Once the press conference concluded, the assembled media personnel rushed out of the hospital, eager to file their first-hand reports back at their hotels. Meanwhile, a few local, smaller media outlets were left utterly stunned. They had merely shown up to tag along and collect nominal stipends, unprepared for any real engagement, and hadn't even managed to ask a single question before the entire event was over.

Johnson detained Liu Hui, saying, “My dear Liu, my five friends are waiting for you; they wish to begin treatment immediately.” Johnson’s friends were all millionaires; though parting with a million US dollars stung a little, it was a price worth paying for their very lives. Seeing their old comrade fully recovered, they were impatient for their own treatment.

“My dear Mr. Johnson, I will arrange everything at once. I owe your cooperation a great deal; without it, my hospital would never have managed to gain such publicity in such a short time,” Liu Hui expressed gratefully.

“My dear Liu, shouldn’t I be the one thanking you? After all, you saved my life. And you treated me with such exquisite medicine—I was fully recovered in five hours! Those five fellows will have to endure another two days of agony,” Johnson chuckled heartily.

Earlier, Liu Hui had thoroughly discussed pricing with Mei Peng and Liang Jingyue. A million US dollars, they reasoned, was achievable for middle-class individuals in developed nations through hard work, perhaps some bank loans, and national medical subsidies. Two million, however, was simply out of reach for most middle-class families. Thus, the final treatment fee was set at one million dollars. Liu Hui was extremely satisfied with Johnson’s cooperation. Yet, having charged Johnson two million for the initial treatment, and now settling on one million, Liu Hui felt a pang of unfairness towards him.

Johnson had been instrumental to Liu Hui, serving as the most crucial piece in his plan. After a moment's thought, he said to Johnson, “My dear Mr. Johnson, your previous treatment fee was two million dollars. In retrospect, that was unfair to you. I intend to refund you one million dollars.”

“My dear Liu, I am profoundly grateful for your generosity.” Although Johnson wasn't overly concerned about the money given his standing, he admitted feeling slightly awkward realizing that subsequent treatments would only cost one million. Now that Liu Hui was returning the million, he was naturally pleased.

“Mr. Johnson, let us go see your friends first. Tonight, I will take you all to sample the finest cuisine of Huaxia to thank you for your support of our hospital during this time.”

“Oh, just thinking about Huaxia food makes my mouth water. Before, I couldn't indulge due to my condition; now, I intend to eat my fill!” Johnson declared happily.

Liu Hui summoned Mei Peng, and together they handled the admission and treatment arrangements for the patients. These five individuals were straightforward; they transferred the funds to the Handang Hospital account immediately, and Liu Hui admitted them. Liu Hui then emphasized to Mei Peng that all future admitted patients must pay first, only proceeding with treatment once the money was secured, as a precaution against potential deadbeats.

Liu Hui descended to the basement and retrieved five exquisitely crafted glass bottles, into which he divided the health tonic he had previously brewed. He then took five doses of the AIDS treatment medication and injected them, one by one, into large intravenous bags filled with saline solution, shaking them gently to mix. He handed these five bags containing the genuine medication to Mei Peng for safekeeping. Liu Hui and Mei Peng had agreed that the health tonics for future treatments would be supplied directly by Liu Hui based on the actual number of patients that day. Secretly, however, Liu Hui entrusted Mei Peng with managing the IV bags containing the actual AIDS therapeutics. Mei Peng would oversee the entire treatment process, ensuring flawless execution.

These five patients marked the first clientele for Handang Hospital. Mei Peng conducted thorough examinations to confirm their diagnoses. Since the test results would take time, treatment could not commence that day.

That evening, Liu Hui and Liang Jingyue invited Mei Peng and Liu Lin, along with Johnson and York, to dine at Juweixuan. Thanks to Liang Jingyue’s connections, they were ushered directly into a private dining room normally reserved for emergencies.

Liang Jingyue ordered several exquisite dishes and a bottle of 1982 Lafite Rothschild. Liu Hui, lacking experience in arranging banquets, happily deferred to her, watching her manage things with a smile. Liang Bo clearly had a gift for catering; not only were the dishes superb, but the ambiance was elegantly refined, perfectly suited for a high-class gathering.

Liang Jingyue had given special instructions, so the dishes arrived promptly. Johnson and York ate with unreserved delight, nearly swallowing their tongues, repeatedly exclaiming, "My God." Liu Hui, Mei Peng, and Liu Lin rarely had the chance to dine at Juweixuan, and they too ate with great relish.

They had cause to celebrate. Today’s press conference was a resounding success, and they now had five patients admitted, promising five million dollars in revenue. As Handang Hospital continued to gain renown, more patients would surely follow, leading to wealth beyond measure—perhaps even surpassing the world's richest man. Furthermore, they needed to thank Johnson for his crucial help. Liu Hui and Mei Peng, who rarely drank, raised their glasses of red wine and happily toasted Johnson and the others. Just as they were enjoying themselves, Liang Bo walked in from outside.

“Dad, why are you here?” Liang Jingyue asked, genuinely pleased to see her father.

Liu Hui also rose, saying, “Uncle.” Liang Bo nodded and replied, “I was just inspecting the premises and heard you were here, so I came to see. This is your hotel, eat and drink well.”

Liang Bo greeted everyone at the table, then turned to Liu Hui, “Come outside with me for a moment; I need to talk to you.”

Liu Hui nodded, instructing Mei Peng to entertain Johnson and York properly, and followed Liang Bo out. As he left, he patted Liang Jingyue’s shoulder, signaling her not to worry.

In Liang Bo’s office, Liu Hui and Liang Bo sat opposite each other on the sofa. After a thoughtful pause, Liang Bo said, “The hospital that can cure AIDS—that’s yours, isn’t it?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Last time you mentioned opening a hospital with friends, I didn’t pay much attention, assuming it was just an ordinary facility. That’s why when Jingyue said she wanted to work there, I immediately agreed. I never imagined that your small clinic would achieve such prominence! Now, television and the internet are saturated with news about your hospital; you’ve become famous. To be honest, compared to the glory you enjoy now, I almost preferred you as the ordinary person you were before.”

“This… Uncle, I don’t quite grasp what you mean.”

“The reason we didn’t object to your relationship with Jingyue was precisely because you were an ordinary man. Jingyue’s mother and I have frequently encountered the wealthy elite and have grown deeply critical of their behavior. We long ago realized that our pursuit is no longer power or money, but Jingyue’s happiness. We hoped our daughter could lead a simpler life, free from the temptations of wealth and authority, believing it would bring greater contentment. But I seem to have misjudged; the achievements your hospital is about to reach are unimaginable. Now, I just wonder what kind of person you will become towards Jingyue in the future?”

“Uncle, you must believe in my feelings for Jingyue. My love for her is just as profound as yours. Even if I were to become the world’s richest man, I would never betray her. Furthermore, with established status and strength, wouldn't I be better able to protect her?” Liu Hui immediately vowed.

Liang Bo considered this, then said, “Alright, we trust Jingyue’s choice. But you must keep your recent words firmly in mind at all times.”

“Naturally,” Liu Hui replied, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. He had worried about how Liang Jingyue’s parents would react upon learning about his affairs, and now it seemed that concern was no longer an issue.

“Little Liu, you just mentioned the world’s richest man. Do you know? He’s actually from our city, Bashan!”

“Isn’t the world’s richest man Bill Gates from America? Since when is he from Bashan?” Liu Hui exclaimed in surprise.

“You’re referring to the figure reported in the newspapers, the richest man whose wealth can be statistically measured. In reality, those in the know understand that the title belongs elsewhere now. The current world’s wealthiest person is Wei Chao, the CEO of Dream Group right here in Bashan.”

“I know Dream Group; they were developing a housing project right next to the complex where I live. But I’ve never heard of a man named Wei Chao!” Liu Hui recalled obtaining the Planar Trading Device at that very construction site.

“This Wei Chao is a Bashan native, even younger than you—only twenty-five this year.”

“A twenty-five-year-old world’s richest man?” Liu Hui was astonished.

“Indeed. This man is quite legendary. Reportedly, by the age of fifteen, he displayed superior financial acumen and flawless judgment. He then moved across Europe, America, Korea, and Japan, accumulating vast capital through the stock market, vanquishing countless financial leviathans and forcing numerous speculators into bankruptcy, earning him the moniker 'Financial Prodigy.' He later invested in industry, and his investment insight is even sharper; everything he touched succeeded, including many sectors people considered unpromising at the time. His strategic vision has earned the admiration of industry insiders. Currently, Wei Chao has entered virtually every profitable sector, especially recently, where he has aggressively targeted the real estate industry in the Mainland. His involvement has channeled massive capital into Mainland property, causing housing prices there to surge by 50% in a short period, which has made him immensely wealthy—at the expense of those trying to buy homes. Because his Dream Group is not publicly listed, nobody knows his exact net worth, but the consensus is that he is now the wealthiest person on Earth.”

“We have such a powerhouse in Bashan?” Liu Hui was stunned; he had felt quite proud of his own modest achievements. Compared to such a giant, without the Planar Trading Device, he suspected he wouldn't even measure up to a single hair on Wei Chao’s head.

“Although Wei Chao is the richest man in the world, I don't admire him,” Liang Bo said slowly.

“Is it because he profits from Mainland real estate?”

“Not entirely. If he didn't take that money, someone else certainly would. I dislike him because he is a super pervert.”

“A super pervert? When a man has money, spending a little is understandable, especially for a successful man like him?” Liu Hui asked, perplexed.

“That’s precisely the concern I was just harboring. You know, men often go bad when they get rich. I worry about what you might become towards Jingyue once you have wealth.”

“Uncle, you must believe in my devotion to Jingyue; my love for her is genuine. Please rest assured,” Liu Hui hastily guaranteed.

“A normal man being philanderous is not a major issue. But Wei Chao’s philandering has reached an unbelievable degree! He has countless women. All the senior executives in his company are beautiful women with whom he has been intimate. Even the leadership of Dream Group’s key subsidiary companies is entirely composed of beauties. Even his company's security guards and drivers are women. At the office, if he desires someone, he takes them. If they refuse his advances, they are fired. Moreover, Dream Group’s revenues rank among the highest globally, so some women yield to him just to keep their jobs. He has coerced many women into his embrace; once they become his, they are immediately promoted. Since his women usually handle Dream Group’s affairs, he rarely appears in public, which is why you might not have noticed him.”

Liu Hui broke into a cold sweat. This Wei Chao wasn't just powerful; his appetites were monstrous! Did being exceptional necessitate such an extravagant lifestyle?

“Little Liu, your hospital’s potential is even greater than Dream Group’s. You might very well surpass Wei Chao and become the new world’s richest man. The reason I’ve told you all this today is precisely so you don’t end up like that dissolute man,” Liang Bo said earnestly.

Liu Hui understood his meaning and nodded. “I am different from Wei Chao, Uncle, please rest assured.”

“Now that you say that, I feel reassured. However, your hospital is a double-edged sword. While it will bring immense profit, mishandling it could also bring disaster.”

“Please don’t worry, Uncle; I am fully aware of that and have countermeasures in place. There shouldn’t be any issues,” Liu Hui replied. Holding the Planar Trading Device, no one could take it from him. As long as he safeguarded his life, his enterprise could never be seized.

“Since that is the case, I won't meddle in you young people’s affairs. But should any incident occur that you cannot handle, feel free to approach me. I have been operating in Bashan for many years and maintain considerable connections in various circles.”

“Thank you for your concern, Uncle. We will certainly seek your help if we face difficulties.”

“Good. Now, hurry back. Enjoy your dinner tonight. I’ll go grab a gold card for you; all meals at Juweixuan will be complimentary from now on.”

Liu Hui was overjoyed and didn’t stand on ceremony with Liang Bo. They were clearly family now.

When Liu Hui returned to the private room, the group was in high spirits, midway through their meal. He walked in, first reassuring a slightly anxious Liang Jingyue, then thoroughly enjoying the exquisite food. Juweixuan lived up to its reputation; everyone left supremely satisfied, letting out hearty burps. When settling the bill, the front desk attendant handed him a gold card, informing him that, from now on, he could dine free of charge at any restaurant in the Juweixuan chain with this card.

While escorting Johnson back to his hotel for rest, York quietly slipped Liu Hui a manila envelope, whispering, “My dear Liu, this is the account you opened at the Swiss bank; the remaining balance of $100,000 from last time has been deposited.”

Liu Hui smiled; York was quite savvy, handling the task without taking a commission. He pulled out a red envelope from his pocket and quietly slipped it to York as a token of his gratitude. York tried to refuse but eventually accepted with a smile.

Liu Hui and Liang Jingyue returned to the apartment complex where they were staying. Liang Jingyue stroked the furniture, a hint of sorrow in her voice. “I really don’t want to leave here. We met here, fell in love here; everything here has witnessed our love!”

Liu Hui embraced her. “Silly girl, even though we bought a house near the hospital, we can keep this one too. We can come back occasionally to reminisce!”

“Really?” Liang Jingyue brightened. Although they were moving to their new home near the hospital soon, she felt reluctant to part with their old place.

“Silly girl, we have money now; buying this apartment shouldn’t be a problem, right?” Liu Hui seized the opportunity while Liang Jingyue was happy to propose his wicked idea.

“Jingyue!”

“Yes?”

“Don’t go back tonight!”

“Don’t even think about it!”