How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
"Well, first of all, you must understand that there are two kinds of Chinese. There are the Chinese from Mainland China, who made their fortunes in the past decade […] but then there are the Overseas Chinese. These are the ones who left China long before the Communists came in, in many cases hundreds of years ago, and spread throughout the rest of Asia, quietly amassing great fortunes over time." (1.5.23)
The helpful context illustrates the stratification of wealth within the social hierarchy in Singapore. Though they all come from the same place, they certainly all don't have the same money.
Quote #2
Despite this embarrassment of riches, Eddie felt extremely deprived compared to most of his friends. He didn't have a house on the Peak. He didn't have his own plane […] And unlike Leo, Eddie's parents were the old-fashioned type—insisting from the moment Eddie graduated that he learn to live off his earnings. (1.10.10)
Dearest Eddie, the spoiled rotten adult of the Cheng family, feels "extremely deprived" in his lavish accommodations. Any time we spend with Eddie reminds us of the power of being grateful and humble. Yeesh.
Quote #3
She had just bought a three hundred and fifty thousand dollar diamond ring she didn't much care for, a twenty-eight thousand dollar bracelet she quite liked, and a seven hundred and eighty-four thousand dollar pair of earrings that made her look like Pocahontas. (1.15.23)
Astrid isn't as materialistic and petty as many others in her social sphere, but, man, can she spend money! We emotionally eat, Astrid emotionally drops millions.
Quote #4
"[…] these rich Asians are so secretive about their holdings. The richest families are always richer by billions than what Forbes estimates." (1.18.14)
Peik Lin's insight serves to remind us that there are sneaky billionaires walking among the pages of the books. And not just a little billionaire. A kabillionaire.
Quote #5
Twice a year […] she would notice that her personal accounts always increased in value, sometimes to an absurd degree, no matter how many couture dresses she had splurged on the previous season. (2.1.29)
We catch glimpses of Astrid's expensive taste and couture hoarding habits. What shocks us (and Astrid) is that is essentially has a negligible effect on her bottom line! We can't even say that after a trip to the grocery every week.
Quote #6
"But it was quite a master-stroke, because it strategically bound together the T'siens, the Shangs, and the Youngs […] For the money, of course. It joined together three family fortunes and kept everything neatly locked up." (2.1.130-2.2.132)
Not only is the wealth important, but apparently keeping it tied within already vetted members of the family keeps the fortunes from being dispersed across too many people?
Quote #7
"Prosperity is nothing but an illusion." (2.16.25)
Dr. Gu enters with a foretelling prophecy. We should check in on Nadine and Francesca Shaw a bit later to see how they feel about this line.
Quote #8
"Remember, every treasure comes with a price." (2.16.75)
Dr. Gu strikes again, what with his old man wisdom and whatnot. His ominous words this time have particular significance for Rachel and her treasured Nick.
Quote #9
She walked down the aisle on her father's arm in a classically inspired wedding dress designed by Valentino, whom she lured out of retirement to make precisely the sort of gown that generations of European princesses had gotten married in, the sort of gown that would make her look every inch the proper young wife from a very traditional, old-money Asian family. (3.4.67)
It's delightfully ironic that Araminta had a dress made that makes her look to be an appropriate bride for Colin. Does that just emphasize that she's not?
Quote #10
"You're telling me one thing, but then I hear other people speaking as if the entire economy of Asia revolves around your family, and you're, like, the heir to the throne." (3.13.33)
Rachel's comment gives us a sense of the scale of the Shang/Young wealth. An entire economy revolving around their family? And the economy of Asia? That's some, uh, big money, guys.