Xiqiu put down her needlework, laughed, and lightly tapped Chunyan's forehead, saying, "You're almost turning into Siliu." Chunyan giggled, "It's true what they say, 'Those who associate with ink get black.' I've certainly proved the ancient saying!"
The two laughed together, just as Biwu came in carrying a stack of folded clothes. Seeing the smiles on Xiqiu's and Chunyan's faces, she asked, puzzled, "What are Madam and Sister Chunyan talking about to be so happy?" She put the clothes away in the bedroom cabinet and came back out.
Chunyan teased her, "What were we talking about? We were saying how yesterday Second Madam sent half a basket of sea crabs over, and Madam doesn't like them. She's thinking of giving them away."
