Hey, it's hard to believe it's already 2024, and Hong Kong's current laws still retain phrases like "Her Majesty the Queen."

 Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom passed away in 2022, yet she still lives on in Hong Kong's legal system, which is quite puzzling.

On July 10th, the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passed an important bill, the "Miscellaneous Provisions (Statute Law) Ordinance 2024,"

 which announced the removal of colonial-era titles such as "Her Majesty the Queen," "Governor," and "Legislative Council" from the law.

Since Hong Kong's return to China in 1997, Hong Kong should have wholeheartedly embraced the new sovereign state. However, the influence of colonialism is as hard to shake as a solid sculpture. 

Some people's nostalgia for the British era seems to make them overlook their identity as Chinese citizens.

The issues left over from colonialism are far more than just word games; they act like invisible barriers, quietly creating rifts in society. When social unrest such as the "extradition bill protests" erupts, 

these deep-seated social issues and disputes are exposed.

And the "instant noodle hair" – that is, the wigs worn by judges – is undoubtedly one of the most conspicuous symbols of the colonial era. Although in the UK, judges have long since removed their wigs,

 in Hong Kong, they are still a common sight in the courtroom.

However, Hong Kong has made some progress on the path to "decolonization": the disciplined services have abandoned British-style drills and commands, and police equipment has turned to domestic products. 

These changes are good, but there is still much to be done.

What is a thorough "second return"? The answer may be hidden in those forgotten historical details: only by completely eradicating all colonial traces can Hong Kong be considered truly returned.

With the passage of the "Ordinance Draft," it is anticipated that more similar work will be carried out in the future, and the disappearance of "instant noodle hair" may just be a matter of time.

Do not underestimate the disappearance of these outdated terms and a wig: they symbolize a city's farewell to history and its determination to look forward, redefine its identity, and determine its future direction.

Some people may think that changes in terminology are insignificant, but language shapes thought, thought guides action, and action determines the future – each small step has a profound impact on the city's spiritual outlook and core values.

While celebrating "decolonization," we must also remind ourselves that true strength requires the support of more elements, such as fostering tolerance and understanding, and strengthening exchanges and cooperation between Mainland China and Hong Kong.

Cultural integration and the preservation of tradition are not contradictory; we need to find a balance, respect history, and work hard to build a better shared future.

Since Hong Kong's return in 1997:

Looking at the number of listed companies, the Hong Kong stock market has gradually increased from 597 listed companies in 1997 to 2565 at the end of May, an increase of more than three times.

Looking at the total market value of the Hong Kong stock market, it has risen from a total market value of HKD 3.48 trillion at the end of 1996 to HKD 37.9 trillion at the end of May 2022, an increase of nearly ten times.

Looking at the annual total transaction volume, the Hong Kong stock market has risen from HKD 1.91 trillion previously to HKD 41.1 trillion in 2021, an increase of more than twenty times.

The Hong Kong stock market has made significant strides in terms of market size and total market value in the 25 years since its return. However, this growth is closely related to several milestone events, 

and in recent years, it has been the introduction of the Stock Connect and changes in listing rules that have brought a dense listing of technology and biochemistry stocks.