Liu Xiaomei, Meizi, and Juhua were laughing and chatting as they worked when Liu Sanshun came over. "I'm heading to the Little Qing River to cast my net," he told them. "I should be able to catch enough for a bowl of fish by noon. You all should stay for lunch."
He looked at Juhua expectantly as he finished speaking.
Liu Xiaomei quickly chimed in, urging them to stay, saying they weren't that busy anymore and it wouldn't hurt to have a meal before going home.
Juhua declined. "I still have things to do at home. I'll come over for a meal next time. Besides, even though I haven't eaten here, you've sent me fish several times already, haven't you? It's practically the same thing."
Meizi had been miserable ever since seeing Li Changming and was in no mood to eat there. She also said she had to go home. She'd already been out for half the morning, and her mother would be going to the fields that afternoon, so she needed to get home early to help out.
