In the end, Li Long never did shoot that fox-because Gu Xiaoxia would not let him.
"It's so pretty... let's not shoot it, all right? It's so beautiful..." Gu Xiaoxia pleaded with Li Long.
It was the first time Li Long had seen that almost coy expression on Gu Xiaoxia's face. He smiled and said:
"I was going to shoot it and make you a fur scarf. But if you say not to, I won't. Besides, I might not be able to hit it anyway."
He put away his gun. Satisfied, Gu Xiaoxia gave the fox another glance, then went back to watching the rice simmering in the pot.
Before long, she felt the rice ought to be done, and she had not smelled any scorching. Gu Xiaoxia carefully lifted the lid made from broomcorn stalks, and a rush of steam mixed with the fragrance of rice washed over her face. She instinctively leaned back. As the steam dispersed, it revealed the white rice, with a ring of golden-brown crust visible around the edge of the pot.
"That's great!" Li Long glanced over from beside her and praised her. "Very nice. I can never get the heat right. Here, I'll dish it up."
"I'll do it, I'll do it." Gu Xiaoxia felt thoroughly relieved now; at least she had not embarrassed herself. She took the bowls Li Long handed her, scooped out two bowls of rice with the spatula, then asked him:
"Shall we eat the crust now or later?"
There was not much rice, just enough for one level bowl each. The crust could now be lifted out in one piece.
"Later. Let's eat the rice now and have the crust as a snack," Li Long said.
The two of them ate outside just like that, using a wooden