Take the number !

When you walk into a branch of any Beijing bank,
you are required to take the number.
You get service when it is your turn.
It is done to help people learn how to queue
- the queue concept is rather not well established
in China, people will cut in front of you everywhere.

About a week ago I went to the bank to pay
for my internet connection at home.
I took the number and the bank clerk told me
that I will probably have to wait for at least 30 min,
so I might as well take a stroll and come back later.
I was determined to wait at the bank,
because I had a heavy bag.
Few minutes passed, when the same clerk
walked up to me and offered to swap numbers:
apparently, she had another number in her pocket,
which was nearing its turn !
I happily accepted the offer and 10 min later
was on my way.

I wonder - who are the lucky folks who
get these offers ?
It is not everyone for sure.
Life is full of misteries - especially
life in China ... :)