烈酒挽故人老酒挽旧友
[liè jiŭ wăn gù rén lăo jiŭ wăn jiù yŏu]
'烈酒挽故人老酒挽旧友' translates to 'Strong liquor to hold back old friends; old liquor to detain old friends.' In both parts of this phrase, the term 'wine/liquor (酒)' is used as a mediator that brings people together. This conveys feelings related to the transient state of reunion with old acquaintances.