"Dad, Mom, something's happened at the hospital. I have to rush back immediately; I won't be able to stay with you." Liu Hui looked apologetically at his parents.

"Go on, son! A man should focus on his career. Your dad and I miss you; we'll just come into the city to see you!" Mom comforted him, and Dad came over to clap him on the shoulder.

Mei Peng hadn't fully explained what happened over the phone, and Liu Hui was worried about the hospital. He drove his car like a maniac on the road back to the city, reaching Bashan City in under three hours.

In the hospital office, Liu Hui found Mei Peng, Wu Yuanjia, and Jiang Nanyi seated before him.

"Tell me—what exactly happened last night?" Liu Hui was impatient.

"Boss, it was like this. Around midnight last night, we detected an intruder in the hospital. He somehow managed to evade our surveillance until he reached the basement, at which point we discovered him. After a skirmish, he managed to escape," Wu Yuanjia reported first.

"You couldn't stop him?" Liu Hui frowned.

"The night-shift security guards lacked experience. When they spotted the infiltrator, they were completely flustered and unprepared. He managed to injure a few of them before running off," Wu Yuanjia admitted, deeply ashamed.

"Mr. Liu, the intruder first bypassed the perimeter cameras we had set up before sneaking into your hospital. He engaged our men briefly when he fled. That infiltrator is a master; we were momentarily careless, and he got away," Jiang Nanyi took over. He looked displeased; for a professional like himself, failing to capture the target was a profound loss of face.

"I see. Do you know who he is, or what his objective was for infiltrating the hospital?" Liu Hui, seeing Jiang Nanyi’s distress, didn't press further.

"Judging by his skill level, he doesn't seem to be from China; there are traces suggesting origins from Europe or America. The objective was likely to steal the secret of the AIDS medication at the Han-Tang Hospital," Jiang Nanyi surmised after a moment of thought.

"If he wasn't discovered until he got that far into the hospital, how did he manage to evade our surveillance initially?" Liu Hui asked, puzzled. The hospital’s security team was equipped with cameras covering every blind spot, and there were personnel staffing the security room 24 hours a day. It shouldn't have been possible for someone to enter undetected.

"Captain Wu and I discussed it. He probably used some kind of high-tech device to fool our cameras. However, in the basement, we have installed infrared scanners. He must have been momentarily careless and didn't expect infrared, which is how we found him," Jiang Nanyi continued.

"So you're saying the infiltrator was only discovered just as he reached the basement entrance?" Liu Hui asked.

"Yes. We checked thoroughly afterward; he was likely caught right at the basement access point. Just to be safe, we inspected the basement area, but we found no equipment left behind by the intruder," Wu Yuanjia stated, head bowed.

"Mr. Liu, I deeply regret this incident. However, I have already reported this matter up the chain. The organization will analyze this intelligence to identify the intruder. Simultaneously, I will request the latest high-tech security gear from the organization to ensure no further breaches occur," Jiang Nanyi said solemnly.

"Then I thank you, Chief Jiang. Please accept my apologies for the trouble we’ve caused you," Liu Hui replied politely to Jiang Nanyi.

"I should take my leave then; I have other matters to arrange," Jiang Nanyi announced as soon as his part was done and excused himself.

"Safe travels, Chief Jiang," Liu Hui escorted the Chief to the door.

After seeing Jiang Nanyi off, Liu Hui looked at Mei Peng and Wu Yuanjia, remaining silent for a long time.

"Boss, I’m sorry. Our security team has failed to meet your expectations," Wu Yuanjia said, steeling himself when Liu Hui remained quiet.

Liu Hui waved a hand, stopping Wu Yuanjia from continuing.

"Captain Wu, don't blame yourself yet; this isn't entirely your fault. Based on what Chief Jiang said, this visitor was likely a foreign master. For him to even reach the basement entrance? Still, this reminds us that we need to further enhance the hospital's security measures."

"Boss, if foreign organizations are already targeting us, how should we respond?" Mei Peng, standing nearby, looked anxious as well.

"Don't worry. In Bashan, we are the local power. With the support of Chief Jiang Nanyi and his team, if they dare to come, I’ll ensure they never return," Liu Hui felt much more confident now, given his recent improvement in combat skills combined with the members of the Ninth Special Operations Team stationed outside the hospital. If the enemy infiltrated again, he was confident he could capture them all.

"This incident exposed weaknesses in our security. We must change this unfavorable situation. First, we must increase investment in high-tech security products; we need to procure the world's newest security apparatus so that infiltrators cannot easily enter our hospital. Second, we must boost the overall strength of the security team. We must eliminate underperforming security personnel; I want all our guards to be elites. The recruitment of new personnel will be jointly handled by myself and Captain Wu," Liu Hui deliberated and laid out two points of action.

Liu Hui harbored a secret thought: he planned to select a trustworthy group from the new security force and inject them with diluted Evolutionary Fluid, allowing their strength to gradually increase. Others would only perceive it as improvement through rigorous training, making it seem natural. As for those who left, they would receive a neutralizing agent to reverse their enhancement. Liu Hui thought this plan was viable, but he wondered if Zerg could manufacture such a substance.

"Understood, Boss. I will immediately inspect the security facilities, note everything that needs replacement, and give you a report," Wu Yuanjia replied.

"Good. You can go down first; I’ll need to speak with you later about something else," Liu Hui nodded.

Once Wu Yuanjia departed, Liu Hui smiled at Mei Peng. "Second Brother, don't worry. It's just a small incident, nothing that threatens us. Besides, they won't actually manage to steal our secret."

"I don't understand security matters; you decide what's best," Mei Peng was beginning to admire Liu Hui. He’d already prepared a decoy secret center from the start, acting very secretive while the 'secret' inside was entirely false.

"Right, Second Brother, how has Third Brother been doing these past few days?" Liu Hui remembered Zhou Tengyun; he hadn't had a chance to visit him since arriving at the office.

"Oh, you mean Third Brother? He’s been acting a bit strange these past two days. He keeps breaking things in his room and even seems to trip over flat surfaces when he walks! If inspections hadn't confirmed he was physically healthy, I'd suspect he suffered some sort of lingering side effect. I wonder what he's up to?" Mei Peng was puzzled.

"Heh heh, I'll go check on him later and have a chat. By the way, how long has your girlfriend been away?" Liu Hui suddenly remembered Liu Lin had gone home some time ago.

"Ah! She went back because there was a personal family matter that required her attention. It was simple and should have been resolved quickly, meaning she should have been back already. Remember you asked her to find nurses who were multi-talented? So, she's been constantly on the lookout for masters in massage, acupuncture, or other skills. She actually found a very skilled elderly traditional Chinese medicine doctor specializing in acupuncture in her hometown. She wants to invite him to teach our hospital nurses. Unfortunately, the old doctor refuses to come to the city, so Liu Lin is still trying to persuade him!" Mei Peng sounded very frustrated.

"Heh heh, Liu Lin is quite dedicated! Give her a raise next month," Liu Hui chuckled.

"Boss, look at how miserable my life has become without Liu Lin taking care of me. Why don't you give me a raise too! Otherwise, I'll lose all my standing at home," Mei Peng shamelessly pleaded.

"Heh heh, I'll consider it. I wonder if one hundred yuan will suffice?"

"Boss, you’re ruthless!"

Only when the office was empty did Liu Hui finally have time to call Liang Jingyue. She answered quickly.

"Jingyue, how are things on your end?"

"Ahui, things are awful!" Liang Jingyue’s mood seemed low.

"What’s wrong, Jingyue? Nothing serious happened, right? I’m already back in Bashan now; maybe I should come pick you up!" Liu Hui said gently, sensing her distress.

"Ahui, no need. Things have changed a bit; my father told me to rush back to Bashan immediately." Liang Jingyue sounded quite annoyed.

"Jingyue, what happened? You sound unhappy, and hadn't your grandmother's funeral rites been fully completed?" Liu Hui asked, confused. He knew that for Liang Jingyue’s grandmother, the ancestral rites had to be performed for a full seven days.

"It's nothing much; it's hard to explain over the phone. I’ll tell you everything when I get back!"

"Alright, I’ll wait for you. Approximately when do you expect to be back at the hospital?"

"The road from my grandmother's place is smooth; I estimate arriving back at the hospital around four or five in the afternoon," Liang Jingyue calculated the time.

Liu Hui hung up. It seemed something was amiss with Liang Jingyue, and she wouldn't elaborate, which was vexing. But it didn't matter much; she would be back soon, and he could ask her then.

Liu Hui proceeded to Zhou Tengyun’s room. Zhou Tengyun was lifting a dumbbell, practicing strength training, but immediately stopped when he saw Liu Hui enter.

Liu Hui sat down on a chair in the room and asked with a grin, "Third Brother, you look like you’re doing great!"

"I'm just getting used to it. The first couple of days I wasn't accustomed, and I ruined a lot of things; I even struggled to walk properly," Zhou Tengyun admitted, somewhat sheepishly.

"Heh heh, you’ll get used to it." Liu Hui smiled, then suddenly asked, "Third Brother, do you want to learn martial arts?"

"Martial arts? Do such things even exist anymore?" Zhou Tengyun always thought martial arts belonged only in novels or movies.

"Of course, martial arts exist! Otherwise, why would I ask you?"

"Do you know where there are any martial arts masters?" Zhou Tengyun became interested.

"Heh heh, we have one right here at the hospital. You need to understand, being strong and fast with quick reactions won't necessarily help you get revenge. You must learn how to use that strength; only then is revenge possible," Liu Hui explained.

"We have a master in the hospital? Who is he?" Zhou Tengyun was curious.

"Security Captain Wu Yuanjia. I saw him practice his boxing once; his skill is excellent. I want him to teach you."

"Well, will he teach me? Isn't martial arts typically taught only to one's own people?" Zhou Tengyun sounded concerned.

"Why don't you come with me to ask? Perhaps he’ll teach you if he sees you have good potential?" Liu Hui suggested with a smile.

Liu Hui and Zhou Tengyun went to Wu Yuanjia's office. Wu Yuanjia was busy writing something, but he immediately stood up upon seeing Liu Hui, saying, "Good day, Boss. I'm currently cataloging our security equipment. I've asked an old comrade to keep an eye on new market products; I should have results soon."

Liu Hui smiled. "Captain Wu, you are truly dedicated. But I'm not here about that today."

"Then what brings the Boss to see me?"

"Captain Wu, let me introduce my brother, Zhou Tengyun," Liu Hui pulled Zhou Tengyun forward.

"I know Mr. Zhou Tengyun," as security captain, Wu Yuanjia had already thoroughly investigated everyone in the hospital.

"Captain Wu, I'd like you to help me measure Zhou Tengyun's physical aptitude," Liu Hui avoided mentioning apprenticeship, instead asking Wu Yuanjia to test Zhou Tengyun’s physical condition.

"Boss, this..." Wu Yuanjia was unsure of Liu Hui's intention and hesitated to speak.

"Captain Wu, my brother has excellent physical potential, so I just need you to run a few tests—nothing more. You know I’m completely clueless about these things," Liu Hui said with a smile.

"That's no problem; I can test him immediately. The gym is fully equipped anyway," Wu Yuanjia said, relieved.

Wu Yuanjia led Liu Hui and Zhou Tengyun into the fitness room, which was filled with various exercise machines. Wu Yuanjia took out a notepad and began testing Zhou Tengyun's physical attributes. Liu Hui watched with a smile, nodding at Zhou Tengyun to let him give his full effort.

Strength, vertical jump, long jump, endurance, reaction speed—as the results of the few tests came in, Wu Yuanjia’s eyes grew wider, and his mouth hung open, unable to close. Zhou Tengyun’s test scores were exceptionally high, far exceeding those of a normal person.

Wu Yuanjia grabbed Zhou Tengyun, kneading the joints on his body, then revealed an almost dazed smile, staring fixedly at Zhou Tengyun, his eyes burning with an intensity that seemed ready to melt him.

"Captain Wu? Captain Wu?" Liu Hui called from the side.

"Hm? Oh, Boss, why did you call me?" Wu Yuanjia snapped back to attention.

"How do you rate my brother's physical condition?"

"Extraordinary! His body far surpasses ordinary people; he is the perfect candidate for learning boxing. If I had possessed such physical attributes back then, my Xingyiquan would have already reached the stage of divine transformation," Wu Yuanjia lamented Zhou Tengyun's formidable physique while regretting his own physical shortcomings.

"Since Captain Wu appreciates my brother's aptitude so much, why not let him learn boxing from you?" Liu Hui suddenly proposed.

"Given Mr. Zhou's physical condition, he is extremely suited for learning boxing. Although he is older, his joints and meridians have not yet solidified; he is still very flexible, much like a teenager. If he studies boxing under me, I guarantee he can reach an incredible height in the future. However, I wonder if Mr. Zhou is willing to learn?" Wu Yuanjia looked eagerly at Zhou Tengyun.

"Does learning boxing from you require a formal apprenticeship?" Liu Hui interjected with a smile.

"Well, at least a cup of tea is required!" Wu Yuanjia laughed.

"Heh heh, Third Brother, quickly prepare the tea," Liu Hui was overjoyed.

Zhou Tengyun's usually cold expression finally showed excitement. He began preparing the tea. Fortunately, the wellness room was well-stocked, and tea was readily available.

Liu Hui seated Wu Yuanjia in the main seat. Zhou Tengyun presented the tea, then suddenly knelt down, holding the teacup over his head towards Wu Yuanjia, saying, "Master, please drink!"

"This?" Wu Yuanjia was startled and stood up.

"Heh heh, Captain Wu, since Third Brother is offering the formal apprenticeship rite, please accept him," Liu Hui said, accommodating Zhou Tengyun’s wishes.

Wu Yuanjia adjusted his clothes, then sat down, took the tea offered by Zhou Tengyun, gently stirred the surface with the lid, and drank it in one gulp.

Seeing Wu Yuanjia drink the tea, Zhou Tengyun immediately kowtowed three times. Wu Yuanjia happily helped Zhou Tengyun up and said with a smile, "When I teach you, I am your master; normally, we are friends, how about that?"

"This disciple will obey whatever the Master commands," Zhou Tengyun carefully maintained propriety.

"Heh heh, excellent! My own body is deficient, preventing me from mastering Xingyiquan to its peak. But my disciple has superior physical qualities and can reach the highest realm. Master, in terms of disciples, I may be better than you!" Wu Yuanjia was extremely happy, yet tinged with a bit of sadness.

"Hey, Boss, what are you doing?" Wu Yuanjia suddenly asked, noticing Liu Hui pouring a cup of tea and walking toward him.

"This... Captain Wu, while you teach Third Brother, may I also learn?" Liu Hui looked slightly embarrassed.

"Boss, if you want to learn, just join in! But I certainly can't drink your tea!" Wu Yuanjia dared not accept tea from Liu Hui.

"Heh heh, you've been talking so much, your throat must be dry. Have this cup of tea!" Liu Hui smiled and handed the tea to Wu Yuanjia.

Wu Yuanjia had no choice but to drink it. He was delighted to have accepted a disciple that day. Zhou Tengyun, having secured a master and a path to revenge, was also thrilled. Liu Hui, though not officially apprenticed, had gained the opportunity to learn martial arts, making him even happier.

"Zhou Tengyun, I will teach for two hours daily. I will adjust the schedule based on your work hours," now that the apprenticeship was established, Wu Yuanjia began assigning Zhou Tengyun his study time.

"Boss, I want to work in the security team; please arrange it for me!" Zhou Tengyun suddenly requested.

"Mm, find Second Brother and have him handle the paperwork for you." Liu Hui considered it; since Zhou Tengyun requested it himself, he would honor his wish.

Zhou Tengyun's issue was perfectly resolved, and Liu Hui finally found some leisure time. He sat in his office, slowly going through accumulated documents until it was four in the afternoon. He called Liang Jingyue to ask where she was; she said she was almost at the hospital.

Liu Hui was pleased and immediately went to the hospital entrance to meet Liang Jingyue. After waiting only a short while, Liang Jingyue’s car drove up, followed closely by a black sedan.

Liu Hui was delighted to see Liang Jingyue's car approaching and was about to go open her door when he saw the black sedan behind pull to a stop. A young man in a sharp suit stepped out and hurried forward to courteously open the door for Liang Jingyue.

Qian Yu thanks readers Ben Beng and Yueya Kaixin Guo for their tips, and another reader, Zijie, for casting 12,000 character-update votes for this book.

Qian Yu appreciates everyone's trust, but due to work commitments, I cannot deliver a 12,000-character burst right now; please forgive me, Zijie!

As always, if you find this book worth reading, please offer more recommendation votes and add it to your favorites!