After Zhang Tianxing arrived in the United States, the international students there held a welcoming ceremony for the five of them.
The Chinese international students in the United States had established a mutual aid association for international students with a single purpose: they were all descendants of the dragon. In a foreign land, everyone would encounter difficulties, and they had to help and love each other, not letting foreigners look down on Chinese people.
The president of the mutual aid association this term was Xu Dachuan, thirty years old, from Tianjin, currently pursuing a doctorate. He was academically accomplished and a warm-hearted person.
He had reviewed the list of newcomers in advance. Two of them had considerable backgrounds: three men and two women. The most prominent were Zhang Tianxing and Wang Yiding. Zhang Tianxing was known for his reputation and wealth. According to friends, Wang Yiding had an extraordinary background, being from a prominent and well-established family.
However, upon seeing Zhang Tianxing arrive on foot, looking dusty and disheveled, in no way like a boss, but more like a big brother next door, Xu Dachuan dismissed the thought. How could this be possible?
Although Zhang Tianxing was just a student, the stories circulating in the business world about him made Xu Dachuan feel that he was a chosen one.
On the other hand, Wang Yiding's entrance was quite astonishing. He arrived directly in a luxury car, a Ferrari, and the color was an unusually garish red.
The appearance of the luxury car caused a stir among the international student community.
"Are there any influential figures among the new international students this time? Making an entrance with a Ferrari."
"I don't think this guy is here to study abroad. He's here to hook up, right? I've never seen anyone so arrogant during their student days."
"That color, could it be a beautiful girl?"
"Brother Liu, no way. You're not planning to sacrifice yourself for love, are you?"
"If I can save thirty years of struggle, I'm willing even if my head turns green. Besides, this is the car of the goddess of my dreams."
As everyone was discussing in hushed tones, a man in his twenties got out of the car.
This man had cold eyes, a pale complexion, a mole at the corner of his eye, a shiny nose, and his mouth corners were upturned and sharply defined. He was wearing a brightly colored outfit.
Wang Yiding's voice rang out, "Brothers and sisters, your little brother Wang Yiding has arrived. We are all fated to meet. From now on, we'll eat meat heartily and drink wine freely. I don't have much else, but I have a bit of money."
Wang Yiding understood a fundamental principle: money makes the world go 'round. For his own convenience in the future, he directly revealed his financial standing, implying he was not short of money.
The international students present were at a loss for words, finding it impossible to compete.
Many of the international students present worked four or five jobs just to survive abroad. Back in China, expenses were negligible.
But abroad, various costs made one blink, with tens of thousands disappearing in an instant.
Those who could afford to study abroad in this era had spent a considerable amount of money. Except for a very few who went on government scholarships. While tuition was covered, they still had to work for living expenses and strive for scholarships.
The fear here was unexpected incidents, which could ruin a person's life. They couldn't afford to be sick, and they had to get A+ in exams.
A slight mistake could cost them their scholarship.
Others only saw the glamour of studying abroad, not the heartbreak of working odd jobs.
Zhang Tianxing only realized how unwelcome Chinese people were in the United States after he arrived. Chinese people faced discrimination here.
As the president, Xu Dachuan was the first to greet Zhang Tianxing.
"Wow, I thought abroad was paradise, but I didn't expect such unfriendliness towards us here," Zhang Tianxing said to Xu Dachuan with a smile.
"We have to stick together to survive here. People here look down on us, even Black people do," Xu Dachuan said helplessly. Life abroad was too difficult.
As soon as Xu Dachuan finished speaking, a few people nearby teased him, "Senior Xu, don't be so modest. You achieved all A+ grades and received the university's special scholarship. With such results, no matter how much they look down on us, they can't compete with you academically."
It turned out that this broad-browed Xu Dachuan was a top student, which was unexpected. However, Zhang Tianxing immediately thought that besides himself, who was likely a mediocre student, everyone else was probably a top student.
Zhang Tianxing's words resonated with those around him, making life in a foreign land even more difficult.
"Exactly. Yesterday, I took a taxi, and several white drivers refused to pick me up when they saw I was Chinese. Their behavior is truly disheartening."
"We traveled thousands of miles to come here to learn their strengths, as their scientific level is far higher than ours. We should learn their strengths from here, study hard, and make progress every day."
Xu Dachuan patted Zhang Tianxing's shoulder, signaling his closeness.
"Junior Zhang, I know your story. Under normal circumstances, Zhonghai University shouldn't have sent you."
"I'm already here."
"Do you know where the exchange students from the previous few years from your school went?"
Zhang Tianxing shook his head. He truly didn't know.
"Your Zhonghai University has become famous. How to put it..." Senior Xu sighed, "None of the exchange students from the previous few years chose to return home after their exchange period; they directly chose to continue their studies here."
Oh, wow. I didn't expect the exchange students from previous years to have such a story. Then it's understandable that they sent Zhang Tianxing this time.
"By the way, Senior, can I ask something? What did most of the former seniors do?" Zhang Tianxing had some matters to attend to and wanted to find some people to help. He didn't have time while still in school, so he could only look for graduates to see if there were any suitable personnel.
"Brother Zhang, I know you, the president of the Crayfish Association. Are you looking to recruit people? Not many have returned to China. Even if they are in China, they might not be interested in your small company," Xu Dachuan said directly.
Hearing this, Zhang Tianxing discovered a sad fact: in the Chinese community, very few ultimately returned to their home country after their studies. Most of them stayed abroad, some in the United States and others in Australia.
Those individuals were top students who stayed abroad for further study and advancement, perhaps because China couldn't provide the right environment for their learning.
"Junior Zhang, I know your reputation. I assume you definitely plan to return to China, as all your assets are in China. You wouldn't give up everything in China to develop abroad."
Zhang Tianxing didn't respond to this. He had many thoughts at the moment but no need to voice them all. If one directly reveals their thoughts upon meeting someone, they are either a saint or a fool.
Zhang Tianxing believed he was neither a saint nor a fool. He preferred to develop discreetly, without making a fuss. If one has nothing to do, why boast? Actions speak louder than words.