Chapter 397: line with translation of chapter title

Since finishing Lu Bin Sun's wedding, Li Xin has been idle; this sunset-red wedding was held very lively.

As for Hall Zhaotang's matter, Li Xin has kept it in mind; this matter has been handed over to Lu Bin Sun to handle, this old man has a team of financial elites under him, and Hall Zhaotang's main business is banking, so it's a perfect professional match.

On December 6, Li Xin received a call from the He family: the King of Aodao, the Shadow Aodao Governor Mr. He, has passed away.

December 9.

Aodao.

Mr. He's funeral was held in Aodao; after Governor Gao Sida learned of it, he believed a grand ceremony must be held, and the broad residents of Aodao also hoped for such a ceremony.

China General mobilized all responsible persons, including those engaged in garment making, cloth, etc., all matters related to the sacrifice; using only one night, they set up a large memorial service at New Port.

Over ten thousand people came to the scene, the spectacle was extremely grand.

As the pallbearer designated by Mr. He before his death, Li Xin dressed solemnly, supporting the coffin in the last row.

At the front row leading was someone who cannot be named, and the other was the Governor.

In the Gangdao-Aodao region, pallbearers are usually the deceased's siblings, close friends, or very close persons.

These people are usually those the deceased most trusted and relied upon in life; they accompany the deceased on the final journey, entrusting their grief.

Sometimes, people with higher social prestige and status are also invited to serve as pallbearers for the deceased, even if their relationship with the deceased is not particularly close.

This situation reflects respect for the deceased and acknowledgment of their social status.

Pallbearers can be persons outside the family, mainly to care for the family's emotions, avoiding the family becoming overly grief-stricken during the procession.

In some cases, the requirements for pallbearers are stricter: they cannot be immediate family members, but must be close friends of the deceased or persons highly approved.

Li Xin did not know Mr. He's thoughts, yet he still carried out this will, even though Li Xin lacked the qualifications to be a pallbearer.

A single character 'mourning' placed at the front of the condolence couplet, without a signature.

However, judging by the position, the sender of this condolence couplet must have a very high status; otherwise it would not be placed there.

Li Xin glanced at it and then paid no mind; regardless of who sent it, Mr. He could handle it.

After the ceremony ended, He Qiong linked arms with Li Xin and returned to the He family mansion.

In formal occasions, only He Qiong can accompany him.

Just as they entered the door, He Yi came running out, lacking her usual liveliness.

Instead she softly said, "Elder sister, brother-in-law, you're back."

Li Xin nodded at her and went straight into the main hall.

He Xin followed them into the hall not long after they returned.

He glanced at Li Xin and said, "A Xin, what exactly is your relationship with the He family? How did you end up serving as a pallbearer?"

Li Xin took off his jacket and threw it on the sofa, rubbed his face, then said, "Uncle He, I have only met Mr. He twice: once in the hospital, and today."

As for why Mr. He chose me as pallbearer, I am not clear, but I sincerely respect Mr. He.

It is not his status that I respect, but his deeds.

Li Xin says this sincerely: in 1940, Mr. He arrived in Aodao and immediately threw himself into emergency economic relief work.

Facing material shortages caused by the Japanese aggression, he risked his life, secretly went to Japanese-occupied Gangdao, successfully obtained the urgently needed banknote paper, and stabilized Aodao's financial system.

This action not only saved the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of residents, but also established in the people's hearts an irreplaceable towering image.

As the war intensified, Aodao became a refuge for refugees, and living standards plummeted.

As a capable businessman, Mr. He repeatedly smuggled food and medicine from the mainland using his personal resources and connections, greatly alleviating the residents' difficulties.

Mr. He's deeds earned him high prestige in Aodao's Chinese community.

In 1966, Sino-Portuguese relations were tense, the situation in Aodao was severe, and Mr. He again demonstrated outstanding mediation ability.

He shuttled between the Chinese and Portuguese authorities, successfully eased the crisis, and avoided large-scale conflict.

Mr. He's calm and foresight won Aodao precious development time.

Mr. He also hung a sign in Aodao reading "Aodao Chinese Representative He Xian Office".

This office is located on the second floor of Da Feng Yin Hao, established by Mr. He to facilitate communication and handling of affairs with Macau residents.

Every morning from nine to ten, Mr. He would receive residents here, attentively listen to their opinions and needs, and do his best to solve their problems.

If he encountered matters that could not be handled immediately, he would report to the relevant departments and, using his wisdom and influence, strive for rights until the goal was met; thus the title 'Shadow Aodao Governor' came about.

Therefore, whenever Aodao is mentioned, Mr. He is an unavoidable figure.

As for the old He sitting opposite Li Xin, compared to Mr. He, he's not worth mentioning!

It's not that Li Xin looks down on him; He Xin and Mr. He simply cannot be compared, they are not on the same level.

This level cannot be made up by money; even if He Xin had more money, it still wouldn't suffice!

He Xin nodded, pointed at He Qiong, and asked Li Xin, "A Xin, are you really handing over your VCD business entirely to A Qiong to manage?"

Any problems?

Li Xin took out a Hua Zi cigarette, and He Yi picked up a lighter to light it for him.

He Xin slapped his thigh and said, "A Xin, it's not that I underestimate my daughter; A Qiong is capable, but her experience is too shallow."

This VCD is a treasure basin, or perhaps a colorless treasure basin; the Aodao casinos cannot compare with it, because their attributes differ.

You still need to keep an eye on it; relying on this treasure basin, becoming Gangdao's richest is just a matter of time, cannot be careless.

Li Xin put his arm around He Qiong's shoulder and replied nonchalantly, "Uncle He, whether I have more or less money makes no difference to me now; as for being Gangdao's richest, whoever wants to be can be, I have no interest at all."

Those financial magazines, without my consent, dare not spout nonsense unless they want to die.

As for how A Qiong shapes this business, as long as she's happy; if she makes it big, she'll be the openly richest of Gangdao, and I'll contentedly be a soft-rice guy.

Why be the openly richest? No need for me to say; Uncle He, you also know how many big crocodiles lurk beneath the surface.

As for other matters, there's no need to worry; I absolutely trust A Qiong.

Hmm, these comforting words, this guy just spouts them off the top of his head.

He Qiong secretly glared at He Xin, then gave Li Xin a silky-eyed look.

In my heart I muttered, still it's my dear dad!

Not at all believing her ability; still, it's the family man who is dependable, unconditionally trusting her—He Qiong now looking at Li Xin, just had a feeling.

This man is really handsome!