Tale of dubious realty developer

A real estate developer in Weinan, Shaanxi province, spent 1.3 million yuan ($209,000) to invite film star Cecilia Cheung to an event but did not pay his workers their wages. After the workers knelt down in desperation did he pay them their hard earned money. The authorities have to implement stricter regulations to ensure employers pay their employees in time. And celebrities should stay away from attending events organized by unscrupulous businessmen and instead help workers get their hard earned money, says an article in Guangzhou Daily. Excerpts:

The news of the realty developer spending more than a million yuan on a star but refusing to pay his workers their wages has outraged society. He invited the celebrity to draw greater attention to his company and thus make more profit.

Lack of proper information prevents us from concluding that the real estate employer withheld his employees' pay despite having enough money in his coffer.

Migrant workers are denied their due because they don't have the power to demand their salaries or sue their employers in court. And public sympathy is far from enough to get workers their wages in time. Therefore, we need strict rules to ensure that employers pay their workers in time.

Celebrities, on their part, should speak out in favor of migrant workers, demanding their salaries are paid in time and they should boycott star galas organized by dubious employers. This will not only enhance their image among the public, but also help many workers get their hard earned money.

And public opinion should shift from moral exclamation to active support for migrant workers to get their salaries in time.

Wealth an obstacle to love

Zong Fuli, daughter of China's richest man Zong Qinghou, has inherited 80 billion yuan ($12.86 billion) but cannot find a life partner even though she is in her 30s, she said she cannot tell whether her suitors love her or her money. Money, it seems, could be a source of dilemma for the superrich, says an article in China Youth Daily. Excerpts:

Education, appearance and wealth of a person do not play decisive roles in a real-life relationship. But women or men who want their better halves to be wealthy are not necessarily monsters, because love can surely sustain a relationship but one also needs money to live a decent life.

Love and marriage are social contracts that create obligations for and grant rights to both parties. Not many men can ignore the attraction of 80 billion yuan but only a handful can truly add some value and charm to wealthy woman's life. Perhaps good looks, high academic degrees and competence are no match for 80 billion yuan, but if the billionaire insists on having an "exchange of equal value" she may end up spending her life alone.

It is indeed difficult to have a fortune like hers and give it to others. But superrich Chinese should rethink the tradition of inheritance and use the money they have earned from society to benefit society. More than the heir, Zong is a "trustee" of the 80 billion yuan.

Of what use is money if it prevents one from enjoying the simple but precious things of life like love and a warm relationship?

(China Daily 01/16/2013 page9)