Tom: I'm absolutely stuffed. I don't think I've ever eaten so much at one sitting.
Wang Yong: same here. How did we manage to eat seven jin of dumplings?
T: well, I had five of them. [To waitress] the bill, please.
Waitress: that will be 71 yuan.
T: here's 80. keep the change.
Waitress: I'm sorry, sir?
W: [to waitress] he means, 'Could we get the change please?'
Waitress: of course, one moment please.
W: [to Tom] what did you mean when you said 'keep the change'?
T: it's called a 'tip'. Think of it as a gift given to the server to show appreciation for their good service. It's common practice in the States.
A few months later, Tom has returned to the US. Wang Yong decideds to visit him during China's National Day. The two friends dine out at an Italian restaurant.
W: [to Tom] it's my treat this time. [to waiter] Could we get the bill?
Waiter: [handing Wang Yong the bill] here you go.
W: [ he takes some money from his wallet, which he hands to the waiter along with a fruit basket from under the table.] here's $35 for the meal, and this fruit is for you.
T: [to Wang] Lao Wang, it's usually customary to tip money.
W: but money's so impersonal. And besides, people don't eat enough fruit nowadays.
Waiter: you have a good point. I really like mango anyway. Thanks a lot.
T: [To wang] well, it looks like you've reinvented the tip!
