What does happen when you refuse an offered cigarette? I recall the Late Great Raoul at least once suggesting as a rule of thumb in China never refuse an offered cigarette. I no longer smoke, and haven't in years, but even if I did, I'm not sure I'd know what to do with an offered cigarette. Is the cigarette rule still in force?
I was in a new restaurant today and the boss, a large burly man, appeared at my shoulder as I was finishing up and offered a smoke. I said thanks, I don't. A dude at a table opposite watching on said "No Smoking!" in that odd, tv announcer way non-English speakers have with the occasional English tidbit. I assume therefore cigarette etiquette still exists and people still pay attention. I tried to make up for it by smiling at everyone as I left. Perhaps I can never go back.