After Liu Hui finalized his work arrangements, it was time to leave for the day. He spotted Hu Xian’er loitering outside his office and called her in.

“Xian’er, it’s quitting time. Aren't you rushing home? What are you hanging around for?”

“Oh, Boss, I just wanted to ask you something,” Hu Xian’er said coyly.

“Heh, ask away if you have a question,” Liu Hui chuckled.

“Boss, you’re attending the charity reception hosted by the Hong Kong government tonight. I noticed you don’t have a date; why don’t you take me along to see what it’s like?” Hu Xian’er proposed.

“Heh, Xian’er, I usually never bring a date to these so-called gatherings,” Liu Hui smiled.

“Ah, how can that be? How can you attend a reception without a date?” Hu Xian’er was clearly very disappointed.

“Xian’er, I’ve always felt that bringing a date to a reception is just a display of status. Unless it’s an occasion where I absolutely must, I generally don’t bring one. Besides, you are so captivating; if I brought you, what if someone bothered you?” Liu Hui explained.

“Since that’s the case, I’ll head home then.” Upon hearing Liu Hui’s words, Hu Xian’er was extremely let down. She had specifically observed that Liu Hui hadn't invited a female companion, so she had brought along some beautiful dresses, hoping he would take her to the charity reception. However, in the next moment, her spirits lifted because she had heard directly from Liu Hui’s mouth that she was very charming.

“Xian’er, I can’t take you to the charity reception. But I plan to explore Hong Kong properly in a few days. I’d like to invite you to come with me. You can decide the time, place, and method, alright?” Seeing the disappointment in Hu Xian’er’s eyes, Liu Hui’s heart inexplicably softened. He recalled how much help she had been to him at work recently, so he invited her to tour Hong Kong with him as a token of thanks for her hard work.

Hu Xian’er was not only an extremely competent secretary but also seemed to possess considerable management talent. She could always pinpoint the most crucial files in a mountain of paperwork and provide Liu Hui with accurate data for his reference precisely when he needed it. Sometimes, when Liu Hui was undecided on certain matters, she could even offer suggestions, and subsequent events always proved how correct her advice was. With Hu Xian’er’s assistance, Liu Hui handled his work with great ease and convenience; he was essentially only responsible for making decisions because Hu Xian’er had already taken care of everything else. Liu Hui increasingly felt Hu Xian’er’s importance; without her, he would feel quite adrift.

When Hu Xian’er heard Liu Hui invite her to tour Hong Kong and let her be the decision-maker, she instantly beamed with joy. She declared, “Boss, it’s settled then. I’ll head home for today. Goodbye!”

“It’s practically equivalent to giving you a day off; is it necessary to be this happy?” Liu Hui shook his head, watching Hu Xian’er’s expression, unable to fathom why this woman was so delighted.

That evening, Liu Hui took Mei Peng with him to the charity reception. Zhou Tengyun insisted on providing full security for Liu Hui and Mei Peng, so he departed with them as well.

Precisely at eight o’clock, Liu Hui’s car, escorted by two vehicles—one in front and one behind—arrived at the venue for the charity reception: the Shangri-La Hotel in Hong Kong.

Upon reaching the entrance of the Shangri-La Hotel, they saw a scene of heavy traffic and bustling activity. The entrance was lined with an array of high-end automobiles, resembling a global exhibition of luxury cars. Various prominent Hong Kong figures emerged from the vehicles, paused briefly, and then entered the reception area. Surprisingly, there were reporters staking out near the hotel, but they weren't seen harassing the famous attendees.

As soon as Liu Hui’s car came to a stop, a security staff member from the following car stepped forward to open the door for him. As Liu Hui alighted, a sharp-eyed reporter spotted him and shouted, “Liu Hui of Starry Sky Group is here!”

The news reporters lurking nearby were instantly galvanized. They swarmed toward Liu Hui, brandishing their long cameras and telephoto lenses, thrusting microphones toward his mouth, some nearly shoving them into it in their eagerness. Liu Hui’s security detail immediately perceived the situation was deteriorating and swiftly formed a circle, protecting Liu Hui within their formation, separating him from the reporters.

The worldwide success of the "Starry Sky Myopia Soother" had ignited a media frenzy, causing Starry Sky Group to dominate the front pages of major global media outlets recently. Setting aside the almost magical efficacy of the "Starry Sky Myopia Soother," the record-breaking single-day sales revenue for one product alone had sent the entire world into a frenzy. Those reporters, desperate to secure exclusive news, relentlessly called to request interviews with Liu Hui, the owner of Starry Sky Group, but Liu Hui rejected them all.

On Starry Sky Group’s end, only their press department made brief, innocuous announcements, but these failed to satisfy the public's appetite for detailed information about Starry Sky Group and Liu Hui. Consequently, these media outlets dispatched reporters to stake out the Starry Sky Group headquarters, hoping to snag some exclusive scoops. Although they were adept at covert filming and clandestine visits, they hadn't anticipated that the security guards of Starry Sky Security Company were all formidable individuals, maintaining extremely tight security. They gained no useful intelligence despite loitering there for so long. Furthermore, the employees of Starry Sky Group appeared rigorously trained, refusing interviews entirely. Frustrated, the media resorted to publishing news stories about Liu Hui from his time at Handang Hospital to satisfy reader demand.

Fortunately, the Hong Kong government promptly organized a charity reception, and Liu Hui’s name was on the guest list, with rumors circulating that he would attend personally. This prompted the media to stake out outside the venue. Having finally seen Liu Hui appear, they were certainly not going to let him go easily, desperately crowding forward to try and secure some useful news.

“Boss Liu, I’m Liu Yushi, a reporter from Ming Pao. Would you be willing to grant us an interview?” A reporter named Liu Yushi, blocked by Liu Hui’s security detail from getting close, called out anxiously.

Liu Hui had initially intended to walk straight into the main hall of the charity reception, unwilling to entertain the reporters. Unlike his situation in Bashan, his current power was more than sufficient; he no longer needed high-profile publicity to enhance his visibility for self-preservation. However, upon seeing the reporter’s pitiable state, he was reminded of his own struggles during his early career. With a sigh, he stated, “If everyone can maintain order, I can spare ten minutes to take your questions.”

The reporters were overjoyed and instantly quieted down. Liu Hui was usually reclusive, making him a mysterious figure in the eyes of the media. But the more mysterious he was, the more people wanted to understand him. They had lacked the opportunity for a direct interview before; now that he was willing, they spontaneously maintained order at the scene.

Liu Hui smiled faintly. “Gentlemen, you have only ten minutes, so please begin. Oh, and the first question should go to our friend from Ming Pao just now!”

The reporter named Liu Yushi was momentarily taken aback, but his rich experience allowed him to react quickly. He immediately asked, “Boss Liu, your ‘Starry Sky Myopia Soother’ has set a legendary sales record. Experts predict its annual sales revenue will reach three hundred billion US dollars, calculated based on the factory price you announced. If calculated at the retail price, the annual sales figure will reach four hundred and fifty billion US dollars. I’d like to ask, Boss Liu, what is the one sentence you most want to say upon achieving such excellent results?”

The reporters present inwardly cursed the reporter named Liu Yushi. He had finally secured the first question but asked such a generic, catch-all question, wasting a golden opportunity. However, Liu Hui’s subsequent response delighted them beyond measure.

“I have a girlfriend—her name is Liang Jingyue, but we separated for various reasons and lost contact. So, what I most want to say right now is: Jingyue, where are you? I miss you terribly and truly hope you will contact me immediately.”

The reporters were ecstatic. What was news? This was news—and major news at that! They hadn't expected such a successful man as Liu Hui to be so passionately devoted. They realized they needed to dig deeply into this matter, hoping to uncover some earth-shattering secret. This kind of story wouldn't just sell papers to the readers; even they themselves were intensely curious. If published, their newspapers were guaranteed to sell out. It seemed their trip here today was absolutely worthwhile. Eagerly, they raised their hands to ask questions, but Liu Hui gestured toward a foreign reporter instead.

The foreign reporter stated, “I am Hank from the Los Angeles Times. I’d like to ask Mr. Liu Hui: due to the massive sales of your ‘Starry Sky Myopia Soother,’ countless eyewear companies and ophthalmology hospitals have gone bankrupt and closed down, resulting in widespread job losses. How do you view these unemployed workers?”

“The Los Angeles Times? Isn’t that the same media outlet that opposed me when I was at Handang Hospital? Why are they showing up in Hong Kong now to cause trouble for me? My luck is truly terrible. I just managed to convey my heartfelt feelings for Liang Jingyue to the press, but I don't want to dwell on that topic. I intended to find a foreign journalist not keen on gossip, only to run into an enemy.” Liu Hui rapidly processed these thoughts, then smiled and replied, “I deeply sympathize with these individuals who have lost their jobs. However, the market operates on the principle of survival of the fittest; those who cannot adapt will inevitably be eliminated by the market, and that is unavoidable. Nevertheless, I suggest they approach the US government; I believe the US government is capable of resolving their unemployment issues.”

The reporter named Hank prepared to ask another question, but Liu Hui casually pointed to another foreign reporter. That reporter called out loudly, “I am a reporter from Italy’s La Stampa. Your company’s ‘Starry Sky Myopia Soother’ is selling extremely well in Italy. However, according to information I have obtained, our Italian prosecutors are preparing to indict you, alleging that your product is involved in monopolistic practices and that penalties should be imposed. How do you view this issue?”

“Italian prosecutors intending to sue us for monopoly? That’s the first I’ve heard of it. But if that is truly the case, it seems we might need to adjust our sales strategy for the product in Italy,” Liu Hui said, looking slightly taken aback.

The Italian reporter was astute and, without waiting for Liu Hui to fully react, pressed on, “May I ask how Mr. Liu Hui plans to adjust? Are you perhaps preparing to exit the Italian market?”

“Now that you mention it, I do realize we might be suspected of monopolizing. How about this: we will immediately raise the price of the ‘Starry Sky Myopia Soother’ sold in Italy to one hundred and fifty thousand US dollars. That way, those optical shops, eye hospitals, and other products treating myopia will have some competitive edge, and they should see some sales volume, preventing us from being accused of a monopoly. Hmm, this seems like a good idea; I’ll discuss this matter with the executive in charge of sales when I return.” Liu Hui rubbed his nose, a broad smile on his face, as if he genuinely believed this idea was sound.

“This…” The reporter was momentarily dumbfounded. He was acutely aware of the immense demand for the ‘Starry Sky Myopia Soother’ in the Italian market. If his question today led to the selling price of the ‘Starry Sky Myopia Soother’ across all of Italy multiplying by a hundredfold, he would become a public enemy in Italy, perhaps even facing assassination upon returning home.

The other reporters felt a wave of disdain. This Italian reporter still seemed to be viewing the situation through an outdated lens. They knew that the ‘Starry Sky Myopia Soother,’ due to its excellent efficacy and low price, was already sold out. In truth, since the advent of the ‘Starry Sky Myopia Soother,’ the closure of eyewear companies and myopia treatment hospitals was inevitable. But this was unavoidable—what choice did they have when the product was irreplaceable? Current consumers would wait some time just to get the ‘Starry Sky Myopia Soother’; who would still buy glasses or undergo medical treatment? Their products were simply in insufficient supply, not fearing monopoly lawsuits from any country. You accuse us of monopoly? We’ll raise the price; ultimately, it’s the governments of those countries that will be anxious. There was no help for it; the inelastic demand for the ‘Starry Sky Myopia Soother’ was simply too overwhelming. Moreover, Liu Hui seemed to have connections with major families and conglomerates in many countries. When reporting on Starry Sky Group news domestically, they had been warned not to run negative stories, which contributed to Starry Sky Group’s currently pristine reputation.

Liu Hui remained oblivious to the reporters’ thoughts and pointed to another foreign journalist.

That reporter stated, “Respected Mr. Liu Hui, I am Bob from the UK’s The Sun. My question is: you invented the ‘Starry Sky Myopia Soother,’ and you also invented the previous drug for AIDS treatment. How are you able to invent two such cutting-edge products in such a short time?”

“I believe our General Manager Mei Peng is the most qualified to answer this question. Let him explain it to everyone,” Liu Hui immediately brought Mei Peng forward, recognizing this as the perfect opportunity for Mei Peng to promote his Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Mei Peng stepped forward and said, “Why can our boss invent these two medicines? Because he is thoroughly versed in the medicine of Huaxia—Traditional Chinese Medicine. This TCM is…”

Mei Peng launched into an eloquent, lengthy explanation, leaving the reporters utterly stunned.

Liu Hui, sensing the time was nearly up, gave Mei Peng a subtle look. Mei Peng immediately understood and concluded, “Respected reporters, we have briefly introduced the knowledge of TCM today. Ten minutes have now passed, and our boss needs to attend the charity reception. If there is time in the future, we will grant another interview.”

With that, the security personnel quickly escorted Liu Hui and Mei Peng into the hotel, leaving behind a group of bewildered reporters who could do nothing, as no reporters had been invited to the charity reception itself.

At the entrance to the reception, Mei Peng presented their invitations. After the on-site security verified them, Liu Hui, Mei Peng, and Zhou Tengyun passed through a security screening facility before entering the reception area.

“Wow, Boss, Hong Kong receptions really have a higher class. The ones we attended back in Bashan felt like a gathering of newly rich country bumpkins. Look at this scene, the decoration—it’s simply not on the same level. Wow, Boss, Third Brother, look, so many beautiful women!” Mei Peng exclaimed loudly as soon as he entered the reception hall.

“Ahem, Second Brother, mind your manners. Remember, you are currently representing Starry Sky Group,” Liu Hui couldn't help but remind Mei Peng.

“I know, I need to maintain an image. I’ll look discreetly and won’t mention the beautiful women. Wait a minute! Boss, aren’t you looking at the women too? Why are you only lecturing me?” Mei Peng protested loudly.

“Hmm, I know that woman over there; it’s not the same as you scouting around,” Liu Hui responded.

“No way, that beautiful woman looks like a famous movie actress. Do you know anyone in the film industry? Impossible—you hardly ever go out normally?” Mei Peng took a clearer look at the beauty and asked doubtfully.

“Heh, I met her by chance; her name is Ouyang Shafei. Let’s not talk about her; look, Fourth Brother is here.” Liu Hui quickly changed the subject, pulling his gaze away from the beautiful woman in the crowd.

“Haha, why are the three of you only arriving now? Don’t you have any sense? With so many beauties here, why are you so late? What if they’ve all been snatched up by others?” The stunningly handsome Yue Wang walked over from a group of women, complaining the moment they met.

“Heh, Fourth Brother, your charm is still intact, still so popular with women,” Liu Hui chuckled.

“Naturally! Beauty loves handsomeness; it’s only right! But what about the three of you? You’ve changed so much! You’ve completely lost the demeanor of the four great libertines of Bashan Commerce and Industry. Back in the day…” Yue Wang shook his head, sighing with frustration, preparing to recount their glorious past, but Liu Hui interrupted him.

“Fourth Brother, look at those foreigners who just walked in—do you recognize any of them?”

Yue Wang turned his head and saw several middle-aged men entering, dressed in red clerical robes, their expressions solemn and unsmiling. He paused, saying, “These look like Cardinals from the Vatican Curia. I saw them performing Mass at the Vatican before; they are said to hold very high positions in the Church and rarely leave the Vatican. It’s strange they are in Hong Kong today. Very strange…”

A shift occurred in Liu Hui’s heart. He exchanged a meaningful glance with Zhou Tengyun standing beside him, and they instantly understood each other. The newly appointed Grand Inquisitor of the Holy Office had died at their hands a few days ago, and they had disposed of the body. Now, representatives of the Vatican Curia were appearing in Hong Kong, which suggested they had discovered something was wrong with Augustus, meaning they were likely in Hong Kong to investigate the situation. The question was whether they had implanted a life-bound spiritual tablet on Augustus. If they could track him down using that tablet, it would become extremely troublesome. Liu Hui felt a wave of unease.