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

A secluded villa beside the Appian Way in Rome.

This is Lord Mundell's private estate. Compared to his brother Lubbers' historic castle, Mundell's villa is more luxurious and modern, exuding an eager pride.

At that moment, Mondal, dressed in a scarlet nightgown, was holding an expensive wine glass, which he smashed hard on the ground.

"Snapped!"

Red wine spilled on the white Persian carpet looked like a shocking pool of blood.

"That old bastard... he's practically in his coffin, and he still managed to give me an illegitimate daughter?!"

Mundell gritted his teeth, his fat face trembling violently with rage. "Twenty years! I've waited a full twenty years! All those assets, all those shares, were about to fall into my hands, and then this bastard popped up out of nowhere?!"

Several subordinates in black suits knelt before him, trembling with fear.

"My Lord... according to our informants in Milan, the girl named Sophia has boarded the family's private jet and is expected to arrive in Rome in two hours," one of the underlings reported, mustering his courage.

"It's just in time." A hint of murderous intent flashed in Mondale's eyes. "Since that old ghost wants to see his daughter one last time, then I'll be a good person and send them to hell to reunite."

He turned around and looked at the two burly men standing in the shadows.

One of them was tall with black hair and a fierce look in his eyes; the other was shorter with exaggerated eyeliner around his eyes, making him look somewhat eerie.

These are the two classic villain henchmen from the movie "Wheels on Meals"—Keith, who has a sharp kicking technique, and "Jet" Benny.

"Listen," Mundell said coldly, "split the forces."

"Binney, Case, you take a team to Fiumicino Airport and keep an eye on that private jet. Since they dared to come so openly, let's send them to their doom on the way. Remember, do it in a secluded area, don't make too much of a commotion."

"Understood." Benny cracked his neck, revealing a cruel smile.

"Another team is heading to Milan immediately. That bastard has a crazy mother in a mental hospital. Tie that crazy woman up and bring her here... As long as that old woman is in my hands, I don't believe Sophia will dare to sign anything!"

"yes!"

……

Ten thousand meters above the ground, the Gulfstream business jet smoothly glides through the clouds.

Thomas, David, and Mawby, these three clowns, quickly revealed their true colors after their initial awkwardness. Mawby, in particular, was holding a glass of champagne and pretending to chat with a flight attendant, only to be politely turned down with a smile.

Sofia sat by the window, looking at the Apennine Mountains under the clouds, her feelings somewhat complicated.

"Miss Sophia, don't worry."

David, though seemingly a bit dull, was incredibly perceptive. He handed Sofia a hot towel. "I've noticed you've been frowning. Are you worried about what will happen after we get to Rome?"

"Thank you." Sophia took the towel and forced a smile. "I was just thinking about my mother. She's been in a mental hospital for so many years, and she's not quite right in the head. I don't know if the caregivers will be able to take good care of her after I leave."

"A mental hospital?" David paused for a moment, then looked at him as if he'd found a kindred spirit. "Your mother is mentally ill too?"

That was a rather blunt remark, so Thomas quickly kicked him under the table.

"Ah...that's not what I meant!" David scratched his head, explaining somewhat embarrassedly, "Actually...my dad is also in a mental hospital. He has depression and delusions, and he always thinks he's a hero."

"Really?" Sophia asked, somewhat surprised.

"Yeah!" Thomas interjected. "David's a really filial son. He's poured all his earnings into his dad's medical treatment. The hospital his dad's in is pretty famous in Milan, it's called... Sacred Heart Sanatorium?"

Sofia's eyes widened instantly: "Sacred Heart? My mother lives there too!"

"What a coincidence?!"

All three were stunned. Although Milan was a small city, it had several mental hospitals. To end up in the same hospital was simply incredible.

"What a coincidence!" Thomas exclaimed excitedly. "Then his dad and your mom are fellow patients! Maybe they even sunbathe together!"

"Once this is over, let's go back and I'll introduce them to each other," David suggested with an honest and simple expression. "The doctor said that it's good for mental patients to have friends they can talk to."

Sofia was also amazed by this wonderful coincidence, and the gloom that had been hanging over her for days dissipated considerably: "Great! If we can really get along, that would be wonderful."

As the three of them enthusiastically discussed topics related to the Sacred Heart Sanatorium, none of them knew that David's father and Sophia's mother not only knew each other, but were also having a passionate twilight romance in that mental hospital.

This is probably what is meant by "fate is predetermined".

……

Meanwhile, on the ground...

An express train from Milan to Rome is speeding along.

Inside the first-class VIP box, Lu Chen was resting with his eyes closed, planning his strategy after arriving in Rome.

Opposite him, Ruan Mei was resting her chin on her hand, staring blankly at Lu Chen's profile. Her eyes were complex, containing admiration, attachment, but more than anything, a deep sense of entanglement and inferiority.

The events of the past two days have had a tremendous impact on her, an ordinary girl who has lived a frugal life since childhood.

Sophia, the girl who fed pigeons with her on the street and was "rescued" by Lu Chen, has suddenly transformed into a real countess and the heir to a multi-million dollar fortune.

"Ah Mei, Ah Mei, look at her..." Ruan Mei thought bitterly to herself, "She's a princess now, rich and powerful, beautiful, and she even helped Chairman Lu secure those Prada shares. With Chairman Lu's business growing bigger and bigger, only a woman like Sophia is worthy of him, right?"

She looked down at herself, as if trying to convince herself to let go.

Although Lu Chen treated her very well, buying her clothes and showing her the world, she always had a knot in her heart—her illness.

Congenital heart disease.

This is a ticking time bomb; the doctor said she might not live past thirty.

"I'm just a burden..." Ruan Mei bit her lip, her eyes slightly red. "If I'm with Chairman Lu, and I die one day, how heartbroken he'll be. Besides, I can't help him much, and I'll only cause him trouble..."

Reason told her that she should withdraw and let Lu Chen and Sophia be together; that would be the best outcome for everyone.

but……

Over the past month, from Hong Kong Island to Milan, every little detail has been precious. Lu Chen's protectiveness, his gentleness, and that hug that made her heart race…

I can't bear to part with it.

I really can't bear to part with it.

"What's wrong? Why are you staring at me?"

Lu Chen suddenly opened his eyes and met Ruan Mei's watery eyes.

Ruan Mei was startled and hurriedly turned her head away, pretending to look at the scenery: "No...no! I...I was looking at the cows outside! Italian cows are so big!"

Lu Chen smiled and did not expose her clumsy lie. Instead, he reached out and gently took Ruan Mei's small hand that was on the table.

Ruan Mei's hands were cold and trembling slightly.

"Don't overthink it," Lu Chen's voice was gentle yet firm. "This trip to Italy went so smoothly thanks to you, my little lucky charm. Once we get to Rome and we've settled things, I'll give you a break. Tell me what you want to eat or do."

Ruan Mei felt the warmth from the back of her hand, and her face flushed bright red, like a ripe apple. Her heart pounded uncontrollably, but this time, it wasn't because of pain, but because of sweetness.

This time, however, she didn't choose to distance herself as before, but instead gave a big smile.

"Um!"

……

After disembarking from the train, people disembarked at Rome Termini Station, where the station was bustling with activity.

To avoid attracting attention, Lu Chen did not meet up with Sofia. He and Ruan Mei, like an ordinary Asian tourist couple, took a taxi straight to their pre-booked hotel.

The person in charge of protecting them was Tian Yangyong, the fourth of the Seven Sons of Tianyang, whose fighting strength was second only to Tian Yangsheng. This big guy wore sunglasses, carried a suitcase, and followed behind like an iron tower.

The remaining five sons of Tianyang, led by Tianyangsheng, had already dispersed and infiltrated the night in Rome, silently infiltrating the Lubers Estate and the Villa Mundell.

……

On the other side, Fiumicino Airport.

Sofia and her entourage had just walked out of the VIP passage.

Two black Mercedes-Benz sedans, which had been waiting at the exit for some time, immediately pulled up. These were the vehicles arranged by the butler, Giovanni.

"Miss Sophia, please." The driver respectfully opened the car door.

Sofia got into the back seat, and Maubouss insisted on squeezing in to protect her, while Thomas insisted on driving, making the original driver move to the passenger seat. David then sat in the second car to cover the rear.

"Wow! Driving this luxury car is so much fun!" Thomas whistled excitedly, touching the steering wheel. "It's way better than my beat-up van!"

The convoy drove out of the airport and sped towards the city of Rome.

Everything was normal at first. But when the convoy drove onto a remote road with wasteland on both sides, something unexpected happened.

"Buzz—!!"

A chilling roar of an engine came from behind.

Three modified Land Rover SUVs, like mad bulls, rushed out of the fork in the road and rammed straight into the lead car where Sofia was!

"Be careful!"

The driver, sitting in the passenger seat, screamed in fright.

"Hold on tight!"

Thomas's eyes narrowed, and his playful expression vanished instantly.

He jerked the steering wheel sharply and floored the accelerator.

The Mercedes-Benz drifted in a beautiful S-shape on the road, narrowly avoiding a side impact.

"Bang!"

The Land Rover behind crashed into the guardrail, sparks flying. But the other two immediately changed direction and flanked it from the left and right.

"Damn it! These bastards are serious!" Mobi, tossed about in the back seat, desperately tried to protect Sofia. "Miss Sofia, bow your head!"

"The car in front! Stop! Or we'll shoot!"

The window of the Land Rover on the right rolled down, and Pinny leaned out, holding a submachine gun in his hand. His eyes, painted with eyeliner, were filled with madness.

"Da da da da!"

Bullets struck the bulletproof glass of the Mercedes-Benz, making a series of cracking sounds, and countless cracks instantly appeared on the glass.

"Damn it! My new suit!" Thomas cursed, and instead of stopping the car, he suddenly turned the steering wheel to the right.

"Get the hell out of my way!"

The heavy Mercedes crashed hard into the side of the Land Rover.

"Bang--!"

Due to inertia, the Land Rover was thrown off course and nearly veered off the road.

"David! Help!" Thomas yelled into the walkie-talkie.

"They're here!"

In the car behind, David stepped on the gas and bumped the Land Rover on the left from behind, making it spin in place.

The next five minutes were like a live version of a Jackie Chan movie.

Thomas drove this heavy luxury car, performing all sorts of physics-defying drifts on the narrow country roads.

Using sharp turns to fishtail and collide with vehicles behind, using roadside haystacks for cover, or even using a construction ramp to briefly lift the car into the air...

"Aaaaaah—!" Mobi's screams echoed through the sky.

Finally, at a sharp bend, Thomas seized the opportunity, slammed on the brakes, and pulled up the handbrake at the same time.

The Mercedes drifted and veered onto another road.

The SUV in the lead couldn't react in time and tried to swerve to follow, but ended up crashing into the roadside ditch and flipping over.

"Yeah! A home run!" Thomas pumped his fist excitedly.

Finally, as the lights of Rome appeared ahead, and the sirens of police cars that had been alerted in advance came to their aid, Benny and the others realized that things were not going well and could only angrily slap the steering wheel.

"Retreat! It'll be harder to take action once we're in the city!"

The Land Rover convoy disappeared into the wilderness after a sharp turn.

"Phew..." Thomas breathed a sigh of relief, wiping the cold sweat from his forehead. "That was close. Miss Sophia, are you alright?"

"It's nothing." Sophia straightened her hair, her eyes cold. "I'll remember this debt."

……

Almost at the same time.

Milan, Sacred Heart Mental Sanatorium.

The night was deep and all was quiet.

Several shadowy figures stealthily scaled the wall of the sanatorium and crept to the outside of a special care ward on the third floor.

The woman living here is Sofia's mother, Gloria.

"Hurry up," the foreman whispered. "Tie the old woman up as the lord ordered, and keep a low profile."

One of his men pried open the lock, and the group filed in.

On the hospital bed, a thin woman was lying on her side with her back to them, seemingly fast asleep.

The leader took out a handkerchief soaked in ether and quietly slipped it over.

"Old woman, come with us."

He lunged forward, trying to cover the woman's mouth and nose.

However, just as his hand was about to touch her, the woman who had been "sleeping" suddenly moved.

She rolled over as fast as lightning.

A flash of cold light.

"Pfft!"

A scalpel precisely pierced the leader's palm, pinning him to the bedside table.

"ah--!"

Before he could even let out a scream, it was cut off in his throat by a slender yet powerful hand.

The woman sat up, removed her wig, and revealed a cool and stunningly beautiful face.

Heaven's bounty.

She was wearing Gloria's hospital gown, a cold smile curving her lips.

"I've been waiting for you for a long time."

Before the remaining subordinates could react, Tian Yang'en had already pounced out like an elegant black cat.

No nonsense, no fancy moves.

They're all deadly moves.

The sounds of breaking bones and muffled groans echoed in the cramped ward. In less than ten seconds, all four burly men were lying on the ground, some clutching their broken legs, others unconscious.

Tian Yangen clapped his hands, disgustedly pulled the person nailed to the bedside table off, and kicked him unconscious.

She picked up the phone next to her and dialed a number.

"Hello, is this Deputy Director Robert? As instructed by Mr. Lu, there's a commendation to be presented to you."

"Please arrange for the police to come to the Sacred Heart Sanatorium. They've caught some rats here; they're kidnappers from Rome."

"Yes, the person is still alive... I guess so."

……

Villa Mondal, Rome.

"Useless! All of you are useless!"

Upon hearing the news of defeat from both sides, Mondale was so angry that he smashed everything he could in the house.

At the airport, Binni was completely outmaneuvered by the three food truck drivers and didn't even get a chance to touch the taillights.

The situation was even worse in Milan; everyone who went there was killed, and some were even reportedly captured by the police.

"My lord... what do we do now?" the subordinate asked, trembling. "Sophia has already entered Lupus's castle. With that old butler and his men protecting her, it's very difficult for us to make a move. Once the lawyers are notarizing the case tomorrow, it will be too late."

Mondale was panting heavily, his eyes turning bloodshot.

Looking out the window at the majestic Lubers Castle standing tall in the night, his greed and madness completely overwhelmed his reason.

"Since the covert approach doesn't work, let's try the open one!"

Mondale pulled a jewel-encrusted revolver from the drawer, his face contorted in a menacing grimace.

"Gather everyone! Bring your weapons!"

"Tonight, we're going to 'visit' my dear brother!"