"Liu Hui, you're just too impatient. Listen to me, what I'm telling you about the Zong Shi Yuan Bi Hou will still be very useful to you," Xiaoyao Zi chuckled.

"It's just a piece of ragged cloth, what use could it possibly have?" Liu Hui grumbled. "Although the Hong Guang Armor is damaged and no longer offers complete protective functions, its basic defensive capabilities remain. As long as the external attack doesn't exceed its upper limit of endurance, it can ensure your safety. Even if the attack surpasses that limit, leading to severe injury, it can still guarantee you won't stop breathing for a considerable time, giving you a chance to receive medical treatment," Xiaoyao Zi explained.

"What's the maximum defense limit it can withstand?" Liu Hui's interest was immediately piqued.

"Right now, it can withstand a full-force strike from a Foundation Establishment realm cultivator, provided they aren't using a magic treasure."

"How powerful is a Foundation Establishment realm cultivator?" Liu Hui inquired.

"It's hard to quantify exactly how powerful a Foundation Establishment cultivator is. Let me use an analogy: ordinary people in our cultivation world cannot cultivate, so they focus on martial arts to enhance their strength, reaching the peak of the Mortal Apex realm. A Foundation Establishment cultivator is just one level above that Apex realm," Xiaoyao Zi stated.

"Oh." Hearing this, the armor didn't seem so worthless after all. He pondered. On Earth, there couldn't be many masters at the pinnacle of the Mortal Apex realm that mortals could achieve; therefore, the Foundation Establishment experts who surpassed that must be even rarer, especially since no cultivators have been discovered on Earth. Wouldn't this armor make him incredibly safe? Even if he unfortunately encountered a Foundation Establishment expert, he could block one strike. And if he were gravely wounded, he wouldn't die instantly. Combined with his biological healing water tank, he could recover immediately! As Liu Hui reasoned this out, he realized the Hong Guang Armor wasn't as weak as Xiaoyao Zi made it sound; it was perfectly suited for him. It seemed he needed to quickly adjust to the differences in how he and his trading partners perceived strength and weakness, otherwise, he’d keep making a fool of himself.

"Old Xiaoyao, if this Hong Guang Armor truly possesses the functions you described, I will forgive you one more time. However, I hope you won't deceive me again in the future. If the traded merchandise has flaws, speak up early. I'm not an unreasonable person. Remember, business should be built on integrity; without it, who will dare trade with you in the future?" Liu Hui said to Xiaoyao Zi.

"Hehe, young friend, rest assured. I will explain things clearly from now on and avoid any future misunderstandings," Xiaoyao Zi also smiled, his hand resting near his storage space.

"Very well, I have something to attend to and must leave now. Goodbye." Liu Hui bid farewell to Xiaoyao Zi and closed the trading interface.

Although Liu Hui acted thoroughly wronged, he was inwardly ecstatic. He had managed to acquire Xiaoyao Zi's protective Hong Guang Armor by trading a mere Level Four Monster Crystal Core he had picked up casually. Even though the armor was damaged, under Earth's current circumstances, as long as he didn't run into some freakish old monsters, virtually no one could pose a threat to him. Liu Hui was, in fact, someone who greatly feared death; he wouldn't put himself in a dangerous situation unless there was an extremely compelling reason. He had stayed at the company recently precisely because his safety wasn't guaranteed, fearing ambush if he went out. Now, with the protection of the Hong Guang Armor, the entire world was open to him.

The first day of the New Year's work passed in Liu Hui's cheerful mood. The next day, Starry Sky Group's recruitment advertisements began appearing ubiquitously before the public eye. Jiang Lu launched massive hiring campaigns on television, online, and in newspapers, offering numerous positions with highly attractive salaries and benefits, which held immense appeal for job seekers. Considering the current global economic downturn, with widespread unemployment, securing even a stable job was extremely difficult, let alone one with such generous compensation. Although Starry Sky Group was unknown at the time, its advertisements quickly captured the attention of many applicants. Even some domestic and international entities that hadn't placed ads noticed Starry Sky Group's hiring drive, and talented individuals began flocking towards Hong Kong from all directions.

On the very day the advertisements were released, numerous inquiries flooded Starry Sky Group, seeking specifics about the recruitment process. Had it not been for the interviews scheduled for the following day, the more impatient applicants would have tried to rush to Starry Sky Group that same day.

The next day, Liu Hui did not report to the office, as job seekers were already forming long queues early in the morning. Jiang Lu was well-prepared, having arranged sufficient personnel to handle the interviews. Department heads were personally involved, hoping to screen satisfactory talent from the vast pool of applicants.

Liu Hui was not skilled at interview assessments, so in this situation, he ended up being redundant. Even if he insisted on coming to work, it would have been pointless, as all his subordinates were preoccupied with recruitment matters!

Thus, Liu Hui spent the entire day in the basement, observing the changes in Xiao Hei. Xiao Hei no longer felt pain, but the tingling and itching sensation grew increasingly intense. Liu Hui surmised that Xiao Hei was beginning to develop muscle mass. In the past few days, taking advantage of the free time, Liu Hui had also attempted to lecture Alexander from the magic plane on aspects of personnel management, even imparting some of his world's warfare experience from the age of cold steel. Alexander, encountering these concepts for the first time, was extremely interested. Furthermore, he seemed to possess a natural talent for warfare, quickly grasping the essence of this human knowledge and posing many pointed questions, though he still lacked practical application.

It wasn't until the fifth day that Starry Sky Group's recruitment finally concluded, and personnel were largely filled. The structure of Starry Sky Group was officially established.

Zhao Yuanhua approached Liu Hui to report that the preliminary clinical trials for the medicine had been successfully completed, and they were now progressing smoothly into Phase IV trials.

Liu Hui was delighted upon hearing this. As long as no unforeseen issues arose during the trials, his venture was about to take off. He proceeded to Mei Peng’s office.

"Second Brother, how is your production line coming along? Is it ready for use?"

"Boss, follow me." Mei Peng led Liu Hui into the production workshop. He cleared everyone out of the area and used tools to open the final sealed filling zone of the assembly line.

"Boss, look, this device is the new addition," Mei Peng said, pointing to a newly installed component.

"How does this thing operate? And why does it look so out of place?" Liu Hui asked, puzzled.

"Boss, this part was superfluous to begin with, that’s why it looks incongruous. However, its capacity is more than enough to meet our requirements." Mei Peng explained proudly: "The raw medicine from the production line is drawn into a large container in the adjacent room via this drainage pipe. Our own proprietary medicine liquid flows from the room next door along this pipe to this spot, then replaces the original liquid to be filled into the vials, finally becoming the finished drug. As long as we can ensure the safety of the room next door and manage to transfer out and discard the original drug solution from that large container, no one will ever uncover our secret."

The operation of the equipment was straightforward, and Liu Hui understood it instantly. He stroked his chin and chuckled, "Hehe, very good. Your sinister demeanor reminds me a lot of my younger self. Keep working hard, and you'll eventually surpass me in cunning."

"Boss, all this was achieved under your tutelage. In terms of sinister plotting, I couldn't catch up to you even if I tried! Wait, I’m not sinister at all. I am a very pure person," Mei Peng immediately retorted.

"Alright, alright, I'm the sinister one! Second Brother, I have a very crucial task for you now, and you must complete it." Liu Hui clapped Mei Peng on the shoulder.

"What task?"

"You need to fabricate a fake medicine formula and mass-produce it using the assembly line to cover up our real secret."

"Boss, why me again?"

"Second Brother, among us, you are the only pharmaceutical expert. Only you can handle this vital assignment!" Liu Hui began flattering Mei Peng.

"Why am I the expert? I didn't invent such a miraculous drug; you're the layman, yet you invented it?"

"That’s due to character," Liu Hui declared smugly.

"Nonsense about character, but I'll give it a try!" Mei Peng reluctantly agreed.

With the production issues settled, Liu Hui headed to the corporate headquarters building. As soon as he entered the main gate, he noticed two beautiful receptionists had been added at the entrance. Upon seeing Liu Hui enter, they immediately stood up and bowed, saying, "Welcome, Boss!"

Liu Hui observed the hostesses with interest. Both were very young, pretty, and tall, with curves that accentuated the form-fitting cheongsams they wore, creating a very pleasing sight.

He nodded and remarked, "Not bad. I didn't realize Jiang Lu’s simple efforts would elevate Starry Sky Group’s image so much. It finally feels like a major corporation."

Liu Hui approached the elevator and was about to press the button when one of the receptionists quickly did it for him, standing attentively beside him, awaiting his command. When the elevator arrived, she held the door open and invited him in, saying, "Have a safe ride, Boss!"

Inside the elevator, Liu Hui laughed, "Hehe, seeing beautiful women truly lifts one's spirits. No wonder Wei Chao's company is teeming with beauties..."

Liu Hui went straight to Jiang Lu’s office and pushed the door open. Jiang Lu was handling paperwork inside. Seeing Liu Hui enter, she quickly stood up and said, "Boss!"

"Manager Jiang, sit down and let’s talk." Liu Hui settled into the chair directly opposite her.

"Boss, let me report on the recruitment status over the past few days!" Jiang Lu pulled out a file.

"Good, go ahead!"

"A total of five hundred and seventy-nine personnel were hired in this round. Group administration hired seventy-eight; Starry Sky Pharmaceuticals hired one hundred and sixty-four; Starry Sky Legal Counsel Center hired twenty-five; Starry Sky Security hired two hundred; Starry Sky Sales hired fifty; and Starry Sky Logistics hired thirty; Starry Sky Construction hired thirty-two," Jiang Lu reported.

"On what principles did the subsidiaries determine their hiring numbers?"

"Since the most critical task right now is the launch of the new drug, the emphasis in this hiring wave was placed on production and sales. As for the Construction, Logistics, and Legal departments, only the most basic staff were recruited to establish the initial framework, awaiting the right moment for expansion," Jiang Lu explained.

"Excellent. Our work must have focus. Since the personnel acquisition is complete, shift the work focus back to the new drug launch immediately!" "Boss, we will concentrate the majority of our energy on the new drug launch."

"Manager Jiang, the headquarters instantly radiated a captivating aura under your arrangement. I noticed the two receptionists downstairs—they are quite exceptional," Liu Hui commented with a smile.

"Boss, the company reception represents the company's face; it cannot be taken lightly. I was selected from among numerous applicants. I'm glad the Boss is satisfied," Jiang Lu replied happily.

"Hehe, I should return to my office now," Liu Hui started to excuse himself.

"Boss, don't rush," Jiang Lu quickly interjected.

"What is it? Is there something else?" Liu Hui asked.

"Boss, the entire floor where your office is located has been cleared out; there is only your office. Additionally, we have assigned you a dedicated female secretary who will handle your work and personal needs," Jiang Lu informed him.

"I have no objection to a dedicated female secretary, but why did you clear the entire floor?" Liu Hui inquired.

"For security reasons, the area where the Boss works must be completely sealed off to prevent unauthorized personnel from entering freely. Furthermore, we plan to install a private elevator inside the building, which will be exclusively for your use. We will also be renovating your office floor," Jiang Lu elaborated.

"Hehe, Manager Jiang, your considerations are extremely thorough. I am very satisfied," Liu Hui praised.

"Serving the Boss is my primary duty."

Liu Hui left Jiang Lu's office, satisfied, and took the elevator to his floor. He found that all the offices on his floor were locked, with only his office door slightly ajar.

Liu Hui gently pushed open his office door and saw a woman bending over, tidying magazines on the sofa. From his angle, Liu Hui had a clear view of her round buttocks tightly encased by her narrow skirt, beneath which were a pair of slender, beautiful legs covered in sheer black stockings, capped by white high heels. As the woman straightened the magazines, her shapely backside swayed constantly before Liu Hui's eyes. Even for Liu Hui, normally a gentleman, his blood boiled in that moment, and his body reacted involuntarily.