The slightly yellow, boiling rock sugar syrup bubbled gently, rolling in the shallow small pot. The room was warm and cozy, and everyone gathered together, peeling oranges leisurely. The whole house was filled with the rich aroma of oranges.
Old Wang peeled another orange, carefully separating the segments one by one, and couldn't help mumbling: "A pound of oranges, half a pound of peel – this peel is way too thick."
"Thick is better!" Secretary Xiaozu explained, "These are grown in the neighboring village, one yuan per pound. Stop being picky."
"Besides, thick skin makes them more durable for storage, and it's easier to sell locally."
One yuan per pound?
At this point, Old Wang stopped complaining. Oranges grown in northern climates—when winter temperatures drop—develop thicker skins; otherwise, they wouldn't last till this time of the year.