The old man wasn't convinced but shouted, "I've got more at home. I'll bring an even better one next time. I refuse to believe I can't get a Grade A."
He carried his two Grade B pots out, and Zhuang Zhixi scoffed mockingly: "See? Not good enough. Watch this."
Zhuang Zhixi strutted forward like a proud peacock and took his seat. But the result was... "Grade B."
Perhaps because Zhuang Zhixi looked fierce and troublemaking—after all, he was dressed as a woman—the judges gave a detailed explanation of why his flowers were rated Grade B. When Zhuang Zhixi came out, he immediately clashed with the old man again. After exchanging a few insults, they both shouted, "Who says I only have one pot of flowers? I was just testing the waters today. Wait and see—I'll bring something better next time. Let's compete properly."
"Who's afraid of you? Bring it on. I'm not going to lose to a woman."
"Ha! And I'm not going to lose to an old man."
