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

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

The dull, rhythmic impact echoed in the empty training room, the air thick with the steam of evaporating sweat and the pungent smell of liniment.

On the ring, Lu Chen stood shirtless, revealing a well-defined, yet not overly muscular physique. This was the result of the [Strength Lv5] enhancement, each muscle fiber brimming with explosive power. At this moment, wearing boxing gloves, he launched a relentless, storm-like attack on Chen Luojun, who was also shirtless.

Left hook, right straight punch, side kick, knee strike.

Lu Chen's movements were as fast as lightning, carrying an indomitable momentum.

However, Chen Luojun, who was considered the pinnacle of combat power among the younger generation in Kowloon Walled City, was like a solid reef. He moved nimbly, protecting his head with his arms, occasionally blocking with his elbows or deflecting the force with his body, neutralizing Lu Chen's heavy punches that were powerful enough to pierce wooden boards.

"The power is sufficient, and the speed is also sufficient, but the point of exertion is incorrect."

While parrying, Chen Luojun gave a deep, instructive speech, "Brother Lu, your punches are too 'straightforward.' Although they're fast, the intention is too obvious. The real killing move should be concealed. You need to concentrate your power at the moment of contact with the target, rather than using all your strength when you throw the punch."

Before he could finish speaking, Chen Luojun suddenly dodged Lu Chen's swing punch by sidestepping it, and then thrust his shoulder forward sharply.

"Stand close to the mountain!"

"Bang!"

Lu Chen felt a tremendous force strike his chest, and he uncontrollably staggered back three or four steps until he hit the ropes and stopped.

"Huff... huff..."

Lu Chen shook his slightly numb arm, not feeling frustrated at all, but with excitement shining in his eyes.

Since returning from Europe, except for the day he went to the Fugui Maru, he has spent two hours here every day to "suffer."

Although the system gave him special forces-level physical attributes and reaction speed, it was more like installing a sports car engine on him without matching him with the corresponding racing driver skills. In this Hong Kong variety show world, true masters—like Chen Luojun and Tian Yangsheng—rely not only on brute force, but also on practical combat skills honed through countless trials.

He didn't want to be a brute with all his strength but no ability to actually fight anyone.

"Again!" Lu Chen took a deep breath, adjusted his breathing, and once again assumed a fighting stance.

In the morning, I practiced boxing with Chen Luojun to hone my close-combat reflexes; in the afternoon, I went to the shooting range with Xiao Zhuang to practice shooting and learn how to turn firearms into an extension of my body.

In the treacherous world of Hong Kong variety shows, even the mastermind behind the scenes, having the ability to protect oneself or even fight back is always the last resort.

"Boss, you've almost got a feel for the gun."

Xiao Zhuang, who had been standing silently by the ring, walked over and handed Lu Chen a bottle of water. "Your hands are very steady, and your mind is very calm. Right now, you can hit exactly where you aim within fifty meters. If you keep practicing, it will become a matter of gradual refinement."

Lu Chen nodded and drank half a bottle of water in one gulp.

"Okay, that's enough for today."

……

After taking a shower and changing into a dry, custom-made suit, Lu Chen sat in the martial arts gym's lounge and accepted a sports drink from Chen Luojun.

Just then, the mobile phone on the table rang.

"Boss, it's me, Lao Cheng."

On the other end of the phone, Cheng Yiyan's voice was filled with undisguised joy, "I have great news for you! The hard decoration of the flagship store in Landmark Plaza is all finished, and now we're getting the soft furnishings and stocking the shelves. Brother Qiao is practically living there, leading the workers in three shifts, and they've managed to cut the construction period in half!"

"Very good." Lu Chen leaned back on the sofa, looking at the sunlight outside the window. "What about the quality? It must strictly follow the design drawings I gave you."

"Don't worry, boss! I just went to see it, and it's exactly as you requested. The marble was imported from Italy, and the lighting design... wow, when I walked in, I felt like I'd be doing that carpet a disservice if I didn't buy something."

"That's good." Lu Chen's lips curled up slightly. "Pass the word down and start the pre-launch preparations."

"Okay, boss! I'll contact the TV station and the newspaper right away..."

"No."

Lu Chen interrupted him, his tone becoming playful, "Old Cheng, this time is different. Since we're going for the ultra-luxury route, we need to set the bar. TV commercials? Newspaper headlines? Those are for selling soap and fast food."

"Cancel all mass media advertising," Lu Chen ordered. "Go all out on public relations with top fashion magazines like Tatler and Vogue, make sure you're on the cover. Also, produce a batch of handmade invitations, using the finest paper, gold foil stamping, and sprayed with Garreau's signature perfume."

"These invitations were sent to billionaires, celebrities, and my friends who were on the Fugui Maru and were my 'sworn brothers'."

Cheng Yiyan on the other end of the phone paused for a moment, then suddenly realized: "Social segregation? Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant! Those wealthy women fall for this trick the most; the more you try to prevent them from getting in, the more they'll fight tooth and nail to get in!"

"That's right," Lu Chen said calmly. "I've already contacted Mr. Matsushita and Dato' Lee. I'm very satisfied with the site selection plan for the branches in Southeast Asia and Japan. Once the flagship store in Hong Kong becomes a hit, we'll immediately launch our overseas expansion plan."

"Yes, boss!"

……

After hanging up the phone, Lu Chen had just stepped into the lobby when he saw Xiao Zhuang standing there with a middle-aged man.

The man was a middle-aged man wearing a black jacket, with slightly graying hair and a weathered yet shrewd look in his eyes.

"Boss, this is my middleman—Fourth Brother Feng Gang," Xiao Zhuang introduced, his tone tinged with gratitude.

Lu Chen raised his head and looked the man up and down.

In the movie "The Killer," Fourth Brother is Xiao Zhuang's manager and only friend. Although greedy, he confronts the ruthless Wang Hai for Xiao Zhuang's sake at the last moment, ultimately dying a tragic death. He is a flawed but principled and loyal figure in the underworld.

"Mr. Lu!"

Upon seeing Lu Chen, Fourth Brother immediately rushed forward and tightly grasped Lu Chen's hands. "Thank you! Thank you so much! If you hadn't reminded Xiao Zhuang, I would have really been killed by that bastard Wang Hai!"

Thanks to Lu Chen's spoilers, Xiao Zhuang had already helped Fourth Brother rescue his family and told Fourth Brother and Wang Dongyuan about the conspiracy. Now, Wang Hai is in Stanley Prison for drug trafficking and hiring a hitman, and he'll never get out.

Fourth Brother and Xiao Zhuang are completely free.

"It was nothing," Lu Chen said with a smile. "Since he's Xiao Zhuang's friend, he's my friend too. Please sit down."

Fourth Brother sat down somewhat awkwardly, barely daring to touch the edge of the chair. He had spent half his life in the underworld and had seen many big shots, but he had never seen anyone as young, mysterious, and possessing extraordinary abilities as Lu Chen. What's more, this young man had just saved him.

"Mr. Lu, Xiao Zhuang told me. You're short-handed." Fourth Brother took a deep breath and stated, "Although I, Feng Gang, don't have any great skills, I've been in the underworld for so many years, so my information network is pretty good, and I know quite a few people from all walks of life. If you don't mind, I'll sell my old life to Golden Harvest from now on!"

【Ding--】

[Key plot character detected: Fourth Brother (Feng Gang)]

[Checking in at the movie "The Killer"]

[Check-in successful!]

[Reward: +1 Free Attribute Point]

Lu Chen smiled slightly and added the attribute points to [Agility].

"Fourth Brother, you flatter me. Jiahe needs someone like you."

Lu Chen gave Xiao Zhuang a wink, and Xiao Zhuang took out a contract and handed it to Fourth Brother.

"Fourth Brother, I've arranged a position for you," Lu Chen said. "You'll be joining Brother Hao's business unit. He's currently in charge of the group's underground financial network. Your tasks are twofold: First, use your connections in the assassin circle to help me build an intelligence network. I need to know the happenings in Kowloon, Hong Kong, and even the entire East Asian underworld. Second, help me find some 'experts' like Xiao Zhuang—principled, with a bottom line, but ruthless enough to use their methods."

Fourth Brother took the contract, glanced at the salary and benefits, and his hand trembled slightly. The figures on it were several times more than what he had previously earned as a middleman with trepidation, and on the surface, it was legal and guaranteed.

"Don't worry, Mr. Lu! I'll take care of the intelligence network right away," Fourth Brother stood up and said solemnly. "As for manpower, I'll make sure you have a very discerning eye. I won't let any of those scoundrels, drug addicts, or unruly individuals in!"

"Okay, go ahead, Brother Hao is waiting for you at the company."

……

After seeing off Fourth Brother and Xiao Zhuang, Lu Chen walked out of the martial arts school.

At the entrance, a brand-new black Rolls-Royce Silver Spur was parked quietly by the roadside. Its body gleamed with a regal light in the sunlight, and the Spirit of Ecstasy on the hood shone brilliantly.

This is a new car that Lu Chen specially purchased to match Garreau's brand image. After all, a sports car is only good for a short time; now that he's the boss of a top luxury brand, he needs a more sophisticated and mature vehicle.

"Boss."

As soon as Lu Chen came out, Tian Yangyi, who was standing by the car door, immediately opened the back door, his movements as precise as if he had been trained at Buckingham Palace.

Lu Chen sat in the car, enjoying the comfort of the leather seats, and nodded in satisfaction.

"Ah Yi, you've all worked hard lately."

The car started smoothly, and the sound insulation was excellent; the only sound inside the car was the air conditioning.

"It's not hard work, boss," Tian Yangyi reported to the guide while driving. "Compared to sleeping in the mud in the jungles of southern Vietnam, life now is like heaven."

Lu Chen smiled. The Seven Sons of Heavenly Nurturing were no longer the lone wolves who only knew how to kill when they first arrived.

Apart from Tian Yang'en, who is still in Rome with Ruan Mei and Sofia, the remaining six brothers are extremely busy.

Every day, in addition to sending three people in rotation to serve as Lu Chen's personal bodyguards, the remaining three people are busy with the newly established "Jiahe Security Consulting Company".

As for why they started the company, it was an unexpected bonus from the "Fukumaru" incident.

After that hijacking, the wealthy passengers were rescued, but they were left with severe psychological trauma. They suddenly realized that the bodyguards they usually paid a lot of money to hire were nothing more than a bunch of weaklings who only knew how to put on a show in front of real international bandits.

The seven Tianyang disciples and Xiao Zhuang beside Lu Chen left an indelible impression on them with their machine-like professionalism.

After returning to Hong Kong Island, Sir Kwok, Dato' Lee, and others contacted Lu Chen one after another, even offering exorbitant prices to hire the Seven Sons of Heaven to provide special training for their bodyguards. Some even tried to poach him directly.

Lu Chen would certainly not release the person, but he keenly sensed a business opportunity.

So, he went with the flow and established "Jiahe Security", which not only provides security training for the wealthy, but also trains its own security personnel for rental later.

Tian Yangsheng was appointed as the chief instructor, and Tian Yangyi as the general manager. Lu Chen gave them 20% of the technology as equity, which made the seven siblings extremely grateful and even more devoted to them.

Even before officially opening for business, Jiahe Security already has orders booked until next year. This isn't just about making money; it's also about deeply binding these connections.

"How's it going at the company?" Lu Chen asked casually.

"Big Brother (Tian Yangsheng) is leading the first batch of bodyguards in short-term special training." Tian Yangyi glanced at Lu Chen through the rearview mirror, his tone full of anticipation. "Those trainees are all elite bodyguards sent by various families. They were all very arrogant at first, but Big Brother took them all down with his bare hands. Now they are as docile as quails."

"Moreover..." Tian Yangyi paused, "As you instructed, my elder brother is selecting promising individuals from retired British soldiers of Chinese descent and veterans from the mainland, and will then begin training a true 'internal security force' belonging to Jiahe."

"Very good," Lu Chen nodded. "Better to have none than to have the wrong one. Skill is secondary; loyalty is the most important."

"Understood! And... thank you so much, boss. I never dreamed that one day my seven siblings and I would be able to earn money honestly and openly through our own abilities... Thank you!"

"Haha, then work hard with me, and I'll show you even bigger sights!"

"yes!"

The car drove through the Cross-Harbour Tunnel and was about to enter the Central area.

Just then, Lu Chen's personal cell phone rang.

That was a number known to only a very few people. Lu Chen took out his phone and saw that the number belonged to Rome.

Lu Chen raised an eyebrow and immediately pressed the answer button.

"Hey, Ah-en, what's wrong?"