Zhuang Rui suddenly frowned. Although he seemed to have heard of the term Justice of the Peace before, he did not understand what it meant. And why did that Justice of the Peace invite Qin Xuanbing? Could it be that he had some ulterior motive?
Even the most magnanimous man wouldn't like his woman accepting another man's invitation, so Zhuang Rui asked several questions in succession.
“What are you thinking? Zhuang Rui, Justice He Taiping is over seventy years old, it’s not what you think…”
Seeing Zhuang Rui's expression, Qin Xuanbing was both amused and annoyed, and had no choice but to explain the background of the Justice of the Peace to him.
A Justice of the Peace is a title originating in Britain, where the government appoints individuals from the public to maintain community order, prevent illegal punishments, and handle simpler procedures. As a former British colony, Hong Kong naturally follows the Justice of the Peace system.
The main duties of Justices of the Peace in Hong Kong are to inspect detention facilities such as prisons, accept complaints from detainees, and prevent correctional authorities from imposing penalties on detainees beyond those imposed by the courts.
Furthermore, Justices of the Peace can oversee and accept citizens' oaths and declarations, thus giving those oaths or declarations legal effect.
This authority is somewhat similar to the work of notaries in mainland China. It is something that can often be seen on Hong Kong television. Every time the Mark Six lottery is drawn, the Justices of the Peace, together with representatives of the Hong Kong Jockey Club's assisted organizations, are responsible for supervising the lottery results.
Chapter 368 Charity Auction (1)
Before Hong Kong's return to China, under Hong Kong law, Justices of the Peace, like those in other Commonwealth countries, were required to hear cases or serve as jurors to determine guilt or innocence. However, this function has now been superseded by full-time magistrates with legal qualifications.
Since the beginning of the last century, Hong Kong people have regarded becoming a Justice of the Peace as a status symbol, so many community members have actively donated money or taken up public office in hopes of being appointed as Justices of the Peace.
In the last century, Justices of the Peace were appointed by the Lord Chancellor in the name of the Queen. Only those who had made outstanding contributions to society or were respected could receive this honor.
However, after Hong Kong's return to China, although the Justices of the Peace system was preserved, the right to appoint Justices of the Peace was replaced by the Chief Executive of Hong Kong. The Chief Executive has the right to appoint any person he deems suitable as a Justice of the Peace, and can also dismiss a Justice of the Peace if there are sufficient reasons.
The Justice of the Peace surnamed He that Qin Xuanbing mentioned has a very impressive background; he is a descendant of Ho Tung, who was once Hong Kong's richest man. Although the Ho family has now disintegrated and each member runs their own business, their influence in Hong Kong is not much less than that of the current richest Chinese man.
"Is there anyone in Hong Kong who can compare to that Superman?"
Zhuang Rui found it somewhat unbelievable. After all, Li Ka-shing had become a phenomenon. Putting aside everything else, there were countless books in mainland China about his life story and how he rose to prominence. Everyone hoped to find their own path to entrepreneurship from his success story.
Qin Xuanbing smiled upon hearing this and said, "You people on the mainland don't know much about Hong Kong's history. If the Ho Tung family hadn't split up, that richest Chinese man wouldn't be anything special. Do you know that in the past, almost half of Hong Kong's land belonged to the Ho Tung family? Back then..."
After Qin Xuanbing's explanation, Zhuang Rui finally understood the founder of the He family, whose name was not very famous. He was shocked to learn that He Dong, who was of mixed Chinese and British descent, had received knighthoods and medals from more than ten countries and was friends with historical figures such as Sun Yat-sen, Chiang Kai-shek, and Kang Youwei.
Ho Tung served as chairman and director of numerous companies, including HSBC, Whampoa Dockyards Limited, Hong Kong Electric Company Limited, Hong Kong Tramways Company Limited, Hongkong Land Limited, and Jardine Matheson Shipping Company Limited. He was also the director of Tung Wah Hospital and Po Leung Kuk, and one of the founders of the University of Hong Kong.
There used to be a saying in Hong Kong to describe someone who overestimates themselves: "Who do you think you are, Ho Tung?"
This statement alone is enough to prove that Ho Tung's status as Hong Kong's richest man was comparable to that of a nation.
What Qin Xuanbing mentioned were all from a long time ago, but the names she mentioned next that were related to Ho Tung were very familiar to Zhuang Rui. The current Macau gambling king is from the Ho Tung family, and even the first Chief Executive of Macau after its return to China was from the same family.
Bruce Lee, the Chinese kung fu emperor who swept the world film industry, was also the grandson of the Ho Tung family. Although the Ho Tung family has declined, it is still a powerful force in Hong Kong and its influence cannot be underestimated.
As for the current Justice of the Peace surnamed Ho, he is the grandson of Ho Tung. However, after inheriting a vast fortune, he did not enter the business world. The dividends from his shares in numerous companies made him one of the wealthiest people in Hong Kong. He is a low-key person and devoted himself to philanthropy in his later years. In the 1980s, he was knighted by the Queen of England and is highly respected by the people of Hong Kong.
Therefore, the people who attend his charity fundraising auctions are often Hong Kong's top tycoons, and many people even consider it an honor to receive his invitation. It should be noted that even Superman is a regular guest of his.
After hearing Qin Xuanbing's explanation, Zhuang Rui was speechless. He originally thought that the courtyard house he bought in Beijing was already quite nice, but compared with that Sir He, it was simply inferior. Half of Hong Kong had once been his backyard, how could he compare?
Zhuang Rui now realized that compared to these super-rich people, he was just a poor man. Not to mention Qin Xuanbing's family, which had accumulated assets of billions over several generations, far beyond what Zhuang Rui could compare to now.
"Zhuang Rui, if you don't want to go, that's fine. Just wait for me here. I'll be back soon."
Qin Xuanbing had visited Zhuang Rui's home in Pengcheng before and knew that his family was not well-off. She was worried that he might feel uncomfortable at such an event, since her suitors might be among the people there that evening. Qin Xuanbing was also afraid that someone might provoke Zhuang Rui, which was one of the reasons why she did not want to participate in this charity auction.
"It's alright, let's go take a look. I'm also curious about what will be auctioned tonight. Are they all antiques?"
Zhuang Rui thought for a moment. He was bored staying in the hotel. He couldn't very well say that he had been staying in the hotel for two days when Ouyang Jun asked him what he had been doing after he returned to Beijing. Besides, Zhuang Rui was also very curious about the auction. Maybe there would be some good stuff inside.
"That's hard to say. The items auctioned each time are provided by guests invited by Sir He. The item our family is offering this time is a women's platinum and jade necklace that I designed. Its value should be around 200,000."
In the past, charity auctions of this nature would typically feature very ordinary items, such as Bruce Lee movie posters or things that a celebrity had used.
However, nowadays, many people participating in charity auctions have started to compete with each other, bringing out increasingly expensive items. Some even bring items they've won at other auction houses to auction off for charity, including antiques, and all of them are quite valuable.
Although Hong Kong is small, its charitable organizations are among the best in the world, thanks to its strict regulatory system and the enthusiastic participation of the entire population in donations, including those from television stations. A charity gala is held every week, and a donation hotline is available; each call allows you to donate one dollar, truly achieving universal participation.
Hong Kong charities have played a significant role in numerous natural disasters in mainland China, and the term "volunteer" used in mainland China originated from Hong Kong.
Qin Xuanbing approves of this kind of charity auction, but these small-scale charity fundraising auctions organized by individuals have become somewhat distorted in recent years. The descendants of the super-rich often bring out expensive cultural relics or jewelry to compete with each other.
Although the money raised from these auctions was ultimately used for charity, it had become a place for some people to flaunt their wealth, which Qin Xuanbing found very distasteful. If she weren't the designer and owner of that piece of jewelry, Qin Xuanbing would never bother going to such events.
When Zhuang Rui heard what Qin Xuanbing said, he immediately lost interest. Items auctioned from reputable auction houses are more likely to be genuine. Even at charity auctions, the prices won't be low, so there's probably no chance of finding a bargain. Besides, this auction is for charity fundraising, not a good place to find a bargain.
Seeing the expectant look in Qin Xuanbing's eyes, Zhuang Rui nodded and said, "I'll go with you tonight, but you have to come back with me..."
"Who's afraid of you?!"
Qin Xuanbing uttered a Cantonese phrase, then puffed out her breasts, which seemed even fuller after Zhuang Rui's touch. Her taut t-shirt looked like it might burst at any moment, making Zhuang Rui restless, and his large hands became uneasy again.
"Stop...stop fooling around. We need to go out and buy clothes."
This time, Qin Xuanbing firmly held Zhuang Rui's hand down. It was already afternoon, and after shopping at a few stores and having lunch, it would be almost time.
Zhuang Rui's clothes, which he brought from the mainland, were clearly inappropriate. Although it's not necessary to wear a full suit and tie for this occasion, dress pants and a shirt are a must. If Zhuang Rui had walked in wearing those sneakers and jeans, he would have become the laughing stock of some wealthy circle in Hong Kong the next day.
After leaving the hotel with Qin Xuanbing, the two ate something first, and then Zhuang Rui followed behind Qin Xuanbing and started shopping. Shopping is a woman's nature, and by the time it was getting dark, the trunk of Qin Xuanbing's Ferrari was filled with paper bags of all sizes.
"Zhuang Rui, is it good?"
Qin Xuanbing changed into a black jumpsuit and gracefully twirled in the middle of the living room, pushing Zhuang Rui's visual limits.
"nice……"
Zhuang Rui swallowed the saliva that was about to rise from his mouth and said with difficulty, "It looks better not to wear it!"
More than half an hour after returning to the hotel, Qin Xuanbing had changed into five or six different outfits, leaving Zhuang Rui dazzled. In particular, her snow-white skin, revealed during the changing, made Zhuang Rui's mouth dry and unable to control himself.
"You should change your clothes quickly too. We'll be done eating soon, and then it'll be about time."
If you think there will be food at the banquet, you're guaranteed to go hungry all night. Such banquets are mainly for socializing, and at most, they will offer a few glasses of red wine and salad. It's impossible to get a full meal.
Qin Xuanbing was very satisfied with the black gift. After taking care of herself, she started dressing up Zhuang Rui. Most of the clothes she bought today were for Zhuang Rui.
Of course, Zhuang Rui paid for all the clothes himself. Although he wasn't a chauvinist, he wouldn't let Qin Xuanbing spend any money. However, he did spend nearly 600,000 yuan from his Bank of China card, which made Zhuang Rui feel a little heartache.
Chapter 369 Charity Auction (2)
"How about it?"
After changing his clothes, Zhuang Rui first went to the bathroom to shave before coming out. It was his first time attending such a banquet, and Zhuang Rui was a little nervous.
"Hmm, he's a handsome guy..."
Although Zhuang Rui's appearance is by no means handsome, he has a great figure. He is over 1.8 meters tall, neither fat nor thin, and has a well-proportioned physique. He is simply a natural clothes hanger. Even very ordinary clothes look good on him, let alone the designer clothes that Qin Xuanbing carefully selected for him.
"Sigh, time is too tight, otherwise I could have a suit made for you, I believe it would fit you even better than this one..."
It's said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and women are no exception when it comes to men. Seeing her beloved looking so energetic, Qin Xuanbing, her face flushed with intoxication, rewarded Zhuang Rui with a kiss on the cheek. Of course, this seductive gesture immediately drew a retaliation from Zhuang Rui, who continued kissing her until she was breathless and her face was flushed before finally stopping.
"Alright, we have to go now. Let's pick up Leilei and go have dinner first..."
Qin Xuanbing reluctantly pushed Zhuang Rui away. Couples who have just tasted the forbidden fruit never tire of doing that kind of thing.
"Lei Lei is going too?"
Zhuang Rui asked curiously, "When we chatted this afternoon, Qin Xuanbing said that the people invited by Sir He were all very influential in Hong Kong. The Lei Lei family may seem like a behemoth to ordinary people, but in the eyes of the truly super-rich, they are not so impressive."
"Well, each person invited can bring one or two male or female companions. Before, when you weren't around, Leilei always accompanied me. You can't just kick Leilei out as soon as you arrive, can you?"
Lei Lei used to help Qin Xuanbing fend off many suitors. In that circle, some people who had failed to win Qin Xuanbing's heart even spread rumors that Qin Xuanbing and Lei Lei had a lesbian relationship.
"Let's go together then..."
Before leaving the hotel, Zhuang Rui thought for a moment. While Qin Xuanbing was touching up her makeup, he opened the safe in the room and put all the items he had put in yesterday into his handbag. Besides the set of icy red jade jewelry he was going to give to Qin's mother, there was also an extra icy jade bracelet.
"So you two finally decided to come out?"
Sitting in a private room at a seafood restaurant, Lei Lei looked at Zhuang Rui and Qin Xuanbing with a mocking expression. The charm that Qin Xuanbing inadvertently revealed in her eyes could not escape her notice.
"If it weren't for this charity gala, I wouldn't bother coming out, right, Zhuang Rui?"
Qin Xuanbing is a girl who dares to love and hate. She has already done it, and she doesn't care what others think or comment on her.
"Of course, old classmate, it's not like Da Chuan hasn't been keeping you company lately, and you're thinking of finding another handsome guy?"
"You...you people are utterly shameless..."
Lei Lei usually teased these two, but today they teamed up to taunt her. She felt an urge to call Liu Chuan and summon him to Hong Kong; she knew her fiancé was even more of a rogue than these two.
After the group finished their meal, laughing and joking, it was just past seven o'clock, with more than two hours to go before the charity gala. Qin Xuanbing had originally wanted to take Zhuang Rui to the Temple Street Night Market, but since she and Lei Lei were both dressed in formal attire, it wasn't appropriate to go to such a place. In the end, they ended up shopping at brand-name stores instead.
Fortunately, this time both women only looked and didn't buy anything. Zhuang Rui couldn't muster any desire to buy anything either. Everyone says Hong Kong is a shopping paradise, and in Zhuang Rui's opinion, it's also a paradise for the rich. He just saw a very ordinary tie that cost 30,000 US dollars. It's practically robbery! 30,000 US dollars could buy so many strips of that kind of fabric.
At 8:30 p.m., Qin Xuanbing received a call from her mother, asking her to meet up with them and go to Sir He's residence together.
"Hello, Uncle and Aunt..."
Upon seeing Qin Haoran and Fang Yi emerge from the restaurant, Zhuang Rui quickly stepped forward to greet them. He had originally intended to address them as "Uncle" and "Aunt," but since they were younger than his parents, he decided to call them "Uncle" and "Aunt" instead.
Qin Haoran and his wife also dined out today, having arranged to meet their daughter at the restaurant entrance.
"Alright, alright, Xiao Zhuang, it's too formal to come straight home after arriving in Hong Kong..."
Qin Haoran and Fang Yi didn't have much contact with people from mainland China. In Hong Kong, they were mostly addressed as "uncle" or "anti" by younger generations, and rarely heard as "uncle" or "aunt" in Mandarin.
Qin Haoran and Fang Yi were both taken aback by Zhuang Rui's way of addressing them. However, they quickly recovered, and Qin Haoran even stepped forward and patted Zhuang Rui on the shoulder. For Hong Kong people, this gesture is already a very warm expression when facing someone they don't know well.
"Just arrived in Hong Kong, and I'm about to visit my aunt and uncle..."
Zhuang Rui gave a simple, honest laugh. What could he say now? He couldn't very well say that he had spent the whole day yesterday in complete nakedness with the two of your daughters, could he? He was sure that this gentleman in front of him would pull out a kitchen knife and chase after him.
"No need to be so polite, Xiao Zhuang, get in our car. Bing'er, you and Lei Lei can drive and follow us."
When Fang Yi saw the hotel waiter drive the car over, she quickly nudged Qin Haoran, signaling him to get in the car, while she gently pulled Zhuang Rui along.
"this……"
Zhuang Rui glanced at Qin Xuanbing.
"Mommy, it's not like my car can't fit everyone."
Qin Xuanbing stomped her foot and said unhappily, "Lei Lei also drove here, so her two-seater Ferrari is just enough for her and Zhuang Rui."
"Xuanbing, I'll ride in Uncle's car. Please drive carefully..."
Zhuang Rui knew that Qin Xuanbing's relationship with her parents wasn't particularly good, and he didn't want his arrival to cause further discord between them. So, he first opened the back door of the Mercedes for Fang Yi. After Fang Yi got in, he gave Qin Xuanbing, who was still unwilling to get into his Ferrari, a wink, and then sat in the passenger seat of the Mercedes.