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

Kowloon, the "Distillery" Intelligence Center

This is Lu Chen's most mysterious and efficient intelligence heart.

Inside a huge, single-level room converted from an abandoned textile factory, dozens of state-of-the-art IBM computers hummed, and the walls were covered with densely packed maps of Hong Kong and networks of personal relationships. The air was thick with the mingled aromas of coffee and cigarettes, and dozens of intelligence analysts, wearing headsets, were listening to radio waves and recorded phone calls from all walks of life across Hong Kong's 18 districts.

Ever since Ye Guohuan started shooting AKs in the streets, keywords such as "Big Circle Boys," "arms," ​​and "robbery" have been listed as the highest priority trigger words for the intelligence network.

"Beep beep beep—"

Suddenly, the red light in front of the monitoring team responsible for Kowloon City began to flash violently.

"Mr. Rum! Something's up!" An intelligence chief abruptly ripped off his headset and strode up to "Fourth Brother," who was reviewing documents, his expression grave.

"What's going on?" Fourth Brother put down the documents in his hand, his eyes sharp.

"Our 'keyword trigger mechanism' has triggered an alarm," the intelligence chief said, pointing to the data sheet. "Starting late last night, the police's Organized Crime and Triad Bureau (OCTB) and Major Crimes Unit suddenly went on a rampage like mad dogs, sweeping through Kowloon Walled City and all the Big Circle Gang strongholds. Although they claimed it was an anti-prostitution and anti-triad operation, the keywords 'Da Dong,' 'kidnapping,' and 'Da Fu Hao' have a 90% overlap in the underground communication frequencies of Kwun Tong and Kowloon Walled City!"

"Da Dong?" Fourth Brother frowned. "That wanted criminal who robbed the gold shop a few years ago?"

"That's right. But that's not the most crucial point." The intelligence chief lowered his voice and dropped a bombshell, "Following the unusual movements of the police, we discovered that just last night, the Repulse Bay villa of Huo Zhaotang, chairman of Huo's Bank, suddenly tightened its internal security, and several plainclothes officers entered the Huo family villa in disguise."

"Police are frantically searching for Da Dong + Huo Zhaotang contacted the Commissioner of Police late at night + Huo Zhaotang himself did not attend the bank's morning meeting today," the intelligence chief concluded logically: "Mr. Rum, this most likely means—Huo Zhaotang has been kidnapped by Da Dong!"

"One of our informants works at the Huo family villa, which confirms this."

Fourth Brother's pupils suddenly contracted.

Great incident!

"Keep the news under wraps! No one is allowed to divulge a single word!"

Without any hesitation, Fourth Brother picked up the red dedicated phone line leading to the Lu family mansion.

……

Nine o'clock at night, Yau Yat Tsuen, Kowloon Tong, Luk Family Villa.

A light drizzle was falling outside the window, bringing a touch of coolness to the sweltering early summer. But inside the villa's living room, a warm and comforting atmosphere flowed, enough to melt anyone's heart.

Under the soft glow of a floor lamp, Lu Chen was wearing loose cotton loungewear, sitting on a thick, soft wool carpet.

On the sofa next to him, Ruan Mei was reclining on the cushions, watching the ATV soap opera, "The Temptation to Go Home," with a happy expression.

At this time, Ruan Mei was already six months pregnant.

Her belly was prominently protruding, clearly showing signs of pregnancy. Although her body was becoming increasingly uncomfortable due to the pregnancy, under the meticulous care of Lu Chen's top-notch nursing team—which spared no expense—including two 24-hour private doctors, four nutritionists, and six special nurses, her complexion was as rosy as an apple.

"Come on, open your mouth."

Lu Chen carefully peeled open a freshly air-freighted tangerine, removed the white pith, and fed a translucent segment of tangerine flesh to Ruan Mei's lips.

"Mmm~" Ruan Mei ate the orange like a little hamster, her eyes crinkling into crescent moons with laughter. "So sweet!"

"Eat more if it's sweet, it'll help you get more vitamins." Lu Chen smiled indulgently, gently stroking her round belly and feeling the powerful movements of the little life inside.

Beside Ruan Mei's feet, two large, furry creatures—Cola and Sprite—were lying obediently, acting as two constant-temperature "foot warmers." They rested their chins on Ruan Mei's slippers, occasionally purring contentedly. Sprite would lift its head and gently rub its wet nose against its mistress's ankle, causing Ruan Mei's lips to curl into a slight smile.

This scene depicts a peaceful and tranquil world.

"Buzz—"

The phone on the coffee table suddenly vibrated.

Lu Chen glanced at the caller ID, his eyes narrowing slightly.

It's Fourth Brother. Unless it's something extremely important, Fourth Brother would never bother him at this time.

"I'm going to answer a phone call."

Lu Chen patted Ruan Mei's hand, got up and walked to the balcony, then pressed the answer button.

"Boss, there's an emergency." On the other end of the phone, Fourth Brother's voice was low, but it revealed an unconcealable shock. "According to reliable sources, Da Dong has kidnapped Huo Zhaotang and is demanding 300 million from the Huo family. Moreover... according to our informant within the police force, that old devil Han Yili is going crazy because the police force has several hundred million in reserves in Huo's Bank, and now the entire police force is mobilized."

After listening to the report, Lu Chen tapped the railing lightly with his fingers holding the phone, looked at the scenery in the distance, and slowly curled the corners of his mouth into an extremely playful smile.

Huo Zhaotang has been kidnapped? And the police's money is in there too?

If it were Lu Chen a year ago, he might have revealed the news without hesitation and then had his traders immediately short Huo's Bank stock to make a fortune.

But now… Lu Chen shook his head.

His current wealth accumulation has reached an extremely terrifying level. Hundreds of millions of Hong Kong dollars are merely numbers to him.

What he needs more now than money is something else—power.

A power that transcends the rules and forces both the legitimate and criminal worlds to bow down to it.

"I understand," Lu Chen said calmly into the phone. "Organize all the clues about Da Dong's whereabouts, encrypt them, and send them to me. Also, have ATV's news department prepare all the drafts of negative news about the police force from the past few days, and have them ready to be dispatched at any time."

"Boss, should we leak some information?" Fourth Brother asked.

"No." A glint of light flashed in Lu Chen's eyes. "We're going to 'deliver a gift'."

……

The next day, at the Wan Chai Police Headquarters building, in the Commissioner's office.

Although the sun was shining brightly outside, a gloomy atmosphere hung over the office of Police Commissioner Han Yi-ri.

This usually imposing foreign boss was pacing anxiously back and forth in his office, his cigar crushed to pieces.

Just then, the secretary knocked on the door and came in, trembling with fear.

"Director... Mr. Lu Chen from Jiahe Group has arrived. He says he has something extremely important to discuss with you."

"Lu Chen?" Han Yili was taken aback, then frowned. "What's he doing here? I'm busy right now! Find me a reason to turn him down... Wait!"

Han Yili suddenly realized something. Lu Chen had connections everywhere, and he owned ATV, a media behemoth.

"Let him in! Quickly!"

A few minutes later, Lu Chen, dressed in a well-tailored dark blue suit, walked into the office with his signature, enigmatic smile on his face.

"Mr. Lu! What a rare guest, truly a rare guest!"

Commissioner of Police Han Yili emerged from behind his desk with a broad smile, extending both hands to warmly shake Lu Chen's.

Although he was the "top cop" in charge of 30,000 police officers, he still dared not be the slightest bit negligent when facing Lu Chen, a tycoon who controlled Hong Kong's economic lifeline and media voice.

"Director Han, I apologize for disturbing you."

Lu Chen smiled and sat down, took the coffee handed to him by his secretary, took a small sip, and then got straight to the point without any small talk.

"I'm here today to give the section chief a big gift."

"Oh? What a generous gift?" Han Yili was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and said, "Mr. Lu, you're too kind. It's our honor that you could come and guide our work..."

"Mr. Huo Zhaotang," Lu Chen put down his coffee cup, his tone as calm as if he were discussing the weather, "I heard he went missing last night? Apparently, he was invited for tea by that ruthless thug named Da Dong?"

"Clang!"

Han Yili lost her grip on the teacup lid, and it fell directly into the saucer with a crisp sound.

His smile froze instantly, and a distinct look of panic flashed in his eyes.

"Mr. Lu, where did you hear this rumor? Our police force has not received any related information..." Han Yili was still trying to argue.

"Chief, let's not beat around the bush."

Lu Chen took out a Cuban cigar from his pocket, slowly cut it open, lit it, and exhaled a puff of smoke.

"Da Dong. Three hundred million. And... the five hundred million in reserves that the police force keeps in the underground vault of Huo's Bank."

With each word Lu Chen uttered, Han Yili's expression grew increasingly grim. When the word "reserve fund" came up, Han Yili seemed to have lost all her strength, slumping back in her chair.

He knew that Lu Chen wasn't bluffing him; the other party genuinely possessed all the intelligence.

"Cough cough... Mr. Lu..." Han Yili wiped away a cold sweat, his tone softening instantly, even carrying a hint of pleading, "This matter... absolutely cannot get out. Once it does, Hong Kong's financial system will be in chaos, the police force will be in chaos, and I'll be finished..."

"Of course I know." Lu Chen smiled and flicked his cigarette ash. "That's why I came alone today. If I wanted to break the news, it would already be on ATV's headlines right now. Believe me, if I just mentioned 'Fok's Bank may be facing a liquidity crisis' during ATV's prime time slot, the line of bank run would stretch from Tai Po to Central by tomorrow morning."

"No! Please don't!" Han Yili nearly jumped up in fright. "Mr. Lu, we're friends! We've had pleasant collaborations before! What do you want? As long as it's kept secret, as long as this matter is suppressed, anything is negotiable!"

Seeing that the time was right, Lu Chen's smile faded, and his eyes became extremely sharp and profound. After all, he hadn't come here to extort money.

"Director Han, I am a legitimate businessman, and I also hope for the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong so that I can continue to make money."

Lu Chen stood up, walked to the desk, placed his hands on the table, and looked down at the police chief.

"Not only can I keep this secret for you for now, and report it after Huo Zhaotang is successfully rescued... but we also have considerable expertise in intelligence. I am confident that I can help you find Huo Zhaotang before the bank opens next Monday."

Upon hearing this, Han Yili's eyes lit up instantly!

If Lu Chen can really provide accurate intelligence, then this will turn a bad thing into a great thing! Not only will the crisis be resolved, but he will also be able to show off his face in front of the Governor of Hong Kong!

"Mr. Lu! If you can really do that, then you'll be a friend of our police force forever!" Han Yili was so excited he almost reached out to shake Lu Chen's hand. "What...what do you want? As long as it's within my authority, I'll definitely fulfill it!"

There's no such thing as a free lunch, and Han Yili knew this very well.

"Two conditions."

Lu Chen held up one finger.

"First, Jiahe Security Company's business now spans the globe, and we protect top billionaires and political figures. However, our current number of 'gun licenses' is far from enough," Lu Chen said calmly, but the content was extremely shocking. "I need special approval from the police department to issue Jiahe Security an additional 500 G4-level gun licenses on top of the existing ones, which also include permits for the use of automatic weapons."

Five hundred sheets?! And automatic weapons too?!

Han Yili gasped.

This isn't a security company; it's clearly trying to build a private army!

But faced with the police force's massive 500 million dollar deficit and his own personal slush fund, Han Yili gritted his teeth: "...Fine! I can grant special approval! Under the guise of 'assisting the police in counter-terrorism'! But strict registration is mandatory!"

"make a deal."

Lu Chen smiled slightly and raised his second finger.

"Secondly, it's also to alleviate the pressure on the police force. With the recent poor security situation, the wealthy are all feeling insecure. I hope that Director Han can cast the crucial vote at the Legislative Council's Security Ordinance Amendment Meeting next month."

Lu Chen stared at Han Yili and said, word by word:

"I propose granting Level 1 security license holders the power to 'use force reasonably' and 'temporarily detain suspects' when faced with a clear threat, and to provide them with maximum immunity in subsequent legal characterization."

"In other words, when my employer is in mortal danger, my bodyguards can reasonably use force to fight back, or even kill the criminals, without having to face cumbersome murder charges like ordinary citizens."

This is Lu Chen's real purpose!

A license to kill!

Although it's only "limited," and there's a lot of ambiguity involved, and it's only under the guise of "protecting employers"... despite these limitations, the benefits are obvious. Once this door is opened, Jiahe Security will no longer be ordinary security guards, but a truly semi-official violent organization!

This is unprecedented in the history of Hong Kong!

Han Yili stared wide-eyed at the ambitious young man before him. He knew that if he agreed to this condition, Lu Chen's power in Hong Kong would expand to an extremely terrifying level.

But... did he have a choice?

If he doesn't agree, the Huo family bank will go bankrupt tomorrow morning, the police force will mutini, and Han Yili will not only lose his official position but may even go to jail. Moreover, he doesn't even need to submit this proposal; he only needs to cast a vote in favor at the appropriate time to ensure his career is safe.

Weighing the pros and cons, Han Yili made the biggest compromise of his career on this sweltering afternoon.

"...As long as you can guarantee that nothing will leak out and that you can really help us find Da Dong before Monday."

Han Yili closed her eyes dejectedly, her voice hoarse, "I agree to your terms, and I will lobby those councilors I am on good terms with."

If you're going to do it, do it decisively. Consider it as making friends with this tycoon, Lu Chen.

"It's a pleasure working with you, Director."

Lu Chen reached out and smiled as he grasped Han Yili's cold, sweaty hand.

The deal is done.

As Lu Chen was leaving, he stopped at the door and turned back to give Han Yili a meaningful look.

"Oh, right, Director Han."

"The fact that Huo's Bank made such a big mistake this time shows that their risk control capabilities are very poor."

Lu Chen straightened his tie, his tone extremely casual, yet exuding an undeniable domineering air:

"For the sake of the police force's financial security, I think... perhaps we could consider switching to a more reputable and secure bank for future payroll and reserve fund deposits?"

"For example... our restructured and listed 'Lu's Bank'?"

Han Yili paused for a moment, then nodded bitterly: "I will... seriously consider it."

Walk out of the police headquarters.

The sunlight was extremely bright.

Lu Chen put on sunglasses and got into the back seat of the black Rolls-Royce.

"Boss, is it all done?" Tian Yangsheng asked, who was driving.

"nailed it."

Looking out the window at the bustling Central district, Lu Chen's eyes flashed with a cold and indifferent air of complete control.

"Notify Fourth Brother to focus on finding the locations of people nicknamed Da Dong, Da Ba Zai, Wu Ying Tou, Ba Zhong, Sheng Ji, Fei Gu, and others... then send them to me in a package." Based on his memory, Lu Chen gave Tian Yangsheng a list of names.

"clear."

In this unpredictable era, some people work hard in the spotlight, while others play chess behind the scenes.

Lu Chen was the one who made the move. He traded the inevitable death of Da Dong for a semi-legal armed force and a ticket to control the economic lifeline of the entire Hong Kong police force in the future.

This is what you call a truly great meal.