After Liu Hui finished speaking, he allowed the department heads to begin an open discussion. Zhao Yuanhua asked, "Boss, shouldn't we apply for a patent?"
"Heh, our medicine doesn't need a patent, nor do we need one, because other manufacturers simply cannot replicate our formula. If we apply for a patent, I would have to provide specific details to the patent office, which would actually lead to leaks. Have the two major cola companies in America applied for patents, Zhao? You need to have faith in Starry Sky Pharmaceuticals' capabilities." Liu Hui explained with a smile.
Although Zhao Yuanhua still felt there might be some issues, he yielded since the boss was insistent. Following this, the heads of various departments gave their reports, and several matters concerning drug production and market release were settled on the spot.
Once Liu Hui reiterated the company's work schedule for the immediate future and the coordination required between relevant departments, the first high-level meeting of Starry Sky Pharmaceuticals concluded successfully amid the cheers of everyone present.
This meeting also ignited fervent enthusiasm among the senior management who had relocated from Hong Kong. Not only had they received generous bonuses from the boss, but their status within the company had also been affirmed. Most critically, the phenomenal efficacy of the super-new drug Starry Sky Pharmaceuticals was about to launch for treating myopia filled them with an immense sense of a bright future.
Liu Hui asked Wu Yuanjia, Zhou Tengyun, and Huang Huali to stay behind. He said, "Director Wu, the rewards I just gave to the Hong Kong branch employees, in the name of the company, were because they made significant contributions; they deserved those rewards. In the future Starry Sky Group, discipline must be clear—rewards for merit and punishment for failure—so don't harbor any ill feelings about this. Of course, as veteran employees who followed me to Hong Kong, I will personally give each of you a settlement allowance of one hundred thousand yuan."
"Boss, we have no issue with the rewards; they deserve them for their contributions. You have already been exceedingly generous to us; we cannot possibly accept this money," Wu Yuanjia quickly demurred.
"Heh, Director Wu, I understand the apprehension in the hearts of the brothers who bravely followed me to this unfamiliar place, and I am grateful for their trust in me. Consider this money my expression of gratitude to everyone!" Liu Hui said with a smile.
"Boss, I..." Wu Yuanjia was about to speak when Zhou Tengyun interrupted, "Director Wu, this is the boss's token of appreciation; please stop refusing!"
"Then we thank the boss!" Wu Yuanjia conceded.
"There's no need to be so formal between us. Let me first outline your upcoming tasks," Liu Hui stated.
"Boss, please proceed!" Wu Yuanjia took out a notebook to record.
"Your next mission is to register and establish the Starry Sky Security Company and apply to the Hong Kong Government for firearm licenses. Following that, you must ensure the security of Starry Sky Pharmaceuticals."
"Boss, ensuring the factory's safety is no problem. However, I don't understand the procedures for registering a company, nor do I know anyone here; I fear I might not handle it well." Wu Yuanjia looked troubled.
"I will assign a legal expert in this field to assist you; you don't need to worry. On another note, Captain Huang, what do you think of this training center?" Liu Hui asked with a smile.
"Boss, the training center's facilities are exceptionally comprehensive; we can conduct all indoor training here," Huang Huali replied.
"Once the security company is established, our current personnel will certainly be insufficient. You need to start recruiting immediately and conduct rigorous training. You must continue the training methods used at Han Tang Hospital, and I will provide the necessary nutritional supplements for the personnel," Liu Hui instructed.
Wu Yuanjia and Huang Huali exchanged a glance and repeatedly agreed. They had actually noticed the issue with the nutrient solution long ago. Normally, over 90% of people could not withstand such intense training, which would cause permanent physical damage. Yet, with the help of the nutrient solution provided by the boss, those security personnel not only endured the training but also saw their strength rapidly improve, leaving both professionals stunned. However, since the boss did not explain the nutrient solution, they dared not ask; instead, they endeavored to keep the secret under wraps.
Seeing that the security company's matters were resolved, Liu Hui dismissed Wu Yuanjia and the others. He drew open the curtains of the conference room; outside lay the scenic Port of Bu Dai Ao, his entire factory visible beneath his gaze. Looking at it all, he let out a long breath, completely expelling the accumulated grievances lodged in his heart. As the resentment vanished, a surge of soaring ambition filled his spirit. Possessing the heaven-defying Planar Trading Device, and facing fewer constraints here than back home, the Starry Sky Group would surely make the entire world tremble in the not-too-distant future, and he would make those who wronged him pay a heavy price.
Liu Hui went down to the basement of the office building. This basement was vast and fully functional, built specifically to Liu Hui's requirements, and only he could enter it. Liu Hui sat on the sofa in the room, then activated the Planar Trading Device and connected with Zerg for a call.
Zerg had not failed his expectations and quickly appeared on the screen: "Lord Liu Hui, you are contacting me so soon again; do you have a deal for me?" Zerg inquired with a smile.
"Lord Zerg, I sincerely thank you for the several medicines you provided; I will be procuring them in large quantities in the future, but there is no immediate need for purchase now. I contacted you today because I wanted to consult you about something," Liu Hui stated.
"Ask whatever you wish to consult about; I am also curious what question you might have for me?" Zerg laughed.
"How do your Zerg command your warrior caste? Is this information perhaps sensitive to disclose?"
"Heh, there's nothing sensitive about that! The rulers of our Zerg species secrete a special substance internally. This special substance combines with our bodies, generating a miraculous function—a function that allows for complete, ultra-long-distance command over the Zerg." Zerg explained.
"Then tell me, could I possess this ability?" Liu Hui asked.
"Well, that's..." Zerg surprisingly acted human by stroking his chin.
"What, is it impossible?" Liu Hui asked anxiously.
"I have never considered that question. But even if you could acquire my command ability, where would you find Zerg troops to command?" Zerg asked, perplexed.
"If I gained your command ability, could I command the creatures of my own world?" Liu Hui inquired.
"That would likely be very difficult. You must know that as soon as our Zerg warriors are manufactured, their bodies contain genes that mandate absolute obedience to our command. This genetic trait evolved naturally over tens of millions of years within our species; even we cannot synthesize it. The creatures of your world absolutely will not contain genes predisposed to obey your commands. Even if such creatures existed, the moment they begin to mature and develop even a sliver of independent thought, you would never be able to command them," Zerg replied.
"Is it that difficult?" Liu Hui sounded disappointed.
"If you desire the ability to control life forms, I can assist you. However, you must find the creatures you can command on your own; if you cannot locate such beings, your control ability will be worthless," Zerg concluded.
"Can your genetic technology modify the creatures of our world?" Liu Hui asked.
"That depends on the species, but generally, modification is possible."
"Can you modify our world's creatures to become extremely powerful?"
"It's the same answer: it depends on the specific species. But I am curious, if you cannot absolutely control these creatures, what purpose would you have for modifying them?" Zerg asked curiously.
"Lord Zerg, I've encountered some difficulties recently and need to possess my own force. However, acquiring personal military power in my world is quite unrealistic, which is why I intended to control powerful creatures to serve me," Liu Hui confessed to Zerg.
"So that's the situation!" Zerg pondered for a moment, then said, "Due to the restrictions of the Planar Trading Laws, I cannot offer you direct military assistance. However, I will find ways to indirectly support you. We are now a community of interest; your harm is also detrimental to my interests."
"What kind of help can you offer me right now?"
"We will immediately begin researching whether the substance in the bodies of the Zerg commanders can integrate with your body to generate command capabilities." Zerg announced.
"Then I thank you, Lord Zerg," Liu Hui was overjoyed.
"For now, find some creatures that are newly born or about to be born. If you gain the control ability, try communicating with those young creatures to see if you can find any you can fully control," Zerg advised.
"I will go look for young animals immediately. How long will it take for your research to yield results?"
"It shouldn't take too long, as your human genome is quite simple. I will urge them to accelerate the research progress!" Zerg said.
"Perhaps it's better for them to proceed steadily; I worry that rushing the process might lead to unforeseen complications." Liu Hui quickly stopped him, recalling incidents in China where rushing construction schedules led to quality failures.
"Rest assured, our Zerg species never compromises on quality. We take responsibility for every piece of merchandise we trade," Zerg guaranteed.
"That's good; I hope you will notify me the moment you have concrete news," Liu Hui said.
"Very well, goodbye!"
"Goodbye!"
Liu Hui ended the call with the Zerg, Zerg, and immediately connected with Alexander from the Magic Plane. After a brief wait, Alexander's avatar appeared on the screen.
"Respected Teacher, what can I do for you?" Alexander said respectfully.
"Dear Alexander, it's been a while since I last saw you. How is your development proceeding?" Liu Hui inquired.
"Things are going exceptionally well on my end. We have brought all ten surrounding mining districts under our sphere of influence, and those who refused our management have been expelled. The people in the mining districts now show me great respect and obey my every word. I never imagined such good days; I should thank you for your help, Teacher," Alexander exclaimed excitedly.
Liu Hui looked at the still somewhat green youth before him and felt genuinely happy for him.
"Alexander, what is your current population count? How many people have cultivated Dou Qi? What level have their strengths reached?"
"Teacher, our total population has reached seven thousand eight hundred and fifty-six. Two thousand nine hundred and ten have cultivated Sacred Dou Qi, though most have only just begun, and their power isn't strong yet. However, the ones who trained earlier are already formidable; the Dou Qi radiating from them is so dense it can shroud them. A few days ago outside the mining area, one cultivator easily slew a Level Three Magical Beast," Alexander reported, though a hint of dejection crossed his face.
Liu Hui knew Alexander was sighing over his inability to cultivate Dou Qi, envying others' strong powers. It seemed he needed to devise a better solution for Alexander.
"Heh, you named this Dou Qi Sacred Dou Qi? That's a great name; I like it very much," Liu Hui shifted the topic.
"Yes, I thought about it for a long time before settling on that name. I'm glad Teacher likes it." Alexander, after all, was young and still enjoyed showing off a bit.
"How long can you sustain yourself with the supplies I gave you last time?" Liu Hui asked.
"Teacher, you gave us so many supplies last time; I estimate we have enough for another half a month! However, now that we control the surrounding mining areas, everything beyond is mountains. Where should we expand next?" Alexander inquired.
"You mean you've already occupied all the inhabited areas here? And now you lack a direction for development?" Liu Hui chuckled.
"Yes, Teacher, what should I do now?"
"Hmm, first dispatch your strongest fighters to scout the nearby terrain and draw detailed topographical maps. Then, decide which direction to expand based on the intelligence gathered." Liu Hui instructed.
"Understood..." Before Alexander could finish speaking, Liu Hui noticed the call indicator light on his Planar Trading Device flashing, indicating an incoming call.
"Alexander, I have an urgent matter; we'll talk next time!" Liu Hui promptly disconnected the call with him.
"Zerg is fast—did he already have results in such a short time?" Liu Hui wondered aloud as he accepted the incoming call, then asked, "Lord Zerg, you are very fast... You... Who are you?"