There are some charlatans who prey on old folks kindness by going around and begging for money. These hawkers are just being prudent and sensible. To these folks 5 yuan is a considerable sum considering how much they are selling the their vegetables for. Frankly, I don’t like the way this man is testing the hawkers. He has probably never been scammed before in his life and therefore thinks people who don’t lend him money shouldn’t be helped. But this means that his aid is conditional and not situational. When you attach conditions, it’s not love, it’s a transaction - you help me, I help you. You don’t help me, I have nothing to do with you. That’s just being mean to a lot of folks who are just being prudent.
