So the only time I could expand on my network is during lunch and dinner time in the week. Preferably not both those occasions would involve eating as it deters from my goal of losing weight. Yesterday was such a day, but nonetheless it was worthwhile.
I met up with my associate who actually left half a year ago. I wanted to catch up with her for a while but somehow could not find her details for the longest time. When finally we met up yesterday, it coincided with the institutional investor voting period and I was embarrassed that it might be construed as an effort to gather votes rather than a genuine reach-out of a friendly nature. Nonetheless, it was a pleasant lunch. She was good-natured and sweet, and made me feel guilty if I had ever shouted at her or mistreated her as I had accustomed to see others do in the industry. I hope I have not been corrupted. Working in this industry in Hong Kong has made me very money-conscious but I know I should not lose my value for anything, because how would a life be worth living if not for the essence you bring into it.
While I hoped I would follow up on a casual comment she made before leaving that she has a friend who she wants to introduce to me as a potential partner, the direction of the conversation went a different direction. She probably thought I had intention of some kind when reaching out to her. So if not love, it must then be career or votes. She offered to send my CV to her department come Apr/May when it would be expanding in my division. Feeling renewed in the faith of mankind and my connection with my people (sigh), I walked away feeling both guilty for not being a better person to others in the world and lucky for being the recipient of good will.
I think although I try not to get into the friction between Hongkies and the mainlanders, I cannot ignore the contempt Hongkies have for mainlanders, partly out of historical legacy mindset and partly out of self-protection for their own worth in an ever changing political and economic landscape. The mainlanders at the same time are ever more clich-ish, also a legacy from the mono-ethnic environment most grew up with, consolidating the existing difference and tension between the two parties. Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew did it particularly well in requiring differences races to go to the same school and attend the military service. That of course, would be saved for a future time as Taiwan, Hong Kong and mainland slowly melt into one.
As for dinner, I met up with a corporate manager from mainland along with a few managers from my bank's side. I always learn a lot from these talkative young mainland people. I connect in heart and spirit but not complete in knowledge or experience, thereby leaving a hole that I'd like to fill. The talkative ones do the job for me without me risking my pride and authority. The guy seems very outgoing and in the Chinese context, I thought he'd be a good candidate to date, though his English would be poor and his teeth for some reason is very yellow. I thought the later would be an easy point for him to change to win in having a kissable mouth.
To end, I should really be more focused and motivated at work. I have been slacking for two weeks. Need to complete two big reports at least before the Chinese New Year holiday, which I plan to spend in the States.
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