarded as antiques—medals, awards, commemorative coins, old currency, and some yellowed scrolls and certificates displayed on a glass table on a tiered shelf. The walls are adorned with various musical instruments and picture frames, and in the corner against the wall, there are several large barrels containing miscellaneous items.

Oh, it's Haino! You arrived just in time; this week's accounts... sigh, it's a complete mess again

At the moment the thunder sounded, Zhang Haino, who was underwater, finally realized that the situation had changed. Even with the aid of the flashlight beam, he could only see a few meters ahead. Under these circumstances, he immediately made a judgment in his mind: it was necessary to abandon this new discovery and return to the ship.

In half a month, near the waters of Crete, Greece

"You are an honest and diligent child!" Hansen placed the beer can on the counter and said in a soothing tone, "You can consider this as an extra reward from an employer to an employee, or you can see it as a contribution from an old friend. The amount is not much, but I hope you have a wonderful time this summer! If you have the chance, go diving in Crete; the sea there is very blue, and the underwater world is something you have never seen before, filled with endless secrets!"

After taking underwater group photos for the tourists, the leading staff member signaled that everyone could freely explore the nearby area, as there would be no terrifying marine creatures such as sharks, jellyfish, or large squids active in this sea area during this season

Zhang Haino shouldered his backpack and smiled as he waved goodbye to Mr. Hansen At that moment, he did not truly understand the meaning of this phrase

Among these individuals, Zhang Haino tends to lean towards the latter, likely influenced by Mr. Hansen. He is currently very interested in those historical relics buried beneath the silt. As for the several staff members who entered the water together, they are now observing these joyful tourists from a position closer to the surface of the sea. Their task is to ensure the safety of everyone here and to bring them back to the ship at the end of the activity. As for the several staff members who entered the water together, they are now observing these joyful tourists from a position closer to the surface of the sea. Their task is to ensure the safety of everyone here and to bring them back to the ship at the end of the activity

Captain Beard, bare-bottomed, lunged beside the porthole. The sky, which had been bright and sunny not long ago, was now completely dominated by darkness. The wind over the sea had noticeably intensified, and the fish-scale-like waves were becoming increasingly turbulent

Come up, hurry up! There is a storm! Everyone come up!

Hansen took out a pre-prepared envelope from beneath the counter

As another scorching summer arrives, tens of thousands of students attending this prestigious university have their own plans. Working part-time not only alleviates the financial burden on their families but also provides valuable experience, making it the preferred choice for most students. However, for some upperclassmen, especially those like Zhang Haino who plan to return to their home country immediately after graduation, now is the time to thoroughly explore various European countries; otherwise, such opportunities may not arise again in the future

Zhang Haino felt a deep sense of gratitude towards this uniquely temperamental old man, not only because he provided him with a long-term and stable part-time job, but also because he made him feel a warm sense of familial affection in this distant foreign land. Of course, he also learned a wealth of historical knowledge from Mr. Hansen. If he had not studied economics back in his home country, Zhang Haino might have even considered switching to history, as there are simply too many fascinating aspects within it.

The true underwater world may not possess the same quality of light and color as depicted on television, but the sense of reality experienced within it is something that cannot be obtained from a screen. Although the seabed, at a depth of over 20 meters, is somewhat dim, the various shapes of corals and the multitude of fish excite the group of tourists. Each person touches here and looks there; even a stone partially buried in the seabed can pique their interest, as most of them have heard stories about the treasures of sunken ships in the Aegean Sea. Regardless of whether they came specifically for those elusive treasures, people hope to discover something here, even if it is just a coin or a fragment.

"Mineral water, thank you!" Zhang Haino made his unequivocal choice without a second thought. Taking advantage of a lull in the computer system's data processing, he said, "Mr. Hansen, do you remember I mentioned I was going to travel? I plan to leave today and will probably be back in about a month and a half! During this time, I’m afraid I won’t be able to assist you!"

Hansen happily walked into the back room, followed by the familiar sound of the refrigerator door opening

The weather on the sea changed abruptly, yet Zhang Haino remained completely oblivious. At that moment, he was holding a submersible flashlight in one hand and diligently sifting through the soft mud and sand on the seabed with the other. Gradually, an object began to emerge before him, characterized by a spherical top and a cylindrical base. Its shape resembled the enlarged tip of a scepter, and its surface was covered with a thick layer of deposits, obscuring any discernible patterns or inscriptions, though it appeared to be made of some metallic material.

Then I leave this to you, Haino

Unbeknownst to him, Zhang Haino arrived in front of a familiar second-hand store. A second-hand store is a place that displays and sells used goods, but this particular store is not as cluttered with worn-out items as one might imagine. On the contrary, under the careful management of the owner, it feels more like an antique shop—an antique shop of modest quality yet possessing a unique charm.

The clock on the opposite wall chimed at the right moment, prompting Zhang Haino to remember that he had already purchased his train ticket to Berlin. His journey would begin in that city, which has witnessed countless historical events, followed by Prague, Vienna, Rome, and Athens

Beer or mineral water

Hansen turned around, wearing a nonchalant expression. His two children were pursuing their respective careers in the big city, and since the passing of his spouse, he had only himself to support. The amount of income had little significance for him; enjoying life at his own pace was his sole purpose at this stage. As for wealth, he could easily exchange his collection of medals and honors for stacks of cash whenever he wished. Years ago, someone offered over one million marks for his treasured hetushu.com battle knife, but he refused without a second thought. Enjoying life at his own pace was his sole purpose at this stage. As for wealth, he could easily exchange his collection of medals and honors for stacks of cash whenever he wished. Years ago, someone offered over one million marks for his treasured hetushu.com battle knife, but he refused without a second thought.

Just call me Hansen! Also, our family has no relation to that Göring of the Third Reich; it's merely a coincidence that we share the same surname!

"Take it, Haino!" Hansen suddenly wore a very serious expression. Having been here for several years, Zhang Haino knew that once he adopted this expression, no one could change his mind. Therefore, the best course of action now was to obediently accept the envelope.

Oh my, will we be able to get everyone up here in time? There won't be any major issues, will there

Reluctantly, three staff members equipped with diving gear had no choice but to dive into the water once again to search for the remaining four unfortunate individuals

Dear tourists, the conditions of the sea today are very suitable for diving, but I still hope everyone can keep in mind our three basic principles: First, do not go to places that are too deep or too dark; Second, do not go to areas with too much aquatic vegetation or rocks; Third, you must return to the surface within one hour after entering the water! Has everyone remembered this

It was merely another antique transaction

In the scorching summer, under the intense sun, the land of Germany is equally sweltering. Between his homeland in the East and this economically developed foreign land, Zhang Haino's feelings undoubtedly lean towards the former. However, like most military enthusiasts, especially those fascinated by World War II, he harbors a special sentiment for this land. Dressed in a white short-sleeve T-shirt, denim shorts, and a pair of sneakers, he walks along the streets rich in classical style, reflecting on his life over the past few years, a complex sense of nostalgia suddenly wells up within him.

OK! Mr. Hansen, the accounts up to yesterday's graduation have been settled. Excluding the cost of goods and some labor expenses, your earnings for last month amounted to €5,760.50, which is more than twice the average income level in Germany

Thank you

Endless secrets

"Mr. Hansen, I cannot accept this! You have already paid my wages in full, and my assistance today is entirely voluntary, free of charge!" Zhang Haino quickly pushed the envelope back to Mr. Hansen.

Before long, more than a dozen tourists dressed in full diving gear arrived beneath the surface of the sea. After confirming the number of participants, the first staff member to enter the water made a gesture indicating "follow me," and then led the way toward the ocean floor. Zhang Haino turned his head to take a look; he found himself surrounded by fellow tourists, which put his mind at ease. At that moment, he no longer cared whether his movements underwater were too clumsy, using both hands and feet to follow the staff member deeper into the sea. Zhang Haino turned his head to take a look; he found himself surrounded by fellow tourists, which put his mind at ease. At that moment, he no longer cared whether his movements underwater were too clumsy, using both hands and feet to follow the staff member deeper into the sea

Heino is a fairly common name in Germany, and Zhang Heino feels that "Heino" is much more endearing than just "Zhang" alone. Therefore, most people who know him refer to him this way

Come to my cabin for a drink

While the scuba diving tourists are fully enjoying the thrill of exploration underwater, the beautiful female guide remaining on the cruise ship and the captain, who sports a full beard and wears a captain's hat but is dressed in a floral shirt and beach shorts, are also relishing this rare leisure time

The female tour guide, in a state of panic while putting on her pants, asked Captain Huzi, but at that moment, the captain was too preoccupied to pay her any attention and hurriedly picked up the walkie-talkie that had been turned off since earlier.

Scorching sun, high temperatures, air conditioning, ice cream, and a long holiday

On the surface of the sea, the waves grew larger one after another, and the cruise ship swayed from side to side to a concerning degree. After several flashes of lightning, a tremendous roar of thunder echoed across the sea, and large raindrops fell heavily. The captain, the tour guide, and the tourists who had already boarded the ship were all helping to pull those who had just surfaced back onto the vessel. When the last crew member climbed aboard, panting heavily, the tour guide counted and found that four people were still missing

Hello... Mr. Hansen, it's me! What's wrong, is there a discrepancy again?

It was not until the dark clouds loomed overhead and the sky noticeably darkened that the people on the ship began to feel a sense of foreboding

At the beginning, Zhang Haino cautiously followed a sturdy tourist who was a good swimmer. However, a small object reflecting light from the sea in the distance caught his attention, and it was much farther away than he had estimated. Unbeknownst to him, the distance between him and the main group had widened.

From the second month of his arrival in Germany, most of Zhang Haino's leisure time was spent here—he was fortunate to secure a stable, long-term part-time job with decent pay from the shop owner, Hansen. Fifty-six years old, Hansen is a native German, and like most men of his age, he is rather lacking in hair and has a large beer belly. Interestingly, Hansen shares the same surname as the infamous Hermann Göring, but he dislikes being addressed as Mr. Göring.

The words of the captain, who was over forty years old, were devoid of the depth one would expect from someone of his age. His gaze, filled with provocation, continuously wandered between the tour guide's long legs, slender waist, and the strikingly sensual collarbone revealed by her neckline, occasionally lingering regretfully on her somewhat flat bosom.

Hansen often likes to quote this phrase, referring to a command sword used by a German naval officer. It is said that his father "collected" it while scavenging for old goods and scrap after the war. Later, experts identified it as the sword of Rear Admiral Stranta von Graf of the German Empire's Navy, who had served as the captain of the renowned battlecruiser "Seydlitz" and participated in the famous Battle of Jutland. However, how this sword ended up in civilian hands remains unclear even to experts. After all, during the Allied bombings at the end of World War II, countless houses were destroyed, and military and civilian casualties exceeded one million. Perhaps the descendants of this admiral were not spared either

The train departs in one hour, and I need to hurry to the train station now! Mr. Hansen, see you next month!

Although this question has been asked no less than 1,000 times and has received the same answer each time, Hansen still asked it once more

The young female tour guide said this while deftly removing the hairpin from her bun with her right hand, allowing her softly curled brown hair to cascade down her delicate back like a waterfall. Undoubtedly, in this enchanting seascape, in the presence of just the two of them, such a gesture was highly alluring for a man

Oh no

Before long, more than a dozen tourists dispersed within an area of several dozen meters, with the largest crowd gathering near a prominent protrusion. However, they were greatly disappointed to find that it was not the wreckage of a sunken ship, but rather a piece of natural seabed rock

At this moment, the captain's left hand was already quite unrestrainedly placed on the waist of the female tour guide, and the female tour guide did not refuse; the two of them, understanding each other, walked into the lower deck of the ship

They were so focused on each other that neither noticed the faint black line at the horizon.

June 2007, Heidelberg, Germany

Zhang Haino was just about to pick up his bag when he was called to stop by Hansen

Hansen, who was verifying accounts at the cash register, did not immediately raise his head upon hearing someone open the door

When Zhang Haino first met the shop owner, this was how he listened to him introduce himself. Later, he learned that this Hansen was also a military enthusiast. He personally did not agree with the two wars that Germany waged in the last century, nor did he support the various extreme ideologies of the Nazis, especially their racial policies. However, whenever the conversation turned to the weapons, tactics, and spirit of the German army, as well as some historical battles and campaigns, he even appeared to be more knowledgeable than the professors from the history department of Heidelberg University

Haino swiftly examined Hansen's chaotic accounts, occasionally furrowing his brow and at times displaying his signature smile at the corner of his mouth. After putting down the bottle of mineral water, Hansen said little, instead inspecting his "collection" of beers in this relatively small room.

Welcome! Please feel free to select the items you think you need

This is the most proud collection of our family

In half an hour, someone will be coming up

What does summer mean

Haino took the envelope with some confusion, opened it, and to his surprise, found a thick stack of euro banknotes inside

Although the posture lacked any aesthetic appeal, at the moment he entered the water, Zhang Haino experienced an unprecedented sense of comfort. The cool sea water made him feel refreshingly invigorated from head to toe, and the skin on his face and hands, not covered by the diving suit, felt particularly attuned to the refreshing sensation from the ocean. A few seconds later, his eyes adjusted to the light beneath the surface, and at the moment he clearly saw the underwater world, Zhang Haino finally understood Mr. Hansen's oft-repeated words: the underwater world is truly a captivating realm

When ... ... when. ... ... ... when ...

"Of course I remember! More than half of the places you are going to are my suggestions!" Hansen emerged from behind the curtain, holding a small bottle of mineral water in one hand and a can of already opened beer in the other. "I can handle the accounting matters myself with a bit more effort, young man. I wish you a pleasant holiday!"

Zhang Haino smiled as he walked up to the cash register. This easygoing shop owner has a very obvious weakness: he is not very good at arithmetic. According to his own words, "I often failed math in middle school." With Zhang Haino, a top student from the economics department, around, Hansen always confidently entrusted all the accounts to him. When Haino asked if he was not afraid of this part-time shop assistant embezzling, he would always laugh heartily, saying, "I can see whether a person's inner self is beautiful or ugly beneath their exterior, and you are a traditional Eastern person who values reputation as life itself!"

At this moment, dark clouds were rapidly drifting across the sea surface, and the swaying of the boat on the water was gradually increasing. However, the cheerful couple in the cabin remained completely unaware, while the seabed remained as calm as ever.

It's alright, the weather is so nice today, let's allow them to play a little longer! I can prepare a cocktail for you, guaranteed to chase away your fatigue from the day

Haino, take this!