The phrase success was his downfall is a powerful thing to say. The information provides enough knowledge to conclude that when he became successful in his hacking computer skills, his life took a turn for the worse. I wonder what brought the hardships for him? The money, fame, or something else?

I think this is an odd phrase. A student of Chinese restaurant menus is a questionable way to introduce someone. No matter their hacking levels or what their background is, the comment does not seemingly make any sense.