The moment Liu Hui and Hu Qingyang shook hands, Liu Hui remarked, "So it's Boss Hu, I've long admired your reputation."

Hu Xian'er, seated in the middle, laughed. "You two don't need to speak in such stilted formalities; it's utterly tedious."

Liu Hui rubbed his head and offered a dry chuckle. "Isn't that how they always talk in the movies?"

Boss Hu also laughed. "You little sprite, how can you speak about your own father like that?"

Though Liu Hui managed a strained smile, inwardly he was quite alarmed. He hadn't realized that this Hu Qingyang was the head of the most famous triad in Hong Kong, the Red Star, and that Hu Xian'er was his daughter.

"I suppose Boss Liu still looks down on us triad members, don't you?" Boss Hu, old and shrewd, instantly perceived Liu Hui's thoughts.

"How could that be? Snakes have their paths, rats have their holes; everyone has their own way of surviving. Ultimately, it's all just about making a living. It’s not about looking up or looking down," Liu Hui replied calmly.

"Boss Liu, we in the triads are indeed not well-regarded, and we know it. But there’s no choice. Since we’ve walked this road, there’s only one way forward: straight to the end. You must know, for triad members, there is no concept of a 'golden basin retirement,'" Boss Hu sighed.

"Boss Hu, I heard that the Red Star people never touch drugs or engage in human trafficking. Is that true?" Liu Hui inquired.

"Heh, although we in the Red Star are involved in the underworld, some of our elders are descendants of high-ranking KMT officers who remained in Hong Kong after the retreat from the mainland. Their minds still retain some innate concepts of Chinese morality, propriety, shame, and a touch of reverence for fate, and they still adhere to certain principles. So, even though we might be involved in various illicit activities, we strictly avoid drugs and human trafficking," Boss Hu explained.

I've heard talk of the Red Star's reputation before, Liu Hui thought to himself. Though there are negative aspects, for an underworld organization, they haven't committed outright heinous acts, and their reputation is decent, unlike some other gangs who are utterly contemptible.

"I have no way out of the triad, but I wish Xian'er would have nothing to do with our affairs. That’s why I sent her to study in America, far from the gang. And she has certainly not disappointed; she graduated from Harvard Business School with outstanding marks at such a young age. When she later went to work at your company, I didn't stop her, precisely because I hoped she could lead a normal life, not constantly living in fear of the unknown, not knowing if there will be a tomorrow, as we do. Even so, Xian'er was targeted by the United Alliance—that’s my fault for bringing trouble upon her," Boss Hu blamed himself, looking less like a triad leader at this moment and more like a father deeply devoted to his daughter, willing to give everything for her.

"As long as Xian'er wishes it, my Starry Sky Group will always be her home; we welcome her anytime, and we rely on her," Liu Hui smiled, then asked, "What is the relationship between the United Alliance and you? Why would they want to kidnap Xian'er?"

"That United Alliance is the sworn enemy of our Red Star. We clashed over territory before, and both sides suffered significant losses, so the hatred only deepened. Over the years, we've both wanted to eliminate the other and used countless methods, but it only resulted in more brothers dying without any real effect. Our defenses are too tight on both sides; neither has given the other an opening. But today, they seized an opportunity and cornered Xian'er. If they actually captured her and used her to threaten me, it would indeed be a difficult decision for me to make," Boss Hu stated.

"Are you just going to keep fighting like this?" Liu Hui asked.

"We never managed to gain the upper hand over each other before, so the high command on both sides had developed an intention to reconcile. Just as we were preparing to negotiate, the leader of the United Alliance, Brother Quan, suddenly ran into trouble and was hacked to death at the Sha Wan pier. The United Alliance people assumed we did it, and since we didn't, we naturally refused to admit it, so the two sides clashed again," Boss Hu said helplessly.

Liu Hui froze; this world was truly small. He had personally seen Brother Quan and knew that Brother Quan and his men had all been judged by the new Grand Inquisitor of the Vatican Holy See. However, from Boss Hu's account, the Hong Kong police had not uncovered the cause of Brother Quan's death, nor had they discovered that the Holy See was responsible. Thus, the Red Star triad was unfairly taking the blame, restarting the war with the United Alliance. Yet, Liu Hui absolutely could not tell Boss Hu that he knew who killed Brother Quan; doing so would bring him immense trouble.

"Boss Hu, didn't you try to explain things to them? Perhaps there's a misunderstanding in the middle?" Liu Hui inquired.

"Heh, the Red Star acts; we never deny, nor do we ever explain. If they want war, we are ready to cooperate at any time," Boss Hu laughed heartily, displaying the charisma and bearing of a true triad leader.

"I assume your strengths are rather similar? Can you decide a victor?" Liu Hui asked.

Boss Hu sighed and said, "Our strengths are indeed comparable. Everyone knows that a head-on collision would lead to no benefit for either side; the final result would only be mutual destruction, benefiting the other triads. Therefore, under the mediation of several old veterans in the circle, we agreed to settle our long-standing dispute through a deathmatch competition."

"A deathmatch—that’s a decent way to resolve things. But Boss Hu, you look troubled; is there a problem with this arrangement?" Liu Hui asked curiously.

"Originally, our Dongxing had our own 'Twin Flower Red Pole,' whose strength was considerable. Fighting a deathmatch, we weren't afraid of the United Alliance; the skill levels of our top fighters were evenly matched, neither able to overpower the other. But the United Alliance must have stumbled upon some great fortune, as they managed to recruit two top-tier masters. As soon as those two arrived, they privately sought out our Twin Flower Red Pole. After a brief exchange, our Red Pole was crippled by one of them in a fair duel. He’s still bedridden. The Red Star suddenly lacks a deathmatch expert, and the black boxing match is only a few days away. Where can we find a contender to face the United Alliance's men in such short notice?" Boss Hu sighed, anxiety creeping in.

"The United Alliance has masters assisting them? I wonder what kind of people those two masters are?" Liu Hui's interest was piqued upon hearing about the legendary black boxing, and he pressed for details.

"Those two masters are called Xing Jiu and Xing Se. Their martial arts must be extraordinary, otherwise, they couldn't have crippled our Twin Flower Red Pole."

"Xing Jiu and Xing Se? Such strange names," Liu Hui commented.

"I thought their names were odd at first, too. Only after some investigation did I find out they are actually monks from the Shaolin Temple, disciples from the 'Xing' generation. But it seems they committed some error at the temple and were expelled before coming to Hong Kong to join the United Alliance," Boss Hu related what information he had gathered.

Liu Hui mused to himself. He had already formed a deep, deadly feud with the United Alliance today. By nature, he needed to eradicate the United Alliance completely, removing any chance they had to threaten him. However, an organization as massive as the United Alliance was not a small band of enemies easily dealt with, nor could he silently eliminate them all. And this Boss Hu before him held a grudge against the United Alliance; perhaps Liu Hui could use him to uproot the entire organization and thoroughly resolve this hidden danger. This way, he could achieve his goal without acting directly and simultaneously gain an ally within the Hong Kong underworld. Since Boss Hu was Hu Xian'er's father, he was practically family, so Liu Hui decided to support him.

With a plan solidified in his mind, Liu Hui said to Boss Hu, "Those United Alliance thugs came looking for trouble with Xian'er today, but my bodyguards subdued them all. What do you think of my bodyguards' capabilities?"

Boss Hu blinked, the image of the broken-legged thugs flashing across his eyes. Liu Hui's bodyguards had emerged completely unscathed. He nodded. "If Boss Liu's bodyguards could take down the United Alliance's machete squad, they are naturally formidable."

Liu Hui smiled. "I wonder how they stack up against those two expelled Shaolin monks?"

"That? We haven't compared them, so it’s hard to say," Boss Hu answered honestly.

"Ah Huo, show Boss Hu your skill," Liu Hui called to Ah Huo, who stood nearby.

Ah Huo had already heard Liu Hui’s instruction and nodded immediately. He planted his feet in a horse stance, sank his qi to his dantian, let out a resonant shout, and struck out with one palm toward a large tree trunk, thick as a man's thigh, standing in front of him. A sharp crack echoed, and the tree snapped in two right where Ah Huo struck. The upper half crashed to the ground with a thud, kicking up a cloud of dust.

"This, this…" Boss Hu stared at Ah Huo in shock, finding it unbelievable. Splitting a tree trunk the size of a thigh with a single palm—was that even human strength?

Liu Hui was inwardly pleased, satisfied with the shock he had inflicted upon Boss Hu. After receiving the fully upgraded Body Evolution Serum and undergoing Huang Huali’s training, Ah Huo's power had reached an extremely high level; splitting a tree was mere child's play for him now.

"Wang Liu, come over and show Boss Hu your skill," Liu Hui called over Wang Liu, who stood beside him, deciding to shock Boss Hu completely.

Wang Liu understood. He stepped forward, channeling his internal energy, his muscles bulging. With a roar, he lifted a massive boulder overhead and even managed a few spins in place. Wang Liu then slammed the boulder onto the ground, causing the earth beneath to tremble slightly, which startled Boss Hu. Boss Hu knew the weight of that stone—at least five hundred jin—yet this seemingly ordinary bodyguard had lifted it effortlessly.

"Boss Hu, what do you think of these two?" Liu Hui asked with a smile.

"Although I can't judge their combat techniques, based on this sheer brute force alone, they are far beyond our Twin Flower Red Pole. They should be able to put up a real fight against that Xing Jiu and Xing Se," Boss Hu stated judiciously.

"How about I lend you these two men for a few days? Let them participate in that deathmatch competition," Liu Hui proposed.

"Is that truly possible?" Boss Hu exclaimed with delight, jumping up and grabbing Liu Hui's hand.

"Dad, you’re frightening the Boss!" Hu Xian'er complained from the side.

"Oh, Boss Liu, my apologies. I got carried away just now," Boss Hu said awkwardly, releasing Liu Hui's hand.

"Heh, no worries, I completely understand your state of mind," Liu Hui chuckled.

"Boss Liu, you meant what you said just now—you are truly willing to lend them to me?" Boss Hu looked at Liu Hui with fervent hope.

"That is absolutely true. I have confidence in their skills; I believe they will not disappoint you," Liu Hui assured him.

"Boss, the direction of our company's development is towards legitimate channels. It’s not too bad that you know triad people, but if others found out you sent your bodyguards to fight in a deathmatch, I worry it might affect your reputation," Hu Xian'er said, viewing the Starry Sky Group as her home and always looking out for Liu Hui, openly disagreeing with her own father.

"You ungrateful girl, how can you speak like that? Has getting involved with that turned your head?" Boss Hu trembled with anger at her words.

"Heh, Xian'er, don't get agitated. Doesn't our Starry Sky Security Company provide private bodyguards? I suggest your father could hire two bodyguards from our security company. Then, by some coincidence, these two bodyguards defeat those two expelled Shaolin monks for your father. When the contract period is over, the bodyguards return to our security company. This not only solves your father's immediate problem but also serves as an advertisement for our security company. It’s a win-win situation, why not?" Liu Hui suggested with a smile.

"Boss, but getting involved with the triad, and letting our people participate in black boxing, will still affect your reputation, won't it?" Hu Xian'er was somewhat moved, believing Liu Hui was helping her father out purely for her sake by offering his security personnel.

"Heh, do you think my current standing fears slander from others?" Liu Hui smiled.

Boss Hu burst into laughter, quickly locking down the decision. "Boss Liu is already famous throughout the world; of course, he doesn't fear slander. His suggestion is excellent. I will go to your security company tomorrow to hire two bodyguards."

Hu Xian'er tried to persuade him again, but Liu Hui smoothly changed the topic, beginning to chat with Boss Hu about pleasantries and small talk. Just then, Sister Ling emerged carrying a tray with three cups of steaming hot tea, which she placed on the stone table in front of Liu Hui.

"Boss Liu, try Sister Ling’s special aromatic tea; it’s truly excellent. I rarely get to drink it myself," Boss Hu said, reaching out to take a cup. He took a gentle sip, his face alight with pleasure. Having just solved the biggest dilemma facing him, his mood was excellent, and he started savoring the tea.

Liu Hui also picked up a cup. The tea emitted a rich fragrance, and the emerald-green leaves stood upright in the water like pine needles. He took a careful sip and his eyes immediately widened as he looked at Hu Xian'er.

Liu Hui realized that the tea Sister Ling brewed was basically the same as the tea Hu Xian'er usually made for him. However, he couldn't tell what secret technique Hu Xian'er used, as her tea was a step further—more fragrant and purer than Sister Ling's.

Hu Xian'er was also drinking, sticking her tongue out playfully and making a 'hush' gesture to Liu Hui, so he dropped the question concerning her.

"Boss Liu, what do you think of this tea? Doesn't it taste wonderful?" Boss Hu asked contentedly, displaying an air of supreme enjoyment.

"A tea recommended by Boss Hu is naturally excellent," Liu Hui praised, though inwardly he found it strange. Had Hu Xian'er never brewed tea for her father before, leading Boss Hu to be so captivated by Sister Ling’s occasional brew?

"Oh, right, Xian'er, you won't be my secretary tomorrow," Liu Hui announced.

Hu Xian'er’s hand shook, and her teacup slipped, shattering on the floor. She quickly exclaimed, "Boss, why? Did I do something wrong?"

"Heh, I wouldn't dare let a high-caliber graduate from Harvard Business School serve as my secretary. However, I am in need of a Senior Assistant. I wonder if Xian'er has any interest?"

Hu Xian'er beamed. "Boss, you’re really promoting me to Senior Assistant?"

"Of course. I have complete faith in your capabilities."

"Dad, did you hear that? I got a promotion!" Hu Xian'er immediately jumped up, laughing triumphantly in front of her father.

While Liu Hui and Boss Hu shared tea, Hu Xian'er was enjoying her good fortune. Far away in Beijing, Guo Jia was utterly depressed.

Guo Jia was considered exceptional among the third generation of the Guo family, exhibiting extraordinary ability from a young age. After years of rigorous training by the family, he developed a mature and meticulous mind, earning the high regard of the Guo family patriarch. Thus, he began making public appearances in his early twenties.

Guo Jia was indeed talented—cunning, adept at maneuvering, skilled in wielding both favor and pressure. He quickly made a name for himself in Beijing’s elite circles. A group of 'Princelings' gathered around him, treating him as their leader. They accomplished several significant feats and earned a decent reputation, living up to the patriarch's expectations.

Last year, when Guo Jia learned about the Han Tang Hospital in Bashan City specializing in AIDS treatment, an idea struck him. He planned to leverage this hospital to propel his family's patriarch further up the political ladder while simultaneously securing firm control over the Han Tang Hospital itself. This would not only leave a favorable impression on the patriarch, smoothing his eventual succession of power, but also secure the hospital, increasing his own strength. The Han Tang Hospital was a veritable goose that laid golden eggs; holding it meant unimaginable wealth and political leverage.

Guo Jia fully utilized his strategic genius. He had his family patriarch make the initial move, engaging in alliances and divisions, eventually forming a brand-new interest group. This new bloc suddenly exerted force in the political arena, triggering a massive earthquake in officialdom and successfully helping the Guo patriarch advance further, seizing greater authority.

Guo Jia himself finally gained complete control over the Han Tang Hospital. Furthermore, he executed a masterful deception, secretly obtaining the formula for the AIDS treatment drug, leaving the hospital an empty shell—and none of this was discovered.

In a very short time, Guo Jia achieved such brilliant success that his prestige within the family and his social circle soared. More people began aligning themselves with him, and he subtly became the foremost figure among Beijing's Princelings.

Thank you to the book friend: Qian Jia Di Yi Shao for the 3000-character update ticket. Thank you V.