Editor's Note:

The launch of the island-wide special customs operation of the Hainan Free Trade Port is imminent. This initiative is not only a crucial step in policy advancement but also a new voyage towards the world. As the tides of the times surge, the Hainan FTP is attracting young talents from across the globe. They dedicate themselves to various industries, weaving their personal dreams into the open blueprint of this vibrant land. The "Decoding the Hainan FTP: Chasing Dreams" series captures the stories of these dynamic individuals—their choices, struggles, and achievements all serving as a vivid testament to Hainan's vitality and opportunities.

Here, behind every step they take towards realizing their dreams lies a future that the world will embrace.

In the slow-paced streets of Chengmai, Hainan, a young American man named Patrick Ballow is living a double life—by day, he enjoys working with children; by night, he runs an American-style diner with friends.

Having studied Chinese in the United States, he chose the Chinese name "Lü Bu (吕布)" after a famous general of the Three Kingdoms era, a period of history he is fond of. Following his arrival in China, Patrick continued his Chinese studies at the Shanghai International Studies University. After that, he lived in other cities before finally settling in Chengmai. "I am a 'small-town guy'," he says. Though from Atlanta, Georgia—a bustling city in the U.S.—Patrick prefers life in smaller cities. The relaxed and intimate lifestyle of Chengmai matches his ideal pace of life.

As a teacher, Patrick holds a deep passion for education, rooted in his childhood experiences. He admits he was once a mischievous student, and it was the positive influence of several teachers that helped him become a better person. "Even if I teach for twenty years and I have only impacted one student, I think it’s really important," he says. Therefore, despite also running the diner and his busy schedule, he has never considered giving up teaching.

Earlier this year, the diner he co-founded with his local friend opened. This marked a new turning point for Patrick. Through the diner, he hopes he can bring authentic American flavors to the local community—just like the food he used to enjoy while watching football games back in the U.S. Under his and his friend’s management, the diner quickly became a popular gathering spot, attracting visitors from as far afield as Haikou and Wenchang. What delights him even more is that it has gradually turned into a small cross-cultural space—a place where people come to relax, practice English, and meet others from different backgrounds.

Nowadays, he is much busier than before, with less time to walk his dog and game, but he finds joy in it all. "I’m not trying to get rich and open a hundred restaurants and bars. It’s mainly about the feeling and doing something that I know and I am passionate about."

For Patrick, whether it’s being an ordinary teacher or cooking hometown dishes for customers, he is building a genuine and warm connection with this small town in the most grounded way.