"For a big order like that? I don't need a deposit!" Old Mrs. Zhao said with a laugh, waving her hands dismissively. "Just come by at six to pick them up."
Lin Lan put the money back in her pocket and said politely, "Thank you for going to the trouble."
"No trouble at all!" The old woman thought for a moment, then added, "Do you want any blood pudding? If you do, bring a basin to carry it in when you come for the ducks." With that, she trotted off, leading Lin Lan inside to see the duck blood.
Lin Lan followed her into the courtyard and saw rows of small earthenware basins on a table, all filled with coagulated, dark-red duck blood. "Yes, please save two basins for me."
