Generally we know a little about the western people and their ways of life. When the difference is       1    (wide) than our expectation, it becomes a cultural shock.

Cultural     2     (shock) may come in different ways. Once my friend,     3     businessman, after concluding a business with his suppliers in Hangzhou,     4     (whisper)to me, “Do we have to dine (进餐) together with them? ”I knew he was not sure of our dinner culture and reassured (使安心) him, “Yes, if you wish,     5     not necessary.” He did choose to dine with the suppliers but I don't think he enjoyed it. Hard as I tried     6     (focus) the dialogue on my friend, the suppliers always talked to me,     7     (leave) my friend seated there listening to a(n)     8     (relevant) conversation.

People who are familiar     9     Chinese ways know Chinese people drink hot water, and always remind their friends not to drink       10     (direct)when they receive a cup of water. I, too, don't take any chance, either ask my clients whether they need chilled water or normal or remind them the water might be hot.

China is an open country now and the cultural exchange has been quite frequent over the last 30 years. Such cultural shocks are less and less shocking.