With the amount of detail given throughout the novel about what characters are wearing, driving, and consuming, China Rich Girlfriend pays close attention to the ways that a public image is constructed and communicated, as well as the ways that image plays a part in determining a character’s standing, status, and influence in their community. The novel also considers not only how attire plays into image but also the role of family relationships, including the material success of children.

The novel opens with Nick on poor terms with his mother and grandmother because of their insistence that he put Rachel’s objectionable family background ahead of his feelings for her. Their concern is that her family scandals will reflect poorly on the extended Young family, which enjoys a privileged position of power, influence, and respect in Singapore society. While his family has been able to manipulate other relationships, including discouraging Astrid from marrying Charlie Wu and steering Kitty away from Alastair, Nick isn’t swayed by their arguments about status or image. These elements matter less to him than a satisfying relationship with the woman he loves. Nick is an outlier among his family—an example of someone who disregards the importance of image and status, a rare occurrence in this book.