Saturday I met my children, first time since I got back. As always, we had a good time together. They had many questions regarding my folks in Beijing.
When I told them that I didn't see the girlfriend of my sister's son, they asked me why. I gave them a few reasons: she's been busy or we are not really related since they are not married yet or it is too expensive to pay a visit to the elder or she feels that she has no reason to directly seek me out, especially if there's no clear purpose or if it may be perceived as disrupting my routine life.
Chinese culture has this hierarchical nature of relationships, where elders are typically given with a high level of respect and deference. Intergenerational relationships are dynamic and complex within Chinese culture. There's plenty of emphasis on the importance of respect for elders and the nuances of social etiquette.
Normally young people would initiate a meeting when they need advice, guidance, or assistance from the elder. This is to seek out the elder's counsel, especially if the elder is famous and successful. I am not that elder.
On the other hand, very few young people realize that even the smallest, seemingly careless gesture of care shown by the young towards their elders will be cherished and remembered fondly. Because that doesn't happen often.
In Chinese, 年轻人的不经意的一点表示, 都会被长辈们深深记住 （Niánqīng rén de bù jīngyì de yīdiǎn biǎoshì dōuhuì bèi zhǎngbèi men shēnshēn jì zhù).