Chapter 436: Various Types of Wealthy Families

Hong Kong, this brilliant international financial center, has increasingly demonstrated its vigorous vitality and prosperity since returning to the embrace of the motherland.

On November 11, Liu Shishi's private plane landed smoothly at Hong Kong International Airport.

In the afternoon, after a short rest at his own Four Seasons Hotel, he set off for the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, where he was invited to attend the wedding of Huo Qigang and Guo Jingjing and personally experience the extraordinary grandeur of this Hong Kong wealthy family's banquet.

The Hong Kong wealthy family system is deeply rooted in the soil of colonial history and economic transformation, with family wealth, political and business networks, and inter-generational inheritance as its core criteria.

Among them, the top wealthy families include the Li Jiacheng family, the Li Zhaoji family, and the Zheng Yutong family. These families have assets of over 100 billion yuan, control the economic lifeline of Hong Kong, and have businesses in multiple fields and a global layout.

The slightly inferior high-level wealthy families include the shipping magnate Bao family, the former chief Dong family, etc. Their assets are all worth over 10 billion yuan, and they control key resources in specific industries.

The representatives of the middle-level wealthy families, such as the Huaxing Xiang family and the Emperor Yang family, have assets of about tens of billions. Although they have a say in specific industries, they need to rely on the resource support of the top wealthy families.

Among Hong Kong's wealthy families, the Fok family stands out. In 2008, a professional institution estimated the Fok family's total assets at approximately HK$35 billion. However, because its core assets are not listed, its actual assets far exceed the book value.

What is more worth mentioning is that when the family founder, Mr. Huo, was alive, he purchased 33,000 acres of land in Nansha in his early years. The land price alone is now worth more than 300 billion Hong Kong dollars, which is the family's most considerable invisible asset.

In terms of assets alone, the Huo family may not be as rich as the Big Four, but it is still one of the top wealthy families in Hong Kong. Its political influence is second to none in Hong Kong, and it is praised by the public as a model of "patriotic wealthy family". It is the only top wealthy family in Hong Kong that has both wealth, political influence and social contribution.

As such a "special existence" in a wealthy Hong Kong family, the sensation caused by the wedding of the eldest son of the family can be imagined.

As the finale of Huo Qigang and Guo Jingjing's "four weddings", this wedding brought together Hong Kong political and business celebrities, sports stars and entertainment celebrities, and can be called a "wedding of the century".

The entrance time for wedding guests was set between 5pm and 6pm. The Four Seasons Hotel where Liu Shishi stayed was less than 3 kilometers away from the Convention and Exhibition Center. It took only a dozen minutes to reach the wedding venue after leaving the hotel at 5pm.

At this moment, the perimeter of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre had already been crowded with media reporters who had come after hearing the news, and there were also many police officers on the scene to maintain order.

Top-tier wedding venues have professional gift management teams that are responsible for the registration, storage, and display of gifts, and the process is well-organized.

Liu Shishi, accompanied by her assistant and bodyguard, walked straight to the designated gift registration area. The assistant came forward and presented a bright red gift box with a glittering golden handbag tied to the box, which was particularly eye-catching.

The person in charge of registration at the Huo family took it solemnly and opened the gift box carefully. Inside was a greeting card signed "Greetings from the Song Family" and a pair of exquisite jade ruyi. The craftsmanship was elegant and it was obvious that they were of great value.

The staff hurriedly signed up and sang in a loud voice: "Distinguished guest Song presents a pair of jade ruyi to the newlyweds. May they be blessed with happiness and long life together. Respectfully invite you to leave your name."

Liu Shishi nodded slightly, took the pen and signed her name in the gift book in beautiful handwriting.

"Please come in, distinguished guest!"

"Just wait for me here." Liu Shishi instructed her entourage and turned to walk towards the wedding venue.

Today, the venue is packed with customers, and the Huo family has made all the necessary arrangements. Exclusive security personnel are on duty to ensure the safety of the guests at all times, and all the guests' assistants, bodyguards and other accompanying personnel are waiting outside.

At the entrance to the inner field, every time a guest arrived, he would be greeted by a frenzy of flash cameras from reporters.

When Liu Shishi appeared, the reporters immediately started talking:

"Isn't this Liu Shishi? She's here too! The Huo family is so proud that the wife of Asia's richest man is here to show their support."

"Strange, why didn't Song Ci come?"

"I'm really curious. When this mainland billionaire meets these Hong Kong socialites, will there be any sparks or stories tonight?"

"I have a feeling that something is going to happen tonight. After all, the two sides had some unpleasantness on Weibo before. Now that this person is here in person, how can those arrogant socialites hold back?"

Today, Liu Shishi wore a shoulder-baring gilded evening gown that outlined her graceful figure and revealed her beautiful shoulders and neck.

Her hair was tied into an exquisite bun with a beautiful velvet flower pinned on it, adding a touch of softness.

A Cartier platinum gem necklace sparkled around her neck, making her look delicate and pure.

The newlyweds stood in front of the aisle to welcome the guests. When Huo Qigang saw Liu Shishi approaching, he quickly took his wife Guo Jingjing's hand and took the initiative to step forward to greet her.

Guo Jingjing was a little surprised by Huo Qigang's reaction. Previously, those who could make her husband go out to meet her were all top wealthy family leaders like Zheng Yutong and Liu Luanxiong, or political bigwigs.

Among the visiting female relatives, Liu Shishi was the first one who was valued so much by her husband.

Seeing the newlyweds coming to greet them, Liu Shishi quickened her pace and smiled gently, "Mr. Huo, Ms. Guo, congratulations! I wish you a happy marriage and a long-lasting love."

"Thank you, Mrs. Song." Huo Qigang smiled happily and asked, "Why don't I see Mr. Song?"

"He has something to do in Peking and can't get away."

"Mr. Song, this is an important matter, I understand." Huo Qigang felt a little disappointed, but then he thought that since Liu Shishi could come, it was worth his trip to Peking.

Guo Jingjing was dressed in an elegant wedding dress, shedding her usual fierceness on the court, and now looked more dignified and noble. She smiled softly, "Thank you for coming, Mrs. Song. Please come this way."

While the newlyweds were greeting Liu Shishi, there was a commotion among the reporters busy taking photos at the entrance and in the aisle. The three of them looked in the direction of the sound and found that it was Hong Kong's richest man, Li Jiacheng, who had arrived.

Although Li Jiacheng is 84 years old, he is in good spirits and walks steadily towards the backfield without any help.

"Uncle!" Huo Qigang greeted respectfully.

Although Li Jiacheng is of the same generation as his grandfather, according to Hong Kong social customs, elders are always addressed as "Uncle" in private social occasions such as weddings and charity events.

"Congratulations! Brother Huo now has a successor!" Li Jiacheng said with a smile. Although his body was a little hunched, his eyes behind the black glasses were deep and bright.

The two sons behind him also congratulated in unison: "Congratulations, Brother Huo, on your wedding."

"Thank you, Uncle, and thank you, brothers."

After greeting them, Li Jiacheng's eyes fell on Liu Shishi beside Guo Jingjing, and he said gently: "This is Madam Song, right?"

Liu Shishi originally wanted to leave and go into the inner field, but Li Jiacheng spoke to her at this moment, so she didn't want to be rude.

Facing this prestigious Hong Kong tycoon, she was calm and composed, and bowed gracefully: "Meeting, Mr. Li."

Li Jiacheng nodded gently: "Mr. Song and I have known each other for a long time, but unfortunately I have never had the chance to meet him."

Liu Shishi responded politely, "My husband also admires Mr. Li very much. He often mentions you, saying that you are a legend in Hong Kong business and a role model for him."

"Mr. Song is too modest! When I was his age, I was just a young man just starting out. Unlike Mr. Song, you are already well-known overseas and have built such a huge business."

Li Jiacheng waved his hand, sighed, and turned to his son behind him, "What are you guys still standing there for? Hurry up and meet Madam Song."

Although the Li brothers were somewhat reluctant, they did not dare to disobey their father's order and greeted him, "Hello, Madam Song."

Liu Shishi replied softly, "Greetings, Mr. Li."

The wedding venue was brightly lit, and Hong Kong celebrities gathered in groups of three or five, chatting and laughing, creating a lively scene.

Li Jiaben just wanted to show up, say hello to a few friends and then leave. It can be seen that the Huo family specially invited Liu Shishi, and they must have other plans in mind.

A meeting was being held in the north, and he had no idea how the situation in Hong Kong would develop in the future.

Behind him, the second son, Zekai, grumbled softly, "She's just a woman, why should father be so polite to her?"

Hearing this, Li Jiacheng suddenly turned around and stared at his youngest son, with a gleam of sharpness in his eyes: "Shut your mouth! No one will think you are dumb if you don't speak. Look at his demeanor and manners, what kind of person have you found!"

The eldest son, Zeju, was quick to smooth things over: "Second brother, why bother with so much? Father was just saying a few polite words, and there's no harm done. If it gets out, it will make it seem like Father is generous and kind to the younger generation."

Li Jiacheng nodded, secretly agreeing in his heart that the eldest son was steady and capable of shouldering important responsibilities and could be entrusted with the family business.

"Remember, making friends with someone may cost countless time and money, but offending someone may just be because of a single word!

Just based on Huo Qigang's attitude towards her, can't you see it? The Song family is like the rising sun, while we old guys are already in our twilight years.

I can assert that when we die one day, even the successors of all the wealthy families in Hong Kong combined will not be able to match Song Ci alone."

Li Zekai remained unconvinced: "Song Ci is indeed smart and capable, but father is over-praising him. There are many talented people in wealthy families in Hong Kong, and many of my brothers are equally capable and are more than capable of maintaining the family and building a career."

Li Jiacheng shook his head in disappointment. His youngest son was so ignorant that it was impossible to carve a rotten wood. He was too lazy to waste any more words and turned to walk towards the crowd.

"Mr. Li, good evening!" "Mr. Li, you're here too." "Hello, Uncle Li."

Greetings came one after another around him, and Li Jiacheng nodded frequently as he walked slowly forward.

On the other side, the eyes of several famous ladies in Hong Kong all fell on Liu Shishi who entered the inner field.

In the corner, Li Zi, who had long since retired, pursed his lips in Liu Shishi's direction and said, "Jiaxin, I didn't expect that person to come today."

Li Jiaxin, who was once the most beautiful woman among all the girls, turned her head when she heard the voice and saw that the person coming was Liu Shishi, who had once made her fall.

The corner of his mouth curled up with a hint of sarcasm: "I didn't expect that even the richest man in Asia would ask his wife to curry favor with the Huo family."

"Come to think of it, you two are old acquaintances. Do you want to go over and say hello?" Li Zi chuckled, with a hint of instigation in his words.

"Who knows her as an old acquaintance?" Li Jiaxin snorted lightly, but there was a barely perceptible awe in his eyes.

Last year, she had a conflict with Liu Shishi. Not only was she severely scolded by her father-in-law Xu Shixun, but all her accounts were frozen. It's hard to describe how difficult her life was during that period. In the end, she relied on the help of her ex-boyfriend Liu Da to get through the difficult times.

Seeing that Li Jiaxin, who was usually not very smart, could control his temper and not take the bait, Li Zi was a little disappointed. There was no good show to watch.

Among the socialites present, unlike Li Jiaxin and Li Zi, who came from ordinary backgrounds, there were rich wives who later married into wealthy families and whose honor and disgrace depended entirely on their husband's family.

Some of them have a wealthy background from both their husband's family and their father's family. They are the core figures of the entire Hong Kong socialite circle.

Lin Tian'er, the daughter of Lixin Group, chuckled and joked, "Thinking, your Huo family is still very prestigious. The wife of the richest man in the north is here too. It would be so impressive if the news got out."

Huo Siwei curled his lips. Ever since his grandfather passed away, his father and uncle had been having a very unhappy quarrel, and the relationship between the first and second branches of the Huo family had reached a freezing point.

Liu Shishi's presence was to support the occasion and add glory to the first wife's family, and had nothing to do with her second wife.

"Should we go over and say hello?" A hint of interest flashed in Guo Huiguang's eyes. She was born into the Guo family, the richest family in Malaysia, the Sugar King.

Lin Tianer glanced at Liu Shishi, who seemed out of tune with the atmosphere of the venue. "Forget it. I guess she doesn't even understand Cantonese. She's not the same kind of person as us."

Several Hong Kong socialites were whispering to each other, but a scene that they had not expected appeared in their sight. Liu Shishi actually sat down at the main table under the guidance of Huo Zhengting, the head of the Huo family.

Lin Tianer was so shocked that her mouth dropped open, unable to speak for a long while: "How is it possible? How could she be so worthy of such a thing?"

Huo Siwei also rubbed her eyes, feeling that the scene before her was very dreamy. She naturally understood that those who could sit at the main table at the wedding of the eldest son of the Huo family's eldest house were all distinguished guests whom the Huo family respected very much.

It seems that Liu Shishi's status is not as simple as they thought.

On the other side, Huo Zhengting, as the head of the family, was introducing the guests at the main table to Liu Shishi:

Four superiors and their wives, Thomas, the vice president of the International Olympic Committee, and two political dignitaries, each of them is a person of prominent status, implicitly demonstrating the Huo family's complex and powerful network of contacts.

The atmosphere at the main table was harmonious. Although it was her first time attending such a wedding, Liu Shishi was calm and composed. She chatted and laughed with the wives of the four superiors, and occasionally had a cordial conversation with Mrs. Thomas in fluent English.

At this moment, Liu Shishi couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. She had noticed the teasing glances from the ladies and gentlemen when she entered the room; she was afraid they were all waiting to see her make a fool of herself.

But sorry, with Mr. Song around, she felt confident. She didn't need to deliberately integrate into the so-called wealthy circle. Wherever she was, she was the core of the circle.

Li Jiaxin, who was not far away, secretly felt lucky that he hadn't rushed forward to pick a fight. Even her father-in-law was not qualified to sit at the Huo family's main table.

At this moment, even the dullest person could see the clue from the attitude of the Huo family and the guests at the main table towards Liu Shishi. It was obvious that the wealth and power of the richest man in the north were far beyond everyone's imagination.

At this time, Huo Zhengting invited another person to sit at the main table. The person was Li Zhaoji, the helmsman of Henderson Land Development, one of the four major families in Hong Kong.

Behind Li Zhao, Xu Ziqi, who was busy taking care of his father-in-law, was stunned when he saw Liu Shishi. It was really surprising that the woman who had once made him jealous would appear before him in such a dazzling manner.

(End of this chapter)