The next morning, Johnson, Private Doctor York, and the female guide arrived at the clinic. Upon seeing the rudimentary facility, Dr. York immediately regretted his decision. He truly couldn't believe such a simple clinic could treat AIDS, but under Johnson’s insistence, and bound by the contract, he reluctantly agreed to proceed with the treatment first.
Although Mei Peng had communicated with Liu Lin, she was still deeply startled when she learned the two brothers intended to treat an AIDS patient. However, seeing Liu Hui’s composure and Mei Peng’s calmness, she steeled herself, accepted the medication, drew it into a syringe, and administered the AIDS treatment to Johnson. As the drug entered Johnson's system, it quickly took effect, and Johnson fell into a deep sleep. Liu Hui watched the medication begin to work, thinking fervently: Go, exert your power. I will create a miracle of this era; I will turn the world upside down in this age.
Watching Johnson drift off, his private doctor nervously brought out various instruments and connected them to the patient. Only when the monitors confirmed all of Johnson's vital signs were normal did he finally breathe a sigh of relief. Yet, he puzzled over the simplicity of the procedure; it seemed entirely inadequate for something as notorious as AIDS. Furthermore, they appeared to use intravenous injection—judging by its look, it seemed to be Western medicine. Weren't they practitioners of Chinese Medicine? Poor Dr. York, while agonizing over the situation, found his mind constantly cycling through these trivial concerns.
Liu Hui noticed the tension emanating from Mei Peng, Liu Lin, York, and the guide. Having already experienced the Zerg drug modification firsthand, he knew the potency and safety of the Zerg medication. Thus, he reassured them not to worry, promising that Johnson would wake up in exactly five hours, at which point the treatment would be complete.
Unaware of the medication’s true nature, Mei Peng, Liu Lin, York, and the guide could not relax as easily as Liu Hui. They were scared to death, unable to believe that curing an AIDS patient could be this straightforward. When Liu Hui tried to calm them, they only offered noncommittal grunts, continuing their anxious watch.
The treatment of Johnson that day was of paramount importance, requiring the temporary closure of the clinic for security. Liu Hui, bored by the wait, even took time out at noon to practice some boxing and footwork down by the riverfront, completely unconcerned about Johnson, as he held absolute faith in the level of the Zerg’s genetic technology.
Five hours later, Johnson woke up precisely on schedule. He noticed several people watching him intently. He touched his head and laughed, “Oh, my God, I actually fell asleep at a time like this, and what a comfortable sleep it was. Dear Liu, is my treatment finished?”
Liu Hui smiled at Johnson, “Mr. Johnson, your treatment is complete, and the results are absolutely perfect. Now, let Dr. York examine you!”
Johnson was utterly astonished. It was cured just like that? An injection and a nap—no surgery, no multi-stage therapy? It seemed impossibly simple! Dr. York, being the professional, stepped forward. “Mr. Johnson, allow me to conduct an initial examination.”
As an AIDS patient, Johnson’s doctor always carried rapid testing tools. Dr. York produced the latest rapid HIV test strip. Ten minutes later, the result came back. He couldn't believe his eyes and cried out, “Oh my God, the HIV test is negative. This is impossible, how can this be? This completely subverts my professional knowledge; I must run another test.”
Johnson and everyone else watched Mr. York anxiously as he ran a second test. The result appeared quickly. York scrutinized the strip again and again, then set it down and announced to Johnson, “Respected Mr. Johnson, after two tests, your HIV antibody status is negative. The AIDS virus in your body has completely vanished. The conclusion is: you have regained your health. Congratulations!”
The group erupted in cheers. Johnson fell to his knees, covering his face, weeping and murmuring thanks to God. Liu Hui was also deeply moved. Although he trusted the Zerg’s genetic technology, he had never witnessed a patient’s recovery firsthand, leaving a tiny seed of apprehension in his heart. Seeing Johnson’s complete cure finally lifted that burden, giving him genuine confidence.
Mei Peng leaped up and hugged Liu Hui, shouting, “It’s a success, Boss! Do you realize what you’ve done? You’ve made history, you’ve conquered a global challenge, you’ve saved countless lives! Human history will forever remember your contribution, and I have witnessed the birth of a miracle today!”
As a medical practitioner, Mei Peng was acutely aware of the immense difficulty in conquering AIDS, the countless resources poured globally into research yielding nothing. Yet today, this seemingly impossible task was resolved by an outsider completely ignorant of medicine. This feat was perhaps an even greater miracle than defeating the disease itself—a miracle that, if not the only one, was certainly unprecedented. He felt immense pride in having witnessed it.
Dr. York excitedly told Liu Hui, “Respected Liu, thank you for your medication. Please forgive my earlier disrespect; I grossly underestimated the depth of Huaxia. Liu, your drug is so miraculous; it has created a wonder. I believe you are destined to receive the 2010 Nobel Prize in Medicine; your invention can save millions of lives.”
Liu Hui chuckled, beginning to show off, “Didn’t I tell you? Believe in Brother Hui, and gain eternal life.”
York nodded in agreement, then lowered his voice to Johnson, “Mr. Johnson, my test strips might carry a small margin of error. We should re-test using Mr. Liu Hui’s equipment. I believe you deserve a more precise result.”
After his initial excitement subsided, Johnson realized the point and asked Liu Hui, “Dear Liu, please arrange the instrument right away to test me again!”
Liu Hui blushed, guiltily pulling Mei Peng aside and whispering, “You have one of those testing machines in your clinic, right?”
Mei Peng began sweating, “Boss, this is just a rundown clinic; why would I have equipment like that? It’s expensive and never used.”
The female guide translated their conversation for Johnson and Dr. York. Dr. York couldn’t believe what he heard and asked, “Dear Liu, you don’t even have an AIDS testing device?”
Liu Hui nodded sheepishly.
“Then how did you research AIDS? You don’t even have a laboratory, do you?”
This time, both Liu Hui and Mei Peng nodded together.
“Oh my God, I simply cannot comprehend it. A clinic lacking the most basic tools for AIDS research has actually cured AIDS. I…” Dr. York trailed off, feeling a profound sense of unfairness for medical institutions worldwide.
Following Mei Peng’s suggestion, Johnson decided to go to Bashan Medical University Affiliated Hospital for retesting using high-end machinery. Unexpectedly, York held some minor repute within international medical circles. He directly sought out the Dean’s office, and after presenting his credentials, the hospital provided VIP treatment. The administration made an exception, allowing York to operate the testing instruments himself. To rule out any potential error, York prepared three separate test samples. The results quickly came back: all three showed that the AIDS virus in Johnson’s body had completely disappeared, and his HIV antibodies were negative again. This confirmed that the suffering which had plagued Johnson for twenty years was finally over; he had regained his health.
Johnson and York were not overly emotional this time; they knew the test strips had high accuracy, making significant errors extremely unlikely. This second round of testing was merely to solidify their peace of mind.
Liu Hui and Mei Peng watched from the sidelines, deeply affected. The former NBA superstar, whose life had been ruined by AIDS, who had lived under despair for two decades, had been granted a new life—a truly difficult journey. Liu Hui felt even more profound realization: he had finally acquired a sharp weapon, one that gave him the confidence to leverage the entire world. Mei Peng, as a medical professional, was primarily stunned by the fact that AIDS had finally been conquered.
At the hotel where Johnson was staying, he had already fallen into a deep sleep due to emotional exhaustion. Liu Hui and Dr. York sat chatting.
“Mr. Liu Hui, Huaxia is truly magical, capable of curing even an incurable disease like AIDS. It seems my understanding of Huaxia remains insufficient. I should visit China more often in the future.”
“Mr. York, China is a great nation that once created a brilliant civilization. Although it declined recently, in the near future, China will surely rise again and stand among the world’s advanced peoples,” Liu Hui replied, following York’s lead.
“Mr. York, since Mr. Johnson’s illness is cured, I request the payment of my two million US dollars fee.”
“That is absolutely certain; your payment will be processed immediately. There have been countless times in the past when I wished I could even offer such a fee! Although I am Mr. Johnson’s private physician, I am also his agent, and I have the authority to issue this payment. By the way, Mr. Liu Hui, could you provide me with your account details? I will transfer the funds right away.”
Liu Hui paused for a moment, then said to York, “Mr. York, I didn’t realize you were also an agent. I have a favor to ask. I hope you can open an account for me at a Swiss bank and deposit the fee there. Of course, any handling fees incurred should be deducted from the payment.”
York was delighted. “It would be my pleasure to serve you, Mr. Liu Hui.” As an agent, opening an account at a Swiss bank was trivial for him. Helping Liu Hui would earn him a commission, while also forging a deep friendship with Liu Hui—a clear win-win. As an industry insider, he deeply understood the massive shockwave Liu Hui’s medication would send across the world; Liu Hui was set to achieve incredible success with this drug, and it was wise to secure a connection for the future.
“As for the press conference, I hope to hold it in Bashan City one month from now. Do you have any issues with that, Mr. York?”
“No issues at all. Mr. Johnson has just recovered and wishes to return to his family in the States for a period of recuperation and to share the news of his cure with his close friends and relatives. I will contact Mr. Liu Hui in a month’s time.”
“Very well. However, when Mr. Johnson informs his family and friends of the good news, I insist that he reveals absolutely no treatment details, including our names. I wish this secret to be kept until the day of the press conference. Can you keep this secret?” Liu Hui stressed this point.
“Absolutely no problem. I will instruct Mr. Johnson. We will not disclose any information about this treatment before the press conference; rest assured,” York promised, understanding that Liu Hui must have a larger plan in place.
“Then I will not disturb your rest any longer. Goodbye!”
“Goodbye!”
After settling these matters, Liu Hui bid farewell to York.
At eight that evening, Liu Hui invited Mei Peng and Liu Lin out for dinner. At the restaurant they frequented, they ordered a table full of dishes. Liu Hui remarked emotionally, “Second Brother, your Big Brother has made it. I never thought I’d see a day when I’d be rich.”
Mei Peng was equally pleased. “If Big Brother is rich, then I’m rich too. Heh heh, you’ll have to look after your brother now. I’m ready to follow you.”
“If I’m successful, of course I’ll look after you, Brother. I plan to acquire a small private hospital specializing only in treating AIDS. Charging one million dollars per patient, treating 100 patients a year—that’s a hundred million dollars! Brother, you can be the hospital director, and Liu Lin can be the head nurse. I’ll give you both a million-dollar annual salary,” Liu Hui said with a sly smile at Mei Peng and Liu Lin.
“Brother Liu, are you serious? I really might become the head nurse,” Liu Lin said, her eyes shining. She nudged Mei Peng. “You’re going, right?” she demanded, glaring at him. Mei Peng gave a wry smile. “How dare I disobey Big Brother’s order? Of course, I’ll go!” Seeing Liu Lin’s expression soften, he quickly added, “Wherever Lin Lin goes, I go.” Liu Lin finally smiled and nodded.
Liu Lin then told Liu Hui, “Brother Liu, I actually used to be a nurse at a hospital. But that hospital suffered continuous losses and was about to close, so I had to find my own way and came to work at Mei Peng’s clinic. If you are interested in my former hospital, I can introduce you to it.”
Mei Peng burst out laughing nearby. “It’s good that it was losing money; otherwise, I wouldn't have met Lin Lin!”
Liu Hui was overjoyed, automatically filtering out Mei Peng’s comment. He had been looking for a target hospital, and here one appeared.
“That’s wonderful, Little Liu, tell me about it quickly.”
“Our old hospital was called Bashan Beauty Specialty Hospital. All the paperwork is complete. Its only flaw is the location—it’s a bit remote—but the building size is quite substantial. Its specialty used to be gynecology. Now, because the owner mismanaged it and there were several medical accidents, it’s on the verge of collapse. I heard he’s looking everywhere to transfer ownership, but no one wants to take it over. If you’re interested, I can take you to talk to the owner.”
“That’s perfect! Let’s go tomorrow,” Liu Hui said, equally delighted. He reflected on how his first twenty-plus years were filled with constant setbacks and bad luck, yet after obtaining the transaction device, his fortune had turned, with everything going smoothly.
Noticing Mei Peng’s wry smile, Liu Hui said to him, “Don’t just smile. I’m planning a huge venture, and I need your help. I know your dream—isn’t it to make Chinese Medicine flourish? You can be the director at the new hospital. Except for the AIDS patients, you can treat everyone else using traditional Chinese medicine, if you want.”
Mei Peng was ecstatic. “Really? Don’t rush me if I decide to use only Chinese medicine then. Our traditional medicine truly has vast potential; it just declined in modern times. Give it a platform, and it will regain vitality. Isn’t your AIDS drug a secret formula from Chinese Medicine?”
Liu Hui secretly smiled; his drug was pure genetic medicine, unrelated to traditional Chinese medicine.
“Alright, stop talking to me about Chinese medicine. I don’t understand any of that. Anyway, I’m entrusting the hospital to you. You are the expert; manage it well. I won’t interfere with the rest.” Liu Hui’s plan was to have Mei Peng manage the facility while he focused on other pressing matters, not wasting time on hospital administration.
“If that’s the case, then I’ll take the director position.” Mei Peng considered it; having a platform would certainly aid his goal of revitalizing Chinese Medicine, so he agreed.
“But Boss, if your hospital fees are this high, won't most AIDS patients be unable to receive treatment? Wouldn't that be a bad look?”
“Second Brother, the cost of my medicine is too high, and the supply is scarce. Therefore, I can only treat a select few. Those foreigners are rich; one million dollars for a life—that’s a bargain. As for our own people, we will only charge one million RMB,” Liu Hui’s entire plan relied on the hospital generating massive profits, so he would not lower the price. He intentionally emphasized the difficulty and scarcity of the drug’s source.
Mei Peng pondered it and found it logical. If the curative medicine hadn't appeared, those patients would only face a slow death; now, they were just paying a slightly higher price.
“We are good brothers, but some things must be stated clearly. You will receive a high salary for working at the hospital, but you will not receive equity. I must maintain complete control over the hospital’s ownership,” Liu Hui said, becoming unusually serious.
“Don’t worry, Boss. You know my ambition. As long as Chinese Medicine can be revived, nothing else matters to me,” Mei Peng stated firmly.
“And we must maintain secrecy. Before the new hospital opens, no one can know that we can treat AIDS. This is also for our own safety,” Liu Hui emphasized.
Mei Peng and Liu Lin both nodded. They naturally understood the gravity of the situation; secrecy was paramount.
“Good, then let us brothers embark on a grand venture together and shake the very foundations of the Earth!” Liu Hui and Mei Peng clasped hands, their expressions passionate. Liu Lin watched from the side, covering her mouth with a smile.