Today I learned (it was brought to my attention that I know nothing about) guanxi.  From what I can gather it refers to a network of relationships that everyone has and that needs to be maintained throughout ones life.  A tall task and yet some say it is more valuable to a business man than any type of currency.  An intriguing thought for western culture.  Place people over possessions and see how that works.  Seems to be going ok in the east.