Liu Hui let out a sigh of relief upon hearing Qin Zhou speak. He had feared encountering someone like Hu Xian'er's ex-boyfriend, which would have been far too melodramatic.

"Boss, Senior Qin often looked out for me when we were in university, so we're very good friends. I just never imagined that after all these years, he would have switched careers and become a psychologist," Hu Xian'er explained, quite pleased with Liu Hui's reaction just now.

"Nor did I ever expect to become a psychologist. My clinic just opened and doesn't have much of a reputation yet; I'm essentially a nobody," Qin Zhou admitted with a touch of embarrassment.

"Where is your clinic located? I'll stop by for a visit sometime," Hu Xian'er said with a laugh.

Liu Hui instantly tensed his arm and pinched Hu Xian'er's hand hard. Startled, Hu Xian'er immediately brightened up and laughed, "Qin Zhou, we still have some things to attend to, so please excuse us for now."

"Of course. We'll have plenty of time to meet again later. I'll be waiting for you to come," Qin Zhou replied with a smile, handing Hu Xian'er a business card.

With a nod toward Qin Zhou, Liu Hui took Hu Xian'er's arm and walked away.

"You actually have such a handsome senior! And judging by the look of things, you two are quite close. Why have I never heard you mention him? You never had feelings for him, did you?" Liu Hui asked, unaware of the thick layer of jealousy in his own words.

"Boss, why are you asking about that?" Hu Xian'er blinked, a smile playing on her lips.

"What? Can't I ask? Don't you like... ahem... why were you being so overly friendly with that man just now?" Liu Hui grumbled, clearly put out.

Hu Xian'er laughed. "What do I like? You need to be clearer, or how would I know what you mean? Besides, I only had a casual chat with Qin Zhou; it wasn't that intimate."

"Well, regardless, you are not allowed to speak to him like that again in the future, and you absolutely cannot go to his clinic to see him," Liu Hui stated peremptorily. He snatched the business card from Hu Xian'er's hand, aligned it with the one he held, and with a sharp squeeze, crumpled both into a tight ball. Then, flicking his index finger, he sent the paper wad sailing into a nearby trash bin.

"Fine, I won't see him again. I'm not one of those shallow women who can't tell right from wrong and acts inexplicably," Hu Xian'er replied. Inside, however, she was ecstatic. Liu Hui's display tonight had satisfied her greatly; it meant she held some significant place in his heart—at least he still got jealous over her.

"Alright, let's go grab something to eat over there," Liu Hui said, resuming his firm grip on Hu Xian'er's arm as they continued walking. Hu Xian'er obediently followed him.

They were a striking pair: the man handsome and debonair, the woman alluring and beautiful. They instantly drew countless gazes. However, everyone at the reception knew Liu Hui and were well aware of the vast network of influence behind him, so no fool dared attempt any embarrassing display, like trying to flirt with Hu Xian'er.

"Boss Liu is truly a distinguished figure, and the young lady beside you is equally captivating. It's truly enviable," someone commented just as Liu Hui was reaching for some refreshments.

Liu Hui and Hu Xian'er turned to see a tall, striking young woman standing nearby, smiling at them both.

"Forgive my poor memory, but might I ask who this lady is..." Liu Hui paused uncertainly, unable to recall ever meeting this beauty before.

"Heh heh, my name is Guo Jing. No need to rack your brain, Boss Liu; this is our first meeting," Guo Jing said with a chuckle.

"Guo Jing, Guo Jing, Guo..." Liu Hui murmured, his eyes fixed on her face. Suddenly, he recalled someone, and Guo Jing's image began to coalesce with that person's, as the resemblance was uncanny.

"You are from the Guo family?" Liu Hui's expression hardened as he asked coldly.

"Boss Liu certainly has a keen eye. No wonder your business is so extensive. Guessing my origins just from hearing my name," Guo Jing replied, still smiling sweetly.

"It would be strange not to connect Miss Guo with Guo Jia, given how much you resemble him. You didn't come here specifically waiting for me, did you?" Liu Hui questioned.

"Why wouldn't I have?" Guo Jing asked with a captivating smile.

"Xian'er, I need to discuss something with Miss Guo. Why don't you go ahead and get something to eat, but remember, don't talk to that man named Qin Zhou," Liu Hui told Hu Xian'er, knowing Guo Jing likely represented the Guo family on some matter. He preferred Hu Xian'er remain ignorant of these sordid dealings and so asked her to step away first.

Hu Xian'er offered a slight smile and departed, sparing Guo Jing one last glance as she went.

"Boss Liu certainly has the favor of beautiful women. Miss Hu is not only exquisitely graceful but also radiantly beautiful. What's rarer is how deeply devoted she is to you; one can see it in her eyes when she looks at you. Truly enviable," Guo Jing remarked admiringly after Hu Xian'er had left.

"You and I are not friends, so there's no need for mutual flattery. Please state your business directly; I am very busy," Liu Hui replied coldly.

"Boss Liu, I am Guo Jia's full sister, born of the same mother. I came here today to beg you to save my brother." Guo Jing turned serious.

"A joke. I am just a nobody, what capability do I have to save your brother? Especially since he wields such immense power domestically—what can't he accomplish himself? Why would he need my help?" Liu Hui scoffed self-deprecatingly.

"Boss Liu, this matter is truly difficult to bring up," Guo Jing said, looking somewhat awkward.

"If it's hard to say, then perhaps you shouldn't say it. Goodbye," Liu Hui stated flatly, turning to leave.

"Boss Liu, please wait!" Guo Jing exclaimed in sudden panic, quickly calling him back. She hadn't expected Liu Hui to be so abrupt, showing her no deference whatsoever, ready to walk away just like that.

"Miss Guo, please state whatever you need clearly. I detest people who only speak half-truths," Liu Hui said, pausing his departure.

"My elder brother was infected with the HIV virus several months ago and is now an AIDS patient. That is why I implore Boss Liu to save his life," Guo Jing declared bluntly.

"Guo Jia infected with HIV?" Liu Hui was instantly overjoyed. So, that little Wan hadn't lied; she had actually succeeded in infecting Guo Jia with AIDS. The Guo family had completely suppressed any news about Guo Jia previously, so Liu Hui hadn't known if his arrangements had worked. Hearing Guo Jing confirm the news now sent a wave of wild elation through him; he felt immense satisfaction. However, having lately mastered the control of his expressions, his outward appearance remained perfectly blank despite his inner euphoria.

"Isn't Young Master Guo the owner of Han Tang Hospital? Shouldn't he just treat himself? Why come to me? Besides, I'm not in charge of Han Tang Hospital anymore," Liu Hui immediately refused.

"Boss Liu is an intelligent man; you must know that Han Tang Hospital is now nothing but an empty shell and no longer possesses the capability to treat AIDS. I suspect Boss Liu knows the inside story better than anyone. So, please, have mercy and save my brother's life," Guo Jing pleaded.

"I don't understand what Miss Guo means. Everyone knows that Han Tang Hospital is the only place in the world that can treat AIDS, yet you claim it can't now. If even Han Tang Hospital has no solution, then I'm useless to you too. So, please, Miss Guo, find another way," Liu Hui feigned ignorance.

"Boss Liu, please don't try to deceive me. When the incident occurred at Han Tang Hospital, reporters interviewed you, and you tacitly acknowledged a fake prescription we released to the public. This proves you are fully aware of Han Tang Hospital's subterfuge and certainly know the secret behind why it suddenly can't treat AIDS. Therefore, if you save my brother this time, our Guo family is willing to bury the hatchet, reconcile with you, and let all past grievances be forgotten," Guo Jing asserted.

"Setting aside whether or not I can treat AIDS, your brother used despicable means to seize my hospital, forcing my wife and me into separation and estrangement. Do you truly believe I would save him?" Liu Hui asked coldly.

"Boss Liu, my brother was merely following orders. If you must blame someone, you should blame the Guo family behind him; how can you place all the responsibility on my brother? He was just a pawn," Guo Jing retorted, clearly displeased.

"Heh heh, Miss Guo, if you speak that way, aren't you calling your own brother a mere dog, and the Guo family the ones who set the dog loose? If I'm bitten by this dog, how do you think I'll treat it?" Liu Hui asked with a smile.

Guo Jing was momentarily unable to process the analogy and couldn't formulate a reply to Liu Hui's question.

"I will kill the dog, and then I will track down and beat to death everyone who let the dog loose. Only then can the hatred in my heart be quelled, and no one else will dare set a dog on me again," Liu Hui stated menacingly.

"Boss Liu, are you certain you mean you want to kill the entire Guo family?" Guo Jing became angry upon hearing this.

"Miss Guo, you came here secretly to save your brother; you don't have authorization from your family patriarch, do you?" Liu Hui ignored her retort and suddenly inquired.

"Of course, the Patriarch sent me; what is there to question?" Guo Jing replied defensively.

"Your Patriarch hates me to the core right now, and he's a man with an overwhelming need for control, intolerant of any opposition. Therefore, he would absolutely never reconcile with me to save your brother. You, as Guo Jia's sister, came here under false pretenses of the Guo family's sanction solely to save Guo Jia, didn't you?" Liu Hui asked with a subtle smile.

Guo Jing froze for a moment. "That's right, that was my intention. You aren't going to tell my Patriarch about this, are you?"

Liu Hui chuckled dismissively. "I have no interest in meddling in the Guo family's affairs, nor am I bored enough to report to your Patriarch."

"Boss Liu, can you truly not reconsider? Saving my brother is as simple as lifting a finger for you. If you save him, I promise to find a way for our Guo family to reconcile with you. Or are you truly willing to face the wrath of the Guo family?" Guo Jing tried hard to persuade him.

"Miss Guo, I am truly sorry; I cannot help you," Liu Hui said.

"Boss Liu, do you truly believe you can stand against our Guo family? You must know that against the vast machinery of the state, no individual, no matter how powerful, stands a chance; they are but ants, instantly crushed into dust. The might of our Guo family far surpasses your imagination. The only reason we haven't used that power against you is a desire to avoid making us true enemies. Are you truly set on this course, regardless of the consequences?" Guo Jing declared loudly.

"Heh heh, you don't not want to deal with me; you were simply tied up. If you truly wish to oppose me, then come ahead. Let's see if I stand any chance," Liu Hui sneered darkly.

"You..." Guo Jing was so enraged she couldn't speak. With her beauty and the colossal power backing her, she was accustomed to having her word be law, yet here was Liu Hui completely disregarding her dignity and constantly arguing back.

"Miss Guo, farewell. I hope you enjoy your time in Hong Kong," Liu Hui said with a slight smile, ignoring Guo Jing entirely as he walked away.

Guo Jing watched Liu Hui leave, her expression shifting rapidly. She stamped her foot once before leaving the reception area herself.

Liu Hui turned to look for Hu Xian'er, but was suddenly stopped by a man nearby. The man grabbed Liu Hui's arm and said, "Liu Hui, we need to talk."

Though Liu Hui reacted quickly, he didn't pull away. He frowned and asked, "Who are you? I don't recognize you."

The man who stopped him looked haggard, with a rough beard. Liu Hui searched his memory but couldn't recall ever seeing this man.

"Liu Hui, my name is Chen Lang. We met several months ago at a charity reception hosted by the Hong Kong government," the worn-out man said.

Liu Hui instantly remembered. At that charity reception, he had been pushed forward by the celebrity Ouyang Shafei to pretend to be her boyfriend, precisely to avoid this man, Chen Lang. However, Ouyang Shafei's lie had been exposed on the spot; she had run off crying, and Chen Lang had followed her. Later, the Chief Executive had even warned him to be careful of Chen Lang, identifying him as the heir to a prominent American enterprise.

"So it's Brother Chen. What happened to make you look like this?" Liu Hui asked, genuinely surprised.

"It's a long story. Let's find somewhere to sit down and talk," Chen Lang sighed.

"Alright, let's go over there." Liu Hui knew Chen Lang was the sole heir to America's "Amy Group," rumored to hold immense influence in the US and Europe. Liu Hui saw no reason to needlessly antagonize him, and since the man only wanted a conversation, he agreed, considering it an opportunity to make another acquaintance.

The two flagged down a passing waiter for two drinks and settled into a quiet corner.

"Brother Chen, what's wrong? Why are you in such a sorry state?" Liu Hui inquired.

"Sigh," Chen Lang first let out a breath, remained silent for a moment, and then said, "Liu Hui, do you remember that movie star named Ouyang Shafei?"

"I remember her. And I recall Brother Chen seemed to be pursuing her," Liu Hui nodded.

"I was pursuing her. Don't laugh, but though I'm over thirty, no woman had ever truly captured my heart until I met her. The moment I saw her, I was captivated, so I began to court her. Ouyang Shafei was ambivalent about my advances—neither agreeing nor outright refusing, and occasionally saying things that made me wildly hopeful, leading me to believe she liked me too. That's why I was so furious at the reception when she claimed you were her boyfriend, which is when I developed some hostility toward you. After she ran off crying, I followed to comfort her, and thanks to you, we ended up together that night. I thought she had been moved by my true feelings, which is why she accepted me," Chen Lang recounted slowly.

"And then?" Liu Hui asked.

"And then? We spent a period of great happiness. Ouyang Shafei told me she actually did like me, and claiming you were her boyfriend was just a test. Since I passed the test, we got together," Chen Lang recalled that time, a faint smile of happiness touching his lips.

"And then?" Liu Hui pressed.

"Then Ouyang Shafei said she was merely using you, but she hadn't expected you to cause her such a great public humiliation that day, making it impossible for her to hold her head up in front of those people. She also claimed you had long held intentions for her and had even tried to force himself on her several times. Hearing all that, naturally, I was filled with biting hatred for you, and I prepared to mobilize my family's resources to cause you trouble," Chen Lang said with a bitter smile.

"And after that?" Liu Hui was taken aback. He hadn't expected this fleeting movie star to harbor such hatred for him, fabricating so many incidents. Had he offended her somewhere?

"I was fully prepared to come after you, but through a twist of fate, I stumbled upon Ouyang Shafei's secret," Chen Lang revealed.

"What secret?" Liu Hui asked.

"Ouyang Shafei belongs to some faction—she approached me solely to get close to you and deal with you. The ambiguity she showed toward me was intended to provoke your jealousy and create enmity between us. Unexpectedly, you were utterly indifferent to her, causing her immense embarrassment. So, she immediately changed her plan, threw herself into my arms, and began using my influence to target you," Chen Lang explained calmly, though his expression showed deep agony.

"She was targeting me?" Liu Hui blinked, surprised to learn someone was plotting against him from the shadows.

"Yes. If I hadn't accidentally discovered this secret, we might have ended up as sworn enemies," Chen Lang confirmed.

"Where is Ouyang Shafei now?" Liu Hui asked.

"After learning the truth, I confronted her, and she admitted everything. She even said that if it weren't for achieving this objective, she wouldn't have been with me. After saying that, she left. My emotions were turbulent, and I was quite disheartened, so I didn't stop her. Consequently, I haven't been able to find her since," Chen Lang lamented bitterly.

"Then why seek me out?" Liu Hui asked.

"I don't know if Ouyang Shafei might appear before you. If she does appear and tries to sow discord between us, we might still become enemies. While I have some resources, I certainly don't wish to become your foe over nothing. I wanted to clarify things with you and reach an understanding," Chen Lang explained.

Liu Hui looked at Chen Lang's haggard appearance and said, "That can't be the only reason. I think you fell genuinely in love with that woman, so you want to stop her if she appears by my side. You're also trying to protect yourself, aren't you?"

"Yes, that is what I intended," Chen Lang admitted readily.

"There is no real enmity between us. Since you have been so frank, let's be friends from now on. If Ouyang Shafei does show up and hasn't done anything irreparable to me, I can let her go and leave her to you," Liu Hui stated. Since Chen Lang was willing to clear the air, Liu Hui saw no need to create an enemy; after all, gaining a friend meant gaining one less adversary.

"Boss, why are you here?" Hu Xian'er found them, spotting Liu Hui seated in the corner, and walked over.

"Oh, I ran into an old acquaintance, we had a long chat," Liu Hui said with a smile, inviting Hu Xian'er to sit down.

Hu Xian'er apologized to Chen Lang before sitting and asked, "Boss, who is this?"

"This is Chen Lang, the heir to America's Amy Group. This is Miss Hu Xian'er, my Senior Assistant," Liu Hui introduced them.

"The American Amy Group? That's famous! I often heard about it when I studied in the US. My classmates took pride in working for the Amy Group," Hu Xian'er exclaimed with a smile.

"Boss Liu, your Senior Assistant is very articulate, and quite beautiful and charming," Chen Lang commented.

Hu Xian'er couldn't figure out how the two men knew each other; she had never heard Liu Hui mention the Amy Group before. She looked back and forth between Liu Hui and Chen Lang, and suddenly had an idea. "Boss, you two look very much alike. Could you possibly be brothers?"