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

In the afternoon, Central.

The warm winter sun shone through the thin clouds, casting its light on the towering skyscrapers of Connaught Road. As the heart of the Far East financial center, the city still beats with a breathtakingly fast pace, even on the eve of the Lunar New Year.

Jiahe International Headquarters.

This office building, located in the heart of Central, is currently bathed in a golden glow. The massive glass curtain wall reflects dazzling light, making the entire building appear as if it were cast in gold.

In stark contrast to the tense and anxious atmosphere surrounding the sweeping reforms at ATV on Broadcast Drive, the Golden Harvest Group headquarters was currently filled with an almost carnival-like joy and abundance. The air was thick with the scent of expensive perfumes, mingled with the aroma of freshly ground coffee and a tantalizingly sweet smell associated with "money."

The marble floor of the lobby was polished to a mirror shine, reflecting the dazzling crystal chandelier on the ceiling.

As the familiar black Rolls-Royce slowly pulled up at the gate, the security supervisor, who had been waiting for some time, immediately announced over the walkie-talkie in a low voice: "The boss is here! Everyone, pay attention!"

The car door opened, and Lu Chen stepped out.

"Hello, Mr. Lu!"

Happy New Year, Mr. Lu!

Lu Chen smiled, his gaze sweeping over the young faces. He didn't deliver a lengthy year-end summary; that was all empty rhetoric. He simply turned slightly and waved behind him.

Tian Yangsheng and Tian Yangyi, dressed in uniforms, immediately stepped forward, each carrying two heavy black leather suitcases.

"Click".

The sound of the suitcase lock popping open was particularly crisp in the quiet hall.

The next second, everyone's breath caught in their throats.

The suitcase was neatly stacked with piles of bright red red envelopes, each one bulging and impressively thick. Beneath the red covers, the ink of the Hong Kong dollars seemed ready to burst forth.

"Everyone has worked hard this year," Lu Chen's voice was gentle yet powerful, echoing in the hall. "Jiahe's success today is inseparable from the contributions of everyone here. This is a small token of the company's appreciation; take it home and have a prosperous New Year."

He turned to the finance director, who was already standing to the side: "Cash per person. Two thousand for ordinary employees, five thousand for supervisors, and ten thousand for managers! Pay them now, in cash!"

"Wow--!"

"My God! Two thousand dollars?!"

"Thank you, boss! Long live the boss! Long live Golden Harvest!"

The entire office area erupted in cheers, nearly lifting the ceiling off the building. Several young female clerks were so excited they covered their mouths, their eyes welling up with tears.

Keep in mind, this was early 1982, and the monthly salary of an average office worker in Hong Kong was only a little over two thousand dollars. While other trading companies were still scrimping and saving on year-end bonuses of a few hundred dollars, Lu Chen's red envelope was practically double his salary!

This is especially true for new employees who have just joined the company; it's like a windfall.

Lu Chen didn't rush upstairs. Instead, he took the stack of red envelopes handed to him by the bodyguard and handed them out with a smile. Whether it was the receptionist with her exquisite makeup or the cleaning lady wiping the plants in the corner, everyone received a heartfelt gift.

When the cleaning lady, her hands calloused from years of work, trembled as she accepted the thick red envelope containing two thousand yuan, she even wanted to kneel down before Lu Chen, but he stopped her and gently said, "Happy New Year."

Buy people's hearts?

No, this is called corporate culture.

In this money-obsessed city, in this materialistic age, nothing can win employees' loyalty more than real money. All empty promises and ideals seem pale and powerless in the face of stacks of banknotes.

What Lu Chen wants to create is not just a money-making machine, but a business empire that everyone will fight tooth and nail to get into. He wants to make the identity of "Golden Harvest employee" the most enviable golden brand in all of Hong Kong.

……

Top floor, CEO's office.

The view here is superb, offering a panoramic view of the bustling Victoria Harbour. Cheng Yiyan and Zeng Jianqiao had been waiting for quite some time in front of the huge floor-to-ceiling windows.

Seeing Lu Chen push open the door and enter, Cheng Yiyan practically sprang to his feet and hurried to greet him. This "President Cheng," who now commands respect in the financial world, still wore his signature humble smile and greeted him respectfully: "Mr. Lu, you've arrived. The tea is freshly brewed; it's your favorite aged Pu'er."

Lu Chen glanced at him, then took out a specially made brocade red envelope from his pocket, which was obviously more luxurious than the ones downstairs, and slapped it directly into Cheng Yiyan's hand.

"Old Cheng, you've made a huge contribution to Jiahe's current scale this year. Here, this is a personal bonus for you."

Cheng Yiyan accepted the red envelope with both hands. He knew from the feel that it didn't contain cash, but a check. Given Lu Chen's penchant for such things, there would definitely be no shortage of zeros on it.

"Thank you, Mr. Lu! It is the greatest blessing of my life to serve you." Cheng Yiyan bowed deeply, his eyes filled with undisguised loyalty.

He was the prototype for the protagonist in "Goldfinger," a man who should have been a powerful and ruthless figure, but before he could even show his fangs, he was subdued by Lu Chen. For the past year, he's followed Lu Chen's every command, and the feeling of making big money without having to think is simply addictive. He is now Lu Chen's sharpest scythe, absolutely loyal to him.

"Please sit down."

Lu Chen walked to the mahogany desk that represented absolute power and sat down.

Zeng Jianqiao, meanwhile, was sprawled casually on the leather sofa next to him, legs crossed, a Cuban cigar between his fingers, puffing away like a carefree, silly landlord's son.

"Brother Lu, you've really made a big commotion. When I came upstairs just now, I heard those employees downstairs shouting until their voices were hoarse."

Zeng Jianqiao exhaled a thick smoke ring, looked at Lu Chen through the smoke, and laughed loudly: "Now the whole Central district is saying that our Golden Harvest is a branch opened by the God of Wealth. As long as you enter the Golden Harvest, you're just picking up money."

"Making money and not sharing it is dishonest."

Lu Chen smiled, unbuttoned his suit jacket, and leaned back in his chair. "Only when the men are well-fed will they fight like wolves for us. If we don't even give them soup, we're just pushing them away."

Then, he tapped the table lightly with his fingers: "Alright, enough chit-chat, the people below have finished their portions, now it's our turn."

Upon hearing those two words, the atmosphere in the office instantly became more serious, and even Zeng Jianqiao straightened up, putting away his crossed legs.

Cheng Yiyan took a deep breath and took out a thick financial statement from his briefcase. His hands trembled slightly, from excitement.

He stepped between the two men and personally announced, "President Lu, President Zeng, as of New Year's Day, all businesses under the Jiahe Group, including stock market speculation, financial investment, and the 'Garreau' clothing brand, have completed their settlements."

"After deducting all operating costs, labor expenses, and tax reserves, our annual net profit is..."

Cheng Yiyan paused, then his voice suddenly rose an octave:

"One billion thirty million Hong Kong dollars!"

"Cough cough cough! Cough cough!"

Although he was mentally prepared and had seen the reports every month, when he heard the exact, aggregated astronomical figure, Zeng Jianqiao still choked on a cigar and coughed violently until his face turned red.

"Ten...ten billion?!"

Zeng Jianqiao stared wide-eyed at Lu Chen as if he were a monster, almost dropping the cigar in his hand onto the expensive carpet.

One billion in a year!

What does this mean?

In Hong Kong today, many established listed companies don't even have a market capitalization of that amount! Even for those century-old British trading companies, an annual net profit of 200 million is considered extremely fortunate. And this is just the net profit of Golden Harvest, a company less than a year old, last year!

This is outrageous! No, even printing money couldn't make it this fast! Perhaps only a massive robbery like the one at the Hong Kong Jockey Club last year could earn them faster than Golden Harvest!

In particular, Golden Harvest profited immensely from its three short-selling operations against Hang Seng Bank, Tsukamoto Group, and Jardine Matheson. Coupled with the phenomenal success of its "Garreau" brand in the high-end luxury market and the gains from the Wharf Holdings battle, Golden Harvest has become a veritable cash cow, even a golden goose!

"According to the shareholding ratio, Young Master Lu holds shares..." Cheng Yiyan continued, preparing to read out the distribution plan.

"stop!"

Zeng Jianqiao suddenly waved his hand, interrupting him. He calmed his breathing, looked at Lu Chen, and his eyes became more serious than ever before: "Brother Lu, I don't plan to take this money for the time being."

Lu Chen raised an eyebrow and looked at him: "What? Don't you think the money's hot?"

"No, that's not it," Zeng Jianqiao stubbed out his cigar in the ashtray, stood up, and said with some emotion, "I'm very optimistic about the company's future, so I plan to forgo this year's dividends and directly inject capital into the company."

Over the course of the year, the company continued to expand, with Lu Chen making several substantial investments. Although Zeng Jianqiao had also invested a considerable amount, it was negligible compared to Lu Chen's contributions. Consequently, Zeng Jianqiao's shareholding was diluted to 15%. Not wanting to be marginalized later, he decided to continue increasing his investment.

Cheng Yiyan quickly chimed in, her voice urgent: "Young Master Lu, I'm just an employee of the company. Those shares were given to me for free by you. How could I possibly take out the company's working capital? ... I don't want the same dividends as Brother Qiao. I want to continue investing in the company."

Cheng Yiyan is an exceptionally intelligent person. Three percent may seem like a small amount, but in a billion-dollar enterprise, that's thirty million! Moreover, as Jiahe expands, that three percent could become three hundred million or even three billion in the future!

Taking money now would be short-sighted and killing the goose that lays the golden eggs. The wisest choice is to continue investing in the company, turning it into equity, and sailing alongside Lu Chen's behemoth. He also needs to ensure that his shares aren't diluted too drastically, clinging tightly to this powerful figure.

Lu Chen looked at the two of them but did not refuse their continued investment.

"Since that's what you both think, then I won't be coy." Lu Chen tapped his fingers lightly on the table, making a "tap-tap" sound that seemed to strike the hearts of the two men. In his eyes, there was a light called "ambition," a light that was more intense than the setting sun outside the window.

"We did make a lot of money this year. But in my plan, it's far from enough."

Lu Chen stood up, walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, and looked down at Central. His voice was deep and domineering: "Ten billion in liquid assets is an astronomical figure that ordinary people could never spend in several lifetimes. But for the grand blueprint in my heart, it... is just an entry ticket."

"?!"

Zeng Jianqiao and Cheng Yiyan exchanged a glance, both seeing the shock and horror in each other's eyes.

Holding a billion dollars in cash is just an entry ticket?

What exactly is Young Master Lu trying to do? Does he want to buy up the entire Hong Kong Island?

Lu Chen didn't say it explicitly. But he knew in his heart that the wheels of history were rolling forward.

Starting in 1982, the Iron Lady's fall during her visit to Hong Kong would initiate lengthy negotiations between China and Britain regarding the future of Hong Kong. At that time, political uncertainty would bring immense panic, and Hong Kong's stock and property markets would experience an epic crash. The Hang Seng Index would be halved, property prices would plummet by 60%, and countless wealthy individuals would be impoverished overnight.

That was a crisis, a nightmare for countless people.

But for Lu Chen, who had a huge amount of cash at his disposal, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to buy at rock-bottom prices! It was a feast bestowed upon him by God!

At that time, Jardine Matheson, Hongkong Land, and Swire, which are usually high and mighty British trading companies that control the lifeline of water, electricity, gas and transportation in Hong Kong Island, will face enormous financial pressure and may even have to cut their losses to survive.

What Lu Chen had to do was to be like a prehistoric crocodile lurking in the deep sea, patiently waiting for the moment when its prey was at its weakest, and then opening its blood-red maw to tear apart and swallow those once invincible British giants piece by piece, without even spitting out bone fragments!

What he wants to build is not just a profitable business group, but a conglomerate empire that controls the economic lifeline of Hong Kong Island and can even influence the political situation!

"This billion will all be kept as the company's strategic reserve. Also, Lao Cheng, have the finance department be prepared. We need to be able to mobilize this money at any time, and quickly and discreetly."

Lu Chen turned around, his gaze sharp as lightning: "When the storm comes, I will make Jiahe the only Noah's Ark."

"Yes!" Cheng Yiyan trembled with excitement, her face flushed. A huge scene! Something earth-shattering was about to happen! Working for a boss like this was incredibly thrilling!

After discussing the important matter of profit sharing and establishing the strategic tone for the future, the tense atmosphere in the office relaxed again.

"The important business is over, but I have a personal matter to discuss," Zeng Jianqiao lit another cigar, a familiar smug smile appearing on his face. He glanced at Lu Chen with an ambiguous look. "How has your wife been feeling lately?"

Upon hearing the words "sister-in-law," Lu Chen's originally cold and hard gaze softened instantly, as if the ice had melted.

"It's alright. As you know, treatment for congenital heart disease is a long process and can't be rushed. But the major problems were resolved a long time ago, and the condition is stable now."

Lu Chen walked to the liquor cabinet, poured three glasses of whiskey, and handed them to the two of them. "Besides, she can't sit still and wants to take the accounting exam, so I let her go. Once she recovers, she'll probably work in the finance department. Being my assistant, running around with me everywhere, and having to deal with all sorts of drinking parties is too tiring for her."

Ruan Mei, that stingy yet kind-hearted "little Jew," is his softest concern in this world. Lu Chen naturally wouldn't mistreat her. The best doctors, the best medicine, the safest security—he's arranged everything perfectly.

"So that means your secretary and assistant positions are vacant?" Zeng Jianqiao took the wine glass, grinning mischievously, his eyebrows dancing with excitement. "How about it? Want me to introduce you to a few? This year's Miss Hong Kong contestants are pretty good, and there are also a few of our company's new employees who are fair-skinned, beautiful, and have long legs, or maybe they're just starting out as actresses? As long as you, Young Master Lu, ask, I'd like to see who dares to refuse!"

Lu Chen rolled her eyes at him, took a sip of her drink, and said, "You think I'm like you? A total womanizer who can't resist a pretty woman?"

"Hey, you can't say that. How can a big boss manage without a capable secretary?" Zeng Jianqiao said seriously, as if discussing some national affair. "Besides, the company has so much business now, you can't handle it all by yourself. Not only do you need someone to help you with documents and schedules, but you also need someone to fend off drinking parties, flirtations, and even... well, you know!"

At the end, he chuckled in a rather unserious manner.

"Alright, alright," Lu Chen interrupted his nonsense, "This matter does need to be put on the agenda. Whether it's internal selection or external recruitment, you can decide how to arrange it."

He pondered for a moment and then made his demands: "There are only two requirements: First, you must be highly capable, meticulous, and able to oversee the overall situation; second, you must be discreet and highly loyal... Of course, I don't mind if you are good-looking, since I'll be looking at you every day."

"Alright! Leave it to me!" Zeng Jianqiao patted his chest and promised excitedly, "I'll definitely pick out a few stunning beauties... oh no, top-notch talents for you! I guarantee you'll be satisfied!"

Lu Chen shook his head helplessly. Although this guy was reliable, he just couldn't shake off his playboy ways.

However, he does need a new assistant.

With his power expanding rapidly, from the underground order of Kowloon Walled City to Garreau's luxury boutiques, to the reforms of ATV, and the impending financial war, his responsibilities had become too vast to manage alone. He needed a team of secretaries who could oversee the overall situation, were meticulous, and even capable of working independently, to help him share the burden of complex daily affairs.

Perhaps it's time to discover those yet-to-be-made female powerhouses in film and television?

Lu Chen swirled his wine glass, watching the amber liquid cling to the glass, and several familiar names involuntarily flashed through his mind.

Those female characters in Hong Kong films who are known for their intelligence and competence...

For example, Leung Siu-yau from "Forensic Heroes"? Or Fok Hei-yin from "At the Threshold of an Era"? Or perhaps...

As Lu Chen thought of the stunning beauties who had appeared in Hong Kong movies, a slight smile crept onto his lips as he downed the strong liquor in his glass in one gulp.

"Start the recruitment process as soon as possible."