If someone is unusually polite or humble toward you, they probably have a hidden request or motive. It is a warning to be alert when someone's courtesy seems excessive or out of proportion.
In Chinese culture, politeness is a social currency, but there are norms of appropriateness. Excessive deference can signal an ulterior motive, especially in business or hierarchical settings.
It is a social radar — helping people read between the lines of polite behavior. It also reflects a cultural realism that not all kindness is unconditional.
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