The director explained that many of the buildings here were constructed through donations from Chinese charitable organizations. Truly remarkable—this demonstrates the immense energy embedded within the Chinese knot, and reveals why there are always "pillars of strength" wherever Chinese people live. After taking a brief rest at the Chinese community center, the director guided the four guests on a second visit to the Chinatown, offering explanations as they walked. For over a century, San Francisco has been a place where Chinese immigrants have settled, thrived, and established their businesses. The Chinatown stretches about one kilometer, featuring 16 streets and housing around 100,000 Chinese residents. Its status as the most beautiful and largest Chinese town outside Asia stems not merely from its bustling commercial atmosphere, but from the rich traditions and Chinese cultural elements embedded within that atmosphere. It is precisely these Chinese elements that give the neighborhood its distinctive Chinese character.
Look at those shops lining the streets—how many of them do not exude a vibrant atmosphere of Chinese traditional culture, giving Eastern visitors a sense of homecoming and Western visitors a sense of wonder and discovery as if they've stepped into a foreign land? "The more rooted in the national, the more universal it becomes"—this profound truth strikes you instantly and clearly only in places like Chinatown. Indeed, as the four of them walk along Shideston Street, appreciating the well-planned, orderly community layout, they are struck by the fact that although the buildings have weathered the passage of time, they remain neither worn nor damaged, preserving the elegant aesthetics of traditional Chinese architecture. Then, under the guide's direction, they visit the shops facing the street. After a leisurely stroll, they make a surprising discovery: Interestingly, shops selling fish, meat, and pastries bear standard Chinese names such as De Chang and Xing Mao, and their entrances are adorned with tall red lanterns, evoking a distinctly local Chinese ambiance.
The director warmly explained: If the Spring Festival, Lantern Festival, or Mid-Autumn Festival came here, one would see many residents wearing Tang-style robes that were no less splendid than those worn by people on the mainland—full of festive patterns, auspicious dragon and phoenix motifs, exquisite silk embroidery, and delicate, intricately designed pib琶 (a type of decorative knot). The sound of the suona horns would echo with performances of dragon and lion dances, with the performers rolling, leaping, and twisting in graceful motion, leaving the audience dazzled and delighted. All four were deeply enchanted. Gao Liang felt at home, as if visiting a familiar friend. Daina listened intently and couldn't help but exclaim, "China is truly magnificent!" Clearly, she had grown more interested in China's traditional history and culture. Mike and Julie were struck by the sense of being in a foreign land. In the end, the director and a large group of Chinese visitors waved them off, and the director presented them with gifts as a token of appreciation. Gao Liang would not accept the gifts without charge, but the director said plainly, "Gao Liang, if it weren't for your bold initiative, that Black man would still be serving
From now on, the Chinese neighborhood has peace! I'm representing 100,000 Chinese to present a modest gift as a token of our gratitude—so you absolutely must accept it!" It was hard to refuse such warmth, and Gao Liang agreed readily. Then a long line of Chinese girls formed a straight line, each holding various gifts. Gao Liang looked at them and smiled—what beautiful traditional Chinese crafts! He gladly accepted them. Mike and Julie were envious, but fortunately, Gao Liang stepped in to let them choose what they wanted. Naturally, Mike selected a fine scroll with strong, elegant calligraphy and a richly painted Chinese landscape. Julie chose a large red lantern, imagining hanging it on the roof of her own villa. Dana was interested in everything Chinese and found herself unsure of what to pick, standing there hesitating. Gao Liang gave a playful smile and said, "I've already chosen something for you!" Dana was surprised: "Gao Liang, what have you picked for me? You must pick something I truly love!"
"If Miss Daimon likes them all, we'll take them all!" the curator said warmly.
How much Daimon wished that Gao Liang would be tall and well-built! Yet what she heard was, "No! Just one piece each, please!"
Hmph! If you can't find what I truly love, I'll have my own ways to make you pay.
"Gao Liang! You too, pick one!" the curator said.
Under everyone's watchful eyes, Gao Liang selected a Chinese knot, and immediately the crowd burst into applause.
"Chinese people abroad must stay united! We're heart to heart, one family!" Gao Liang's words stirred great enthusiasm among many.
Daimon admired Gao Liang so much. At that moment, she stood aside like a little bird, feeling a strong, masculine presence in Gao Liang's confident demeanor. Her heart quickened, and her cheeks flushed—something she had never experienced before.
But Daimengna bit her lip, struggled to hold back her shyness, and with great grace in front of everyone, she wrapped her arms around Gao Liang's waist, saying, "You're a truly excellent man. I'm so grateful for your rescue today! Here's my appreciation!" Then she gently kissed Gao Liang's cheek, leaving a fresh red imprint on his pale face, which made Gao Liang feel itchy all over. He leaned in close to Daimengna's ear and whispered, "Miss Daimengna, my self-control is rather poor! Please don't let me fall short!" "Haha! You won't! As far as I know, Eastern men are usually reserved and modest!" Daimengna, for some reason, seemed to have taken a strange medication—she too was now playing the romantic game with Gao Liang. Gao Liang thought: Daimengna! You're truly making me feel like I'm committing a deliberate offense! Well, let's just say—old habits be damned! "Oh呀!"
"A soft cry escaped Dai Mengna as high-light lifted her off the ground. He kissed her in front of everyone, a passionate, almost frantic display that left her gasping—seeming almost punitive. Even beyond the kiss, he tore at her already slightly damaged clothing, eager and determined, as if he were truly serious. This was no mere performance—it was genuine. That was unacceptable. Dai Mengna shouted, yet high-light seemed completely unhearing. Everyone stared in stunned silence at the scene. She never thought high-light would be someone who could simply speak his intentions and follow through. As someone who valued her dignity, Dai Mengna couldn't bear to be seen this way, especially since her feelings for high-light were only beginning to stir, and they hadn't yet grown close. So she pleaded, saying, "High-light, please! Please, spare me!" "Then what will you do to repay me when I let you go?" high-light teased, his eyes fixed on Dai Mengna's rising chest. "I'll treat you to a fine dinner at a popular local eatery!" Dai Mengna replied obediently. "That sounds wonderful!"
Gaoliang felt delighted inside. He thought: Although I've been outmatched today in my match against the strong African player, it's still wonderful to have been invited by Miss Daina, the beautiful American with golden hair and blue eyes, to enjoy a fine dinner! He immediately set down Miss Daina, only to find his calf suddenly aching—“Ah!” he drew a face of pain, realizing that Miss Daina had firmly stomped on his calf with the crystal heels of her high-heeled shoes.