The man, more than watchful, seems to be thoughtful. It makes me wonder what he's thinking about. Perhaps it has to do with what we see in the background. The background displays an American flag, a large clock, and Chinese picture, all of which are interesting symbols. The Chinese painting represents tradition; the clock symbolizes time and transition; and the flag represents identification with a new country. Like with many immigrants, this image tells a story of a man in transition embracing his new country while identifying with and clinging to his rich heritage. You've created another thoughtful image, Tim, that allows one to give vent to the imagination and connect the symbolic dots.
You add so much to this gesture with the colors and context. He wears a red shirt, which picks up the red in the American flag behind him. There is traditional Chinese iconography in the background as well, and a large clock. Together, this image becomes a metaphor for changing times -- assimilation, yet lingering homage to tradition.