It was a hot, muggy day in Shanghai and I was waiting to buy a bagel. The line was long. Everyone was eager for their carb fix. Finally, I reached the counter and pulled out a crisp 50-yuan bill. The cashier’s face dropped. He scowled as he counted out my change. When I grabbed my breakfast and turned to leave, the woman behind me snorted. Nearly everyone was staring with a mix of contempt and irritation.
