"Boss, just give the order. With these new medicines, what can't we achieve? I'm bursting with energy right now," Mei Peng joked, striking a pose of superhuman strength.
"Inside the factory premises, I've arranged for several imported production lines for the pharmaceuticals. You and the manufacturer’s personnel need to install and calibrate them. Our drug production this time must be kept strictly confidential; there cannot be the slightest possibility of a leak. You need to make good use of these lines to conceal the true manufacturing process, diverting the attention of individuals and organizations focusing on our secrets. Discreetly consult experts on this matter, but remember not to expose our secrets," Liu Hui said solemnly.
"That sounds a bit challenging, but I'll give it my best effort. Can you elaborate on how this medicine is produced?" Mei Peng replied.
"I will provide the raw drug solution, which will then go through packaging in the factory workshop to become the salable medicine. However, the entire packaging process must be cleverly hidden beneath the operation of the assembly line."
"If that's the case, it shouldn't be much of a problem, but I need to understand the specifics first," Mei Peng responded.
"I have invented three new drugs this time, but I won't release them all at once. I’ll decide on a phased launch based on the situation. I plan to launch the myopia treatment drug first. You must immediately contact the Hong Kong Department of Health and relevant research centers to commence clinical trials right away; we must get this product to market in the shortest time possible. Let's name the drug 'Starlight Myopia Relief.' As for the US FDA and the European Medicines Agency, we must also expedite clinical trials there and aim for a global launch at the earliest opportunity," Liu Hui stated.
"Boss, I'll contact them, but the name you picked for the drug is terrible. Can we change it to something nicer?" Mei Peng asked, pulling a long face.
"The name might not be elegant, but as long as the effect is good, that's what matters! Besides, look at this name—'Starlight Myopia Relief.' It incorporates the company name and the condition it treats; it’s so concise and clear that consumers immediately understand what it is. Go handle the related work right now; my 'Free Land Project' is waiting for funding," Liu Hui said seriously.
"Alright, I'll work hard on the operational aspects. Boss, I wanted to ask, how much did this Starlight Pharmaceuticals cost in total?" Mei Peng inquired curiously.
"Starlight Pharmaceuticals, including the land, buildings, and equipment, cost a total of six hundred million US dollars. If we hadn't chosen such a remote rural area, it probably would have cost a billion! But why do you ask?" Liu Hui explained.
"Wow, Boss, you're loaded! How could you spend so much money at once?" Mei Peng exclaimed in shock. Six hundred million US dollars translates to over three billion RMB!
"I hadn't mentioned it before, but our Han Tang Hospital treated over a thousand patients. After deducting those for public welfare and state-mandated quotas, we earned a total of one billion US dollars. I deposited all that money into a Swiss bank account. After spending six hundred million on building Starlight Pharmaceuticals, we still have four hundred million left. If you guys ever need funds, just tell me," Liu Hui said casually.
"Holy hell, you're incredible, having that much money lying around. I’m going to ask you for ten million next time," Mei Peng was stunned by the sum.
"Sure thing, whatever you ask for is yours. Go back and rest now; relax tonight, and we’ll officially start work tomorrow," Liu Hui laughed.
"Boss, one more question: why did you name it Starlight Pharmaceuticals? Aren't the words Han Tang quite nice?" Mei Peng asked like an inquisitive child.
"The words Han Tang are good, but they represent the past. We cannot keep dwelling on past glories; we must look toward the future, and we must create new glories. And the stars—that is where our future lies," Liu Hui explained.
Mei Peng listened to Liu Hui’s explanation in astonishment, but it sounded suspiciously like he was being spun a yarn. Stars, indeed; did they even have their own territory yet?
"Just one more nosy question: where did you find Manager Zhao?"
"Manager Zhao is Zhao Yuanhua; I found him through a headhunting firm. His specialty is pharmaceutical plant management. He was responsible for everything from the planning to the construction of Starlight Pharmaceuticals, and he handled it all exceptionally well. I'm very satisfied with his work, so I plan to entrust him with managing Starlight Pharmaceuticals. For now, you assist him and make sure you handle the tasks I assigned you. When our hospital is built, you can go back to being its director then!" Liu Hui instructed.
"Ah, we’re building another hospital? That’s fantastic!" Mei Peng was overjoyed; he still preferred the atmosphere of a hospital environment.
Watching Mei Peng leave the office happily, Zhou Tengyun said, "Boss, Second Brother is gone. What did you need to tell me?"
"Third Brother, I’ve been thinking constantly during this time. Being chased away like a dog, my lover forced to break ties with me—why did all of this happen? Later, I realized that although I have money, I lack power and formidable strength for protection. I'm just a fat sheep, ready to be eaten whenever others desire. Now that I’m in Hong Kong, I want to rebuild my career, but I don’t want to become a fat sheep again. I want to have my own strength," Liu Hui stated coldly.
"Boss, just tell me straight: what do you need me to do? I will give it my all," Zhou Tengyun replied expressionlessly.
"You know about the mercenary organizations in Africa, don't you?" Liu Hui asked.
"I've heard some things. The world's top powers all have their own mercenary groups in Africa. Those mercenaries are incredibly capable fighters, but in recent years, the African groups haven't seemed as strong," Zhou Tengyun commented.
"I want you to go to Africa and establish our very own mercenary organization," Liu Hui declared.
"Affirmative!" Zhou Tengyun’s single-word reply reached Liu Hui.
"Third Brother, aren't you going to consider it? That's a killing field; you could lose your life in an instant," Liu Hui asked with a touch of concern.
"Boss, I’ve been following you these past few days, so I know everything you’ve been through. Those events weren't just humiliating for you; they made me incredibly frustrated as well. I now understand the importance of power. Without the backing of military force, you’re destined to be bullied wherever you go. Don't worry, I will certainly build a force in Africa that strikes fear into others. Then, with your powerful military support, you won't face threats from anyone. As for me, I’m just a walking corpse clinging to life; when I die doesn't matter," Zhou Tengyun explained his reasoning, which was uncharacteristic for him.
Liu Hui couldn't shake Zhou Tengyun's fatalistic view of life, so he could only say, "You must remember, we are not going to Africa to make money, but to build and train a team. If there are missions, you must take them, even if they don't pay. Of course, accepting missions must be done progressively; don't jump into overly difficult ones immediately. I will provide you with massive material support. You need to evaluate the team members; if they prove loyal after being tested, I can provide large quantities of the same drug I injected you with last time, allowing their strength to grow rapidly. For ordinary members, use the diluted version of the drug; their strength won't increase as quickly. However, the drugs they use have time limits; they must inject the new medication on schedule to maintain that super state."
"Understood. If material supplies are sufficient, with the help of that miraculous drug, and a group of excellent soldiers, we should quickly become the most famous mercenaries in Africa," Zhou Tengyun said, seemingly content with these prospects.
"I tentatively set your departure time for Africa for three months from now. During these three months, you need to organize your team. Whether they are retired soldiers or ordinary citizens, anyone who genuinely joins the ranks can be recruited. Also, remember to find more officers with combat experience. I will offer them salaries they cannot refuse. There will be no restriction on the nationality of the personnel. Within these three months, you must contact international arms dealers and procure weapons and munitions. I will prioritize funding for all these expenditures for you," Liu Hui instructed.
"I’ve never done this kind of work before, but I will try my best. I won't disappoint you," Zhou Tengyun stated coldly.
"Just putting in the effort is enough. We are brothers. I don't want you to die overseas; you must return safely," Liu Hui said, showing a rare moment of emotion.
"Boss, how will you treat Liang Jingyue?" Zhou Tengyun, uncomfortable with Liu Hui’s heartfelt display, quickly changed the subject.
"Third Brother, do you remember what you said last time? That people like you, filled with killing intent, have no future and don't deserve the happiness of a normal person, right?" Liu Hui said unexpectedly.
"I did say that."
"Then, do you see any difference between you and me?"
"Of course, the difference is…" Zhou Tengyun suddenly trailed off.
"There is no difference, is there? Because you can’t find a distinction between us, we are essentially the same kind of person. I’ve also killed many people; I even deceive Jingyue every day, ultimately leading to her being constantly tormented by the demon of betrayal. I am arguably more wicked than you. If I am this kind of person, perhaps I have no future either? Jingyue leaving me might allow her to live a happier life," Liu Hui said helplessly.
"Boss!" Zhou Tengyun murmured, unable to speak.
"I will have people continue to search for news about Jingyue and her family. As for the rest, I am not yet prepared for how to face it. Perhaps when the time comes, the answer will become clear," Liu Hui said faintly.
"Boss, you need to look on the bright side," Zhou Tengyun surprisingly walked over and clapped Liu Hui on the shoulder, forcing a faint smile onto his usually icy face.
"Third Brother, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen such a human gesture from you!" Liu Hui laughed heartily; he didn't want his troubles to upset his brother.
Liu Hui smiled and then said to Zhou Tengyun, "Before you leave, there is one last thing I need to entrust to you. This matter is very important to me."
"Boss, just say it!"
"I want you to investigate the triad organizations in Hong Kong. Find out exactly how they acquire their drugs; I need to know every step in their supply chain," Liu Hui stated seriously.
"Understood. I will start the investigation immediately," Zhou Tengyun asked no further questions.
Thanks to book friend: Yue Ya Kai Xin Guo for the reward. Thanks to yj and several other friends for their suggestions on this book.