Nvidia CEO Gives $90 Tips at Shanghai Market, Goes Unnoticed

When one of the world's richest tech executives walked into a Shanghai street market last week, the chestnut vendor had one question: "Who's he?"

Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia and known as the "AI Godfather," spent his Friday afternoon buying snacks and handing out red envelopes stuffed with cash to surprised market vendors. Each envelope contained 600 yuan, about $90, far more than the $9 worth of chestnuts and candied hawthorns he purchased.

The vendor, surnamed Xu, only realized who her generous customer was after crowds gathered to photograph him. "Many people surrounded him and took pictures, then I realized he was Huang Renxun," she told reporters.

Huang's visit to Jinde Market in Shanghai's Lujiazui district has become a social media sensation in China. Videos show the billionaire chatting warmly with vendors, sampling oranges without asking them to be washed first, and politely trying spiced beef after initially saying he was full.

At one fruit stand, Huang bought $320 worth of oranges. The shop owner recalled offering him a sample and asking if he wanted it washed. "He said no and directly picked one up to eat," she said, impressed by his casual manner.

Later that evening, Huang distributed those same oranges to employees at his company's annual dinner. "I bought this at the market today," he told his cheerful staff, sharing his simple pleasure from the outing.

The tradition fits Huang's annual routine of visiting Nvidia's Chinese offices before flying to Taiwan for Lunar New Year. But this year's market visit struck a chord with millions online.

Sunny's Take

What makes this story shine isn't the money or the fame. It's watching someone at the top of the tech world find joy in the same simple pleasures we all do: fresh fruit from a local market, chatting with vendors, sharing a good find with colleagues.

The vendors treated Huang like any other customer because that's exactly how he acted. No entourage blocking aisles, no special treatment requested. Just a guy buying chestnuts and enjoying an orange.

One social media user summed it up perfectly: "The Godfather is very kind and friendly." Another joked that the fruit shop should hang a banner saying "selected by Jensen Huang."

In a world obsessed with status symbols and exclusive experiences, Huang's genuine delight in a neighborhood market reminds us that the best moments often happen in the most ordinary places.

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