“Young Master Hui, the situation is this. A few days ago, we attended Mei Peng’s wedding, and during the event, we took a few photos. Accidentally, Director Chen from your Science and Research Institute was captured in the frame. When I got back and was looking through the pictures, one of our Li family's old retainers saw them. He commented that Director Chen bore a strong resemblance to a famous person from his old hometown,” the Second Young Master explained hastily as he noticed Liu Hui’s complexion change slightly.

“Xiao Hui, Old Second didn't notice this issue at the time, but I overheard it. I asked out of curiosity and learned that the old retainer was referring to Chen Songlin, a famous scientist from his hometown who looked just like Director Chen. You know how it is when people get old; they get bored and sometimes start imagining things. That’s when I suddenly recalled hearing news a while back that Chen Songlin had passed away in the nursing home,” Old Superman said.

“What does all that have to do with this?” Liu Hui asked, feigning ignorance as he lifted the photo and documents in his hand.

“That immediately piqued my interest, so I investigated. I discovered that all prior records for Chen Changsheng at your company were completely blank, as if this person had never existed before. Furthermore, before the death of the old scientist Chen Songlin, someone noticed that you had quietly visited the nursing home where he resided. Coupled with other information I gathered later, I arrived at a very interesting conclusion,” Old Superman said with a slight smile, observing Liu Hui’s reaction.

“Oh? What interesting conclusion did you reach?” Liu Hui asked curiously.

Old Superman found Liu Hui’s demeanor entirely normal, which made him slightly lose confidence, unsure if his conclusion was correct.

“After my analysis, I believe that this Chen Changsheng is Chen Songlin. I just don't know by what means he managed to restore his youth, and Chen Songlin’s supposed death was merely a staged escape.”

“Uncle’s conclusion is certainly fascinating. If you hadn't achieved such great things already, Uncle, I might suggest you write a science fiction novel; your imagination is truly boundless. Everything you described is impossible. Chen Changsheng and Chen Songlin have an age gap of forty to fifty years—how could they possibly be the same person? This idea of restoring youth you mentioned is something even the most cutting-edge science today cannot achieve.” Liu Hui was inwardly alarmed. He hadn't expected that something he considered top secret had such a massive loophole, one that had been discovered. However, he could never admit it, as doing so would inevitably invite heavenly trouble.

“Young Master Hui, I heard your company recently recruited several elderly scientists from within the country and brought them into your Starry Sky Group, is that right? With so many elderly people joining your company, is there no connection to this matter?” the Second Young Master chimed in.

“Well, those old scientists all made significant contributions to the nation in the past, but the country doesn't pay much attention to their later years now, and their lives are somewhat unsatisfactory. I’ve recently made some money, so I brought them over as a way to repay their contributions to the Chinese people,” Liu Hui replied.

“Young Master Hui, but as far as we know, many of these old scientists were bedridden and unable to move when they arrived. Yet now, their health has improved considerably, and they can walk freely. They’ve even started studying scientific knowledge again,” the Eldest Young Master stated.

“Heh, you must have heard rumors somewhere. That is absolutely untrue,” Liu Hui firmly denied.

“Xiao Hui, we don't mean anything malicious. I just want to ask if your company is researching methods to slow human aging. If so, and if you’ve achieved any results, could you possibly treat me?” Old Superman asked.

“Uncle, I do have that intention, and I also hope to slow human aging, considering my parents are also getting old. But this research requires immense financial resources and a great deal of time. I’m swamped with everything right now; where would I find the time for something like this?” Liu Hui asked with a wry smile.

“Young Master Hui, are you saying you already have this plan in motion?” The Second Young Master picked up on the subtle implication in Liu Hui’s words.

“That’s right, only recently have things piled up, significantly slowing down our research speed. For example, meeting with Guo Jia today is clearly wasting my time,” Liu Hui remarked.

“Xiao Hui, if we helped you resolve some issues, could your research speed increase?” Old Superman, wise from experience, keenly grasped the unspoken meaning hidden within Liu Hui’s words.

“Heh, for instance, if this Guo Jia and the faction he represents stop bothering me, I would have more time for research, and perhaps I could achieve something in this field sooner—much like what those old scientists are demonstrating now,” Liu Hui said with a smile. His words were veiled, but Old Superman understood them, so Liu Hui decided to be a little clearer.

Old Superman fell silent for a moment, weighing the pros and cons, and quickly made a decision. He said, “The matter with Guo Jia will be difficult; I have some idea of the reasons behind your conflict. Our Li family, having developed to this extent, also has connections within the Central Government and carries some weight. If the Li family is willing to make certain sacrifices now, those connections should be able to unite and pressure the Guo family to stop opposing you. What I need to know now is, if the Li family helps you resolve this, can Starry Sky Group consider the Li family’s interests in your future development? I believe you will still need many things that my family possesses.”

Liu Hui urgently needed to deal with Guo Jia. Although he already had the Luo family’s domestic support and controlled some overseas connections, with their help, he could essentially rest easy. However, he still decided to win over the Li family. With their assistance and backing, he would have greater certainty in dealing with Guo Jia. Moreover, the Li family were local power brokers in Hong Kong; their support would allow his future development to accelerate rapidly. All he needed to pay was to give the Li family a boost during his ascent—this trade was absolutely worthwhile. Furthermore, as a precaution, he couldn't place all his hope on the Luo family. If the Luo family reached some agreement with the Guo family and united against him, he would be utterly crushed. While he wasn't afraid of that possibility, after being driven out of Bashan to Hong Kong, he definitely didn't want to leave in disgrace again.

“Uncle, please rest assured. If you genuinely stop Guo Jia from troubling me, then our Starry Sky Group will certainly remember what you have done for us today. I can’t promise everything else, but we will definitely repay the Li family handsomely. Our Starry Sky Group can guarantee your stable development for at least twenty years,” Liu Hui immediately gave Old Superman a firm affirmation.

“Is that true?” Old Superman was overjoyed. He had only hoped Starry Sky Group would help his family maintain stable development for ten years, but Liu Hui instantly promised twenty years. He knew Liu Hui wouldn't make empty declarations, and Liu Hui possessed the capability to back it up, so he was ecstatic.

“That promise is absolutely true; I guarantee it with my reputation, Liu Hui. And if this matter is resolved, our research on human aging will surely yield results soon. By then, treating Uncle and granting you eternal youth and health will not be a difficult matter,” Liu Hui continued to offer Old Superman a powerful incentive.

The Eldest and Second Young Masters were delighted upon hearing this. Old Superman’s health had always been their greatest concern. Recently, due to minor issues with his health, all Li family stocks had plummeted severely, dragging down the entire Hong Kong stock market, which illustrated Old Superman's standing in the hearts of the Hong Kong people. Old Superman was the absolute pillar of the Li family; they could not afford to lose him. If he fell, who knew how many wolves would descend to devour the Li family until nothing but bones remained. Although Liu Hui hadn't admitted he could restore youth, his tone clearly implied that once this matter concluded, he could help Old Superman regain his health.

“Young Master Hui, if you can truly resolve my father’s health issues, I will reward you handsomely and follow your lead from then on,” the Second Young Master said emotionally.

“Second Brother, don't be so formal. Let’s wait until this matter is concluded. However, I must mention upfront: our company’s treatment fees are not cheap. You should prepare yourselves mentally,” Liu Hui chuckled.

“Heh, Xiao Hui, I still have some wealth; I should be able to afford that amount,” Old Superman also laughed. After all, no one wished to age and die, especially those who had achieved great success. Now that there was a glimmer of hope, Old Superman’s spirits soared.

The alliance between Liu Hui and the Li family further strengthened his position, giving him more confidence in confronting Guo Jia and his backing faction. Consequently, Liu Hui’s mood lifted as well.

“Uncle, when is Guo Jia arriving?” Liu Hui asked.

“In two hours. We wanted to communicate with you first, which is why we called you over early. You don't mind, do you?” Old Superman smiled.

“How could I mind? Meeting with you, Uncle, has always been a dream of mine,” Liu Hui replied with a smile.

“Heh, you two chat amongst yourselves. I’m going to make a few calls and contact some old friends. This Guo family isn't simple and won’t be easy to handle, so I need them to put in some effort,” Old Superman said, eager to activate his connections to resolve this trouble for Liu Hui and secure the Li family’s future support in return. This was the top priority; not a moment could be wasted.

“Please, Uncle,” Liu Hui said, rising.

Old Superman, assisted by the Eldest Young Master, left the study, leaving only Liu Hui and the Second Young Master inside.

“Young Master Hui, shall we go for a walk?” the Second Young Master suggested with a smile.

“That sounds good.”

So, Liu Hui and the Second Young Master went out, found Miss He Liu, who was playing games, and the three of them strolled around casually, chatting about potential areas of cooperation. Two hours passed quickly. At that moment, the Eldest Young Master came to notify them that Guo Jia had arrived.

Liu Hui’s spirits lifted instantly. He immediately summoned Zhou Tengyun, and under the guidance of the Eldest Young Master, they proceeded to the reception area. Miss He Liu did not avoid the situation and walked in with them.

In the Li family’s living room, Guo Jia sat on the sofa. The old man named Elder Wu, whom Liu Hui had met previously, stood behind him. Guo Jia looked somewhat haggard, but he wore a full smile, betraying nothing of his inner thoughts.

As soon as Liu Hui entered the living room, he laughed heartily, “CEO Guo, long time no see! Oh, you look pale—don’t tell me your health is giving you trouble?”

Guo Jia laughed, “Mr. Liu jokes too much. My health is excellent, thank you for your concern.”

“Please, both of you, take a seat.” The Eldest Young Master, acting as the mediator, saw that everyone had arrived and arranged for them to sit down.

Liu Hui sat on the sofa opposite Guo Jia, with Zhou Tengyun standing behind him. Zhou Tengyun stared intently at Elder Wu, having suffered a setback at the old man’s hands previously. Now that his own strength had greatly increased, he was certainly looking for a chance to reclaim his honor.

The Eldest Young Master sat in the principal seat, the Second Young Master beside him, and Miss He Liu also sat curiously next to the Second Young Master, watching Liu Hui’s performance with a playful smile.

“Thank you both for granting face by agreeing to meet at my humble residence today. It is an honor for the Li family. However, I hope both parties can remain calm and discuss matters properly without damaging goodwill,” the Eldest Young Master stated first as the moderator.

“Heh, Brother Li, please rest assured. CEO Guo and I only have a business relationship, no deep-seated enmity, so we won’t damage the atmosphere,” Liu Hui said with a grin.

“Brother Li, rest assured, I have that much self-control,” Guo Jia also laughed.

“CEO Guo, you are so busy, yet you still have time to meet with a mere commoner like me. What business do you have?” Liu Hui initiated the conversation.

“Boss Liu’s recent fortune is boundless; you are hardly a commoner anymore. You are already influencing central decisions, so it should be my honor to be received by you,” Guo Jia replied.

“Heh, gentlemen, let’s stick to the business at hand and not escalate things too quickly,” the Eldest Young Master chuckled.

“Yes, CEO Guo, please state your purpose directly?” Liu Hui said.

“Boss Liu is indeed straightforward, but you are not so straightforward in business. You transferred a problematic Han Tang Hospital to the nation, causing the country immense financial losses, creating a terrible international impression, and tarnishing the image of the Chinese people. I have come today to hear what explanation you have,” Guo Jia started by preemptively attacking, leveling a serious accusation against Liu Hui. He was quite practiced at positioning himself on the side of righteousness while pinning a grand charge on his opponent.

“Heh, CEO Guo, as expected of someone from the state, you always like to speak on behalf of all Chinese people. I can’t possibly bear such a heavy mantle. However, what I don’t understand is that when the Han Tang Hospital was transferred to you, it was clearly documented in black and white, and you confirmed there were no issues before accepting it. Why bring up that the hospital has problems only after so long? I say, you can’t be so shameless, can you?” Liu Hui sneered. Now backed by the Luo family and the Li family, coupled with his own formidable strength, his words were utterly unrestrained.

“Boss Liu, we are both reasonable people; don't try to fob me off with such words. I’ll speak plainly: the Han Tang Hospital you left behind has serious problems; it can no longer treat AIDS patients. I came here to get an explanation from you,” Guo Jia said, dropping the broad accusations when they failed.

“Heh, CEO Guo seems to have misremembered? I transferred the Han Tang Hospital to you long ago; that hospital is yours now. If anything goes wrong, naturally, you should be responsible. How can you blame me? I’m an outsider now. Are you perhaps planning to demand that I refund all the treatment fees collected from the previous patients?” Liu Hui laughed.

“Boss Liu, you know very well whether this concerns you or not; I don't need to spell it out. The current Han Tang Hospital can no longer treat AIDS patients, so it must be that your secret formula has a problem. I hope you can give me a satisfactory explanation. Know that you will not fare well if you anger us,” Guo Jia threatened Liu Hui again.

Liu Hui picked at his ear and looked at Guo Jia quizzically, “CEO Guo, have you misunderstood something? When did I ever give you a secret formula? Could my memory be failing me? Impossible, I’m still so young…”

Guo Jia was losing patience and raised his voice, “Boss Liu, stop pretending to be confused. You first gave this formula to Liang Jingyue, and then Liang Jingyue passed the formula to me. Now that the formula has a problem, why should I come to you instead of Liang Jingyue?”

Upon hearing Liang Jingyue’s name, Liu Hui’s expression turned cold, and he said icily, “I don't recall giving Jingyue any secret formula, nor have I heard Jingyue mention giving you any formula. So, do not slander me. Remember, this is Hong Kong, not the Mainland, where whatever you say becomes fact. Verbal claims without proof hold no weight here. I might even sue you for slander.”

“You…” Guo Jia hadn’t expected Liu Hui to be this uncompromising, leaving no room for maneuver. He had never encountered such a situation in the Mainland before; there, merely revealing his connections would make anyone turn pale with fear and surrender immediately, accepting whatever he said as truth—he had been completely unrestrained. Encountering someone as tough as Liu Hui, he was momentarily too furious to speak.

“What about me? CEO Guo, you need evidence when you speak; you can’t just talk nonsense,” Liu Hui continued to provoke Guo Jia.

“Liu Hui, do you think that just because you are in Hong Kong, the Central Government has no recourse against you? Are you unafraid of the Central Government’s wrath?” Guo Jia said menacingly.

“Speaking of the Central Government, I am indeed a little fearful; that is the wrath of thunder, whom could fear that? But you do not represent the Central Government. You are merely a petty official spreading false edicts; why should I fear you?” Liu Hui maintained his smile.

“Hmph, you transferred Han Tang Hospital to the state and accepted the state’s transfer fee of one hundred million RMB. This hospital was capable of treating AIDS patients, but now it cannot. Therefore, you have committed fraud against the state and caused a massive loss of state assets. I am now representing the state to demand compensation from you,” Guo Jia said forcefully, somewhat exasperated.

“This is quite strange. When I handed the hospital over to you, it could still treat patients; all Chinese people can attest to that, and no problems arose in the past six months. I’d like to ask you, how did you manage it to run such a fine hospital into the ground until it couldn't treat patients? Is it because your character is poor, and even Heaven refuses to help, causing your hospital to fail? Or are you like those people in the Mainland who run state-owned monopolistic enterprises into losses? Judging by your performance, you’re worse than them; you even managed to ruin the very medical function that sustains the hospital,” Liu Hui loudly questioned.

“I don’t care what you say. You took one hundred million RMB from the state, but now the hospital has problems, so you must resolve these issues,” Guo Jia, flustered by Liu Hui’s shouting, suddenly lost his aggressive stance.

“Heh heh, I only briefly held that one hundred million RMB; I immediately donated it to the Bashan Red Cross Society. And I later heard that the Bashan Red Cross Society transferred that one hundred million back to the Han Tang Hospital’s account, supposedly to support AIDS treatment in China. If you insist on claiming I received that money, then I’ll have to disclose this matter and let all Chinese people judge the merits of the case. I forgot to mention, to ensure I didn't forget this due to a poor memory, I made a photocopy of the Red Cross Society’s transfer record. So, you won't be able to deny it,” Liu Hui coldly mocked.

“This… you…” Guo Jia was greatly alarmed. He hadn't expected Liu Hui to possess such evidence. At the time, his greed was too strong, and he directly took the money back from the Bashan Red Cross Society. He hadn't anticipated that Liu Hui would bring this up today, and more critically, that Liu Hui held the proof.

“Ahem, ahem, gentlemen, since you’ve finally gathered here, why don’t you discuss matters calmly? Striving to resolve the problem is the best way; arguing achieves nothing,” the Eldest Young Master intervened as the mediator, attempting to ease the tension when the atmosphere between the two grew strained.

“Heh heh, Brother Li is right. Not like some people who start by slinging accusations and truly think they represent all of China,” Liu Hui sneered.

Reminded by the Eldest Young Master, Guo Jia calmed down and stopped confronting Liu Hui head-on. He said, “Boss Liu, let’s discuss the main business.”

“As long as there are no baseless accusations, discussing the main business is not out of the question,” Liu Hui conceded gracefully.

"There's been trouble at the Han-Tang Hospital this time. After our investigation, we've concluded the fault lies with this secret formula. But what I don't understand is, this formula has been effective for the past six months; why is it failing now?" Guo Jia asked.

"That’s a question I can’t answer, because I have absolutely no idea what secret formula you’re referring to," Liu Hui replied.

"Boss Liu, stop pretending. You gave this formula to Liang Jingyue, and later Jingyue passed it on to me—you know all of this," Guo Jia glared intensely at Liu Hui. Liu Hui’s flat denial only fueled Guo Jia's rising anger.

"I have never heard Jingyue mention giving you any secret formula. If you insist that Jingyue gave you one, then produce this so-called formula. I can tell true from false just by looking at it," Liu Hui stated firmly.

"Here it is, take a look for yourself." Guo Jia pulled a sheet of paper from an envelope, placed it on the table, and slid it across to Liu Hui.

Liu Hui picked up the paper and glanced at the formula written upon it, his heart suddenly jolting with shock. He thought to himself, How is this possible?

My sincere thanks to reader 'Wuding Bao' for the monthly ticket, and to reader 'i96347' for the review ticket.

Because I received a monthly ticket on the very first day of June, I am posting an extra 6000 words today to show my gratitude.