"Isn't that Brother Qiu from Mahwanzi Village?" Lu Gao hurried down from the kang, "I have an honored guest here, your timing is perfect. Come join us for a couple of drinks... let me introduce you to..."
"I won't be drinking, Old Lu..." Brother Qiu waved his hand to interrupt Lu Gao, looking somewhat guilty, "I came today because..." he paused, hastily setting down the basket, "this is twenty chicken eggs and a packet of brown sugar your sister-in-law kneaded together..."
"Brother Qiu, what is this about?" Lu Gao frowned, "Take it back. If there's something up, just talk about it."
"No, listen to me," Brother Qiu shook his head, "about those shrimps you wanted last time, I can't give them to you anymore, I..."
Lu Gao's expression immediately darkened.
"I know it's not decent of me, but someone else is offering twenty copper coins per jin for the shrimps..." Brother Qiu sighed, "You know my family is struggling..."
