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

Fuguiwan, upper-level VIP area.

The corridor leading to the VIP room was covered with thick Persian carpets, and expensive oil paintings hung on the walls. However, at this moment, this once tranquil and luxurious corridor was filled with a nauseating smell of blood.

"Tell me, where is he?"

Tian Yangsheng grabbed a robber by the neck with one hand, lifting him off the ground and into the air. In his other hand, the military knife was slowly approaching the robber's carotid artery.

The robber was terrified. They had been sent to evacuate the group of wealthy men, but they had encountered these monsters in the corridor. In just three minutes, he had witnessed this ghostly man kill three of his companions with a military knife in a single minute.

"In...in the Ruby Hall at the end..." The robber struggled desperately, his face turning a deep purplish-red. "Don't kill me...I've already told you..."

"Click."

Tian Yangsheng snapped his neck expressionlessly and tossed him aside like trash.

"Boss, the Ruby Hall is just ahead." Tian Yangsheng waved his hand and turned to look at Lu Chen.

Lu Chen nodded and straightened his cuffs. At this moment, he had shed the murderous aura he had displayed in the banquet hall and regained his refined and elegant demeanor as a business tycoon.

"Let's go. Let's go meet our 'Gods of Wealth'."

The previous gunfights, killings, and even risking their lives to take down McDonald's were just a prelude; the real "main course" is only now being served.

The thirty people imprisoned in the VIP room are the true core of the ship's wealth.

Among them were zaibatsu who controlled Japan's electronics industry, a Datuk who monopolized Nanyang Rubber, and a veteran knight who wielded considerable influence in Hong Kong.

In this era, these three regions—Japan, Hong Kong Island, and Southeast Asia—formed the most dynamic triangle of Asian economy. If Golden Harvest Group wanted to transform from a simple Hong Kong Island group into a multinational corporation spanning Asia and even the world, it had to open this door.

Now, the key is in Lu Chen's hands.

"Take care of your appearance."

Lu Chen glanced at Xiao Zhuang and the Seven Sons of Tianyang behind him. "Put away your heavy weapons. We're going to rescue people, not scare them. Act like professional bodyguards."

"clear."

The group quickly concealed their MP5s and other conspicuous weapons into their tactical backpacks, leaving only the pistols at their waists. They straightened their collars and followed Lu Chen, hurrying towards the VIP room on the second floor.

……

Ruby VIP Lounge.

This is a completely soundproof room, usually used to host the most exclusive private gambling games.

At this moment, more than thirty top billionaires, whose combined net worth is enough to shake half of Asia's economy, are being strapped to chairs without any regard for their image.

The president of Panasonic from Japan had a shattered pair of glasses and disheveled hair; Dato' Lee from Southeast Asia was pale and had a rag stuffed in his mouth; and there was Sir Kwok from Hong Kong, whose expensive suit was covered in dust.

Fear, despair, and anger intertwined in everyone's heart.

They came here to enjoy themselves, but instead became lambs to the slaughter. McDonald's men were just threatening them that if they didn't immediately transfer one hundred million dollars to each of them, they would kill one person every ten minutes.

However, just ten minutes earlier, the guard outside received a phone call and suddenly became flustered.

"What?! The boss is dead?!"

"King was killed too?!"

"What's the point of guarding it then! Run! Grab the cash on the table and run!"

The guards didn't even have time to deal with the hostages; they stuffed the pile of gold and silver jewelry they had just looted from the table into their bags and rushed out.

The wealthy men looked at each other in bewilderment. Although the guards had run away, they were still tied up and the door was locked from the inside. They were still helpless and had no one to turn to.

Just as they were desperately contemplating, a sharp crack sounded outside the door, and the valuable pure copper keyhole was smashed open. Tian Yangyi suddenly pushed open the door.

"Who goes there?!"

"Don't kill us! We'll give you whatever money we want!"

A terrified scream suddenly erupted from the room.

More than thirty usually impeccably dressed and dignified figures were now huddled in a corner, completely disheveled. Some had broken glasses, some had lost their high heels, and all were pale-faced, like frightened birds.

The moment the door was pushed open, several timid wealthy women even screamed, covering their eyes and afraid to look, fearing that what came in was a mob of thugs with machine guns.

However, the expected gunshots did not ring out.

A tall, slender figure walked in against the light.

Lu Chen was wearing a white casual suit. Although the corners of his clothes were stained with a little dust and gunpowder, he looked exceptionally pure and composed in the eyes of this group of disheveled tycoons.

He didn't take out a gun, but instead spread his hands, wearing that signature, warm smile.

"Everyone, you've been frightened."

Lu Chen's voice was gentle yet powerful, instantly calming the restless fear in the room. "The bandit leader, McDonald, has been killed. I'm here to take everyone home."

"Shot...killed?"

Among the crowd, an elderly man with gray hair and gold-rimmed glasses stood up shakily. He was Sir Kwok, a tycoon of Hong Kong's industrial sector.

"Young man...who are you? A police officer?"

"No, my name is Lu Chen, just an ordinary person. But I was lucky; my bodyguards and a group of others managed to kill the leader of the robbers, and the rest of the robbers escaped. I've already called the police, so please don't worry."

"Lu Chen..."

Sir Guo's cloudy eyes lit up instantly, as if he had grasped a lifeline. "I remember now! You're that young man who just won the Golden Needle Award! Lu Sheng! Is it really you?!"

"it's me."

Lu Chen turned around and glanced at everyone present.

[Affinity Lv5] and [Charm Lv5] are both fully unlocked.

At this moment, he exuded a powerful aura of leadership, making people feel safe and compelled to submit.

"Gentlemen, the situation is now under control. The bandits in the hall have been eliminated. Although a small number of remnants are still trying to escape, my men will protect you all as you proceed to the safe zone."

As he spoke, Lu Chen waved to the outside world.

Xiao Zhuang, Tian Yangsheng, and others filed in. Although they exuded a menacing aura, their professional stance and wary eyes instantly gave these wealthy individuals a strong sense of security.

"Thank goodness...we're saved..."

"Waaaaah...you scared me to death..."

Once their safety was confirmed, the wealthy finally relaxed. Many slumped to the ground, panting heavily, and some even began to sob.

These usually aloof and powerful figures completely abandoned their airs at this moment. Dato' Lee, grasping Lu Chen's hand, was so moved that tears streamed down his face: "Brother Lu! You are my second parents! Just now, those beasts pointed guns at my head; I thought I would never see my three wives in Malaysia again!"

"It's alright, Datuk." Lu Chen patted the back of his hand and handed him an unopened bottle of mineral water. "Have some water to calm your nerves. I've already got the situation under control, and the police will be here soon."

Lu Chen didn't rush to take them away. Instead, he patiently walked up to each of them, offering them a bottle of mineral water, helping them loosen their tight ties, or whispering words of comfort.

In just ten minutes, Lu Chen, through timely care and powerful personal charm, successfully planted a seed of gratitude in the hearts of these top billionaires who had just experienced life and death. This trust built in dire straits is more effective than any number of drinks at a dinner table.

……

Half an hour later, we reached the deck safety zone.

When Meng Bo returned with Xiao Ma Ge, Hui Xiang, and the others, he was met with a scene that left him speechless.

Those usually arrogant and haughty tycoons were now surrounding Lu Chen, treating him like a family member, holding his hand and asking him how he was doing, even exchanging business cards.

"Lu Sheng! From now on, for all of Jiahe's shipments, as long as they're on my ship, Guo's ship, just pay cost price! I have dedicated lines to various continents, guaranteeing your clothes will be on the shelves as soon as possible!"

"Mr. Lu! If Jiahe wants to enter the Japanese market, please be sure to contact me! I have a building in the best location in Ginza that I can rent to you as a flagship store! The rent is negotiable!"

"Oh, Mr. Lu! Is that the newest suit you're wearing from Jiahe? It barely wrinkled even after all that fighting, the material and cut are amazing! I'm definitely taking my girlfriends shopping there when we get back! You have to reserve one for me!"

Lu Chen stood in the center of the crowd, a polite smile on his face, responding to everyone's requests.

"Meng Bo! Over here!"

Lu Chen saw Meng Bo and waved to him.

"How's it going? Any news from the police?"

"Of course!" Meng Bo wiped the soot off his face and chuckled. "The Hong Kong police were incredibly efficient this time! I just told them the Fugui Maru had been kidnapped, and the operator almost swallowed the phone! I heard it even alerted the Commissioner of Police and the Governor of Hong Kong! After all, if everyone on board were to perish, not only Hong Kong, but the entire East Asian stock and property markets would plummet!"

"They sent the Flying Tigers (SDU), directly by helicopter! They should be here soon!"

Before he could finish speaking...

"Rat-a-tat-tat-tat—!"

A tremendous roar came from the sky.

Everyone looked up.

Three Super Puma helicopters painted with police insignia were seen hovering above the Fuki Maru, accompanied by huge air currents.

The blinding searchlights shone on the deck, turning the night into day.

"This is the Hong Kong Island Royal Police Special Duties Unit (SDU)! Everyone on board, listen up! Lay down your weapons! Surrender immediately!"

The broadcast blared through the sky.

Immediately afterwards, more than a dozen ropes were thrown down from the helicopter. One by one, fully armed Flying Tigers members, dressed in dark blue combat uniforms, descended onto the deck like divine warriors.

He is skilled in action and has a high level of tactical awareness.

Although they arrived a little late (mainly because Lu Chen and his team resolved the situation too quickly), the scale of the event was definitely impressive.

"Deck safe!"

"Control room secure!"

"The banquet hall is safe!"

The Flying Tigers commander was also completely dumbfounded. They had prepared for a tough battle, and some had even called their families. But when they arrived, they found the ground littered with the bodies of the robbers, the hostages chatting and drinking bottled water, and only a few survivors cowering in a corner, surrendering on their knees before they could even fire a shot.

"Who...who did this?" the commander asked, grabbing a crew member.

The crew member pointed admiringly at Lu Chen, who was surrounded by the crowd: "It's that Mr. Lu! He, along with his bodyguards and several passengers, took down all the hijackers! He's even more formidable than Rambo!"

The commander looked at Lu Chen, a hint of shock flashing in his eyes.

He certainly knew this newly minted tycoon who was currently enjoying great success, but he never expected that this seemingly refined designer would have such ruthless methods.

On the other side, the sound of sirens could be heard from the sea.

Several police vessels were surrounding the robbers who were trying to escape in lifeboats. In the vast ocean, these small boats had nowhere to run and were quickly captured.

Thus, the Fugui Maru robbery case was completely solved.

……

Two hours later.

After initial questioning and on-site evidence collection by the police, although there were some doubts about Lu Chen and others seizing a large number of weapons from the robbers, the battle was transformed into a "heroic self-defense counterattack" with the collective testimony of thirty top billionaires and hundreds of middle-class elites.

Sir Guo even pointed directly at the troublemaking superintendent and yelled, "Mr. Lu stole the robber's gun to save us! Are you trying to arrest our savior? Believe me, I'll make sure you're fired tomorrow!"

The matter was considered closed with the superintendent's hesitant apologies.

On deck, the atmosphere became relaxed after the crisis was over.

This is like a unique "suspension bridge effect." Having gone through life and death together, these wealthy people, who might have just been nodding acquaintances, developed a wonderful camaraderie.

They gathered in small groups, discussing the thrilling experience and business collaborations. At the same time, all their conversations revolved around one person—Lu Chen.

"Mr. Lu."

A middle-aged man with a camera approached, beaming. "I'm the editor-in-chief of Ming Pao Weekly. This incident is absolutely sensational! You're a real-life superhero! I'd like to do an exclusive interview with you. This issue's cover, and even the next month's serialization, are all yours! I've already thought of the title—'Turning the Tide: The Iron Will and Tender Heart of a Fashion Godfather!'"

Upon hearing this, reporters from several newspapers gathered around, vying for an exclusive report.

Lu Chen smiled and waved his hand.

"Thank you for your kind offer, but an interview is unnecessary."

Lu Chen's tone was humble, but his attitude was firm. "I only did what any conscientious citizen would do. The police are the ones who are really working hard. Moreover, I don't want this incident to make people overlook Jiahe's products. If you really want to help me, you should pay more attention to our upcoming new series."

These words were spoken flawlessly.

Without being arrogant or complacent, he skillfully steered the conversation back to business. This low-key and pragmatic attitude earned him even higher regard from the wealthy individuals present.

"Truly a man destined for great things! Unperturbed by honor or disgrace!" Sir Guo gave a thumbs up.

"Lu Sheng, I've decided to be your friend!"

For the rest of the time, Lu Chen practically became the "mascot" of the entire event.

The men came over to exchange business cards, promising to give Jiahe priority in future business dealings; the women surrounded him, asking if he could reserve a few sets for them for the next season's haute couture, and some even placed orders on the spot.

more than this……

"Lu Sheng, you seem quite promising at such a young age. Are you still single?"

A plump, wealthy woman from Southeast Asia, holding Lu Chen's hand, smiled and pointed to a shy young girl not far away. "That's my youngest daughter. She just returned from studying in England this year, majoring in art and design. I think you two will definitely have something in common. How about... you come over for a casual meal sometime?"

"Yes, yes! Mr. Lu, my granddaughter is also single, and she's very beautiful..."

"Come on, your granddaughter weighs over 200 pounds, how is she pretty?"

"So what if you weigh over 200 pounds? You can easily lose some weight..."

Faced with this unexpected blind date, Lu Chen could only politely decline with a wry smile.

"Thank you for your kind offer, ladies, but I need to focus all my energy on my career right now and won't be considering personal matters for the time being. Besides..."

Lu Chen's mind flashed through Ruan Mei, Sophia, and Ya Zi, who had been giving him flirtatious glances earlier.

"Besides, I already have someone I love."

On the periphery of the crowd.

Meng Bo was having a late-night snack with Hui Xiang and Qing Zi.

"Tsk tsk tsk, look at his popularity." Meng Bo took a bite of chicken leg and mumbled, "Not only is he rich, but he can also fight, and he's so good at dealing with people. Compared to him, I feel like I, the 'City Hunter,' am just a handyman."

"You know that too!" Huixiang rolled her eyes at him. Although she complained, she still carefully wiped the grease from the corner of his mouth. "But... the way you rushed into the control room just now was pretty cool."

"Hehe, that's right!" Meng Bo immediately became smug. "I'm Meng Bo!"

……

As dawn broke and the east began to lighten, the Fugui Maru, under tight police escort, slowly sailed back to Victoria Harbour.

Standing on the deck, the sea breeze ruffled Lu Chen's clothes as he looked at the gradually clearing Hong Kong Island skyline, its dazzling lights seeming to beckon to him.

Although the voyage was thrilling, the rewards were immense.

Both [Strength] and [Perception] have been upgraded to Lv5, and I also received the attribute bonus from "City Hunter".

More importantly, he now holds a golden key to Asia's high society. The connections of these thirty top billionaires are enough to allow Golden Harvest to move freely throughout Asia for the next ten years.

"Next..."

Lu Chen's gaze deepened.

"It's time for Garreau, this great ship, to officially set sail."