A simple act of kindness at a local bagel shop in south Bethlehem has blossomed into a rich tapestry of international friendship. In 2024, while concluding a meeting at Johnny’s Bagels, attorney and advocate Fred P. Rooney encountered a student in need. Nelson, an employee at the café, introduced Rooney to Steven, a sophomore at Lehigh University, whose car had broken down with his mother, Lancy, visiting from China.
Rooney learned that Steven’s vehicle was stranded on Montclair Street. After checking the car and confirming it wouldn’t start, he offered to utilize his AAA membership to arrange for a mechanic. Within 30 minutes, a tow truck arrived, revealing that the issue was a dead battery. Rooney, trusting the young student, purchased a new battery for the car, alleviating their immediate stress.
As they walked back down the hill, Lancy expressed her gratitude in Chinese, and Steven conveyed their family’s invitation for Rooney to visit them in China. He mentioned that their family owned hotels in Beijing, extending a warm welcome that would later come to fruition.
The following summer, Lancy returned to Bethlehem to spend time with Steven, who was busy with summer classes. During this time, Lancy volunteered at the Church of the Nativity Thrift Shop, sharing her enthusiasm for helping others. Rooney appreciated her spirit and often enjoyed their time together.
As the summer progressed, Steven sought internship opportunities in the Lehigh Valley. Drawing upon his connections, Rooney reached out to Nicolas Conil, a successful entrepreneur and recent U.S. citizen. Conil, who was actively looking to expand business ties with China, immediately welcomed Steven for an internship at his company, VentureX, located in south Bethlehem.
The synergy created by Steven’s need for experience and Conil’s interest in China facilitated an enriching opportunity. This connection not only benefited Steven but also deepened the bond between Rooney and the family.
On January 6, 2026, Rooney, along with Conil and his partner, Karina, traveled to Beijing, fulfilling Lancy’s heartfelt invitation. Their visit was marked by the warmth of hospitality from Lancy, Steven, and Wang Wei, Steven’s father. This journey, initiated by a dead battery, became a symbol of the profound connections that can emerge from simple acts of kindness.
Reflecting on this experience, Rooney expressed his gratitude for the connections formed through generosity. He highlighted the importance of community and the lasting impact of helping one another, sentiments shared by Lancy and her husband.
The serendipitous nature of this story underscores how a single moment can lead to meaningful relationships that span the globe. From a local bagel shop to the bustling streets of Beijing, the journey of friendship, gratitude, and kindness continues to inspire.
