Old John yelled, "Cut the rope!"
However, unexpectedly, Qing Chen did not do so and did not even draw the dagger from his work clothes.
Old John became anxious. He knew how severe the consequences could be if the crew didn't follow his orders.
If Nedup got entangled and was dragged into the sea, he wouldn't survive. In just over ten seconds, the immense pressure of the sea depths would kill Nedup.
Yet, another wave approached.
Just as the wave was about to crash onto the deck, Old John distinctly saw Qing Chen grab the rope with one hand.
The falling crab cage was abruptly halted!
He was stunned. Holding the rope with bare hands?!
Before Old John could figure out what was happening, the wave had already hit everyone, obscuring visibility entirely.
Only when the wave flowed back into the sea along the deck, did Old John, supporting himself against the hoist, look immediately towards Nedup.
He saw Nedup sitting on the deck while Young Young stood beside him.