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

At the end of October 1983, the smoke of war in East Asia had not yet completely dissipated, but for Lu Chen, there was nothing left to miss here.

At Narita Airport's private helipad, Lu Chen gazed one last time at the Tokyo cityscape after the rain had cleared.

"Ah Wen, you can deal with the mess left in Japan at your own pace. There's no need to rush to hunt down the Sumiyoshi-kai. With that 'White Death' around, the Sumiyoshi-kai is no longer a lamb to the slaughter. Perfect, let him help us clean up those unruly little gangs first, and then we'll close the net after he's had his fill." Lu Chen stubbed out his cigar, his tone as calm as if he were recounting a trivial family matter.

Ruan Wen stepped forward and carefully straightened Lu Chen's trench coat collar, her eyes filled with an unwavering infatuation: "Don't worry, Chen. In this hunting ground, as long as you sow the seeds, I will definitely help you guard them until they blossom and bear fruit."

Lu Chen nodded, turned around, and led Tian Yangsheng into the cabin. As the roar of the engines resounded through the sky, the silver behemoth, carrying the glory of Japan's two billion US dollars victory, pierced the sky and headed straight for Hong Kong Island.

……

Three hours later, at Kai Tak Airport, Hong Kong Island.

When Lu Chen stepped onto this damp, prosperous land, imbued with the aura of power and ambition, a sense of belonging and control welled up within him. The convoy passed through the undersea tunnel, avoiding the eyes and ears of all reporters, and headed straight for the Lu family manor on Victoria Peak.

It was late at night when Lu Chen got home. After a quick wash, he went straight to the baby's bedroom on the second floor, which had been renovated at great expense.

Two-month-old Lu Qian was lying in a specially made baby cradle. Thanks to the strength of Lu Chen's genes, the little guy was growing very fast, with a robust and chubby face and skin as white as the finest mutton fat jade.

Lu Chen walked quietly to the cradle. "Cola" and "Sprite," who were dutifully guarding the cradle on both sides, suddenly raised their heads, but after sensing Lu Chen's presence, their ears, which had been alert and perked up, quickly flattened down, and their tails wagged wildly but restrainedly on the wool carpet.

Lu Chen bent down and gently reached out his hand. He thought that after a month apart, Lu Qian would feel unfamiliar with his father, but to his surprise, Lu Qian's big, dark eyes froze for half a second when he saw Lu Chen, and then burst into a burst of giggles, his two lotus root-like little legs kicking excitedly in the swaddling clothes.

"Good lad, you still recognize your old man." Lu Chen chuckled and scolded in a low voice, teasing the boy gently for a while, then sat on a soft stool to the side and waved to Coke and Sprite.

"come over."

The two dogs obediently moved closer to Lu Chen's knees. Lu Chen freed one hand and gently grasped Lu Qian's warm, soft little hand, slowly placing it on Xue Bi's thick back.

This was Lu Qian's first official "close encounter" with these two guardians. In the past, the little guy would always stare at them curiously from behind the fence, but considering that he was born with a weak immune system, he had never been allowed to touch them directly. Today was the first time. When his soft palms touched the dogs' slightly rough but warm fur, Lu Qian was not afraid at all. Instead, he happily giggled and grabbed a tuft of Xuebi's fur with his little hand.

Sprite's mouth, wide enough to snap an adult's throat, was tightly shut, its body stiff and motionless, letting its little master do as it pleased. Only its tail, wagging like a blur, betrayed its inner excitement. Cola, not to be outdone, stuck out its tongue, wanting to lick Lu Qian's little feet, but was stopped by a look from Lu Chen, letting out a pitiful whimper. It was only after Lu Chen patted its head that it was barely calmed down.

After staying next to Lu Qian for a long time, Lu Chen finally withdrew in the silence.

As Lu Chen gently closed the door to the nursery, leaving behind the sweet scent of milk and tranquility, the motion-sensor lights in the corridor lit up one by one with his steps. The soft, warm light shone on the expensive Baroque paintings on the wall, as if adding a layer of homely warmth to his otherwise austere demeanor.

He pushed open the heavy, carved nanmu door to the master bedroom, and a unique scent, a blend of top-grade agarwood, mellow red wine, and several precious perfumes, enveloped him instantly like an invisible tide.

In the spacious, almost luxurious bedroom, dark red velvet curtains draped to the floor, obscuring the myriad lights of Victoria Harbour, but unable to conceal the dreamlike, enchanting atmosphere within.

"Ah Chen, you're back."

The first to greet her was Ruan Mei. Having just finished her postpartum confinement, she had shed some of her former youthful naiveté and thinness. Beneath her light beige silk nightgown, her figure appeared rounded and serene. Her fair face glowed with a healthy rosy hue, and her eyes were gentle and warm, as if capable of dissolving all the hostility in the world.

"You've worked hard, Amei." Lu Chen put his arm around her slender waist and gently kissed her forehead.

"Hey boss, is Sister Mei the only one you care about? We sisters have been living like widows for a month, and you haven't even given us a second glance?"

A soft, seductive, and slightly wild voice drifted from the enormous round bed. Qiu Di was languidly reclining on layers of silk pillows, her long legs—enough to drive any man in Hong Kong wild—partially visible beneath her semi-transparent black nightgown. Long, shapely, and every line exuded an untamed, powerful energy. She held a half-empty glass of blood-red wine in her hand, a signature, defiant smile playing on her lips.

Lu Chen stepped forward, snatched the wine glass from her hand, drank it all in one gulp, and then said jokingly, "Since you have so much energy, you're the first one tonight."

Qiu Di let out a joyful scream, and was immediately pinned down by Lu Chen.

At this moment, Yako, who had been standing by the French windows observing the night, slowly turned around. She maintained her aloof and icy demeanor, her long, black hair cascading down to her waist like a waterfall. Even in this private setting, her posture remained upright and sturdy. But when her gaze met Lu Chen's burning eyes, the icy intensity in her eyes instantly melted away, transforming into tenderness.

"I've heard about what happened in Japan. You're too aggressive; you need to calm down." Yako walked behind Lu Chen, her cool fingertips pressing precisely on his temples with just the right amount of pressure—a calm and reserved care that was unique to her.

Laura, on the other hand, appeared more flamboyant and passionate. She strode over like an elegant cheetah, snuggling directly into Lu Chen's arms, and whispered, "Darling, I missed you."

Just then, the door was pushed open again. Ba Wang Hua (Hu Huizhong) and Lai Di also walked in.

The domineering woman had clearly dressed up for the evening; her usual austere uniform had been replaced with a deep purple off-the-shoulder evening gown, and her once spirited and dashing features were now softened by a pampered and endearing charm. Meanwhile, the petite and delicate Lai Di stood timidly to the side, holding a bowl of warm bird's nest soup, her eyes filled with adoration for Lu Chen.

"Alright, now that everyone's here, no one's going to get any sleep easily tonight."

Lu Chen laughed loudly, then suddenly waved his hand, leading Laura and Ruan Mei together to the custom-made large bed that could accommodate ten people.

That night was filled with the tenderness of a long-awaited reunion.

Inside the Lu residence atop Tai Ping Peak, the bedroom is filled with the aroma of perfume. On the custom-made king-size bed in the master bedroom, large enough to accommodate ten people, the fragrance of perfume mingles with the scent of expensive cigars.

Lu Chen first comforted Ruan Mei, who had just finished her postpartum confinement and was even more beautiful than before. Then, the fiery Qiu Di, the aloof Ya Zi, the wildness of Laura, the dashing Ba Wang Hua, and the obedient Lai Di all intertwined that night, weaving together an extremely luxurious and unforgettable sensory feast.

Amidst those towering, snow-capped mountains, all scheming, killing, and financial storms were left behind.

……

The next morning, at exactly seven o'clock.

Lu Chen did not linger too long in the gentle embrace of love. Before the first rays of sunlight on Hong Kong Island could pierce the thin mist over the sea, Lu Chen had already changed into a sharp, iron-gray custom-made suit and appeared on the top floor of the Golden Harvest International headquarters.

Cheng Yiyan is currently stationed in Shenzhen, working day and night to ensure the timely completion of the Longteng Industrial Park project. That industrial park will be the future heart of Jiahe's high-tech industry, so naturally, someone of considerable influence is needed to oversee it. Therefore, the daily reports from Hong Kong Island are temporarily being handled by "Superwoman."

"Boss, this is the final summary of the Wheelock acquisition." The "Overlord Flower" handed Lu Chen a thick red folder, her complexion glowing with health benefits, her voice clear and crisp. "During your month-long absence from Hong Kong, Mr. Ma has completed the final finishing touches on the Wheelock shares."

Lu Chen opened the folder, his fingertips gliding over the data.

"Golden Harvest's current shareholding ratio has reached 72.5%," Ba Wanghua continued to report. "Two days ago, Mr. Ma, representing you, officially attended Wheelock's expanded board meeting. As per your instructions, he announced at the meeting that Golden Harvest would inject HK$1 billion into Wheelock for debt repayment and asset restructuring. At the same time, he also dismissed some incompetent related-party employees, including twelve veteran British executives, including the CFO and two shipping executive directors, and replaced them with actuaries and professional managers trained within Golden Harvest."

Lu Chen nodded slightly: "I trust Lao Ma to handle things. Once that crocodile enters the water, no one can snatch the meat from its mouth."

"In addition, Mr. Ma has brought the current Wheelock Properties' acting head manager, who is waiting for you in the meeting room."

The "Overlord Flower" knew everyone's information by heart. Without even needing to produce documents, she introduced Lu Chen directly: "This acting head manager is Lin Jiande, a Chinese man. He was originally the deputy general manager of Wheelock Properties. John Madden promoted him to a position of balance, emphasizing 'co-governance by Chinese and foreigners.' He had been working under foreigners for fifteen years, constantly suppressed by British executives, his talents going to waste. But after Mr. Madden's evaluation, he found him to be extremely capable and promoted him to interim head manager. He's currently on probation."

Lu Chen closed the file and picked up a cup of green tea: "Hmm, let Lao Ma bring him in."

Five minutes later, Boss Ma led Lin Jiande, who walked with slightly hurried steps, in. Lu Chen slightly raised his eyelids and calmly sized up the man. The man was about forty years old, wearing black-rimmed glasses. Although he looked nervous, his eyes revealed a rare sense of order.

"Chairman Lu, I have long admired you. You are the pride of all Chinese people," Lin Jiande said, bowing slightly, every joint tense, his tone revealing undisguised trepidation. "It is my honor in this life to serve someone like you."

Lu Chen didn't tell him to get up. His slender fingers tapped rhythmically on the dark red mahogany table, each tap seeming to strike Lin Jiande's heart.

Lu Chen's slender fingers tapped rhythmically on the mahogany table, producing dull thuds: "Master Lin, I don't need slaves; I need generals who can help me plant my flag all over the world. Whether Wheelock and Company is handed over to you as a temporary trusteeship or a long-term guarantee depends entirely on how you handle things next."

Lin Jiande's forehead was beaded with sweat as he repeatedly agreed.

Without wasting words, Lu Chen pointed directly to the huge world map in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, which marked Wheelock's once glorious global shipping routes.

"Lin Daban, Wheelock will only rot in the hands of the Japanese, but in my hands, it will become a sharp knife that cuts through the ocean."

Lu Chen lit a cigar, and deep blue smoke rose into the air.

"Regarding Wheelock, I'll give you two general directions. As for the specifics, I'd like to hear your own thoughts."

"First, in shipping."

Lu Chen walked to the window, his tone profound, "Right now, the global shipping industry is at an absolute low point in history due to the previous oil crisis and economic recession. Second-hand ship prices have plummeted, and many established shipowners are jumping off buildings. But I know this is the bottom. I need you to use that billion in capital injection not only to take over the route quotas of those bankrupt companies, but also to go on a buying spree."

"Especially those new ships that have just been manufactured for one or two years, or even those still in the shipyard. Others are selling off, while we are buying them up. Golden Harvest doesn't need Wheelock to be profitable in the next thirty months; I just want you to put all these high-quality assets in your pocket."

"At the same time, Longteng Technology's global logistics needs will be fully integrated with Wheelock. Whether it's product transportation or raw material supply, everything will be transported by our own fleet. Your task is simple: use these logistics services plus profitable shipping routes to offset shipping costs."

"I understand, Mr. Lu, please rest assured, I will definitely complete the mission." Lin Jiande was very excited, his pen flying across his notebook as he jotted down notes. While everyone else was panicking and retreating, Lu Chen, backed by unlimited cash flow, was building an unshakeable maritime hegemony.

"Secondly, it's real estate." Lu Chen turned around, his eyes revealing a kind of insight that transcends time. "The pond of Hong Kong Island is still too small, and it has already been almost divided up by the top real estate companies. Wheelock's prospects for continuing to develop in Hong Kong Island are too low. We need to go out and use Wheelock's century-old network of connections in Southeast Asia and East Asia to harvest other people's land."

Lu Chen pressed his finger heavily on two locations on the map.

"First, there's Singapore."

Lu Chen looked at Lin Jiande, his tone devoid of any emotion, "In Singapore right now, Prime Minister Lee is leading a massive urban renewal project. Last year they just approved the MRT construction plan, and this is our opportunity. Lin Jiande, I want you to enter Singapore under the name of Wheelock. Focus on acquiring properties in the Tanjong Pagar to Anson Road area. Right now, it's full of dilapidated two- or three-story shophouses and low-density office buildings. But in the government's future plans, that area will become Singapore's premier financial hub (CBD)."

"Use shell companies to quietly acquire land. Remember, what we want are plots of land near future MRT stations. Once we have them, don't rush to build. Do some light renovations first, introduce high-end retail brands, or lease them directly to expanding brick-and-mortar stores. We don't want the rent; we want to keep these lands in our hands and wait for the subway to open so that the land value can be reassessed."

"Around 1985, if the market is as hot as I predicted, we will sell the entire building as a package to the Singapore Investment Corporation or the precursor to future REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts). If the policies are favorable, we will apply to increase the plot ratio and build Grade A office buildings."

Lu Chen then moved his hand towards the north.

"Secondly, there's Seoul, South Korea. Right now, South Korea's young players are putting in all their effort to showcase their military strength to the world through major international events. South Korea has already won the National Games and the Olympics, and soon there will be an infrastructure boom there."

"The south bank of the Han River—the so-called 'Gangnam'—will soon become a new east longitude," Lu Chen's tone became low and tempting. "We need to seize large tracts of contiguous land in the Gangnam district and Jamsil area before others can react."

Liang Jinquan hesitated for a moment: "But the chaebols in South Korea are very xenophobic, if we go in..."

"A conglomerate?" Lu Chen scoffed. "You're overestimating them."

"The current South Korean government desperately needs foreign investment to enhance its image. As long as we bring in US dollars, along with plans to help them build modern cities, invest in South Korea, and improve their international image, the Jeon Jung will treat us like honored guests. As for the opinions of those chaebols? The Jeon Jung will handle that for me. My strategy is simple: plan ahead for commercial development and high-density residential areas. What we're doing isn't just building houses, but building a 'city of the future.' When the torch of the 1988 Olympics is lit, all of South Korea's and even the world's attention and capital will flow to Gangnam. At that time, the land prices there will be at least ten times higher than they are now."

Lin Jiande listened until his mouth was dry and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

If Ma Zhihua is the "Central Bay Crocodile" and Cheng Yiyan is the "Central Jackal," then Lu Chen, sitting in front of him at this moment, is like a god manipulating a chessboard from God's perspective.

He not only accurately predicted business logic, but also the fate of each nation and every turning point in history.

"Mr. Lu... I understand." Lin Jiande's voice trembled slightly, but more so with an adrenaline rush of excitement. "Give me three months, and I will have a detailed cross-border land acquisition proposal on your desk."

Lu Chen stubbed out his cigar, walked up to Lin Jiande, and patted him on the shoulder.

"Boss Leung, I don't like empty talk; I only care about the final result."

"Whether you get this big seat temporarily or for life depends on your own abilities."

Lin Jiande nodded heavily and left the office with a solemn expression.

After everyone left, Ba Wanghua stepped forward again and asked with some curiosity, "Boss, do you really think that real estate in Singapore and Seoul is more profitable than in Hong Kong? After all, Hong Kong's current property price growth rate is already one of the highest in Asia... Besides, this is where we're from."

Lu Chen sat back down in his swivel chair, looking out at the bustling Central district, a deep, cold glint flashing in his eyes.

"I didn't say we should abandon Hong Kong Island; rather, we should grasp both with one hand. Hong Kong Island is certainly our root, but in this volatile 1980s, only by expanding our reach can we truly become a towering tree. Since the Anglo-Saxon people can maintain their dignified status by plundering global wealth, why can't we, Golden Harvest, become the hunters of the new era?"

"When the Olympic flame is extinguished in 1988, I want the whole world to know that the blood of our family flows beneath the foundations of these two most prosperous cities in Asia."

……

Having finished his official business, Lu Chen left the office.

At this moment, the setting sun was like blood, and the afterglow of Victoria Harbour shone through the floor-to-ceiling windows at the end of the corridor, casting his shadow extremely long on the marble floor.

When the Rolls-Royce stopped again at the Lu family manor atop Taiping Hill, the smell of gunpowder in the air had been replaced by the warm, earthy scent. Entering the nursery, Coke and Sprite keenly sensed their owner's presence, letting out restrained, soft, cheerful whimpers, like guards returning to their place. Lu Chen steadily picked up Lu Qian, his fingertips tracing the little guy's cheek, which exuded a milky fragrance from his sleep.

"Son, the empire your father built is bigger than you can imagine."