"Third Brother, any news of Liang Jingyue?" Liu Hui couldn't help but ask. The affection between Mei Peng and Liu Lin reminded him of Liang Jingyue, and her silence for such a long time worried him deeply.

"Boss, although we've intensified the search for Liang Jingyue's family, we still have no leads. The Liang family seems to have vanished into thin air; we can't uncover a single useful piece of information," Zhou Tengyun replied, shaking his head.

"Do you think there's a possibility that the Guo Family has secretly taken control of the Liang family, holding them under house arrest to use as leverage in future negotiations with us?" Liu Hui inquired.

"I considered that possibility too, which is why I diverted a significant number of personnel to investigate the Guo Family. However, the investigation revealed that the Guo Family is also expending resources searching for the Liang family's whereabouts. Based on the intelligence I've gathered, it doesn't seem like the Guo Family has them cornered," Zhou Tengyun stated.

"Could all of this be a smokescreen set up by the Guo Family to confuse our focus?" Liu Hui persisted.

"Boss, that scenario is highly unlikely. The Guo Family has been throwing fits lately because they can't locate the Liang family, and it seems like the top brass in the capital are pressuring him. I personally observed him, and his words and actions don't suggest any pretense. That's why I'm certain the Liang family is genuinely missing, and no one knows where they've gone," Zhou Tengyun affirmed with certainty.

"I wonder where Jingyue is now? Is she safe?" Liu Hui mumbled, his spirits sinking.

"Boss, try to relax. Liang Jingyue and the others are surely fine. The fact that they could disappear right under the Guo Family's nose, leaving no trace after such an extensive search, suggests some mysterious force is aiding them. Perhaps you'll be reunited sooner than you think," Zhou Tengyun offered in consolation.

"One can only hope," Liu Hui sighed helplessly.

The next day, Liu Hui summoned Yin Shunli, the president of Starry Sky Logistics Corporation, to his office to discuss the status of the logistics company.

With the continuous blockbuster sales of "Starry Sky Myopia Elixir," the Starry Sky Group's accounts now boasted a staggering one billion five hundred million US dollars in cash reserves. Liu Hui began calculating his assets. Initially, uncertain whether the market would accept his company's product, he had shelved his "Free Land Plan." Now, with the product selling like wildfire and money flowing in—and knowing there would be much more to come—he needed to initiate his plan immediately to avoid chaos and lost time later. He had called Yin Shunli in precisely for this purpose.

"Boss, thanks to the timely infusion of capital, our Starry Sky Logistics Corporation has been established and is operational. However, since our predecessor was Hong Kong Logistics, a company of a smaller scale, Starry Sky Logistics currently has a relatively narrow range of services and limited influence in the industry. Our market focus is mainly confined to Hong Kong Island itself, with only occasional domestic orders. To be frank, we are currently running at a loss," Yin Shunli reported succinctly.

"Mr. Yin, I am very satisfied that you managed to establish and launch the logistics company so quickly. This proves I didn't misjudge you. Although the logistics company isn't profitable yet, that's hardly your fault given the short time frame. I place more value on the future of the logistics company. Our group recently dedicated its primary energy to the flagship product, 'Starry Sky Myopia Elixir,' and its sales have been hugely successful. Therefore, my focus will now shift entirely to your Starry Sky Logistics Corporation. The reason I called you here today is to discuss how we can expand the scale and scope of Starry Sky Logistics," Liu Hui explained.

"Boss, have you really decided to expand the scale and operations of the logistics company?" Yin Shunli was overjoyed. His previous employer, Taiwan's Evergreen Group, specialized in logistics, and Evergreen's logistics operation was massive, renowned even across Asia. Current Starry Sky Logistics was tiny by comparison, with business too limited to allow him to fully utilize his talents. However, understanding the group's prior focus on the Elixir, Yin Shunli had patiently waited, never expecting such fantastic news today.

"That's right. Our product is selling exceptionally well, and we have surplus funds in our accounts. I intend to inject another fifty billion US dollars into Starry Sky Logistics to fuel the expansion of its operational scale and business scope. You can use this money to acquire trucks, cargo ships, and other necessary logistical tools. If the right opportunities arise, you can even purchase a few cargo planes," Liu Hui said with a slight smile.

"Boss, you truly decided on fifty billion US dollars?" Yin Shunli could hardly believe his ears. Even Evergreen Group in Taiwan might not have spent that much acquiring trucks, vessels, and aircraft combined. For a moment, he suspected he had misheard.

"Yes, I meant fifty billion US dollars, but that's just for this initial expansion phase. In three months, I will inject another fifty billion US dollars specifically to acquire a large fleet of cargo vessels. If these investments yield the expected results, I will continue to increase the capital infusion. My goal is for our Starry Sky Logistics Corporation to become the most powerful logistics company in the world, possessing the most formidable transportation capabilities," Liu Hui continued, dropping an even bigger bombshell before Yin Shunli could fully absorb the shock of the first fifty billion, leaving him utterly stunned.

A colossal tidal wave surged through Yin Shunli's mind. He realized his choice had been correct; he truly had followed the right boss. His boss intended to make Starry Sky Logistics the world's largest logistics firm, and he had been chosen to execute the plan. Even when he was with the Evergreen Group in Taiwan, he had never envisioned himself leading the world's largest logistics company.

"Boss, I understand your vision. Rest assured, I will transform Starry Sky Logistics into the largest logistics company in the shortest time possible," Yin Shunli declared, slapping his chest in assurance.

"If you have that confidence, then I am relieved. I am an amateur when it comes to logistics, so I won't meddle in the details. I'm counting on you in this area," Liu Hui replied.

"Boss, I have one question, though I'm hesitant to ask," Yin Shunli suddenly said.

"Ask away," Liu Hui encouraged.

"Boss, given the continuous rise in oil prices, transportation costs are constantly escalating. Logistics isn't as profitable as it once was. Why are you still pouring such massive funds into the logistics industry? And why aim to make it number one globally?" Yin Shunli couldn't hold back his curiosity.

"The Starry Sky Group is about to undertake something monumental in the near future, and I require our own robust freight capabilities. Your logistics company will be my primary asset for this. Therefore, regardless of how much money the logistics company burns through, I must invest. Do you understand what I mean?" Liu Hui explained.

"I see now, Boss. I believe I know what needs to be done," Yin Shunli, being sharp, nodded immediately.

"Start looking immediately, and acquire as many large, deep-sea cargo vessels as possible. The larger the tonnage, the better; this is critically important to me," Liu Hui emphasized.

"I understand, I will start this matter right away," Yin Shunli confirmed.

"The fifty billion US dollars in cash is ready. Contact the Finance Department after you leave, and instruct them to transfer the funds to your logistics company's account immediately," Liu Hui instructed.

Yin Shunli agreed promptly and left with a delighted spring in his step.

"Boss, you summoned me?" A middle-aged man walked in after a brief knock.

"Mr. Wang, you're here. Please have a seat," Liu Hui said with a welcoming smile, gesturing for the newly appointed executive to sit.

"Boss, I've been with the newly established Starry Sky Group Asset Management Company for several days now, and I haven't had a single task to occupy my time. I'm getting restless. Are you assigning me work today?" the middle-aged man, referred to as Mr. Wang, inquired.

This Mr. Wang was Wang Yilang, recruited from another company via Mr. Hou's executive search firm. Wang Yilang was exceptionally skilled in capital operations, particularly mergers, acquisitions, and asset restructuring, possessing extensive work experience. Liu Hui had recognized his potential immediately during the interview process and hired him as the General Manager of the Starry Sky Group Asset Management Company, granting him the same status as the other executives.

"Indeed. I have a task for you to handle starting today," Liu Hui stated with a smile.

"Boss, just give the order. I'm itching to get started," Wang Yilang replied, barely containing his eagerness.

"Starting immediately, you are to monitor shipbuilding companies worldwide constantly. Target any company building cargo vessels or passenger liners, and find ways to secure equity investments in them. However, steer clear of any entities involved in military industries," Liu Hui directed.

"Boss, what about shipyards that build submarines?" Wang Yilang, though surprised by the scope of Liu Hui's assignment, didn't question the intent but instead sought clarification on the finer points.

"Submarines? Aren't those generally for military use?" Liu Hui asked.

"There are also scientific research submarines, which are entirely unrelated to military applications," Wang Yilang clarified.

"Why did you suddenly bring up submarines?"

"Boss, here is the situation. I know a major shareholder in a shipyard that specializes in building scientific research submarines. They are facing bankruptcy due to poor management and are currently looking to offload their stake to a new buyer, but no one wants to take them on. Seeing as you're interested in investing in shipyards, I took the liberty of asking," Wang Yilang explained.

"If they are non-military submarines, then you may proceed with acquiring them; you can handle the specifics of that deal. Investing in shipyards is only one part of your mandate. You must simultaneously scout and evaluate global ore production enterprises and steel manufacturing companies, and strive to secure investment stakes in them as well. I will provide you with one hundred billion US dollars upfront to kickstart this work," Liu Hui announced, immediately dropping the figure of one hundred billion US dollars.

Wang Yilang, being someone accustomed to major transactions, was not frightened by the figure. He inquired, "Boss, what is the purpose of our equity investments? Are we aiming for short-term speculative profits, complete acquisition, or something else?"

"Our goal is the complete acquisition and control of these companies. I realize that one hundred billion US dollars won't suffice to acquire substantial enterprises initially, but I will continue to inject massive capital later on. Therefore, in your operations, prioritize investments in companies that are easier to acquire outright. For those that present greater difficulty, aim first for an equity stake to become a shareholder, and we can discuss full acquisition once our financial strength is undeniable," Liu Hui explained.

"Boss, forgive my bluntness, but your acquisitions span three massive sectors: mineral extraction, metallurgy, and shipbuilding. Any one of these industries demands immense capital, and this entire undertaking will likely require colossal funding. What if the cash flow breaks? Are you abandoning the pharmaceutical business to pivot into resources and freight? By current standards, those three sectors are nowhere near as profitable as pharmaceuticals," Wang Yilang asked, puzzled.

"I need to accomplish something huge, and for that, I require my own mineral resources, metallurgical plants, and shipyards. No matter how difficult it is or how great the cost, we must undertake this. As for the pharmaceutical sector, I will not abandon it. Just ensure you handle the acquisition work successfully," Liu Hui offered a brief explanation, as his actual plan was not ready for public disclosure—not least because no one would believe it right now anyway.

"Boss, I understand your directive. I will immediately organize personnel to begin the necessary evaluations," Wang Yilang nodded and then exited.

As soon as Wang Yilang left, Chen Changsheng entered.

"Old Chen, you're here. Please, sit," Liu Hui said, offering him the seat of honor upon seeing Chen Changsheng.

"Boss, please don't be so formal with me. My name is Chen Changsheng, and I am merely the Dean of your Scientific Research Academy. Furthermore, I am not old," Chen Changsheng chuckled.

"In that case, I shall call you Dean Chen. Now, what brings you to see me today?" Liu Hui inquired.

"Boss, here is the matter. I conducted some discreet inquiries. Some of my former colleagues have passed away, and the vast majority of the rest have retired. Among my former students, some have become senior national academicians, but others have switched careers into business. I contacted some via correspondence, and a few older colleagues have replied. They expressed dissatisfaction with their retirement lives and are willing to come to Hong Kong to contribute their remaining expertise. However, they are puzzled why any research institution would invite them given their advanced age and physical limitations," Chen Changsheng explained.

"Mmm, since there are people willing to come, we must handle this matter flawlessly, leaving no vulnerabilities or loopholes. Here's what we'll do: if their families are willing, we will relocate their entire families to the Starry Sky Group. With the high salaries offered for our research work, their families can live comfortably even without working. For those family members willing to work, the Starry Sky Group will arrange employment. As for those family members who are unwilling to move to Hong Kong, we will temporarily decline their applications; we must safeguard our secrets," Liu Hui dictated.

"Boss, we all understand the need for secrecy. But our knowledge is dated, we are all elderly—why are you putting so much effort into recruiting us? Even offering rejuvenation?" Chen Changsheng asked, genuinely confused.

"You are all exceptionally brilliant scientists. While the knowledge you learned might be outdated, your fundamental expertise remains sound. With dedicated learning, you can quickly catch up to the pace of the times. Crucially, however, you all possess rich research experience—valuable experience that younger scientists simply cannot match. For me, to establish a functional scientific research institute capable of cutting-edge research in a short time, you elders are my optimal choice. The Starry Sky Group must have its own dedicated research institution," Liu Hui stated with a smile.

Thank you to the book friend: Ye Manlin for 4 votes and a 6000-character update ticket. However, I am truly unable to implement an update of that size, so I apologize.