Over the course of the dinner, it became evident that Mr. Lui did not agree with the woman’s level of generosity. He abruptly fled, leaving the woman to handle the aftermath on her own, instead of accepting the cost. The substantial 20,000 yuan (about $3,100) bill was entirely her responsibility, which was a disheartening exam result.

Despite the uncomfortable situation, the woman went on. Out of exasperation, she even filed a lawsuit against Mr. Lui. In the end, the court determined that he just had to pay 1400 yuan of the outstanding balance.

In retrospect, the woman’s attempt to determine her date’s generosity turned out to be not only unsuccessful but also highly costly. Despite her well-meaning intentions, this cautionary tale is a useful reminder that open communication and honesty are more crucial in relationships than in-depth character evaluations. Honest communication and trust are important building blocks for a strong relationship between two people.