Despite being in a wheelchair and much shorter than everyone else in the room, the gambling king's imposing presence was probably only matched by a handful of people, including Li Ka-shing.
The gambling king gestured, and his fourth wife pushed the wheelchair behind him. Under the personal guidance of Old Master Qin, they entered the villa. The fourth wife's gaze swept over the area where the young people were gathered, and intentionally or unintentionally lingered on Zhuang Rui for a moment.
"It's just about transferring shares, is it really necessary to bring that old man out?"
Zhuang Rui was well aware of the gambling king's arrival, but this was not the time for conversation, so he could only nod to his fourth wife.
"Sir Schaffner, the shipping magnate, has arrived..."
A voice at the doorway drew Zhuang Rui's attention. Upon looking, he immediately frowned. It turned out that Shu Wen was followed by the grandson of the old shipping magnate named Niu Hong.
Chapter 1211 Birthday (Part 2)
"Greetings, birthday celebrant! May your happiness be as boundless as the Eastern Sea and your longevity as enduring as the Southern Mountains..."
Although Dr. Shu Wen was a foreigner, he spoke fluent Cantonese and Mandarin. "Old Qin is a master of jade, and I didn't bring anything with me. This Qianlong jade seal is to congratulate Old Qin on his birthday..."
Shu Wen was more than ten years younger than Old Master Qin. When he saw the old master personally come to greet him, he adopted a very humble posture, which surprised the onlookers.
You know, Shu Wen's maritime empire spans the globe, and with the foundation laid by his father-in-law, the old shipping magnate, he doesn't need to care about the mainland's opinion at all. Now he's putting on this show, I wonder what his intention is.
"Hehe, Mr. Shu, you're too kind. Please come in, there are quite a few old friends here today..."
Others may not know, but Old Master Qin knows perfectly well that the international financial situation has not been very good in recent years, while the domestic economy has developed rapidly. This has made many Hong Kong tycoons who did not enter the mainland market regret their decision.
Shu Wen was the same. In recent years, he had focused his attention on revitalizing the shipping magnate's business. Moreover, since his father-in-law's death, he had rarely interacted with high-ranking officials in China. In particular, after his falling out with Zhuang Rui a few years ago, he had always been hesitant to enter the domestic market.
The reason for personally coming to celebrate Old Master Qin's birthday is also to ease tensions with Zhuang Rui. After all, among the Hong Kong tycoons, the Qin family is definitely one of the families with the closest ties to the mainland's high-level officials.
On the left was the fourth wife pushing the gambling king's wheelchair, on the right was the world shipping magnate Shu Wen, and in the middle was Old Master Qin. Surrounded by a crowd, they walked towards the back garden, attracting the attention of the younger generation waiting in the front garden.
Old Master Qin was filled with mixed emotions. In previous years, he would not have been qualified to participate in the gathering of these Hong Kong super-rich people, but today, these people came to his door to wish him a happy birthday, giving him a great deal of face.
This is also the most glorious moment in the Qin family's century-long struggle in Hong Kong. Without a doubt, after this birthday celebration, the Qin family will be ranked among the super families of Hong Kong.
"It's all because of this young man..."
The old man saw Zhuang Rui surrounded by a group of young people and secretly rejoiced at his good fortune. This grandson-in-law was of impeccable character, and more importantly, his powerful background had greatly benefited the Qin family.
Business and politics are always intertwined. Although Zhuang Rui is not a direct descendant of the Ouyang family and does not hold any official position, his status alone is enough to ensure that the Qin family's business can operate smoothly on the mainland.
Dr. Shu Wen followed Old Master Qin to the back, while the shipping magnate's grandson stayed behind. He approached Zhuang Rui hesitantly and said, "Brother Zhuang... Brother Zhuang Rui, you... hello..."
"It's Brother Niu! Come, come, please sit down, please sit down..."
Although Zhuang Rui didn't have a good impression of this spoiled brat with whom he had a conflict, the matter from a few years ago was in the past. He warmly shook hands with Niu Hong and offered him a seat.
However, this arrogant fellow hadn't made any progress in recent years. After listening to Zhuang Rui's circle discuss antiques and the Genghis Khan Mausoleum for a while, he felt extremely uncomfortable. He soon made an excuse to slip away from Zhuang Rui's circle and gathered a few like-minded cronies to brag about celebrity sports cars. ...
Night fell quickly, and the Qin family's villa area on the hillside was brightly lit. At this moment, Old Master Qin's birthday celebration officially began.
Grandpa Qin sat upright in the center of the spacious garden, while Qin Haoran, along with his two younger brothers and other members of the Qin family, kowtowed to him to wish him a happy birthday. Nowadays, it is rare to kowtow to elders in mainland China, but this custom has been preserved in Hong Kong. No matter how old you are, you must kneel and pay respects on holidays or the birthdays of elders.
"Grandpa, wishing you a long and healthy life, may you live as long as a crane and as long as a pine tree, may your grandson wish you a long life..."
After Qin Haoran offered his birthday greetings, Zhuang Rui, along with Qin Xuanbing, went to wish the old man a happy birthday and presented him with two gifts, which were placed on the square table next to the old man.
Next came the younger generation who came to offer their birthday wishes. They took turns presenting birthday gifts to Old Master Qin. Before long, the table next to him was filled with all sorts of antiques, calligraphy, paintings, jade, and rare treasures.
When guests presented their gifts, someone would read out the names from the gift list. When they called out Dr. Shu Wen's jade seal, Young Master Niu said proudly, "My uncle's jade seal was bought at auction in England for ten million pounds. I think today's congratulatory gift is the most valuable one in our family..."
Although his uncle and aunt had repeatedly told him not to make a fuss when he came today, Niu Hong couldn't help but praise his family's congratulatory gift because of his nature.
"Hehe, Brother Niu comes from a distinguished family, his actions must be extraordinary..."
Zhuang Rui smiled to himself. This jade seal was indeed used by Emperor Qianlong, and it was made in imitation of the Imperial Seal of the State. In recent years, its price has soared in the international auction market, and the auction price of ten million pounds is not an exaggeration.
Compared to the white jade carving of the God of Longevity that Zhuang Rui had given him, this jade seal was indeed much more valuable. It wouldn't be an exaggeration for Niu Hong to say that it was the most valuable gift at the event.
"Of course, Brother Zhuang, I heard you're into antiques, why don't you get some nice things to give to the old man?"
After hearing Zhuang Rui's words, Niu Hong became even more arrogant, causing some people around Zhuang Rui to frown. "Is that how you talk? Giving a birthday gift is about the sentiment, how can you measure it with money?"
To be honest, Niu Hong was indeed an anomaly among these young masters from prominent families. Not only was he uneducated and incompetent, but his temperament of wanting to provoke everyone he met was also remarkable. The fact that he was still living such a comfortable life was all thanks to his grandfather, a shipping magnate who had made many friends during his lifetime.
Niu Hong was unaware that Zhuang Rui's congratulatory gift contained something unknown to outsiders: shares in the new Macau company alone, the value of which was immeasurable.
Of course, these things need to be done privately, and there's no need to publicize them.
In some respects, the Qin family's strong political background on the mainland is not enough to place them among the super families of Hong Kong, but with their 15% stake in Macau, the Qin family is qualified.
Because most of the super families in Hong Kong Island hold some shares in Macau casinos, this has become a standard for measuring the wealth and power of Hong Kong Island families.
"Hehe, it's the old man's birthday, as juniors, a small token of our appreciation is enough, there's no need to be so extravagant..."
Zhuang Rui certainly wouldn't take Niu Hong seriously. This guy could even steal his grandfather's privately collected antiques to gamble; he was simply an idiot. He responded with a smile.
Hearing Zhuang Rui's words, Niu Hong thought he had gained the upper hand and said smugly, "Hmm, you mainlanders are a bit stingy when you make a move..."
Young Master Niu's words annoyed Bai Meng'an, who changed the subject and asked, "Brother Zhuang, what's that gift you put in that long box?"
Zhuang Rui casually replied, "Oh, it's a calligraphy piece given to Grandpa Qin by an elder in the family. It hasn't been framed yet, so I didn't take it out..."
What was said in jest was taken seriously by the listener. Zhuang Rui's words made the eyes of those around him who knew his family background light up. After all, those who could be called Zhuang Rui's elders were all high-ranking officials in the country.
Only Young Master Niu, oblivious to the changing gazes of those around him, casually asked, "Tch, what's so interesting about a piece of calligraphy? By the way, Brother Zhuang, are any of your family members calligraphers?"
In Young Master Niu's view, the only people in this world worthy of respect are those who are richer than his family. Artists and celebrities are just there to serve them, especially female celebrities, who are nothing more than playthings for the rich.
Zhuang Rui shook his head and said, "The elder's handwriting isn't great, but it's the thought that counts..."
"Then there's no need to watch it, Brother Zhuang. Are you free later? I'm having a small gathering tonight, a few Miss Hong Kong contestants from last year will be there..."
Niu Hong didn't care at all when he heard that the name wasn't that of a celebrity. He hadn't forgotten his uncle's purpose in asking him to befriend Zhuang Rui. However, all Young Master Niu did was associate with celebrities and race cars. With his intelligence, he really couldn't come up with any activity to invite Zhuang Rui to.
"Hehe, Young Master Niu, I'm sorry, it's too late today. I'll definitely go next time, I definitely will..."
Zhuang Rui had never seen such a fool before. His wife was right there, and he actually dared to ask him to go play with women? Let alone Hong Kong, even in mainland China, who doesn't know what kind of party it is when those Miss Hong Kong contestants are invited to?
"Hey, Brother Zhuang, you can't refuse to give me face..."
"Alright, Niu Lao Er, get out of here..."
Before Niu Hong could say anything more, a hand suddenly pushed him aside.
"Damn, which bastard dared to push... uh, it's Brother Zheng, sorry, sorry..."
Young Master Niu was about to act tough when he saw that the person who pushed him was Zheng Hua. A smile immediately appeared on his face. You see, among their generation, apart from Little Superman who rarely came to Hong Kong, Zheng Hua was the most prominent figure among the three generations of descendants.
Although Young Master Niu was arrogant and looked down on Zhuang Rui, he didn't dare to challenge Zheng Hua. After all, the old man in the Zheng family was a figure on par with his grandfather.
After reprimanding Niu Hong, Zheng Hua turned to Zhuang Rui and said, "Brother Zhuang, I think you should take out that calligraphy piece from your elder and let us younger generation admire your elder's skill..."
"Yes, let us broaden our horizons..."
“The calligraphy of the older generation must be extraordinary. Brother Zhuang, you must take a look.”
"Xiao Zhuang, we should open the elder's calligraphy, it's a good way to celebrate Uncle Qin's birthday..."
As soon as Zheng Hua finished speaking, everyone echoed his words, and even some of Qin Haoran's peers standing not far away were attracted over.
Chapter 1212 Birthday Celebration (Part 2)
Grandpa Qin, who was sitting at the head of the table chatting with his old friends, noticed the commotion on Zhuang Rui's side. He called over his eldest son and asked, "Haoran, go and see what's going on over there?"
"Dad, the guests want to see the calligraphy that Xiao Rui brought..."
Qin Haoran went over and asked, then came back and said, his eyes also curiously looking at the banner on the table. Zhuang Rui hadn't mentioned this gift to him before.
Upon hearing this, Old Master Qin slapped his thigh and said, "Oh dear, it was my fault, it was my fault! Haoran, quick, open this calligraphy and let our friends see it..."
The calligraphy sent by the in-laws to celebrate his birthday should be displayed in public as a sign of respect. However, the old man was simply too busy and completely forgot about it.
Qin Haoran and his second brother opened the long box on the table and took out a piece of calligraphy written on Xuan paper. Since the calligraphy had not yet been mounted, they carefully held the two corners and displayed it to the guests.
The eight characters “An old steed in its stall may still aspire to gallop a thousand miles” appeared before everyone. To be honest, the calligraphy was not very good, and the size of the characters was not very harmonious. However, the strokes were very powerful, and each character seemed to penetrate the paper. It was strong and vigorous, exuding a strong sense of solemnity.
Below the eight characters, there is a line of smaller characters that reads "Wishing Brother Qin a long life like a crane for a thousand years and a pine tree for ten thousand ages of spring," and the signature is "Ouyang Gang."
Who is Ouyang Gang?
"I've never heard of this name before. Are you from the Ouyang family?"
"I feel like I've seen this name in some book before, but I can't remember where?"
Upon seeing the signature, the group of people near the old man immediately fell silent, but the crowd surrounding Zhuang Rui became noisy, because they felt both unfamiliar with and very familiar with the name.
It's no wonder these people are talking about it, because since the 1980s, the name Ouyang Gang has gradually disappeared from the Chinese political scene. Like that second-generation core leader, he rarely appears in public to participate in national affairs.
At that time, the oldest of these young people were only in their teens, so they were naturally unfamiliar with the name Ouyang Gang. However, they had seen the name in some biographies, which is why they had this feeling.
However, for the older generation, the name "Ouyang Gang" is a household name. He is one of the few remaining founding generals in China, with a distinguished military career and numerous film adaptations based on his life.
Moreover, most of these super-rich individuals had met with the old man when they first came into contact with the mainland, and they knew that even though he had retired from politics and the military for decades, he still had a huge influence in the mainland that could not be underestimated.
However, in recent years, even super-rich people like Li Ka-shing, who have close ties with the mainland and have a great influence in the Chinese community, have rarely seen this old man. The sudden appearance of the old man's handwritten birthday wishes to the Qin family in the room shocked everyone present.
It should be noted that although the Ouyang family has now successfully completed the succession, and Ouyang Zhenhua has become one of the current core members of the national leadership, the older generation knows that the existence of Ouyang Gang is still the greatest wealth and foundation of the Ouyang family.
For a moment, silence fell around Old Master Qin. These wealthy Chinese businessmen, who had expanded their businesses all over the world and had close ties with political figures in various countries, began to reassess the Qin family's position in their minds.
"This handwriting isn't very good. It's not even as good as my uncle's calligraphy..."
Suddenly, a voice rang out in the room, drawing everyone's attention. It was Young Master Niu pointing at the calligraphy and making his own comments.
To be fair, what Young Master Niu said is absolutely right. Shu Wen claims to be an expert on China, especially skilled in calligraphy. Judging solely by the quality of the characters, Ouyang Gang's calligraphy is really not very presentable.
But things don't always go by that logic. Otherwise, why would the toilets of ancient emperors be priceless antiques today? Would they work with an ordinary person's toilet?
"Arrogant!" "Whose child is this, so ill-mannered?"
"What do children know? How can you tell whether this calligraphy is good or bad?"
Just as Young Master Niu finished speaking, several reprimands came from beside Old Master Qin, which silenced the entire room. The young people who had been discussing Ouyang Gang's identity all shut their mouths after hearing the voices.
His words drew four or five reprimands, which greatly displeased Young Master Niu. Without even hearing who was scolding him, he shouted at the top of his lungs, "Damn it, who dares to curse me?"
Upon hearing Niu Gongzi's words, Dr. Shu Wen's face darkened completely. Previously, these people had not clearly heard who made the evaluation, but now that Niu Hong had stepped forward, everyone's attention was immediately focused on him.
"You bastard, get out!"