Ralph Chang is born in China with the name Yifeng. Even at six years old, he struggles to “grow up his father’s son” (8). He is bullied for his round ears, so he walks around with his hands clasped to the sides of his head. His father calls him lazy and tells him to be more like his older sister.

By 1947 Ralph Chang is “more or less grown up” (8). His father rages against the corruption and degeneracy he sees in Chinese society following World War Two. The family—including Ralph’s sister Theresa—live in a small town outside Shanghai, and Ralph’s father schemes to get his son admitted to an advanced engineering school. Years later, Ralph is preparing to travel to America to attend graduate school. His mother throws a going-away party. Just before he leaves, she hands him a present from his father as they stand on the docks. The present is a wristwatch, and Ralph promises to remember his father.

Ralph studies hard on the boat voyage to America. He sets clear goals like graduating top of his class, earning his degree, cultivating virtue, and exercising every day. He also swears that he will not “have anything to do with girls” (10).