A chance encounter at Johnny’s Bagels in South Bethlehem sparked a series of events that led to lasting international friendships. In early 2024, Fred P. Rooney, an attorney and advocate for access to justice, was concluding a meeting when he was approached by Nelson, a staff member at the café. Nelson introduced Rooney to a Lehigh University student named Steven, whose car had broken down while parked on Montclair Street. Accompanied by his mother, Lancy, who was visiting from China, Steven was in need of assistance.
After a brief conversation, Rooney offered to help. He confirmed that Steven’s vehicle would not start and, utilizing his AAA membership, arranged for a tow truck to assess the problem. Within half an hour, a tow truck arrived, revealing that the car’s issue was a dead battery. Rooney covered the cost of a new battery, eliciting immense gratitude from both Steven and Lancy. Their relief was palpable, and Rooney reflected on the importance of helping others in need, recalling his own experiences with similar predicaments.
As they walked back down the hill, an unexpected offer arose. Lancy, speaking in Chinese to Steven, expressed a desire to invite Rooney to visit their family in China. She mentioned that her family owned hotels in Beijing and welcomed him to stay whenever he could. Rooney graciously accepted the invitation, recognizing the significance of the connection they had established.
In the summer of 2025, Lancy returned to Bethlehem to spend time with Steven, who was taking summer classes. With a desire to volunteer, Lancy dedicated her time to the Church of the Nativity Thrift Shop on Wyandotte Street. Rooney enjoyed witnessing Lancy’s enthusiasm for volunteer work and the joy it brought her. Their bond deepened as they shared experiences, and Steven sought opportunities for an internship in the Lehigh Valley.
Rooney recalled a potential connection that could benefit Steven. He contacted Jose Nicolas “Nicolas” Conil, a successful entrepreneur and recent U.S. citizen originally from the Dominican Republic. Conil, who was known for his ventures in various businesses including a family-owned hotel, expressed immediate interest in offering an unpaid summer internship to Steven. This connection proved fortuitous, as it aligned perfectly with Steven’s aspirations.
The serendipitous nature of these events culminated in a meaningful relationship among the three individuals. Rooney found immense gratitude in the support provided to Steven, mirroring the appreciation shared by Lancy and her husband, Wang Wei. This gratitude ultimately led to an invitation for Rooney to visit China, an opportunity that also extended to Conil and his partner, Karina.
On January 6, 2026, Rooney, Conil, and Karina arrived in Beijing, where they were warmly welcomed by Steven, Lancy, and Wang Wei. The experience of visiting China for the first time was a profound fulfillment of a long-held dream for Rooney. The journey from a simple act of kindness at Johnny’s Bagels to the vibrant culture of China exemplified the unexpected and meaningful connections that can arise from everyday interactions.
Reflecting on this journey, Rooney emphasized the importance of kindness and the impact it can have on building friendships across cultural boundaries. The series of events, rooted in a dead battery, showcased the remarkable ways in which human connections can flourish, ultimately leading to experiences that are rich in cultural exchange and mutual respect.
This narrative serves as a reminder that small acts of kindness can have far-reaching implications, fostering relationships that transcend geography and cultural differences.
