Chapter 283

“We need to hurry, the sea water is rising!”

After toiling away for half the day, the family was actually already exhausted, but they clenched their teeth and could persevere.

The reason was simple,

If it were a 100-pound rock, most people would definitely complain about fatigue, but, if it were 100 pounds of gold, and it was yours to keep once transported, then most people would definitely start running.

Moreover, based on past experiences from watching movies, the items in these kind of treasure chests, the least valuable tend to be gold.

Of course… no one knew what was actually inside until the treasure chest was opened.

It could be heavy with all sorts of treasures.

Or possibly just a pile of large rocks.

By the time they moved the fifth chest, the sea had risen, soon submerging the deep pit completely.

Fortunately, each treasure chest was tethered with ropes, and with the shallow depths of only about a dozen meters offshore, it was easier to move them once the fishing boat was brought over.

In the end, it took roughly an hour and a half for Lin Mo and Zhang Li to get all the remaining chests onto the fishing boat.

Standing on the fishing boat, Zhang Li looked at the sea, hands on his hips, and panting, he asked, “Bro, shall we make a push and take out the remaining chests as well?”

Indeed, it wasn’t impossible,

The round-trip to the reef cave took about 30 minutes, and the 12-liter scuba tanks they were using could provide about 50 minutes of diving time.

This meant, even if the reef cave was now completely filled with water, they had enough time to transport the remaining chests.

At worst, after surfacing, they would just change to two new tanks, and then dive down again.

But, being cautious and careful, after some thought, Lin Mo shook his head and said, “There’s no rush. I’ve checked the tide table, and the next two days are going to be days of low tide. With the rising water, the pressure and other conditions will change. It’s better to wait until tomorrow to pump out the water and go in again. That way, we can ensure safety one hundred percent.”

“We’re not fugitives; there’s no need to risk our lives. Plus, the treasure isn’t going anywhere, it won’t run away, so there’s no need to rush. We can make the effort again tomorrow, safety first.”

Zhang Li nodded, without saying a word.

After a short break, Lin Mo steered the fishing boat to shore, where the family of four began moving the treasure chests from the boat, storing them all in the abalone farm’s warehouse.

It was now afternoon, and after exerting themselves all day, the four were extremely tired. Ignoring the dampness on their bodies, they found places to sit and rest.

Even though they were tired, the sight of the neatly arranged row of treasure chests kept the smiles on their faces constant.

“I’ll go make a fire, bro, uncle, you guys change your clothes.”

Though Zhang Li was exhausted and wanted to lie down, he still got up first, carried over a bundle of dry wood, threw some solid alcohol into it to light it, and soon there was a small fire crackling warmly.

Lin Mo also stood up, took out several sets of fresh clothes from the tent outside, and handed them to his dad and father-in-law.

Even though it was winter, the weather in Northern Sea City wasn’t cold, with daytime temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius. They didn’t need to fuss too much; wearing long pants and a long-sleeved T-shirt was enough.

After everyone had changed, no one needed to be called; they naturally gathered around the treasure chests.

Without a doubt,

Everyone was now anticipating what was actually inside the treasure chests!

Would it be treasures of inestimable value,

Or worthless broken stones?

Li Jinshan looked at the neatly arranged row of chests, stroked his chin, and said, “Son-in-law, what do you think is hidden inside?”

Lin Changshui also looked left and right, eventually shaking his head and saying, “Don’t know, but these chests seem to have some age and are still so sturdy, probably even the boxes could be worth some money.”

Indeed,

It was not known how long these chests had been soaked by sea water, having been dragged for an extended period, but not a single one was damaged, and their fine carvings could still be faintly seen.

Li Jinshan studied for a long while and still couldn’t come to a conclusion; seeing Lin Mo approaching, he said eagerly, “Son, shall we open it and have a look?”

Holding a crowbar, Lin Mo nodded and said, “Of course we’ll open it. Xing Jiang, come and help.”

“Alright! Coming!” Xing Jiang joined in as well.

Seeing the crowbar in Lin Mo’s hand, Lin Changshui guessed what his son was about to do and said somewhat reluctantly, “Son, these chests look pretty good. Isn’t it a waste to force them open so violently?”

“Dad, if there’s no other way, we might even have to throw the chests into the sea,” Lin Mo explained, “They’re too distinctive and hard to carry. If someone recognizes them, it could be trouble.”

“Let’s open them first. The chest isn’t important; it’s what’s inside that’s truly valuable!”

Li Jinshan also nodded in agreement, “That’s right, the great man once taught us not to lose the watermelon while picking up sesame seeds, to understand the primary and secondary relations, so, start prying!”

“Well, alright then!” Lin Changshui had no more objections.

Lin Mo nodded, forcefully inserted the crowbar into the gap, and leveraged with all his might.

However, he found it to be completely immovable!

Hmm?

This sturdy?!

Lin Mo increased his effort, even bracing with his knees, using all his strength, but the chest didn’t budge an inch.

“Pretty solid!”

Lin Mo was surprised.

“Bro, let me give it a try.” Zhang Li spat into his palm twice, rubbed it, took over the crowbar to try, but found it equally impossible to open; the seams seemed to be welded shut.