Chapter 41: The Old and The New
Zhuang Siyuan had certainly done his homework. The Chinese Business Association, though large and spanning various industries, seemed a bit dull and rigid. When he learned about Bruce, a rising star in Los Angeles, aggressively acquiring biotech companies, Zhuang Siyuan thought of making contact.
Despite a brief conversation of just over ten minutes, Zhuang Siyuan could tell this young man was extraordinary. He lacked the impetuousness and flamboyance typical of others his age. Some remarkable youngsters, thanks to good upbringing and talent, managed to stay grounded.
But Bruce was different. He possessed an inherent calmness and composure, as if he had an unusual wealth of life experiences. This impressed Zhuang Siyuan, who thought of bringing him into the association.
"In fact, my being in Los Angeles is just a coincidence. I'll likely focus more on New York in the future, with little energy left for here," Bruce said. It was a polite way of declining the offer.
The resources and connections of the Chinese Business Association would undoubtedly be helpful, but nothing comes without effort. Bruce had a clear vision for his and his company's future, which did not align with being closely tied to any particular group or faction.
"Mr. Lee, don't rush to refuse. In today's world, geographical distance is hardly an issue. You can take your time to decide," Zhuang Siyuan suggested.
The Chinese Business Association, indeed a supportive group, offered its members substantial aid, mainly in the form of resource and information sharing. Connections are always beneficial in business, regardless of time and place.
Zhuang Siyuan didn't expect Bruce to decline so straightforwardly, but he wasn't annoyed, merely smiling lightly and dropping the subject.
Since Zhuang Siyuan suggested taking time to think it over, Bruce felt even less rushed. At that moment, the street outside seemed lively, filled with the sound of drums and cheering. Bruce looked out the window to see a bustling street packed with people and a procession of yellow dragon dances weaving through it.
"This is our Chinese Business Association's Golden Dragon Parade, an annual event, even televised. The young folks always say times have changed. Even my son has set up shop in the new district, what he calls the 'New Chinatown.' But in my view, tradition remains classic. Look at Chinatown. It may not be as prosperous as in the '30s and '40s, but it's still bustling every year. Its historical significance, cultural value, architectural uniqueness - these are irreplaceable and part of the unique charm of Chinese culture,"
Zhuang Siyuan remarked with a hint of nostalgia.
Bruce saw in Zhuang Siyuan a man who revered tradition, a trait surprisingly stronger in these third-generation Chinese Americans than in many back home.
Bruce responded thoughtfully, "I believe everything that exists has its value. Whether it endures or not, time will tell. On my way here, I noticed Chinatown is still quite popular, even more with Caucasians than Asians."
Zhuang Siyuan, pleased with the response, nodded and smiled, calling it a balanced viewpoint. Then, a tall, handsome Chinese youth approached, speaking to Zhuang Siyuan in a slightly irreverent tone, "Uncle Zhuang, I made it early, right? Have you arranged my spot for tonight?"
"It's arranged, but don't mess around, or I'll tell your dad," Zhuang Siyuan, clearly familiar with him, replied without taking offense, just giving him a stern look. "Let me introduce you. This is Mr. Bruce, a distinguished young representative of our association, and this is Cai Chengping, a child of a family friend. He's generally good-natured, just a bit impulsive sometimes."
The young man, slightly displeased, retorted, "Hey, Uncle Zhuang, what kind of introduction is that? It's so unfair. So, I'm just a troublemaker, and this handsome guy here is the exemplary businessman?"
He then winked at Bruce, obviously not really offended. "No offense, man. Just think Uncle Zhuang's selling me short here, that's all!"
Bruce responded with a slight smile. The young man seemed carefree about everything but didn't come off as reckless or arrogant. He had a good sense of balance, not enough to be off-putting.
"You kiddo! This time, it's not me picking on you. Mr. Lee here has genuinely built a career for himself. Have you heard of Pfizer's soon-to-be-released drug 'Vilda'? It's Mr. Lee's invention," Zhuang Siyuan said, not taking Cai Chengping's attitude to heart, and playfully tapped him on the shoulder.
"Holy smokes! Bruce Lee! My idol!" Cai Chengping's eyes widened in excitement, his demeanor changing to genuine warmth. "Now I get why he looked so familiar. Bruce Lee, saving humanity—no, saving the brotherhood!"
Everyone burst into laughter, including Bruce. This young guy was quite a character. Zhuang Siyuan, trying to hold back his laughter, shook his head and excused himself to attend to other matters, suggesting the young men chat amongst themselves.
"Mr. Cai is a very interesting person," Bruce said, reaching out for a handshake.
Cai Chengping grabbed Bruce's hand and wouldn't let go, clearly showing his enthusiasm.
"Don't be formal with me, just call me Ping, or my English name William. I hope you don't mind if I call you Mr. Lee. You know, you're my idol. All these guys in suits, talking economics and mergers, what's the big deal? But you, casually inventing something that benefits countless men and earning billions of dollars, now that's real power!"
Cai Chengping was a young man with a strong personality. He was particularly fond of those he took a liking to, and completely indifferent to those he didn't. The fact that he had managed to make his way from China to the international scene spoke volumes about his background and foundations.
"Mr. Lee, didn't bring a date? Smart move. Let me tell you, the highlight of tonight is the party. There are some real beauties in the Miss Chinatown pageant finals. I've already scoped them out," Cai Chengping said, winking and sharing a knowing look that men often exchange among themselves.
The Chinese Business Association's annual celebration included various events, but the highlight was undoubtedly the evening party, which also served as the finale for the Miss Chinatown Los Angeles beauty pageant.
Cai Chengping had his eye on several front-runners in the Miss Chinatown pageant and had even approached Zhuang Siyuan to secure a prime spot near the stage with an excellent view for the event.