Liu Sanshun had no choice but to pour out half. He handed her the rest, saying, "You have to take these. There are still plenty on the tree. And take this fish, too. Don't refuse. Doesn't Mei eat the things you give her? You even gave her a piece of fatty meat back when we were planting seedlings."
Juhua quickly took them when she heard that. If she refused again, it would seem odd, with him keeping such a close tally of favors. This was how relationships worked in the village—a constant give and take.
She then asked Liu Sanshun to draw a bucket of well water so she could wash the plums, saying she'd eat them on the way.
Liu Sanshun agreed with a smile.
He was exceptionally happy to see how much Juhua liked them. He drew a bucket of clear, cold well water, let her wash the plums, and then walked her to the gate.
Just as she left the courtyard, she ran right into Liu Xiaomei's mother. She was carrying a shoulder pole with two bamboo baskets filled with cut Shanyu vines.
