Who is Lee Chong from Cannery Row and what is their importance?

Lee Chong is a shrewd Chinese grocer resident, Lee owns and operates from dawn until the last vagrant goes to sleep. With a round face, friendly but attentive brown eyes that peer out under reading glasses, delicate fat hands with fingers that constantly drum, and a full, benevolent mouth that flashes gold teeth, Lee is courteous, well-spoken in heavily-accented English, and not avaricious; rather, he is merely available for people to spend money whenever they wish. Lee extends credit readily, never presses for repayment, but eventually cuts off delinquents when their bills grow too large. He lives well and is respected by the residents of Cannery Row, most of whom are indebted to him.