By this time, three or four students had already changed into chest-high waders. They stepped into the water, first pushed the large fish towards the shore, and then the four of them lifted the fish slowly onto the bank together.
The giant fish, now completely drained of strength, didn't move at all, with only its gills moving faintly up and down. It seemed unlikely to live much longer...
With the big fish in hand, Professor Chen's team displayed their professionalism for the first time. They laid out a tarpaulin on the shore and wetted it with water to ensure the giant fish's skin wouldn't be damaged from friction when being hauled ashore.
Once the giant fish was properly settled, several students came over with tools, took photos, measured its length, looked for distinguishing features of the fish species, and a series of professional operations quickly unfolded.
