When Mr. Chen moved into the old Victorian house on Maple Street, the neighborhood buzzed with curiosity. Mrs. Patterson, who lived next door, was particularly interested in the new arrival. She watched from her porch as movers carried in antique furniture and stacks of leather-bound books.
"He seems like a reserved man," she told her husband. "Very meticulous about where everything goes."
Her husband, who had actually spoken with Mr. Chen, disagreed. "I'd say he's thoughtful, not reserved. He asked about the history of every house on the street. And he's not meticulous - he's passionate about preserving old things properly."
Mrs. Patterson considered this. Perhaps she had been too quick to judge from a distance. Words, she realized, could paint very different pictures of the same person.
Two food critics visited the same restaurant on the same evening. Here are excerpts from their reviews:
Critic A: "The dining room was cramped, with tables crammed together so tightly that conversations from neighboring diners became unavoidable background noise. The waiter hovered constantly, interrupting our meal. The portions were meager, leaving us hungry after paying premium prices."
Critic B: "The intimate dining room featured cozy seating that created a warm, communal atmosphere. Our attentive server ensured we never wanted for anything. The delicate portions were artfully presented, emphasizing quality over quantity."
"The young entrepreneur was ___ about her business idea."