Just like Li Ka-shing, who loves playing golf and often invites a group of friends to play, a casual round of golf can often result in tens of millions of Hong Kong dollars in winnings and losses.
Of course, for these people, tens of millions is just pocket money in the eyes of ordinary people, and it's not enough to cause any hurt feelings.
Seeing Zhuang Rui's dumbfounded expression, Guo Daheng laughed, "Little guy, it's a bit unfair to use your horse for betting. How about you join in?"
"How...how do we gamble like this?"
Zhuang Rui discovered that he was truly inseparable from the word "gambling." Every time he came to Hong Kong and Macau, he would gamble on jade or diamonds, and he could never have a few days of peaceful entertainment.
Zhuang Rui didn't see that the people outside the stable all showed extremely envious expressions after hearing Guo Daheng's words, wishing they were the ones who had been invited.
These super-rich individuals enjoy participating in sports with stakes, a fact well-known in Hong Kong's upper echelons, and even reported by some newspapers.
However, the circle they gamble in is very small, with only a few people coming and going. Many people have money and want to join but don't have the means. Now that Guo Daheng has invited Zhuang Rui, it means that Zhuang Rui has gained the approval of these wealthy people to some extent.
Guo Daheng waved his hand and said, "It's simple. You and Dr. Shu Wen will bet against each other. No matter what the result of the race is, whether your two horses win or not, whoever's horse comes in first wins. What do you guys think of this kind of betting?"
Zhuang Rui was both amused and exasperated by Guo Daheng's last words. It turned out that the old man had come up with the rules on the spot.
"So... how much should we bet?"
Zhuang Rui didn't care about the rules; as long as he won the race, that was all that mattered. He couldn't very well refuse money offered to him, especially since these people were among the richest in the world.
"Little guy, I'm betting HK$50 million on you, Brother Shuwen, are you in?"
In this kind of betting between the super-rich, there is no house. So, if Guo Daheng wants to bet 50 million on Zhuang Rui, Shu Wen must agree first. And if Shu Wen agrees, he will have to pay Guo Daheng that amount of money if he loses.
"No problem, I'll take any bets you're willing to place on the small bet. But I'm betting HK$100 million on my own thoroughbred. I wonder if you dare to take it, young man?"
Shu Wen's words drew everyone's attention to Zhuang Rui. Apart from a few people, the rest of them were unaware of Zhuang Rui's wealth.
Chapter 1216 Horse Racing Betting (Part Two)
Due to external publicity, Zhuang Rui has always been perceived as an expert in antiques and archaeology. In addition, these wealthy Chinese businessmen are too busy to pay attention to someone like Zhuang Rui. Therefore, apart from a few people, they are not very clear about his wealth.
"Young man, don't be afraid of him, I'll pay for it for you..."
Although Guo Daheng is over eighty years old, he is still full of fighting spirit and has a very generous personality. He immediately offered to help Zhuang Rui with the HK$100 million bet.
As soon as Guo Daheng finished speaking, the gambling king, sitting in his wheelchair, mumbled, "Mr. Guo, he doesn't need you to pay for him. This kid is quite wealthy. Don't even mention 100 million Hong Kong dollars, he can come up with 100 million pounds..."
"Oh? Not bad, little guy. When I was your age, I didn't have this much money..."
Guo Daheng glanced at Zhuang Rui in surprise, but then he understood. With Zhuang Rui's connections in the mainland, making money would be easy for him. However, he didn't know that Zhuang Rui's ability to amass such a fortune had absolutely nothing to do with the Ouyang family.
Zhuang Rui didn't explain, but smiled slightly and turned to Dr. Shu Wen, saying, "Since Dr. Shu is interested, then of course I'll accept. You said one hundred million, so it's one hundred million. By the way, if anyone thinks Dr. Shu can win, no matter how much you bet, I'll take it..."
Upon hearing Zhuang Rui's words, Guo Daheng slapped his thigh and praised him, saying, "A good young man should be like this. Young people in Hong Kong these days are either playing with sports cars or chasing women. They're far inferior to Zhuang Rui..."
However, Guo Daheng's words were too broad in their impact. The young people gathered outside the stable were immediately in tears. "You can praise Zhuang Rui, but why drag us into this? We're just being shot while lying down!"
"Mr. Zhuang, we'd like to take a gamble too, are you in or not?"
A voice suddenly came from outside the horse stable. It was a younger relative of one of the super-rich people in the arena who was quite bold. He must have been indignant after hearing what Guo Daheng had said.
"Take them, take as many as you can..."
Zhuang Rui's answer was unambiguous. What a joke! Although Zhui Feng's speed couldn't match that of the fastest cheetah, the difference wasn't that much. He didn't believe that there was really a horse in the world that could run faster than Zhui Feng.
“Okay, I’ll bet Uncle Shuwen 10 million Hong Kong dollars…”
"I'm betting five million Hong Kong dollars on you, Brother Zhuang..."
"I bet ten million on Dr. Shu. This horse racing isn't like collecting antiques, how can it be the same?"
With someone taking the lead, a commotion immediately broke out outside, with many people even placing bets directly. Zhuang Rui was both amused and exasperated, and quickly said, "Everyone, this... let's talk about it later, let's talk about it later..."
"A bunch of brats, where did they get so much money? I'll teach you a lesson when we get home..."
When Guo Daheng heard that his grandson was among those shouting, he couldn't help but laugh and scold. In families like theirs, all the children would have some shares in the family company, and the annual dividends alone would be enough to ensure they would live a life of comfort. Anyone could come up with a few million.
"Little guy, you're stealing my business! I'll take over your fringe betting and give you half the profits..."
The gambling king also joked with Zhuang Rui.
Zhuang Rui didn't care; he didn't have time to handle these bets anyway. Since the gambling king was willing to take the trouble, he naturally agreed. He smiled and said, "Alright, old man, I was worried you wouldn't accept them. This saves me the trouble..."
"You little rascal, you're as slippery as an eel. The Qin family is so lucky. Why didn't my daughter marry someone like you?"
The gambling king smiled and remarked that, being the oldest and most senior person present, his words were not offensive.
"Hehe, elders, this stable is too small, let's all go back..."
Zhuang Rui chuckled dryly and changed the subject. Although the gambling king's daughter was good-looking, she was no pushover. Not only did she mingle in the film and television industry, but she also had many scandals. Zhuang Rui had no interest in such a woman.
"Well, elders, please continue your conversation. I'll go outside and greet the guests..."
After the group returned to the villa, Zhuang Rui immediately wanted to find an excuse to slip away. Being with these centenarians who had lived for nearly a century, Zhuang Rui felt immense pressure. None of these old guys were easy to fool; each of them possessed a shrewd and perceptive mind.
"What? You don't want to talk to us old men?"
The gambling king's words made Zhuang Rui stay with a tearful face, obediently standing aside to listen to these old men talk about business matters. In their mouths, investments of billions of dollars seemed as insignificant as business deals worth a hundred or so dollars.
Even in casual conversation, Li Ka-shing and Guo Daheng finalized an investment involving more than one billion dollars. There was no silent battle like in the business world; the investment was decided with just a few words.
This broadened Zhuang Rui's horizons considerably. He had never been in such a circle before and never imagined that business could be discussed in this way. However, he did not know that these were just the intentions between the bosses, and that a large number of staff members would need to follow up on the specifics.
These elderly people were all busy with their own affairs, so they took their leave after sitting for a while. As time went by, the guests outside also left one after another, and the Qin family mansion, which had been noisy all night, finally quieted down.
After the guests left, everyone in the Qin family looked excited. Even Qin Haoran, a man of composure, couldn't hide his joy. This was the most glorious day since the Qin family established itself in Hong Kong.
The old man's birthday celebration attracted not only wealthy people from Hong Kong and Macau, but also the Chief Executives of the two places who sent special representatives to offer their congratulations. Furthermore, many prominent families expressed their willingness to cooperate with the Qin family in various industries.
In this way, the Qin family, whose business was originally limited to the jewelry industry, can also diversify its operations. Perhaps in the near future, the Qin family's wealth will truly rank among the top tycoons in Hong Kong and Macau.
"Xiao Rui, you're a good kid..."
The old man sat at the head of the table, smiling as he looked at Zhuang Rui. The more he looked at him, the more he liked him. He knew in his heart that the Qin family's status was basically due to Zhuang Rui.
Zhuang Rui understood the meaning behind the old man's words, so he smiled and shook his head, saying, "Grandpa, you've had a long day, get some rest. We're going to Macau the day after tomorrow..."
Zhuang Rui is not the kind of person who is "perfect in every way". He is happy that he can bring some changes to his wife's family. Who doesn't want their relatives to live a better life?
"I'm not tired, I'm not tired. Grandpa is in a good mood today. Why don't you talk to me for a while..."
Old Master Qin waved his hands repeatedly. Seeing the family prosper was his greatest wish. Now the Qin family was a very important family in Hong Kong. Beneath his calm exterior, he was actually very excited and couldn't sleep at all.
"By the way, Xiao Rui, can your Wind Chaser horse really run that fast?"
After a few casual words, Grandpa Qin steered the conversation to the horse races that weekend.
The old man was also a member of the horse racing club and knew a lot about horse racing. Although Zhuang Rui's Akhal-Teke horse looked magnificent, there were many intricacies involved in short-distance horse racing, and it wasn't necessarily true that a good horse could win.
"Grandpa, don't worry, whether it's a long or short distance, Chasing the Wind can't possibly lose," Zhuang Rui said with a laugh. "Why don't you make a big bet and let Dr. Shu feel the pinch too..."
Grandpa Qin laughed heartily upon hearing this: "Forget it, gambling shouldn't be excessive. Besides... my Xuanbing hates horse racing the most..."
Because of Zhuang Rui's importance to the Qin family, Qin Xuanbing's status in the family has also become extraordinary. Not only do her uncles, aunts, cousins, and other relatives fawn over her all day long, but even Old Master Qin has to consider his granddaughter's thoughts.
"Hehe, no, the Hong Kong Jockey Club is a purely welfare organization, taking from the people and using it for the people. Xuanbing needs to change her mind..."
Zhuang Rui wasn't particularly fond of gambling, but he wasn't averse to horse racing betting. It was similar to the lottery in China, both being welfare-oriented. Of course, the fairness and transparency of Hong Kong horse racing far surpassed that of the controversial lottery; it was ultimately a matter of system.
After chatting with the old man for a while, the Qin family members dispersed and went back to their rooms to rest. However, what had happened today was destined to keep many of them up all night.
The old man's birthday celebration was just some gossip in Hong Kong's upper class. At the moment, the attention of the people of Hong Kong was drawn to the Hong Kong and Macau horse racing event held over the weekend.
Due to the high prize money, this Hong Kong and Macau horse racing event not only brought together famous horses from both regions, but also attracted the attention of the World Horse Racing Organization. Many private individuals had already airlifted their horses to Macau to participate in the race.
Although horse racing is a game for everyone and anyone can participate, in reality, the resources of international horse racing are still in the hands of a few people. In other words, the ownership of the world's best racehorses belongs to those top billionaires.
Of course, there are also some people who are not very wealthy, who will set up small clubs to train racehorses to participate in various races around the world. The funds earned will then be used for the operation of the clubs. These people are also the main participants in the world of horse racing.
On Friday afternoon, Zhuang Rui, Qin Haoran, and the old man who had just celebrated his birthday arrived in Macau together.
By this time, Macau was already teeming with the wealthy and teeming with tourists. Promotional posters for the race could be seen everywhere in the streets and alleys of Macau, and the entire city was immersed in a horse racing extravaganza.
Chapter 1217 Horse Racing Betting (Part 3)
The reception for Zhuang Rui and his entourage in Macau was handled by the Fourth Wife's subordinates. As soon as they disembarked from the ship, they were picked up by car and taken to a large complex of buildings.
With the new company about to open, Fourth Wife had a lot to do, but the person who received Zhuang Rui was also a vice president of the company, so the level of reception was quite high.
"Mr. Zhuang, Mr. Qin, this area is all company property. Please take a look around. If there's anything you're not satisfied with, please let us know so we can make corrections. Oh, and there are two shuttle buses downstairs. Just tell the driver where you'd like to go..."
While speaking, Chen Xiaojun secretly sized up the young man in front of him. He had worked in casinos abroad and in Macau, and was considered a veteran in the gambling industry. Last year, he was poached by Fourth Sister with a high salary to join her company.
Chen Xiaojun was naturally curious about Zhuang Rui, who had risen to prominence in the gambling industry in recent years. He also knew that Zhuang Rui was one of the company's owners, so he was very respectful.
"Mr. Chen, there's no need to trouble yourself. This place is quite nice. I didn't expect Fourth Madam to be so generous..."
Zhuang Rui fell in love with this place as soon as he entered. The building was not located in the city center, but was built by the sea and surrounded by various tropical plants, making the surrounding environment very beautiful.
The entire building is divided into three areas. At the front are two hotel-style multi-story buildings, with casinos on the first, second, and third floors. Above that are nightclubs and sauna entertainment areas, and further up are some luxury guest rooms.
You could say that as long as you stay here, you can enjoy almost every service you can imagine.
Some friends might say, "If you build a casino on a barren beach, what customer would be so bored as to go all the way here to gamble?"
In fact, the location of casinos is no longer an advantage, because casinos have luxury buses at ports, docks and even airports to pick up customers, and these buses are all free to use, which can bring customers directly into the casino.
Casinos even exist on some small islands surrounding Macau, with helicopters transporting guests to and from the islands daily. In Macau, it seems even God cannot stop gambling.
Behind the hotel-style casino, in the middle of the complex, is a club that operates on a membership system and organizes various gambling games specifically for high rollers from around the world.
For the safety of these people, the area is heavily guarded, and there is also a helipad that allows guests to enter directly.
As for the third section, it is close to the sea. It is a cliff over thirty meters high, on which three extremely exquisite villas have been built.
Although each villa is not very large, they blend into the surrounding environment, and it is clear that the builders put a lot of effort into the design of the villas.
Upon entering the villa, Zhuang Rui discovered that all of these villas were built with the finest wood and were not painted with any modern chemical pigments. The entire room exuded a unique, fresh fragrance of herbs and trees.
Standing on the second floor of the villa, you can clearly hear the sound of waves and the beautiful sight of waves crashing against the cliffs, creating layers of spray. With a gentle sea breeze blowing, you feel refreshed from the inside out.
"It's really nice. If one could live here permanently, one's soul would become very pure..."
Looking at the sea view, Zhuang Rui thought of his own island and wondered which was more beautiful, the scenery there or the one before him.
Upon hearing Zhuang Rui's words, Mr. Chen, who was leading Zhuang Rui into the villa, smiled and said, "Mr. Zhuang, Fourth Madam once said that one of the three villas here belongs to you..."