San Francisco is by the sea, with plenty of fresh seafood converging on this city. When entering Chinatown, the seafood prepared by Chinese chefs here, using recipes from Hong Kong, is unmatched by many other places.
When in New York, Ye Qiu had brought the two women to dine, and now, upon arriving at San Francisco’s Chinatown, Ye Qiu planned to let the two women enjoy the food here as well.
Looking at the tall, five-story seafood hotel with its prominently displayed sign, Ye Qiu knew the seafood here must be excellent. Taking the elevator with the two women to the third floor, he found there were indeed many customers.
"Sir, how many people?" The waitress asked in English.
Ye Qiu judged that she must be a local Chinese American.
The first-generation and second-generation Chinese in the area certainly have good Chinese language skills, but by the third generation, they are basically Westernized, and may not even speak Chinese; rather, their English is very fluent.
This naturally has much to do with the environment. Moreover, America is now the most developed country, so it’s normal for these Chinese Americans to fully embrace the cultural influences here in various aspects.
"Three," Ye Qiu replied directly.
He didn’t request a private room, opting to sit outside.
The waitress led the trio to a round table to sit.
When the waitress handed over the menu, Ye Qiu noticed the prices were similar to those in New York.
However, there was indeed quite a lot of seafood here.
"Go ahead and order yourselves," Ye Qiu said.
Miranda and Xia Jing took the menu, browsing and ordering, aware of the dishes Ye Qiu enjoyed.
As Ye Qiu was seated and watching, he noticed not far away at another round table a man with slicked-back hair wearing a black suit, appearing to be in his sixties or seventies, surrounded by middle-aged men chatting with him.
Judging by these people’s demeanor, they were likely of high status within Chinatown.
In America, the social status of Chinese Americans is indeed not high. Especially for Chinese American men, aside from business, pursuing political careers is nearly impossible.
In this aspect, they are far worse than those in the African American community.
Even though they have fully integrated culturally and ideologically, the elites of the white society seem to still not recognize them.
However, in Chinatown.
There are quite a few business owners who manage to do well.
Compared to within Huaxia, they likely enjoy much more freedom.
Their attire and mannerisms gave Ye Qiu some clues.
"Qiu, I’ve finished ordering — take a look if we need anything else?" Miranda asked.
Ye Qiu glanced at the menu, seeing they had ordered five or six dishes.
Ye Qiu added three more.
He also ordered a bottle of white wine.
After the waitress left, Miranda asked, "Qiu, where shall we go tomorrow?"
Spending time eating and having fun with Ye Qiu, she was genuinely reluctant for Ye Qiu to return to Huaxia so soon.
If Ye Qiu returned, she would undoubtedly have to go back to Cuba to continue her studies.
"Let’s visit Silicon Valley," Ye Qiu said.
Showing interest in investment at Silicon Valley and also planning a visit to Las Vegas.
He had already discussed with Robit, whose investment project would definitely be finalized first, followed by the plan to establish a venture capital firm.
"Why don’t we take a stroll in Chinatown after dinner?" Miranda suggested.
"Certainly," Ye Qiu replied.
Actually, besides Chinese immigrants from within Huaxia, Chinatown also attracts immigrants from The East Ocean, Korea, and various Southeast Asian countries; they originally migrated here.
Moreover, in terms of appearance, many White and Black people initially can’t distinguish whether these individuals are Chinese or other Asians, as they seem to look alike.
Thus, beyond Huaxia’s offerings, there are also many products from The East Ocean people for sale. After dinner, they could browse around.
...
"Master Wu, I’ve heard some rumors — someone intends to harm you, so you must be careful!" said a middle-aged man with a Chaoshan accent beside the elderly man.
"Harm me? I’ve retired and live righteously; I’m not afraid of anyone plotting against me," the elderly man said.
"Master Wu, you still need to be cautious. Perhaps I should have the brothers escort you out of San Francisco, let you enjoy some travel abroad, while we settle this problem — then you can return," the middle-aged man suggested kindly.
But the elderly man directly replied, "I’m too old for such trouble; cannot handle flying back and forth. Should anyone want to strike at me, let them come directly."
The middle-aged man, hearing the elderly man’s words, didn’t know what more to say.
San Francisco’s Chinatown outwardly appeared very calm, especially with American police and the FBI continually cracking down on organized groups like this.
Even Mafia-style groups are being strongly dealt with, let alone these organizations.
Of course, there were also internal conflicts.
The elderly man had officially retired years ago, announcing his withdrawal from the scene.
Yet, his reputation persisted. With a single call, nearly everyone in Chinatown’s organized groups, whether white or black, would heed his command.
Because of such presence, he seemed to impede others’ interests.
Rumors were spreading that a bounty of five million US Dollars had been offered for his life.
For a former big boss like him, five million US Dollars was hardly anything.
However, many reckless individuals might commit murder for a mere few hundred US Dollars.
Therefore, the middle-aged man reminded the elderly man to be vigilant about safety, suggesting he leave Chinatown, San Francisco temporarily.
While they were drinking, eating, and chatting, Ye Qiu, Miranda, and Xia Jing were also seated and preparing to dine.
The seafood they ordered was soon delivered.
Actually, much of the seafood is preliminarily prepared earlier, then finished freshly, as it’s all cooked starting from the afternoon.
And it’s only now that they’re starting to cook, probably time is tight.
With the waitress bringing over wine glasses and a bottle of white wine, Ye Qiu opened it, poured himself a glass, not letting the women drink.
This was high-proof white wine, and if the two women drank it, they would definitely get drunk.
"Pour me a glass too," Xia Jing said.
"You’ll get drunk," Ye Qiu advised.
"I’m not afraid," Xia Jing retorted.
Usually, while negotiating business in Huaxia, she often drank, and several shots of white wine wouldn’t knock her out.
Seeing Xia Jing’s determination, Ye Qiu poured her a glass.
The white wine had a fragrant aroma; Xia Jing gulped it down, soon feeling her throat burn as if it were on fire, causing discomfort.
Seeing her reaction, Ye Qiu found it somewhat amusing.
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