"No, how could there be that many?" Mao Huaqing laughed. "Giant Groupers aren't easy to raise, and they're strong too. Adult Giant Groupers are generally moved into the sheds for farming. I mainly raise scallops here."
"These are all...?"
"Yes, all scallops. Does anyone over your way want to raise scallops? Scallops have been selling well this year. Large ones can go for eight yuan per pound. If anyone wants to raise them, I can cultivate scallop seedlings too."
"Haven't heard of any. There aren't many fish rafts where we are."
"True enough. Your place is good, and it's convenient to head out to sea and fish. Fish rafts are hard to manage too—they require skill and they're tiring. Fishing is still more comfortable."
Lu Ao did not chime in. He asked, "Do you have any mature scallops now? I'd like to buy some."
Mao Huaqing hurriedly said, "Yes, yes, yes. How much do you want? I'll catch your Giant Groupers first, then go scoop up the scallops for you."
"Give me thirty to fifty pounds."
"Wait a moment. I'll catch the Giant Groupers first. The ones you ordered are all being kept on another small fish raft. Let's go take a look."
Mao Huaqing led Lu Ao onto a small floating raft and headed toward the fish rafts.
His wife was resting in the house beside the fish rafts, making it easier for her to keep watch over the scallops.
When she saw Lu Ao arrive, she came out to greet him.
Mao Huaqing asked, "Honey, where's the dip net? Bring me two more tanks too."
"Wait, I'll go get them. We're taking Giant Grouper Fingerlings today, right?"
"That's right. Lu Ao also wants to buy some scallops. See which ones are bigger and scoop up twenty or thirty