Xie Qi smiled, walked up to Old Man Xu, and said sincerely, "Uncle Xu, thank you for your hard work. This fish may be a bit on the small side, but it is a gesture of my gratitude. I hope you won't mind it and will accept it." With that, he handed the fish, tied with a straw rope, to Old Man Xu.
Seeing this, Old Man Xu hurriedly waved his hands in refusal, looking rather flustered. He shook his head repeatedly, saying, "Oh my, I can't accept this! You should keep it for yourself; how could I take it? Take it back, quickly!"
But Xie Qi was insistent. He took a step forward and, without leaving any room for debate, pressed the rope holding the fish into Old Man Xu’s rough, calloused hand.
Chapter 189