Hu Xian'er nodded, "You two certainly do look alike. Although Mr. Chen appears quite haggard, with bloodshot eyes that obscure his true features at first glance, several parts of his face are exactly the same as our boss's."

"Exactly the same?" Liu Hui looked doubtfully at Chen Lang’s face; he only noticed how worn out Chen Lang looked, but hadn't spotted any feature resembling his own.

"Boss, you are looking at the overall appearance, so naturally, they don't look the same. But if you look closely, your eyes, eyebrows, nose, lips, and the arc of your forehead—aren't they almost identical?" Hu Xian'er stated confidently.

"Huh, they really do look the same," Chen Lang scrutinized Liu Hui's face, focusing intently on the features Hu Xian'er mentioned. The more he looked, the more familiar they became; it felt like looking at himself from ten years ago. Facing Liu Hui now was like looking into a mirror.

Liu Hui also observed Chen Lang curiously, but in his eyes, he still couldn't perceive any resemblance.

"Boss, I think you are sharp on major issues but oblivious to the small ones. You can't even see such obvious similarities. Luckily, you have me; I might not be sharp on major issues, but I see the small things clearly," Hu Xian'er chuckled.

"Haha, perhaps so. Brother Chen, if that's the case, it truly means we have fate connecting us," Liu Hui laughed.

People around Liu Hui had previously commented that his eyes, eyebrows, nose, lips, and forehead arc strongly resembled his mother’s, but he never imagined there would be another person in this world who looked so much like him. However, what frustrated Liu Hui was that he genuinely couldn't see where the resemblance lay.

"Heh, maybe we were family hundreds of years ago. Because we share the same bloodline, we look so much alike. Since that's the case, we should keep in closer contact from now on; perhaps we'll truly become brothers," Chen Lang also joked.

"That is natural. Brother Chen, let's keep in touch. I will notify you if I find out anything about Ouyang Shafei," Liu Hui said with a smile as he bid Chen Lang farewell.

"Understood. I will also inform you if I get any news. Since that hidden force plotted against me, they are my enemies too, and I won't let them off. I will strengthen our cooperation," Chen Lang nodded.

Liu Hui and Hu Xian'er left Chen Lang and were about to look for the Li family members when they saw King Yue. King Yue was fawning over a beautiful woman, speaking eloquently and making her giggle softly. Just as King Yue was preparing to seize the opportunity to invite the woman to spend time alone with him, the woman accompanying her quickly whispered a few words into the beauty's ear. The beauty's expression immediately changed, she politely declined King Yue’s invitation, and hurried away as if King Yue had a contagious disease, leaving him standing alone, sighing deeply in frustration.

"Fourth brother, failed again, didn't you? Do you know what it feels like to be notorious now?" Liu Hui walked over and teased King Yue.

King Yue looked up and saw Liu Hui, instantly becoming embarrassed; his recent failure had been witnessed by Liu Hui, causing him to lose face. However, when he saw Hu Xian'er, his eyes lit up, but then he seemed to recall something, and the light in his eyes instantly dimmed. He turned his head away, refusing to look at Hu Xian'er.

"Boss, it's you guys. Why haven't I seen Mei Peng?" King Yue asked.

"Heh, Mei Peng has completely toned it down since getting married. He listens to his wife and rarely attends these cocktail parties anymore," Liu Hui smiled, quite pleased with Mei Peng's choice, believing a real man should prioritize family.

"Mei Peng is such an idiot, giving up the whole forest for one big tree. Heavens, I can't even imagine it. Look at this party today, it's filled with beauties! It’s his loss not to be here," King Yue looked around at the surrounding women, reverting to his old ways, almost drooling.

"Fourth brother, I really don't want to say anything more about you. You're already twenty-six or twenty-seven, you should hurry up and find a steady girlfriend and seriously consider marriage," Liu Hui said with frustration, unable to mold him into steel.

"That won't do! If I get married, how many beauties will be left heartbroken and weeping? Never mind others, that Miss Ping Ping from the club I took you to last time—the one you met—she might even commit suicide," King Yue shamelessly declared.

Liu Hui slapped him on the shoulder, saying, "If you keep doing bad deeds, you'll invite divine retribution." Then he left King Yue with Hu Xian'er.

King Yue innocently rubbed his shoulder and muttered, "He has a beauty accompanying him, and he won't let others flirt? What a selfish person. Besides, any interactions with those beauties were mutual; I never forced anyone..." Before he could finish speaking, a woman walked past him. His eyes lit up, and he immediately followed: "This beautiful lady..."

Liu Hui had completely given up on King Yue and simply ignored his antics. He linked arms with Hu Xian'er and walked around the ballroom, making new acquaintances and chatting congenially with them.

Liu Hui circled the entire ballroom a few times but failed to spot the young masters and ladies from the Huo, Bao, Dong, and He families. He found it strange at first, but later resigned himself to it.

After those families decided to follow Wei Chao's lead, their young members had grown somewhat distant from the Li family. Liu Hui already knew that Wei Chao had gone to America and was reportedly preparing another grand operation, so the young masters of those major families must have followed him to the US, which explained their absence today. Those families certainly sent representatives to tonight's party, given their extraordinary relationship with the Li family, but Liu Hui was no longer interested in meeting those individuals.

Suddenly, the sound of a spoon tapping against a wine glass echoed through the hall. Everyone turned toward the source of the sound and saw Li Chaoren standing on the rostrum, face beaming with ruddy health. He held a spoon and a glass of wine in his hands. Young Master Li the First and Young Master Li the Second stood behind him, with Miss He the Sixth positioned next to the two young masters. Liu Hui breathed a sigh of relief; Miss He the Sixth was already present and hadn't left for America with Wei Chao. Miss He the Sixth also spotted Liu Hui and playfully winked at him.

Seeing everyone looking at him, Old Chaoren smiled warmly, "Thank you all for attending this reception hosted by our Li family. I hope everyone has a wonderful and enjoyable evening."

A wave of applause rose from below. Old Chaoren raised his hands to quiet the crowd.

"There is a rumor circulating outside that my health has declined, that I'm near my end. That's why I specifically organized this reception: to counter those who spread malicious gossip. I, Li, am not only in good health but also mentally sharp, much to their disappointment. This is also to reassure those who care about my well-being—my health is fine, and I can easily live another twenty years," Old Chaoren announced loudly.

The crowd cheered again. Most attendees were close associates of the Li family, deeply entwined with their interests. Seeing Old Chaoren so mentally agile and speaking with a strong voice, walking with vigor—not at all like an eighty-year-old man—they were completely reassured and cheered loudly.

Old Chaoren continued, "Since our Li family put down roots in Hong Kong, we have never disappointed those who supported us. Every time, I ensure you know that choosing the Li family was the right decision, and this time is no exception. Tonight, I have another announcement to make: we have reached an agreement with Liu Hui of Starry Sky Group. Their group will inject one hundred billion US dollars to fund our Li family's counterattack in the stock market, completely crushing those speculators and protecting the interests of everyone present."

The crowd applauded enthusiastically, and everyone’s gaze turned toward Liu Hui standing in the crowd. Liu Hui waved generously to them. This instantly bolstered their confidence. Old Chaoren's robust health alone was enough to ensure the Li family’s victory against the short-sellers; now, combined with the financially powerful Liu Hui, the Li family was destined to recover and rise again.

Old Chaoren smiled, "Now, we invite Boss Liu to say a few words."

Liu Hui did not decline, walking onto the stage and proclaiming loudly, "Old Chaoren is a senior whom I deeply respect, and I am delighted to cooperate with him. One hundred billion dollars is just the initial investment; if necessary, I can mobilize an additional two hundred billion dollars to combat those stock market speculators."

The crowd applauded wildly, and even Old Chaoren nodded slightly. Liu Hui's words were brief, but they conveyed a crucial message: full support for Old Chaoren. Liu Hui's declaration implied that anyone targeting the Li family would also have to contend with Starry Sky Group. This statement was the final straw for the speculators and the best gift Liu Hui could give in repayment for the Li family's past support. However, this money was only temporarily loaned to the Li family and would immediately return to Starry Sky Group's accounts after the operation concluded.

"Heh, I now declare this reception officially open. But before that, I would like to invite one lady to be my dance partner for the first dance tonight," Old Chaoren chuckled, his finger sweeping around before settling on a lady standing behind him—Miss He the Sixth.

Miss He the Sixth smiled slightly and gracefully stepped forward to take Old Chaoren's arm. Lively music began to play. As per custom, the host leads the first dance. Old Chaoren, holding Miss He the Sixth's hand, glided onto the dance floor and began to dance gracefully. The tune was vigorous, and Old Chaoren and Miss He the Sixth danced with intense focus, executing some difficult moves flawlessly. He truly did not appear to be an eighty-year-old man.

When the music ended, Old Chaoren was only slightly breathless. He and Miss He the Sixth bowed to the audience, who applauded loudly. Only then were they completely put at ease; Old Chaoren’s performance tonight was akin to that of a young man, certainly not indicative of the health problems rumored outside.

Liu Hui and Hu Xian'er stood among the crowd, smiling as they watched Old Chaoren's performance. However, Liu Hui was unaware that within the crowd, one person was staring fiercely at both Old Chaoren and himself. That person was extremely well-disguised; no one nearby detected his hatred, not even Liu Hui sensed anything amiss.

Liu Hui activated his Plane Trading Device and initiated a call to the Zerg on the other side. Not long after, Zerg appeared on the device screen.

"Respected Lord Liu Hui, how are you? I was just about to look for you," Zerg said.

"Respected Lord Zerg, I am well. What did you need me for?" Liu Hui inquired. It seemed Zerg had a knack for contacting him precisely when Liu Hui was about to call him.

"We have traded large amounts of the miraculous powder over the past few months, using it to develop many commanders, which has significantly boosted our strength. However, the number of these commanders is still too small compared to our army size. I worry that when the Protoss army attacks, my forces won't be ready. So, I wanted to ask if you could trade a bit more of that miraculous powder to me?" Zerg asked hopefully.

"That's no problem; I called you precisely about that matter. The medicines for treating eye and other related diseases that I ordered previously can now be mass-produced. Also, you should stock up heavily on that hepatitis medicine, as the quantity I require next will be enormous, comparable even to the medicine for treating myopia," Liu Hui said with a smile.

"Really?" Zerg was overjoyed. If Liu Hui was telling the truth, the monthly volume of miraculous powder traded would increase by at least 150% over the current baseline, allowing him to develop many more commanders and face the war against the Protoss with greater confidence.

"What I say is certainly true. Oh, Lord Zerg, the creature you modified for me last time—nearly a year has passed. Its modification should be complete by now. When are you preparing for its second stage modification?" Liu Hui inquired. Little Black, modified from a Chinese water snake, had been a great help, possessing formidable strength. However, as Liu Hui's enterprises expanded, he needed Little Black deployed in many more areas, requiring even greater power. Thus, he sought to further enhance Little Black's capabilities and wondered if Zerg had any solutions.

After experiencing the benefits of Little Black, Liu Hui had experimented with numerous other animals sequentially. Yet, despite communicating with many of them, no other creature resonated with him in the same way. Recalling that Little Black's egg had been irradiated by UV light, possibly causing mutation, he had sourced many Chinese water snake eggs and exposed them to UV light, hoping for another aberration to spawn another Little Black, which would double his power. Unfortunately, no mutated water snake appeared. Later, he reluctantly abandoned the experiment. As Zerg had mentioned, finding one creature on Earth that he could command was immense luck; finding a second one now seemed extremely remote.

"Our calculations show that the first stage of growth and development for your creature is concluded. We will provide the second-stage modification agent in one week, allowing it to enter the second phase. The first stage merely laid the groundwork for future modifications; in our eyes, it is still quite fragile. Only upon reaching the second stage will it possess minimal self-preservation capability," Zerg explained.

Liu Hui was ecstatic upon hearing this. He tried hard not to dwell on Zerg's descriptions like "fragile" and "self-preservation," having grown accustomed to the vast gap between Zerg's descriptions and his own experiences. He understood clearly: once Little Black reached the second stage, its power would reach an unimaginable level. If that were true, he would truly have nothing left to fear from any threat, and only then would he be truly safe.

Several nights later, Liu Hui went to the seashore alone after finishing dinner. He wanted to summon Little Black for a close look, as it was due for its second modification in a few days, and he wondered what form it would take afterward.

Liu Hui wished to keep Little Black's existence secret, so he instructed his security detail to wait behind while he headed to the coast alone. Taking advantage of the guards' inattention, he ran swiftly along the shore, quickly putting distance between himself and the Starry Sky Group headquarters.

Liu Hui reached a secluded beach. Observing his surroundings, he confirmed no one was nearby. This was a very remote stretch of sand. He began summoning Little Black. Little Black, having just consumed several large fish, had been resting in the underwater trench where it resided. Upon receiving Liu Hui's call, it immediately surfaced from the trench, its powerful tail whipping the water as it swam toward Liu Hui’s designated location.

Liu Hui carefully assessed Little Black's physical condition. Its current strength differed again from when its initial modification was complete. Little Black's body length had now reached thirty meters. When swimming in the sea, its speed was a full three hundred kilometers per hour, and the range within which Liu Hui could command it had extended to one hundred and fifty kilometers.

Liu Hui stood on the beach, silently monitoring Little Black's state. Suddenly, a foul odor reached his nostrils. Though faint, his modified nose detected it with piercing clarity. Liu Hui opened his eyes, his expression turning grave; the smell was unmistakably that of decaying corpse.

At first, Liu Hui thought it was merely a small animal carcass decomposing nearby, causing the smell. But when he perceived that the source of the stench was moving rapidly, he realized the situation was far from simple.

"I wonder which master is here. Please show yourself for a meeting," Liu Hui called out loudly.

"Liu Hui, I never expected you to be a master as well. You managed to fool me," a grim voice sounded, and a person slowly emerged from the woods behind the beach.

In the faint moonlight, the figure was powerfully built, clad in a moon-white Daoist robe, with his hair tied up in a traditional knot—clearly a Daoist priest. Most striking, however, was the large, pitch-black coffin strapped to his back.

Thanks to the patron, Long no Shinjin, for the generous tip! Your patronage is what motivates my writing! V