Hong Kong variety show: The mastermind behind the scenes is emerging.

Hong Kong Island, Deep Water Bay.

The sun was shining brightly in the afternoon.

On a seaside terrace in the Bao family home, a gentle sea breeze blows and the aroma of tea wafts through the air.

Three rattan chairs and a pot of top-quality Da Hong Pao tea.

If the three people sitting here stomped their feet, the entire Hong Kong Island would tremble.

On the left is the highly respected Elder Huo, in the middle is the host, Ship King Bao, and sitting on the right is the newly risen tycoon who has recently become incredibly prominent—Lu Chen.

This is their routine gathering of the "Red Alliance." Since the last time the three joined forces to reform the police force and even influenced the decisions of the Governor's Office to some extent, this close alliance has become the norm.

"Good tea."

Lu Chen put down the exquisite purple clay cup and smiled in admiration.

"The tea is good, but it also depends on the mood of the person drinking it." Bao Chuanwang laughed heartily, looking intently at Lu Chen. "Little Lu, you've been riding high lately. That Standard Chartered Bank incident was truly spectacular."

"I heard that when William left, he didn't even dare to look back. When the 'Standard Chartered' sign, which had hung there for decades, was taken down, all the Chinese businessmen in Central applauded!"

Old Master Huo put down his teacup, his eyes full of approval: "It's not just about venting your anger, but more importantly, you've secured a real financial cornerstone. With Lu's Bank, our Chinese-owned enterprises will have another option for financial operations in the future."

The two seniors' tone not only showed appreciation, but also a respect that regarded Lu Chen as one of their own, or even as an equal.

If a year ago, Lu Chen was still a junior in their eyes who needed to be mentored, now, with the Golden Harvest Group under his control, the acquisition of Standard Chartered Bank, and a net worth conservatively estimated at over HK$5 billion, Lu Chen truly has the weight to speak at this round table.

"You two are too kind."

Lu Chen bowed slightly, his attitude remaining humble. "My achievements are due not only to luck, but also to the current environment in Hong Kong and the joint efforts of my senior Chinese business leaders. Without Mr. Bao's decisive victory at Kowloon Wharf, and without the mediation efforts of my seniors over the years, who have upheld the backbone of the Chinese business community, even if I, Lu Chen, had three heads and six arms, I would probably have been swallowed up by those British conglomerates."

"Heroes are made by the times. I am just standing on the shoulders of giants and going with the flow."

Lu Chen spoke these words very sincerely.

In the 1960s and 70s, how arrogant were the British trading companies like Jardine Matheson, Swire, and HSBC? If Chinese people wanted to do business, they could only be subservient to them and eat their leftovers.

It is thanks to the pioneering efforts of predecessors such as the shipping magnate who abandoned his ship and went ashore, and Mr. Huo who stood firm on the patriotic front, that we have the current situation of the rise of Chinese capital.

"Hahaha! What a brilliant move to ride the wave!" The shipping magnate pointed at Lu Chen and laughed at Old Huo, "Old Huo, look at this kid! Not only are his methods ruthless, but his tongue is sweet too. So humble and composed, truly rare!"

Old Master Huo nodded and smiled, looking at Lu Chen as if he were looking at his own nephew.

After some pleasantries, the atmosphere gradually became serious. Everyone knew that this level of gathering was not just about drinking tea and having heart-to-heart talks, but also about exchanging resources.

"Mr. Bao," Lu Chen put down his teacup, sat up straight, and got to the point, "I heard that you hold approximately 6% of the shares in 'Hong Kong Island Electric'?"

Upon hearing the words "Hong Kong Island Electric Lights," the shipping magnate's eyes narrowed slightly.

"That's right," the shipping magnate nodded, not hiding anything, "A couple of years ago, I was thinking about diversification and did acquire some Hong Kong Electric shares on the secondary market. However, in order to concentrate on the battle with Wharf Holdings, the acquisition plan was shelved, and these shares have been kept to collect dividends."

At this point, Bao Chuanwang seemed to realize something, and suddenly looked up at Lu Chen, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

"Xiao Lu, you wouldn't happen to be...?"

"I want to buy it," Lu Chen said calmly, but with immense weight in his voice. "I would like to ask Mr. Bao to part with these 6% of the shares and transfer them to me."

"Regarding the price, I will use today's closing price as the benchmark and acquire it at a 20% premium."

A 20% premium is an absolutely irresistible price in today's sluggish stock market.

But what surprised the shipping magnate was not the price, but Lu Chen's ambition.

Hong Kong Island lights, what are those?

That was one of the oldest companies on Hong Kong Island, founded in 1889, which monopolized the electricity supply for the entire island.

It ranks eighth among all listed companies in Hong Kong. It is a true cash cow, a behemoth that will make money forever as long as Hong Kong Island does not sink.

More importantly, it is regarded by Jardine Matheson as one of the last strongholds of British conglomerates on Hong Kong Island. Currently, its largest shareholder is Hongkong Land Group, which owns 34% of the shares—and Hongkong Land's owner is Jardine Matheson.

"You want to acquire Hong Kong Electric?" The shipping magnate took a deep breath, his expression grave. "Little Lu, this is no joke. Hongkong Land and Jardine Matheson value Hong Kong Electric more than their own lives; it's their cash cow. Trying to snatch meat from those old foxes' mouths, especially after they lost Kowloon Wharf, is practically impossible."

"I know."

Lu Chen nodded, took a document out of his briefcase, and pushed it in front of the two of them.

"In fact, in the past two months, the trading team of Jiahe has been accumulating retail shares of HK Electric in the stock market in batches," Lu Chen said, holding up one finger. "Currently, I already hold 10% of HK Electric's shares."

"?!"

If we add the 6% held by the shipping magnate, this means that Lu Chen will become the second largest shareholder of Hong Kong Electric, possessing enough leverage to threaten Hongkong Land's controlling stake.

"Good lad," Bao, the shipping magnate, looked at the documents for a long time, then let out a long breath, his eyes full of emotion, "Truly, the younger generation is formidable. Without a word, you've already put a knife to Landmark's neck."

"Back in the day, I also had my eye on Hong Kong Electric. Unfortunately, I lacked the resources and could only choose Kowloon Wharf, which had greater strategic significance, during the great war." The shipping magnate stood up, walked to the railing, and gazed at the distant sea. "Little Lu, you asked me for this 6% stake, I'll give it to you."

The shipping magnate turned around and said decisively, "I don't need a 20% premium, just give me the market price."

"Mr. Bao, this..." Lu Chen was about to speak.

The shipping magnate waved his hand, interrupting him.

"I've made enough money. But I haven't gotten my revenge yet!" The shipping magnate's voice became firm and powerful. "Hong Kong Island is, after all, our Chinese Hong Kong Island. Now that the trend of its return to China is becoming increasingly clear, how can we let the foreigners continue to hold onto the vital arteries of people's livelihoods, such as electricity, transportation, and communications?"

"Li Chengjia took over Hutchison Whampoa, I took over Wharf Holdings, now it's your turn."

"These 6% of shares are your bullets. Take them and go get Hong Kong Electric back! Let those arrogant British tycoons see who really calls the shots in Hong Kong now!"

These words were spoken with great pride and ambition.

This is the vision of the older generation of entrepreneurs. In the face of national righteousness and the rise of Chinese capital, personal petty gains are simply not worth mentioning.

"Thank you so much, Mr. Bao!"

Lu Chen stood up and bowed solemnly to the ship king.

With this 16% stake, the takeover battle for HK Electric has effectively gained the upper hand. The remaining challenge is how to force Hongkong Land Group to the negotiating table.

After the business was over, the atmosphere became more relaxed.

Lu Chen refilled everyone's teacups, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Seniors, there is one more thing I would like to remind you of."

"Oh? What is it?" Seeing Lu Chen's serious expression, Old Huo put down his cigar.

"Regarding security," Lu Chen pointed north and then to his feet, "negotiations between the two sides have begun, and the tide has turned. Although the dust has not yet settled, it's clear to everyone that the Japanese will leave sooner or later."

"That's why I'm worried..." Lu Chen's eyes deepened, "In these last ten years or so of transition, the Hong Kong government will adopt a 'passive governance' attitude. They'll only be thinking about making a quick buck before they leave, and they'll probably become increasingly indifferent to people's livelihoods, infrastructure, and especially public security."

"Chaos is coming," Lu Chen sighed. "Although the underworld and the people were corrupt before, at least there was some order. Even the gangsters and the maggots in the shadows still had some rules. But in the future, with the police force becoming lax and supervision becoming loose, the security situation on Hong Kong Island may deteriorate rapidly. Kidnappings, armed robberies, violent crimes against the wealthy... these things will probably become increasingly common."

Looking at the two tycoons, Lu Chen said sincerely, "Both of you are very wealthy and leaders of patriotic businessmen, so you will inevitably become easy prey for those desperate criminals. Especially Mr. Bao, you often attend public events, so you must not be careless about your security."

As a time traveler, Lu Chen knew all too well what the 1980s and 90s would be like.

That was the most glorious era for Hong Kong cinema, but also the darkest era for public order.

Zhang Zhiqiang, Ye Jihuan, Ji Bingxiong... these three kingpins emerged out of nowhere, it was a crazy era when they dared to open fire with AK47s in the streets and kidnap the eldest son of the richest man to extort 1 billion yuan in cash.

However, after hearing Lu Chen's warning, Bao Chuanwang and Huo Lao exchanged a glance and nodded, but their expressions did not seem to take it too seriously.

"Little Lu, aren't you being a bit too pessimistic?" Old Huo chuckled. "Although those foreigners are unreliable, Hong Kong is still an international financial center. They wouldn't let the security deteriorate to that extent just to save face, would they?"

"Yes," Bao Chuanwang waved his hand confidently, "Besides, we have some influence in the underworld. The bigwigs of those gangs come to pay their respects every year during festivals. No one should dare to mess with us."

Seeing the two seniors' somewhat dismissive expressions, Lu Chen sighed inwardly.

They were gentlemen of the old era, accustomed to upholding rules and valuing face in the underworld.

But what they didn't know was that the approaching "big thieves" were lawless. They only cared about money, not lives, and had no shame.

"Better safe than sorry." Lu Chen didn't offer any further advice, but said meaningfully, "Anyway, if you two need anything, just let me know. My Jiahe Security has recently invested heavily in upgrading its equipment, so at least in Hong Kong, no one can beat us."

"Haha, okay! I'll definitely come to you if I need anything!"

The gathering ended in a peaceful atmosphere.

As Lu Chen got into his bulletproof car and drove away from Deep Water Bay, his eyes turned cold as he looked at the mansion receding into the distance in the rearview mirror.

"Ah Sheng."

"Boss."

"Put Old Huo and Mr. Bao on DOA's highest-level watch list," Lu Chen ordered. "Even though they don't care, we can't let our guard down. Send people to the black market to keep an eye out for any actions targeting them, just in case some unscrupulous thieves..."

"Understood," Tian Yangsheng nodded, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. "One comes, one is buried."