Where has the $25.3 million gone? That is the mystery after reports about the interior design of Hong Kong's newest outpost - our Beijing office.
Last week, From The Corridors pointed out that the office had cost $25.3 million for interior decoration and furniture, and asked for eyewitness reports of the luxury.
Reports received this week indicate that the Hong Kong officials must have gone to the most expensive furniture store in Beijing. The carpet and decor has been described by visitors as 'ordinary', and there isn't even a big sign saying who they are.
However, they've got the all-important flags in place, with the national flag slightly higher than the Bauhinia, as per official regulations.
The cost, incidentally, works out at $700,000 per employee.
The other mystery about this palace is what it will do. Michael Suen Ming-yeung gave the impression this week that the row over the Court of Final Appeal was far too important for the Beijing office to offer assistance.