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

Kowloon, Chinachem Theatre.

As Hong Kong's newest luxury cinema, it boasts top-notch equipment in Asia, with a huge screen flickering in the dark, showing the most popular romantic movies of the moment.

The theater was air-conditioned and filled with the sweet, caramelized aroma of popcorn.

Lu Chen had already secretly booked the entire largest VIP hall, and only a dozen or so people were sparsely seated in the huge audience area. Ruan Mei sat next to Lu Chen, holding a bucket of popcorn that had long since gone cold, but her eyes were somewhat unfocused.

The movie was very touching, telling a love story in a foreign land, but Ruan Mei didn't know how much of it she had absorbed, since her mind had been completely elsewhere since the beginning.

From the moment she entered, she was filled with anticipation—anticipation that he would quietly take her hand in the darkness, anticipation that he would whisper something in her ear, and even anticipation of the kind of impulsive kiss described in novels.

But even as the male protagonist ran in the sunset and the end credits rolled, the man next to me was actually... watching the movie intently!

Not only did he sit upright, but he also placed his hands properly on the armrests, without overstepping any boundaries.

"You big idiot..."

Ruan Mei bit her straw, a feeling of indescribable disappointment welling up inside her. The lights weren't on yet, but the credits started rolling. She sniffed, feeling a little aggrieved, and prepared to get up.

"Let's go, Mr. Lu, the movie is over." Her voice was somewhat muffled, and she seemed to be gritting her teeth when she called out to Mr. Lu.

"What's the rush?"

Lu Chen remained seated calmly, a mysterious smile playing on his lips. "The Easter egg hasn't come out yet."

"What Easter eggs are there in this kind of art film...?"

Ruan Mei muttered to herself, and just as she was about to stand up, she suddenly realized—

The lights did not turn on.

The screen, which had gone dark, suddenly lit up again.

There were no film company logos or noisy background music. Accompanied by a soft and soothing piano prelude, a huge photograph appeared in the center of the screen.

Ruan Mei was stunned.

Because the person in that photo is her.

The photo was taken in Jiahe's old office. She had just joined the company and was frowning and struggling to calculate a takeout order while biting a pen in her mouth, looking adorably clueless.

Then, the scene changed.

It was her profile as she made a devout wish with her eyes closed by the Trevi Fountain in Rome, the setting sun gilding her eyelashes.

It was that radiant smile she wore in her London hospital room when she received Lu Chen's call, despite her pale face.

One after another.

Some of the photos were taken by Lu Chen herself, while others were images she herself had taken at some point.

Each photo is accompanied by a line of handwritten captions:

"When I first met you, I thought this employee was very kind."

"The second time I saw you, I thought this assistant was really stubborn."

"This is the third time I've seen you, and I find this girl very interesting."

"Later I thought, if I could have a boss who's so good at managing money for the rest of my life, even if I lost everything, I probably wouldn't starve, right?"

As she watched, Ruan Mei's tears began to flow uncontrollably. She covered her mouth and stared in disbelief at the smiling man beside her.

It turns out he had been watching her all along.

It turns out that, in those moments she was unaware of, his gaze was always fixed on her.

Just then, the dozen or so "passersby" who were sitting in the front and back rows suddenly stood up in unison.

"I wish I could drive a rocket and take you to the sky..."

As they sang, they pulled out glow sticks and cold fireworks that they had prepared beforehand.

Ruan Mei looked closely and immediately burst into laughter through her tears.

Those burly men waving glow sticks, their movements stiff as if they were doing calisthenics, weren't they the usually menacing Tian Yangsheng and his brothers? At this moment, these ruthless bandits, who could remain unfazed in the face of gunfire, wore awkward yet honest smiles, trying their best to create a "romantic" atmosphere.

Sitting on the other side was Cheng Yiyan, who was grinning from ear to ear, as well as Zeng Jianqiao, the second largest shareholder of Golden Harvest, and even Xiao Zhuang and Jenny, who rarely appear in public, all elegantly clapping along.

"Boss, catch!"

Little Ma strode forward, pulled out a bouquet of champagne roses—even more exquisite than the one at the airport—that he had hidden under his seat, and solemnly handed it to Lu Chen.

Lu Chen took the flowers, straightened his suit, and then turned to face Ruan Mei, who was already crying her eyes out.

Under everyone's gaze, this young man, who had once dominated the business world, slowly knelt on one knee.

"Amei".

Lu Chen's voice was deep and gentle, carrying throughout the screening room through the microphone: "Before I met you, I felt like a wandering traveler. You made me realize that in this concrete jungle, there was still a light left on for me. You showed me that the place called 'home' is not just a house, but a place where you are."

Lu Chen held up the flowers in his hand, looking intently at her: "You used to be my employee, managing my money. From now on, I want to hire you as my boss's wife, to manage my household for the rest of my life."

"Miss Ruan Mei, are you willing?"

Ruan Mei was already sobbing uncontrollably.

She nodded frantically, tears blurring her vision, but she could clearly see the deep affection in the man's eyes.

"I do...I do! You big fool!"

Ruan Mei cried and laughed at the same time, abandoning all pretense of modesty, and rushed over to hug Lu Chen's neck. "If you dare to go back on your word, I'll... I'll donate all your money and make you penniless!"

"That won't do, I need to save some money for your groceries."

Lu Chen smiled and stood up, hugging the girl in his arms tightly.

"Give me a kiss! Give me a kiss!"

"Boss! Don't chicken out! Go for it!"

Cheng Yiyan and Zeng Jianqiao, who were standing to the side, finally couldn't hold back any longer and jumped out like two big monkeys.

"Bang! Bang!"

Two muffled thuds followed as the fireworks exploded above their heads. A shower of colorful sequins and ribbons rained down, shimmering under the projector's beam, a scene of breathtaking beauty.

Amidst the cheers, Ruan Mei shyly buried her head in Lu Chen's arms, but Lu Chen gently lifted her chin.

Eyes facing each other.

Without a word, Lu Chen lowered his head and pressed his lips deeply against her still trembling red lips.

This was a kiss that mixed the saltiness of tears with the sweetness of lipstick.

This is a kiss about commitment and the future.

Cheers and whistles erupted all around, and Tian Yangsheng and the others rarely showed genuine smiles, clapping enthusiastically.

……

Half an hour later.

Sham Shui Po, Tai Hang West Estate.

This is the most down-to-earth old district in Kowloon, with narrow streets lined with open-air food stalls. The aroma of stir-frying over open flames, the sizzling of iron plates, and the sounds of diners playing drinking games create the most authentic night scene on Hong Kong Island.

However, at this moment, a bizarre scene appeared around this open-air food stall called "Xiang Ji," leaving the surrounding neighbors speechless.

A black Rolls-Royce led the way, followed by five or six Mercedes-Benz cars, squeezing into the narrow alley that could only accommodate two cars side by side.

Those luxury cars that would normally draw long crowds even if they only saw one were now neatly arranged around a roadside food stall, just like ordinary taxis.

"What...what's going on? Which tycoon has come in disguise?"

Uncle Xiang, the owner of the beef noodles who was stir-frying them over a high flame, was so startled that he almost dropped the iron wok in his hand, staring dumbfounded at the person who got out of the Rolls-Royce.

When he saw the girl in the beige trench coat with a happy expression, his eyes widened like saucers.

"Ah... Ah Mei?!"

"Uncle Xiang! It's me!" Ruan Mei walked over with a smile, linking arms with Lu Chen.

Uncle Xiang was an old neighbor who watched Ruan Mei grow up. During Ruan Mei's most difficult years, when her grandmother was sick and she couldn't afford medicine, Uncle Xiang often helped her out, sometimes secretly giving her a plate of fried noodles or letting her buy on credit. Ruan Mei told Lu Chen about this, and Lu Chen always remembered it.

"Oh my! It really is you!" Uncle Xiang exclaimed excitedly, wiping his hands on his apron. "I thought you were mistaken! And this is...?"

Uncle Xiang looked at the imposing Lu Chen with awe, as well as the group of black-clad bodyguards around him who looked like they were not to be trifled with.

"Hello Uncle Xiang, I'm Amei's boyfriend, you can just call me Achen."

Lu Chen smiled and extended his hand, showing no disgust at Uncle Xiang's greasy hands. "I often hear Ah Mei mention you, saying that your Typhoon Shelter Crab is the best in Hong Kong. Today, I specially brought my friends to try your cooking."

"Oh my! You flatter me! You flatter me!" Uncle Xiang shook hands, flattered, his face crinkling into a wide smile. "Please sit down! Please sit down! Uncle Xiang is treating tonight, order whatever you like!"

Several greasy folding tables were pushed together.

Lu Chen, whose net worth exceeds 100 million, Tian Yangsheng, who is in charge of security, Cheng Yiyan, who is in charge of Jiahe's finances... This group of future stars of Central are sitting on plastic stools like the most ordinary diners, drinking ice-cold beer and eating stir-fried dishes full of wok hei (wok aroma).

"Boss, their fried intestines are amazing!" Cheng Yiyan exclaimed, his mouth dripping with oil, completely abandoning his sophisticated demeanor from his Central office building days. "They're even better than those at Fu Lam Restaurant!"

"Of course, look who recommended it," Lu Chen peeled a mantis shrimp for Ruan Mei and put it in her bowl. "It still tastes the same, right?"

"Mmm!" Ruan Mei took a bite, her eyes squinting with satisfaction. "I've been dreaming of eating this in London! The food there is inedible, just fish and chips..."

Watching her enjoy her meal, Lu Chen's gaze softened.

He brought Ruan Mei here not only to let her return home in glory, but also to tell her: no matter how high I fly now, no matter how much money Jiahe makes, I am still Lu Chen, the one who can sit with you at a roadside stall peeling shrimp. He loves her, and he loves her past, he loves everything about her, because that is the real her.

A huge two-tiered cream cake was placed on the table; it was a "victory celebration" to mark the successful confession of love.

Everyone was making a ruckus, playing drinking games, and eating until late at night.

Before leaving, Lu Chen made an excuse to go to the restroom and secretly slipped a thick red envelope into Uncle Xiang's pocket.

"Uncle Xiang, please accept this small token of my appreciation." Lu Chen pressed down Uncle Xiang's hand, which was about to refuse, and said sincerely, "Amei had a hard life before, and she was very fortunate to have been taken care of by you. I thank you on behalf of Ruan Mei."

Uncle Xiang couldn't refuse, so he had to accept it. Clutching the red envelope containing at least tens of thousands of yuan, he watched the two men leave, his eyes welling up with tears.

"That girl, Amei... has finally found a good family after all her hardships."

……

It was already late when we left Sham Shui Po.

The convoy split up at the intersection. Tian Yangsheng and the others escorted the drunk Cheng Yiyan and Zeng Jianqiao back, leaving only a Rolls-Royce and two escort vehicles, driven by Xiao Ma Ge, to take Lu Chen and Ruan Mei back.

The carriage was quiet, with only the slight hum of the air conditioning vents.

"Back to the villa?" Little Ma asked from the driver's seat.

Lu Chen was about to nod when he felt his sleeve being gently tugged.

He looked down and saw Ruan Mei burying her face in his arms, her ears as red as if they were about to bleed, her voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz.

"Um... Grandma's going to play mahjong all night tonight, and there's... no one home..."

Lu Chen was taken aback for a moment, then immediately understood.

"And...and I also want to see the sea." Ruan Mei mustered all her courage, raised her head, her large, watery eyes filled with shyness, yet also with a resolute determination. "Tonight...let's stay out, okay?"

The subtext of this statement is clear to all adults.

Looking at her expression, which was both frightened and expectant, Lu Chen's Adam's apple bobbed, and a burning light flashed in his eyes.

He didn't say anything, but simply reached out and raised the soundproof panel between the front and back seats.

Then, he picked up the car radio, his voice low and hoarse:

"Mark, go to the Peninsula Hotel."

"Book the best presidential suite."

The sea breeze in Victoria Harbour was gentle that night.

That night, the lights on the top floor of the Peninsula Hotel were ambiguous.

That night, nothing was said, only the sea breeze and moonlight witnessed this love story, which had gone from humble beginnings to prosperity, finally blossoming and bearing fruit.