At that moment, Wang Zhuo couldn't help but feel a pang of envy for figures like Gates, Jobs, and Zuckerberg; they had managed to become dazzling business stars at such a young age, maintaining independent lives while being admired by thousands. He, however, due to various circumstances, could only be a hidden billionaire, striving to keep a low profile and rarely stepping into the spotlight.

If this were in the United States, the mere achievement of Wangchao Wuliang would have warranted an invitation to meet the President, let alone conquering the mosquito-borne plague that ravaged the globe—an accomplishment that would earn the Presidential Medal of Freedom in the US, and the title of Knight from the British.

And now? Wang Zhuo reflected that perhaps only Qin Xue had ever said "You've worked hard" to him; even Qin Jingzhong's "Well done" shouldn't truly count. He supposed this amounted to being undervalued!

While he was mentally grumbling, the phone rang. It was from Qin Xue's office.

"Who's calling so early in the morning?" Wang Zhuo asked curiously as he picked up.

Pi Shaocong’s hearty laugh came through the line: "Wang Zhuo, are you awake? I have some wonderful news to share!"

Wang Zhuo strongly considered saying he had a habit of sleeping and rising early, but recalling his schedule over the past two years made him slightly ashamed. He chuckled dryly, "What wonderful news warrants such an early personal call from you?"

"The top leader called last night and gave instructions for me to notify you today: the Number One Leader will be visiting your enterprise sometime soon!" Pi Shaocong beamed. "How about that news? Isn't that cause for celebration?"

"Oh..." Wang Zhuo was stunned for a good two seconds before exclaiming with delight, "That truly is huge news! But which department will he be inspecting?"

"Naturally, Wangchao Wuliang," Pi Shaocong replied excitedly. "While the jewelry boutiques under Shengshi Wangchao make money, that’s not an area worthy of the Leader's direct concern. As for Taoyuan Copper Mine... well, I don't need to explain that, do I?"

Wang Zhuo hummed in understanding. Although Pi Shaocong hadn't explicitly stated it, everyone understood the unspoken truth: the Taoyuan Copper Mine had just been inspected by the former Number Two Leader last year. After the reshuffle this summer, that individual had retired. For various reasons, it was unlikely that the top leaders would visit the mine anytime soon.

Even though the leadership transition was complete, the shuffling of influence was not entirely settled, but the Kong family, which had invested in the Taoyuan Copper Mine, was basically out of the picture. As for who would acquire their shares, that remained unknown for the time being.

After a pause, Pi Shaocong continued, "Regarding the Angel matter, the higher-ups want to keep things stalled for now. How it develops later depends on your own capabilities. The weight-loss drug doesn't even have an official name yet; how can you expect the Leader to inspect that?"

The "Angel matter" referred, of course, to the Nobel Prize in Medicine. Because the mosquito plague had raged far longer than medical experts predicted—even leading to the collapse of some poor and underdeveloped nations, causing the phenomenon of state failure—it had triggered a localized reordering of power globally. Because of this, the significance of the drug was monumental, making a Nobel Prize in Medicine a certainty.

However, ownership of this scientific breakthrough was currently highly contested. In Western medical circles, the three "old traditional Chinese medicine practitioners" announced by Zhongshi were not recognized. But Wang Zhuo consistently failed to provide conclusive evidence proving he was the inventor, so the matter remained unresolved.

Regardless, the Nobel Prize was awarded annually; if it wasn't this year, it could be next year, so Wang Zhuo wasn't anxious.

"What preparations do I need to make?" Wang Zhuo asked.

"A large, modern laboratory, some reliable staff, and you should also notify Li Guangyi; the Leader will be inspecting his production workshop," Pi Shaocong stated.

"They won't make me go on television, will they?" Wang Zhuo was more concerned about this question.

"You don't have to," Pi Shaocong chuckled. "The Leader will speak with you in an informal setting, but you must accompany him throughout his time on your premises."

The image of a leader surrounded by an entourage during televised inspections immediately flashed through Wang Zhuo's mind, easing his anxiety somewhat. He figured that even if cameras caught him, he’d be, at best, an extra. Once edited for broadcast, he'd probably just flash across the screen, unlikely to draw attention.

After discussing a few more details, they ended the call. Wang Zhuo sat in front of his computer screen, feeling a bit dizzy. He was actually going to meet the Leader?

Just a few minutes ago, he had felt that the leadership in China wasn't pulling its weight. Now, so suddenly, such a major figure was coming to him. He realized his previous view might have been immature, perhaps even leaning toward admiring foreign things!

He shook his head with a wry smile and immediately called Li Guangyi to relay the good news. He figured Pi Shaocong was waiting for Li Guangyi's call, so this notification was best delivered sooner rather than later, as it related to Old Li's posture toward Secretary Pi.

When Li Guangyi heard that the Leader would shake hands with him in his workshop and that the moment would be broadcast to the world on the news, he nearly suffered a cerebral hemorrhage from the excitement!

"W-Wang Zhuo, Boss Wang!" Li Guangyi stammered incoherently, stuttering miserably, "Are you kidding me, Boss? I have a nervous weakness; I can't handle this kind of excitement!"

"This is a political task," Wang Zhuo said sternly. "Would I joke with you about something this crucial? I don't know all the specific details myself. You should call Pi Shaocong and ask for the full rundown!"

"I... I... I'm afraid I'll get too nervous," Li Guangyi managed to say.

Wang Zhuo burst out laughing. "Come on, Boss Li, you're a man worth billions. If this were ancient times, you’d be a regional magnate. It would be perfectly normal for the Emperor to inspect your family's weaving mill during his southern tour, wouldn't it? What's there to be nervous about? Ask him for an autograph later, get a gold plaque made to hang in your lobby, have the original framed for your office, and then enlarge a few photos of you and the Leader for display—how cool would that be!"

Li Guangyi almost fainted. It seemed this guy wasn't focused on how to host the Leader, but on how to get an inscribed plaque and a few photos for bragging rights!

"Really, Old Li, there's nothing to be nervous about," Wang Zhuo said casually. "I know what you're thinking—it's your first time stepping onto the grand stage, right? You don't know the etiquette or what you should do, correct? We have Secretary Pi for that! What else are leaders’ secretaries for, if not to coordinate these matters below and teach people like us the proper conduct?"

That sentence was like a lightbulb going off for Li Guangyi. He instantly understood; Wang Zhuo didn't need to teach him anything more. He quickly thanked Wang Zhuo and called Pi Shaocong.

Wang Zhuo also needed to make a flurry of calls to inform others: Gan Lin, Fu Xinran, Vice President Ms. Zhang, as well as Qi Fei, Guan Yingying, and Siyuan. No matter how one looked at it, this was wonderful news—what greater affirmation could an enterprise receive besides performance, if not the favor of the leadership?

Busily occupied, the entire morning passed quickly. At noon, he returned to school to share a seaweed wrap meal with Qin Siqing, and then headed to the "Xinsheng" beauty chain on Huaihai Road.

Unlike many beauty institutions that boasted of being international brands yet only had a few domestic branches—using such false advertising to inflate their status and put gold leaf on their own faces—"Xinsheng" was far more understated. Its name didn't mention anything about being international, but the moment you stepped inside the large establishment, you knew it was something special.

On the cultural walls lining the corridors, there were no oversized photos of brand ambassadors. Instead, there were small, exquisite picture frames showcasing photos of Xinsheng’s branches in various countries, along with snapshots taken with famous figures, including the hottest male and female actors and major film stars. These photos were more persuasive than any advertisement; Xinsheng sold reputation, not publicity.

Arriving at the General Manager's office, He Ye, who was currently transforming from a workplace newcomer into a formidable career woman, was revising an authorization agreement. Seeing Wang Zhuo enter, she stood up quickly in surprise, apologizing, "I got so busy I lost track of time; I should have come downstairs to meet you."

Wang Zhuo smiled gently. "I’m not eighty years old; I have my own two feet, I don't need escorting."

"Quickly, sit down, let me pour you some water." He Ye took his hand and led him toward the sofa.

He patted her supple, shapely bottom lightly as he let her go to fetch the water, casually asking, "Where is Xu Chu? Where did she go?"

"There was a small issue in the cafeteria; she went to handle it." He Ye checked her watch. "She should be back around this time."

"You all need to treat your employees well, okay?" Wang Zhuo chuckled mischievously. "I wouldn't want a reputation for being stingy."

He Ye handed him the glass of water, smiling back, "Oh yes, you are extremely generous."

"That's because you deserve my generosity," Wang Zhuo patted the cushion next to him, inviting her to sit. "That breast enhancement massage treatment—is it effective?"

"A little bit," He Ye replied, her face flushing slightly.

"Let me see; has there been any change?" Wang Zhuo said, reaching out to feel.

He Ye allowed him to knead through her clothes, her eyes hazy with desire. "Let's go to the inner room; it’s not convenient here."

The General Manager’s office was a suite, containing an office area outside, as well as a bedroom and a bathroom. Wang Zhuo had visited twice before. He had mentioned that the bedroom environment was somewhat spartan, so Xu Chu later arranged for it to be redecorated into a cozy private space.

Using his X-ray vision, Wang Zhuo shook his head. "Is there an unused treatment room somewhere? I'd like to experience it myself."

He Ye chuckled, teasing him, "Boss Wang, President Wang, this is your empire. And you’ve never even set foot in a treatment room?"

"Because I have you," Wang Zhuo gently patted her dignified and beautiful face. "As a hands-off boss, I can do so with a clear conscience. You won't give me any worries, right?"

"I knew you were sweet-talking," He Ye laughed. "Appointments are booked solid, but occasionally there are cancellations. I'll check with the front desk if there’s an opening."

"Business seems quite good." Wang Zhuo nodded.

"Business is excellent, naturally. Many customers can't even get a spot on the waiting list," He Ye spread her hands. "But running a business, you always encounter some troublesome things, like people coming to cause trouble."