Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 436 The Many Faces of the Rich and Powerful

Hong Kong, this dazzling international financial center, has shown increasingly vibrant vitality and prosperity since returning to the embrace of the motherland.

On November 11, Liu Shishi's private jet 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 Centre to attend the wedding of Huo Qigang and Guo Jingjing, and personally experience the extraordinary grandeur of this Hong Kong tycoon's banquet.

The Hong Kong elite family system is deeply rooted in the soil of colonial history and economic transformation, with family wealth, political and business networks, and intergenerational succession as its core standards.

Among them, the top wealthy families include the Li Jiacheng family, the Li Zhaoji family, and the Zheng Yutong family. These families have assets exceeding hundreds of billions, control the economic lifeline of Hong Kong, and have businesses spanning multiple fields and extending globally.

Slightly less prestigious high-end families include the shipping magnate Bao family and the former executive Dong family, whose assets are all over 10 billion and who control key resources in specific industries.

Meanwhile, middle-class wealthy families, such as the Xiang family of Huaxing and the Yang family of Emperor Group, have assets of several billion. Although they have influence in specific industries, they still need to rely on the resource support of top-tier wealthy families.

Among Hong Kong's wealthy families, the Fok family stands out as particularly unique. In 2008, professional institutions assessed the Fok family's total assets at approximately HK$350 billion, but because its core assets were not listed, its actual assets far exceeded the book value.

It is also worth mentioning that when the family's founder, Mr. Fok, was alive, he purchased 3.3 mu of land in Nansha in his early years. The land price alone is now worth more than HK$3000 billion, which is the family's most considerable hidden asset.

In terms of assets alone, the Fok family may not be as wealthy as the four major families, but it is still one of the top wealthy families in Hong Kong. Its political influence in Hong Kong is second to none, and it is hailed by the public as a model of "patriotic wealthy family". It is the only top wealthy family in Hong Kong that combines wealth, political influence and social contribution.

The sensation caused by the wedding of the eldest son of such a "special case" in Hong Kong's elite families is unimaginable.

As the grand finale of Huo Qigang and Guo Jingjing's "four weddings", this wedding brought together celebrities from Hong Kong's political and business circles, sports stars and entertainment bigwigs, making it a "wedding of the century".

The wedding guests were scheduled to arrive between 5 pm and 6 pm. Liu Shishi's Four Seasons Hotel was less than 3 kilometers from the convention center. She left the hotel at around 5 pm and arrived at the wedding venue in just over ten minutes.

At this moment, the area outside the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre was already packed with media reporters who had come after hearing the news, and many police officers were on site maintaining order.

At top-tier luxury weddings, a professional gift management team is on-site to handle the registration, safekeeping, and display of gifts, ensuring a well-organized process.

Accompanied by her assistant and bodyguards, Liu Shishi headed straight for the designated gift registration area. Her assistant stepped forward and presented a bright red gift box, tied with a shimmering gold handbag that was particularly eye-catching.
The Huo family's registration staff solemnly accepted the gift box and carefully opened it. Inside was a greeting card signed "Respectfully presented by the Song Family," accompanied by a pair of lustrous and exquisite jade ruyi scepters. The craftsmanship was elegant, and it was clear at a glance that they were quite valuable.

The staff quickly registered the couple and announced in a loud voice: "Honorable guest Mr. Song presents a pair of jade ruyi scepters, wishing the newlyweds happiness and a long and happy life together. We respectfully invite our distinguished guest to leave their name."

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

"Invite the distinguished guests inside!"

"Wait for me here," Liu Shishi instructed her entourage before turning and walking towards the wedding venue.

Today, the venue is packed with customers, and the Huo family has made thorough preparations. Dedicated security personnel are on hand to ensure the safety of the guests at all times, while all guests' assistants, bodyguards, and other accompanying personnel are waiting outside.

At the entrance to the venue, every arrival of guests would trigger a frenzy of flashes from reporters.

When Liu Shishi appeared, the reporters immediately started discussing:

"Isn't this Liu Shishi! She actually came too. The Huo family is really prestigious; even the wife of Asia's richest man has to come and show her support."

"Strange, why isn't Song Ci here?"

"I'm really curious, will this wealthy mainland socialite, who's worth hundreds of billions, spark some romance and create some stories when she meets a group of socialites and ladies from Hong Kong tonight?"

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

Today, Liu Shishi wore a gold-plated off-shoulder evening gown that accentuated her graceful figure and revealed her beautiful shoulder and neck lines.

Her hair was styled into an elegant updo, adorned with a pretty velvet flower, adding a touch of femininity.

A Cartier platinum and gemstone necklace shone brightly around her neck, complementing her delicate pink and fragrant appearance, making her look pure and refined.

The newlyweds stood in front of the aisle to greet the guests. When Huo Qigang saw Liu Shishi walking gracefully towards them, he quickly took his wife Guo Jingjing's hand and took a few steps forward to greet her.

Huo Qigang's reaction surprised Guo Jingjing. Previously, the people her husband would personally greet were top tycoon leaders like Zheng Yutong and Liu Luanxiong, or political bigwigs.

Among the visiting female relatives, Liu Shishi was the first to receive such attention from her husband.

Upon seeing the newlyweds coming to greet her, Liu Shishi quickened her pace, her smile gentle: "Mr. Huo and Ms. Guo, congratulations! May you have a long and happy marriage, and be forever united in heart."

"Thank you, Mrs. Song." Huo Qigang's face beamed with a happy smile, and he casually asked, "Why haven't I seen Mr. Song?"

"He has business to attend to in Beiping and simply cannot get away."

"Mr. Song, your business is important, I understand." Huo Qigang felt slightly disappointed, but then he thought that Liu Shishi's visit made his trip to Beiping worthwhile.

Guo Jingjing, dressed in an elegant wedding gown, had shed her usual fierce and aggressive demeanor on the field, and instead exuded a dignified and noble air. She smiled gently and said, "Thank you for your presence, Mrs. Song. This way, please."

While the newlyweds were exchanging pleasantries with Liu Shishi, the reporters busy taking photos at the entrance and along the passageway caused a commotion. The three of them looked in the direction of the noise and found that it was Li Jiacheng, Hong Kong's richest man.

Although Li Jiacheng is 84 years old, he is in good spirits and vigorous. He walks steadily towards the inner field without needing anyone's help.

"Uncle!" Huo Qigang greeted respectfully.

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

"Congratulations! Brother Huo has a worthy successor!" Li Jiacheng said with a smile. Although his figure was somewhat hunched, his eyes behind the black-rimmed glasses were deep and bright.

His two sons behind him also offered their congratulations in unison: "Congratulations on your wedding, Brother Huo."

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

After exchanging greetings, Li Jiacheng's gaze fell on Liu Shishi beside Guo Jingjing, and he said gently, "This must be Madam Song?"

Liu Shishi originally wanted to leave and go inside, but Li Jiacheng spoke up at this moment, and she didn't want to be impolite.

Facing this renowned Hong Kong tycoon, she was poised and composed, offering a graceful bow: "Greetings, Mr. Li."

Li Jiacheng nodded slightly: "I have long admired Mr. Song, but unfortunately I have never had the chance to meet him." Liu Shishi responded politely: "My husband also greatly admires Mr. Li. He often mentions you, saying that you are a legend in Hong Kong's business world and a role model for him to learn from."

"Mr. Song is too modest! When I was his age, I was just a greenhorn, not as famous overseas as you are now and have built a great business."

Li Jiacheng waved his hand, sighed, and turned to his son behind him, "What are you all standing there for? Quickly greet Madam Song."

Although the Li brothers were somewhat reluctant, they dared not disobey their father's orders and greeted him, "Hello, Madam Song."

Liu Shishi returned the greeting softly: "Greetings, Mr. and Mrs. Li."

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

Li Jiacheng originally intended to make a brief appearance, say hello to a few friends, and then leave. It's clear that the Huo family had specially invited Liu Shishi, and they couldn't help but have ulterior motives.

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 young master Zekai complained softly, "She's just a woman, why is Father being so polite to her?"

Upon hearing this, Li Jiacheng abruptly turned around and glared at his youngest son, a sharp glint in his eyes: "Shut your mouth! No one will think you're mute if you don't speak. Look at his demeanor and bearing; what kind of scum have you found!"

The eldest son, Zeju, quickly smoothed things over, saying, "Second brother, why be so petty? Father was just saying a few polite words. There's no loss to him. If word gets out, it will only make Father seem kind and approachable to his juniors."

Li Jiacheng nodded, secretly agreeing that his eldest son was indeed steady, capable of shouldering great responsibilities, and reliable for the family business.

"Remember this: it may take countless hours and money to befriend someone; but it may only take a single sentence to offend someone!"

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

I can confidently say that when we pass away, the successors of all the wealthy families in Hong Kong combined would not be a match for Song Ci alone.

Li Zekai remained unconvinced: "Song Ci is indeed shrewd and capable, but Father is overestimating him. There are many capable people in Hong Kong's wealthy families, and many of my brothers are equally outstanding, more than capable of managing the family business."

Li Jiacheng shook his head in disappointment. His youngest son was so ignorant that he was hopeless. He was too lazy to waste any more words and turned to walk towards the crowd.

"Good evening, Mr. Li!" "Welcome, Mr. Li!" "Hello, Uncle Li!"

Amidst a chorus of greetings, Li Jiacheng walked slowly forward, nodding frequently in response.

On the other side, the eyes of several socialites and wealthy women in Hong Kong all fell on Liu Shishi as she entered the inner room.

In a corner, Li Zi, who had long since retired from acting, gestured towards Liu Shishi with her lip: "Jia Xin, I didn't expect that person to be here today as well."

Li Jiaxin, who was once the most beautiful woman in the world, turned her head upon hearing the voice, and when she saw that the person was Liu Shishi, who had once caused her to fall.

A mocking smile curled at the corner of his lips: "I never expected that even Asia's richest man would send his wife to curry favor with the Huo family."

"Speaking of which, you two are old acquaintances. Why don't you go over and say hello?" Li Zi chuckled, her words carrying a subtle hint of provocation.

"Who has known her before?" Li Jiaxin scoffed, but a hint of barely perceptible awe flashed in his eyes.

Last year, she had a conflict with Liu Shishi. Not only was she severely reprimanded by her father-in-law, Xu Shixun, but all her accounts were also frozen. She lived a very difficult time during that period and finally got through the crisis with the help of her ex-boyfriend, Da Liu.

Seeing that Li Jiaxin, who was not usually very quick-witted, could actually hold back his temper and not take the bait, Li Zi was slightly disappointed. There was no good show to watch.

Among the socialites present, there were none like Li Jiaxin and Li Zi, who came from ordinary backgrounds but later married into wealthy families, their honor and disgrace entirely dependent on their husbands' families.

Several of them come from wealthy families, both their husbands' and fathers', and they are the core figures in the entire Hong Kong socialite circle.

Lin Tian'er, the heiress of the Lixin Group, chuckled and teased, "Siwei, your Huo family really has prestige. Even the wife of the richest man in the north has come. It's quite impressive if word gets out."

Huo Siwei pouted. Ever since her grandfather passed away, her father and eldest uncle had been at odds, and the relationship between the eldest and second branches of the Huo family had reached a freezing point.

Liu Shishi's presence was meant to enhance the prestige of the first wife's family, and had nothing to do with the second wife's family.

"Should we go over and say hello?" Guo Huiguang's eyes flashed with interest. She was born into the Guo family, the richest sugar tycoon in Malaysia.

Lin Tian'er glanced at Liu Shishi, who seemed out of place in the atmosphere of the meeting: "Forget it, she probably doesn't even understand Cantonese. She's not like us."

Several Hong Kong socialites whispered among themselves, but what they saw was a scene they had never expected: Liu Shishi, under the guidance of Huo Zhengting, the head of the Huo family, took a seat at the head table.

Lin Tian'er was so shocked that her mouth gaped open, and she couldn't speak for a long time: "How is that possible? What has she done to deserve this!"

Huo Siwei rubbed her eyes, feeling that the scene before her was quite dreamlike. She naturally understood that those who could sit at the main table at the wedding of the eldest son of the Huo family were all distinguished guests whom the Huo family respected greatly.

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

Over there, Huo Zhengting, in his capacity as the head of the family, was introducing the guests at the main table to Liu Shishi:
The four officials and their wives, IOC Vice President Thomas and his wife, and two political figures—each a prominent figure—subtly revealed the Huo family's extensive and powerful network of connections.

The atmosphere at the head table was harmonious. Although it was her first time attending such a wedding, Liu Shishi remained calm and composed, chatting and laughing with the four wives of the officials. Occasionally, she would even speak fluent English with Mrs. Thomas.

At this moment, Liu Shishi felt a surge of pride. When she entered, she had already noticed the mocking glances from those socialites and wealthy women; they were probably all waiting to see her make a fool of herself.

But unfortunately, with Mr. Song around, she felt completely confident. She didn't need to deliberately integrate into the so-called high society circle; wherever she was, that place became the core of the circle.

Li Jiaxin, who was not far away, secretly rejoiced that she hadn't impulsively gone forward to cause trouble. Even her father-in-law wasn't qualified to sit at the Huo family's main table.

At this moment, even the most obtuse person could see the clues from the attitude of the Huo family and the distinguished guests at the main table towards Liu Shishi. Clearly, the richest man in the north had wealth and influence far beyond what everyone imagined.

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

Behind Li Zhaoji, Xu Ziqi, who was busy taking care of his father-in-law, was stunned when he saw Liu Shishi. The woman who had once made him jealous had appeared before him in such a dazzling way, which was truly unexpected.

(End of this chapter)