"Director Li, let me toast you. Though this is our first meeting, I've long admired your reputation."
"No, no. I can't drink much. I really can't have any more—otherwise I won't be able to work this afternoon."
"Then I'll finish mine, and you can drink as you please."
"Good, good, good. Mm-hm."
"."
Li Ye had an excellent head for liquor, as well as a Shandong man's forthrightness. Whenever someone sincerely toasted him, he never put on an act. Anyone who had drunk with Li Ye knew that he was a loyal drinking companion.
But today, he had very unusually chickened out. Director Han of Red Star Manufacturing Plant toasted him; Han drained his cup, while Li Ye merely wet his lips.
This left Director Han very dissatisfied. He considered himself the top leader of Red Star Manufacturing Plant, and to toast Li Ye, a Deputy Plant Director, was already giving him plenty of face. Yet Li Ye had actually gone and foolishly said, “I’ll drink mine, you drink as you please.”
So after putting down his glass, Director Han asked pointedly, "Director Li, is this liquor not to your taste? Shall I send someone out to buy a bottle of Maotai?
Ordinarily, a distinguished guest like you should certainly be served good liquor. But since last year, our factory has enforced strict entertainment standards, and no one is exempt.
So I truly apologize. It's my fault; I've neglected you. I'll pay out of my own pocket and have someone buy you a bottle right now."
Director Han stood up, ready to send someone out to buy liquor.
Li Ye smiled. "You misunderstand, Director Han. I can't tell good liquor from bad. Whether it's brandy that costs several thousand dollars or Erguotou that costs a few yuan a bottle, it