But you owe nothing to anyone outside that clan relationships except in case that you have some very good friends.

Turnoi, mate, you are spot on with this analysis. It is one it took me a long time to "get", but now I understand it,and remember it well.

The chinese, externally at least, show friendship and warmth, but a smile in Asia/China doesn't always equate to friendliness or mean that someone likes you. Chinese often smile when angry/sad or because they don't know what else to do in a situation.

Beyond family, and as you mention very good friends, they are very insular people who don't care of the plight of offers. Nice to see charities at work in HK, and police who actually care in Macau, something I never witnessed in the mainland...of course, time will tell!

Cheers
SM