Lu Chen certainly didn't possess the gift of foresight, nor could he have anticipated the unexpected turn of events at this charity gala.
Liang Zhihao's sudden attack, though utterly baffling, forced Lu Chen to realize his oversight: he should have familiarized himself with the event's protocol beforehand, instead of arriving unprepared.
Of course, he had brought his checkbook, assuming that money would suffice.
But the reality proved otherwise.
Seeing Lu Chen's stunned expression, Liang Zhihao wore an "I knew it" smirk and burst into loud laughter. "Ha ha! You really are from the Mainland, aren't you? No wonder you don't know our rules here!"
"Let me enlighten you: at Sister Jing's charity gala, all auction items are contributed by the guests themselves!"
His laughter rang out, drawing the attention of many other guests.
Liang Zhihao was clearly trying to embarrass Lu Chen!
Lu Chen remained composed, but Shu Jing was on the verge of losing her patience, her delicate face hardening with frost.
Shu Jing had always been known for her good temper, but Liang Zhihao's relentless heckling of her invited guest was a direct affront to her dignity.
There were already dozens of guests in the hall.
Before Shu Jing could speak, Liang Jiaxing preemptively rebuked his nephew: "Zhihao, your rudeness is unacceptable! Stop referring to him as 'from the Mainland.' We are all Miss Shu Jing's guests here. Stop stirring up trouble!"
Liang Zhihao, deeply respectful of his uncle, shrank back and fell silent.
Liang Jiaxing then turned to Lu Chen with a sincere apology: "Mr. Lu, please accept my sincerest apologies. My nephew is unruly and lacks proper decorum. Please don't take his behavior personally."
His sincerity was impeccable, leaving no room for criticism. Yet Lu Chen couldn't shake the feeling that something was off, especially the way the word "rules" grated on his ears.
'Sly old fox!' Lu Chen cursed inwardly, maintaining a flawless facade, not betraying the slightest irritation.
He smiled and said, "Mr. Liang, you flatter me. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Since these are the rules in Hong Kong, I should naturally abide by them. I must also thank your nephew for the reminder."
Turning to Li Zhen, who was standing beside him, Lu Chen said, "Get one of my business cards and a pen."
Li Zhen had witnessed the entire exchange, her heart a mix of anxiety and guilt.
Tonight marked Lu Chen's debut in Hong Kong's high society social circles and the beginning of his foray into the local entertainment industry. Such a pivotal event, and she, as his assistant secretary, had completely forgotten to brief him on the charitable gala's etiquette.
These charity galas, typically organized by celebrities and socialites, invite close friends from the entertainment industry and high-society figures. Attendees are expected to donate auction items, such as watches, calligraphy scrolls, jewelry, or even unused designer bags.
During the event, auction items are presented one by one. Participants can either bid on their own items to reclaim them or compete with others for items they desire. However, it's generally considered bad form to drive up auction prices too high, making it more of a social game than a serious fundraiser.
Li Zhen, having attended two charity banquets before, was well-versed in the customs.
'This was a dereliction of duty.'
As Li Zhen was still pondering how to rectify her mistake, Lu Chen unexpectedly asked her for his business card and a pen.
"Uh..."
She stammered her agreement, hastily retrieving Lu Chen's business card and signature pen from her bag.
Lu Chen's business cards, however, had been freshly printed just that day.
'Why is Lu Chen taking out his business card now? Surely he's not going to give one to Liang Jiaxing, is he?'
'That would be a complete joke!'
But Lu Chen had no such intention. He took the card and pen from Li Zhen, wrote a few words on the back, and handed it to Shu Jing.
Lu Chen smiled. "Sister Jing, this will be my charity auction item tonight."
Shu Jing took the card, her gaze sweeping over it, first in confusion, then in sudden realization. She pursed her lips and smiled. "This will definitely be the most unique item at the auction tonight, Lu Chen. Thank you!"
Lu Chen inclined his head with elegant grace. "You're too kind, Sister Jing."
As the two bantered, Liang Jiaxing and his nephew Liang Zhihao, who were standing nearby, grew increasingly curious.
They couldn't fathom what Lu Chen was up to. How could a few words scribbled on a business card become an auction item, let alone one that earned such high praise from Shu Jing?
Neither man could snatch the business card from Shu Jing's hand to examine it closely. Liang Jiaxing, with his deep-seated composure, maintained a normal facade, but Liang Zhihao's darting eyes and restless demeanor bordered on the comical.
Shu Jing found the uncle-nephew pair exceedingly annoying, even regretting having given them an invitation. She tucked Lu Chen's business card away and smiled warmly at him. "Since it's your first time in Hong Kong, let me introduce you to some of my friends."
Lu Chen eagerly accepted. "That would be wonderful, Sister Jing. Thank you."
Turning to the Liang duo, Shu Jing added, "Please excuse me, gentlemen. I must take my leave."
The pair forced polite smiles, mumbled assurances that it was no trouble, and grudgingly withdrew.
Relieved to be rid of the Liang duo, Shu Jing visibly relaxed. She murmured to Lu Chen, "I'm so sorry about that. President Liang might have some... intentions towards me, but I'm not considering romantic relationships right now."
Lu Chen nodded understandingly.
No wonder Liang Jiaxing was wearing that strained, insincere smile, he clearly saw Lu Chen as a rival.
Liang Zhihao's attitude, on the other hand, was far more intriguing.
Through this wealthy heir, Lu Chen finally experienced firsthand the stale aura of superiority and xenophobic mindset prevalent among certain segments of Hong Kong's elite.
Over the past few decades, the Mainland's development had far outstripped Hong Kong's. It was no longer synonymous with poverty and backwardness. International metropolises like Capital City, Huhai, and Shinkai City boasted living standards on par with, and in some respects even surpassing, Hong Kong's.
Yet some Hong Kongers remained blind to or deliberately ignored this reality, clinging to past glories and refusing to acknowledge the Mainland market's immense, irreplaceable resources. This self-imposed isolation had led to stagnation in many areas, lagging behind the times.
Hong Kong's once-glorious film and television industry serves as a prime example.
What Lu Chen found particularly intriguing was Shu Jing's directness with him, as if confiding in a true friend. This display of trust undoubtedly narrowed the distance between them.
Through Shu Jing's introductions, Lu Chen met several prominent figures in Hong Kong's entertainment industry, including CEOs of film and television companies, editors-in-chief of entertainment magazines, and a few A-list celebrities.
Aside from the minor mishap earlier, his debut into Hong Kong's social circles had gotten off to a promising start.
(End of Chapter)
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