The author reflects on the nature of communication while traveling in China, noting that responses from locals may come across as short and lacking in warmth. This observation highlights the cultural differences in expression, where brief replies might not indicate rudeness but rather a different social norm.

Although these interactions can be viewed as curt, the author refrains from labeling them negatively, acknowledging that he may not fully understand the context or cultural nuances behind them. This insight underscores the complexities of cross-cultural communication and the need for patience and openness in interpretation.