A few days later, as Liu Hui was pondering some matters in his office, Mei Peng arrived with Liu Lin to see him.

“Old Second, Linlin, why aren't you two off on your honeymoon? What brings you to me?” Liu Hui asked.

“We’re already an old married couple, completely familiar with each other. What kind of honeymoon is there to have?” Mei Peng said dismissively.

“What did you say?” Seeing Mei Peng spewing nonsense, Liu Lin pinched him fiercely on the side. Mei Peng fought to suppress the pain and quickly changed his tune, saying, “What I meant is, every day with Linlin is like a honeymoon, so we don’t need a special trip for it.”

“Heh heh, just get to the point. I don’t believe you two would come to me without a reason,” Liu Hui chuckled. Seeing the couple flirting and their strong affection for each other filled him with genuine relief.

“Boss, here’s the situation. When we got married last time, that guy surnamed Wei caused a huge scene, didn’t he? And he said some awful things. Linlin is worried that people in the company might start gossiping, so she and I discussed it, and she’s planning to resign to focus on raising our child at home. Boss, what do you think of this decision?” Mei Peng explained.

“You mean Linlin is quitting? I have no problem with that on my end. But have you two really thought this through? Linlin is still so young; does this mean she won’t work again?” Liu Hui felt a bit surprised by the news, but he understood her feelings deeply. The way Wei Chao had publicly slandered Liu Lin that day, and since Liu Lin was a very sensitive person, it was natural that she wouldn't feel comfortable staying at the company.

Liu Lin spoke up, “Boss, whether I work or not is secondary now. Mei Peng’s income is enough to support the family. The key is that we now have a child, and for the healthy growth of our child, I’ve decided to be a full-time mother. Perhaps this is the greatest pursuit for a woman.”

“You actually have a child? That truly is cause for celebration. Since you two need to take care of the baby, I’ll grant your wish. But if Linlin gets bored staying at home and wants something to do, she must come to our company. I have plenty of job openings here,” Liu Hui said, feigning surprise and delight as if hearing the news for the first time.

“Linlin, the Boss has agreed, so head back first and quickly finish the handover of your work. Mei Peng and I still have a few things to discuss,” Mei Peng said to Liu Lin.

“Alright then, you two take your time talking. I’ll head home now,” Liu Lin said before slowly walking out.

“Old Second, among the four of us brothers, I didn't expect you to be the only one with a wife, and now a child too. It truly makes one envious,” Liu Hui remarked with emotion.

“Boss, if you want, you can have a wife and child too,” Mei Peng laughed.

“I would like to marry the person I love, but unfortunately, she’s disappeared. How can I find her now?” Liu Hui sighed.

“Since Liang Jingyue has left you, perhaps it means you two were fated to meet but not fated to be together. Matters of marriage are hard to predict. Haven’t you ever thought about finding another woman?” Mei Peng inquired.

“Once you’ve seen the great ocean, other waters are just streams. It’s hard for me to feel that way about anyone else besides Liang Jingyue,” Liu Hui said helplessly.

“Boss, I don’t think you’re being entirely honest. Linlin and I have both noticed you treat one woman very specially, and we both think she’s excellent and a perfect match for you,” Mei Peng suddenly said mysteriously.

“Which woman is that? How come I don’t even know?” Liu Hui asked curiously.

“Boss, are you genuinely unaware, or are you playing dumb? Your Hu Xian’er is so good to you, utterly compliant and always sending out sparks of love. Any clear-sighted person can tell she likes you. Haven’t you noticed?” Mei Peng said with a hint of impatience.

“So it’s Hu Xian’er…” Liu Hui’s mind immediately flashed through everything Hu Xian’er had done for him. He had always found her a bit strange before, but now, hearing Mei Peng say it, he finally understood—it seemed Hu Xian’er had developed romantic feelings for him!

“Do you feel Hu Xian’er’s affection now?” Mei Peng asked.

“…A little. Oh, no. I think that’s just a normal working relationship,” Liu Hui replied.

“Boss, you can lie to me, but can you lie to your own heart? Liang Jingyue has left you, does that mean you no longer want love? We all think Hu Xian’er is a great fit for you. Don’t miss this opportunity. Besides, Hu Xian’er’s looks and talent are one in ten thousand, flawless. If you don’t take her, don’t regret it if someone else pursues her,” Mei Peng said with displeasure.

“What? Is someone pursuing Hu Xian’er now?” Liu Hui instinctively asked.

“Not yet, but she’s so outstanding, her suitors will appear soon enough,” Mei Peng replied.

Liu Hui subconsciously let out a breath of relief. Ever since Liang Jingyue left him, he had completely sealed off his emotions, always fantasizing about reconciling with her someday. But so much time had passed, and he had achieved great success; logically, Liang Jingyue should have reappeared. So, what was preventing her return? Could it be that Liang Jingyue truly couldn't forgive Liu Hui for deceiving her?

As for Hu Xian’er's presence in his life, Liu Hui found it completely natural. He naturally enjoyed her gentleness, naturally chatted and laughed with her. He felt these things were proper and should be this way, as if it were predetermined. He even had several hallucinations where he believed Hu Xian’er was his wife. Although he didn't know where these illusions came from, they felt incredibly real, and in them, he felt immense happiness. Afterward, he had reminded himself that these were just illusions; he loved Liang Jingyue, so how could he develop feelings for Hu Xian’er?

Seeing Liu Hui’s reaction, Mei Peng sighed. “Boss, you are brilliant and magnificent in every other aspect; no one doubts you. Why can’t you handle matters of the heart?”

“Ahem, Old Second, we can discuss these things later. You said you had something urgent to discuss with me just now, it wasn't about this, was it?” Liu Hui quickly diverted the topic.

“It’s like this: the small hospital you asked me to build is finished, and the interior decoration is done too. I just wanted to ask what you plan to use this small hospital for? That way, I can start procuring the medical equipment,” Mei Peng said. Seeing Liu Hui avoid his personal feelings, he had no better recourse and followed Liu Hui’s lead.

“Old Second, are you willing to work at the pharmaceutical factory or at the hospital?” Liu Hui asked mysteriously.

“What do you mean by asking that?” Mei Peng asked, confused.

“We ran a hospital in Bashan before, but it was taken from us. I know you’ve always held a grudge about it, which is why I built this new small hospital. If you are still willing to work in a hospital setting, I will hand this facility over to you to manage,” Liu Hui offered.

Mei Peng’s spirit lifted. “Are you opening a hospital again? Are you planning to continue treating AIDS patients? But wouldn't that cause trouble with the State? They might come after us.”

Liu Hui laughed, “Old Second, there are thousands upon thousands of diseases in this world; AIDS patients aren't the only ones. Rest assured, our scope of treatment will absolutely not overlap with the State’s matters.”

Mei Peng asked in astonishment, “Boss, I know you always handle things profoundly, so this small hospital certainly isn’t for treating minor ailments. Do you have another earth-shattering invention, something even more powerful than that AIDS medication?”

“What is that AIDS medication? The patients our hospital will treat will surely be even more stunning than those with AIDS,” Liu Hui said with a mysterious smile.

“Boss, stop keeping me in suspense. Quickly tell me what main diseases this hospital will treat?” Mei Peng urged anxiously.

“Heh heh, this hospital isn't for treating diseases,” Liu Hui stated.

“Boss, are you kidding me? If it doesn't treat illnesses, what kind of hospital is it? Are you perhaps trying to establish a wellness center?” Mei Peng asked, bewildered.

“Heh heh, slowing aging and rejuvenation—that’s not considered a disease, is it?” Liu Hui said, feigning a sigh.

“What? Slowing aging, rejuvenation?” Mei Peng’s eyes widened so much his eyeballs almost popped out.

“Yes, is there a problem with that?” Liu Hui asked.

Thump. The teacup in Mei Peng’s hand immediately dropped to the floor, but since the floor was carpeted, the cup wasn’t broken. Mei Peng ignored the cup and nervously glanced around before whispering, “Boss, are you sure you’re not joking?”

“Old Second, no need to look around; it’s perfectly safe here, no one is eavesdropping. What I just said about being able to slow aging and rejuvenate people is absolutely true,” Liu Hui said, quickly comforting Mei Peng who was scanning the room.

Mei Peng slumped weakly onto the sofa and said, “Boss, sometimes I feel like you are actually an immortal, just possessing the body of this man named Liu Hui. Do you know how astonishing what you just said is? Ordinary people couldn't possibly achieve this.”

“I am who I am, still your Boss, but I am no immortal possessing a body. The reason I can do things others cannot is because of a rather magical experience I had. Of course, I won’t tell you the specifics of that experience. But you can rest assured, what I’m doing will bring us great benefits, and it certainly won't harm you guys,” Liu Hui said sincerely. He knew there were things about him that ordinary people couldn’t comprehend. For strangers, it might not matter, but for close acquaintances like Mei Peng, who saw him often, there were bound to be clues. So, he decided to be upfront.

“Boss, I was just speaking my mind; please don’t take offense. You don’t need to reveal your experience either—two people knowing something means it’s no longer a secret. In fact, the more miraculous you are and the more you can achieve, the happier I am deep down,” Mei Peng said understandingly.

“Heh heh, truly my Old Second,” Liu Hui laughed.

“Boss, you’re doing it again,” Mei Peng said with mock annoyance.

“Alright, alright, you are my second brother, not the ‘second-in-command’ under me,” Liu Hui explained with a smile.

“You…”

“Back to business. You need to prepare an explanation this time, on how we managed to pull off the rejuvenation. Oh, you can link it to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM); their theories are usually quite esoteric anyway, and most people won't understand them,” Liu Hui advised.

Mei Peng lamented, “If only TCM could actually reverse aging, that would be wonderful. Unfortunately, the cures we achieved have nothing to do with TCM. It seems our Chinese medicine is finally destined to decline.”

“We must keep the opening of our hospital as secretive as possible, ensuring no one else finds out. And our first patient will be the Old Superman from Hong Kong. Our principle is: enter the village quietly, don't fire any shots—our goal is purely profit,” Liu Hui instructed.

“Boss, you truly are the epitome of a shrewd businessman.”

～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～

The next day, the Old Superman, the Eldest Young Master, and the Second Young Master quietly arrived at the headquarters of Starry Sky Group. Liu Hui received them in his office.

“Uncle, what brings you to visit your nephew?” Liu Hui greeted them with a smile.

“Little Hui, I’ve come to ask if there’s been any result regarding that matter I mentioned last time?” the Old Superman said.

“Which matter?” Liu Hui pretended not to understand.

“Young Master Hui, don't play coy with us. My father is asking about the progress of your research on human aging,” the Second Young Master cut straight to the chase, while the Old Superman and the Eldest Young Master watched Liu Hui nervously.

Liu Hui scratched his head and said, “Oh, you mean that. We have achieved some preliminary results.”

“What preliminary results?” the Second Young Master asked tensely.

“After our research, we can now actually rejuvenate people. However, because the entire treatment process involves many extremely precious materials, the cost of this treatment is very high,” Liu Hui said, feigning embarrassment.

“How high exactly is the treatment cost?” the Eldest Young Master asked.

“Here’s the situation: although we can make someone younger, due to limitations in human physical constitution, each person only gets one chance at rejuvenation in their entire lifetime. Meaning, even if you only choose to look one year younger this time, you won’t be able to do it again later,” Liu Hui explained, deliberately omitting the cost details.

“So, what Little Hui means is that I only have one chance at rejuvenation. Therefore, this single chance can be used to look one year younger, or fifty years younger. And after this treatment, I can never rejuvenate again?” the Old Superman summarized.

“Correct, that’s the essence of it. However, technology is constantly developing, and perhaps the limitation on the number of times can be broken in the future, but for now, it’s just one chance,” Liu Hui nodded. In reality, there was no limit on the number of times, nor any concept of choosing just a few years younger; one injection would restore a person to the vigor of twenty-five. Liu Hui was deliberately trying to fleece the Old Superman. If the Old Superman discovered he’d been tricked later, Liu Hui could always blame it on the advancement of technology.

“Young Master Hui, how do you charge for this?” the Eldest Young Master pressed.

“Well, the specific charge is one hundred million US dollars for every year you choose to look younger,” Liu Hui stated a price that made people gasp.

“What? That expensive?” The Second Young Master shot up from his seat. He was a man involved in major affairs, but he had never heard of such a terrifying price tag.

“Old Second, stay calm. An inch of time is worth an inch of gold; you can’t buy time even with an inch of gold! This price isn't expensive at all. I see this as a tremendous stroke of luck that I even have the opportunity for this treatment, something the wealthy can’t buy—the passing of time,” the Old Superman said heartily.

“That’s right. I’m only willing to treat you, Uncle, based on the alliance between our two families. For anyone else, I wouldn’t bother, even for a billion a year,” Liu Hui stated calmly.

“Father, what do you mean?” the Eldest Young Master asked.

“This depends on the wishes of you two. If you both agree to the treatment, I’ll proceed. If you don't, I’ll return immediately. As for the cost, I can afford this amount of money,” the Old Superman said wisely.

The Eldest and Second Young Masters exchanged glances. The question posed by the Old Superman was indeed a stark reality. If the Old Superman were to rejuvenate, it would be difficult for his two sons to take over the Li family enterprise quickly; they might never inherit it and would have to live under their father's shadow forever. The saying, 'Old and not dying is considered villainous,' would surely harm the interests of the two brothers. That’s why the Old Superman asked for their opinion.

The two brothers looked at each other for a moment, then both burst out laughing. The Second Young Master laughed, “Naturally, we wish for Father to undergo the treatment. The Li family cannot do without your guidance.”

The Eldest Young Master added, “Father, we still need your leadership.”

The Old Superman nodded with satisfaction. “Since you both agree, then I consent to the treatment.”

Liu Hui watched the father and his three sons, deeply moved by the affectionate bond they shared. He asked, “Uncle, how many years do you plan to reverse this time?”

The Second Young Master suddenly spoke up, “Father is eighty-three this year. This time, let’s reverse sixty-three years, bringing him back to about twenty years old.”

The Eldest Young Master nodded in agreement, “Father has worked hard his entire life and suffered greatly in his youth. I also hope Father can return to the age of twenty.”

The Old Superman nodded contentedly. His career had reached magnificent heights, but what made him happier was that his family maintained such a harmonious atmosphere—truly a model of filial piety, worthy of emulation.

The Second Young Master continued, “I made some money last time, so I’m prepared to contribute 4.5 billion US dollars for Father’s treatment.”

The Eldest Young Master also nodded, “I will cover the remaining 1.8 billion US dollars.”

Liu Hui nodded and said, “It is rare to see two sons so filial. I cannot be too stingy; I will offer you a twenty percent discount on the total amount.”

The Eldest and Second Young Masters were overjoyed and repeatedly expressed their thanks. The Old Superman was also beaming. He wasn't short of money; casually spending sixty or seventy billion wouldn't strain him, but seeing his sons willing to spend this sum, plus Liu Hui offering a discount, made him genuinely happy.

“Young Master Hui, what exactly is the treatment procedure?” the Second Young Master inquired.

“It’s very simple. Once you decide, I can arrange the treatment for Uncle immediately, and the duration is very short. Within one week, the internal organs can recover 80% of their function from when you were twenty, and then over the next two years, they will completely revert to the state of a twenty-year-old,” Liu Hui explained.

“So, what Little Hui means is I have a two-year buffer period, correct?” the Old Superman asked.

“Correct. After the treatment, you can already experience the feeling of being twenty, but the outward appearance will take about two years to fully change,” Liu Hui clarified.