Liu Hui found a Taekwondo studio near his home, signed up, and learned a few basic moves from the master. Because his body had just been modified, even though he was older, the bones and tendons throughout his body had not withered, allowing him to execute the instructor's required movements effortlessly and adapt quickly to the training regimen. Liu Hui was a man who feared death; his choice to study martial arts at a Taekwondo studio was purely for self-preservation. After all, if life is gone, all ideals become meaningless talk.
Initially, Liu Hui had intended to seek out a martial arts school teaching traditional Chinese fist techniques, but as an outsider, he didn't know how to find such places immediately, so he settled for the mainstream option of Taekwondo. At the Taekwondo studio, he dared not use his full strength, pretending to be an ordinary student. He merely memorized the moves taught by the master and then practiced them by the riverbank. Although the Taekwondo techniques were simple, he practiced them with formidable vigor, his feet flying through the air.
That day, Liu Hui took a long break and visited the ancient city wall in Bashan City. This ancient structure was a relic from when Bashan City resisted the Mongol-Yuan invasion. Along the top and bottom of the wall stood numerous statues of warriors, depicted in poses of attack, defense, and striking—their expressions vividly lifelike, instantly stirring one's blood and making them yearn to join that war which had dealt such a heavy blow to the vitality of the Han nation.
Just as Liu Hui's blood was boiling with patriotic fervor, he suddenly noticed two foreigners ahead of him observing the Zhang Xianzhong Seven Killings Stele. One of them was exceptionally tall, easily over two meters, immediately drawing attention.
On a sudden whim, Liu Hui ran up to join the onlookers. The taller of the two foreigners wore a baseball cap and a large mask covering his mouth, while the shorter one appeared to be over 1.8 meters tall. A female tour guide was explaining something in English, likely detailing the origin and lore of the Seven Killings Stele, which the two foreigners listened to with rapt attention. Liu Hui listened along with the guide for a while, but unfortunately, he was utterly ignorant of English and had no idea what they were discussing. Perhaps the tall foreigner was tired, for after a few steps, he sat down on the steps to rest. The shorter man beside him looked like a doctor; he handed the tall man a bottle of medicine and water. The tall man removed his mask and swallowed the medication.
Liu Hui stared at the tall foreigner and suddenly realized the man looked incredibly familiar, as if he had seen him somewhere before. Suddenly, a name flashed through his mind: the former NBA superstar, Magic Johnson.
Liu Hui didn't usually follow the NBA closely, and when Johnson dominated the basketball court, he was still a child. The reason he recognized Magic Johnson was connected to the plan he was currently developing. After establishing contact with the Zerg of the gene civilization and learning about the advantages of their genetic technology, Liu Hui's first thought was to enter the biopharmaceutical industry. The very first drug he envisioned developing was an AIDS treatment. To thoroughly understand the situation surrounding AIDS, he had gathered a massive amount of related information. Among the most legendary cases was this very Johnson, who had lived with AIDS for twenty years without succumbing (the legendary story of Johnson’s struggle is not elaborated upon here; interested readers can search for it themselves). Liu Hui had felt profound sympathy for Johnson's fate, which is why the moment he saw Johnson's appearance, he recognized him instantly.
Liu Hui couldn't help but marvel at the wonder of fate. Just as his plan was beginning to take shape, he encountered the very person who could most significantly drive its development. However, when he considered that an artifact as reality-bending as the Plane Trading Device had inexplicably entered his body, such a coincidence as meeting Johnson seemed trivial by comparison.
Liu Hui tailed Johnson's party, and when they entered a coffee shop, he walked over and took a seat at their table.
"Sir, someone is here," the female tour guide spoke first. It turned out she was Chinese, which brought Liu Hui immense relief, as he had been worrying about how to communicate with Johnson. The other two looked at Liu Hui, unsure of his intentions.
"Dear Miss, please translate for me. I am here to help Mr. Johnson. Please trust me." Liu Hui smiled broadly. The tour guide hesitated for a moment before nodding.
"Esteemed Mr. Johnson, I am your fan, and I admire you greatly. I am overjoyed to meet you here in China. Welcome to China; it possesses a long and profound history and has created a brilliant civilization." Liu Hui kept his eyes on the guide, who blinked in surprise before immediately translating his words.
Johnson and his personal doctor exchanged glances and replied, "We are very pleased that you admire me. China is a beautiful place, and I enjoy being here very much. But does this have anything to do with you sitting here?"
Liu Hui chuckled, "Mr. Johnson, the reason I am sitting here is because I can help you. I can solve your trouble. You know what I am referring to—yes, AIDS! I can allow you to feel the joy of health once again."
"This gentleman is certainly joking. Do you know what you are saying? Please leave now; Mr. Johnson is very tired and needs to rest," Johnson's personal doctor stood up, issuing the eviction notice.
"My name is Liu Hui, though you may simply call me Liu. Mr. Johnson, I believe you have exhausted every possible method to achieve a healthy body. Since you are willing to try other avenues, why not try trusting me? Will failure result in a situation worse than the present? If you succeed, oh, God, isn't that what you have always hoped for? Remember, this is China, the China that has created so many miracles," Liu Hui spoke unhurriedly.
"Dear York, perhaps we should listen to Liu explain in detail," Johnson motioned for his doctor to sit down.
"Give me three days, and I guarantee I will cure the AIDS from your body. It will only require a small price from you, a price that is minuscule compared to your health," Liu Hui stated confidently, his tone decisive and filled with persuasion, as if curing AIDS in three days were a simple matter. In truth, his heart was pounding, but he trusted the research capabilities of the Zerg; they would definitely develop the cure within three days.
"Are you referring to Traditional Chinese Medicine? We have sought out TCM practitioners. We consulted the most authoritative TCM experts in China, but they also had no remedy. Furthermore, you are so young; isn't it said that the older the beard, the greater the skill in TCM?" Johnson asked curiously.
"Mr. Johnson, Chinese civilization is ancient, and there are countless ways to cure your illness. As for my age, that is not the critical factor."
"York, what is our schedule?" Johnson was somewhat swayed by Liu Hui's persuasion and turned to ask his doctor. The doctor wanted to advise Johnson against it, deeming Liu Hui too young and unreliable, and his professional knowledge told him the extreme difficulty of curing AIDS. However, he underestimated the desperate longing for life in those afflicted with terminal illnesses; Johnson was also quite stubborn when faced with the hope of survival.
"It only takes three days, correct?" The private doctor could only comply with Johnson's wishes. After all, countless medical institutions worldwide had been helpless against AIDS, and he fundamentally did not believe the words of this young man. He figured they might as well spend three extra days exploring Bashan City; after all, the city's beauties and nightlife were famous globally.
"Treatment begins in three days, with a full recovery no later than one week," Liu Hui calculated a timeframe based on the Zerg's research capacity and the time spent on his own physical modifications.
"Additionally, my treatment fee is two million US dollars," Liu Hui held up two fingers.
"Two million? Oh my God," the private doctor exclaimed in shock. "You aren't expecting us to pay right now, are you? Are you sure you’re not a con artist?"
"Mr. Johnson will not pay a single cent until he is fully recovered. You may verify this at an authoritative institution before settling the payment. After the cure, you must also accompany me to a press conference. If it is unsuccessful, not only will we not charge you anything, but we will also compensate you for your losses. I can sign a formal document with you. Please do not doubt my sincerity," Liu Hui continued to persuade Johnson.
"Mr. Johnson, I object to this proposal. Even Western medicine cannot completely cure AIDS, and ancient China certainly cannot. They only possess witchcraft," the doctor tried to dissuade Johnson.
But when it came to his own health, Johnson displayed a rare stubbornness. He considered it for a moment: "If you are truly confident, I can give it a try. York, prepare to draft a contract. I haven't experienced the feeling of a healthy body in a very long time, and two million dollars to obtain that feeling is not expensive."
Liu Hui returned home and eagerly activated the Trading Device to contact Zerg. Zerg quickly appeared on the screen. Judging by his demeanor, he seemed quite pleased.
"Respected Lord Liu Hui, your white powder is miraculous. We are currently researching how to maximize its efficacy. What brings you to me now?"
"Respected Lord Zerg, do you recall my previous proposal? We humans have a disease that endangers our lives, and we currently have no way to cure it. Therefore, I require Lord Zerg to research a treatment drug for this virus. We call this disease AIDS." Liu Hui traded the test tube containing Johnson's blood to Zerg.
"I hope Lord Zerg can research this virus at the fastest possible speed and manufacture the treatment drug. Likewise, I hope this drug has absolutely no side effects; please remember, absolutely no side effects. More importantly, it must be fast; lives are at stake," Liu Hui was worried that Zerg could not provide the drug within three days, potentially jeopardizing his entire plan, so he specifically emphasized the urgency of the timeline.
"Respected Lord Liu Hui, is the virus contained within the blood? I believe we will quickly formulate a suitable pharmaceutical agent," Zerg said, examining the test tube.
Liu Hui suddenly recalled something and told Zerg, "This virus destroys the human immune capability. If you detect any other genetic defects or other issues in the blood, please disregard them; I only want the AIDS virus treated." He was wary of the Zerg's genetic technology; what if they cured AIDS but simultaneously fixed other genetic maladies, which would be world-shaking news?
"Respected Lord Liu Hui, please rest assured. I will begin the research immediately and notify you as soon as there is news."
After the transaction, Liu Hui thought for a moment and went to Mei Peng's clinic. It was already nine in the evening when he found Mei Peng, who was still sitting at his desk reading his medical textbooks; Liu Lin had long since left for the day.
"Second Brother, I need your help," Liu Hui began without preamble.
"Big Brother, not so fast. How could you possibly obtain a sample of the AIDS virus so quickly? You're too impatient."
"We don't need an AIDS virus sample anymore. Here is the situation: in about two days, a foreigner will be coming to your clinic for treatment. I wanted to contact you first."
"A foreigner? Coming to my clinic? Why? Big Brother, I can only treat minor ailments. Why would a foreigner come here? You don't even like drinking, so why are you talking nonsense?" Mei Peng asked, bewildered.
"Ah, I have already made arrangements for that. I just need to borrow your clinic for a bit," he said.
"Big Brother, don't ruin me! I rely on this clinic to support my family!" Mei Peng was quite alarmed. "You haven't studied medicine; what treatments can you perform, especially on a foreigner? What if something goes wrong? Wait, are you planning to scam them out of money?"
Liu Hui slapped Mei Peng lightly on the back of his head and laughed, "What nonsense are you talking about? Let me tell you, your Big Brother is about to strike it rich this time. I discovered a secret prescription in an ancient book. After testing it, I found it can cure AIDS, and this foreigner is an AIDS patient. I plan to cure him and then fleece him for a massive sum." Although Liu Hui had a good relationship with Mei Peng, things as extraordinary as the Plane Trading Device required absolute secrecy, so he fabricated a reason to deceive him. He was troubled by this; ever since obtaining the Plane Trading Device, he constantly had to use lies to cover up the increasingly illogical events, and the first lie inevitably led to a cascade of more falsehoods.
"No way, is it really that miraculous? What is the name of that ancient book?" Mei Peng's eyes widened. He knew Liu Hui rarely joked.
"I don't know the name. I think it was written by Hua Tuo. I only memorized the prescription at the time; when I went back to find it later, I realized I had torn it up to wipe myself," Liu Hui feigned regret. "Anyway, just remember that we are going to get rich."
Mei Peng listened to this story, more exaggerated than a fairy tale, feeling as if he were dreaming, his eyeballs nearly popping out. Although some doubts lingered, Liu Hui's credibility still managed to convince him. After all, the truth would be revealed in three days. As someone from a family steeped in TCM, he lamented not having seen this wondrous book, even cursing his Big Brother for wasting an ancient medical classic.
The two brothers then discussed the detailed process for the treatment in two days for half an hour before finalizing the plan.
The next morning, the Trading Device delivered definite news from Zerg: they had identified the AIDS virus, cracked its genetic structure, and synthesized a treatment drug specifically targeting that structure. The drug for AIDS was colorless and transparent, only 20ml in volume. According to Zerg, administering an injection to the patient would cause all AIDS viruses in the body to vanish within five hours. Following a period of recuperation, the immune system would return to normal, and the person would regain full health. Finally, Zerg emphasized with utmost certainty that this drug possessed absolutely zero side effects.
Holding the traded AIDS medication, Liu Hui was deeply excited, his hands trembling so badly he almost dropped the test tube. AIDS, a terminal global disease that had confounded countless medical units, now had a cure residing in his hands. The feeling of altering history sent a surge of excitement through him. On the other hand, this drug also carried his own hopes—it was a crucial instrument for realizing his ambitions. With this, Liu Hui could manipulate events and shape the future.
Liu Hui immediately contacted Johnson's doctor, York, informing him that everything was prepared and treatment would commence the following day. Liu Hui carefully reviewed everything, finding no overlooked details. He then searched online for some AIDS-related news before heading to Mei Peng's clinic to finalize plans for Johnson's arrival. That night, unable to sleep from excitement, he went to the riverbank to practice his kicks and punches to expend his restless energy.