My first visit to the land of my ancestors was a work trip. I accompanied a group of students and some colleagues on an exchange trip to the city of Xian.
On our first night, our counterparts kept toasting us with baijiu, which we were supposed to reciprocate. The alcohol content in the baijiu was overwhelming. An enthusiastic teacher with the surname said “为了我们两国的 友谊干了吧!” (Drink to the friendship of our two nations!) as he shoved the glass into my mouth, knocking the glass against my teeth.
After that night, I told one of the hosts that I did not want to drink the baijiu again. The host assured me: "我保护你! 我会制止他们。如果有人逼你喝酒, 我帮你 喝!" (“I will protect you. I will restrain them. If anyone forces you to drink, I will help you drink!”) His tone was so authoritative that I felt assured.
That night, just as the dinner was about to start, the host said: “对不起, 我有点事。” (Excuse me, I have something to attend to.”) and he left.