Chapter 3: The Thief Jiao Ba

"It's nothing, just a minor injury. What can be done? It's still the same as before, no changes." I replied while eating.

"I can't believe it, are you kidding me? Is this really possible?" I still have some doubts; such a high salary is probably unmatched nationwide.

Jiao Bazai chuckled and said, "Brother Yi, this time is different. As long as you agree to go to sea, you can receive this amount every month." He gestured with his hand, and the sum was indeed considerable, amounting to several tens of thousands each month. As the saying goes, 'People die for wealth, and birds perish for food.' I was indeed a bit tempted.

According to him, his great-grandfather was a notorious tomb raider from the late Qing Dynasty in Guangdong, named Jiao Si. He is a very legendary figure, said to possess a pair of "wind-listening ears," capable of hearing the wind, rain, and thunder, and could locate ancient tombs solely through his sense of hearing, making him a rare individual in the world

Jiao Ba adopted the name Jiao Ba to enhance his reputation in this field, which has also become his nickname. In today's world, it is increasingly difficult for tomb raiders to make a living, as the government is cracking down hard. Relying solely on tomb raiding is no longer viable, and one risks being apprehended by the police.

After they settled down with the books, I bandaged my injured arm, and then Shunzi and I left the hospital. The remaining matters are for Lao Chang to handle; whatever compensation is to be given will be given, as it no longer concerns me.

Jiao Bayi said with a lewd smile, "If there's nothing going on, I can't come to find you. It's been a while since we last met, my friend"

The other individual, "Mengzi," is in relatively good condition, having sustained only a fractured rib along with some superficial injuries. With a period of rest, he will be able to recover. However, the psychological impact on him is significant; he has expressed a desire to never return to this line of work. It is understandable, as most people would find it difficult to forget such an experience for a lifetime

Later, I learned why those people were chasing him. It turned out that this guy sold a counterfeit from the Qing Dynasty at the price of a genuine article to a local thug. When it was discovered, they sent someone to hunt him down. This fellow was quite unscrupulous; had I known he was being beaten for this reason, I wouldn't have bothered to save him.

After everything was brought up, he took a sip of coffee and said, "Brother Yi, how have you been lately? Oh no, why are you still injured?"

However, he is absolutely right; it is Shunzi. Over the years, we have become accustomed to working together. The main reason is that Shunzi is bold yet meticulous. Many times, he thinks of things that I would not even consider. I smiled at him, casually picked up a pen, and signed the contract. Little did I know that once I left, it would not be so easy to return.

Jiao Ba is the first friend I made upon my arrival here. It was he who introduced me to the opportunity to become a sailor. This person is quite extraordinary; he is one of the few remaining tomb raiders, to put it bluntly, a grave robber. Moreover, it is not just him; his father and grandfather were also engaged in this profession. His family has been involved in grave robbing for generations.

If you have something to say, just say it directly, don't beat around the bush, and don't try that with me. Sometimes I find his attitude quite annoying; he always engages in trivial matters. Others may tolerate it, but I cannot.

As soon as he saw me getting up to leave, he hurriedly grabbed my arm and said, "Wait, wait, wait, there's something, there must be something, let's talk while we eat." He called the waiter, ordered two cups of coffee, and asked for some food. This guy rarely treats others, he's extremely stingy, so why is he being so generous today? I suspect there's nothing good about it, so I kept silent, waiting for him to speak first. This guy rarely treats others, he's extremely stingy, so why is he being so generous today? I suspect there's nothing good about it, so I kept silent, waiting for him to speak first

I can't help but laugh a little; when did this guy learn to think of others? However, one thing is certain: this matter is absolutely true, he wouldn't dare to deceive me. With such a generous reward, there must be brave individuals. With such a high salary, I have no reason to refuse. Besides, a ship can't always sink; for a better life, I must go. "When do we set off?"

If you have something to say, just say it; if not, I can leave, as I am busy. It's not that I am busy, but mainly that I am tired. That recent struggle for survival has consumed quite a bit of my energy

Jiao Bayi said with a serious expression, "You can rest assured, I wouldn't dare to deceive you, I have brought the contract with me." He casually opened the document bag and took out a sheet, handing it to me.

My acquaintance with him can be considered a stroke of fate. Five years ago, when I first arrived in this city, I was busy running around looking for work. It was during my job search that I encountered him. On that day, Jiao Ba was being chased and beaten by five or six men wielding sticks. I couldn't bear to watch, so I intervened to save him. Thus, we became friends.

"What a joke, you know very well that I haven't been a sailor for a long time." This guy, how dare he talk nonsense, knowing that I have already left this profession, yet still comes to ask me.

As soon as I stepped out of the hospital, I received a call from Jiao Ba. He asked to meet me at the café on Haibin Road. I had no idea what this guy wanted from me. I informed Shun Zi and hopped on my motorcycle, heading towards Haibin Road.

This individual opened an antique shop on Nanhu Road, specializing in the buying and selling of various dynastic artifacts. One aspect I particularly admire about him is that regardless of the dynasty of the item, as long as it passes through his hands, he can identify it. Moreover, he can distinguish between genuine and counterfeit items at a glance, demonstrating considerable expertise.

Jiao Ba Yi said with a serious expression, "Oh my righteous brother, what benefits can I possibly have? I just want you to earn a bit more money. You work so hard every day, yet you only make so little. It makes me uncomfortable to see that."

Jiao Bayi observed my attitude, took out a pen, and said, "As long as you sign the contract, we will set sail next month"

Jiao Ba glanced at me and said, "Brother, I have a job opportunity in hand. I wonder if you might be interested? It's related to books"

Approximately ten minutes later, we returned to the shore. A few of us hurriedly took the two injured individuals to the nearest hospital. As I had anticipated, the person named 'Mengzi' had his left leg amputated due to a shark bite. The doctor even mentioned that if we had arrived ten minutes later, this person might not have survived.

Jiao Bayi saw that I was coming and got a bit irritated. He didn't keep me in suspense and said directly, "Alright, alright, I'll be straightforward. Here's the situation: there is an ocean-going ship that urgently needs to hire sailors, and I think you would be quite suitable. I would like to recommend you for the position."

"Is it a straight? No problem, bring him along." He said in a tone that suggested he understood me well

About five minutes later, I arrived at the café, parked my car, and walked straight in. Jiao Ba saw me and waved his hand. With a smile, I walked over, sat down, and said, "You’re looking for me so early, is there something going on?"

I took a closer look and confirmed that it is indeed a contract, albeit a simple one. It briefly outlines the work content and salary benefits, which are quite enticing. With some doubt, I asked, "Old Eight, you are working so hard; is there some benefit for you?"

I pondered and said, "I can go out to sea, but I must bring someone along."