She had prepared all the items in boxes. What she prepared for Zhuang Dalang's three sons were three identical bamboo boxes. When Zhuang Dalang's daughter-in-law received them, she felt they were somewhat heavy and didn't know what was inside.
The gift for Zhuang Dalang was a set of brushes purchased by Manbao using her own savings at the bookshop, and for Zhuang Dalang's daughter-in-law, it was a flower that Manbao had come across by chance in the mall.
Keke said they were artificial flowers, used for decorating rooms when placed in vases. The craftsmanship was average, but Manbao found them very pretty, even prettier than real ones, and since they were not expensive, she bought a large bunch.
There was no other option, a bunch was just a bunch, containing eleven stems. She didn't understand why not ten but figured, more is better, right?
