Thanks to his brilliant Chinese, Gaudfroy appears on a variety of TV programs.

They use demonstrations to fight for their rights for a better life, but during the process, they are not happy.

"That is different from Chinese, who are the founders of the traditional Asian ideology, which tells people to be tolerant of others," he says. "Chinese express their concerns as well, but after the complaint, they quickly return back to their normal lives."

This is especially true in Beijing, his favorite city in China. "This is a city allowing residents to have time to sit down and think, unlike Hong Kong and Shanghai, in which people are living at a fast pace," he says.

"I used to be a white-collar worker in Shanghai years ago but could not endure the nine-to-five life style. So I quit.

"Perhaps because I am a musician, who likes Beijing's cultural history and relatively slow pace."

It is in the capital where Gaudfroy started his career hosting Chinese programs and married his Chinese girlfriend, who just gave birth to their daughter.

"I was in the delivery room to witness the whole process. How amazing life is! I could not fight back my tears at that time," he says.

"That was definitely the most unforgettable memory in my life. I am quite excited and happy right now."

As his career and family conditions have taken turns for the better, Gaudfroy is eyeing new opportunities. "I want to produce my own musical program rather than forever being a host," he says.

But before Gaudfroy starts a new direction, he still busy enough maintaining the one he has.

"I do not have a typical work day. Sometimes I need to participate in several programs a day," he says. "Sometimes, I stay at home to prepare for material. Now I am interested in snooker and spend a lot of time practicing. Or I stay at home to watch sports programs or online video clips."

Gaudfroy enjoys mixing with his French friends, especially on Bastille Day, but the conversation seems to turn back to his favorite subject: China.

"I know many French fellows here. Some work at enterprises, some are diplomats and some are without formal jobs," he says. "But most can speak Chinese. I like to communicate with those who understand China, otherwise we do not have common topics."

From Gaudfroy's perspective, there are three types of foreigners whose attitudes towards China are different.

Some truly understand what is happening in China, some really do not understand, and some understand but pretend not to.

For the latter two types of people, "I do not bother to explain to them what China is really like. It's really up to everyone to find out for themselves."

(China Daily July 8, 2011)