Why I Left China (Part 1)

Li Cunxin, a talented Chinese ballet dancer, was sought as an exchange student at the Houston Ballet by an American-based ballet director for a three-month stay in the U.S.
When the request for a time extension in America was refused by the Chinese government, Li decided to stay regardless.
Why did Li decide to stay in the U.S. even though it meant he could never go back to China to visit his parents?