Chapter 890
The Queen's Gift
At 10 a.m., the entire route from the Governor's Palace to the Peninsula Hotel was under the highest level of security.
Royal Air Force Sea King helicopters hovered at low altitudes, while on the ground, a triple security line consisting of the Hong Kong Police Force, the G4 VIP Protection Group of the British Army in Hong Kong, and the security team of Universal Security Company stood ready.
Several luxurious black Rolls-Royces, the official cars of the Governor's Mansion, slowly drove out of the Governor's Mansion.
The Rolls-Royce in the middle had its windows closed, allowing passersby to clearly see the Queen waving to them.
Her presence alone constituted a historical moment, marking her first private attendance at the wedding of a non-royal during her reign, making it a truly special visit.
The BBC cameras, broadcasting the entire event live, captured this moment, and the commentator's voice was filled with amazement: "We are witnessing history as Her Majesty the Queen travels halfway around the world to Hong Kong in the Far East to officiate the wedding of a young Chinese businessman who is not yet thirty years old."
This was not merely a manifestation of personal friendship, but a reaffirmation by the British Empire of the special status of this Pearl of the Orient.
The route from the Governor's House to the Peninsula Hotel was already packed with citizens who had come after hearing the news.
Outside the police cordon, tens of thousands of Hong Kong residents waved Union Jack flags and homemade welcome banners, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the crowd.
As the Rolls-Royce Phantom royal limousine carrying the Queen slowly drove by, the crowd erupted in enthusiastic cheers.
"Queen! Queen!"
"God save the Queen!"
Welcome to Hong Kong!
At this moment, the streets on both sides were practically deserted.
For a generation that grew up during the colonial era, the Queen's arrival carries complex emotional connotations, serving as both an echo of past glories and a testament to the city's international standing.
Of course, Lin Haoran, who grew up under the red flag in his previous life, certainly didn't have this feeling.
Reporters from around the world crowded the surrounding streets, with cameras from CNN, BBC, and NHK set up high.
A senior BBC presenter said excitedly into the camera, "Viewers, we are witnessing a historic breakthrough!"
Buckingham Palace had never before agreed to allow the monarch to officiate at a wedding for a non-royal member in a private capacity, breaking a centuries-old tradition!
Despite objections from some royal advisors who cited it as 'unconventional,' Her Majesty the Queen insisted that Mr. Lam Ho-yin was not only an outstanding businessman but also a key figure in connecting the East and the West and stabilizing Hong Kong's economy.
This decision itself represents a reassessment and the highest level of recognition by the British Empire of the future influence of this jewel of the Far East!
Meanwhile, a TVB reporter from Hong Kong passionately shouted into the camera: "Dear viewers, Mr. Lin Haoran from Hong Kong, at less than thirty years old, has managed to have Her Majesty the Queen break with centuries of tradition and personally officiate at our wedding!"
What an honor, what a source of pride! This is not only Mr. Lin's personal success, but also the pride of all of us in Hong Kong!
Look, the Queen's motorcade is entering the Peninsula Hotel area!
The camera shifts to the main entrance of the Peninsula Hotel, which has been transformed into a sea of flowers, with a red carpet stretching from the driveway into the depths of the lobby.
On both sides of the red carpet, top global media outlets were already on high alert, with reporters from more than fifty countries crowding the area.
The air was filled with the rich aroma of fine champagne and air-freighted flowers, which mingled strangely with the salty sea breeze blowing from Victoria Harbour, as if metaphorically representing the fusion of Western luxury and Eastern heritage in this wedding.
The convoy slowly came to a stop.
The first to disembark were the Governor of Hong Kong, Sir Murray MacLehose, and his wife. As the highest-ranking officials accompanying him today, they were the first to enter the hotel.
Normally, the governor's personal visit would be enough to attract attention.
But today, the Governor is nothing more than a green leaf to set off the flowers.
The real focus was on the Rolls-Royce Phantom that followed closely behind, bearing a prominent royal crest.
It came to a steady stop in the very center of the red carpet, under the watchful eyes of the crowd.
Sunlight shone on the gleaming black car, reflecting the surrounding crowd of people and the flashing camera lenses.
A waiter dressed in a crisp royal uniform and wearing white gloves stepped forward with almost ritualistic precision and gently opened the car door.
A foot clad in a classic, comfortable beige low-heeled leather shoe stepped out and landed firmly on the scarlet carpet.
Then, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was fully revealed to the world.
Today she chose a light lilac purple suit, with a matching hat adorned with delicate silk flowers, and a pearl necklace around her neck that exuded a gentle elegance.
Even though he is nearing sixty, his royal demeanor, honed over the years, still leaves the entire audience breathless.
Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, followed closely behind, dressed in his standard morning suit, and nodded to the crowd.
"Your Majesty! Look here!"
"Your Highness! Over here!"
The sound of camera shutters was like a torrential downpour, and the flashes illuminated the entrance to the Peninsula Hotel as if it were daytime.
Shouts in various languages and the sound of camera shutters intertwined to create a boiling, noisy, and exciting wave of sound.
The BBC's live broadcast followed the Queen closely, and the commentator's voice trembled slightly with excitement as he spoke rapidly: "Her Majesty has arrived at the Peninsula Hotel. She looks to be in excellent condition, calm and composed!"
Please note that the hotel behind her is not just a hotel today; it is a temporary hub of global power and capital!
We saw the Governor of Hong Kong, and countless familiar faces, all of them waiting, waiting for the union of this newlywed couple!
This is an unprecedented sight, a highly symbolic salute from the old order to the new forces!
Lin Haoran, the protagonist of the wedding, was already waiting at the hotel lobby entrance with many bigwigs.
Lin Haoran was dressed in a black morning suit hand-sewn by a renowned designer. He stood tall and exuded composure.
Beside him, Guo Xiaohan wore a pure white wedding dress. Although the process was simplified due to her pregnancy, her elegance and happiness were not diminished in the slightest.
Upon seeing the Queen enter the lobby accompanied by the Governor and his wife, Lin Haoran and Guo Xiaohan stepped forward to greet her with proper etiquette.
"Your Majesty, His Highness the Prince of Wales, welcome to our home." Lin Haoran bowed slightly and said in fluent English, his demeanor composed.
Her Majesty the Queen wore a gentle smile, her gaze lingering on the young couple before her for a moment.
She glanced at Guo Xiaohan for a moment, then said to Lin Haoran, "Mr. Lin, thank you for your invitation. I am very happy to witness this important moment for outstanding young people in Hong Kong. On behalf of the Royal Family, I would like to present you with a congratulatory gift and wish you a long and happy life together."
As soon as he finished speaking, a royal aide next to Prince Charles presented him with a dark blue velvet-covered tray, on which rested an exquisite wooden box inlaid with jewels.
The attendant stepped forward and, at the Queen's signal, presented the tray to Lin Haoran and Guo Xiaohan.
The Queen smiled and said, "This is a brooch from the Victorian era, set with diamonds and sapphires by the royal jewelers of the time, symbolizing loyalty and eternity."
Today, I give this to you, wishing your marriage to be as strong as a diamond and as deep and serene as a sapphire.
These words not only caused the media at the scene to frantically take pictures, but even the worldly Chinese business tycoons and foreign dignitaries around them were slightly moved.
Royal jewels, especially those of historical significance, are rarely given as gifts to private individuals, particularly non-aristocratic members.
The value of this brooch far exceeds monetary value; it represents the British Royal Family's extraordinary blessing and approval of this marriage, and its symbolic significance is comparable to a nuclear bomb.
Lin Haoran looked slightly surprised.
It seems that the Queen did put a lot of effort into this wedding!
Although he wasn't particularly fond of the gift, he accepted the tray with a solemn expression and both hands.
At the same time, she bowed deeply and said, "My wife and I are deeply grateful for Her Majesty's kindness and blessings."
This precious gift will be treasured for generations to come, as a symbol of our family's highest honor and responsibility.
Guo Xiaohan also bowed gracefully, clearly very excited.
This unexpected royal gift caused a huge stir among the guests present.
Many people realize that this is no longer just attending a wedding; they are witnessing a special relationship.
At this moment, Lin Haoran's status in everyone's eyes rose even higher.
If they knew that it wasn't just the Queen who sent such a precious gift, but also the mainland that sent a handwritten scroll inscribed with "A loyal son of Hong Kong, a peerless national hero" and a priceless jade pendant, the shock and assessment would likely have increased by several orders of magnitude.
Of course, the extremely heavy scroll and jade pendant had already been carefully placed away by Lin Haoran.
For Lin Haoran, the gifts from the mainland should not be made public for the time being.
After all, Hong Kong is still under colonial rule. If he goes too far, he will have a hard time getting by in Hong Kong and will definitely be targeted everywhere.
This is not what he wanted to see.
The Queen's gift symbolizes the old empire opening its doors to new forces, and this recognition has immediate and significant practical meaning in the current Hong Kong and international context. The scroll bearing the inscription "Unparalleled National Hero," however, represents a deeper and more fundamental endorsement from the bloodline, pointing towards the future and symbolizing an ultimate responsibility and expectation that transcends geographical boundaries.
Both are important, but at this moment, it is the most appropriate choice to let the Queen's goodwill and blessings be the focus of the spotlight.
This scene was captured by reporters on the spot, and flashes from cameras rained down once again.
This brief meeting, lasting only a few dozen seconds, carries a symbolic significance far exceeding that of any commercial contract.
One is a queen who ruled the Commonwealth for decades, representing the old world's order and traditional glory.
One is a young Chinese businessman who rose to prominence in the Eastern colonies, symbolizing the nascent power of capital and the future.
Their handshake and conversation were in themselves a powerful historical scene.
After a brief welcome and gift-giving ceremony, the Queen and the Prince, led by the Governor and his wife and hotel staff, proceeded to the Royal Suite on the top floor for a short rest.
As the Queen and her entourage disappeared behind the private elevator doors, the tense atmosphere in the lobby seemed to relax for a moment, but it was quickly replaced by another kind of excitement.
The highlight of the wedding is about to begin.
Lin Haoran gently put his arm around Guo Xiaohan's waist and asked in a low voice, "How are you feeling? Would you like to sit in the lounge over there and have some water?"
His eyes were full of concern. After all, Guo Xiaohan was pregnant and had been standing for so long, experiencing such intense flashing lights and high-pressure social situations.
Lin Haoran and Guo Xiaohan got up early this morning.
Because Guo Xiaohan was pregnant, many steps were omitted after careful consideration.
For example, the wedding procession.
For example, the church wedding ceremony was changed to a more private and controlled ceremony at the Peninsula Hotel.
After all, the early stages of pregnancy are a very sensitive period. If you overwork yourself and cause accidents such as miscarriage, it would be a regret that no one wants to see.
Therefore, with the consent of both sets of parents and elders, both parties unanimously decided to simplify and adjust the wedding process to the greatest extent possible, prioritizing Guo Xiaohan's health and comfort.
Although many traditional steps have been simplified, the essential sense of ritual has not been lost.
Early in the morning, Lin Haoran and Guo Xiaohan, accompanied by their respective parents, completed a simple yet solemn tea ceremony at their home in Shi Xundao Villa.
They then went directly to the Peninsula Hotel to prepare for welcoming many important guests and the subsequent ceremony.
So, the two of them were indeed busy all morning.
Hearing her husband's concern, Guo Xiaohan felt a surge of warmth in her heart.
She shook her head and said softly, "It's okay, Haoran. It just feels like a dream. When Her Majesty the Queen spoke to me just now, my heart was beating so fast, but I felt more happy and proud."
Guo Xiaohan was born in Malaysia, which was also a British colony in the past. Therefore, like many Hong Kong citizens, she holds the Queen of England in high esteem.
To be able to receive Her Majesty the Queen's blessings and gifts so closely at this moment is indeed an unforgettable and glorious moment in her life.
Lin Haoran smiled and squeezed her hand: "Relax, you're the star today, just enjoy it all. Be sure to tell me if you get tired."
"Okay, I understand, Brother Haoran!" Guo Xiaohan replied happily.
After escorting the Queen to the elevator, Lin Haoran looked at Bao Yugang and the others.
Bao Yugang recovered exceptionally well after the surgery. He had a rosy complexion, walked steadily, and his eyes sparkled with intelligence. He seemed to have gained more open-mindedness and clarity than before he fell ill.
"Haoran, you were neither humble nor arrogant, and you were calm and composed when dealing with Her Majesty the Queen. You have earned us Chinese people a lot of face!"
"This kind of magnanimity and courage is something we old guys might not have had when we were young!" Bao Yugang said with a smile.
Facing this business tycoon who was both a mentor and a friend, Lin Haoran smiled and said, "Uncle Bao, you flatter me. If it weren't for your pioneering efforts and the hard work of all the seniors who laid the foundation and created opportunities and a stage for us younger generations, how could we have reached where we are today?"
We always stand on the shoulders of giants.
These words are sincere, expressing both respect and highlighting the importance of inheritance and the opportunities presented by the times.
Upon hearing this, Li Jiacheng, Zheng Yutong, Guo Desheng, and others around him had different expressions, but most of them showed agreement or emotion.
Li Jiacheng was particularly complicated. He had to admit that Lin Haoran not only surpassed his teacher in business tactics, but also far exceeded his peers in interpersonal skills and vision, and was even comparable to veterans who had been immersed in the business world for decades.
"Haha, that sounds so nice!"
Bao Yugang laughed heartily, then turned to look at Guo Xiaohan with a kind gaze, "Guo family girl, you are truly radiant today! Haoran is so lucky to have married you!"
If he ever dares to upset you again, just come to Uncle Bao. Uncle will back you up!
Guo Xiaohan smiled shyly, feeling a warm glow in her heart: "Thank you, Uncle Bao. Haoran is very good to me."
At this moment, Guo Xiaohan's uncle, Guo Henian, also said with a smile, "Bao Sheng is right. It is indeed a blessing for Xiaohan to marry Haoran."
Guo Henian looked at the perfect couple before him, his face filled with undisguised satisfaction.
Guo's father looked at Lin Haoran and said earnestly, "Haoran, from now on, Xiaohan is entrusted to you. You must respect and love each other and work together."
Seeing you all doing so well makes me, as your elder, happier than anything else.
Lin Haoran nodded solemnly: "Father-in-law, rest assured, I will take good care of Xiaohan and never let her suffer any grievances."
Other prominent Chinese business leaders in the vicinity also offered their blessings.
Li Jiacheng pushed up his glasses, his smile tinged with complex emotions: "Mr. and Mrs. Lin are a match made in heaven. Today's grand event will surely become a legendary tale in Hong Kong."
While they were exchanging pleasantries, the hotel's general manager, Anderson, strode over and respectfully said to Lin Haoran, "Mr. Lin, Madam, the 'Kowloon Hall' is ready, and the guests are taking their seats in an orderly manner."
The emcee asked if the ceremony could begin.
Lin Haoran and Guo Xiaohan exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with anticipation.
He checked his watch again to confirm the time.
“Okay, we’ll head over now.” Lin Haoran nodded to Anderson, then politely greeted Bao Yugang, Guo Henian and other elders, “Uncle Bao, Father-in-law, Uncle Guo, esteemed business leaders, please excuse us for a moment.”
"Go quickly, go quickly, important business is more important!" Bao Yugang waved with a smile.
Lin Haoran carefully helped Guo Xiaohan as they walked towards the "Kowloon Hall" in the main wing of the hotel, surrounded by the best man, bridesmaids, and close relatives of both sides.
That will be where they complete their sacred ceremony, and it will also be the starting point for the next climax of this wedding of the century.
The corridor leading to the "Kowloon Hall" has now been transformed into a global power corridor.
Along the way, they met with distinguished guests from all over the world. They chatted with each other, using the wedding as an important platform for their exchange, discussing everything from global interest rate trends and oil supply and demand fluctuations to semiconductor technology barriers.
This place has become a mobile global economic summit.
Warren Buffett was talking with the chairman of Credit Suisse in front of a Chinese landscape painting when he saw Lin Haoran and his entourage. Buffett flashed his signature benevolent smile and raised his champagne glass.
Lin Haoran smiled and nodded.
Not far away, Dr. Kissinger and Saudi Oil Minister Yamani walked and talked, accompanied by a translator. The two looked serious and seemed to be discussing the situation in the Middle East.
Upon seeing the newlyweds, they paused their conversation. Dr. Kissinger nodded slightly, and Yamani offered a blessing in Arabic, which the interpreter promptly translated: "May God bless you."
Steve Jobs walked briskly alone, seemingly oblivious to the priceless works of art on either side of him, his black turtleneck shirt standing out starkly against the formal attire around him.
When his eyes met Lin Haoran's, he smiled and said loudly in simple English, "Congratulations."
His tone remained direct, but lacked its usual sharpness.
In the shadow of the colonnade, George Soros, holding a glass of water, observed the flow of people with a blank expression.
As Lin Haoran passed by, his gaze swept over them without lingering, as if he were merely glancing at an ordinary social scene. He then looked out the window at the view of Victoria Harbour, his eyes behind his glasses unfathomable.
These powerful figures, who are usually scattered around the world and rarely seen, have gathered here because of this wedding.
Their very presence silently proclaimed the extraordinary significance of this wedding. (End of Chapter)