Seeds of Change

Cue Scene:
Western Man (WM) and Chinese Girlfriend (CG) are walking hand-in-hand near around Hou Hai Lake in Beijing.  Sun is shining but near the horizon.  They are enjoying the romantic atmosphere around the lake.

CG asks WM to buy her a lotus pod.  WM looks at the lotus pods.  He decides it's the right moment to buy her a flower (or flower bud) to improve the romantic nature of the walk.

WM completes the bargaining and returns with a lotus pod.  WM is happy that he bargained the price down to 4 yuan and at the smile on CG's face.

CG and WM walk for a few more minutes in happy bliss. CG then rips apart the lotus pod and eats the seeds.

WM is shell-shocked and wondering if he should bring attention to this bizzarre behavior.  He has never had a girl eat a rose or bouquet of flowers.
:Cut Scene
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This scene has happened hundreds of times in Beijing (I know these WM!).  One of the many snacks you can buy near the lake is the humble (and super-tasty) lotus pod (full of edible lotus seeds).  Most westerners have never seen these lotus pods.  It's quite shocking for them to realize that the pretty flower given to a pretty girl is suddenly in the process of being consumed.