"Even less won't work. There is a limit to everything, and three times is a charm. Our family isn't exactly wealthy—we have so many people to provide for at home. The first time I lent to you, it was because your husband and our master are colleagues. The second time was because we live in the same neighborhood. Don't talk to me about not having enough food to survive. The portion I lent Madame He before was enough for your family for a month or two, and now, after just a few days, Madame He is back asking for food again. Do you think my home is the county government's grain warehouse?"
Su Wenyue refused without a second thought. Had she known Madame He was this kind of person, she wouldn't have lent anything the first two times. It was certain there would be no return. Although she didn't begrudge the food, giving it to someone like Madame He was worse than feeding it to pigs—at least pigs would fatten up and yield more meat when slaughtered for New Year's.
