Liu Hui arrived at Liang Jingyue's office. Liang Jingyue was still somewhat shaken in her private office, with Liu Lin constantly offering comfort. Seeing Liu Hui enter, Liang Jingyue immediately rushed into his embrace.
Liu Lin chuckled, "Oh, boss, you two are truly devoted, unwilling to be separated for even a moment. Since that's the case, I'll give you back your privacy."
"Heh, you could be just as devoted with the second brother," Liu Hui quipped.
"Then I shall go find my Mei Peng; we'll demonstrate devotion on our own terms," Liu Lin replied playfully before leaving.
Once Liu Lin was gone, Liu Hui held Liang Jingyue as they sat on the sofa, stroking her hair. "My darling Jingyue, try to cheer up. Today's target wasn't us; that assassin was clearly after that scoundrel Wei. We were just terribly unlucky to be caught in the crossfire."
"But I'm still so frightened. I've never seen a bullet before, and this time one struck right beside me, blowing up the car! My heart is still racing uncontrollably!" Liang Jingyue was clearly suffering from shock.
"My sweet little baby Jingyue, rest assured, I will protect your safety. As long as I am here, no one can ever harm you," Liu Hui promised her solemnly.
Liang Jingyue hugged Liu Hui tightly, nodding. "Ahui, I believe you. I know you can protect me. I'm not scared anymore, truly," she murmured.
Liu Hui gently patted Liang Jingyue's head. She rested against him on the sofa, and slowly, to his surprise, she drifted off to sleep.
Liu Hui carefully lowered her onto the sofa, covered her with a blanket, and then quietly exited her office, ensuring the door clicked softly shut behind him.
As soon as Liu Hui returned to his own office, Wu Yuanjia knocked and entered.
"Boss, I just contacted my friend; he was thrilled to hear about it and is rushing over now!"
"Is he living far away? Should I wire him some travel expenses first?"
"Boss, he is a bit distant, but I've already sent him the travel funds," Wu Yuanjia noted, touched by Liu Hui's thoughtfulness.
"Then when do you expect him to arrive?" Liu Hui desperately needed this arrival.
"He should be able to make it by tomorrow afternoon, I estimate."
"Good. You go ahead and arrange suitable lodging for him. Also, from now on, whenever we go out, you need to assign several security personnel to accompany us," Liu Hui was still deeply concerned about their safety.
"Boss, I will make the necessary arrangements."
That evening, when escorting Liang Jingyue home, Wu Yuanjia personally led two security guards who followed Liu Hui's car closely, guarding their passage.
At Liang Jingyue’s home, Liang Bo and his wife were extremely worried upon hearing about her narrow escape. They urged Liu Hui and Liang Jingyue to be exceptionally careful when traveling in the future, an assurance Liu Hui readily gave.
Liu Hui stayed for dinner at the Liang residence, where he and Liang Bo discussed matters of business over the meal. Nearby, Qiu Yue glanced at Liang Jingyue with affection and then asked, "Little Liu, when are your parents planning to visit Ba Shan City? Our Jingyue still hasn't met them, has she?"
"Auntie, I've already told my parents about Jingyue, and they are delighted. They’ve just been extremely busy and haven't found the time to meet yet. Now that winter is setting in, they have some free time, and they plan to come to Ba Shan City next month specifically to meet Jingyue in person. I will arrange for them to pay you a visit then."
"Oh, heavens, how could we possibly allow that? As hosts, we should be the ones entertaining your parents properly, and then we can discuss the marriage arrangements," Qiu Yue said, overjoyed at the news of Liu Hui's parents coming to Ba Shan.
"I say, wife, the in-laws aren't arriving for another month; what's all this excitement about?" Liang Bo grumbled, slightly vexed.
"Husband, I hear that fathers are often the most reluctant to let their daughters go when they marry. Are you perhaps feeling a bit jealous right now?" Qiu Yue teased Liang Bo.
Liang Jingyue, in the middle of eating, burst into laughter at her mother's remark, only to choke on her soup and start coughing uncontrollably. Liu Hui quickly leaned over, handed her water, and gently massaged her back to help her regain her breath.
Liang Bo and Qiu Yue watched their affectionate exchange, smiles of deep satisfaction spreading across their faces. At that moment, a piece of international news suddenly appearing on the television screen captured everyone's attention.
On the screen was a live feed of a press conference. The announcer explained that the AIDS research center at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden was holding a conference, presided over by Dr. Elena, who was formally nominating Liu Hui of China's Han-Tang Hospital for the 2011 Nobel Prize in Medicine. This nomination was the earliest announced among all Nobel categories, immediately drawing widespread global attention, with numerous reporters converging on the scene for interviews.
China Central Television immediately broadcast the news, followed by analysis from hosts and invited guests. They dissected the situation from every angle, concluding that the 2011 Nobel Prize in Medicine was practically guaranteed to go to Liu Hui. Furthermore, since Liu Hui was a native Chinese talent, cultivated entirely within China, this would mark the first time a true Chinese national won a Nobel Prize. This achievement, they argued, demonstrated that under the nation's sagacious leadership and years of prioritizing education and scientific research, China was now capable of cultivating talent worthy of a Nobel, signaling that the country's technological prowess had reached a new zenith, and a great national rejuvenation was imminent.
Watching the news, Liang Bo let out a long sigh. "Little Liu, this news couldn't have come at a better time. There have been some negative remarks circulating about your hospital recently, which could cause significant trouble if mishandled. However, with this announcement, your standing within China is instantly solidified. Those unfavorable rumors will vanish automatically, and your hospital should be secure in the short term. I can finally breathe easy."
Seeing the news visibly relieved Liang Bo. In his mind, Liu Hui silently thanked Ms. Elena. She must have known he was facing difficulties, hence the high-profile announcement of his Nobel nomination. Against the backdrop of China's fervent national pride regarding the Nobel Prize, this effectively deterred any malicious hands from reaching out to him. For the immediate future, he was safe; after all, the nation still needed him as a shining example.
The following morning, reporters from all of China’s major media outlets converged on Han-Tang Hospital, including several nationally renowned television stations. They were eager to interview Liu Hui about his feelings regarding the Nobel nomination.
Seizing this opportune moment, Liu Hui promptly held an impromptu, high-profile press conference. During the event, Liu Hui spoke extensively, attributing all his achievements to the cultivation provided by the nation, which had offered him the necessary conveniences to successfully develop the AIDS drug. He stressed that if he were indeed awarded the Nobel Prize, his deepest gratitude would be reserved for the country, and his honor would belong to all Chinese people.
The media outlets were ecstatic, having secured the interviews they craved, and certain individuals watching Liu Hui’s conduct on television let out a collective sigh of relief, quietly reassessing their intentions.
During the press conference, Liu Hui gave confident and resounding answers to the reporters' questions. The atmosphere was vibrant, and the conference only concluded at noon. Having missed breakfast, Liu Hui was now dizzy with hunger.
After quickly grabbing lunch, Wu Yuanjia brought welcome news. He had successfully met the person Liu Hui needed at the train station and brought him directly to the boss's office.
"Boss, this is my comrade-in-arms, Huang Huali." Wu Yuanjia made the introduction.
Liu Hui looked at Huang Huali. He was tall, with sharp, intelligent eyes, and exuded an intense military aura. However, his face was deeply lined, making him appear well over fifty.
"Welcome to our hospital, Mr. Huang," Liu Hui stood up and extended his hand for a handshake. Huang Huali’s grip was remarkably strong, his palm rough with calluses.
"Thank you, Boss, for taking me in. I will not betray your trust," Huang Huali spoke sparingly.
"I need you to start work immediately. Your duties have two parts: first, to train these security guards into true security professionals, and second, to train a squad of male and female bodyguards for the hospital. I will assign Captain Wu to assist you, and all necessary personnel and resources will be provided," Liu Hui assigned the tasks directly, his thirst for capable strength making him eager for results.
"I will need to understand the current situation first," Huang Huali responded, indicating a clear sense of purpose.
"That is no problem. Captain Wu will brief you on the specifics. For now, you will assume command of the Personnel Training Center," Liu Hui said, mindful of Liang Jingyue's safety concerns.
"Boss, please rest assured, I will support Captain Huang," Wu Yuanjia expressed his satisfaction at seeing Huang Huali immediately valued by his superior.
"Take Captain Huang to handle the paperwork. I will host a welcoming dinner for Captain Huang tonight," Liu Hui felt genuinely pleased to have secured the talent he needed.
The next day, Huang Huali and Wu Yuanjia sought out Liu Hui together.
"Boss, I have familiarized myself with the current state of the security detail; their baseline strength exceeded my expectations, and I am very satisfied. May I ask what level of proficiency you wish the hospital security to attain?" Huang Huali cut straight to the critical point.
"I want our security guards to possess sufficient capability to defend the hospital, able to repel any attack launched against it. Our bodyguards must possess extremely high levels of skill to guarantee the safety of the people they protect," Liu Hui stated his requirements calmly.
"That is a very high bar, but given the current quality of the security force, provided the Boss meets my training requirements, and if you grant me six months, no one will be able to enter this hospital without permission unless they arrive in airplanes or tanks. The bodyguards will achieve the same level—within six months, we will possess the highest caliber bodyguards in China," Huang Huali projected considerable confidence.
"Excellent. I will satisfy any requirements you have. I hope you complete my mandate swiftly," Liu Hui was thrilled. Six months was a perfectly acceptable timeframe; his security would be fully assured by then. Moreover, he possessed the Body Evolution Fluid, suggesting the timeline might even be shorter.
"Our most immediate needs are securing a training center and continuing recruitment. The hospital will undergo significant expansion soon, requiring far more security personnel. You and Captain Wu should discuss the logistics together," Liu Hui added.
Huang Huali and Wu Yuanjia exchanged a glance and accepted the assignment before leaving. They were remarkably efficient; soon, they located a villa in the suburbs of Ba Shan City, nestled between mountains and waters, boasting breathtaking scenery. The owner of the villa was currently handling emigration procedures and was eager to sell. Coincidentally, adjacent to the villa was a large, abandoned factory—which, after some necessary repairs and facility upgrades, could serve perfectly as a training center.
Liu Hui brought Liang Jingyue along to inspect the site. He found the location ideal and immediately made the decision to purchase both the villa and the adjacent abandoned factory on the spot. He then contacted construction teams to begin the overhaul of both buildings.
As usual, Qian Yu requests collections and recommendations!