Actual Conversation That Took Place
(Scene: A Chinese take-out counter in Brooklyn.)
Cashier: One chicken chow mein coming up.
Me: (in Mandarin) Hey, where are you from in China?
Cashier: Fujian.
Me: Nice, my grandfather is from Fujian–Gulangyu, actually. I’m from Hong Kong.
Two cooks in the background: Your Mandarin is really good!
Me: Hey, thanks. My Fujianese is awful. [Unintelligible Fujianese.] See?
Cashier: Are you here as a student?
Me: No, I live and work here. My father’s American.
Owner: (pointing to my companion) Is this your friend?
Me: He’s my boyfriend.
Owner: Wow! This is great! A white guy! Here, let me give you a free soda. What kind would you like?
Me: I’ll take a Diet Coke.