Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang visited a traditional market in Shanghai, China, buying street food and handing out cash gifts, drawing buzz on social media. But the shop owner reportedly did not know he was a global heavyweight in the artificial intelligence industry.
The South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported on the 28th that Jensen Huang visited Jinde Market in the Lujiazui area of Shanghai. While purchasing about 65 yuan (about 13,000 won) worth of street food, he handed the owner a lai see (a cash gift envelope) containing 600 yuan (about 123,000 won).
At the time, a staff member in Jensen Huang's party first paid for the food via QR code, and Huang took out a lai see with his family name written on it, wrote his English name on the back, and gave it to the shop owner, surnamed Xu. Lai see are envelopes typically given by bosses or elders to employees or children to wish them good fortune during the New Year, weddings, or important events.
Xu did not recognize Jensen Huang at first. Xu said, "I only realized he was Jensen Huang when I saw many people crowding around to take photos." Xu added, "After he made his purchase, other customers came to my shop to take pictures and bought similar items."
Jensen Huang also bought cakes, fruit, and more throughout the market, handing out New Year gifts to vendors.
Videos of Jensen Huang's market visit also went viral on social media. A woman using the nickname "Limuji 88" posted a video, saying, "I'm so happy. I met Jensen Huang, the godfather of artificial intelligence and CEO of Nvidia, at the market." She added, "I hope his wealth rubs off on me," and described him as "really kind and gentle."