Rosemary seems to press her lips together in thought for a moment, as though trying to find the best words to explain. "Well, Mrs. Nie," she begins, then cuts herself off to add, "I do hope you won't think less of me for sharing this. I don't like to speak negatively of the good people here."

Lifting one hand to her breast, she continues: "While liquor might be a sign of sophistication in some places, we've found that here it has rather the opposite effect on some of the people in this town. So many people have driven themselves into ruin by imbibing too much, whether through poor lifestyle choices or tragic accidents." Dropping her hand back to her side, Rosemary shakes her head. "It would be lovely to partake in such a custom as the one you describe, but I'm afraid we've just seen too many sad stories. Men begin drinking and before you know it, they're neglecting their civic duties to drink and sleep off hangovers and making unconscionable mistakes."

Her eyes flick toward the window, then back to Huaisang. "Perhaps it is different in other places, but our little community is a much happier place without liquor in it."