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

In the early morning at St. Teresa's Hospital, sunlight filtered through the gaps in the pale blue curtains, dappling the white floor tiles of the ward. The air was filled with the faint scent of lilies, which the nurses had just changed to mask the unpleasant smell of disinfectant.

When Lu Chen pushed open the door, he was carrying an exquisite fruit basket and several boxes of fine bird's nest.

Last night's "internal strife" at the Tai Po Black Wharf was washed away by the waves as Wang Jiu and Lan Ya Ju sank to the bottom of the sea. Now, Lu Chen, dressed in a casual light-colored suit, looks relaxed and gentle, just like an ordinary junior visiting an elder. There's no indication that just a few hours ago, he ordered the elimination of a once arrogant underworld mad dog.

"Hey, you old rascal! You kept this from me? Are you planning to kick the bucket and make me burn paper money for you at the funeral home before you're happy?"

Before he even entered the door, he heard a slightly complaining voice.

Lu Chen raised an eyebrow slightly and pushed the door open to enter.

Sitting by the hospital bed was a middle-aged man with gray hair, dressed in an elegant Tang suit. He held a fruit knife in his hand and was peeling an apple. His knife skills were extremely steady, and the peel remained in one long line without breaking.

Di Qiu.

He is known as "Brother Qiu".

The major landlord of Kowloon Walled City, a brother-in-arms of Long Juanfeng for decades, and also the tragic character in the movie "Kowloon Walled City: Siege" who carries deep hatred.

"Brother Qiu, please stop scolding me."

Tornado, wearing a striped hospital gown, leaned against the headboard. His usually imposing face in the walled city now bore a rare bitter smile and a hint of guilt. "I was just afraid you'd worry. Besides, it's just a minor illness; it'll be fine after the surgery."

"Benign? Benign, yet you cough up blood like a tuberculosis patient?" Di Qiu shoved the peeled apple into Long Juanfeng's hand, glaring at him. "If it weren't for today being rent payment day, and it wasn't that kid Xin Yi who came instead of you, I wouldn't have known you were hiding here! What do you take me for? A fair-weather friend? Sharing the good times while I bear the bad?"

Tornado held the apple, unsure whether to bite it or put it down, and could only smile awkwardly.

Lu Chen watched this scene without immediately making a sound to disturb it, but stood quietly at the door.

Watching these two old hands, whose combined age is nearly a hundred, bicker like children, Lu Chen couldn't help but sigh.

These are true brothers who have been through thick and thin together, but also a tragic pair whose lives were tormented by fate.

Lu Chen's gaze fell on Di Qiu's weathered face.

This seemingly irritable but actually sentimental man harbors a huge inner demon.

Over a decade ago, in that chaotic era, Lei Zhendong, in his quest for territory, forced his top henchman, "King of Killers" Chen Zhan, to murder Qiu Ge's entire family. Although unwilling, Chen Zhan was powerless to resist and ultimately committed a grave mistake.

This became Di Qiu's lifelong obsession.

He vowed to kill Chen Zhan's entire family and make Chen Zhan's lineage end.

But here lies the cruelest joke of fate—Chen Zhan is also Long Juanfeng's sworn brother. And Chen Zhan's orphan, Chen Luojun, is currently being protected by Long Juanfeng as if he were his own son, and even living and running a boxing gym in this city at Long Juanfeng's behest.

"If Di Qiu finds out that Luo Jun is Chen Zhan's son..."

Lu Chen shook his head inwardly.

That would be an irreversible tragedy. In the movie, it was because the boss betrayed Luo Jun and exposed his true identity that Di Qiu went mad, forcing Long Juanfeng to break with Qiu Ge in order to protect Luo Jun, and ultimately die tragically at the hands of Wang Jiu. Qiu Ge, blinded by hatred, also indirectly caused the death of his best brother.

"However, now that I'm here, this tragedy must never be allowed to repeat itself."

Lu Chen's eyes deepened.

Although the big boss and Wang Jiu are gone, Di Qiu is still persistently investigating Chen Zhan's offspring, and who knows, one day the investigation might lead to Chen Luojun.

Chen Zhan is dead. The grudges of the previous generation should end with his death. Chen Luojun is innocent, and Tornado should not have lost his life because of him.

As for Di Qiu's inner conflict...

Lu Chen already had a plan in mind. Although it was somewhat risky, if handled properly, it could not only save Luo Jun, but also make Di Qiu lay down his sword, and even... make him let go of his obsession.

Of course, now is not the time. That plan requires meticulous planning and, more importantly, waiting for the right opportunity.

"Cough cough."

Lu Chen composed himself, deliberately making his footsteps louder as he entered the ward.

"Brother Long, I've come to see you."

Lu Chen smiled and placed the fruit basket on the bedside table, breaking the subtle atmosphere in the room.

"Chenzi! You're here!" Tornado's eyes lit up when he saw Lu Chen, as if he had seen a savior. He hurriedly greeted him, "Come in, come in! Qiu-ge has been nagging me about it so much my head is about to explode."

Di Qiu also turned around and looked the young man who walked in up and down.

He wore a well-tailored bespoke suit, exuding an air of elegance, with clear, bright eyes. The gift he carried was also tasteful, neither shabby nor overly extravagant.

"Who is this...?" Di Qiu put down the fruit knife, somewhat puzzled.

"Ah Qiu, let me introduce you." Tornado pointed at Lu Chen, her tone tinged with pride. "This is the young man I mentioned to you, Lu Chen. Don't let his youth fool you, he's a big boss in Central now, Golden Harvest International is his. The money I was able to get into this hospital, and the money for the recent plumbing and electrical repairs in the Walled City, were all paid for by Ah Chen."

Upon hearing this, Qiu Ge's initially scrutinizing gaze softened considerably.

He was a major landlord in the walled city and had an emotional attachment to it, often helping the city or reducing rent. Over the years, the walled city had fallen into disrepair, neglected by the government and coveted by gangs, so it was rare to find an outsider willing to genuinely contribute money and effort.

"So you're Boss Lu." Brother Qiu stood up and extended his hand, a thin but strong one. "I've heard so much about you. I've heard the story that you gave the walled city ten million for repairs. I'll take on this favor on behalf of the old residents of the walled city. If you ever need anything, just ask Brother Qiu!"

"Brother Qiu, you're too kind." Lu Chen grasped Brother Qiu's hand, his attitude humble yet dignified. "Just call me Chen. I'm practically a member of the Walled City myself, and Brother Long was my mentor. This is nothing to brag about."

"Good! That's great!" Qiu Ge looked Lu Chen up and down, finding him more and more pleasing to the eye. "These days, there aren't many young people like you who are both capable and loyal. Unlike those outside..."

At this point, Brother Qiu seemed to remember something and snorted coldly: "Especially recently, that mad dog Wang Jiu, he's simply a beast! Even a seasoned veteran like the big boss has fallen into his hands, making the whole Kowloon a mess."

Clearly, the rumors outside had reached Qiu Ge's ears.

Lu Chen and Tornado exchanged a glance, a knowing smile flashing in their eyes.

"Brother Qiu, speaking of Wang Jiu..." Lu Chen smiled slightly, took out an orange from his pocket, and slowly peeled it. "I just heard some news that might help Brother Long recover from his illness faster."

"What news?" Di Qiu asked curiously.

"This morning, two bodies were found on the beach in Tai Po." Lu Chen handed a segment of orange to Tornado, his tone as calm as if he were talking about the weather. "After police confirmation, one was Wang Jiu, and the other was his horse, Rotten Tooth."

"What?!"

Di Qiu and Tornado both exclaimed in surprise.

Di Qiu was surprised that Wang Jiu, who possessed hard qigong, had actually failed.

Tornado was surprised that Lu Chen would make a move, but he didn't expect it to be so fast and so clean.

"Dead...dead?" Di Qiu's eyes widened. "Who did it? The police? Or someone sent by that big boss?"

"Who knows?" Lu Chen shrugged, looking innocent. "I heard it was because of a dispute over the spoils, leading to infighting and killing each other. Some people say they were poisoned by something unclean. Anyway, Kowloon is finally peaceful now."

"Eating each other... karma." Di Qiu sneered. "That guy did all sorts of bad things, even killing his own boss, and in the end he died at the hands of his own underlings. This is what they call karma."

Tornado let out a long sigh of relief, as if a huge burden had been lifted from her shoulders.

With Wang Jiu's death, the Big Boss's power completely collapsed, and the biggest external threat to Kowloon Walled City was finally eliminated.

His complexion visibly improved, and even his eyes brightened.

"Chenzi, thank you." Tornado didn't say much, but simply held up the half apple in his hand and waved it at Lu Chen.

"Yes," Lu Chen said with a smile, "So, Brother Long, your task now is to focus on recovering and cooperating with the doctors during the surgery. With Xin Yi and Luo Jun keeping an eye on things outside, nothing will go wrong. Besides..."

Lu Chen looked at Di Qiu, "With Brother Qiu here, who would dare to cause trouble in the stronghold?"

"Hmph, if those brats dare to come, I'll break their legs." Di Qiu snorted coldly, exuding domineering aura.

The three chatted for a while longer.

Lu Chen discovered that although Di Qiu appeared somewhat aloof, he was actually a very talkative and knowledgeable elder. He had extensive experience in real estate and property management, and also had unique insights into the future development of Kowloon.

"Boss Lu, if there's an opportunity in the future, we can cooperate on business." Before leaving, Di Qiu took out a business card and handed it to Lu Chen. "I have a few plots of land in Kowloon, but I haven't figured out how to develop them. You're a big businessman with a quick mind, so please give me some advice."

"I couldn't be happier." Lu Chen accepted the business card with both hands, carefully put it into his pocket, and handed over his own personal business card as well. "Brother Qiu, you can just call me Chen from now on. I'll be there whenever you need me."

This exchange of business cards signifies that Lu Chen has officially entered Di Qiu's "circle of friends".

This is crucial for future plans, since to untangle the deadlock between Di Qiu and Chen Luojun, we must first gain Di Qiu's absolute trust.

"Alright, Chen, you're busy too. Don't waste your time on this old man." Tornado waved his hand. "Go take care of your important business. I heard you're going to Milan for some fashion week? Don't embarrass our stronghold."

"Don't worry, handsome," Brother Qiu said with a smile. "I'll keep an eye on things here; no one can bother him."

As Lu Chen left the ward, he gently closed the door behind him.

Through the glass in the door, he saw Qiu Ge pick up an apple again, peeling it while nagging about Long Juanfeng, who listened with an impatient expression.

“That’s great…”

Lu Chen sighed.

This kind of pure brotherhood is rare in today's world.

"For the sake of this friendship, I have to dismantle that mine."

A resolute glint flashed in Lu Chen's eyes.

He turned and walked toward the elevator.

Wang Jiu's past is over. Next, his battlefield will shift to the more glamorous, but also more ruthless, arena of fame and fortune.

After leaving the hospital, Lu Chen did not go straight back to the company, but instead had the driver take him to Kwun Tong.

Jiahe Textile Factory.

Today marks the first batch of "Garreau" haute couture gowns rolling off the production line. These are also his "battle attire" for the European competition.

The atmosphere in the workshop was tense yet enthusiastic.

Dozens of the most experienced tailors were gathered around a huge worktable, carefully ironing a black evening gown.

When Lu Chen walked in, everyone held their breath.

"Chairman Lu, the last item is finished."

The newly promoted design director, the bespectacled boy whom Lu Chen had mentored, was now pointing excitedly at the dress, "It's exactly according to your design, made with the finest heavy silk, plus subtle hand-embroidered patterns... Take a look."

Lu Chen stepped forward, put on white gloves, and gently stroked the smooth fabric that was as smooth as flowing water.

The design of this dress is inspired by a combination of YSL's classic "smoking dress" and Audrey Hepburn's little black dress.

It doesn't have an exaggerated skirt or gaudy sequins.

The upper body features a minimalist V-neck halter design with sharp tailoring that perfectly showcases the lines of a woman's collarbone; the waist is cleverly cinched, which is both slimming and flattering; the lower body is a flowing fishtail skirt with a high slit on the side, which reveals glimpses of the skin as you walk, exuding a sophisticated sexiness.

What's most amazing is its color.

It's not a rigid black, but rather a black with a faint emerald green sheen, like a forest at night, mysterious and profound.

"good."

Lu Chen carefully inspected the stitches and thread, and nodded in satisfaction.

"This is what luxury goods should look like."

He turned around and looked at the workers and designers whose faces were full of expectation.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this garment will be traveling with me to Italy. It will represent Golden Harvest and the garment-making craftsmanship of Hong Kong Island to participate in the Milan International Fashion Awards (MIFA)."

"If we win this time, everyone will receive a three-month bonus!"

"Wow--!!!"

Cheers erupted instantly in the workshop. These workers didn't understand fashion, but they did understand bonuses. Working for such a generous and knowledgeable boss meant a promising future!

"Amei." Lu Chen waved.

Ruan Mei, who had been following behind him and had specially changed into a smart pantsuit today, hurriedly ran over, holding a small notebook in her hand.

"Pack up this garment, along with the other five pieces from the same collection. Wrap them in dust bags and put them in that specially made flight case," Lu Chen instructed. "From now on, you are personally responsible for guarding these cases. No one is allowed to touch them except me."

"Yes, Chairman Lu!" Ruan Mei replied solemnly, as if she had received some state secret. "I even sleep with this box with me!"

Lu Chen smiled and patted her head.

"Don't be so nervous. By the way, have you packed your luggage?"

"All packed!" Ruan Mei scratched her head a little embarrassedly. "Actually, there wasn't much to pack, just a few changes of clothes..."

"That's good." Lu Chen glanced at his watch. "Go home and get a good night's sleep. We'll leave first thing tomorrow morning."

"Target: Italy."