Liu Hui left, taking Zhou Tengyun’s 100ml of blood with him. He proceeded to the basement and traded the blood to Zerg.

"Esteemed Lord Zerg," Liu Hui addressed him, "this is the genetic material of a very important friend of mine. I request that you utilize this gene to formulate a Body Evolution Fluid, granting him formidable strength."

"Honored Lord Liu Hui, we shall concentrate our efforts on researching this gene to produce the perfect Body Evolution Fluid," Zerg replied. "I must also urge Your Excellency to expedite the production of the white powder. My scouts report that the Protoss forces are beginning to mobilize. While we don't yet know their target, we must be prepared." Zerg sounded apprehensive.

"Esteemed Lord Zerg, if the Protoss armies are mobilizing against you, approximately how much time do we have before open hostilities commence?"

"The Protoss forces are assembling, but no mobilization order has been issued yet. At this pace, however, they will likely launch their offensive against the Zerg in about ten years," Zerg calculated before relaying the situation to Liu Hui.

"Ten years? Does preparing for war require that much time?" Liu Hui asked, intrigued.

"Every major war between us and the Protoss involves the entire race, requiring the mobilization of all Zerg power. The Protoss control several hundred galaxies; troop movements alone take a considerable amount of time, not to mention logistical preparations. Ten years is not a long time," Zerg explained to Liu Hui.

"What is the current balance of power between your factions?"

"Previously, the Protoss held a slight advantage. In every engagement, our losses were greater than theirs. Fortunately, the Zerg maintain superior numbers, or we truly could not withstand their assaults. However, with your miraculous powder, we have increased our remote command radius, allowing us tactical superiority over Protoss soldiers in localized sectors. Still, we lack sufficient numbers of specially modulated commanders, leaving us strategically disadvantaged," Zerg lamented.

"Esteemed Lord Zerg, given ten years, I guarantee that I can resolve the issue of the miraculous powder's production output," Liu Hui immediately assured Zerg. He himself wasn't sure how to solve it, but with a decade stretching ahead, perhaps a solution would materialize. Who could truly predict the future?

"That puts my mind at ease," Zerg stated, placing the hope for victory squarely upon Liu Hui.

Zerg proved remarkably swift. The next morning, he delivered Zhou Tengyun’s Body Evolution Fluid to Liu Hui.

Liu Hui entered Zhou Tengyun’s room and noticed his spirit was slightly better than the day before, suggesting their conversation yesterday had some positive effect.

"Third Brother, look at this," Liu Hui handed the syringe to Zhou Tengyun.

Zhou Tengyun took the syringe and examined it closely, noticing the dark green liquid within. He inquired, puzzled, "What is this substance?"

"It is what I told you about yesterday; it's in your hands now," Liu Hui said calmly.

"This is what can help me get revenge?" Zhou Tengyun asked, growing excited.

"This substance can make you powerful in a very short span, granting you strength far beyond the ordinary. Whether it can be used for revenge is up to you," Liu Hui replied.

"How is this used?" Zhou Tengyun paused for a moment before asking.

"Before you use this, I must offer one reminder. Are you absolutely resolved to seek revenge by your own hand? You must realize that if you choose not to pursue vengeance, you could still pursue your ideals and live a peaceful life. If your wife and child are watching from above, I believe they would wish that very life for you. This decision carries immense weight; consider it carefully." Liu Hui’s expression was solemn.

"When my beloved and child were taken from me, my ideals shattered. I have no future left. Please, let me use it. I will not regret this," Zhou Tengyun nodded instantly, without hesitation, his eyes blazing with fervor.

"Do not rush your decision. I will return this evening. If you still hold to your resolve then, I shall grant your wish." Liu Hui took the syringe back and left, affording Zhou Tengyun time for reflection.

"Very well, I will wait for you!" Zhou Tengyun said with a smile.

Liu Hui returned to his office and found Liang Jingyue sitting inside, her eyes red, suggesting she had recently been crying.

"Jingyue, what happened? You look like you've been crying," Liu Hui rushed in.

"Ahui, my maternal grandmother just passed away. Wuuu…"

"Jingyue, please don't be too upset," Liu Hui walked over and drew Liang Jingyue into an embrace.

"Ahui, my grandmother adored me. I never thought she would just... leave. My mother just called to tell me, and I still can't quite accept this reality," Liang Jingyue wept.

"Then let's rush back immediately to bid the old lady farewell," Liu Hui started gathering his things.

"Ahui, the day after tomorrow is your grandfather's death anniversary. Didn't you say you had to go back for that?" Liang Jingyue asked him.

"This... let me think about this carefully," Liu Hui rubbed his temples, slightly pained.

"Ahui, I know how much you cherish your grandfather's memorial day; you go back every year. You should go the day after tomorrow. I can return with my parents," Liang Jingyue said. Though grieving and wishing for his company, she remembered what Liu Hui had told her a few days prior.

"How can that be? I should be with you right now. I can pay respects to my grandfather another time!" Liu Hui gripped Liang Jingyue's hand.

"No need. I only came to say goodbye. You go home first for your grandfather's rites. If I haven't returned to Bashan by the time you get back, you can come find me then. It's just a pity I won't get to meet your parents this time," Liang Jingyue expressed her regret.

"Very well then, I will go back for my grandfather's memorial first, and if time allows, I will come to meet you."

"Okay, I'll leave first then. Take care on your journey, and please send my regards to your parents."

Liu Hui felt deeply disappointed. He had planned to travel with Liang Jingyue the next day to his hometown, as his grandfather's anniversary fell the day after tomorrow, making it a perfect occasion for remembrance and for Jingyue to meet his parents. Alas, fate intervened!

That evening, Liu Hui visited Zhou Tengyun’s ward. Zhou Tengyun spoke immediately, "Boss, let's do it. Give me that thing. I've thought it through completely!"

Liu Hui silently produced the syringe and injected the dark green liquid into Zhou Tengyun's body. The medicine quickly took effect, causing Zhou Tengyun to fall asleep as his body began to transform.

The next morning, Zhou Tengyun awoke precisely on schedule to find Liu Hui sitting by his bedside.

"Third Brother, how do you feel?"

"This... it feels strange, very unfamiliar," Zhou Tengyun said, testing his own body.

"Third Brother, I need to return to my hometown for a while. Spend the next few days getting accustomed to your new body. I will arrange everything else when I return."

Leaving Zhou Tengyun to familiarize himself with his altered form, Liu Hui assigned his current hospital affairs to Mei Peng around noon, instructing him to look after the premises, before personally driving out of Bashan City.

Liu Hui's hometown was a remote small town named Pingdingshan Town, situated in the outskirts of Bashan City. He drove for half an hour on the expressway before exiting onto a provincial highway. After another two hours, he turned onto a winding country road, and after a bumpy three-hour journey, he reached his hometown, Pingdingshan Town, just as dusk settled.

Liu Hui parked his car in front of his house and tapped the horn a few times. The main gate swung open, and a middle-aged man emerged, peering curiously at Liu Hui’s sedan.

"Dad!" Liu Hui opened his car door and stepped out, smiling at the man standing before him.

"Oh, it's Xiao Hui, back home. Your grandfather's memorial is tomorrow; I was wondering why you hadn't arrived yet. Wait, when did you get a car?" Dad asked, recognizing Liu Hui.

"Haha, Dad, I struck it rich recently, so I bought a car. I’m here to see you both now!" Liu Hui was genuinely happy to see his father.

"You always know how to pick the right time, son. Your mother just finished cooking," Dad chuckled.

"That’s called synchronicity, haha. It’s been so long since I tasted Mom’s cooking; I’m really craving it!" Liu Hui’s mouth began to water at the thought of home-cooked meals.

"De Cheng, who are you talking to? Is that our son returned?" Mom emerged from the room upon hearing voices.

"Mom, it's me, Xiao Hui!" Liu Hui was thrilled to see her.

"Oh, it’s our son! Why are you two standing outside? Hurry up and come in."

Liu Hui quickly opened the trunk and began carrying the gifts he had brought for his parents into the house. Dad and Mom helped him bring everything inside.

Liu Hui was lucky enough to arrive right at dinnertime. After washing his hands, he sat at the table, inhaling the aroma of the food and sighing contentedly, "Mom’s cooking smells the best. Just looking at it makes me hungry."

"Eat as much as you like, it’s rare for you to be back," Mom said, smiling as she placed a mouthful of food into Liu Hui's bowl.

"Mmm," Liu Hui began to eat. The country dishes, though lacking the variety of city fare, were incredibly delicious.

"Son, I saw you drive back. Is that car yours?" Mom asked, noticing the vehicle parked near the door.

"Yes, it is. I opened a hospital recently, cured a few patients, and made a small fortune," Liu Hui vaguely explained. It wasn't that he didn't want to tell the truth; if he told his parents he had already earned thirty million US dollars from this venture, they might risk cerebral hemorrhage.

"Our Xiao Hui finally has his own career; your father is happy for you," Dad said, genuinely pleased to see his son succeeding.

"Son, stay a few extra days this time; let your mother see you more," Mom suggested.

"I'm busy with hospital matters this trip, so I need to return soon. I’m also concerned about Jingyue’s situation," Liu Hui confessed, though reluctant to leave, he was anxious about Liang Jingyue and needed to get back promptly.

"If the son is busy, let him work. Besides, if you miss him, you can always visit him in the city," Dad interjected.

"I originally planned to bring my girlfriend back this time for you to meet, but unfortunately, something happened with her family, and she couldn't come."

"What? Your girlfriend? You have a girlfriend?" Dad was instantly excited, rising so quickly that he knocked his rice bowl over, shattering it on the floor.

"Dad, what’s wrong? I do have a girlfriend; I just said I intended to bring her back. Is there an issue?" Liu Hui looked at his father with confusion.

"This... no issue," Dad suddenly remembered something and sat back down.

"De Cheng, what are you doing, startling everyone like that? You scared the boy!" Mom chided Dad, then turned to Liu Hui. "Don't mind your father, son. He’s just overly happy. You have a girlfriend; you’ll have your own family soon. He’s thrilled for you."

"I don't think Dad’s excitement is just about that. Could it be...?" Liu Hui’s expression drastically changed as a possibility struck him.

"Son, what are you saying?" Mom asked Liu Hui, looking puzzled.

"Dad, you didn't arrange a childhood engagement for me, did you?" Liu Hui’s face paled.

"Son, what nonsense are you thinking? Do you wish for such good fortune? It took me endless effort to win your mother over; do you expect a wife to just appear before you? If you want a wife, go chase one yourself," Dad said, his face drawn.

A sliver of doubt remained in Liu Hui’s mind. His father's reaction was definitely abnormal, suggesting he was hiding something. Dad was usually such an honest man; what could he possibly conceal?

"Son, ignore your father. Tell Mom about your girlfriend," Mom prompted, very curious.

"Mom, her name is Liang Jingyue; she's twenty-four. We met online. We chatted happily, and later we met in person. We both felt a connection, so we started dating," Liu Hui recounted.

"Well, what kind of person is she? Is she pretty?" Mom was getting more inquisitive.

"She is very gentle, has a wonderful temperament, and takes excellent care of me. She manages my daily meals and routines—see, haven't I gained some weight? She is also very beautiful, more so than many famous actresses," Liu Hui said, his eyes full of tenderness.

"Xiao Hui, with such excellent qualities, why would she fall for you? Is she a scammer?" Dad interjected, sensing something amiss.

"Dad, you can’t assume everyone is a scammer. Her family background is excellent; her father is the chairman of Juweixuan, the largest chain restaurant group in Bashan City, worth over a billion. We’ve met them. What could she possibly scam me for?"

"Son, since you’ve met her family, what did they say about your relationship?" Mom asked worriedly.

"Jingyue's parents are very open-minded; they allow her to choose her own friends, so they didn't object to us dating. It’s just a shame her grandmother passed away, preventing her from visiting you this time."

"Xiao Hui, it’s wonderful that such a good girl has taken a liking to you. Even better that her family doesn’t meddle unnecessarily. Bring her next time so we can meet her," Mom expressed her joy.

After dinner, Liu Hui distributed the gifts he brought, feeling a deep sense of happiness watching his parents’ delight. Now that he had capability, he resolved to take good care of them in the future.

Liu Hui returned to his room. Though he was away often, his mother had kept it meticulously clean for him. Lying on the bed, he felt a wave of concern for Liang Jingyue and called her.

The call connected quickly. The background noise was loud. Liang Jingyue only managed a few words before another round of funerary rites began on her end, forcing her to hang up prematurely.

Liu Hui gazed around the place where he had grown up, seeing flashes of his entire adolescence—both joyful and painful memories—before his eyes. As he drifted into contemplation, a knock came from outside the door.

Liu Hui opened it to find his mother standing there. She sat down on a chair, looking at Liu Hui with a soft smile.

"Mom, is something the matter?"

"Son, your mother just wanted to check on you."

"Haha, if you want to see me, then look closely," he replied.

"Son, have you ever blamed your mother?" Mom asked suddenly.

"Blame you? How could I ever blame you?" Liu Hui asked, perplexed.

"When you were very young, I often spoke to you about the concept of an ideal society. In hindsight, those words might have been ill-timed. I know you eventually adopted what I said as your own ideals and have persisted in them until now," Mom spoke slowly.

"Yes, I think what you said held great truth, and what’s wrong with making it my ideal?"

"Son, my intention was only to show you what beautiful things exist in the world—things that are currently impossible to achieve. You must have experienced this in society over the years, haven't you?" Mom looked at her son with a touch of guilt.

"Well, perhaps a little. Many aspects of society fall far short of what I hoped for, and my ideals have certainly caused me great pressure. But I have always believed my ideals can be realized," Liu Hui confirmed after a moment of reflection.

"Never mind that. Tell me, Mom, how did you come to like Dad in the first place? You are a city woman, and you are so beautiful and well-educated. Dad, aside from being tall, is completely a country man." Liu Hui steered the conversation toward his mother, a question that had long intrigued him.

"How can a son speak of his father like that!" Mom tapped Liu Hui’s head. Recalling the past, she said, "The circumstances back then were unusual. If I hadn't been compelled by necessity, I wouldn't have chosen your father. After we got together, the disparity between us in many aspects was vast; it felt very unnatural. But over the years, he has treated me so well that even if there were dissatisfactions, I chose not to voice them. Otherwise, do you think you would exist?"

"Mom, tell me then, how did you and Dad meet?" Liu Hui asked curiously.

"Haha, turning gossip onto your own parents, are we? But I won't tell you," Mom refused with a laugh.

"Mom, you always do this! Can't you just tell me? I’m a grown man now." Liu Hui was frustrated.

"In your mother's heart, you will always be a child. Haha. I won't talk anymore; you should get some rest!" Mom said, rising to leave.

As she was about to exit the room, Mom paused and said to Liu Hui, "Your father hasn't been feeling well these past few days, so I need to stay and care for him. We won't be attending your grandfather's memorial tomorrow. Be safe on your journey."

Today, Qian Yu received notice from the editor that the book’s recommendation slot had been rejected, causing Qian Yu some discouragement, which is why this chapter was delayed in writing and the mood wasn't ideal.

Qian Yu is deeply grateful to the reader: Yueya Kaungguo (), because Qian Yu just saw another reward from them—588 Qidian coins this time. Thank you, Yueya Kaungguo; you have restored my confidence.

Qian Yu sincerely hopes readers will offer comments on this work, whether praise or criticism. Suggestions are welcome so that Qian Yu can adjust the outline and write a story that satisfies everyone. You can leave comments in the message area or add my QQ: 714457179 (Junshi).

Finally, I still hope that friends who are able will recommend and collect the book often!

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