Chapter 35

Tang Dao entered the Fifth Avenue shopping mall with a clear purpose, heading straight to the Motorola store. He purchased a Cityman model phone for $3,000, a compact and portable device that allowed global calls.

For lunch, the group found a Chinese restaurant named "Aftertaste." Although the English spoken by the staff wasn't fluent, they managed to communicate and were seated. Tang Dao ordered a bit of everything from the menu.

While they enjoyed their meal, a homeless white man with a scruffy appearance entered the restaurant, accompanied by a hungry-looking puppy. He approached the proprietor, who tried to communicate with him but struggled with the language barrier.

Tang Dao, who was fluent in Chinese, took charge of the ordering, and they placed an order for everything on the menu. This surprised the staff, and they began preparing a feast.

During their meal, they noticed the homeless man and his puppy standing at the door, seeking food. The proprietor offered the man some biscuits, but the situation escalated, and their conversation grew louder.

This incident reminded everyone of the stark reality of homelessness in New York, with thousands of homeless individuals struggling to survive on the streets.

After their meal, Tang Dao paid the bill, leaving a generous tip. The group planned to find a quieter bar to relax and enjoy some music. Tang Dao suggested dressing more elegantly to attract the attention of the New York women, known for their spicy relationships.

As they left the restaurant, they encountered heavy rain outside. Two of the employees opted to drive and quickly ran out into the downpour.

However, Tang Dao noticed the homeless man and his shivering puppy sitting on the wet ground nearby. The man had a half-eaten piece of bread and seemed desperate. Tang Dao hesitated for a moment but decided to offer help.

He approached the homeless man, offering him biscuits, and asked if he needed assistance. The homeless man's eyes reflected a mix of emotions, including regret, despair, pity, and a hidden trace of defiance. He reluctantly accepted the biscuits, and Tang Dao inquired if he needed further assistance.

Just as Tang Dao contemplated offering more help, his employees informed him that the cars had arrived. Reluctantly, he left the homeless man with the biscuits, hoping it would provide some relief.

However, as they were about to leave, the homeless man mustered the courage to speak up, asking if there was a job opportunity.

Tang Dao paused and turned to look at the man, considering his request.